Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.

Six months after the attack in Hogsmead Harry and Hermione had settled back into their usual routine. Except that now every other weekend was spent with either Padfoot and Moony or the Weasley's. The visits to the Weasley's were always the most difficult for Harry because of his past connection to the family. His connection to Ginny was the most difficult to adjust to though. In the future he could just take her and kiss her any time he wanted. He could share everything with her but now she was still too young to understand everything and she would continue to be too young for many more years. He truly missed his wife but he forced himself to carry on and enjoy their youth for as long as they were able to.

Finally summer holidays arrived once more and this meant that Harry and Hermione would spend most of their days at the Weasley's since Jane had started working again to pay for a family vacation that summer. It was to be Harry's first ever summer vacation and they were going to Italy for two whole weeks.

However, before they went on vacation, Remus and Sirius had a little going away party for them.

Harry, Hermione, Jane, Henry, and all of the Weasley's met at Grimmauld Place a few days before the trip was to leave.

"Welcome children," said Remus who greeted them all first.

"Hello Moony," said Harry first.

"Hello Moony," the other children chimed in.

"Hello Remus," said Jane giving Remus' cheek a kiss.

"Hello again Remus," said Henry shaking hands politely.

"Well, for you kids Sirius has got a surprise for the six of you waiting upstairs, so why don't you head straight up," ordered Remus.

Harry knew exactly what the surprise was but that didn't mean he wanted to ruin it. Harry raced ahead of the other five to the library. It was the room they all always met in when they were scheming something, especially pranks.

Harry barreled into the room and declared himself champion of the world to his friends.

"All right so you got the drop on us," said Fred.

"But we usually win," said Fred.

"I always lose," pouted Hermione. Harry made up his mind then that next time he would arranged for Hermione to win the race.

"Yeah, well I beat all of you," said Sirius trying not to laugh at the kids. On the table before Sirius were six glass vials.

"You finished?" asked Harry eagerly. He had since informed his friends of what they would be doing and as a result forced them all to learn certain things. Specifically he made them read six different books and practice some mind clearing exercises that were similar to Occlumency. Unfortunately, without a wand, Harry had no way to help them build up mental shields and such.

"Didn't I say I'd finish them?" asked Sirius in mock offense.

"So Moony did it," said Ginny with a giggle as Sirius' face dropped.

"So, are you all ready?" asked Moony coming up from behind.

They all nodded once emphatically though none were too keen to try it.

Harry decided to be the brave one and try it first. He stepped up and took a vile and then fearlessly down its entire contents. "That stuff is nasty."

Sirius laughed, "Good, that's how you know its working."

"Hurry up and take you lot," ordered Harry with a cough. If he remembered correctly he'd soon be taking a nap. As such he took a seat in a chair to wait. He vaguely saw the other down their potion before he went out like a light. Harry had previously taken the liberty of warning Sirius and Remus that both he and Ginny would be out for nearly three hours because they both had mated magical creatures.

Like clockwork Harry woke up only a few minutes before Ginny.

"Welcome back Harry," said Padfoot.

"Yeah mate," said Ron, "The rest of us had the decency to only be out cold for a little more than an hour."

"To think," said Fred.

"The nerve of some wizards," said George.

"And witches," added Hermione, "Let us not forget that Ginny is also still out like a light."

"So the parents have gotten wind of anything yet have they?" asked Harry.

"Not at all, Remus went down shortly after you went out. He promised to keep them distracted," explained Padfoot.

Suddenly Ginny shot up straight, "Whoa! That was wicked."

"I know," said Harry with a silly grin.

"So what is everyone?" asked the ever impatient Sirius.

"Well, my dear brother and I," began Fred.

"Are Siamese Cats," said George.

"Kings of Mischief," said Fred.

"Lords of Disruption," said George.

Fred was about to add another title when Hermione cut them off, "We get it. I, myself, am an owl."

"I'm a stinking fox," complained Ron.

"Wicked," said George.

"He's even more mischievous than us," said Fred.

Ron suddenly had new respect for his fox form.

"I am a noble and pure True Gryphon," said Ginny.

"I am also a noble and pure True Gryphon," said Harry grinning at Ginny. He knew this would be the case coming into it.

"True Gryphons? Really?" asked Sirius.

"Yes, full bodied Lion with golden wings," said Harry, "The symbol of any true Gryffindor."

"Wicked!" exclaimed Fred, George, and Ron together.

"I know," said Harry and Ginny proudly.

"You know, dogs and cats don't get along so well," said Padfoot.

"Sorry to hear that mate, but you're going to have to learn," said Harry.

"Alright, so you all know what you need to do now and remember, this is a secret and a very big one at that," said Sirius very seriously.

"We know Padfoot," said Hermione.

"Then there is just one thing left to do," said Padfoot.

"Marauders . . . Attention!"

All the children lined up military style.

"Ginny Weasley, step forward and kneel," ordered Padfoot. Ginny stepped forward and kneeled. Padfoot then brandished a rubber chicken. "I hereby dub thee, Kitty." Ginny mewed once before she stepped back in line.

"Gred, front and center," said Padfoot. Fred stepped up and took a knee. "I hereby dub thee, Mischief." George made a fake clawing action and hissed before he too rejoined the group.

"Forge, get your butt up over here," said Padfoot. George marched forward kicking each foot out in front of him high in the air. "I hereby dub thee Trouble." George stood and bowed deeply.

"Ron, step up," said Sirius still grinning. Ron took a few quick steps forward before he took a knee also. "I hereby dub thee Joker." Ron laughed and took his place.

"Miss Hermione, if you would," said Sirius. Hermione curtsied and stepped forward. "I hereby dub the Genius." Hermione smiled and took her spot.

"Last up, my godson, your leader, Harry Potter," said Sirius. Harry turned around and did a back flip to land in front of Sirius. In the last three months he'd added Gymnastics to his now long list of extra curricular activities. "I hereby dub thee, Pride. The leader of the Pack."

Harry growled out as loud as he could before he rejoined his friends giving them all a hug. By this time they had all acknowledged Harry as the leader of their group. Ron didn't seem very happy at first but after Harry bailed him out of trouble in a big way Ron had no trouble looking to Harry as the leader of the pack.

"The next generation of Marauders," Sirius sniffled, "I've never been so proud."

"Marauders," called Harry, "Our first prank as official Marauders is to get Remus. We've gotten Sirius numerous times but have yet to get Remus. He's always one step ahead of us. I say it's time we finally get him. Are you in?"

"IN," yelled the group.

"Sirius, we could use your help," offered Harry. The feral look that instantly crossed Sirius' face was all the confirmation he needed. "Oh yeah, he's in."

BREAK

Poor Remus was left in the kitchen with the adults in an attempt to stall them from digging into what was happening with their children. From what Harry told him before hand, it should only take a bit longer than three hours. The three and a half hour mark just passed and he was running out of thing to talk about.

Finally he was save when the door opened and the children and Sirius all filed in.

"Welcome back," said Jane with a laugh, "Did you kids enjoy planning whatever prank it is you're on about this week?"

Harry just grinned as did the other.

"I'm not so sure I like that grin," said Henry.

"It is quite unnerving isn't it," said Moony.

"Yep, Moony is toast this time," said Ron.

"Ah, so I'm the target again am I?" asked Moony, "Well then, nothing to fear as you've yet to get me."

Sirius though just shook his head, "Moony, I don't how these kids come up with these things but I fear for the day they're all present at Hogwarts together."

"Oh come now Sirius, you're making Mrs. Weasley nervous," said Moony.

"Children, you really should not be engaging in such things," chided Mrs. Weasley though they could see a twinkle behind her eye that said she rather enjoyed the pranks but had to keep up appearances.

"But mum, we're only going after Moony," said Fred.

"Yeah, think of all the pranks he and his friends played on you and dad while at Hogwarts," said George.

"Let's not forget the day they changed the entire school's hair bright red to match yours and then changed only yours hot pink," said Ron.

"We've heard all about it," said Ginny, "Were you aware that was all Remus' plan."

Moony shot a dark look at Sirius for telling them that.

"You were responsible for that," said Molly, "But you were only in second year then."

"And you were the premier couple at Hogwarts that year, it seemed only right that we honored you," said Remus in his defense.

"So you see, you really should encourage this prank," said Harry calmly.

Molly and Arthur just smiled warmly and dropped the topic.

"So Moony, about this prank," said Harry, "The ingenious part of it is that we had Sirius put a randomizing spell on it. So you won't know when, where, how, or what will happen. It could be today, it could be next week. You just can't tell with these kinds of things."

Moony visibly gulped. Suddenly he was looking around the kitchen with worry.

The children all just beamed at him with a devious glint behind their eyes while Sirius just shook his head in mock disbelief.

Step one was complete in their prank: Paranoia. He knew the prank was coming but the fact that he didn't know when it would happen had its effect in increasing the potency of the prank. The idea was that as soon as Moony relaxed and forgot about the prank, it would activate.

"Well, why don't we all go out and get some dinner," suggested Henry.

"Food," bellowed Ron, Fred, George, Harry, Arthur, Moony, and Padfoot together. The women just shook their heads.

An hour later they were all seated at a large table in a restaurant somewhere in muggle-London. It was an Italian restaurant with an all-you-can-eat buffet. After they were all thoroughly stuffed full of food they sat around talking.

Two days later Harry and the Granger's boarded an airplane to Italy for a two week vacation. Harry spent as much of his two week vacation just lounging on the beach. Unfortunately for him, that wasn't much time. Harry discovered that the Granger's don't like to sit back and relax on vacation, instead they spend every waking moment learning as much as possible about the country they are visiting. With the introduction of the Wizarding world there was a whole lot more to see as well beyond the regular muggle tourist attractions. Who would have thought that the Vatican was actually a wizarding school in disguise?

After the two weeks was up the family returned home where Harry felt as though he needed a vacation from his vacation.

Naturally the day after they returned they went to the Weasley's to tell them all about it.

"Hey guys," called Harry as he emerged from the fire place. Even after some thirty years of floo travel experience, he still had trouble with his landings.

"Harry, you're back mate," said Fred.

"Hello boys," said Hermione as she emerged behind Harry.

"Hello Hermione," said Ron excitedly.

Hermione didn't notice Ron's look but Harry certainly did. He could help thinking that this was a good thing for the two of them.

"Where's Ginny?" asked Harry as he surveyed the room.

"I think she's in her room," said George.

"Yeah, she was pestering us a bit ago about the Animagus thing," said Fred.

"Dead annoying really," said Ron.

Harry though looked at them unhappily, "Guys, she's your sister. You should pay more attention to her."

"Yeah, yeah Harry," said Fred turning back to whatever he was working on.

This ticked Harry off slightly before he stormed out of the room and up the stairs to find Ginny.

Harry walked down the hall towards her room. When he arrived at the door he could hear her sobbing coming from behind the door. So he knocked.

"Go away," came a strained voice.

"Ginny, it's me, Harry," he said, "Can I come in?"

"No, go away. You're just like them," said Ginny.

"Ginny, please, can I come in?" he asked again but received no answer so he decided to take his chances and push the door open. Ginny was lying on her bed facing the wall. He could still here her muffled sobs. Harry decided to be daring and closed the door behind him. He then walked to the bed and lay down next to Ginny spooning her from behind. He then wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close in a hug. "Hi."

Ginny mumbled something back that Harry couldn't understand.

"Were your brothers being gits again?"

She didn't say anything but nodded.

"I'm sorry," said Harry, "Is there anything I can help you with?"

There was no answer.

"Please Ginny, I really do want to help you," said Harry. He could not help but relish in being so close to his future wife even if she was feeling sad.

"I wanted them to help me with the transformation but they told me to go away," she finally said through her tears.

"Alright then," said Harry, "I'll help you then. You'll learn it faster than they will, I promise."

"Really?"

"Have I ever broken a promise to you before?" asked Harry.

"No, but . . ."

"Then I don't intend to start now. I promise Ginny that I will always be here to help you with anything you need," said Harry into her ear. He couldn't help but feel delighted by the shiver that traveled down her spine and into him. He knew this was a very good thing.

Ginny rolled towards Harry and hugged him in thanks, "Thank you Harry."

"You're welcome Ginny," said Harry happily. He truly missed being this close to his wife. "So, are you ready to become an Animagus?"

Ginny nodded into Harry's chest.

"Great," said Harry as he forced himself to let go of the hug. He got off the bed and sat instead on the floor.

Ginny wiped her face a few times before she sat on the floor across from him.

"Okay, have you been practicing the exercises to clear your mind like I showed you before I left?"

"Yes, and I can do it really well now," said Ginny proudly, "But I don't know what to do next and Fred and George wouldn't help me."

"Don't worry, you've already done the hardest part," said Harry, "Okay, so do you remember the dream you had when you took the potion?"

"Yes."

"Good, I want you to focus on that dream. Focus on what you looked like, how you felt, how you moved," said Harry.

Ginny closed her eyes. Harry could see her mind working through the images and focus on those memories.

"Now, tell yourself that is you," said Harry, "Believe in yourself, that is me."

Harry grinned broadly as Ginny's body began to change. He knew full well that she would not complete the change on her first attempt because he body did not possess enough magic yet. But by practicing this part over and over again her magical reserves would grow and expand rapidly.

Ginny only changed part way before she shifted back again and slumped to the floor breathing heavily.

"Way to go Ginny," said Harry excitedly, "That was great for a first try."

"What was that?"

"You started to change," said Harry proudly.

"I did, I really did?" asked Ginny still lying on the floor but smiling.

"Yeah, I told you that you could do it," said Harry.

"But why didn't I change all the way?" asked Ginny.

"Well, the change into an animal requires a huge amount of raw magical energy. Most people don't develop the amount of energy needed until they are much older," explained Harry, "But, by practicing what you just did it will cause your magical reserves to grow rapidly until you have enough magic to transform and then every time you transform and stay in your animal form it will cause your reserve to grow even more. By doing this transformation at such a young age, your magical potential will grow rapid and you will become a very powerful witch."

"Really, like you?" she asked.

Harry actually blushed at the compliment, "I can only change a little bit too Ginny. My magical reserves haven't grown enough yet either. But, if you and I keep doing this part of the changing every night before bed, we'll be able to change in about a month, maybe two."

"Really? Do my brothers know? Does Hermione?"

"Nope, I haven't talked to them about it yet and I don't think I will because of them being such gits to you, but I might tell Hermione," said Harry, "Unless you want me to tell them."

"Nope, don't tell them until after I've changed," said Ginny haughtily which caused Harry to laugh at the look on her face.

"You are amazing Ginny," said Harry sincerely but still laughing.

"Thank you Harry," said Ginny sarcastically before she too laughed.

"Just remember, practice every night before bed doing exactly what we just did," said Harry, "But for now, let's go get something to eat."

Ginny nodded and followed Harry happily down the stairs to the kitchen to eat. The other were already there eating as well. They all spent the rest of the afternoon playing and having fun together.

Harry and Ginny both practiced every night changing as much as they could to expand their magical reserves as much as possible. Harry managed the transformation three weeks later and that was when he told Hermione how to do it. Ginny managed the transformation two weeks after Harry and as per Ginny's request he only told Ron how to transform. He didn't inform the twins until after Hermione had been able to transform. Because the twins were older they were able to transform in the shortest time of all of them but they still didn't transform until a few days after Ron had managed it.

And so the next year passed with the children ever improving on their magical potential with some subtle hints and suggestions from Harry. Harry, though personally, worked on expanding his magical pool as much and as fast as possible. He had a simple goal that by the time he reached Hogwarts, his magical pool would be large enough to begin training in wandless magic again. It just happened that Ginny's magical pool was expanding just as fast because Harry didn't tend to hold anything back from her in the way of training. Harry realized that he'd made a very drastic change in Ginny's magic because of his meddling with time. If she continued her rate of growth she would probably stay close in power to him, which also meant that she would exceed Dumbledore's magical power along with him by Harry's third year at Hogwarts.

Harry had come to a decision because of his meddling to do something about the Ginny situation. If she had to remain at home a year without Harry there to help her train she would actually lose a lot of her potential. It was for that reason he invited Professor Dumbledore to his tenth birthday party.

All of Harry's friends and family had come to his party. The Weasley's were all there, as was Remus and Sirius. Dumbledore came as well not necessarily to celebrate Harry's birthday but more for the fact that he knew Harry had something to discuss with him.

"Professor Dumbledore, do you think I could speak with you?" asked Harry politely.

Dumbledore smiled and followed Harry to his bedroom, "What did you need to speak with me about?"

"Ginny," said Harry simply.

"What about her?" asked Albus calmly but interested.

"Sir, can you take a rough measurement of my magical energy right now?" asked Harry with a smile.

Albus murmured a few words and gave a wave of his wand. Around Harry a bright aura erupted filling the room with bright golden light. It was clear to Harry that Albus was shocked.

"I know," said Harry with a grin.

"Harry, how is this possible?" asked Dumbledore, "You've developed the magical reserves of a Mage and at such a young age. How?"

"I learned the exercised in the future when I was nineteen. The fact that I remembered them has allowed me to use some of the non-wand exercises. I started with Animagus training, lately I've been developing that further and further. Hopefully by the time Hogwarts begins I can start on wandless magic to further develop my magical reserves."

"Do you really think you can develop the magical reserve of an Arch Mage by the time you start Hogwarts?"

"I think I can," said Harry honestly, "I think that by the time I finish second year I could probably reach the level of Sorcerer. By fourth year, I hope I'll have reached the level of Grand Sorcerer. I don't know how much further I can go but that should put me ahead of Voldemort by a considerable measure."

"Harry, you are aware that I am only a mid-level Sorcerer?" asked Dumbledore.

"I know, and Voldemort is a high-level Sorcerer or low-level Grand Sorcerer," said Harry knowledgably.

"Are you certain that you can do this?" asked Dumbledore.

"Absolutely," said Harry, "But there is something more that I need to tell you."

"Ah, you mentioned Ginny at the beginning, so what is it about Ginny that you wanted to talk to me about?"

"She's just below me in power," said Harry, "She's been doing the same exercises as I have and she's been just a step below me the whole way. It's really amazing."

Dumbledore seemed to have one too many surprises for the day as he sat down breathing heavily. He seemed to be having a panic attack.

"So you mean to tell me that you and your future wife are so very powerful?" asked Dumbledore.

"That is correct," said Harry, "I don't know if you'll want to hear this but Ron, Hermione, Fred, and George are all going to become at least Sorcerers if they continue at the rate they are moving but I wouldn't expect them to reach such a level until after they finish from Hogwarts. My meddling in time has moved their training ahead so far that they will be more powerful in this time line than they were in mine."

"Harry, how is it that in this last year with Fred and George at school that none of their potential showed?" asked Dumbledore.

"Well, they didn't really apply themselves now did they? Face it, Fred and George are very powerful wizards and if they choose to be," said Harry.

"I suppose you're right," said Dumbledore.

"Anyway, I wanted to talk to you specifically about Ginny," said Harry, "If she remains at home for a year without me around to help her develop than she will lose a lot of her potential. I want you to take her into Hogwarts at the same time as me, Ron, and Hermione."

"Harry, I don't . . ."

"Don't give me that Albus, I know full well that you can. You just don't want to talk to Mrs. Weasley about it. I would talk to her myself if I didn't have to worry about blowing my cover," chided Harry.

"Very well, I will talk to her today," said Dumbledore, "But you owe me."

Harry smiled, "Thank you sir."

Harry followed Dumbledore back downstairs and followed him as he went to talk to Mrs. Weasley.

"Hello Molly," said Dumbledore.

"Hello Albus," she greeted him friendlily.

"I have just had a most interesting birthday request from Harry here," said Albus effectively shifting the blame for her reactions to Harry. Harry smiled outside but inside he was grimacing at how well Dumbledore manipulated the situation to his favor.

"Oh, and what has young Harry asked you for?" asked Henry joining the conversation.

"Well, Harry has mentioned that he is excited to be attending Hogwarts with his friends next year but he is a bit worried about young Ginny being all by herself. He apparently has a thirst for reading and has read that it is possible for student's to begin younger if their magical core has developed enough. As you may know, we generally don't start students until they are eleven because the magical core, on average, develops around that time. He asked that I would check Ginny's core to see if she could come to Hogwarts with the rest of them," explained Albus.

"Oh Harry, that's very sweet of you," said Molly, "I know how important she is to you and I wish that she could go with you. But I don't want her to be disappointed if her core isn't developed enough."

"Don't worry Molly, I assure you that Ginny will never know what the test is for," said Albus, "I think that it would be a very good idea honestly."

"Well, if you think it's a good idea then Albus, I don't see why not," said Arthur, "Ginny dear, can you come here?"

Ginny quickly rushed to her father and gave him a hug, "Hello daddy, what do you want? I swear it was George that put the spiders in Ron's underwear, not me."

Arthur raised an eyebrow at the little girl.

Molly though rushed off to start berating George. Harry and Ginny were smiling though because they both knew they had done that prank together.

"You're not in trouble dear," said Arthur, "Though your brothers might wish to have a word with you soon. Actually I called you over here because Professor Dumbledore wanted to check something if you'll allow it?"

Ginny looked to Harry for confirmation. Harry nodded and smiled at her to let her know that it was okay.

Again Albus performed the same spell he did earlier. Once again a bright golden aura of light filled the room, though not as brightly as Harry's had.

"Well, I think that about decides it," said Albus as he rubbed his eyes so as to see again properly.

"Albus, what was that?" asked Molly.

"That would be young Ginevra's magical aura and as you saw it was not only very bright but also quite powerful," said Albus.

"So what does that mean Mr. Dumbledore?" asked Ginny.

"It means, that next year when Ron, Hermione, and Harry go to Hogwarts, you will go as well," explained Dumbledore with a smile.

"Really?" asked Ginny with a bright smile.

"Indeed, but only if your mother and father approve," said Dumbledore with a grin.

"Mummy, daddy, can I please?" she asked stressing the 'please' into a very long whiny word. She also added the puppy dog eyes for extra effect.

"How can I say no to a look like that?" asked Arthur, "I say yes but you'll have to convince your mother."

Ginny turned her gaze on Molly. At first Molly's expression was as hard as stone but that quickly chipped away until she nodded her accent.

"Yes," shouted Ginny as she ran about the house finally giving her parents a big hug.

"You should thank Harry dear," said Molly.

"What did Harry do?" asked Ginny.

"He asked Dumbledore to test you to see if you could go," said Molly, "He didn't want to go to Hogwarts without you."

Ginny looked to Harry, "You really didn't want to go without me?"

"I couldn't leave you behind now could I?" asked Harry with a smile. Harry's smile was interrupted when Ginny tackled him with a giant hug and say 'thank you' a lot. "My pleasure Ginny."

"Oi, Gin-Gin, you need to let Harry breathe, it is his birthday after all," said Fred as he came over.

"Yeah, Gin-Gin, he's turning purple," added George.

"What's all this about?" asked Ron.

"Ginny's going to Hogwarts with you next year," said Mr. Weasley.

"What?" demanded Ron.

"She's going to Hogwarts next year with the rest of you," said Molly with a smile, but Ron didn't look very happy.

"How come she always has to tag-along?" asked Ron disappointedly.

"Oh come off it Ron," said Hermione, "You know that you wanted her to come."

Ron smirked a bit at Hermione, "But she'll always get in the way."

"Ron, you get in the way, she saves your butt," said Fred.

"If it weren't for Ginny, none of us would have gotten away with half the pranks we've pulled," said George.

"Accept it, she's coming," said Fred.

"Besides, at least this way I'll have someone in my dorm room to be friends with," said Hermione.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," said Ron. He still wasn't happy but he accepted it.

"All I have to say is good luck," said Sirius, "You're going to need with all six of them there Albus."

Dumbledore seemed to have only suddenly realized exactly what he did, "Is it too late to change my mind?"

"Yes," said Harry vehemently.

And so the next year leading up to Hogwarts passed in a haze of business and hard work by the Marauders. Ron and Hermione started to get into a lot of arguments about stupid things that Harry knew they would become famous for, even after they get married. Fred and George spent the year preparing Hogwarts for the arrival of the rest of the Marauders, they said that they were just warming the school up for what was to come.

Harry and Ginny's magical core developed faster than Harry anticipated and six months before they were to begin at Hogwarts they both began to train secretly in wandless magic. Harry known for a long time that the Ministry was only able to track underage magic use by the wand signature. The one summer where Harry received a warning because of Dobby was only because Dobby copied Harry's wand signature while Harry was out of the room.

Harry also continued with his extra-curricular activities, except that he'd cut down to just fencing and gymnastics, which took up plenty of his time. Some how he'd managed to convince Mrs. Weasley to enroll Ron and Ginny in the classes. He knew that it was a bit expensive for the Weasley's so as a birthday/Christmas present he gave them a year membership to each.

Finally, at long last, it was time for the fabulous four to enter Hogwarts.