It was the week before the holiday break and Harry and Ginny were in their potions lab working with Christopher while Caitlyn looked on.
"Alright," said Christopher, "be very careful, you know the spell."
Harry and Ginny nodded as they stood side by side their staffs pointing at a pewter cauldron which had been simmering for almost three months. Each muttering a different spell their staffs connected to the potion with beams of magical energy.
"That's it, Ginny just a little bit more power, perfect." Christopher said as he watched the pair.
The cauldron emitted a soft yellow glow from deep within as Harry's beam of red and Ginny's beam of orange poured magical energy into the mix. Without warning the yellow glow changed to a deep green and small eruptions began to take place, spouts of the mixture bursting out from the cauldron only to fall back and disappear within its depths.
"Perfect, just a moment longer… Now!" Christopher yelled.
Just as the entire cauldron changed to black Harry and Ginny ended their spells. Looking at Christopher they received a nod of approval and picked up a pair of pewter tongs. Harry searched within the depths of the pitch black substance in the cauldron for several long seconds. He finally removed a piece of Whomping Willow tree bark that was glowing with an almost blinding white light.
"Careful now Harry, make sure you're clear of the cauldron's top when you add the new ingredient." Christopher said in a warning tone.
Harry nodded and stepped up to the potion in the gold cauldron they had started brewing during their first lesson several months earlier. Staying as far away as possible he reached forward and dropped the glowing bark into the cauldron. The instant it touched the potion a burst of magic erupted straight up from within the cauldron hitting the ceiling and being forced out to the sides. It only lasted a split second but it was a most incredible sight.
After the magic dissipated Christopher stepped up to the cauldron and took a peek inside.
"Perfect." he said motioning Harry and Ginny forward to take a look.
Looking into the cauldron the pair saw the potion rapidly cycling through every imaginable color. It never stayed on one for more than a fraction of a second before randomly changing to another.
"Wow." "Amazing." Harry and Ginny said.
Turning around they found Christopher and his wife a few feet away.
"I must say I'm really impressed with both of your abilities and I'm extremely surprised with your progress. I fully expected to have to repeat several of the potions we've created but you haven't messed up a single one. I didn't expect to be this far along for two or three more months." Christopher said proudly beaming at his two students.
Harry and Ginny both blushed at his praise.
"We wanted to invite you both out to the country for the holiday." Caitlyn said. "We know you'll want to spend some time with Ginny's family but we hoped you might be able to visit even if it's only for a few days."
"I'd love too." Harry said. "We'll need to check with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley but I'm sure it won't be a problem."
"Yes, I'm sure they'll want us home for some of the holiday and for Christmas day but I'd love to come as well." Ginny added.
"Excellent!" Christopher said beaming at the students who had both found a way into his and Caitlyn's hearts. "Let us know when you have everything worked out so we can make a couple of plans. We have a special gift for you."
Harry and Ginny smiled back at their teacher and his wife who they had grown very fond of as well. "You don't have to get us anything, we'll just be glad to get to see you during the holiday." Harry said.
"Nonsense, its Christmas so you can't stop us from spoiling you a bit." said a smiling Caitlyn.
After Christopher and Caitlyn left for the evening Harry and Ginny sat down to write Ginny's parents a note.
Molly was sitting in the living room with Arthur after dinner when Hedwig flew in the window and dropped a letter in her lap before flying over to Errol's perch for a drink of water.
Picking up the letter Molly recognized the writing as that of her only daughter.
Mum and Dad,
I hope everything is ok at the Burrow and that your both doing fine, we miss you.
Harry and I can't wait to come home for Christmas. We have been invited to Christopher and Caitlyn's for the holidays also and would like to spend a few days with them. They seemed really eager to have us over and we would like to go.
Please write back soon and let us know if it's ok so we can make some plans.
Love you both,
Ginny and Harry
As she read the letter a soft smile appeared on Molly's face. Her mind wandered as she dreamed of receiving similar letters from Harry and Ginny Potter saying they would be bringing her grandchildren over for the holidays. Her musings were cut short by her husband.
"Dear?" Arthur asked, "Is everything ok?"
"Oh, everything's fine, I'm just being silly daydreaming of the future." she said as she handed Arthur the letter.
Arthur quickly read the letter. "Harry and Ginny have become very close to those two." he commented.
"Yes they have. I think Harry is starting to think of them as grandparents and Ginny might be too. I have to admit I think the two of them are very good for Harry."
"I think so too. Well we had better write them back so they can make their plans."
Molly nodded and went to find some parchment and a quill.
Dear Ginny and Harry,
Everything is fine here though I miss the bustle of my children from time to time. Your father and I miss you both and Ron and Hermione too. I hope you are eating well and working hard on your studies.
I can't wait for you to come home for the holidays and look forward to having you here again. Your father and I understand and you are welcome to spend part of your holiday with Christopher and Caitlyn but please try to spend as much time as you can with us, we miss you both dearly.
Take good care of each other, your father and I love and miss you both,
Mum
Ginny set down the note after Harry and her both finished reading it. "Well, looks like we're all set, why don't we go to Christopher and Caitlyn's the day after Christmas?"
"That sounds good. I'm glad we'll get to see them over the holiday." said Harry with a smile on his face.
His smile was reflected by Ginny's as she snuggled up to him on the couch enjoying his closeness and the warmth projected from the fireplace in their common room. "You really like them don't you?"
Harry nodded even though Ginny couldn't see him from where her head was resting on his chest. "Yes, I don't know exactly but they kind of feel like grand parents to me. Like the way I felt about Dumbledore before, well, you know, everything happened. Don't get me wrong, I've forgiven him and all but it will never be the same. When I'm around Christopher or Caitlyn I don't feel like I have to worry about anything. I feel like I'm with family. I know they have some big secret their keeping but they're open about the fact that they have a secret and when they say there's a good reason for it I believe them."
Ginny smiled as she listened to her boyfriend, he needed people like Christopher and Caitlyn in his life and she was glad he cared for them. She squeezed him a little bit tighter for a moment as he finished talking before relaxing in his embrace. The pair let their thoughts wander and it wasn't long before they both fell fast asleep.
The rest of the week passed quickly and before they knew it Harry and Ginny were climbing into a carriage with Ron and Hermione to catch the train at Hogsmeade. The ride went by quickly with well wishers stopping by every so often to wish the group a happy Christmas and before they knew it the train had arrived at Kings Cross Station.
As the group stepped off the train they immediately recognized the familiar red hair of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley along with Bill. Hermione ran across the station to give her parents a huge hug as she noticed them standing with the group of Weasleys.
After an energetic round of greetings and holiday wishes everyone prepared to leave. Ron walked up to Hermione and gave her a big hug.
"I'm going to miss you Hermione." he said softly to the bushy haired brunette in his arms.
"I'll miss you to Ron, but it won't be long before we're back at school."
Ron nodded and pulled her into a long kiss. They finally separated both blushing furiously as they became the recipients of many cat calls and wolf whistles.
Feeling mischievous Harry pulled Ginny in for a similar kiss and waited for the teasing to begin. Ginny's eyes closed and he felt her melting into the kiss. As the whistling started he surreptitiously tapped his ring three times and they disappeared.
Molly stood on the platform looking at the spot Harry and Ginny had occupied a moment earlier wearing a smile and shaking her head. "Those two are going to be the death of me."
As the kiss ended Ginny slowly opened her eyes thinking she could kiss Harry for the rest of her life and never get enough. After staring into his sparkling green eyes for what seemed like hours she noticed they were no longer at Kings Cross Station but instead standing in the living room of Harry's apartment at the Burrow, earning Harry yet another light smack on his shoulder.
"Now what have I told you about that." she said sternly though the laughter in her eyes and the twitching at the corner of her mouth betrayed how she really felt.
"Umm, I don't remember exactly. I know you want me to wake you up that way every morning so I'm pretty sure you want to travel that way as much as possible too."
Ginny rolled her eyes before pulling him onto the couch for a snogging session before the rest of the Weasley's arrived.
Barely controlled chaos was the only way Harry could think to describe the goings on at the Burrow. With Christmas right around the corner it seemed like there were several million things to do and as far as Molly was concerned they all needed to be done now.
Luckily for Harry and Ginny they were still suffering from the effects of Draco Malfoy's attack on the Hogwart's Express at the beginning of the school year and were able to use that to their advantage. This is why instead of getting the Burrow ready for the holidays with everyone else they could be found flying around the paddock on their FireBolt II's.
Ginny let out a squeal of delight as she jogged right causing Harry to miss her by inches in the game of tag they were playing.
"Ha!" she yelled over her shoulder, "You missed!"
Not seeing Harry anywhere in her line of sight as she looked back over her right shoulder she quickly pulled up and to the left as she spun her head in that direction to find out where her boyfriend was. She let out another scream as she found him immediately to her left. Already heading in that direction there was nothing she could do as he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her from her broom and onto his.
"Harry!" she said through her laughter.
"Ha to you, I win!" he said sending her an impish smile that made her feel funny in the pit of her stomach.
Taking hold of Ginny's broom which was still hovering where she had been pulled off of it Harry gently floated them down to the ground all the while staring into Ginny's beautiful brown eyes.
Reaching the ground they climbed off Harry's broom and set it on the ground with Ginny's. "And what exactly do you want for winning Mr. Potter." Ginny asked giving Harry the same smile that he had just given her.
Licking his lips as his mouth went dry it was a full minute before he was able to respond. "I wouldn't say no to a kiss from the fair lady."
Ginny smiled and slowly moved towards Harry taking her time, drawing out and extending the moment. She had been beaten in the air but she had his measure. Still taking her time she continued forward running her hands up his chest and placing them on his shoulders as she drew closer. She could feel his breath growing ragged, only inches away now, still going slowly. Ginny saw his eyes close and his lips begin to part in anticipation of the kiss and made her move. In a quick and frustrating (to Harry) motion she pecked him on the cheek and skipped off laughing.
It took Harry several minutes to shake off his daze and figure out what had happened. When he finally did he shook his head smiling. "Oh she's gonna pay for that." he said to himself.
Looking around he realized she was long gone. Drawing his wand Harry tapped on his ring twice to take him to Ginny. Appearing beside her he realized he was in trouble. Not being prepared to land on the skinny surface Harry over balanced and fell in to the pond below. As he broke through the surface of the water sputtering and coughing he looked up to see his read headed girlfriend who was sitting on a tree limb that extended out over the water grinning and laughing at him.
"Give up yet?" she asked innocently.
"Give up?" he asked in reply.
Ginny nodded, "Yup, tell me I win."
A mischievous glint appeared in Harry's eye as he realized he was still holding his wand in his hand below the surface of the water. Acting quickly Harry tapped his ring twice once again appearing on the tree limb next to Ginny. Before she could react he grabbed on to her tightly and fell into the pond again.
"Harry Potter!" Ginny yelled as she came up for air.
Harry just laughed and gave her a cheeky grin. "You still owe me a kiss fair lady."
Molly was in the kitchen cooking up a storm. There were cakes, pies, cookies and all manner of confections strewn about the kitchen. She had stopped in her labors to instruct Ron and the twins on what to do next when the back door opened and a dripping wet Harry and Ginny walked in holding hands.
"Well it looks like the two of you have been up to no good." she said smiling at the pair.
"Go for a swim did you?" asked Fred.
"You're supposed to take your clothes off when you go skinny dipping." George added earning himself a smack on the back of his head from Molly.
Harry and Ginny blushed brightly and quickly ran upstairs leaving four Weasley's in the kitchen laughing hysterically.
Harry woke Christmas morning to the wonderful sensations of being kissed awake by his girlfriend.
"Mmmm… Morning luv."
"Morning to you too Harry."
"I've missed this apartment. Last summer was the best of my life living here with you." Harry said as he wrapped his arm around Ginny pulling her down beside him.
"I miss having you all to myself." Ginny replied snuggling up to him.
The pair held each other for several minutes before Ginny started to get up eliciting a groan from Harry.
"Come on Harry everyone will be waiting on us if we don't go down. Besides, I want my presents!"
She started to pull away but Harry wouldn't let go of her hand. "Wait, I've got something I want to give you in private before we go down." he said.
Reaching into the drawer of his night stand he removed a small velvet box. Releasing Ginny's hand he opened the box revealing a gold ring with three small diamonds in a simple setting. Ginny gasped as he removed the ring from the box.
"It's a promise ring." he began softly his hands shaking from nervousness. "We're both still young and going to school but I love you with all my heart and I am going to ask you to marry me some day. I'd like you to wear this ring as my promise to you until that time if you'll have me."
Tears of happiness were streaming down Ginny's face as she jumped on Harry hugging him fiercely. "Oh Harry of course I'll wear your ring. I love you so much!"
After the hug Harry took hold of Ginny's left hand and slid the promise ring on to her ring finger where it resized itself to fit perfectly. Ginny held her hand up for a moment admiring her new ring and what it meant before squealing and pulling Harry in for another hug and a long passionate kiss.
When they were finally able to pull away from each other Harry and Ginny took turns in the bath room and after getting dressed went down stairs to the living room to join the rest of the Weasley family for Christmas.
They had barely stepped off the last stair when Molly screamed and ran up to the young couple grabbing Ginny's left hand and holding it up for inspection.
"Oh Ginny it's beautiful, is that…"
"It's a promise ring mum." said a beaming Ginny.
"Dear I'm so happy for you!" Molly pulled Ginny and Harry into one of her famous bone crushing hugs truly happy for her daughter and as far as she was concerned her son.
In her excitement Molly quickly made sure the rest of the Weasley's knew about the promise ring and after much teasing and congratulations everyone settled in to the living room to open presents.
Harry was thrilled to receive a Weasley sweater from Molly and Arthur as well as a box of assorted wheezes, the Chudly Cannons Encyclopedia, and a random assortment of other magical and non magical gifts. His favorite gift was from Ginny who gave him a black leather jacket. She had found it in a catalog and knew the moment she saw it that Harry would look great in it. It was a muggle jacket but she had bought it through Madam Maulkin and had several charms added such as heating, cooling, stain proof and some protection charms. She also had the inside pockets magically expanded and hidden.
Ginny received many wonderful presents as well but no matter what she was given her attention always seemed to return to the ring Harry had placed on her finger that morning.
Christmas day at the Burrow was fun and with the twins present exciting at times. After presents the day was spent playing games and munching on the many tasty treats Mrs. Weasley had created. Visitors of all sorts stopped by dropping off gifts and sharing a bit of eggnog before leaving for their next stop. Harry had a wonderful time deciding it was by far the best Christmas he had ever had. He particularly liked the way Ginny kept dragging him under the mistletoe.
The next day after breakfast Harry and Ginny wished everyone well and using the Rings of Eris transported themselves to the living room at Christopher and Caitlyn's home. It had been decorated with the seasonal trappings of the holiday they now celebrated and the pair was happy to find they had appeared under a sprig of mistletoe.
"Alright you two, break it up." Christopher said chuckling at the blush that crept up on the teens cheeks.
Caitlyn smacked him on the arm. "Leave them alone you old coot. It's not like you weren't attacking me when I was trying to hang that up there." she said with a grin and a wink towards Harry and Ginny who were now snickering.
"It's ok Caitlyn, we're used to it." said a grinning Ginny.
Christopher's hand came up to his heart in a mock show of hurt. "I'm wounded. To even suggest that I would take part in such boorish behavior is beyond belief." he said pompously.
"Right…" Caitlyn said slowly drawing out the word. With a wave of her hand the mistletoe floated from its position above Harry and Ginny to one above her.
Harry and Ginny laughed and giggled as Caitlyn looked at Christopher smiling while he made a great show of trying to ignore the green leaves floating above her. It wasn't long before he broke down and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Thank you for showing a little bit of discretion for once in your life." a still smiling Caitlyn said to her husband in reference to the kiss.
"Right, well enough of that nonsense," Christopher said earning a reproachful look from Caitlyn, "Presents!"
Everyone smiled at Christopher's excitement as he handed out the small mountain of presents he and Caitlyn had bought for Harry and Ginny. There were clothes and shoes, books and magazines, and all manner of gizmos, gadgets and toys. The couple had truly gone overboard.
From Harry and Ginny Christopher and Caitlyn received a photo album they had made which was filled with pictures of them from the past but mostly from the time they had spent with the couple both at school and at their home. They couldn't have been more thrilled.
"Thank you so much it's absolutely wonderful." said a beaming Caitlyn as she flipped through the pictures.
Christopher broke out laughing as they flipped the page. "Ha! You put a picture of Albus doing the teapot dance in here. Brilliant!"
After going through the album a third time Christopher closed it and looked at Harry and Ginny. We have another gift for you but it won't be ready until tomorrow."
"You really don't need to do anything more, this is already too much." Harry said.
Caitlyn was quick to reply. "I already told you its Christmas so you can't do anything about it."
The small group spent a wonderful day playing with the many presents the old couple had gotten for Harry and Ginny and eating far more food than any of them should have.
The next day the four were in the living room when Christopher looked at his watch. "Before we do anything else today we need stop by Hogwarts for a little bit to finish up a potion."
Handing his ring to Christopher Harry grinned. "Ok, we'll meet you there!" he said and placing a finger on Ginny's ring he quickly set the destination and tapped three times with his wand.
Harry and Ginny arrived in their common room with Christopher and Caitlyn arriving moments later. They were surprised to find the Headmaster sitting in one of the chairs seemingly waiting for them. The smile on his face and twinkle in his eye seemed especially bright as they took in his presence.
"Hello Professor. We didn't expect to see you here today." Ginny said.
"Ahh, well I thought today would be a good day to attend your lessons and see how you're coming along.
Harry and Ginny smiled at the Headmaster before leading the small group in to the potions lab for the day's lesson.
Albus conjured two squishy chairs out of the way and took a seat with Caitlyn to watch the proceedings while Harry, Ginny and Christopher stepped up to the work bench where the gold cauldron was sitting.
Peering over the edge into the cauldron Harry and Ginny were surprised to see the surface reflecting the ceiling of the room like a perfect mirror. They were even more surprised to see that while a vague image of Christopher was reflected in the mirrored surface of the potion Harry and Ginny were not. Not even a little bit.
"Perfect!" Christopher crowed with much enthusiasm.
Harry and Ginny looked confused. "How come it doesn't reflect us and only sort of reflects you?" Harry asked only to be waved off by Christopher.
"Ok, let's get your staff's out." he said still bubbling with excitement.
After revealing their staffs Christopher taught Harry and Ginny a spell to cast on the potion. Standing next to each other they cast their spells. The beams of magic from their staffs connected just before hitting the surface of the potion where they bounced off and hit the ceiling. As the pair continued to pour their magic into the spells the potion began to absorb more and more of the beam until their spell was being absorbed in its entirety and not reflected at all.
As the entire beam of magic was being consumed by the liquid within the cauldron it began to glow white. The glow very slowly increased in intensity for a long time before abruptly changing to red. The instant the glow changed colors Harry and Ginny ended their spells and watched as the red glow faded away.
When the glow was completely gone Harry and Ginny approached the cauldron with Christopher. The cauldron was filled to the brim with a white mist that that sat perfectly still concealing what ever lay within the hidden depth's of the cauldron.
"Excellent! I couldn't and haven't done any better myself. I'm extremely proud of you both, you have completely exceeded any and all of the expectations I had of you." he said sporting the largest grin the teens had ever seen him wear. "I'm happy to say it's finished. Why don't you reach in and grab the final product Harry."
After sharing a quick look with Ginny, Harry nervously reached into the white mist within the cauldron. Feeling an object in the bottom he took hold and removed it. As his hand broke the surface of the fog he found himself holding something he had held once before in his first year.
His eyes opened wide in surprise and shock as he looked from the object to Christopher.
"You're Nicolas Flamel!"
-
Authors Notes: Cool, we finally know who Christopher is and what they were making though I know several of you have suspected it for quite a while. A special thumbs up to SeleneA for suspecting it from the first chapter!
I had several comments about the last chapter and Draco's redemption. I quite agree that a redeemed Draco is very unlikely and personally I don't buy it either. Also as mrsean pointed out though love can make you do some funny things it's unlikely he could overcome a lifetime of conditioning by his father to redemption so quickly. Don't worry mrsean, I will never bring Draco into Harry's group. Here's my take and why I did what I did with him… The only reason Draco's in this story at all was for the train incident. Originally the Draco Malfoy chapter wasn't going to exist, my intention was to have him join his father in Azkaban and be done with him. While I was writing my muse told me it would be a funny joke on Draco to have him fall for a muggle so I had him escape. In retrospect maybe I should have let him be eaten while in his raven form. Evil grin.
Thanks so much for all the wonderful reviews and please keep them coming, it's what keeps me writing.
