A/N:Ok, well I thought this was a smaller chapter, but looking at it I realize it really isn't. I cut it short from where I was originally was going to go with it. The end of this chapter was done completely spure of the moment-- it surprised me even, and hell, I'm writing it! Ok, so please review.
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"I'd like to start," Dumbledore's smile seemed to light up the room, "By saying how pleased I am that all three of you are together in this room. It has been a long time, and I had hoped that when this point in time came we would all be together again. I trust, you all wish to help in these inevitable events that are to come."
"Of course," Hermione nodded eagerly.
"Yeah," Ron agreed.
Ron, Harry and Dumbledore looked over at Harry.
Harry thought for only a fraction of a second before responding, "Yes."
"Excellent," Dumbledore let out a large breath, "I am afraid, that Voldemort is still alive, and, as before, quickly gaining power."
"Oh no," Hermione covered her mouth with one hand.
Ron squeezed his eyes shut and inhaled quickly at the name of Voldemort.
"How did you know?" Harry, obviously wasn't surprised by this news, but, contrarily, was pleased that he didn't have to tell Dumbledore.
"My dear boy," Dumbledore smiled and spoke oddly softly, "I have known since the fateful day that yourself and Ginny went missing that not only was Voldemort not killed, but that yourself and Ginny were also alive."
"How?" all three people sitting infront of him asked.
"That," Dumbledore's glance went towards Harry, "Can be saved for another time. We have more important matters to discuss. As I was saying, Voldemort is gaining power again, after the powerful attacks made on him many years ago, and the wipe-out of nearly all of his death eaters."
"What is it that actually happened to him?" Hermione asked.
"Harry?" Dumbledore looked over at Harry.
"Err-" Harry stumbled with the sudden question, "Well… alright. I had found where Voldemort was hiding," he looked at Hermione, "You were right; it was at the old Riddle mansion in Hangleton. I-I went there to confront him, because I didn't want anybody else to die. I didn't know that Ginny had followed," he looked at Ron, whose eyes were wide as he listened, "I swear I didn't. Not until I got there. A group of Death Eaters had captured us before we even made it in, and took us to Voldemort. He was weak. With all of his Horcruxes gone except for me, he was almost nothing. He tried to make me kill Ginny," Hermione let out a sob at this as Ron ran his hand through his red hair; Dumbledore continued to listen intently, "I refused to, and he explained that if I did, I could make a Horcruxes and then live on forever. Again I refused to, and he ordered the Death Eaters to kill Ginny so he could use her to split the last of his dwindling soul so that it would be safe to finally kill me. He-he said that he would kill everyone I loved and cared for if I tried to stop them from killing me or Ginny."
"What happened then!" Ron asked panicked at Harry's pause.
"I suppose I have Snape to thank here," Harry murmured.
"Why?" Hermione asked.
"If I am correct," Dumbledore spoke up, "The book came in handy again?"
Harry nodded, "Before I left Hogwarts in sixth year, I grabbed the book back from the room of requirements. In it was a spell that was in amongst the chapter about confusion spells, and amnesia spells. It was simple, with the single word of 'Kezio', so I figured it wasn't very powerful. But as Voldemort's Death Eaters moved in on Ginny, it was the only spell I could think of. I yelled it, and everything stopped. I don't know what happened."
"The only spell in the wizarding world to be able to stop time," Dumbledore beamed brightly, "How I remember when Severus discovered that spell when he was in his sixth year. If I recall right, he used it just as James was kissing Lilly. He moved Lilly out of the way, and replaced her with a rather large bull frog. Quite a ruckus was made that involved more than one person in the hospital wing that evening."
Hermione giggled.
"All I knew was that I had a chance to leave," Harry continued, "So I grabbed Ginny and left. We fled as far away as we could, and hid. I guess Voldemort assumed that I was dead because he didn't find us, and we heard of nothing about anyone else I knew being killed. In fact, the exact opposite happened as we read that the war was over; Voldemort missing. Ginny and I had to make a hard choice. We were scared that if we came out of hiding Voldemort would find out we were still alive and kill everyone we knew."
"Oh Harry, that must have been so hard," tears trickled down Hermione's face.
"Sorry for yelling at you earlier mate," Ron whispered.
Harry shook his head, "It's ok. Ginny and I moved to a small town just outside of London, got married and lived as muggles. It wasn't until James was getting older and started doing magical things that we realized that it would be hard to stay hidden forever. And we didn't want to be hidden forever."
"Quite understandable," Dumbledore nodded, "James is a remarkable boy. As are your children Ron and Hermione."
"Yes," Hermione sat up more, "You were going to explain to us also about why both Journey and James are in Slytherin."
"And I shall," Dumbledore stood up and slowly paced the room, "If I am correct Harry, you are aware that Hagrid took James to get his school supplies?" Harry nodded, "Young James went into Olivander's Shop, and was chosen by a wand. A very special wand in fact as in it is a single hair from Voldemort's head. He made it into a Horcruxes and cast a spell onto it so that only a Potter boy would be chosen by it; your son to be specific. Because though, I'm guessing, all signs pointed to the sign that yourself and Ginny had been killed, he speculated otherwise. James was destined to be a powerful wizard, and with a wand that could be controlled and empowered by Voldemort the possibilities were endless. And in fact, James has already shown some unbelievably powerful spells. Though he does not realize I know, much of the evenings he spends out on the grounds practicing the dark mark with Journey and Crystal. I have intentionally left the front gates open so as they may do this."
"What!" Harry jumped up outraged, "Why the bloody hell would you let him do that!"
"Harry, please," Dumbledore smiled, and momentarily paused by some bubbling containers, "I preferred him to do it outside so as to not practice it inside where it would have no doubt caused great alarm in many students."
"But why let him do it at all?" Harry asked.
"Because he needed to learn how to do it," Dumbledore explained, "For only his wand, with the Horcruxes embedded in it is able to perform the mark to actually call Voldemort. And correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it is better that we have the upper hand in knowing when and where he will appear."
Harry nodded, significantly more calmly as he sat back down, "Ok."
"Last night he was to perform a large version of it as, if I am not mistaken to let Voldemort know that everything was clear inside the castle," Dumbledore continued, "But it was not, so I interrupted them. They have three more chances this year, on January 31st and May 31st. Fore it can only be done on a full moon of the last day of the month to be able to be powerful enough. Which gives me reason to believe that Voldemort is hiding some distance away."
"Alright," Ron spoke up now, "I understand how James is involved but what about Journey?"
"Ahh yes, young Journey," Dumbledore sat back down in his chair, "She has to be one of the brightest students to grace our school. Again her purpose for being in Slytherin is placed primarily in her wand. For I myself created her wand… or at least what lies within it. A Phoenix feather from none other than Fawks here. Which," he looked at Harry, a shimmer in eye, "is the same Phoenix who created both yours and Voldemort's wands. Before the dark mark can be formed to hail Voldemort, the wand which is being used to do it must be charged. A powerful connection must be present between the two wands, and none other is as strong as James and Journey's wands. Except, perhaps Voldemort's and Harry's."
Suddenly something occurred to Hermione, and she looked at Dumbledore, "Who's Crystal?"
"Crystal Black," Dumbledore stated, "The daughter of Regalus Black. Her mother was a Death Eater, and taught her daughter much of what she, in turn, is teaching James and Journey. There is no doubt in my mind that Crystal fantasizes often about one day herself becoming a Death Eater. She was very eager last night get the dark mark up into the sky, and when she saw Professors' Snape and McGonagall coming, tried to create it herself with James' wand."
"What happened?" Ron asked.
"She is currently at St. Mongo's right now," Dumbledore said, "The spell for the dark mark is a very powerful one, and doesn't come without dangerous backfires and jinxes as Crystal found when much of the bottom half of her body was completely severed off."
There was a long pause as all of the information sunk thickly into Hermione, Ron and Harry.
"So," Harry finally spoke up, "What is it that you need us to do?"
"I am glad you asked," Dumbledore smiled, "Harry, I need you help me try and figure out where Voldemort is currently residing in. Do not fear him finding out that you are already alive, fore I am fairly certain that he is already aware of that fact," Harry nodded, "Ron, I would greatly appreciate it if you would be able to help with Hagrid. As before I have an important mission I need him to take on, and I need a powerful Auror," Harry's heart lurched in excitement as he realized that Ron had become an Auror, "And lastly Hermione. Your presence would be most graciously welcome right here in the school."
"Alright," Hermione nodded.
"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.
"Harry, what is it!" Hermione cried jumping up.
"N-Nothing," Harry muttered, "Come on. Lets go find the kids and head out to see Ginny. We can go down to the burrow tomorrow morning," Harry turned his attention to Dumbledore, "Is it alright if James, Journey, Emily, Charlie and Lexi miss a couple of days of school?"
"Of course," Dumbledore nodded, "Take as much time as you need."
"Thank you Albus," Hermione stood up and shook his hand.
"Thank you," Ron too, smiled and shook Dumbledore's hand and headed out the door.
"Harry," Dumbledore said just as Hermione exited.
"Yes?" Harry looked at the old wizard.
"How long has it been getting this bad?" Dumbledore asked.
"Has what been getting this bad?" Harry asked innocently.
Dumbledore smiled at Harry's feeble lie, "Your scar Harry."
"Right," Harry glanced down at his sneakers, "About a month or two now."
Dumbledore sighed and nodded, "Yes. I suspected so. He knows Harry. He knows."
"Knows what, Sir?" Harry asked.
Dumbledore smiled and stood to his feet, "We'll talk later Harry. Go. Have a wonderful time. I am sure Molly and Arthur will love very much to see you again."
"Thank you Sir," Harry forced a smile on his face and left the office.
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Harry gave all the credit he could to James, Journey, Emily, Charlie and Lexi. After they were all together, Ron, Hermione and Harry gave them a choice; to wait until morning to head out towards Harry's place, or to go that night; at well past midnight. Eagerly they agreed to go that night. The trip was long, as Emily saddled up with Hermione on her broom, Journey on Ron's, and Charlie and Lexi flew their own. Harry lead the way, and when he swooped down to his yard, the sun was visible off in the horizon.
"You look tired," Hermione stated looking at Harry.
Harry laughed, "I am."
All the kids had managed to stay awake for the whole trip-- primarily because they were excited by everything that was happening.
"Is this your house Uncle Harry?" Lexi asked, her eyes wide staring at the house's outside.
"Yeah," Harry looked at everyone, "Ginny and Mary are at Susan's right now. So I'll take you to the spare bedroom to sleep for the rest of the night."
This comment was directed more towards the kids than to Hermione and Ron. Once inside they were all too tired to awe over all of the different 'muggle toys'. James went to his room, taking Emily and Journey with him to sleep on the lower half of his bunk bed. Lexi slept in Mary's small room, cramming herself onto the tiny, single sized bed with the Barbie blanket while Charlie went into the spare bedroom.
"I'm not going to sleep," Hermione stated with a smile on her face, "I'm too excited!"
"Me too," Ron agreed as they all sat at the cooking island in the kitchen, "Err-- Harry?"
Harry looked over at his friend, "Yeah?"
Ron's eyes pleaded into Harry's as he spoke, "Can we go now please? I really want to see Ginny."
Harry grinned, and looked at his watch, "It's about four in the morning. I recon Mary's already woken her up at least once, so she may be awake. But what about the kids here. I don't want them to be alone."
"I'll stay," Hermione offered.
Ron jumped up and kissed Hermione, "Thank you!"
"No problem," Hermione said as Ron ran out the door, Harry at his heels.
It was about halfway around the house that Ron stopped and looked at Harry, "Where is Susan's"
Harry grinned, "Two doors down."
The two walked the two doors, and Ron felt his heart pound harder as he did so; excitement that he'd be able to see Ginny after so long racing through his mind. After seemingly much longer than it truly was, they reached the door. Harry paused.
"What is it?" Ron said eager, "Just knock."
"I-I can't," Harry frowned, "What if Susan is sleeping? She has a two year old daughter as well; I don't want to wake her."
"Oh bloody hell Harry," Ron rolled his eyes, "You may care about that, but I don't."
He pounded on the door.
Harry laughed, "In the muggle world Ron, there's a brilliant thing called a ringer."
Gingerly, he pressed down the small button by the large red door, and they could hear the ringing within the brick house. A few moments later a light came on, and the door slowly opened. In the doorway stood a lady in a night dress with small pink flowers on it. Her brown hair was pulled in curlers and her blurry eyes looked at Harry behind her glasses.
"Harry," she said thickly.
"Susan," Harry beamed, "I'm sorry to wake you so early in the morning."
"No, no, that's alright," Susan shook her head, "Come in."
Harry and Ron stepped into the entrance to the house.
"Is Ginny awake?" Harry asked.
"Yes she is," Susan smiled, "She's in the bathroom right now with Mary. Poor girl had an accident in her bed."
Harry smiled, "Sorry about that."
"No worries, no worries," Susan laughed, "My little Olivia has her share of accidents as well. It's a part of growing up."
Ron's mind wandered to his children and their potty training days. That thought, however, was interrupted by a voice echoing from the bathroom.
"Who is it Susan?" it was Ginny.
"Oh, it's only Harry," Susan called back, "And--" she glanced at Ron, "Another gentleman."
"Harry!" Harry had to stifle a laugh as almost immediately Ginny came running out of the bathroom, a naked Mary clutched in her arms.
As soon as Ginny saw both Harry and Ron standing there she froze.
"Ginny," Susan said, "You know who this other man is?"
Ron grinned widely.
"M-My brother," Ginny whispered.
She placed Mary down who squealed and ran into Harry's arms.
"Ginny?" Ron spoke quietly as if though she was standing there he didn't believe it, and Harry realized that he knew exactly how that felt.
"Ron!" Ginny burst out and ran to her big brother, arms wide open.
"Ginny, it's really you!" Ron stated stupidly as he held onto her tightly.
Ginny sunk her face into his strong arms and sobbed uncontrollably. Harry had to force himself not to go over to his wife to comfort her, knowing that it was between the siblings.
"Shh, Ginny, it's ok," Ron rubbed her back comfortingly, "I promise everything will be ok. I won't let anything happen to you."
"I missed you so much," Ginny whispered.
"I missed you too," Ron kissed the top of her head, "I love you Ginny."
"I love you too Ron," Ginny moved back and wiped the tears from her face, "I'm so sorry for everything."
Ron shook his head, "Don't be sorry, it wasn't your fault."
Susan stood there, sniffling. Harry beamed, with Mary in his arms.
"Feel special Ginny," he said, "When I first saw Ron, he wanted to kill me I think."
"It's true," Ron nodded, and Ginny laughed.
Ginny took a deep breath, "Where is everyone else?"
"At the house," Harry said, "They were really tired."
Ginny nodded, "Alright. Whose watching them?"
Ron grinned widely at this and spoke before Harry could, "My wife."
Ginny stood stunned watching Ron, "What was that?"
"My wife," Ron spoke simply, like this was a common fact to everybody in the room.
Harry laughed, "Ron you bloody git, you spend two minutes with her, and you're already going to make her mad."
"I know," Ron laughed, "But she missed that about me."
"Hardly," Ginny frowned, "Now what's this about a wife."
"And kids," Harry put in, "If you're going to get cross with him, it mine as well be at once Dear."
"Kids!" Ginny took a giant leap back, "You're not aloud to have kids. You couldn't even keep that hamster alive when you were little."
Ron laughed, "Well I've managed to keep three kids alive."
Ginny shook her head, "Whose your wife Ronald. If you don't tell me, I'll-- I'll---"
"Tell Mum and Dad?" Ron suggested, "I'm sure that would go brilliant. 'Mum, Dad, I'm back; but before you have your heart attacks, Ron is being mean.'."
Harry couldn't help it; he laughed, causing an evil glare to be shot at him by Ginny.
"It's Hermione," Ron finally gave in.
"Oh my God!" Ginny shrieked, "I knew it! I knew you two would get together!"
"You… did?" Ron asked.
"Yes," Ginny eagerly nodded, "Ever since you guys were in sixth year, and you went mad because Hermione wouldn't talk to you!"
Harry noticed then that Susan was still staring at them.
"Err-- guys," he said hesitantly, "Why don't we go back home. Let Susan get some sleep."
"Alright," Ginny nodded, "Just let me grab my stuff. Can you get Mary dressed for me?"
"Sure," Harry nodded.
Ginny ran into one of the rooms down the hall and threw out a duffle bag. Inside was clean cloths for Mary.
"So," Ron bent down with Harry to the young girl's level, "You're Mary?"
Mary sucked on two of her fingers and hid her face into Harry's shoulder as he attempted to put some underwear on her.
"Mary say hi," Harry said as he rummaged through the bag.
"Hi," Mary's voice was quiet.
"I'm your Uncle Ron," Ron spoke pleasantly, and felt a shiver run up his spine at the word 'Uncle'.
For about five minutes Ron tried to persuade Mary out of words other than 'Yes', 'No' and 'Hi'. Meanwhile Harry had managed to put on a purple jumper and a jean skirt on the wiggling two year old. Ginny came out just as he finished.
"Ok, lets go," Harry said.
"Honestly Harry," Ginny rolled her eyes, "We've had two kids, and you don't even know how to dress them fully."
Ginny bent down and put on some white leggings, socks and shoes. Ron grinned widely, and the four walked out the door with a quick 'thank you' to Susan. The air was still cool, and Harry held onto his daughter close to try and keep her warm for the walk to their place. Once at it, Harry, Ron and Ginny walked in. Everything was quiet, and Harry's heart quicken a little.
"Hello?" he said quietly.
No answer.
"Hermione?" Ron spoke in a slightly more normal voice.
"Ginny, hold onto Mary," Harry spoke, handing the small girl into her arms.
"Hermione!" Ron was now shouting as he began racing around the house, turning on lights, "Emily! Journey! Charlie!"
"James! Lexi!" Harry joined Ron in the frantic rush around the house for everyone.
He found no one. Racing to the living room, he met Ginny and Ron, who were both ghastly white and staring into the centre of the room. It took Harry only a split second before he realized why. There, in the middle of the living room, glowing an ominous green was the dark mark. Voldemort was back.
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A/N:I suppose I should say one thing right now; there's only going to be two more chapters to this story. Only two. It's getting outrageously long; I've never written one whole story this long before! Again, for your sake and mine, here's a glymps of the next chapter:
"What have you done to her?" Harry screamed out viciously.
"My, my Harry," Voldemort sneered, "Even you should have figured it out by now. I wanted seven Horcruxes," his eyes seemed to glow red, "And I always get what I want."
Want to see that, and quite seeing me beg you for reviews? You know what to do.