Chapter Title: Chapter 3: Time Flies
Characters:
Genres:
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: HBP Spoiler
Summary: Spirits are soaring and life is changing in drastic ways. Harry and Ginny prepare for a life together that seems ordinary enough, but that all changes when an old friend drops by with an unusual offer.
"When do you think we should tell them?"
"Hm?"
"You're family, Hermione, everyone. When do you want to break the news?" Harry stroked Ginny's hair gently as it fluttered in the breeze. Still in their nightclothes, they were sitting in the window with Ginny cradled in Harry's arms, both of them gazing out at the morning sky as the sun warmed them. They had sat there in silence, reveling in the reality of what had just transpired. If it was five minutes or five hours, they didn't know.
"You think we should wait?"
"Maybe, I wanted to know what you thought. They're your family."
"Well, they're going to be your family too." Ginny turned and smiled up at him. Harry looked somewhat mystified as he savored those words.
"Yeah… they really will won't they? My very own family." He hugged her more tightly and buried his head in her shoulder. Ginny reached up and stroked his cheek thoughtfully for a moment.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe we should wait a little bit. We could take a few days to enjoy it, just you and me," she said in a dreamy voice. "You know, before things get crazy. Mum is going to pixie-fit when we tell her." Harry laughed, picturing a scene with Mrs. Weasley running about frantically, completely unsure of what to do with herself.
"Don't forget Ron," Harry added conversationally.
"Bloody hell, no kidding. I don't know if he ever got used to us dating, and if he did it was like, yesterday." They both laughed, remembering with great amusement a very frustrated Ron who, as their relationship had grown more serious, had skulked about for weeks, pretending not to notice them kissing or holding hands.
"So, when do you think we should have the wedding? June?" Harry asked.
"Nah, June weddings are overrated. Besides, I don't think I could possibly wait that long." She grinned coyly at Harry who raised a curious eyebrow. "I was thinking, a bit sooner. What do you say to a December wedding? Everyone will already be here for Christmas and it would be so beautiful."
"I've never thought of a Christmas wedding. You think we can do it that soon? That's in less than two months."
"Yeah, it'll be hard, but won't that be worth it?"
"Mm," Harry affirmed looking off into the distance. His mind was racing at the prospect of being married in less than two months.
"We don't have to think about it right now. Let's take it easy for a while," Ginny said, relaxing back into the warmth of Harry's embrace. They sat again in perfect stillness for several minutes.
"Wow," Harry said finally, stretching his arms over his head.
"Wow what?" Ginny looked at him quizzically.
"Nothing, just… wow," said Harry smiling as he leaned in and kissed her. "You want to go get some breakfast?" he said, hopping down from the window and holding out his hand.
"Sounds great," she said as he helped her to the floor, "Mr. Potter."
"Well let's go then, Miss Weasley."
"Not for long," she shot back as they headed for the stairs.
"Where is it going to be?"
"We haven't decided yet." Harry stepped out of the lift and walked briskly toward the Office of Aurors, followed closely by Tonks, who was sporting a face-full of freckles, blazing red hair, and intensely bright green eyes.
"This is so exciting. When are you going public?" She asked softly as they walked down a row of tightly arranged cubicles. Harry eyed her suspiciously but said nothing until they had turned down the next corridor, out of immediate earshot.
"Public?" Harry asked incredulously.
"Yes, public. Don't you play dumb with me. This is going to be front-page news when it hits. 'The Boy Who Lived' getting married," she said with relish, tapping her rolled up copy of The Daily Prophet. "You know, you probably ought to consult with a media specialist. It's going to be absolutely nuts when they hear about it."
"I'm not hiring a media specialist. Who do you think I am, Gilderoy Lockhart?" Somehow, Harry managed to snatch a doughnut from a nearby tray while juggling his briefcase and a thick stack of file folders long enough to stick the pastry into his mouth just as he finished his sentence. Tonks shook her head and muttered something along the lines of "Men…" as they continued to the far corner of the massive department.
"Harry, all I'm saying is… You don't need that kind of distraction. You could really use someone to handle and coordinate access control so things don't get out of hand," she said as they turned into Harry's office, followed closely by Kate. As they were deep in conversation, Tonks didn't even realize she had bumped hard into the coat tree by the door. Kate reached over and caught it automatically, setting it right without so much as a second glance. "Really Harry," Tonks argued, "I don't think you realize how important this is. It's going to be all over the papers, they'll follow you everywhere."
"Who's following you everywhere?" asked Kate as she handed Harry his morning messages and set his coffee on his desk.
"Nobody," Harry said quickly, eyeing Tonks with a cautionary glare. "Kate, can you give us a minute?"
"Of course," she said, looking at both of them curiously and closing the door behind her.
"I'm sorry Harry. I didn't realize… You haven't told her yet?"
"Of course I haven't told her yet." Harry sat down heavily in his high backed chair and began to organize the pile of messages without looking up at Tonks. "This whole office staff is like one big gossip pool. By the end of the day they'll have it that I'm running away with the minister's wife and moving to Bulgaria. Now that's a media headache. Please Tonks, keep this quiet would you…?" He finally stopped his paper shuffling and looked up with pleading eyes. There was a twinkle of admiration in her expression as she nodded gently, as if to say, 'Anything for you,' at which Harry smiled gratefully. "And seriously Tonks, change your eyes or something, you look ridiculous."
"Just honoring the happy couple," she said with a pop that revealed curly auburn hair and light blue eyes. A small smattering of minute freckles remained on her upper cheeks and button nose. "So when is the wedding anyway?"
"December 28th. The invitations will be going out as soon as we choose a place."
"Wow, that soon?" she grinned. "A little eager aren't we?"
Harry glared at her as he bellowed, "Kate!" and pointed an admonitory finger at Tonks as his office door opened. "Let's get to work shall we," he said to his assistant, without looking away from Tonks, who rolled her eyes and nodded pleasantly to Kate as she bounced out the door.
Hermione and Ginny sat on Harry's couch, eagerly flipping through wedding catalogues as Harry and Ron stood watching from the kitchen.
"What god-awful color do you think they're going to make me wear?" asked Ron.
"I have no idea. I pick my battles," said Harry.
"Smart move," Ron said taking a swig of butterbeer.
"So you're really okay with this?" Harry asked.
"Sure, why wouldn't I be?" Ron said casually. Harry laughed, thinking of the many reasons he hadn't been in the past.
"Well, you know, she's your only sister and, it must be a little bit weird for you."
"That is true. She is my baby sister – and don't you forget it –" Ron said, punching Harry jokingly on the shoulder, "but really, I have to admit it fits. It was weird at first. Back in school, when you got together, I thought I was going to punch your lights out for sure, but eventually I got used to it. After all, you were a right sight better than her other boy friends. And she's always been so happy when you're together." Ron looked over at Ginny who was laughing loudly, pointing at a picture as Hermione looked on in disgust. He smiled, adoring his one and only sister as she flipped the pages happily. "Look at her… I can't be upset with that."
"Yeah, she's really great isn't she?" said Harry affectionately, putting his arm around his best friend's shoulder and swallowing a big gulp from his bottle.
"See, now you're weirding me out, Harry," Ron said, tensing up. "I'm okay with this, but that's the sort of thing I don't need to hear from you."
"What, what'd I say?" Harry retracted his arm and turned, leaning his hands against the counter. Ron just rolled his eyes. "It's really great of you to be my best man," said Harry after a moment.
"Hey, I'm honored. I've had three older brothers get married and they've all had someone else do it, and I'll bet anything Fred and George will be each other's best man whenever they get married. This is probably my only chance."
"Yeah, well, you're the closest thing to a brother I've ever had…" Harry said softly, "…So there's that. Plus, once this is all over, I will actually be your brother," he finished thoughtfully. Ron looked up at him suddenly and Harry had to turn away.
"Wow, you're right." Ron's eyes lit up and he grinned wickedly. "I'm going to have a younger brother."
"Ron."
"And I won't even have to deal with all the crying and dirty diapers and…"
"Ron."
"Harry, this is amazing."
"Ron seriously."
"No, you don't understand." Ron's voice was rising quickly in both intensity and volume. "All those years of torture with five older brothers!"
"Ron seriously, control yourself."
"And I'm not the youngest any more! Come here baby brother." Ron smothered Harry in a massive bear hug as his entire body shook with huge, mock sobs. Harry couldn't help but laugh as Ron howled sarcastically, but in all actuality, he felt like he truly did want to cry. He had never really thought about how much that fateful meeting on the Hogwarts Express had changed his life, and how important Ron's friendship had been for him.
"What are you two blubbering about in there?" Hermione called from the living room.
"Hermione, stay out of this," said Ron, trying hard not to laugh. "It's a guy thing. You wouldn't understand."
"You can mock all you want Ron," Ginny chided. "It doesn't—"
"Ginny! Harry and I are having a serious moment in here and all you can do is joke," Ron bellowed, trying hard to sound hurt. He broke away from Harry, wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. "Just stay out of it!" Ron paused, looking into Harry's eyes and holding him by his shoulders, trying desperately to sound serious. "Harry?" he snorted, holding in what was destined to be an enormous howl of laughter. "Do you have any ice cream?" At this point they could no longer contain themselves and both Harry and Ron doubled over in fits of laughter.
"Just ignore those children," said Hermione, waving a dismissive hand at Harry and Ron as they rolled on the floor, struggling for breath.
Harry glanced nervously up at the clock. Sighing frantically, he picked up his pace with a renewed zeal that surprised even him. His office couldn't have looked more different than it had just weeks before, with papers strewn everywhere and no end in sight. Now the room was quite bare. A small stack of reports was all that remained on Harry's desk. He quickly signed the one he was working on and slid it into a box on the floor next to him as he reached for the next one on the pile. Next to this box were several others full of papers, memos, reports, and various other official documents. Beyond those were many more empty cartons that appeared to be waiting for something. Harry jumped slightly at a knock on his door as it opened.
"Harry, people will be going home soon, should I assemble the herd?" Harry looked at the clock again; flipping nervously through the remaining forms on his desk he quickly went back to his scribbling.
"Yes Kate, have them go to the staff room. I'll be there in a few minutes."
"Very well," she said with a look of mild concern as she closed the door.
Kate had been worried about Harry all day. She'd never seen him work so frantically. That morning she had arrived to find Harry was already there. His appointments had all been canceled and his office was full of boxes. At surprisingly frequent intervals he would haul a carton or two from his office and dump them outside to be shipped down to archives. When she had asked him what was going on he simply replied: "Well, I thought it was about time I got caught up on all of this stuff. Oh, by the way, I need to make an announcement to the whole department before everyone goes home, office staff too."
With no small amount of concern for her boss's sanity, Kate quietly assembled everyone, frustrated that she couldn't tell anyone what the announcement was going to be about. Finally, just as the mob of people began planning a mutiny, Harry entered looking rather disheveled. "Hello everyone, thank you for coming." Harry stepped up near the front of the room. "This shouldn't take long. Can you all hear me?" A small chorus of no's drifted up from the back of the room. Harry grabbed a chair and stepped up onto it. "How's this?" he asked, steadying himself. "Good. I've gathered you all here to announce a couple of things. I wanted you to hear these from me before you will most certainly read about them in the paper tomorrow morning. I'm sorry I've had to keep them from you until now." The room reverberated with quiet murmurs as Harry paused.
"First, I am very happy to announce that Ginny and I are going to be married later this month." The murmurs briefly increased in volume, before the entire room broke out in applause. Kate, who was standing nearby, looked up at Harry with a mixture of shock and realization as she joined in.
"Thank you, thank you," Harry said, waving his hands for quiet. "I appreciate the understanding of those of you who are just hearing this now. We wanted to be sure everything was finalized before we announced it publicly. The second announcement I have may come as a bit of a shock to you all." The room grew eerily quiet. "As you know, it is a great honor to serve in this department. It has been a distinct pleasure for me as Head Auror. It has been a tremendous privilege to work with each and every one of you these last five years. Together we achieved the unthinkable, brought an end to an age of darkness, and helped bring forth a new purpose for our society. It is that great feeling of accomplishment that makes me so proud to be here today." He paused and cleared his throat nervously. Kate was looking up at him with a sense of foreboding that told him she knew exactly what he was about to say. "With the changes forthcoming in my life, I have decided, after much consideration, to resign as Head of the Department of Aurors."
Harry paused as this reality sank in, looking out over the sea of faces staring up at him. Over at a side door, he smiled as Hermione and Ginny appeared silently. Standing right behind them, and looking somewhat disgruntled, was the Minister for Magic, Rufus Scrimgeour. "After spending some quality time with my new wife, I hope to pursue other endeavors. While I have greatly enjoyed what we all do here, I have decided that I need something different in my life." Harry paused briefly and gestured toward the doorway. "The Minister has graciously agreed to allow me the honor of announcing, that my place will be taken by Miss Hermione Granger." Harry motioned for Hermione to join him and began the applause that again filled the room. After a moment's struggle, Hermione had arranged another chair next to Harry's and climbed onto it. A smiling Harry hugged her as the applause continued, causing her to blush slightly. "You'll be great," Harry whispered in her ear.
"I hope you all will be as wonderful to Hermione as you were to me," he spoke again to the room. "Finally, for those of you who don't know her, there is someone I would like you all to meet. Ladies and Gentlemen, the future Mrs. Potter, Miss Ginevra Weasley." Smiling broadly, Harry motioned for her to join him as well. She looked furious with him, but slowly walked over. He decided to save her the embarrassment and met her halfway. Kissing her, he held up her hand as he waved to the cheering crowd. After a moment he ushered a grateful Ginny out of the room. "Let's say we go finish packing my office and bugger out of here."
"Ginny, hang on. Wait for me," Harry said frantically as he raced to catch up with his bride.
"Harry, come on, let me in. It's not even March yet. I'm freezing over here."
"I know, but there's something I have to do. Stand right there." Harry quickly unlocked the house and pushed the door open, peeking inside. Without warning he turned and swept her into his arms, walking confidently through the doorway.
"All that so you could carry me across the threshold?" Ginny complained as he set her down. "Harry, I've been to your house, what, about a thousand times."
"I know that, but it's not my house anymore. It's our house," Harry said with relish and swept his arm out dramatically as he stepped out of her line of sight.
"Oh my. Who did this?" Ginny gasped, dropping her suitcase by the door.
"I hired your brothers to come over and remodel the kitchen while we were gone. Don't worry. I told them to keep an eye on Fred and George. But look," Harry pulled her eagerly into the warm light and began opening each of the beautiful oaken cupboard doors. "Now that awful yellow you hated is gone. And look! They took all of the kitchen related gifts and put everything in its place. And that's not all. Follow me." Harry grabbed her by the hand again and led her through the house, pointing out various things. All of their wedding gifts had been carefully put away. The linen closet was full of new sheets, blankets, pillows and towels. There was entirely new furniture in the living room. The bathrooms had lost all evidence of the bachelor's life Harry had been living. Harry made a mental note to pay a special visit tomorrow. Mrs. Weasley and Hermione had outdone themselves too.
"Wow Harry, this is wonderful," Ginny sighed sitting on the new couch and looking all around. "This is so great, I was dreading having to unwrap all of those gifts and put everything away and… Thank you Harry." She walked over to him and brought him into a deep kiss.
"You're welcome Ginny. But don't thank me. Thank them." Harry turned her around to see Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, Fred, George, Ron and Hermione smiling in the doorway. Ginny screamed and ran over to them.
"Thank you all so much," she said hugging them each in turn. "Everything is beautiful. Really, I'd be a hopeless decorator. It would have been awful. Please come in, take a seat."
"Oh that's alright Ginny dear," said Mrs. Weasley. "We've got to get going. We just wanted to stop by and say, welcome back. We'll catch up another time. I want to hear all about your trip."
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to stay and have a cup of tea or something? Do we even have tea?" Ginny said looking at Harry who shrugged. Harry couldn't help but notice how very much she was like Mrs. Weasley just then, trying to be hospitable.
"No really dear it's alright. You've come a long way. We'll see you soon enough." Mrs. Weasley hugged them both and turned out the door. Harry and Ginny greeted each person as they turned and walked outside. Finally only Ron and Hermione were left.
"Welcome back," Hermione said, kissing Harry on the cheek. "We'll see you again really soon." She hugged Ginny as Ron clapped Harry on the back and shook his hand. "We've got loads to talk about," Hermione said breathlessly, adjusting her cloak and refastening the clasp. Ginny gasped.
"Hermione, what's that?" asked Ginny grabbing wildly for Hermione's left hand.
"Oh nothing," Hermione quickly slid her hand into the pocket of her cloak.
"No it wasn't 'nothing.' Give it here," Ginny seized Hermione's hand and yanked it from her pocket. Harry was looking quizzically at Ron who avoided his gaze. "I knew it!" screamed Ginny as she gawked at a sparkling diamond ring on Hermione's trembling left hand. "You weren't going to tell us?" Ginny bellowed, hitting Hermione on her shoulder.
"Well, we wanted to give you a day or so to, you know, settle in," Hermione stammered.
"Wow. This is great!" said Harry. "Congratulations!" He grabbed both Ron and Hermione into a hug. Ginny, who was still fuming, finally came to her senses and joined in. "So when did this happen?" asked Harry, admiring Hermione's ring.
"Valentine's Day," said Hermione kissing Ron on the cheek. "He's really a hopeless romantic." Ginny snickered as Ron blushed. "Well, we should get going. We'll have time to talk later, I promise. Let's go Ronald."
"Bye, we'll see you soon!" Ginny called out the door. They waved for a moment before Harry shut the door.
"Wow, that's really something. I didn't think he'd ever get up the nerve to do it," said Harry, gazing around the house and breathing deeply.
"Neither did I," said Ginny sliding her arm around Harry and leaning into him. "You know Harry, I think you forgot to show me the bedroom."
"You know, you're right. Well, we can't have that," he said looking Ginny in the eye and taking her by the hand. "Follow me."
Harry sat comfortably in his study, leaning back in his favorite chair. He sipped lightly from a tall glass of iced tea. On the desk in front of him were four letter sized paper boxes. The rightmost one was open and had a thick stack of paper next to it. Harry laughed and circled something on the sheet he was reading before placing it face down on the stack and retrieving another sheet from the box. The box farthest to the left had a large label pasted to it. All along the top of the label, the word "DRAFT" was printed over and over. Below that it read: Lion, Eagle, Badger, and Serpent: A History of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry by H. J. Weasley. Below that were the words: "Forward to be written by Harry Potter."
Harry circled another passage and made a note on a piece of parchment next to him. He looked up when he heard a knock at the front door. "Don't get up Harry. I'll get it," called Ginny. Harry was grateful. This had been a long read and Hermione was hoping for his response very soon. If he tried hard he'd be able to finish reading today and get started on his part. The study door slid open and Harry looked up. "Sorry but, Professor McGonagall is here. She needs to talk to you."
"Okay, I'll be right there." Harry finished the page quickly as he stood, slipping on his loafers. Stretching, he glanced over at the mirror to check his unruly hair. At least it wasn't any worse than usual. Taking his glass he ambled into the living room, still stiff from sitting so long. "Good afternoon Professor," said Harry shaking her hand and settling down on the love seat as McGonagall took a place on the couch. "Did Ginny—"
"Way ahead of you dear," said Ginny, carrying a tray with biscuits and a pitcher of tea.
"You're wonderful, you know that?" Harry smiled at her as he poured a glass for the professor and refilled his own.
"As a matter of fact, I do," said Ginny smiling as she turned to leave the room. "Yell if you need anything."
"Oh, Ginny, stay if you would please," said Professor McGonagall. "This will concern you as well."
"Alright then." Ginny sat next to Harry as he conjured another glass and filled it for her.
"You know professor, I've nearly finished reading the latest draft of Hermione's new book. Have you heard about it?"
"Please Harry, call me Minerva. You're not my student anymore."
"Yes, of course Professor." Harry smiled mischievously as she laughed, shaking her head.
"Another book? No I haven't heard about it. What is it?"
"A comprehensive History of Hogwarts," Harry said matter-of-factly.
"Comprehensive?" McGonagall choked into her glass. "Should I be worried?"
"Oh, no. I think it should fit into a single volume," Harry laughed. "I'm sure she'll send a copy up to you when it's finished. I needed it early because she's asked me to write the forward."
"Oh very good. That's a very appropriate choice. Timely even." She said the last two words almost to herself.
"So, how are things up at good old Hogwarts anyway? I trust the end-of-year festivities went well."
"They did. Not that I should be playing favorites but, Gryffindor won the House Cup again."
"Well of course," Harry waved his hand dismissively. "That Quidditch team they had this year was top notch from what I heard. Please pass on my congratulations to Professor Orchards."
"That's actually, sort of, why I'm here." Minerva set down her glass and leaned closer to them. "Professor Orchards has decided not to stay on for next year, and so I am, once again, in search of a Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
"Damn." Harry fell back hard against his seat and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
"I really thought we'd broken that cursed trend this time. She seemed like a winner," said Ginny.
"Yes, she did quite well," Minerva continued. "We were getting along famously and she really did want to stay, but her husband has become very ill it doesn't look as if he's going to recover. She's decided to take an early retirement to be with him."
"Well, that's too bad." said Harry. "I'd like to help in any way I can of course, but you should really be talking to Hermione if you want suggestions. I've been out of the loop for months. I honestly couldn't think of anyone off the top of my head."
"I appreciate that Harry," said McGonagall, "but I'm not here for suggestions."
"Oh?" Harry said in surprise. "Was there something else I can help you with?" He looked curiously over at Ginny as she helped herself to another biscuit.
"I hope so." The Hogwarts Headmistress looked uncharacteristically nervous as she sat up more stiffly than usual. "I've thought of asking you a number of times before, but I didn't because of your job with the ministry, and other responsibilities. Now that you're no longer working there, I'd like to offer the job to you."
"To me? But Professor, I… I don't… that is to say… do you really think… I mean… I don't have any experience with…"
"Nonsense," said Professor McGonagall.
"Of course you do Harry," said Ginny smiling and grasping his hand on top of his knee, which was bouncing nervously. "You were a great teacher with the D.A."
"You handled those lessons quite professionally Harry. Dumbledore was very excited when he told me what you all were up to. 'A natural leader' he called you."
"I wouldn't even know where to begin. I'm not very familiar with much of the historical literature…"
"You'd know perfectly well where to begin. You have more current experience facing the dark arts than any living wizard Harry. And, I think you'd agree, that class is not very well served by textbooks alone. The books will take care of themselves. What that class desperately needs is a good teacher, who can really show the students what they need to know. And I think it's time we really gave it a more forward-minded approach."
Harry sat in silence, thinking. Ginny and McGonagall sat patiently. After a moment they each reached for a biscuit and enjoyed them as Harry pondered.
"Something else to consider," Professor McGonagall continued, "is that I'd also ask you to be the head of Gryffindor House." Harry looked up, intrigued. "And, if you are willing, we could use a new flying instructor and Quidditch referee. Madam Hooch would like to retire as well, but has agreed to stay on until I find a replacement. You don't have to make a decision immediately. I'm sure there are number of related issues you'll need to discuss. Letters will be sent out mid-July." She thought to herself for a moment. "If I give you until the end of June would that be enough time? That's just over a week."
"Yes, I think so," said Harry.
"Very well. I'll leave you to consider the matter," she said, rising. "Thank you very much for the refreshments Ginny."
"You're quite welcome. We'll talk it over, I'll see to it," Ginny said. She seemed to be holding back a bit of excitement as they walked to the front door.
"I'll be hearing from you soon then," McGonagall said hopefully, stepping into the summer sunlight.
"You don't think I'm a bit young to be a Hogwarts teacher," Harry finally broke his silence.
"Youth has far more advantages than disadvantages, I think," said McGonagall proudly.
"I'm sorry Professor, I didn't mean to suggest…"
"I know you didn't Harry. You know, as much as you may dislike him, Professor Snape was an able potions teacher at the age of 21. You'll be 23 soon won't you?"
"Twenty-three?" Harry asked in disbelief.
"Ha!" Professor McGonagall laughed as she turned down the walk. "I'll see you soon. Take care now." Ginny closed the door and guided a thoroughly befuddled Harry over to the kitchen table where she sat him in a chair, pulling up another one to sit opposite him.
"I'm going to be 23," said Harry, this time as though he knew it to be true, but could hardly believe it.
"Yes Harry."
"But that would mean, I left Hogwarts five years ago, and you did four years ago. It doesn't seem that long."
"I know," said Ginny. She rose silently, and kissed Harry on his forehead. "Time flies, doesn't it?"