A/N: Oh man, these chapters are just getting long and longer! Well... a lot of stuff is happening in this authors life, and I was aloud on the comptuer only tonight. And as I sit here at 3:35am when I have to be at work at 8:00am, you know I'm a dedicated author who wanted to pump out another chapter for my few and dwindling fans. When will I get out another chapter? God only knows... sigh... This chapter is dedicated to my 'brother' Fred. I was wishing and praying that she'd be on tonight, but no luck-- she starts school tomorrow-- Good luck with that bro! Anyways, yes, this is a nice,loooooooooong chapter. I hope you enjoy it, and I really, really hope you review it, because though I cannot go on the computer here at home, I can check my reviews at work, and it makes my dim days that much brighter to read a review. Gezzzz, even my A/N are longer... read and review!
--------
"If you would listen for one minute Potter--" Snape glared.
"Why should I!" Harry yelled.
"Because Albus Dumbledore is alive as you or I," Snape's voice was quiet now.
Harry's face drained of all colour, and he felt his knees go weak. Snape couldn't have said what he thought he did. So Harry said the first thing that came to his mind to Snape.
"Prove it," his voice was solid.
"You're just as you were when you were a student Potter," Snape's lip curled, "Never could admit when you were wrong."
"Now," Harry shoved his wand deeper into Snape.
Snape sighed impatiently, "Very well. As it seems, Dumbledore will no doubt be very pleased to see you and have much to discuss with you."
Harry's heart leapt into his throat as he heard Snape talk about Dumbledore so casually. Maybe it was true! Maybe he was alive. But still, Harry didn't want to get his hopes up; he remembered Snape as a vicious murderer, and didn't want to let go of that image too quickly. Wordlessly they made their way through the corridors and hallways until they made it to the gargoyle indicating what he remembered as the headmasters office.
"Juice-pops," Snape said.
Sure enough the gargoyle moved aside to reveal the stairs to go up to his office. Harry's heart pounded even harder in his chest as he found that he didn't even have his wand remotely pointed at Snape. Once at the top, Snape knocked on the door.
"Come in," the voice was unmistakably Dumbledore's.
Harry remained bolted to his spot on the top step.
"After you Potter," Snape said, smirking.
Harry shook his head no, and still remained on the top step. He didn't want to look into the office or walk in. In truth, he wanted to run away back to Ginny and his daughter. He wanted to hide in his bedroom, and go to sleep; pretending this was all a dream. It had been so long. So very long since he'd taken steps into this room, and the last time Professor McGonagall had been the headmistress there, and they were talking about Dumbeldore's death. He couldn't go in again.
"Must you insist on always doing things the difficult way?" Snape reached down and grabbed Harry's black suede jacket (at this Harry suddenly realized that he was dressed very differently than the rest of the witches and wizards there in his blue jeans, black long shirt with a white t-shirt overtop and his jacket on).
With much grumbling, Harry found himself reluctantly being pulled through the large door and into the office.
"I was expecting Minerva on this occasion Severus. And Harry," Professor Dumbledore's voice choked slightly as he spoke, and finally looked up from his previously hunched position, "It has been a long time waiting."
Harry could only stare. There he was, just as he remembered, only significantly older looking; Professor Dumbledore. He was grinning widely under his half mood spectacles, and had a look of proudness plastered on his face. Harry's face, on the other hand, reflected that of shock. In all the years since he had previously set foot in Hogwarts, he never expected to see Professor Dumbledore alive again.
"S-Sir?" it was the only word that Harry could think of to say.
"You must not be afraid my dear boy," Dumbledore shook his head, and Harry could swear he saw his eyes glisten, "We have much to discuss," again he had to clear his throat as this time he looked at Snape, who had a very awkward smile on his face, "And you Severus have quite a few people I need to you bring here, and I'm sure you know who."
Silently Snape nodded his head and left swiftly out of the room. Harry continued to stand stiffly by the door, still afraid to move.
"Let me start first," Dumbledore continued to hold the magical aura of powerfulness that Harry had so long admired, "That I am not dead. Nor have I yet to have been dead."
"But I saw--?" Harry managed his first partial sentence with his voice many octaves higher as mixed emotions struggled to escape his mouth all at once.
"You saw Peter Pettigrew die that night," Dumbledore explain as he caught Harry glance at his hands-- both normal looking as they had been since his return at the end of the war, "As I see you have noticed, I no longer have a charred, black hand. That was perhaps the hardest thing to cover up as Peter took the polly-juice potion. As I am sure you recall Peter had his real hand taken away as a sacrifice to Voldemort. Though it was replaced with a much more powerful, silver hand, the effect when the potion was taken showed nothing but a fragile, burnt one."
"Polly-juice potion?" Harry's head spun as he struggled to grasp the words being said to him.
"Please," Dumbledore conjured a chair from thin air, "Sit Harry. I have much to discuss with you."
It didn't take long, and fifteen minutes later Dumbledore had filled Harry in on what had happened.
"And you," Dumbledore chuckled, "The boy that lived…can rightfully reclaim your title," Harry smiled, "You must tell me," Dumbledore paused, carefully weighing out his words, "Miss. Weasley… I have my hopes of what happened with her. That perhaps…"
Dumbledore's eyes sparkled and Harry grinned as he spoke, "Mrs. Ginny Potter. I'm guessing Sir, that was what you were hoping."
A smile wider than Harry had ever seen on the old man appeared, "It is indeed Harry! And please, call me Albus."
"Thank you," Harry nodded, "While I'm here… I'd also like to see my son."
"Ahh, yes," Dumbledore nodded, "James. The moment I met him I knew he was you son. Right down to the hair, he is a splitting image of both yourself and your father. Except for the eyes."
"They're Ginny's," Harry filled in, only slightly taken aback by the fact that Dumbledore knew that James was his son, "We also have a daughter, Mary, who is two. She looks just like Ginny with the bright red hair."
"How wonderful," Dumbledore spoke.
"Sir… err-- Albus," Harry spoke, "How many people know. I mean, know that James is my son?"
"I am fairly certain that both Minerva and Severus highly suspect so," Dumbledore explain, "They both came to me expressing their concerns, and I convinced them to ignore the different signs," Dumbledore smiled, "Including the sporadic incidents in which he would write 'James Potter' on his paper work."
Harry couldn't help but laugh.
"There is much more concerning news which I wish to discuss with you," Dumbledore said, "But I don't feel this is the time to go into detail about it as in a few short moments this room is going to be filled with far more people than it is intended for."
"What is it about?" Harry asked, a cold feeling filling the pit of his stomach.
"Your son," Dumbledore's voice lowered, "James. Is in the Slytherin house."
"What!" Harry cried out.
"Do not be so hasty to concern yourself with this," Dumbledore raised a hand, "I shall explain it all later at a more appropriate time. Trust me when I say Harry; it is a far better thing than you know that he is there."
Swallowing hard, Harry took a deep breath and nodded, "Ok."
At that moment, a knock came at the door.
"Come in," Dumbledore said, his smile wide.
The door opened, and a flood of people came in. Harry stood to the side, and watched. There was two young girls who appeared to be twins with thick, reddish brown hair, a boy who, with a thud, reminded Harry of Ron when they were younger, another girl, older than the others, who looked like Ginny had when they were all in Hogwarts. Then there was Professor McGonagall, Snape, and finally Harry's own son, James.
"Is it true!" the first frantic question came out of Professor McGonagall's mouth as she looked around the office, "Is he alive?"
"Yes," Harry's couldn't help but answer the question.
"Oh good gracious!" McGonagall's hands had flown up to her mouth as she stared wide-eyed at Harry.
"Who is that?" Journey asked curiously.
"I think I know who," Emily whispered.
Lexi pushed through, "It is! It's--"
"Dad!" James pounded through the crowd of people, and wrapped his arms around Harry's waist.
Harry bent down to James' level, and, for a moment, forgot that there was anybody else in the room as he hugged his son which he hadn't seen in far too long.
"Dad!" James, it seemed, didn't want to let go, "Why are you here! You said- you said that you didn't want anyone to know! But- but they d-do now, and--!"
"Shh," Harry couldn't help but laugh a little, "It's ok James. Just calm down. It's ok."
James took a deep quivering breath and looked his Dad in the eyes, "I missed you Dad."
"I missed you too," Harry felt a lump forming in his throat as he became vaguely aware of the hysterical shouts and talking around him, "Everything is going to be ok, though. I promise I won't leave you again for this long."
"Promise?" James whispered.
"I promise," Harry hugged James again, and stood to his feet.
"That is Harry!" Emily screeched, "I knew it! I knew James was related to him! I figured it out when I saw him scribble 'JP' on a paper in class. And he looks just like the pictures that Mum used to show me of Harry."
Lexi shook her head, "This is so amazing," she looked at Dumbledore, "What's going on Professor?"
Suddenly six chairs managed to appear and cram into the small office.
"Sit, everyone please," Dumbledore said and then turned his attention to Snape who continued to stand by the door, "I see there are two people missing Severus?"
"Yes," Snape gave a sigh, "I'll try to find them."
Harry remained standing, as awkwardly Professor McGonagall, James, Lexi, Charlie, Journey and Emily all sat down.
"First thing," Dumbledore moved beside Harry, "I do believe introductions are to be called for," he turned his attention to McGonagall who now had a handkerchief in her hand and was dabbing at her eyes while sniffling loudly, "I do not believe there is any introduction needed with Professor McGonagall."
"Hello Professor," Harry forced a straight face at the usually straight-laced teacher.
"And now," Dumbledore looked back at Harry, "I'll introduce you to some students who I am sure you will get to know very well. First we have Lexi who is Bill and Alexandria Weasley's daughter who is currently in her fourth year here," Lexi smiled sweetly, "And then next we have Charlie, who is in his second year, along with Journey and Emily," the three raised their hands respectively, "who are just in their first year," Dumbledore's eyes then sparkled as he looked at Harry briefly before continuing, "They are the children of ones Ronald Weasley and the former Hermione Granger."
Harry took a step back, his eyes wide, "Oh my God."
"Are you alright?" Dumbledore glanced a concerned look at Harry, who had clutched onto the desk to support himself.
"Y-Yeah," Harry nodded.
McGonagall cleared her throat as the authority rung out, "Lexi, Charlie, Journey, Emily and James. Please go to my office and wait there. And keep this to yourselves please."
A chorus of 'Yes Professor' and 'Yes Ma'am' echoed in the room as the five students left.
"Thank you Minerva," Dumbledore smiled.
McGonagall nodded numbly.
"I thought you said they suspected I was alive," Harry said, still taken aback at McGonagall's still shaken appearance.
"Suspicions are funny that way," Dumbeldore's eyes sparkled mischievously, "Sometimes they are right, and sometimes," he raised his eyebrows, "They are wrong."
"Right," Harry nodded, with a smile.
"It's wonderful to see you again Harry," McGonagall spoke, "There's so much we have to discuss with you."
"And I you," Harry said, taking a seat in one of the now many empty chairs, "But first," he looked at Dumbledore, "I want to know about James and why he's in Slytherin."
"In due time Harry, in due time," Dumbledore spoke, taking a spot behind his desk, "If my suspicions are correct, both Hermione and Ron will be here in a few short minutes."
"They're here in the castle?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Dumbledore nodded, "With concerns for their own child as it seems."
"Who?" Harry pondered curiously.
"Journey," Dumbledore explain, "She, too, was placed in Slytherin this year, while all three other Weasley's were placed in Gryffindor."
"Ok," Harry keep it at that, knowing that he'd get all the answers he'd want in due time.
Suddenly, and without warning, the door flew open.
"She's missing!" Hermione came running into Professor Dumbledore's office, "Emily is missing!"
Only then did she notice that Harry was sitting infront of a beaming Dumbledore. Harry was immediately to his feet, his breath catching in his throat at the sight of the friend which he hadn't seen in over ten years. There was a loud screech let out, and next thing Harry knew Hermione was smothering him. She was screaming out something, but he couldn't hear the words and he guessed that neither Dumbledore nor McGonagall could either as immediately McGonagall was at her side.
"Mrs. Weasley, calm down please," McGonagall's arms pulled Hermione away from Harry, and he felt another whoosh in both his stomach and his head at the sound of Hermione being called Mrs anything, let alone Weasley.
Hermione was shaking violently in McGonagall's arms, and Harry became worried that either her or Dumbledore might do something magically to her to calm her down. Suddenly he was glad that none of the kids were there.
"Hermione I ask that you calm down," Dumbledore spoke smooth and calmly, "Emily is fine. She is in Minerva's classroom at this moment along with the rest of the Weasley's and James. If you calm down, I am sure Harry will do his best to comfort you further on any questions you have."
Harry was reminded of James as Hermione stood there quivering as she took deep breaths, McGonagall having let go, and backed up.
She stared at Harry for a moment before bursting out, "OH HARRY!"
She took one giant step forward and wrapped her arms around him. Harry hugged back tightly, Hermione's still bushy hair collecting the tears that fell from his eyes. As they moved apart, he saw Hermione's face, which was red and wet, but still the same face he remembered.
"Hermione," Harry choked on his words, and said the only thing that came to mind, "… I'm sorry."
Hermione burst into a fresh fit of tears as she cried, "I hate you Harry!" on the contrary to her words, she flung her arms around him again, "You made me think you were dead! How could you!"
"I'm sorry," Harry whispered, still holding onto his friend, "I'm so sorry. I had to."
"I missed you so much," Hermione sobbed, now using Harry to support herself.
"I missed you too," Harry took a deep breath and looked Hermione in the eyes, "All of you."
As if suddenly realizing that there was other people in the room, Hermione feebly wiped away at her tearstained face. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall stood back, grinning at the reunion between the friends.
"So," Harry grinned widely, "Where's that git Ron?"
Hermione laughed, "I don't know. I was too busy trying to find Emily to see if she was ok."
"Severus has gone to find him," Dumbledore supplied, "And they should be here at any time."
As if, again, on cue, a knock came at the door, and Harry wondered briefly how he always seemed to know when someone was coming.
"Come in," Dumbledore called out.
The door opened, and first walked in Severus, who, apparent by his grin, hadn't informed Ron of anything going on.
Sure enough Ron came walking in behind him and spoke without even looking up, "Hermione, what's going on--?"
He looked up, and him and Harry made eye contact. Both stood there staring at each other. No emotions showed on either man's face nor did any sound escape from any of their mouths for nearly a minute. Suddenly pure anger swept across Ron's face and he promptly stormed out of the office.
"Ron, wait!" Harry called running after him.
Harry chased him down the large marble stairs leading out of Dumbledore's office. Without even turning around, he knew that no one was following him. He was glad as he finally caught up with Ron just outside of the guarding gargoyle. Though they had barely run at all, Ron's face was red.
"Ron, please, listen," Harry found himself begging.
Panting hard, Ron turned towards Harry.
"How could you?" Ron whispered in a threatening voice, "How could you leave for over ten bloody years Harry, and then just come back? Everyone thought you were dead! And worst of all Harry, worst of all, you were like a son to my parents. They lost Charlie, Fleur, Ginny and then you! You did that to my parents Harry!"
"But--" Harry tried to tell Ron that Ginny wasn't dead, but he wouldn't let him.
"But nothing!" Ron shouted loudly, "Do you know what you put us though!"
"No," Harry finally sighed, knowing he'd get no other words in.
"Hell, that's what?" Ron's ears had now turned red, "Pure blood hell," his voice suddenly dropped as he continued, "You were my best friend Harry. You have no idea what it's like to loose a best friend."
"Want to bet!" Harry couldn't help but yell back fiercely, "You were my best friend! Or did you not realize through your thick head that it works two ways? I lost you as well. I had no idea until tonight that you were alive Ronald, just as you had no idea that I was."
"But you could have come and told us," Ron fumed.
"Only if I wanted you all dead!" Harry retorted, and he noticed a few students staring curiously at them, and dropped his voice, "Lets go outside."
Wordlessly the two walked outside of the large castle into the cool, crisp night air. Once out there, Harry didn't see the need for yelling, and obviously Ron didn't as he continued in a much calmer voice.
"We had just thought the war was over," he said in almost a dazed state as he remembered, "Then we were told. Both you and Ginny were missing and presumed dead. We were just starting to get over Charlie, and then that. Mum hasn't been the same since, and Dad's always at work, trying to forget about everything. Our family changed because of you," he gave Harry a glare, "And not for the better."
"I'm sorry!" Harry burst out, and he felt tears burn the inside of his eyes, "I'm sorry alright! If I came out of hiding, Voldemort would have killed you! He would have killed everyone I cared for and loved if he knew that I was alive! And I did care about you!" Harry paused, and didn't care as he felt the tears come down his face, "I do care about you."
Ron stood there shifting uncomfortably, a lump in his throat preventing any words coming out as he stared at the ground.
"I know your family has done good," Harry added feebly, "You now have the super genius Hermione in it, and you guys have some brilliant kids."
Ron smiled and spoke through a rough, hoarse voice, "They are great kids."
Harry waited a moment before speaking again, "I really did miss you Ron. I'm really sorry I couldn't talk to you until now."
Ron nodded, and Harry saw him swallow hard, "I missed you too Harry."
Ron mumbled a swear under his breath, and Harry laughed.
"Feeling any better?" Harry asked.
Ron nodded, "Yeah." he walked over and gave Harry a hug, "It's good to see you again mate."
"It's good to see you again too," Harry returned the hug, "Now," he smiled, "I have something to tell you, but you have to make me a promise."
Ron scrunched up his eye brows, "What?"
"You have to promise two things," Harry explained, "One is that you won't be a bloody git, and punch me, and two is that you won't… well-- go mad on me."
"What is it?" Ron's voice dropped dramatically, as he wracked his brain as to what Harry was going to say.
Harry smiled, "Well… Ginny says hi."
Ron stood there, and Harry could literally see the colour drain from Ron's face. His knees buckled, and Harry had to move swiftly to catch him before he fell.
"Easy Ron," Harry said.
"G-Ginny?" Ron sputtered the words, "Is alive!"
Harry nodded, "Yeah."
Ron stood up on his own suddenly, "Why the hell didn't you tell me?"
"Oh don't start that!" Harry yelled, and gave a half laugh, "I tried, but you were busy going on about me."
Ron took a deep breath, and Harry could see the moonlight reflect off his now very wet face.
"Is she ok?" Ron wanted to know.
"Alright," Harry smiled, "This is the part where I don't want you to sock me in the face. We're-- well, we're married."
Ron's eyes grew wider than Harry had ever seen them, and he couldn't help but laugh.
"Don't laugh!" Ron burst out.
"I can't help it," Harry choked out between sputtering hic-coughs, "You looked just like you did back in second year when you saw Aragog for the first time!"
Ron smiled, "I recon I do," he paused a moment, "Wait a minute! That James kid! He's your guys' kid, isn't he?"
Harry nodded, "Yeah."
"Oh, I knew it!" Harry was thankful that Ron seemed to have forgotten about the fact that it was his sister they were talking about, "Emily told me that there was a boy that looked like you."
"Yeah," Harry nodded, "And we have a little girl at home; Mary."
"Wow," Ron whispered, and ran his hand through his still vibrantly red hair, "Can I see them? Ginny and Mary? Where are they? Are they ok?"
"They're fine," Harry nodded, "And yeah, you guys can all see her. Ginny really wants to see you all. But she wants me to be with you because she doesn't want any danger for you all."
"Alright," Ron nodded eagerly, "Lets go! I want to see her tonight!"
Harry laughed, "Probably tomorrow Ron. We still have to talk to Dumbledore, and I'm sure Molly and Arthur and everyone else will want to see Ginny too."
"Right," Ron frowned, "Let's go see Dumbledore."
Together the two headed back into the castle. Grinning widely they walked into Dumbledore's office, this time without even knocking. Inside was just Dumbledore and Hermione.
"Oh Ron!" Hermione cried out running up to him and hugging her husband, "Did you hear! Ginny is alive!"
"I know!" Ron grinned widely, "Harry told me."
Hermione then turned to Harry and gave him a large hug.
"I'm so happy for you guys!" she cried out, "You have to take me to see Ginny and the baby!"
"I will," Harry nodded.
"But first," Dumbledore spoke up from behind his desk, "We have much to discuss," he conjured three chairs infront of his desk, "Please sit."
The three reunited friends sat infront of the headmaster and prepared themselves for what he was going to say.
--------
A/N: I hope you liked it! If yes... why? If no... why? If you don't know... why are you reading it. No, kidding, kidding. Read and review please, and here's a snippit of next chapter...
"You all know what you have to do," Dumbledore spoke.
"Yeah," Ron nodded, "We'll get to work after we visit Ginny and Mum and Dad."
"No!" Harry suddenly screamed out in pain as his scar burnt worse than he could ever remember.
Wanna see that? You know what to do... review!