Chapter Six

Returning To Normal

Harry and Serena kept to their deal from the day before and never left the room once till dinner. Neither was too upset about missing the day of their friends events, though a few times they were strongly argued with over their thoughts. Harry decided he had to look for way to either fix the spell for more private conversations, or find a spell in the book that allows them to pick who they think to. Everyone picking up on everyone's thoughts was getting kind of hectic.

They started working on controlling that as well. It seemed to take more practice than they thought. Harry quickly found how to make conversations personal, and worked the spell along with his friend. With this done, they had at least some privacy when thinking. Everyone was now practicing wandless magic under Harry's tutoring, and coming along quite well.

Neville was working fast on his animagus training, and Hermione was brewing the potion for him. They were hurrying this, and he would be ready for his first transformation the day before they returned to Hogwarts. They all felt sorry for him, thinking of the pain of the first transformation. They knew this was going to be tough on him.

Harry, Serena, and Ginny also started advanced defense from some of the books Harry and Serena bought. Hermione, Ron, and Neville were still a bit behind them in power, but they were studying quickly. After only a week everyone was doing most of the Seventh year spells without wands. Even Neville was at their level quicker than they thought.

The weekly phone conversation seemed a bit happier now, as all the parents knew their children were fine. They talked happily and everyone got off the phone not feeling as bad. They decided that Sunday's would be the day they all relaxed and had fun. Ron, Neville and Harry normally watched movies or played video games. The girls however, were completely random. Sometimes they would read, others they would go for walks, and sometimes they would move around the house in their animal forms.

One of the days they decided to take a walk trouble began. Harry, Ron, and Neville were relaxing with a nice action movie, when suddenly all of them heard screaming and cursing.

Get to us NOW!

The Park!

Near the fountain!

Harry grabbed his friends arms and they all appeared in the park. They started fighting immediately as they saw a group of wizards attacking the girls. One look at the masks they wore told Harry they were Death Eaters. Harry flung spells easily, as they hadn't noticed the boys yet. Harry decided to get their attention.

"You morons, attack the important one!" Harry shouted. As they turned around, Harry disappeared with the other two, only to reappear alone. "Now Its my turn to show you a spell."

Harry, smiling arrogantly, cast a spell that no one heard. All the Death Eaters shielded themselves instantly. That seemed to be their biggest mistake, as the spell was attracted to the power of the shield charms. The shields exploded as a bright blue light hit them all. Harry breathed easier as he watched them all fall.

"Girls, I believe our summer of fun is over." Harry said. He popped next to them and they all appeared in their flat again.

"How did they find us?" Serena asked.

"Because of my pranks that day. They must have been looking around here, waiting for us. We don't have time to discuss this, though. Its a week early, but we have to leave now." Harry said.

"Why?" Ron asked.

"The girls left on foot. The Death Eaters might have been following them." Harry said. "We have five minutes. After that we have to be out of here."

They all moved quickly. Harry waved his hand and his trunk came into the living room, completely packed. Serena just nodded at Harry. She had left her trunk in his since the day they arrived. The other four had a small amount of trouble but quickly recovered, all of their things safely packed away. Harry shrank all of their trunks, then quickly took them all to Grimmauld Place.

"Well, Moony, do I have to threaten you with cold water like Tonks used to do to me, or are you two going to behave?" Harry said, smiling. Remus and Sam were sitting in the parlor, neither looking too interested in stopping the snogging that was going on. "After all there are children present!"

"What are you doing here?" Remus asked. He wasn't angry but worried.

"Ahead of schedule as usual." Harry said. "It seems like my life is returning to normal. Death Eaters attacked the girls." Harry held his hands up and shrugged. "So, I decided to come home."

"You live here too?" Sam asked. "I thought you were living in London somewhere. Why did you make me go to a cafe there when you were not five minutes from my house?"

"Because I haven't been here since I was suspended." Harry said. "And why shouldn't I live here?"

"I told you this wasn't my house, Sam." Remus said. "Its Harry's."

"Oh, you didn't tell me it was his." Sam said. "Sorry, Harry."

"No worries." Harry said. "Are Dobby and Winky busy?"

"No more than usual. Winky said she wanted to talk to you about something whenever you arrived." Remus said.

"Dobby! Winky!" Harry called. They appeared in seconds.

"Harry, sir, welcome home." Dobby said. "Is Dobby needing to prepare rooms?"

"Yes please Dobby." Harry said, then looked from his friends to Remus. "How many rooms?"

"I am not their parents, Harry. I guess it is your call." Remus said, smiling.

"Dobby prepare three rooms. Mine, Ginny's and Ron's. They should be prepared for two people each." Harry said, enlarging the trunks. "Neville's trunk goes to Ginny's room, and Hermione's to Ron's. All right?"

"Yes, Harry sir, I is going right away sir. Will you be staying this time?" Dobby asked.

"Yes Dobby, until we leave for school." Harry said. Then he looked at Winky as Dobby disappeared. "I was told you needed to speak with me."

Winky looked at all the people there and her eyes widened. "I is hoping to speak to Harry sir in private."

Harry nodded and went to the kitchen where she popped immediately. "What is it Winky?"

"Winky is wondering if Harry sir is remembering calling her a friend." Winky said.

"Yes I remember, and I still feel it is true as well." Harry said.

"I is also wondering if Harry sir is remembering saying he is to be paying Winky if she is asking?" Winky said.

"Would you like the same amount as Dobby, as well as days off?" Harry asked.

"Winky would much appreciate that Harry sir, but I is not asking for days off yet. Winky likes very much to work, and is not wanting to not work sir, if that is ok with Harry sir." Winky said.

"That is fine, Winky. I will start paying you immediately. Is there anything else Winky?" Harry asked.

"No Harry sir, but others is coming tonight. I is needing to prepare for dinner, Harry sir." She said.

"Alright, I will leave you to it. Dinner is in capable hands, I'm sure." Harry said, smiling happily and returned to his friends.

"What was that about?" Serena asked.

"Hermione, you can say nothing about the house elves now. Winky has just asked for pay, and is receiving it." Harry said. "However, she refuses days off, says she like the work too much."

"That little thing was working without pay?" Sam said, shocked.

"First, Sam, she is not a thing. She is a house elf and her name is Winky." Harry said calmly. "Second, she would not accept pay. I offered it when she started and she asked if I would pay her when she decided she wanted to be paid."

"Oh, I'm sorry, I never really knew she had a name." Sam said. "She always just appears and asks if we want anything, and then she's gone again."

"That's a house elf for you." Serena said smiling. "Always popping around, eager to please. These two are the best in the world in my opinion. I honestly think Dobby would work for Harry for free if Harry couldn't afford to pay him. Winky, though, surprises me asking for pay. I never thought she would, not that I'm not happy about it of course. I wonder if Dobby has her obsessed with socks as well."

"I don't know, it's possible." Harry said. "Moony, can we keep our presence here a secret for a day at least. Winky told me she was expecting people for dinner."

"Harry, my parents are coming to meet Remus." Sam said. "Winky offered to prepare a 'muggle' meal for us."

"Oh. Then I simply must be present." Harry said. "Considering me and Serena are his godchildren and all. Should I go to the store and buy some muggle drinks, or does Moony need to get brandy or some such thing?"

"Hmm, that's actually a good idea Harry." Remus said. "We could also get your car. You and I ought to be able to handle any problems there."

"Damn! I forgot my car!" Harry said, shocking Sam. "Sorry. I just really like that car, cost me quite a few quid too. That sounds like a good idea."

"I'm coming too." Serena said.

"Serena, I need you five for something much more important." Harry said seriously. "We need this house to be muggle. I can fix the whole fidelius charm on them, but I cannot make the house appear muggle. There is a generator in the garage, actually there are five. Sam should know how to set them up a bit. Get them in here any way possible, remove all the wizard photos, and anything that isn't muggle friendly. Sam and Hermione are experts there. I will bring over some of our stuff afterwards."

"Harry, the house has electricity." Remus said. Harry looked at him shocked.

"Really?" Harry asked. Remus nodded. "Ok, forget the generators, start removing things muggles shouldn't see. We'll get the car, and Remus can stand guard while I start moving stuff over. Anyone against this?" Everyone shook their heads. "Good, next year we can either move the stuff back, or buy new things. It seems Remus might need a bit of muggle things here, as he is getting on well with Sam."

"Agreed." The other five said, smiling.

"Go Moony!" Serena said.

"Also, do you think you could call me Remus while her parents are here?" Remus asked. "I don't think they would respond well to why I am called Moony."

"Alright everyone. Today we are perfectly normal muggles. Snuffles, Padfoot, Red, Firelight, Bambi, and Moony do not exist tonight. Tonight we are as muggle as they come. So until they leave, no more word of magic, or the word muggle. However, do use whatever magic you can to make this place look normal, and be quick." Harry said, smiling at everyone.

"The Marauders are muggles!" His five friends said in agreement and got to work.

"Alright, Sam, help them. Only one knows about muggle life, the others only know what they were taught this summer. we'll return soon." Harry said. "If I call, get ready." He added to his friends who only nodded. "Lets go, Remus." He said, grabbing Remus' arm and disappearing.

With more than an hour to spare, Harry had finally placed an anti-apparition spell on the house, as well as blocking the fireplace from accepting anyone to floo in or call from the fire. The only things he had to worry about were owls or Fawkes. Harry started changing everyone's clothes until Sam said they looked perfect.

Harry was in a long-sleeved black shirt, with blue jeans, making very sure his tattoos were well hidden. Serena was in a white sundress with no sleeves, which made her look amazing to Harry. He had to quickly get her to put her necklace away as it was easily visible to anyone. Ron had a red button up shirt with black pants, looking very mature in the fashion. Neville looked most comfortable of the boys, dressed in a short-sleeved button up blue shirt, with Khaki pants. Hermione and Ginny were wearing similar outfits, T-shirts with loose skirts, Ginny in blue and Hermione in Red, matching their boyfriends. Serena said it was disgusting, but laughed at some of the other mixtures that Harry had come up with.

Harry put on very soft music that he had heard when the Dursley's were entertaining important people, calling it dinner music. Harry began setting up places at the table, then he looked at the table unhappily. This doesn't look good enough. He thought.

It needs a few touches, Harry Hermione thought.

Help me guys! Harry thought.

All five came in, Hermione bringing Serena. They began changing everything around the room instantly. Remus and Sam were shocked looking at the room when they were finished. The room was an off white color, matching the white tablecloth. The chairs matched most of the other wood items in the room, which were now cherry red. With dinner being done ten minutes before Sam's parents were due to arrive, Harry asked Dobby and Winky to stay away from them tonight so as not to scare the muggles. Dobby and Winky happily agreed. Giving one last look around to make sure that everything was in order, Harry sat happily thinking this had to go well.

They arrived a few minutes later, and Harry opened the charm for them to see the house when they were a block away. Harry smiled as they saw the house, seeing them both amazed at how beautiful it looked. Harry worked hard last year making this house look as normal as possible, and from the looks on their faces he had done a good job.

Harry opened the door as they were coming up the steps. He smiled warmly at them as he moved behind the door to let them in, as he was forced to do at the Dursley's.

"Mr. and Mrs. Powell I presume." Harry said cheerfully. They nodded, smiling. "Please come in, my name is Harry Potter. I am Remus' godson, visiting him for the summer."

"Ah, nice to meet you, Harry. I'm Allen, and this is my wife Debra." Mr. Powell said. Harry nodded.

"Nice to meet you as well." Harry said. "Allow me to take your coats." Harry said. He helped them with their coats, placing them on the hangar behind the door. "If you will follow me, I will take you to the parlor, and introduce you to the rest of the people here. Dinner will be done shortly." Harry had charmed the food to stay warm until it was placed on the table. Then he had a thought.

How do I introduce Serena? My god sister, or my girlfriend?

Both, I guess Hermione thought to him.

Okay, this isn't going to be easy.

As they walked into the parlor Harry smiled again at the Powell's. "Sir, ma'am, these are my friends Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, his sister Ginny Weasley, and Neville Longbottom." He said then looked to Serena. "This is my girlfriend, Serena Black, who is also Remus' Goddaughter. The man standing next to your daughter is Remus Lupin, master of the house."

"It is nice to meet all of you." Allen said. "Please son, call me Allen."

"Alright, Allen." Harry said politely

"It is an honor to meet you, Remus." Allen said. "Samantha has told us a lot about you."

"An honor to meet you sir." Remus said. Harry smiled at Remus' nervousness.

"Allen please." Allen said. Harry already liked this man.

"Mrs. Powell." Remus said politely, bowing his head slightly and offering his hand.

"Please, call me Debra." She said, taking his hand. "It is an honor to meet you, too. As well as all these lovely children."

"An honor to meet you Miss." they all said in unison. Harry's eyes grew wide for a second, until Mrs. Powell laughed.

"All on top of their manners as well." Debra said.

"Please, have a seat while I check on dinner." Harry said. "Sam, could you please offer me a hand?" Sam nodded and followed them out quickly.

Once in the kitchen, Harry spoke softly. "I don't know how these things work. When I stayed at the Dursley's I'd welcome the people, introduce them and all, then I was locked in a room until they left. What do we do? How long do we wait to serve dinner, what do we serve with dinner?"

Sam laughed. "I thought Remus was supposed to be the nervous one, and here you are about to have a breakdown." She said.

"I'm doing my best to make this go well for him. You too, really." Harry said. "We're all extending our powers a great deal to keep everything going perfectly. We're all so nervous I'm surprised we aren't shattering windows, the telly, the plates, and anything else that can be broke."

"Oh, that's right I forgot. You children have to keep your emotions in control." Sam said apologetically. "Normally, you have about ten or twenty minutes to talk before hand, then the meal. Don't worry about what to serve to drink. I'll handle that for you. During dinner you may be asked questions about school and such, so they can get a feel for you all, especially you and Serena. I'm sure you can come up with a suitable story for them. After dinner, there may be drinks, and you two may be asked to stay. If not, all six of you just go upstairs and wait till me and Remus call you, as I know you lot will not go to sleep. Does that cover everything?"

"Yeah, hold on let me tell the others." Harry said.

Dinner, twenty minutes. We serve the food, Moony and Sam serve the drinks. Might have to answer questions about school, let me and Hermione deal with that. After dinner, upstairs, Sirius' study. If me and Serena have to stay then we will follow you shortly. Someone tell Serena.

I'll do it. Ginny thought.

"Ok, lets see how we do." Harry said, still slightly nervous.

They managed to make it through the beginning of the event without incident, for which they were all grateful. When it came time for dinner, Harry and Serena ushered the Powell's to their seats, then began helping their friends serve dinner. Remus and Sam served the drinks expertly, deciding that everyone would drink wine with their meals, and choosing appropriately from the stores in the basement. It was during dinner that things got a bit complicated.

"Harry, what school is it that you and your friends attend?" Allen asked.

"Smeltings, sir." Harry answered easily.

"Good school, good school." Allen answered. "What do you plan to do when you graduate?"

"Serena and I plan to travel abroad for awhile. We want to see the world, and figure its best to do so while your young." Harry said easily. It was the truth, mostly.

"Really? That's a fine idea. I'm surprised that such young adults have the money to do something like that." Debra said.

"When my Dad died, he left me and Harry more than enough to have fun in life." Serena said calmly. Harry smiled at her.

"I see. You knew Serena's father then?" Allen asked.

"He was my Dad's best friend, as well as my first godfather." Harry answered calmly, trying to control the memories.

"I'm sorry to hear that you two both lost someone so close to you." Allen said, sympathy in his eyes.

"Harry, if I may ask, what happened to your parents?" Debra asked.

Harry's eyes widened at this question. Control, control, control. Harry thought to himself. "They died in a car accident when I was a baby. That's why I have a scar on my head." Harry said sadly. He hated lying about this.

"I'm so sorry, Harry." Sam said. "Mum, his mother was Lily. Harry's still a bit upset that he never knew his parents, so if you would."

"Of course, I'm sorry, Harry. I didn't realize." Debra said sympathetically. "Your mother was a good young woman. I wish you could have gotten to know her."

"Thank you ma'am, so do I." Harry said softly.

Serena, sensing the need for a change of conversation, began speaking quickly. "So Sam, when's the wedding?" She said.

The five other teenagers choked back laughter as Remus turned bright red, only matched by Sam. They surpassed the Weasley's hair color easily. "Serena, no one is yet talking about marriage." Remus said.

"Come on, Remus, surely you have talked about it. I mean, Harry's birthday was two weeks ago. Surely you have had something to say about it." Serena said. The other five were screaming at each other through their heads.

Oh my god!

Look at Moony's face!

This is so funny!

She's gonna get us killed!

I wonder which one will do us in first?

"Serena, perhaps you shouldn't pick on Remus right now." Harry said. "He is nervous enough meeting Sam's parents, and you are only going to make him angry."

"No Harry, its alright." Remus said calmly, though his eyes said 'thank you' clearly. "Allen, Debra, this is the true Serena Black. Always trying to make people laugh, no matter whose expense it is taken at."

"Sorry, Remus. I was just trying to lighten the moment." Serena said.

"I know." Remus said smiling.

"Well that does bring up a very good question though." Harry said, smiling slightly. "How are you two getting along? Since we've all been at the Weasley's, we haven't had much time to talk."

"We are getting along fine, Harry." Sam said. "Splendid, even. I believe we owe that all to you."

"I owe you both far more than that." Harry said honestly. "So let's get the show on the road. I need a godmother too, you know." He added jokingly. Allen and Debra seemed to find the two teenagers very amusing.

"Guys! Honestly, leave them alone." Hermione said. "Just because you two seem practically married doesn't mean they have to go and get married."

"Yes it does!" Harry said, sounding rather adamant. "Don't we need a mother at the wedding?"

"I would say you are right, Potter." Serena said smiling.

"Sam, can I help plan the wedding?" Ginny asked excitedly.

"I guess us three would have to do the guy thing with Remus." Ron said. "His other friends seem to be a bit on the prudish side."

"Sounds good to me." Harry said. "You are coming right Nev?"

"Wouldn't miss it!" Neville replied.

"Children." Remus said warningly.

They looked to see a rather red couple. Harry just smiled sweetly looking innocent. "Sorry Remus, just trying to give you a hand." He said, then grinned. "Me, Ron, and Neville can walk you through the steps if necessary."

The Powell's now began laughing, along with the children. "See, they think its a good idea too." Serena said, nodding to the oldest couple. "So, you have the parents blessing, godchildren's blessing, and godchildren's friends blessing. There really is nothing left."

Remus began looking around nervously. Harry waved his hand under the table and a box appeared in his hand. "Remus, its time for my second birthday present for you." He said, handing Remus the box. "Though who it is for is up to you."

Remus opened the box, closed it quickly and blushed again. "Where did you- How did you- You are not going to give up are you?" He said.

"I bought it when we were in London, with money of course, and no. If I don't walk you through this by the hand, no one will." Harry said smiling. "I have to take the place they left for me, Remus. They would do the same thing and you know it."

"You're right, Harry. Though I will talk about who helped you with this later." Remus said smiling. Harry knew he understood that this was yet another of Sirius' plans working perfectly. However the timing was beyond brilliant even if by accident.

Remus then got down on one knee, opening the box again. "Sam, though it may not seem like it right now, I have loved you since I first met you, and have thought about this more than once. As Harry says, I sometimes need a push to do the things that seem most important. Will you marry me?" He said, presenting the ring to Sam.

Sam smiled happily, her eyes lighting up. "Of course Remus, of course." She said, giving him a gentle kiss. Harry smiled at this. He knew he could never top that even if he ever tried.

Harry removed something from his pocket and looked at Serena. "Well, Black, this is a bit of odd timing, but we have the good fortune to be with our godfather and best friends. I was saving this for a birthday present love, but I've grown impatient." He said smiling. "You know I get bored so easily. So, Serena Black, you willing to be a Potter?" He said, more nervous than he pretended.

The adults looked aghast at this form of proposal, but his friends all smiled. "Potter, you are arrogant, egotistical and quite often insane." Serena said, then flashed a mischievous grin. "However, your ego is only matched by my own. Two such truly perfect people as us should be forced to spend our lives together, as with anyone else we would only make them feel inferior. So yes, I will marry you, you weak excuse for a boyfriend."

"That was the..." Ron said.

"Most bizarre marriage proposal." Hermione added.

"And the acceptance.." Ginny said.

"Was absolutely insulting." Neville said.

"Did that really mean she said yes?" Ron asked. "Sounded like she was giving him the boot really."

"See what I mean, Harry. They will never understand us." Serena said smiling.

"I know, love. Who really does though?" Harry said, placing the ring on her finger. "Treat this well, it was my mothers."

Serena gasped. "The box."

"Yup. Nothing gets by you does it?" Harry said jokingly.

"I'll never take it off." Serena said.

"I know." Harry said sweetly. "I love you, by whatever name." Harry said. Serena kissed him quickly.

Their four friends and godfather knew what this meant, and all smiled happily.

"So, who's wedding do I get to plan?" Ginny asked excited again.

"I want to help." Hermione said, and the two started talking hurriedly.

Muggles! Stop talking about magical things! Harry thought when he heard of fairies, and thestral drawn carriages.

"So, just trying to make yourself look good against my proposal?" Remus asked smiling.

"No, trying to make your's look good." Harry said. "I could have done a lot better than that."

"I'll believe that when I see it!" Serena said laughing. Harry nodded and magiced the ring back to his hand. He got on one knee and looked up at her.

"Serena, even though among the people who know us I'm famous, you have never treated me as such. You have always accepted me for who I am, just Harry Potter. I feel like my life was wasted till I found your love, and I don't want to spend another minute away from you, and as such I wanted to know if you would make me the happiest man in the world by becoming my wife." Harry said, his voice betraying every emotion he felt, love, happiness, and peace. Serena melted under the words quickly and gave him the most passionate kiss they had ever had. When they pulled away from each other, Serena smiled happily.

"Harry, how could I ever not say yes to you. You are without a doubt the sweetest man on the face of this Earth. I love you, Harry James Potter, and would love to be your wife." Serena said, her voice full of love. Harry placed the ring on her finger and smiled again.

"Oh my god!" Ron said.

"She just, just, I don't even know what that was!" Neville said,

"He is absolutely amazing at times." Ginny said, her mouth still hanging open.

"He is good." Hermione said, her mouth as wide as Ginny's.

Hermione and Ginny then looked at their boyfriends. "Why don't you do sweet things like that for me!" They both said in unison.

"Thanks, Harry." Neville said.

"Always gotta be the charmer." Ron muttered.

"You were right, Harry, you really could make me look bad." Remus said, looking suddenly uncertain.

"Remus your proposal was wonderful." Sam said.

Harry suddenly remembered that there were two people new to this whole thing. "I'm sorry, sir, ma'am. We sort of got lost in our own things. Here it is, a time to meet Remus, and I go making a spectacle of things." Harry said, looking apologetically at Remus.

"Don't worry about it son." Allen said. "I understand young love, and the inability to hold things off. I believe congratulations are in order."

Harry waved his hand under the table again and Ron looked at him shocked.

Repeat after me to Hermione, and don't say anything else. Now get down on one knee and look deep into her eyes.

Ron did as he was told, and Hermione's jaw dropped.

Hermione, I'm a prat, I know. But I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you.

"Hermione, I'm a prat, I know. But I have loved you since I first laid eyes on you." Ron said.

It took five years to tell you, and I don't want to wait another five years before I ask you this.

"It took five years to tell you, and I don't want to wait another five years before I ask you this."

Hermione Granger, will you be my wife?

"Hermione Granger, will you be my wife?"

Hermione sat there, mouth hanging open, eyes wide, never expecting to hear these words come out of his mouth.

How bout you Neville, ready for a ball and chain?

No, Harry, not yet.

Harry nodded and looked back to Hermione. She seemed to finally be able to speak again. "I, um, well what I mean is, uh, I, arh," She said.

"I think that means yes." Serena said smiling. Hermione nodded dumbly. Serena hugged Harry as Ron and Hermione had their moment. "You are very good to your friends." She whispered in his ear.

"Only gave the words, Serena. He gave the emotion, and that's what made it wonderful for her." Harry whispered back. Harry looked at Remus. "I think we have enough to celebrate now don't you?" He said smiling. Remus nodded, standing.

"A toast to three very happy soon to be married couples." Remus said, " And one couple not afraid to wait."

Harry stood also. "To love and happiness!" He said.

Serena stood. "To a weeks detention!" She said, then covered her mouth. "Oops, habit." she added sheepishly. Everyone, even the Powell's, laughed. Harry and Remus agreed to the toast.

"To a weeks detention!" they said together loudly.