Disclaimer: J K Rowling owns the rights and likenesses of all the characters in the Harry Potter series. This story is meant to add to the world she created. Any conflicts are accidental and they yield to her reality (canon).

3. A Past Revisited

A slightly miffed Hermione sat Harry in a chair. She was planning her attack for the next several hours, it was written on her face. Harry tried to think how he could diffuse the situation before it spiraled out of control. That moment was fast approaching.

"Wonderful daughter you have there," Harry said attempting to sidetrack the barrage that was about to befall him.

"Thank you, Harry," replied Ron. "That is awfully nice of you to say. She is very dear to us, being the only girl."

"Ron, don't let him off that easy," snapped Hermione. "You have so much to answer for, all these years." A slight reddish tint appeared on Hermione's face. "A simple compliment isn't going to suffice. No sir."

Ron rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Hermione, please? He has just got here," pleaded Ron. "At least let him settle himself before you go off on him."

"Shut it, Ronald," barked Hermione turning to Harry. "You have missed birthdays, weddings, and everything in between. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I have missed you both so much," whimpered Harry. "It has been a long, long time. I had to get away for everyone's safety. They would have come after all of you if I had stayed. Once they knew you didn't know where I was, you were safe or as safe as you could have been. You couldn't help them get to me, so you weren't worth the risk of exposing themselves." Harry paused remembering himself. "It has only been the two of us for twelve long, lonely years. Since her mother…" A long silence followed Harry's half finished sentence. Dumbledore was the first to break the tension of the room.

"Do you know who it was, Harry?" questioned Dumbledore.

"Of course I do," Harry said curtly. "Bellatrix led the attack."

"Ah, yes. That explains part of it, but what did Marcus Brange have to do with her death?" Dumbledore prodded while returning to his seat.

"He was the first one I found after her, her body. He was laughing in the alley a few feet from her," stated Harry with a blank look on his face.

Hermione felt a cold wind blow across her heart. She stared intently at Harry trying to read him, but he was like stone. She could feel the temperature drop. Her planned tirade seemed very unimportant now.

Harry continued, "She disapparated, I heard the crack, but he lagged behind reveling in his accomplishment. I set Samantha next to her motionless mother and hurried after the laughs. He must have heard my steps or my screams. I am not sure which, but he turned as I neared him. Before I knew what had happened, he was thrown down the alley by at least one of my curses."

Hermione had tears in her eyes again. Ron was quiet, trying to think of something to say, but Dumbledore made the first move.

"The investigation reported that Marcus took at least two killing curses before he hit the ground. A muggle was watching from a window above the alley. He said he saw a steady stream of green light hitting Marcus in the chest. It took two aurors hours to wipe that image from his mind; I can only wonder what it did to you, Harry." Continuing without an answer, Dumbledore asked his question again, "What did that do to you, Harry?"

"What did it do?" Harry answered. "It ruined my life, my daughter's life. Everything changed at that moment. I do not recall the specifics of his death, but I felt neither joy, nor sorrow I can tell you that. I returned to Samantha who was still fast asleep next to her mother. I kissed her goodbye, grabbed Samantha and ran home. It has taken me twelve years to speak of this aloud. When my quest is done, maybe I will be able to continue my life. Live a more complete life without this weight hanging over me. There is only one left, only one." Harry paused for a while. He snapped out of his trance when the sound of giggling emanated from upstairs. His heart warmed at the sound, a smile formed on his face. He had rarely heard that sound in the last few years. A very small tear appeared in the corner of his eye. His girl laughing shouldn't bring him to tears, but it did.

Hermione had watched every expression, listened to every word. She was beside herself with grief for Harry. "Harry, is there anything we can do to help?"

Ron agreed, but turned to Hermione wondering where her anger had gone. He had never gotten off that easy before especially not for something this big.

"Yes. Actually there is something you can do for me and Samantha," Harry said. "If anything happens to me, will you take care of Samantha? That is all the help I dare ask from either of you."

Hermione and Ron exchanged brief glances and replied.

"Of course we will." "No worries mate." "It is the least we could do."

"Harry?" asked Dumbledore. "Would you like to explain Lucius Malfoy before we venture to far off topic?"

"What about Lucius? He was caught last December," said Harry.

"Yes he was, but he was found in the most gruesome manner if I recall correctly," Dumbledore said coolly.

"What? I found him, subdued him, and left him for the aurors," Harry said blandly.

"They found him all right," said Dumbledore sounding a little shocked. "He was still smoldering from the Cruciatus curse you used on him. He was wrapped upon himself. Would you like to explain how such a vicious attack occurred?"

Hermione and Ron hadn't heard this before. The only details released were his capture and death resulting from his capture

"He found out we were Africa," Harry said drifting back into a glazed over state. "He gave Bellatrix our location. That is how they found us. How they killed her. She was innocent. She had done nothing wrong but fall in love with me. He was not innocent. He wheeled around with his wand in his hand ready to strike. I had the advantage, fortunately. My curse hit him first, there was no missing him."

The square was lit with red light amidst the frigid, cold air. The figure riled in pain. "He flailed and thrashed about like a fish out of water. All I saw was her lying there, dead. My baby girl curled up to her arm.

"When the feelings of anger and hate subsided, that was when I noticed the village stirring."

"Harry, you killed him with your pain, your hate, your anguish. Hasn't there been enough evil for one lifetime?" Dumbledore stared at Harry with a sad look on his face waiting for a response.

"I have seen far too much for one lifetime, yes," Harry answered. "I still have a debt to repay, but that is not why I am here. I need to know Samantha will be protected and loved should something happen." Harry looked at the people sitting around the table. One was stunned, one was in tears, and the other was sad and pained. "Because of your letter, I am here. A new start for Samantha and a job for me might help me get beyond my past. Samantha convinced me to accept the position, to move on. She is my sanity and has been for many years. She deserved better than what we had. I knew this was the best thing for her future."

"And what of your future, Harry?" Dumbledore drove this point unrelenting. "What of your future? Do you see yourself with us next year? In Ten years? Will she have a father or a surrogate, red haired family?"

Harry pondered this scenario. It was not at all to his liking. None whatsoever. "Well, yes. I see myself with her. I see her in many years to come, actually. That is what she needs. That is what I will do for her. I will try to put my anguish aside for everyone's benefit. Samantha has, at least, earned that from her father. I will protect her with all that I am, with all that I have. Remember that, Sir."

The room was quiet all except for the clicking of a clock that was undoubtedly in the next room. "I accept your explanations of past events, Harry," Dumbledore said cautiously. "But moving forward, I will not accept such rash, hate-filled actions. Hogwarts is not a place to harbor ill feelings nor is it a place to launch attacks of revenge even upon those who deserve them." The issue seemed concluded to all within hearing range.

"So, Harry," Dumbledore began after a long pause as if they had simply met on the street. "Do you accept my offer of the teaching position this year?"

"It would be an honor, Professor," replied Harry with a long lost feeling of moral purpose welling up from inside. "If I am still your first choice that is?"

Dumbledore rose to his feet, adjusted his cloak, and responded, "Of course you are, Harry." With that statement, Dumbledore bid a goodnight to everyone, hugged Harry once more, and disapparated without another word.

Harry stared at the spot where Dumbledore had last stood. He was thinking how lucky it was to have such an understanding man he called his friend. Harry turned towards Ron and Hermione who had moved closer together. "Lily, huh. I have always liked that name."

"It seemed to fit when we first saw her," said Hermione. "She is a wonderful child."

"Do you have any more?" asked Harry.

"There is Sirius, fourteen. James is twelve, and of course Lily. She is thirteen," said Hermione proudly.

"Sirius is a beater for Gryffindor and Lily is going to try out for chaser," Ron added, as a proud father should. "James plans to wait until next year before trying out."

"Samantha is fourteen as well?" Questioned Hermione.

"Yes, that is right," said Harry. "I hope she will tryout when she gets a chance. She seems to be quite good at seeker."

"Really?" Chirped Ron. "Gryffindor needs a good seeker this year. We lost ours this year. Wasn't as good as you, mate, but he did well enough."

"She hasn't played on a team, but the few times I have been able to take her out she has impressed me more than I can say," Harry beamed.

"Don't they have Quidditch, where ever you were?" Ron asked nearly beside himself.

"She was at Salem before, but they really don't have a secluded place to play," said Harry. "There are too many muggles around at all times of the day. It would have been a nightmare trying to arrange even one match."

"Oh, she went to Salem," Ron seemed satisfied. "They have had issues trying to organize events around there. We have been working with them for some time, but I fear there are too many obstacles."

"Ron works for the Department of Magical Games and Sports," Hermione said. "It has been, what, eight years, Ron?"

"Has it been that long?" said Ron in deep thought. "It has been eight years. Wow, I never would have guessed it had been that long. Well, you know how times flies when you are busy."

"Not really," said Harry crushing the mood with two words. After saying those words, Harry tried to salvage the situation the best he could, "But I can guess how it could. Having three kids and such a wonderful job."

Hermione quickly continued the conversation trying to avoid a disaster. "Ron keeps busy with his games or events. I have been at Hogwarts for almost eleven years now."

"Really?" asked Harry.

"I took over for Minerva when she retired. I was sad to see her leave, but I love my job."

"Go figure, huh," said Ron trying to keep his voice down.

"It suits you, Hermione," said Harry cutting off Hermione and saving Ron from a tongue-lashing. "Dumbledore couldn't have made a better choice if you ask me. So, why do you only have three kids?" Asked Harry looking at Hermione for an answer, but it was Ron who fielded the question.

"After James, I didn't know where anything was or which end was up," said Ron shaking his head. "How my parents handled seven, I'll never know. And none of ours even come close to rivaling Fred or George let alone both."

Harry saw Hermione shaking her head slowly as to avoid detection. "So, how are Fred and George?"

"They are doing really well," Ron explained. "They expanded their shop, oh, a few years ago. They bought out Zonko's in Hogsmeade after they had to expand their Diagon Alley store. They are doing just fine."

"They are still bachelors," interjected Hermione. "They will have to stop being children before any woman would think of marrying them. Think, those two being responsible for a child, that has catastrophe written all over it."

"Hermione," cried Ron. "You should not say such things about family."

Harry watched the two bicker back and forth. It was like they were back in school, only they had improved their skills many times. Harry waited for a lull in their 'discussion', which seemed to take forever. "How are your parents, Ron?"

"They are fine," said Ron recovering from the row. "Mum is still as fussy as ever, and dad is busy with ministry stuff. I do not know how he gets anything accomplished with all the politics getting in the way."

"Politics?" Said a confused Harry.

"Yeah," said Ron matter-of-factly. "The Minister of Magic has to deal with all the department infighting. And on the rare occasion something really important comes up, there are ten people asking him if they could handle it for him. They are just kissing up trying to get a promotion. Little do they know, Dad hates that stuff."

"I didn't know," said Harry shocked at the news. "When did that happen?"

"About fifteen years ago," pondered Ron. "Yes. Right after it out got that Fudge was 'miss directing funds' into his pocket. It was a huge scandal, but most of us knew he wasn't playing by the rules. Dad just listened to what Dumbledore had been saying for years and started working his way into higher profile discussions and events. Once Fudge was on his way out, Dumbledore suggested his name for the next Minister. The committee needed someone who wasn't interested in the trappings of the job to make up for Fudge's indiscretions. Dad was beyond reproach in that respect. So the vote was strongly in favor of approving him."

"I shall have to congratulate him when I see him again," said Harry determinedly. "Are the rest of your family still around here?"

"Not really," commented Ron. "Bill moved to France with Fleur. She said she missed her family and away they went. They visit a few times a year. Charlie went back to Romania to be an assistant at the school there. He couldn't stay away from the dragons for long."

"Ginny is the Charms teacher at school," said Hermione. "Flitwick retired only a few years ago. I think he is relaxing at home now after so many years teaching. My parents are doing well. They are still dentists, but they only work part-time now."

"So much has changed since I left," said Harry. "Well, I am here now and we will make a new life for ourselves."

"Ron," said Hermione. "It is your turn to make sure the children are asleep."

"Yes, dear," replied Ron as he got up and walked towards the stairs.

Once out of sight, Harry asked Hermione, "Why did you shake your head when Ron was talking about Fred and George?"

"He doesn't hear about most of the things that happen at school," answered Hermione. "James rarely makes it more than two weeks without a detention. He makes up for Lily and Sirius with enough left to spare. I dare say Fred and George are feeding him tips on how to cause trouble. If I catch them encouraging this type of behavior, it will be the last thing they do."

"I am honored by the names you chose, Hermione," said a grateful Harry. "It means a lot to me."

"Well, both of us decided on the names. So, thank Ron as well. Samantha Hermione no less," beamed Hermione.

"Samantha was her grandmother's name on her mom's side. At least I got to pick the middle name."

"What was she like, Harry?"

"Allison? She was the most generous, understanding person I have ever met, present company excluded of course," Harry said getting misty eyed. "When she met me, she didn't ask too many questions. She mostly listened. We just seemed to click. It was over a year before we got married. We had to keep it a secret for her protection. Only her parents and Dumbledore were witnesses. We enjoyed each other's company and spent as much time together as we could. Samantha was born a year later. It was the happiest day of my life." Harry looked at the ceiling knowing his daughter was sound asleep above him. "Hermione, would you mind being her godmother?"

Without a moments thought, "Of course I will. I see how much she means to you."

"Thank you. I need someone to be there in case…she should never be alone like I was." The two of them stared at each other remembering the good times. "Samantha will be attending Hogwarts this year. Dumbledore has arranged the transfer from Salem so I didn't have to make it known I was her father. This is a fact that should not be made public until the time is right. I trust your judgment on who you tell, but I would prefer to keep it within your family if at all possible. Samantha will use her mother's last name, Brooks."

"Ron and I will watch ourselves," stated Hermione. "Arthur and Molly would be very interested and pleased to hear this. Would it be alright to tell them?"

"Yes, that would be fine," acknowledged Harry. "What about Lily? She seems so much like you so she is bound to figure it out in the near future."

"I will speak with her. I am confident she will be able to conceal the truth until you come public," said a proud Hermione. "We will talk to the boys in the morning and explain things. They will understand the importance of everything, but I will keep a more vigilant eye on them this year. The school, on the other hand, will not be able to contain itself when they hear you are back. Many of the last names will be familiar and their parents will be as excited as the children if not more so."

"I will stay hidden until I take my post as the new defense teacher. Dumbledore doesn't plan to tell the teachers until the week right before term starts. He felt this would limit the risk to all concerned."

"Makes sense to me," said Hermione. "It is getting late and we have had so much excitement for one night. The couch is yours if you would like. I will warn you, the children are not quiet in the morning."

"It will be more than enough, Hermione," thanked Harry. "You are being too kind to me."

"I know, but what else could I do to someone who sneaks into my house with a child in tow. We had no idea what Dumbledore had planned for tonight. He just told us to send the kids to bed early and wait for him to arrive around nine. I bid you goodnight then," Hermione said as she stood up and hugged Harry one last time before retiring to bed.

Ron returned from checking on the kids and wished Harry a goodnight as well. The now darkened first floor had a warm charm to it very similar to the Burrow but without all the disorganization. Hermione kept a clean house, Harry thought, expecting nothing less. The couch was very soft and enveloped Harry the moment he laid down. Sleep rushed over him, he was finally home again after such a long delay.