Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.
"Master Harry, you is finally here," shouted the overexcited house elf.
"Yes Dobby, we're here," said Harry, "Please take all the bags and put them in their rooms.
"Right away sir, I is putting the great Harry Potter's things in the master suite with the great Mrs. Ginny Potter," said Dobby before he popped away.
Harry was frozen in place. He was stunned and had no idea what he was supposed to say to that. How could he say anything to that? Harry was just standing there with his mouth hanging open and no clue what he was supposed to do. Lucky for him everyone else was completely stunned and shocked as well.
Harry could sense Ginny standing next to him. He could clearly sense through their bond that inside she was screaming outrage ready to kill that house elf. She knew as well as her parents and the other wizarding adults knew that house elves could never be fooled with something like that. That didn't stop Harry from trying.
"Those house elves say the darnedest things," he said half-heartedly. He knew he was screwed the moment it crossed his lips. It was at that moment that Dumbledore, Sirius, Remus, Minnie, Sevie, and Hermione all made the fastest, lamest excuses they could to leave the room. Somehow Hermione managed to drag Ron and the twins with her leaving behind just the parents.
Harry glanced at Ginny only for second as if seeking some form of help but there was nothing coming back from her as she was looking to him just as desperate for help.
Finally Harry just sighed, "Before the yelling begins do you think that we could all just have a seat in the sitting room so that Ginny and I could attempt to explain why that elf thinks we're married."
It must have taken every ounce of self-restraint on the parents' part but they all nodded and followed Harry into the living room. Over the fireplace was a frozen painting that had yet to be activated. This one in particular was a very special picture.
As soon as Harry saw that painting he forgot all about trying to explain to the parents. He rushed up to it and pulled his wand, "Animus Activo." The paintings blinked a few times.
"James, what are you doing?" asked the woman in the painting.
Harry barely noticed Ginny come up along side him.
"We look really different," said the man in the painting, "I thought we were supposed to look like older when we got . . . well older."
Harry was smiling at the man in the paintings antics. "Hello Dad, Mum."
"Harry?" asked the woman in the painting, "Is that you?"
Harry nodded and smiled, "It is."
"You're so grown up, how old are you now?"
"He's fourteen," said Ginny wanting to be added to the conversation.
"And who is this fine young woman with the red hair that always catches a Potter male?" asked James with a devilish grin.
"This is Ginny," said Harry taking her hand happily as he looked on his parents.
"Well, if I didn't know any better I'd say your bond has already formed," said Lily, "But that won't happen until you're at least eighteen."
"Happened before I was eight," said Harry trying to inform his parents.
"You're kidding," said James, "But that means you two have been as good as married since . . . well since when exactly?"
"I was six," said Ginny, "Harry was only seven."
"Really?" exclaimed Lily, "James, how is that possible?"
"How should I know?" asked James, "Why don't we ask the 'me' out there? Where is the 'me' out there anyway?"
Harry wasn't sure how to tell them exactly, "Well, you both died a long time ago."
"Oh my," said Lily, "When? How?"
"Voldemort got to you after you went into hiding after that damned prophecy was made," said Harry, "I was one year old then."
Lily in the painting turned to James and cried just as she had the first time around.
Jane decided to be brave about this after having heard the story from Harry's birth parents she wanted to meet them. "Hello," she said tentatively, "I'm Jane Granger."
"Hello Jane," said Lily through a few sniffles.
"I just wanted you to know that your son has been loved most of his life," said Jane putting a loving hand on Harry's shoulder.
"What do you mean most?" asked James suspiciously.
"When you died, I was sent to live with Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. They weren't very good to me," explained Harry.
James and Lily turned from sad to a combination of angry and outraged.
"Where the hell is Dumbledore?" demanded Lily.
"He's hiding right now," said Molly, "We just found out the details of the bond these two share and I'm guess he knew all along exactly what it was. I'm Molly by the way, Ginny's mother."
"Pleased to meet you Molly," said Lily as nicely as she could but it was still easy to see that she was still quite angry, but not with Molly.
Ginny whispered in Harry's ear, "Dumbledore should be thankful that he was dead when you learned to activate this painting the first time."
Harry sniggered at her comment but it didn't go unnoticed by the adults or the painting.
"Just what are you laughing at?" asked an angry Lily and partially calm Jane.
"Ginny just said that Dumbledore was in for it," said Harry trying to defend himself but instead earning him a sharp elbow from Ginny for trying to pin it on her.
"So, Petunia and Vernon raised you?" asked Lily trying to hear more about Harry.
"Only until I was six," said Harry, he didn't really want to tell them about the other stuff.
"Why only until six?" asked James.
"That's when Vernon and Petunia were arrested for attempted murder," said Harry trying to brush it off.
"Who did they attempt to murder?" asked the painting of James dumbly.
It earned him a raised eyebrow from almost everyone. "Oh, right, got it."
Harry laughed a bit at his father despite the seriousness of the situation. "Anyway, after that I was sent to an orphanage. It was there I got sent to the same school as Hermione who you'll meet later. Hermione and I hit it off and were the absolute best of friends, kind of like dad and Sirius. Anyway, after a year of being friends one day out of the blue Hermione and her parents come to visit me at the orphanage. They asked if I wanted to go home with them. Of course Hermione and I thought they just meant for dinner or something but apparently they wanted to adopt me."
Lily and James looked and Jane and Henry then as if sizing them up.
"We really do care greatly for Harry," said Jane.
"He's a good boy," said Henry, "a bit of a mischief maker but a good boy all the same."
That caused James to smile proudly.
"So how do you feel about us Harry?" asked Lily with great concern.
"You're my mum and dad and always will be but so are Jane and Henry and they always will be. Dumbledore once told me that there is always room in your heart to love more people," said Harry with a genuine smile.
"Smart man Dumbledore," piped in Arthur.
"Hush Arthur, we're still angry with him remember," chided Molly.
"Oh yes, sorry about that," said Arthur blushing slightly.
"Tell us all about you Harry," said Lily.
"I will but I'd rather wait until I can just sit with you two and talk to you in private," said Harry.
James decided to add in, "Private meaning you and Ginny and us right?"
Harry smiled, "Yes dad, if that's what you want."
James and Lily both nodded.
"Now, you two still have a bit of explaining to do," said Molly toward Harry and Ginny.
The couple both simply cringed.
"How long have you two know exactly what the bond was?" asked Molly seriously.
"Since the Yule Ball when we admitted our feeling for each other and the bond completely formed," said Harry honestly. She said 'you two', in point of fact he knew all along but they both didn't know until the Yule Ball.
"Did Dumbledore inform you then what the bond was?" asked Arthur knowingly. It instantly made Harry and Ginny suspicious that he might have known all along.
"Well, he kind of had to cover it up," said Harry, "When the bond completed it release a magical wave so strong was felt a hundred miles in every direction. He had to block the memories of all the students and most of the staff." That was a lie but it was better than the truth.
"After that he took us to his office and explained it to us," added Ginny.
"I can only guess that you two are only too happy about this," said Henry looking at the young couple.
Harry and Ginny both nodded as they squeezed their hands a bit tighter together.
"Well, what are we going to be doing about the sleeping arrangements then?" asked Jane, "They will most definitely not be sharing a room."
James cleared his throat in the background, "Um, about that."
Suddenly every eye in the room was on him including Harry and Ginny's as they had no clue what he was about to say.
"Well, there are sort of these magical rules governing the house," said James.
"Rules?" asked Harry. James had never told him about any rules previously.
"Um, you see, because of certain magical . . . uh . . . properties of the house once the magical bond has formed and been recognized by both parties then the house will um . . ."
"Oh for goodness sakes James get to the point it's not like there is anything they can do about it," said Lily get more than a little impatient.
"The house will not allow then to stay in separate rooms," said James trying to hide at the edge of the frame.
"What?" asked all of the assembled people.
How could James have never mentioned that in the future? Then it dawn on Harry exactly how James could have skipped over it. When the bond formed originally Harry and Ginny never had a desire or reason to stay in a different room from each other so it never came up.
"This isn't going to go well," said Harry to Ginny as he could just feel the tension building in the room.
Ginny turned to her parents and said simply, "Don't worry, Harry will sleep on the floor and I'll take the bed. You can even put Ron and Hermione in the room with us if it will make you feel better."
Molly looked ready to explode but strangely she managed to restrain herself. Then she spoke, "It's the will of magic."
Harry was stunned that she left it at that.
"I suppose if all the kids will be sharing the room together then I'm okay with it," said Jane.
Ginny and Harry were starting to wonder if they weren't all under the imperious curse but neither of them were about to suggest that.
"Well, I'm famished," said Arthur, "I think I'll try to find the kitchen."
"If any of you see Dumbledore tell him I'd like to say hello," said Lily. The entire room knew that she didn't just want to say hello.
"Harry, Ginny," said James, "Stick around and let's chat."
"Sure," said Harry before he turned to his adoptive parents, "Mum, Dad, why don't you go exploring. If you need anything just call for Dobby okay?"
Henry and Jane nodded and left the couple behind.
"I don't think I'll ever get used to hearing my baby boy calling someone else mum and dad," said Lily as Harry finally closed the door. It was then that Harry put some rather advanced and powerful charms on the room.
"Harry, where did you learn those spells?" asked Lily in surprise.
"I take it we're going to tell them everything," said Ginny.
"Yes," said Harry, "If something happens to us, something needs to remain behind to tell those who remain everything."
"What are you on about?" asked James.
"Mum, Dad, I'm a time mage," said Harry. From there Harry and Ginny spilled everything to them. Every detail they could remember about the original timeline as well as everything they could remember from this timeline. By the time Harry and Ginny finish it was mid-afternoon the next day.
"And that's everything up to this point," said Harry rubbing his now very tired eyes.
Lily and James were stunned.
"I have no idea what to say now," said James.
"Yeah," said Lily.
"I'm sorry I didn't come to you guys sooner but I had to maintain the timeline to an extent," said Harry apologetically.
"Don't worry about it," said James, "It sounds as though you were rather busy anyway."
"Yeah, just a bit," said Harry sheepishly.
"Do you really think you two can pull off everything you have planned now?" asked Lily.
"Maybe, maybe not but we're sure as hell going to try," said Ginny.
"Well, I imagine you're both ready to snooze just as Ginny and I are," said Harry, "So, we are going to go catch some sleep and we'll talk to you both tomorrow."
"Just remember, you can't tell anyone," warned Ginny.
"Duh," said James earning him an elbow from Lily.
"Right then," said Harry, "Night."
"Night sweetie, you two behave yourselves," said Lily with a wink.
Harry and Ginny walked straight to their bedroom. Somehow they managed to completely avoid all of the other residents. Without even thinking twice they changed into their pajamas and crawled into bed together. Moments later they were both asleep holding each other lovingly.
Harry and Ginny slept very well that night. It had been the first time in many years they actually just slept together. The next morning both wake up feeling better than either of them had in a long time.
"I could get used to sleeping that well," said Harry as he stretched his arms over his head. He looked around the room to see where Ron and Hermione slept only to find that they were alone. Harry checked the clock and it was still early, much too early for Ron to be awake already.
"Harry love," said Ginny, "Weren't you supposed to sleep on the floor?"
"Yeah," said Harry sheepishly, "I was so tired that I was acting out of habit."
"Well, I don't think our mums are going to appreciate it very much," said Ginny.
"Probably not but it's a little late now," said Harry with grin before he gave Ginny a quick kiss. As a general rule they'd established long ago, no more than a quick kiss was allowed until they had both brushed their teeth.
"Why don't we go see to breakfast?" suggested Ginny, "It might soften them up a bit."
"Right then," said Harry as he walked into the master bathroom and started cleaning himself up. He was joined a moment later by Ginny. They tried to keep things as innocent as possible while getting ready for the simple fact that they didn't know when a parent or sibling would intrude on their privacy.
After cleaning and dressing themselves they both went down to the kitchen to cook the breakfast that the pair would become famous for in the eyes of Ron in the future, pancakes and fresh sausage with real maple syrup. It may have been a simple breakfast but it was very, very good.
"We're going to have to make a lot," said Ginny as she considered that they were cooking for fifteen people.
"It'll be fun," said Harry with a devious grin.
"I do believe Fred and George would appreciate your specialty pancakes," said Ginny with an equally devious grin.
"My thought exactly," said Harry.
"Ooh, can you make a spider-shape pancake for Ron too?" asked Ginny.
"Certainly," said Harry, "I'll even spell it to twitch a bit when Ron cuts into it."
An hour later Ginny sent Dobby to wake up the house and send them down for breakfast.
Harry and Ginny eventually joined their family and friends at the large dining room table.
"Good morning all," said Harry he stood, "I like to welcome you all to another summer at Potter Place. I'll save the speeches for later now I only have a few words before we eat. Nitwick, oddment, and tweak." With that Harry lifted his arms calling the food up through the plates just as Dumbledore had done several time before. It earned him several laughs.
"Hey, now that's my line Harry," said Dumbledore earning even more laughs.
"Harry, I think you've made a mistake with my meal," said a nervous Ron as he poked at his pancakes.
"What's wrong Ron?" asked Ginny.
"It's shaped like a spider and every time I touch it, it twitches," explained Ron.
"Try cutting it," suggest Harry.
Ron nervously cut off one of the limbs causing a withering squeal from the spider-cake. Ron smiled, "I could get used to that."
Harry and Ginny both laughed as did everyone else.
Fred took a bite of his pancake first. He along with the rest of the table were quite surprised when he turned into a canary. After a minute he molted and turned back into himself.
"Harry mate, you'll have to get us that formula," said George as he took a bit of his pancakes turning his skin bright red and his hair the color his skin used to be. This had everyone laughing heartily as well.
After that the rest of breakfast was passed with jokes and laughter despite the warning from Molly and Jane that they would be having a discussion with Harry and Ginny after breakfast.
Once again in the sitting room with the parents.
"Would you mind explaining what you were thinking when you decided to ward your bedroom so that no one else could enter?" asked Molly.
"Huh?" asked Harry and Ginny together.
"I was afraid that might happen," said James earning him several glares.
"What do you mean?" asked an unhappy Jane.
"Well, this house kind of has a mind of its own you see. It makes a decision about where people sleep and the occupants have little choice but to agree," explained James timidly.
"Honestly James, you're a painting, they can't exactly hurt you," said Lily from next to him.
"So let me get this straight," began Molly, "This house has determined that these two will share a room by themselves no matter what we say or do?"
"Yep," said James.
"Let me guess," said Arthur, "If Harry went to sleep on the floor then it is likely the house would move him into the bed anyway then?"
"It could," said James.
Harry was feeling relieved that Arthur just cleared him of any guilt he may have had in not sleeping on the floor.
"And this house just has to be the safest house in all of Britain," complained Molly.
"I'm afraid so," said James.
"You two promise me right now that there will be no funny business while you're staying here," ordered Jane.
"Yes mum," said Harry and Ginny at the same time.
"That goes double from me," said Molly leveling a finger at them.
"Yes mum," said Harry and Ginny again not daring to meet her eyes.
Once again the parent left behind the kids only to have Hermione and Ron enter.
Ginny sighed and closed the door and put a group of privacy charms to ensure their privacy.
"I still can't believe our parents are being so cooperative about this," said Harry.
"It's the house," said James, "It's not above meddling."
"What?" yelled Ron, "You mean to tell me that my mum is okay with you two sharing a room?"
"Yep," said Ginny, "Now oh brother o' mine, it's time for you to be let in on a little secret."
"Big secret," corrected Hermione.
"Compared to some of the other secrets this is rather little," said Harry.
Over then next two hours Ginny and Harry did their best to convince Ron. He accepted it but was still wary.
"It explains a lot but you've got to admit it is a lot to take in," said Ron.
"Well, anyway, Ginny would try answer whatever questions he has, Dumbledore and I have some issues to attend to," said Harry as he checked his watch.
"Certainly love," said Ginny, "good luck with the Wizengamot."
"Thanks," said Harry giving her a quick kiss.
Harry met Dumbledore in the front hall as scheduled.
"Right then ready to go?" asked Albus.
"Certainly," said Harry as he took hold of the shoe in Dumbledore's hand.
"1 . . . 2 . . . 3" counted Dumbledore before there was the familiar tug behind his navel.
Harry and Dumbledore arrived in the Ministry Atrium. After he and Harry were checked in then went to meet with Crouch Sr., Percy Weasley, and Kingsley Shacklebolt.
"Hello Dumbledore," greeted Crouch.
"Hello Barty," said Dumbledore politely but Harry could hear the strain in the man's voice.
"Fudge was arrested this morning for embezzling ministry funds this morning," said Kingsley reporting in. "The Ministry is in an uproar right now especially with the public announcement that you-know-who has returned."
"Excellent," said Harry, "Barty, are you ready to do your duty?"
Crouch surveyed Harry critically before he looked to Dumbledore, "Why is this child asking me such a question?"
"Because he is the only reason you have not received the Dementor's Kiss," said Dumbledore, "I can assure you that is still an option."
"Let's get this over with," said Crouch Sr.
Together the five people travel down the elevator deep within the ministry building. Soon enough they were all standing inside of the old courtroom.
As soon as people saw Dumbledore there were several hushed whispers amongst the Wizengamot.
"Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen," began Dumbledore, "I hereby convene this emergency session of the Wizengamot. First order of business is the immediate expulsion of Cornelius Fudge as Minister of Magic. Here to present evidence is Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt.
Kingsley stepped up and began presenting the evidence of Fudge's embezzling. The case was iron clad and there was no way the Wizengamot could find Fudge innocent and yet there were a few hands that rose for the not guilty including one Delores Jane Umbridge.
"Next order of business," Dumbledore spoke again, "We need to appoint a new Minister of Magic and in light of the return of Voldemort's rebirth I would like to nominate Bartholomew Crouch Sr."
"His own son was a Death Eater," protested one member of the Wizengamot.
"A son that he personally sent to Azkaban Prison," began Dumbledore, "A son that held him under the imperious curse for the last year. Mr. Crouch is a fine, upstanding wizard and as such has my full confidence in dealing with the recently reborn Voldemort. We cannot afford to be delinquent in dealing with him. I believe Mr. Harry James Potter has come to speak in this regard."
"Voldemort is back. I watched him come back. Then I had to fight him and his minions. I was forced to kill a lot of Death Eaters. We can be thankful that his inner circle was decimated but I can guarantee that he will rebuild. As Professor Dumbledore has said, we cannot afford to be delinquent in dealing with him. I've read the history and know how Mr. Crouch has dealt with Death Eaters in the past and he is exactly the sort of person we need if we intend to win this war," said Harry to the assembled body.
"And what happens when the war is over?" asked another Wizengamot member, "We don't need a militarist running our government."
"I can assure all of you that the moment the Death Eater threat and Voldemort have been removed I will step down as Minister of Magic and go into retirement," said Crouch Sr.
That seemed to end all of the protests.
"I would call for a vote," said Dumbledore, "All those in favor . . ."
Harry quickly counted the hands. The measure needed to pass by 2/3 vote. Out of the thirty members there were 23 hands up in favor.
"Those against . . ." this time only 3 hands went up meaning that 4 abstained from voting. Harry knew those people were more than likely the career politician who want to reserve the right later to stay out of any debate surrounding the issue.
"The ayes have it," said Dumbledore, "It gives me great pleasure and the head of the Wizengamot to appoint Bartholomew Crouch Sr. to the post of Minister of Magic."
After that there were several formal speeches with the news and other groups. Harry was pretty bored. When it all finally ended Dumbledore and Harry along with Crouch, Percy, and Kingsley all met in a private office.
"That went extremely well Harry," said Dumbledore.
"We got lucky," said Harry, "That was a smart bit about stepping down after Voldemort and his followers were taken care of."
"Did you really intend to allow me to stay in office?" asked Crouch.
"Not really," said Harry, "You do this and follow the orders you're given and you'll not go to prison when this war ends. Give us trouble and I can guarantee you a spot in Azkaban Prison."
"Now, on to business," said Dumbledore, "I would like to ask all three of you to join the Order of the Phoenix."
"I'm in," said Kingsley.
"I would be honored sir," said Percy.
"I don't have much choice do I," said Crouch.
"Not really," said Dumbledore, "Now, Crouch cannot be seen associating with the 'Order' from this point on. As such Percy will continue his duties as your personal assistant. Percy, you will be relaying orders from the 'Order' to Mr. Crouch as well as keeping a watchful eye on anything he does. You are now the eyes and ears inside the Minister's Office."
"I'm honored sir," said Percy again.
"Do well in this Percy and you could very well be the next Minister of Magic," said Harry confidently.
"Kingsley, you are in charge of recruiting Aurors to the cause," said Albus.
"I'd start with Nymphadora Tonks," suggested Harry.
"Right then," said Kingsley.
"The first 'Order' meeting is tonight," said Dumbledore as he reached inside his robes and produce two necklaces with Phoenix pendants, "These are the portkeys that will transport you to Potter Place for the meeting. The activation password is 'Once and Always a Potter' don't forget it."
Percy and Kingsley each took their and put them around the necks and then under their robes.
"Meeting starts at 9:00, don't be late," said Dumbledore, "Come now Harry, we need to do a few things while we are in the building."
"What about me?" asked Crouch.
"You're coming with us to take care of something first," said Harry.
"Where are we going Harry?" asked Dumbledore curiously.
"Apparition Licensing Office," said Harry with a smirk, "You're going to use your pull as the new minister to get me and my friends our apparating licenses early."
Crouch groaned but led them all to the office in question. An hour later the licenses were issued without a test.
"Okay, now you should get to work on setting up your new office," said Harry smugly to Crouch Sr.
Crouch was only too happy to leave Harry and Dumbledore to enjoy his new freedom.
"Let me guess," said Harry, "To the hall of Prophecy."
Hours later Harry and Dumbledore left the Ministry and returned home by apparating.
"Now comes the part where you convince all the parents to allow me and my friends to attend 'Order' meetings. In my case you'd better convince them to let me join. Not that I haven't already joined," said Harry to Dumbledore.
"I feel a headache coming on," said Dumbledore.
"Just have a few of your enhanced lemon drops and do your best," said Harry as he skipped off to find his wife and best friends.
He found them in the library of all places.
"Welcome back love, did everything go as planned?" asked Ginny with a smile when she saw Harry.
Harry grinned and handed her, her apparition license.
"I'll take that as a yes," said Ginny.
"Ron, Hermione come here for a minute," called Harry.
His sister and best mate rush over.
"What's up mate?" asked Ron.
Harry handed him and Hermione their apparition license with a grin.
"But we're not supposed to be able to apparate until we're seventeen," protested Hermione.
"It pays to be able to blackmail the Minister of Magic," said Harry with a grin.
"You'll have to teach us," said Ron with an excited smile.
"Of course," said Harry, "I'm working on getting all of you into the 'Order' meeting but it might take a few weeks."
"What about you?" asked Ginny.
"I'm going anyway," said Harry, "The parents might not like me disobeying them but there isn't really much they can do about it with that damn prophecy looming over me."
"Did you destroy it?" asked Ginny.
"Yep," said Harry, "Dumbledore and I took care of it."
"Good," said Ginny.
"Okay, now we need to prepare that damn artifact list," said Harry rubbing his hands together in preparation of expected work.
"Artifact list?" asked Hermione.
"Once Voldemort could no longer get to the prophecy he started going after certain artifact to assist him in his transformations toward becoming immortal. The 'Order' needs to get to them before Voldemort. Now we know most of the Artifacts he will go after but once we have those he'll be looking for others. It's up to you two to start researching and trying to find and ceremonies or artifacts designed to increase power or lead toward immortal life."
"What about apparating?" asked Ron.
"Tomorrow," said Ginny, "We need to have this prepared tonight."
"Promise?" asked Ron expectantly.
"Promise," said Harry.