BEHIND EMERALD EYES
From Security to Defence
"I told you not to get me anything!" said Harry, later that morning, when Ginny presented him a small, neatly wrapped parcel. She smiled warmly and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Yes, but since when do I listen to you?" She said, laughing when he pulled a face. He sat the present on the table, just as Hermione and Ron entered, both carrying similar packages. Hermione hugged him tightly and kissed his cheek lightly, placing the gift on the table before him.
"I don't have to kiss you, do I?" Ron asked, as Harry chuckled. "Oh, don't you love me?" Harry said, placing a heartbroken look on his face. Ron punched his arm and ruffled his hair.
"Of course, little brother." Ron said, going slightly red after this. Harry stared at him, at a loss for words. "Little brother?" He croaked, feeling a lump rise in his throat. He stubbornly pushed it down as Ron shuffled his feet.
"Well, yeah, I am older than you by four months!" He answered, laughing as a broad grin broke free on Harry's face. "Here," Ron said, shoving a roughly wrapped gift into his arms. Harry just shook his head, feeling the happiest he had in ages. But thoughts of Dave entered his mind and his smile drooped a little. But before he could drown in his own self – misery, Ginny placed a comforting hand on his arm.
"It's okay to be happy," she murmured earnestly, nodding her head. Harry smiled and lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed her knuckles. "Thank you," he said before Mrs Weasley entered the kitchen in a flurry of red hair and pulled Harry into a tight, motherly hug.
"Happy birthday!" she said, "I can't believe you're already twenty – two! Oh, my boys are all grown up!" She said, sobbing into Harry's shoulder. He patted her awkwardly on the back, looking over her head at Ron, who was bent over in silent giggles. When she pulled away, her eyes were red and puffy, with tears dribbling down her cheeks. She quickly wiped them away with her apron and turned back into the kitchen, pulling out pots and pans.
Harry sat back down at the table, feeling cramps attack his cheeks from smiling too much. "Fred and George will be over later on, with Bill and Charlie. Luna and Neville said they would be along shortly, as well as some others." Mrs Weasley said, setting the flour and water mixing in a bowl.
"Why are they coming over?" Harry asked lightly, reaching for an apple that he had been eyeing for the last few minutes.
"For your birthday, of course!" Hermione said, her brown eyes shining in excitement. Harry swallowed the piece of fruit in his mouth and looked at her strangely.
"How many people are coming?" He said, feeling nerves fluttering around in his stomach.
"Not that many, a bit less than your Welcome Home Party," she answered, chuckling at the wide – eyed expression on his face.
"But – but, I didn't want any of this! I had completely forgot it was my birthday, until Ginny reminded me last night!" said Harry truthfully, getting a few disbelieving looks from around the table.
"It doesn't matter if you didn't want it," Ron said, "Because you're getting it." Harry just shook his head, still smiling as he had another bite of the apple. Luna came over around half and hour later and smiled at Harry knowingly. Harry grinned back and whispered a quick but sincere thank you to her as she sat down at the table.
"Not a problem, Harry." She said, her protrudent eyes sparkling with life. "I send my birthday wishes also," She added as an afterthought, placing a hand into her pocket to pull out a silver object. She passed it over to him, saying, "I didn't bother wrapping it as the natural resources of our planet are rapidly decreasing and I am wishing to save as much woodland as I can."
Harry nodded at her wondering what she was going on about. He liked Luna very much, but sometimes she confused him tremendously. He looked down to the shiny, silver object in his hands and gasped at what he saw. It was a beautifully made, silver and black penknife. It seemed to have many other contraptions also, including a fork, spoon, bottle – opener, skewer and even this weird looking silver contraption, that looked like a wonky cross.
"Thanks, Luna!" He said as he turned it over in his hand and gasped. On the front side of it, was carved a phoenix in flight, with flames billowing out behind it that flickered against the metal. "It's beautiful, but what's this for?" He asked, showing her the strange looking cross.
"Oh, that can be used as a weapon against the Crumple Horned Snorkack. They are deeply religious creatures, and the deformed cross will offend them so much that they will pass out from aggravation!" Luna said, nodding quickly, her face deadly serious. Harry looked down at the peculiar attachment and said, "Oh."
"Neville's here!" Someone called from the front of the house as the front door could be heard opening and footsteps walking down the hall. Neville Longbottom appeared a moment later, looking better than ever.
"Hi everyone, Happy Birthday, Harry!" He greeted, shaking his and Ron's hands while hugging Ginny, Hermione and Luna. Things have definitely changed! Harry thought, remembering the self – conscience, clumsy boy from his school days. Neville was no longer self – conscience or clumsy for that matter. He held himself confidently but still held that boyish innocence that Harry thought would never leave his friend.
"Hey, Neville!" Harry said, thanking him as he handed Harry a squarish parcel, which was quite heavy. "Happy Birthday to you too!" He said, remembering that Neville's birthday was the day before.
A look of shock past over his face and he said, "How did you know?" Harry grinned and said, "I have my ways!" They all laughed at this just as four more redheads entered the kitchen, two of them singing the birthday song at the top of their lungs.
"Fred! GEORGE! Enough of that!" Mrs Weasley shouted scolding her two, well – dressed sons. The twin's were wearing bright red, dragon – hide suits, which Harry suspected came from a Chinese Fireball.
"Harry, old boy!" Fred called, slapping him on the shoulder. "I can't believe I have the honour of meeting the legendary Harry Potter!" George exclaimed, placing a hand to his forehead in mock surprise. Harry grinned and stood up to embrace them brotherly. He did the same to both Charlie and Bill, with Charlie supporting a new burn on his neck.
"Norbert's son did this to me yesterday!" He said, laughing. "He's just as fiery as his dad, if you know what I mean!" They laughed at his bad joke and Harry was already having an excellent time.
"Just a few more people have to come, and Arthur should be able to get a couple hours off of work at around noon," Molly Weasley said, still at work at the kitchen bench. Harry tried to get a look at what she was making, but the woman caught his sneaky gaze and told them all to get outside since it was such a lovely day.
After a round of 'table – wars' in which Bill and Fred's table won against Ron and George's, they settled down under the blearing sun, enjoying the soft breeze blowing their hair. Hermione and Ginny were chatting at one side, and Harry and Ginny kept looking at each other and smiling. Ron, Charlie and Bill were chatting about the new quidditch League while Fred and George were setting something up at the forest – line.
Luna was watching Neville with her non – wavering gaze, as he and Harry talked about different things.
"So, what are doing now?" Harry asked, grinning as Neville noticed where Luna's attention lay. "Oh, I – erm…I'm working as a H.I.T at St. Mungo's." At Harry's vacant face he said, "A Healer in Training."
"Oh, that's great!" Harry said truthfully, glad Neville was able to accomplish something so extraordinary in his life. "Yeah, it is. I'm finally able to put to use my Herbology skills and help people in the process." Harry grinned, as Neville's face shone with joy.
"And how are your parents?" He asked, remembering the incident at his Welcome Home Party. If it was possible, Neville smiled even wider and his eyes sparkled with pure happiness.
"They are loads better. Since your party, they have been able to remember more things from before they lost their memory, and their confidence is growing so they are trying harder to walk and do things on their own. I can't thank you enough for coming back! The healers say that seeing you brought back memories, because you look so much like your folks! If it wasn't for you, it would be years before they would be at the stage they're at now!" Neville said, shaking his head in awe.
Harry couldn't help grinning. A warm feeling was rising in his stomach that rose up through his chest and down to his fingers. He felt so happy for Neville that he had his parents back, and he had something to do with it.
"I'm not sure I was the cause of it, but I'm really glad for you, Neville!" He said earnestly, patting him on the shoulder.
"Thanks, Harry, you don't know how much it means to us," Neville said, sweeping back his light brown hair while his eyes glittered in true bliss.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!" Announced a familiar voice. Harry turned to see Remus Lupin enter the backyard, and was amazed at how well the old Marauder looked. He no longer looked weak and pale, with blood – shot eyes with deep bags beneath them. He looked healthier, with a spark in his eye and spring in his step as he walked over to him.
Harry stood and quickly hugged his dear friend. "You're looking great, Moony!" Harry said, looking down at Remus's new clothes.
"Thanks, Harry, it's all because of you!" Remus said, smiling broadly. Harry shook his head, "I've heard a lot today," He said as Lupin laughed loudly.
"Wotcher, Harry!" Nymphadora Tonks greeted, strolling over to them. Harry grinned at her and hugged her, feeling as though his head was to explode with happiness.
"Harry, now that everyone's here, how about we open the presents?" Ron said from the other end of the table, eying the small pile of gifts with bright eyes.
"What about Mr Weasley?" Harry said.
"Oh, Arthur said to go ahead with everything and he would be along later on!" Mrs Weasley said as she walked out onto the grass, leading a line of floating plates with ease.
"Okay, then" Harry said, rubbing his hands together to ready himself.
"Open mine first!" Ginny said loudly from his side as she and Hermione looked on.
"Alright," Harry said, picking up the small package, wrapped in dark green. He pulled the string and pushed the paper back to find a small box inside. He lifted the lid softly with shaking fingers and found a piece of parchment sitting solitarily in there. He looked up at Ginny with confusion to find her waiting anxiously on. Shrugging, he put the box on the table and picked the piece of parchment up, gently unfolding it.
Dearest Harry,
This is merely note to say that you will be getting your present tonight.
With all my love,
Ginny
Harry looked over to Ginny, with his mouth open stupidly. Ginny smiled innocently at him, before snatching the paper from his hands and shoving it down her top to stop Ron from reading it over Harry's shoulder.
"What did it say, mate?" Fred asked suspiciously from his left, eying the box with squinted eyes.
"I – I…it was an IOU," he said dumbly, wondering what it was she was going to give him. A second after he thought that, he realised what she had meant and he felt his face grow hot.
"Mine next!" Ron said, totally oblivious to Harry's red face. "Erm thanks Ron!" He stammered, finally tearing his eyes away from Ginny. He picked up the roughly wrapped parcel and ripped it open aware his hands were trembling. Stop it I could be wrong! He told himself, hoping he wasn't for all his being.
Inside was a framed photograph of a bunch of moving figures. Harry spotted himself in the middle, standing between Ron and Hermione, who were flanked by Neville and Luna, and Ginny was lying on the grass in front of them. Photograph Harry kept throwing sneaky glances at Ginny who kept sneaking glances at Harry when he wasn't looking. It was taken beside the Great Lake at Hogwarts, with the mighty castle standing in the background, looking just as powerful as it really was.
Harry was staring at the photograph with unmoving eyes as all sounds blanked out. He remembered when this was taken. It had been just when NEWTs were over and they were celebrating down by the lake's edge by having a picnic. Colin Creevley had found them and insisted that he have a photo. It had been only a week before the mighty Hogwarts Battle and only a week before Harry lost everything he cared for. He had been Head Boy in his seventh year while Hermione was head Girl. Harry had been extremely shocked when the headmaster had presented him with his shiny silver badge and even more shocked when he had been made Quidditch Captain. But he already had too many responsibilities that year, so he gave the Captaincy to Ron who was so happy that he almost fainted in joy.
Now, as he looked at the picture, he caught the silver badge on his chest matching that on Hermione's. Ron was holding his up to the camera, looking at it proudly, occasionally bringing it to his lips and kissing it. This photograph was a sign of all things good, all things perfect. It was at this time in his life when he had been carefree and happy. This photograph had captured a scene that Harry thought would never again be seen.
Suddenly, all noise returned and he found many eyes watching him curiously. He looked over to Ron who was waiting anxiously and Harry smiled. "Ron, this is the best. Thank you so much!" He took one last look at the picture and placed it back in the brown paper, sitting it carefully on the table.
Harry had received a book on Healing from Neville who said it was a highly interesting read; a wand – holster set from Tonks; a whole box of Pranks from the twins; a book on Ancient Curses and Hexes from Bill; and a thick book on Defence Against the Dark Arts from Hermione, who said he would need it while her eyes twinkled as if she knew something he didn't.
"Thanks, guys!" Harry said as Molly once more entered the backyard, this time levitating a three – levelled chocolate cake behind her. Harry watched her with wide eyes and a grin as she set the cake in front of him, kissing his cheek.
The cake was iced in chocolate and had emerald green writing on the top, saying: Happy 22nd Birthday, Harry!
As Harry looked around him after blowing out the candles, he realised he had been wrong about the photograph. At this moment, with all his friends around, he was truly happy. And he looked to Ginny, who was smiling at him warmly with her hazel eyes shining with love. He smiled at her and blew her a kiss, which she caught and held it to her heart. And he thought I love you.
OoO
The day progressed quickly with everyone laughing and enjoying their time together. Mr Weasley came just after lunch and the party sped up after that. It was mixed with a Gnome Hunt, Prank Wars and even a Quidditch Match.
Harry hadn't been on a broom for many years and many people, including him, expected that he would be a bit rusty. But, as always, everyone was amazed at how well he flew. Once he was up in the air, with wind whipping his hair back and the sun shining down form above, he finally felt home. He zoomed around the backyard and over the small forest, glad he had put up Muggle – Repelling Charms before hand.
The Quidditch Game turned out to be a great success, with mostly everyone, bar Hermione, Luna and Mr and Mrs Weasley, involved. Harry was seeker against Charlie Weasley, who sat grinning in the air opposite him. Ron was keeper against Bill. Tonks and Ginny were Chaser's against Remus and Neville, who was a bit shaky at first. And Fred was Beater against George.
The game was slow but fun, with many fouls being played against both teams. Charlie was a superb flyer and would have been better in his Hogwarts days. He and Harry circled the pitch, occasionally throwing each other playful remarks or swooping them, laughing the whole time. Fred and George were rough against one another, and were constantly trying to take the other's head off with their bats. But Harry caught them winking at each other, or nodding secretly, as to who swooped who.
In the end, when the score was 250 – 230, Charlie's side, Harry pulled off an excellent dive, pulling up mere inches from the ground with the snitch in hand. Charlie congratulated him profusely and said he was as good as everyone said he was.
At around four, there was a very welcome surprise, as Hagrid and Madam Maxime turned up with their children and Minerva McGonagall in tow. Harry's old transfiguration professor greeted Harry warmly and gave him a rare smile, while Hagrid almost crushed him to death.
Hagrid's children were huge. They were to be three in a couple of months and they were already up to Harry's hips. Goliath had scruffy, jet – black hair and his mother's olive skin, while Arowyn had long black hair and fair skin, with her father's beetle black eyes. They both hugged him around the middle, while he swore he heard his leg crack.
Mrs Weasley made a large, delicious meal and just as Harry wondered how she did it all, he was tackled by a small creature around the waist. Harry was startled to find that it was Dobby, looking up at Harry with his large, green eyes that were leaking large tears.
"Dobby thought he wouldn't be seeing Harry Potter again!" He said squeakily, drying his eyes on his small shirt. "I thought Harry Potter had forgotten about poor Dobby because Dobby had been a bad House Elf!" Harry shook his head.
"I wasn't mad at you, Dobby! You were an excellent House Elf and friend!" Harry said. Dobby looked up at him and started bawling into Harry's shirt only stopping when he had created a large patch of tears that were dripping to the ground.
"Harry Potter is the greatest wizard! He is saying that Dobby was hi – his friend! That is the greatest honour, Harry Potter, sir!" Dobby said, shaking his head in excitement. Harry just grinned at the elf, still not believing at how crazy it was.
After dinner was over, Fred and George lit some of their fireworks, that shot up from the tree line to illuminate the sky with brilliant colours and pictures. Harry sat on the grass with Ginny leaning back against his chest and Hermione and Ron doing the same beside them. The brilliant flashes of lights were reflected in their eyes and Harry was amazed at how well the day had gone. It had been the best birthday he had ever had. And it was not yet over.
It was nearing eight o'clock and Harry had just helped Madam Maxime put her children in bed. They took up one each, so two people would go without that night if the half – giants decided to stay for the night.
"I iz glad you are back, 'arry!" Madam Maxime said to him as they quietly left the room, shutting the door softly behind them. The twins' snores could be felt through the floor as they silently made their way downstairs. "'agrid waz zo happy to 'ear that you were back, 'e lovez you 'ery much!" Harry nodded and said, "I love him too, he was my first friend when I was young and my oldest friend now. I'm glad I am back as well."
He said goodbye to her as she left to find her husband while Harry found Hermione sitting at the kitchen table with Professor McGonagall.
"Hello," He greeted as he sat down with them. They both smiled warmly at him. "Hello, are you having a good day, Mr Potter?" Minerva McGonagall asked softly, her once strict voice now one of joy and content.
"Very much, and just call me Harry, please?" He asked, feeling like a student again. She smiled rarely at him and said, "Very well, Harry, and you can call me Minerva as I have not been your professor for over five years." Harry chucked and said, "Okay, deal."
"I have wanted to talk to you both all afternoon, and I finally have the both of you together," Minerva said, pulling two envelopes from her breast pocket. She handed one each to Harry and Hermione, who took them curiously. "Read them first and answer me when you wish." She said.
Harry looked at the envelope, with was merely labelled with his full name. He glanced at Hermione who was already reading hers. He looked back down at his own and ripped it quickly open, pulling out a sheet of thick yellow parchment, stamped with the seal of Hogwarts. He read it with a held breath.
To Mister Harry James Potter,
I am writing to you with knowledge of your Defence Skills and previous teaching occupations. I wish to offer you a job opportunity at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardly. As you have more than likely heard, the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor has been a difficult one to place and it is hard to find a skilled person to fill this spot.
I have checked you background schooling and am satisfied by your outstanding grades in both your OWL and NEWT Exams. This opportunity is one of great importance and I would be greatly honoured to have you teach at Hogwarts School this following year.
Please send me your reply no later than the 20th of August. Please consider this offer.
Yours truly,
Headmistress Minerva McGonagall
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Harry dropped the parchment onto the table in shock. Hermione was staring at hers in much the same way, and looked up at the feel of Harry's gaze. Hermione's face broke into a broad grin and she turned her head to Minerva McGonagall who was sitting there, watching them closely, with a smile gracing her lips.
"I – this – you want me? – Merlin!" Harry said shakily, picking up the letter again to read it through once more.
"I knew you were going to ask Harry to be the Defence Teacher, but you could have told me about this!" Hermione said, holding up her own letter.
"Is that why you gave me that book?" Harry asked suddenly, getting his answer by Hermione's twinkling eyes and sneaky smile. "And she wants you to be Transfiguration Professor?" He asked, still too shocked to let the information to sink in.
"Yes, how did you know?" Hermione asked, eying him suspiciously. "I put two and two together, plus," He motioned to the parchment, "You're waving the letter around, I caught the word 'Transfiguration'." Hermione grinned at him and turned to Minerva who was watching Harry with shining eyes.
"And, what did you say?" she asked, her Scottish accent traced with hope. "Of course I will!" Hermione said, "I have been thinking about leaving Beauxbatons for a while now and here's my chance to finally do it!" She said happily.
"And what about you, Harry?" the old headmistress said, eying him hopefully. "What other teaching occupations have I had?" He asked, reading it off the letter.
"The DA of course!" She answered, smiling. Harry said, "Oh," shaking his head in shock.
"So, will you do it?" Minerva asked, trying to keep her tone neutral although Harry was sure she wanted him to accept it. Harry read the letter again and remembered the thrill he felt back in his school days when he was teaching his classmates Defence. And he remembered how good he had felt when they succeeded in something and he knew he was the cause of it. He mentally made his decision and turned up to Minerva McGonagall.
He said, "Yes," And everything became a blur of brown hair as Hermione launched herself across the table at Harry, hugging him tightly. "Oh, we're going to be work colleagues together and everything! It's going to be so much fun!" Hermione said loudly, kissing his forehead and laughing as he started shaking his head in humour.
"Am I interrupting something?" Ginny said as she entered the kitchen, catching Hermione hugging her boyfriend and sitting on his lap. Hermione jumped up and ran at her, almost knocking her down when she hugged her.
"Say hello to your new Transfiguration teacher!" She said as Ginny's face lit up. "Oh, really! That's great, Hermione!" Ginny said, her anger immediately subsiding.
"And that's not all!" Hermione said, letting go of her redheaded friend, turning to look at Harry, who was grinning goofily. "Say Hi to Professor Potter!" Ginny stood speechless for a minute before screaming and running to Harry, hugging him tightly.
"Oh, this is excellent! I can't believe you both get to go back to Hogwarts and teach together!" Ginny said, her eyes shining with joy.
"Wait to the other's find out!" She said, running form the room, dragging Harry along by the hand. Soon everyone was congratulating Harry and Hermione on becoming professors and another party took place, raging into the night.
It was nearing midnight, nearly everyone had left, leaving only Harry, and Ginny sitting together out the back with Ron and Hermione, just enjoying the remaining firework display by Fred; George was asleep on the grass not too far away.
"Today was so great," Harry said, running a hand through Ginny's red locks, staring at the starry sky littered with the blue sparks left over fro the last firework.
"I know. I'm really glad you liked it!" Ginny said, squeezing Harry's hand tightly. He smiled and placed his arms around her, drawing her closer. The day had been the happiest of his life and after Dave's death; he thought he would sink into another depression. But, because of his family, he had been saved once again. And for that, he was forever thankful.
"I'm really tired; walk me to my room, Harry?" Ginny asked, standing up and pulling Harry with her. She smiled sweetly at him and he grinned.
"Sure, I'll see you in the morning," he said to Ron and Hermione, clapping Ron on the shoulder and kissing Hermione's forehead. They walked through the Burrow together, hand in hand. The stairs creaked as they ascended them, with their shadows merging as one behind them. They came to Ginny's door and walked in, shutting and locking it behind them.
Ginny led Harry to her bed, and brought him down beside her on the springy mattress. Harry smiled at her, feeling butterflies in his stomach. She looked nervous as well, and that gave him confidence. He pushed a strand of red hair from her face and kissed her passionately, pushing her back onto the bed. He kicked his shoes off, as did she, before he kissed her again, this time more deeply.
They did this for a few minutes, before Harry pulled away and looked straight into Ginny's eyes. He had felt nothing like this before; it felt as though nothing could ever harm him and he would be always happy if he could be with Ginny. He could see every little speck of gold in her eyes and could count the many freckles across her nose. She was staring into is eyes with so much love that he suddenly found it hard to breath.
He could hear her heart beating with his own and feel the warmth of her body against his. He kissed her softly; placing so much love into it that all he wanted was to spend forever with the person beneath him. He opened his eyes and smiled, knowing now what this feeling was.
"I love you, Ginny." He said softly. She smiled as well and kissed him once, saying, "I love you, too, Harry." And with that, the candle flame flickered out leaving only darkness to witness their love being completed.
OoOoO
Hey everyone. I'm not sure about this chapter. I wanted the ending to be perfect and I'm not sure if I got it. Please tell me what you thought and I'm sorry it took ages to come out. I wrote it all yesterday with the ninth chapter in Shattered Memories. Please review and tell me any major mistakes, which I'm sure I made, and thanks to everyone who has so far. Now, I'm off to bed because it's late and I have to go to school tomorrow.
Bye
DW