A/N: Ok, ok, this is the last chapter... I know a sad occassion. But hot dang this is a long chapter--- it was a full 25 pages in print; over twice the size of recent chapters. Anyways, this chapter cleans up a lot of loose ends, and has one hell of an ending. That's all I'm going to say. If you want to know the rest, pull up a comfy chair and read on...
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With a gasp Harry looked around. He felt weird, like his body had been frozen. Beside him was Dumbledore.
"Harry," he spoke urgently, "Go. You must hurry, and go."
"What about Ron?" Harry asked, his eyes still wide.
"Do not worry about him," Dumbledore said, "This spell lasts but only fifteen seconds. You must hurry. What you are looking for… is in your trunk… GO!"
Harry had barely gotten out of the room before he heard the outraged roar of 'Potter!'. Never before had Harry run so fast. He knew exactly where he had to go to; his Aunt and Uncle's house. Fore that was where his trunk was; hidden in his old bedroom in the depth of his closet.
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"Oh no!" Vernon roared as Ginny stood just inside the doorway holding onto a still crying Mary, "We are not taking you in! It was bad enough we had to take care of your ruddy son."
"Mr. Dursley, please," Ginny begged, tears splashing down her face as she spoke, "Something terrible is happening, and this is the only place that I can stay and be safe."
"Something bad is always happening with- with… you people!" Vernon's face was turning purple as he shouted.
"Mummmmmyyyy!" Mary wailed, clinging onto Ginny.
"Vernon?" Petunia came down the stairs, blurry eyed, "Vernon, what's going on?"
Vernon swung his massive head towards his wife, "Potter's wife has gone and gotten herself into trouble, and is expecting us to help her."
Petunia's horse face stared at Ginny, who stood there solemnly, silent tears falling down her face.
"Please," she begged, "I don't know what's going to happen, and James is missing. He-he took him I think."
Petunia's eyes narrowed as she reluctantly huffed at Vernon, "She stays."
"But--" Vernon started.
"She stays," Petunia stated firmly before looking back at Ginny, who, despite herself had a smile on her face, "You will stay in the bedroom at all times, and are not to come out. Understood?"
"Yes," Ginny nodded, "Thank you."
Ginny wasted no time rushing up the stairs and into the bedroom. It was small to say the least and the bed and dresser barely fit together in it. Turning on the light, Ginny placed Mary on the bed.
"Hey Baby," she cooed, "Everything is going to be ok, I promise."
Mary took big sniffling breaths, "Daddy?"
"Daddy will be back," Ginny forced on a smile, "He just went to go and find James."
"Nooo," Mary moaned and started to cry some more.
"What's wrong?" Ginny asked, "Daddy has to find James. Then we'll all be ok. I promise."
"No!" Mary grabbed a pillow and threw it off the bed in sudden anger, "No James! James bad!"
"Mary!" Ginny felt new tears come to her eyes, "Don't say that! James is not bad."
Instead of replying Mary sat on the bed, her small arms folded in front of her, pouting while still sniffling. Ginny sat beside her, and hummed a lullaby not only to try and put Mary to sleep, but to try and calm herself. How had everything gotten so bad so quickly? Just a year ago, they were a happy family. James was in grade five, making many friends, and proudly showing off his baby sister. Harry had a job at a bakery, while Ginny took James to soccer practice and Mary to 'Mummy-Daughter' time at the park. It started, Ginny guessed, when she noticed James showing one of his friends; Nicky how he could make a swung go really high without even touching it. They knew then, that they wouldn't be able to hide from the magic world anymore.
"Oh Mary," Ginny whispered, closing her eyes, "Why did any of this have to happen? All I want is to be happy. For us to be happy."
Mary snored softly from the bed, and Ginny smiled sadly down at her. Suddenly she heard a door slam downstairs and jumped to her feet.
"No," her breath came in a gasp, "No, he can't get us here…"
Her heart in her throat, Ginny stared at the door as she heard someone running up the stairs. The door opened before she knew what to do, and Harry bolted in.
"Harry!" she squeaked out in fear of waking up Mary, "Oh Harry!"
Harry took a giant leap across the room and gave her a quick hug, "I-I have to be quick."
"Why?" Ginny demanded, "What's going on?"
"I can't say," Harry immediately went to his closet, "I'm sorry."
"You're daughter was up here crying saying that James was a 'bad', and getting upset because you were trying to find, him, and you're just 'sorry'?" anger pulsed through Ginny's voice, "I deserve and explanation of what the hell is going on!"
"A lot more than what is if you don't keep your voice down," Harry said turning his attention to her momentarily before going back to his search in the closet, "Ah ha, here it is."
Ginny silently watched as Harry pulled out his large Hogwarts trunk. Brushing off an old pair of trousers, he opened it up. Inside sat some old books, some bags with herbs in it, one of his old cauldrons and then finally at the bottom was what he was looking for. Harry had forgotten that it was there. For so many years it had been sitting deep in the depths of his trunk, and he'd forgotten about it.
"Maybe," he whispered, his heart pounding, "Maybe it will work..."
Carefully he pulled out a small piece of navy blue material.
"Harry…?" Ginny whispered, knowing what it was.
Swallowing hard Harry removed the cloth, leaving only the object itself in his hand; Sirius' mirror. It's clear, smooth surface sparked, as he stared down at the old handle.
"Harry you've tried it before," Ginny's voice was almost sympathetic as she instantly forgot about the harsh words shared between the two moments before, "It doesn't work. It's just an old mirror."
"But…" Harry didn't dare look straight into the mirror yet, so instead looked at his wife, "Dumbledore said that it was something in my trunk."
"There's lots of things in there," Ginny said, looking into the trunk, "Maybe he meant one of your books. That there was something in there to help you."
"No," Harry looked at silver mirror facing the ceiling in his hand, "This is it, I know it."
Taking a deep breath in, he looked at the mirror. At first all he saw was his own reflection, and he felt his heart sink. He was just about to put it down, when the image of himself turned blurry.
"What--?" Harry held the mirror out at arms length, his eyes wide.
He stared at the silver plated glass as slowly the old, familiar image of Sirius appeared.
"S-Sirius…" Harry gasped.
"What?" Ginny cried out, and ran over to look.
"It's Sirius!" Harry cried out.
"Shh," Ginny slapped Harry's shoulder, "Listen!"
"Hello Harry," Sirius smiled within the mirror, "I don't have much time, so I must be quick."
"W-Why?" Harry couldn't believe this was happening, "What happened? What's going on?"
"Harry my boy," Sirius swallowed hard, "I would love nothing more than to discuss everything with you, but that would take up far too much time. Dumbledore would be the one to talk to about that. But for now, I must tell you something Harry. You have to remember."
"Remember what?" Ginny found herself crying out.
"Why can't I talk to you?" Harry demanded, "Will I be able to see you again in this mirror?"
"I'm sorry Harry, you won't," Sirius' voice grew more and more urgent, "Which is precisely why I have to be quick and tell you everything now."
"But---" Harry started.
"Harry, please," Sirius' voice was getting impatient, "You must remember Harry."
"Remember what?" Harry asked.
"A memory," Sirius' spoke, "A very important memory of yours," Sirius' face started to get blurry, "He knows Harry. You must remember. I know you can do it…" Harry could only hear is voice now as it faded away, "Remember Harry…"
Harry's own reflection stared back him now.
"No…" Harry stared at it wide-eyed, "Sirius! Sirius!"
"Harry!" Ginny grabbed his arm, "Calm down!"
"No!" Harry shouted, throwing the old mirror against the wall, and watching it smash into pieces, "I hadn't seem him in so many years, and he wouldn't even talk to me! All he bloody said was to remember a memory!"
Mary woke up on the bed crying loudly, and Ginny could hear Vernon bellowing from downstairs some choice swear words.
"Harry!" Ginny's voice matched that of her husbands, "Calm down…please."
Harry took deep, angry breaths, his eyes wide, and his heart pounding. He could never remember being this mad before in his life. He was angry at Dumbledore for sending him here, he was angry at Sirius for not talking with him, he was angry at Voldemort for living, he was angry at Vernon for shouting at him, and he was angry at Ginny for trying to stop him yelling at loud as he wished. But against all of this, he forced himself to calm down, taking deep breaths, and closing his eyes, thinking of nothing but his memory of his parents talking to him; the same one that aloud him to perform the partrinus for the first time. Soon Vernon stopped shouting, and retreated to his room, Ginny calmed Mary down, and was, herself sitting quietly, and Harry's heart rate returned to s somewhat normal pace.
"Harry?" Ginny's voice was quiet, "Harry… please talk to me."
Harry opened his eyes, and looked at Ginny, who sat on the bed, Mary in her arms.
"I'm sorry," Harry's voice was quiet as he felt his breath scratch his now raw throat, "I'm-- sorry."
Tears brimmed in Ginny's eyes as she placed Mary down on the bed, and walked over to Harry, wrapping her arms gently around him, "Oh Harry, it's ok. You've been through so much, and I can only imagine that this didn't help. But you have to listen to what Sirius said."
Harry took a deep breath and nodded, "I know. But I don't understand. He says I have to remember a memory. That doesn't make sense. I have so many of them-- how do I know which one?"
"Well obviously it's an important one," Ginny reasoned, "And don't forget that Sirius said that 'he knew'."
"But who is 'he'?" Harry questioned, "Dumbledore or Voldemort?"
Ginny shook her head, "I don't know… both?"
Harry sat down on the bed, and Mary crawled up onto his lap. Harry smiled down at her, guilt rushing through him as he realized how much he had just yelled. As he started into his daughters bright hazel eyes, he saw, just for a moment something very unsettling. Her bright eyes hazed over, as if a cloud passed in front of the unblinking eyes. His heart lurched into his throat but just a moment later they were back to normal.
"Harry, what is it?" Ginny asked seeing his shocked look.
"Umm…" Harry looked up, "Nothing Dear. I'm just trying to figure out what it is that I'm supposed to remember."
"Well," Ginny sat down beside him, "It must have been an important memory of yours. Maybe something from when you were younger?"
"No," Harry shook his head, "If it was something from when I was younger, Voldemort would have taken me when he had the chance. And Sirius said that he knew. So… Dumbledore or Voldemort knows."
"I think it's Voldemort," Ginny reasoned, "All of this wouldn't be happening simply because of something that just Dumbledore knew about. It has to be something big that happened since back when Voldemort took us. Do you remember seeing anything or hearing anything important?"
"No," Harry shook his head, and slowly a thought occurred in his mind, "Ginny…?"
"Yeah?" Ginny sat, continuing to think.
"What is the main way that another person knows a persons memory?" Harry asked, his voice hush, looking at Ginny.
Ginny's eyes immediately grew wide, "Oh no Harry… it couldn't be!"
"A pensive!" Harry stood to his feet, placing the now slumbering Mary back onto the bed, her head nestled on the pillow.
"But I thought you had to give those memories willingly," Ginny feebly objected, "And you would know if you had."
Harry rolled his eyes, "Come on Ginny. You know just as well as I do that there are plenty of ways to get people to talk without them willingly doing so."
"But when could they have?" Ginny questioned, "And who was it yet? Was it Dumbledore and Voldemort took it from him, or was it just Voldemort that took it from you?"
Harry sat there, his face staring into nothing as he remembered a time from so long ago…
"Harry," Ginny was young, and her tears fell freely down her face, "Harry what are we going to do! He'll find us Harry!"
"I know," Harry held onto her tightly, himself barely the age of eighteen, "But everything will be ok Ginny I promise you."
"How can you promise me that!" Ginny burst out, on the verge of hysteria, "We just barely escaped being killed be Voldemort. If he find out we're alive, we and everyone we love, is dead."
"The most important thing that I love is right in front of me," Harry spoke softly, "You Ginny."
"Oh Harry," Ginny held onto him tightly, "I love you too. I really do, but I also love my family. I don't want to loose them."
"Neither do I," Harry said, "Which is why I think we should just hide out here. Live with the muggles until it's safe."
Harry looked around to find himself and Ginny in the middle of a small park at well past midnight. They had only barely escaped Voldemort and Harry knew it was because of the spell in his potions book. Tiered and exhausted, Harry went over to a water fountain and gingerly took a drink.
"Will it be safe though?" Ginny questioned.
"Yeah it will be," Harry nodded, as he suddenly felt his stomach churn inside him, "Voldemort will probably think that I'm going to go back to help everyone else, and will be looking for me in the magic world."
"Alright," Ginny took a deep breath to try and calm herself down, and saw, with a start, Harry's face going pale, "Harry! What's wrong?"
"I-I think I'm going to be ill," Harry mumbled out and made a bee-line for the restroom stall that sat centre of the small park.
Barely making it, Harry rushed into the well lit place and proceeded to get sick. His vision blurred as his head swam with the thought of what was going on. With a start, he saw a blurry figure in front of him as he felt like he didn't even have his glasses on.
"S-Sorry," Harry mumbled.
"No," those were the only words spoken of the person in front of him.
Next thing he knew Ginny was shaking him awake on the floor of the bathroom, and they both summed it up to being the flu.
"Ginny," Harry now spoke inside the bedroom in the Dursley's, "I think I know when the person took my memory."
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"So, this is what it's come to has it Tom?" Dumbledore held his wand tight in his hand, pointed at the person infront of him.
"Don't," Voldemort's eyes shone red, "Call me that."
"It's what is comes down to," Dumbledore spoke calmly, "Just young Tom Riddle. This has nothing to do with Voldemort."
"You don't know what this has to do with," for the first time fear shone in Voldemort's voice.
"I got the memory," Dumbledore reminded, "I got it for you, or have you forgotten that one small detail?" Voldemort just stared at Dumbledore as he continued, "I knew Harry was alive from the moment I saw him and Ginny walking through that park, and I also knew what Harry saw. You wouldn't give up Tom. That was something that was apparent from such a young age and I knew without a doubt you would not stop looking for Harry until you found him. Which is why I took that memory from Harry that night and allowed you to find it."
"No," Sparks flew from the end of Voldemort's wand, "I recovered that memory from you without you knowing. It's a true memory!"
"It is," Dumbledore nodded, "It is very much true. Harry did indeed hear what he heard that night, which is why you haven't stopped searching for her since you found the memory seven years ago."
Voldemort opened his mouth, but with a quick flick of the wrist and the mutter of 'stupedo' from Dumbledore, he fell to the ground.
"Such a young boy Tom," Dumbledore looked down at him, sympathy washing through his voice, "You haven't been trying to kill Harry all these years because you were looking for your mother." …
Dumbledore raced into the Hogwarts castle. His heart hammering in his chest with excitement; Harry was alive! Ginny had been with him too, oh what news! And even better, was the small bottle with the silver, wispy thread floating around in it; Harry's memory. Quickly, Dumbledore closed his door to his office and put a simple spell on it so as no one else would be able to come in.
"Now," Dumbledore beamed as he took out the large basin, "To see what young Harry knows."
He poured the silver memory into it and slowly fell into the memory. After a moment he landed with a thunk in a long, white hallway. All around him nurses and doctors rushed back and forth talking as fast clips. But these doctors were different.
"Muggles," Dumbledore said with a smile
He was in a muggle hospital, he realized, as he looked over and saw Harry sitting nervously infront of a door. He walked over, the sight of Harry bringing a large smile to his face.
"Is she ok!" Harry's suddenly asked as a doctor in white walked out of the room Harry was sitting by.
"She will be ok," the doctor nodded reassuringly, "There is just a minor cut on the back of her head, and she has a minor concussion. We want to keep her for just a few more hours to keep an eye on her. She's sleeping right now, so I suggest maybe take a walk."
"O-Ok," Harry nodded, and the doctor put a comforting hand on his shoulder before walking off.
Dumbledore watched with great fascination as Harry walked down the busy hallway, and, to try to avoid lots of people, got into the lift. Harry stared at the numbers on the panel and pressed 'seven'; the top floor. The smooth sound of the lift filled both Harry and Dumbledore's ears as it carried them up. With a small 'ding' the door opened.
"Oh man," Harry groaned as he saw the small sign that read 'Floor Seven: Psychiatric Ward'.
It was too late though as Harry turned around and saw the door of the lift had already closed. Quickly he pressed the button to bring one to take him back down as he felt his face turn red in embarrassment.
"Doctor!" a voice from a nurse called out behind him at the information desk, "Doctor oh please, I need some help with the patient in room 347."
"Which patient is that?" the doctor asked.
"It's the Riddle lady," the nurse replied, "Merope Riddle, she having another one of her fits again!"
"Alright, I'll be right there," the doctor sighed as the nurse ran off down the hall, "I swear," the doctor turned to one of the other nurses that was standing by the counter, "That lady is damn near in her in her eighties, and she still insists on throwing these fits calling out for some 'Voldemort'."
"Have you been able to figure out who this Voldemort is Doctor?" the nurse asked.
"No," the doctor shook his head as he wrapped his stethoscope around his neck, "Every single time I mention it, she starts screaming."
Harry's heart pounded in his chest, as he became vaguely aware that the lift had opened up behind him. Ignoring it, he crouched down and crept past the counter, where three of the nurses were in deep conversation about who Voldemort could really be. Once out of sight of them, he stood to his feet and moved at a quick pace to room 347. It wasn't very hard to find the room as Harry could hear the yelling and screaming of the lady inside from all the way down the hall.
"Miss. Riddle, calm down!" the doctor was shouting, "You have to calm down if you want us to help you!"
"No!" Dumbledore joined Harry as he peered into the room, "No! Voldemort! I must see Voldemort!"
The lady sat on the bed, a large mess of grey hair covering her face as she thrashed about, half a dozen people struggling to keep her in once place.
"Who is this Voldemort?" the doctor asked.
"NO!" Merope screamed so loud that Harry jumped, "You cannot say his name! You have no right! No!"
"Get me a sedative!" the doctor ordered, and a few moments later Merope was laying still on the cot.
Harry eyes were wide as he could only stare at what had just happened.
"Hey!" even Dumbledore was surprised as suddenly a lady in scrubs placed her hand on Harry's shoulder, "You can't be here! Where did you come from?"
"S-Sorry," Harry muttered, "I got lost."
"Well it's best you find yourself away from here," the lady had a stern face, "This is no place for people to be wandering around."
"Sorry," Harry repeated and walked off…
Dumbledore now stood infront of Voldemort who lay helpless on the ground. With little effort Dumbledore wrapped Voldemort up a red thread coming from the end of his wand. A few moments later Voldemort could talk again.
Surprisingly the evil wizard started to laugh, "What are you going to do you old wizard, kill me? I have many followers. The war will go on, and we will win whether I am there on not."
"I am well aware of that," Dumbledore nodded, "I have already begun to send people out to help round up supporters of our side. I have just one question though. Why did you choose James?"
"Isn't it obvious," Voldemort's voice cackled, "Though indeed I was searching for where Merope Riddle was, I was also well aware then that Harry was alive. I need him still, and what better way to know for sure than to set up a trap. Not a trap for him, but a trap for his child."
"Brilliant," Dumbledore nodded, "Though I expected no less from you. Just as you choose Journey for her intelligence and her extraordinary wizarding abilities. I knew that from the beginning though."
It took only a moment before Voldemort's curiosity got the better of him, "How?"
Dumbledore smiled, "Young Emily and Journey were only two years old when I first went and visited them at the Weasley's place. Young children, it seems, are fascinated with me, and as I was looking at Journey, I noticed her eyes. They clouded over as if a shadow passing through her soul. Only for a moment, but from there I knew great things would come from her. Very dark, but very great."
"And with that," Voldemort grinned widely, and a loud explosion erupted and red and blue flames enveloped the room.
"What did you do!" Lexi screeched out staring wide-eyed at James, "What did you do?"
"I-I--" James breathed heavy, trying to comprehend everything that had happened, "I didn't mean to… I--"
"What do you mean you didn't mean to!" Lexi yelled, "You made the dark mark!"
"Lets jinx him," Charlie whipped out his wand, and pointed it threateningly at James, "Make sure he doesn't pull this anymore."
"Wait," Journey stepped forward.
"No you don't!" Lexi now too had her wand out and was pointing it towards Journey, "I saw you! You were part of it too!"
"Hey!" Emily took a giant step infront of Journey, her arms outstretched protectively.
"Emily, move," Charlie hissed.
"She's your sister!" Emily defended.
"I know who she is!" Charlie barked, "She's a Slytherin who helped James do the dark mark. And now Dad might be dead along with Uncle Harry!"
"You don't know that!" Emily spoke loudly, "You don't know that Voldemort is there!"
"I saw him!" Charlie stated.
"Who the bloody hell do you think sent us here Emily?" Lexi shouted.
At this everyone was silent and looked around. They were in the middle of a large field, the twinkling stars above them slowly fading away into early morning fog. The air was crisp and their breath blew out in puffs.
"The only reason he sent us here was because he thinks I am dead," Emily said in a quiet voice.
Charlie swallowed the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat, "Bloody good thing that you paid attention in Dissimulation class and knew how to change yourself into that stool before he could get you."
"I know," Emily admitted, "So I suggest the first thing we do is try and figure out what happened. Maybe that will give us a clue as to where we are and what's going on right now."
"Ok," Lexi reluctantly agreed, and lowered her wand on her cousin.
"Lets start," Charlie looked at James as he too put away his wand, "With you James. Why did you create the dark mark, and Journey," Charlie looked at his sister, "Why were you helping?"
"She told me," James' voice was quiet, "She told me that if I helped him, that he would make it so that I could live forever."
"Who?" Charlie asked.
"Crystal," James' looked his cousin in the eyes, "She told me that if I helped Voldemort that he would make it so that I could live forever and not die."
"Me too," Journey chimed in, "And she promised nothing would happen to any of our family."
"And you believed her?" Lexi cried out.
Journey just stared wordlessly.
"Ok," Emily stated, "Lets just worry about where we are."
Charlie looked around, "It looks familiar, doesn't it?"
"Yeah," Lexi walked a small ways ahead, "Oh! Oh, I know where we are!"
"Where?" all other four people said at once.
"This is by Grandma and Grandpa's place!" Lexi exclaimed, "This is the field behind the Burrow! Why would Voldemort send us here?"
"I don't care!" Charlie cried out, "Lets just go!"
With a thunk James realized that these people were his Grandparents too, but he had never meet them. Still he joined in the excited race through the field until at last they saw the lit up Burrow off in the distance.
"Grandma!" Lexi shouted, "Grandma!"
"Grandpa!" Charlie called out.
Instantly more lights came from within the house, and the dew sparkled on the lawn. Molly Weasley was the first to exit the house.
"Kids!" she cried out, tears splashing down her face, "We've been so worried!"
She managed to cram all children into her arms; all except James, who stood back hesitantly. His heart hammered in his chest with adrenaline and all he wanted to do was curl up and cry.
"Arthur!" Molly called out, "Arthur come quick! And get Bill and Alex!"
"Mum!" Lexi's eyes widened, "Dad! They're here!"
Molly could only sniffle out a mumbled 'Yes Dear' before finding the need to wrap her grandkids into her arms. She looked at if she hadn't slept in a long time, and smelled like sweet spices. Lexi looked at the door and saw Arthur and Bill come booming out of it, looking panicked.
"What is it!" Arthur called out, but quickly enough saw everyone and let out a relieved 'Blimey."
"Daddy!" Lexi cried out running up to her Dad.
"Lexi!" Bill bent down to one knew and enveloped his daughter, "Are you ok?"
Lexi nodded, "I'm ok. I missed you."
"I missed you too Sweetie," Bill smiled at her as he stood up, and then suddenly looked at Arthur; who stood by grinning, "Dad?"
Arthur looked over, "What is it?"
Bill shook his head, "It's not safe for them out here. They have to go inside."
"You're right," Arthur nodded, then spoke in a loud voice, "Alright everyone! Inside now!"
Emily, Journey and Charlie all ran over to follow Bill and Arthur inside, all of them seeming to have not noticed or forgotten about James. All, that is, except Molly, who now looked down at the young boy.
"What's your name Dear?" Mrs. Weasley's red, tearstained face looked down at him, "You look so familiar."
"My name is James," James whispered out.
"James?" it took Molly only a moment to recognize the face of him, as her breath caught in her throat, "James honey, w-what is your last name?"
A small smile came to James' face as he said almost proudly, "Potter."
Molly had her arms wrapped around James before he knew what had happened. For several moments the grey-speckled haired lady sobbed into the shirt of James; who continued to stand there stunned, not completely sure of what was going on or where he was.
"You--umm," James stumbled for a moment as Molly finally loosened her grip on him, "You are Mum's err-- Mum… right?"
Molly's hand flew to her mouth, as she only stared at James. Her heart beat quickly in her chest and she became vaguely aware of the fact that Arthur was now behind her.
"Molly, Dear," Arthur placed a hand on her shoulder, "Who is this lad?"
Ignoring her husband completely, Molly spoke through a hoarse, raspy voice, "James… what is your Mum's name?"
James felt tears prickle in his eyes, though wasn't completely sure as to why, "Her name is G-Ginny Weasley."
"Blimey!" Arthur cried out, "Is it her?"
"Oh!" Molly collapsed completely to the ground, "G-Ginny…"
Arthur him having to force himself steady as he reached a strong hand down and lifted Molly into his arms. There the two Weasley's held in a tight embrace, scared to hear anymore from anyone; wanting to live that moment over and over with the pure thought that their daughter was alive.
"Oh Arthur," Molly gasped out, "It's her! It's our baby!"
"I know, I know," Arthur forced his tears back; though that didn't stop his face from turning bright red, "It's going to be ok," he looked back down at James, "Who is your father?"
"Oh!" Molly let out the sobbed cry before James could even say anything as she clung onto Arthur, crying relentlessly into his burgundy jumper.
"H-Harry Potter Sir," James whispered, completely taken aback from everything.
Arthur beamed down at him, "Thank you very much James. Please, call us Grandma and Grandpa. We're your Mum's parents."
"Oh," a smile came to James' face as his suspicions were confirmed.
"Let's go in," Arthur said this more to his wife, who was mumbling Ginny's name, "It's not safe out here."
"What's happening?" James asked.
"I'll explain it inside," Arthur spoke, his voice catching in his throat as the bottled up emotions tried to leak out, "Come now."
Together, the three headed into the Burrow, Arthur's strong around Molly, continuing to support her. Once in, James found Lexi, Charlie, Emily and Journey all talking at a fast clip to Bill and Alexandria.
"Is it true!" Bill immediately cried out when they walked in as he looked down at James, "You're Harry and Ginny's boy? Ginny is alive?"
"Yes," James nodded.
"Brilliant!" Bill cried out beaming.
"Oh this is wonderful!" Alexandria cried, tears rushing down her face.
Molly, still sniffling, went over to Alexandria, and the two of them walked into the next room, both seemingly laughing, crying and talking at once.
"Well," Arthur took a deep breath, "This is certainly amazing news. But," he looked at Bill, "We have to worry about everything else first."
"What is going on?" Lexi asked, "I asked Dad, but he said to wait until you came back."
"Yes, I expect so," Arthur nodded, and they all took a seat around the large dinning table, the sobs, and talking from Molly and Alexandria floating in from the next room, "Well you see, I was at work today when urgent news that a dark mark had been formed in a muggle town. It was reported that it happened in a muggle house as well."
"Yeah," James quickly put in, "That was my house."
Arthur smiled and continued, "Which makes sense. I was told this, and was naturally alarmed as we had thought that the new war wouldn't be for some time yet. We tried to get a hold of Ron and Hermione but were unable to. I was just about to leave the office and head towards their house when we got another report; two muggles witnessed a man; tall with dark hair and pasty skin pull out what they described as a long stick and zap at some red haired kids. Naturally the witnesses were taken to St. Mongo's and their memories modified, but we became very concerned as to the were you lot were."
"All you had to do was get a hold of Dumbledore," Lexi stated, "He would have told you where we were."
"I tried," Arthur nodded, "But he wasn't there."
"Strange," Charlie frowned, "He was there when we left."
"Alright," Arthur nodded, "Do you remember what happened at James' house? Did Voldemort just come there?"
"Well, sort of," Emily filled in, "We were just getting ready for bed… Mum was in the kitchen waiting for Dad and Uncle Harry to come back; they had gone next door to see Aunt Ginny. Well, we were just falling asleep when I heard Mum scream. All of us ran into the living room," Emily swallowed hard to keep the tears down, "Mum was gone, but there was a man there. He was scary looking and I knew. I knew without even asking him that he was Voldemort," before continuing, Emily gave a sideways glance at Journey and James, "Err-- James and Journey seemed to know he was though, and right away Voldemort started to talk to James, saying how it was time, and that he would show him how to make the mark properly. Charlie, Lexi and I could only watch as both Journey and James went over. James-- he asked Voldemort when he'd get to make it so he could live forever, like he'd promised. That's when… that's when Voldemort said he'd show him how it was done. But not until after he made the mark. Journey did some weird thing with her wand, and it looked like she was charging up James' one. James then looked at Voldemort who whispered something to him, and before I knew it, there it was; the glow of the dark mark. Voldemort then turned on me, laughing and…"
Emily stopped there, and Charlie walked over, placing his arm on his sisters shoulder before continuing where she'd left off, "And then he told James that he'd show them how to live forever. He muttered some spell, Sectumsempra, and pointed his wand at Emily. But," Charlie looked at her proudly, "She was smart. She used one of the spells that they learned in Dissimulation class and turned herself into a stool just in time, and then, while Voldemort was turned to James and Journey, she turned back, and laid on the floor face down, so as he thought she had been killed. I guess Voldemort heard something then because he yelled to us 'Let this be a lesson', and next thing I knew I felt a weird pulling sensation, and we ended up in the field behind your house."
Both Arthur and Bill sat there silently for a few moments, taking in the information.
Finally Arthur spoke, "Alright children, go upstairs and get some rest. I recon you're a right bit tired."
A small, quiet chorus of 'alright' was heard as Charlie, Lexi, Emily, Journey and James all made their way to the stairs and thumped up to various bedrooms.
"She looked ok," Bill immediately said.
"Who, Emily?" Arthur took a deep breath.
"Yes," Bill nodded.
Arthur nodded in agreement, "Yes, I was looking. She seems to be fine. She reminds me much of Hermione with her intelligence, so I'm sure she preformed the spell magnificently. Though the spell she described was very advanced and is one that is taught at the end of sixth year; we must let Ron and Hermione know so they can speak to her about restraining herself against going too far ahead in studies. But in the mean time we have to figure out what to do."
"We need to find out where Ron, Hermione, Harry and Ginny are is what we need to do," Bill stated, "And I think that's the most important thing at this point."
"I agree," Arthur nodded, "But where do we look."
"Obviously James' place, which is where all of this took place," Bill said.
Arthur looked over at the staircase for a moment before speaking, "What should we do about Journey and James."
Bill shook his head, "I don't know Dad. We'll talk to Dumbledore about them."
Ten minutes later Arthur had gotten James' address and told Molly and Alexandria what they were doing. Stepping out into the yard, Bill and Arthur looked at each other briefly before apparating. A strong tugging sensation around their navel grabbed hold of both men as suddenly they found themselves in the sun soaked backyard of Harry's house; the sun pulling up brightly over the fence.
"Quiet now," Arthur whispered pulling out his wand; Bill doing the same. Together they walked into the house. Everything was quiet, but the distinct smell of smoke lingered in the air as if someone had recently put out a fire. His heart pounding, Bill looked around the unfamiliar house, separating from his father as he walked into what he guessed was the kitchen. Subconsciously he held his breath as he walked around the island that centred the brightly lit kitchen. With a start he saw the sprawled out body of Hermione laying on the floor.
"Oh God," Bill breathed and bent down, his hand fumbling on Hermione's neck to try and find a pulse.
It took a moment, but he finally found one.
"Dad!" Bill shouted, "Dad! I found Hermione!"
"I found Ron and Albus!" Arthur shouted back.
"Oh no," Bill placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder and shook her gently; not wanting to leave her to go and see where Arthur was, "Hermione. Hey, Hermione, wake up."
"Mmmm?" Hermione mumbled , turning her head to Bill.
"Hey," Bill's voice was soft, "How are you feeling?"
Hermione struggled to focus on the person infront of her, "B-Bill?"
"Yeah," Bill nodded, "It's me."
Suddenly with a start, Hermione jolted up, "The kids!"
"Easy, easy," Bill helped her into a standing position, "All the children are fine. They're at Mum and Dad's house right now."
Hermione's heart beat in her chest, her head pounding at the same time, "Where-- where is everyone else."
"Dad's in the other room, and said that Ron and Albus are in there," Bill said, "Can you walk ok?"
"Yes," though Hermione's answer was a positive one, she stumbled on wobbly leg down the hall to the living room where Dumbledore was now standing fully, though unstably, on his feet, and Ron was just waking up.
"Hermione, thank goodness," Arthur's eyes were wide as he crouched down by his youngest son and looked over at Hermione.
"Oh Ron!" Hermione cried out, falling to her knees beside him.
"Hermione," Ron said thickly, "What… what happened?"
"Voldemort came," Hermione brushed her hands through his red hair, "But it's ok. The children are alright."
Ron smiled, and sighed, clearly relieved, "I love you."
Her tears splashing down her face, Hermione leaned down and gave him a kiss, "I love you too."
Bill and Arthur helped pull Ron to his feet, and suddenly they heard a door slam from the end of the hall. Arthur and Bill whipped out their wands and pointed it down the ominous hallway.
"Who's there?" the call of Harry was heard.
"Harry!" Hermione called out, "It's only us!"
Harry ran into the living room followed closely by Ginny and Mary, who was slumbering in her arms.
"Ginny!" was the last thing Ginny heard from Bill before a large, loud clamour of people ran at them.
Harry quickly pulled Mary out her arms as Bill flung himself at his little sister, and Arthur made a large leap over a chair to get to her. Harry, on the other hand, placed the now very awake Mary on the ground as he made a quick movement over to Ron and Hermione.
"Ron," a large smile was on his face, "Hermione. Are you two alright?"
"I-I think so," Hermione nodded, and accepted Harry's hug, "Bill said that the children are at the Burrow; they're ok."
Harry's breath caught in his voice, "James too?"
Hermione nodded, "James too."
Tears brimmed in Harry's eyes as he pulled Ron into a hug as well, "Alright mate?"
Ron nodded wordlessly as his face became more and more red.
"Oh right," Bill walked over to them and looked at Ron, "Ron. Emily is ok. She preformed a charm when Voldemort cast the spell on her, and wasn't hurt at all."
"Oh thank God," Ron did burst into tears now as he wrapped a clueless Hermione in his arms.
Arthur and Ginny joined them; both with red, wet faces.
"May I request," the voice came from Dumbledore, and everyone looked over, suddenly realizing that he was there, "That we make a stop at St. Mongos. I am afraid that I am not feeling well."
Many months later…
"Are you about ready there Emily!" Ron shouted up the stairs, "We have to go!"
"Just a minute Dad!" Emily shouted back down the stairs.
It was just past the New Year and Ron and Hermione were trying feverishly to get Charlie, Emily and Journey ready to head back to Hogwarts.
"I'm going to wait outside," Journey said quickly.
"No you don't," Hermione stepped in from their kitchen, "I need to speak with you.
Journey frowned and reluctantly followed into the kitchen.
"Now," Hermione put on her best mother tone, "I want to you to behave yourself when you go back."
"Mum I know--" Journey started, but was interrupted.
"Don't start 'Mum I know,'," Hermione said, "Professor Dumbledore is well enough finally to go back to school and I don't want you to cause him any trouble. And that means I don't want you talking with James or Crystal at all."
"But Mum," Journey whined, "James is my cousin! How do you recon Uncle Harry and Aunt Ginny would feel?"
"We talked about it, and this is what all of us want. We think it's best," Hermione spoke firmly, "Honey, do you know what Professor Dumbledore has done for this family."
"Yeah, yeah," Journey rolled her eyes, "I know he helped you guys a lot when you were in school."
"Not only us," Hermione was getting frustrated with Journey's lack of respect, "He helped yourselves as well. When you, James and Crystal were off practicing the dark mark, your brother, sister and cousin tried to follow you, but Professor Dumbledore locked up the door so they couldn't. And back on Halloween he sent your father and I to see Professor Snape to talk to. We wondered why, and it wasn't until later that he explained to us that he found out about the troll, and was off trying to stop it so that your sister wouldn't get hurt. Which is why he used the time stopping charm while there."
'So that was the loud zap sound,' Journey realized.
"Also," Hermione continued, "Even though Voldemort has retreated for now. We know that he'll be back, and I don't want you to get hurt," she paused, "Your father and I love you, you know that."
"I know Mum," Journey whispered, and Hermione bent down to give her a kiss, "And I'll behave. I promise."
"Good," Hermione nodded, "Now run and get your stuff ready."
"Ok!" Journey called and ran off.
Hermione walked outside, where she was surprised to see Fred and George come into their yard.
"Fred," a large smile came to her face, "George, what are you doing here?"
"Aww, we just came by to see how the mini Weasley twins are doing," Fred smiled.
"You can say hi to them," Hermione glared at Fred, "But if either of you give any of them anything from you shop I will make sure neither of you sit properly again."
"Oy," George cringed, then grinned at Fred, "Where do you recon Charlie is?"
"George!" Hermione half laughed just as Emily came out.
"Uncle George!" she grinned. "Uncle Fred! What are you doing?"
"Err--" Fred looked at Hermione for a moment, "Just came to say good-bye before you go back."
"I suggest," Hermione spoke up, "That you take your good-byes inside. It's chilly out here."
"Umm Uncle George," Emily stopped her Uncle before he walked in, "Can I speak to you out here for a minute please?"
"Sure," George nodded as everyone else went inside, "What is it?"
"I was just wondering," Emily said, "Back before when you told me not to show the map to Journey. How did you know? How did you know what would happen?"
George smiled, "I was looking at it one night and I saw the name James Potter. I immediately went to Dumbledore who explained to me what was going on."
"Oh," Emily smiled, "Umm--- Uncle George?"
"Yes?"
Emily swallowed hard before asking the next question, "Another war is going to happen… isn't it?"
George paused a moment, "Don't worry about it right now Sweet-Pea. Just go in and get ready. You have a lot to learn in school, and you don't want to forget anything."
Emily nodded and ran back into the house. George looked out in the yard as the snow began to fall. Emily had been right. Another war in the wizarding world was coming. And though there was a break as Voldemort went into retreat, having lost his inside connections, it was inevitable. Past was repeating itself…
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The remaining months of the year went by uneventfully, and soon it was the last day and Dumbledore found himself sitting in his office having a chat with the Sorting Hat.
"It has been quite a year," the hat spoke from it's perch atop the shelf, "And I believe it will be much more interesting next year. When he comes into the school."
"My thoughts precisely," Dumbledore spoke, while pacing his office, "I have been trying not to worry to much about it. I also fear that Journey and James will be speaking throughout the summer, and we may end up back where we started next year."
"Have you had a moment to talk with Harry Potter?" the hat asked.
Dumbledore shook his head, "I have not. Though I have been meaning to. I had some things I wished to discuss with him."
"Such as the book Sir?" the hat mentioned.
"Yes, the book," Dumbledore sighed, "Fore only you and I are aware of the fact that I, myself am the one who originally owned that potions book and wrote out the spells in it. And I also made sure that Severus was given it."
"Ahh yes, Professor Snape," the hat's voice rose in interest, "What are your plans with him?"
"That shall wait until next year," Dumbledore walked over to his window and looked out onto the grounds bellow; the many kids laughing and running in the warm summers day, "Fore only next year will Tom realize the truth about his mother."
THE END
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A/N: So there it was; Harry Potter: Next Generation Year One. How did you like it? Oh man, I loved writing this story so much. The surprise at the end? Kind of obvious-- there may be a next story. lol, Fred wants me to make 6 more stories for all seven years. I'd really appreciate to know what you all think. I love reviews, so as bribbary; since I can't give a 'snippet' for a next chapter-- I'll write another story if I get 40 reviews. hee hee-- good luck. So yes, anyways, I hope you liked this story... and if you did or didn't lemme know why! Review!
--I want to take a few moments here to dedicate this story to two people. This story is dedicated to both Fred; my brother, my sister and my best friend, who has always been there for me in thick and thin, and secondly to my new baby niece, Alexandria who was born on September 12th. She is my new love, and is my inspiration in life. This story is for you two-- the heart of the story. Thank you. --