Author's Note: Greetings faithful readers! I know it's been quite a while since I've posted a new chapter and for this I apologize. The holidays and other things necessitated, for me, a bit of a break. During my hiatus I have given the story a complete overhaul: a bit of polish here, a little revision there. Most of the changes I have made are merely asthetic and don't really alter the story. Some rather extensive additions in certain chapters have, I think, vastly improved the overal descriptive atmosphere. A couple of details were clarified and extended (one example is near the end of chapter 2 with the dramatization of my own little revalation regarding the prophecy, one that I think may be a neat little loophole J. K. Rowling left open for herself). I have recently (during the last week of February) added these revisions to this site. Instantly noticable will be the header for each chapter, containing some basic details and a brief summary for each chapter. In light of this long absence of new chapters and considering the number of revisions, I recommend that anyone who has considered rereading the rest of the story would do so. In the least you might want to read each chapter summary to reestablish the timeline in your mind. For those who can't wait and prefer to plow ahead with the new chapter, a recap: In the last chapter, Harry put together a new course to prepare interested students for the next year'sTriwizard Tournament. In the meantime, Gryffindor and Hufflepuff fought valiantly in the biggest Quidditch game of the year. Finally, Professor McGonagall asks Harry a question he hadn't anticipated regarding the Triwizard Tournament and the delegation that will travel to Durmstrang in October. If these clues aren't enough to remind you of what's been going on, I fear you will find yourself somewhat lost without reviewing the preceding chapters. You should note that this chapter begins out of context, meaning that it is not a direct continuation of the previous scene, though it looks as though it could be. The context will provide itself as the stage is set.

As always, Happy Reading!

Wig Pigeon

Title: Memories of the Future
Chapter Title: Chapter 14: The Calming Effects of Tea
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Harry and Ginny discuss a very important decision with the family. Winter melts away and Hogwarts is thrust into the spring and the annual sprint to the end of the school year. Before anyone knows it, its time to prepare for O.W.L.s, N.E.W.T.s, and the end of the year exams.
"She what?"

"Mum, calm down."

"No I will not calm down. I'll march right over there and give that old bat a piece of my mind is what I'll do…"

Ginny and Harry watched hopelessly from the kitchen table as Arthur Weasley restrained his furious wife with all his might. "Molly dear, you're in no state to be going anywhere," he pleaded. "And you're not leaving without your cloak. Come now, sit down." He snapped his fingers automatically at George and before Harry could blink George whisked a cup of tea with a strong shot of Ogden's best Firewhiskey into Arthur's hand with such precision, Harry knew this was a well-practiced remedy.

"If she thinks my grandchild is going to…"

"Molly, please," Harry said in his calmest, yet most penetrating voice. "We came to discuss this with everyone. We haven't decided anything yet."

Mrs. Weasley was not used to Harry demanding so much as the time of day. She knew, whenever he did ask her for something, he meant it and it was important. Taking a few calming breaths, she drank hungrily from her cup. "Harry, you have gotten very good," she said as she took another gulp, "at masking your thoughts. Of course I take you at your word that you have not made up your mind. It's not you I worry about. As hard as she may try to hide it, a mother can always read her daughter's face. Isn't that right Ginevra?" Molly's voice rose as she looked suddenly over at Ginny.

Harry stared at Mrs. Weasley for a moment before turning his gaze to Ginny. "Ginny? What does she mean?"

Ginny sighed as deeply as her mother and refused to make eye contact with her or with Harry. Instead she looked hopefully over at Fred, who was now standing next to George. Only when she had her own steaming cup of tea did she turn to look deeply into Harry's eyes. Harry's face, which was creased with worry, slowly grew long and pale as he finally read Ginny's expression. "I really think we should go," Ginny said finally. Mrs. Weasley, who had been holding stock-still and glaring at Ginny, slammed her empty cup down on the table, making Harry jump.

"Ginny. Are you sure?" Arthur leaned over the table and took his daughter's hand. "It's awfully difficult at that stage."

"I appreciate that dad," Ginny smiled warmly and squeezed his hand, "but I figure it's going to be difficult no matter what we do. Besides, it's not like we'll be camping out in the woods and sleeping in snowdrifts."

"But what about the schedule?" Mrs. Weasley spoke up again. "With the tournament on top of everything else how can you expect to have enough time to take care of a baby?"

"First of all, I won't be running the tournament," Ginny replied curtly, "and for that matter neither will Harry. All he has to do is teach and coach the champion. If we were to stay at Hogwarts… I can only imagine. He's incredibly busy already. If we stay he'll be acting Headmaster on top of what he does now. I, for one, think this choice is a blessing. Minerva's told us that the schedule can be much more flexible with so few students. Harry can even move classes around to give us longer weekends. That way you might be able to visit every few weeks. Running Hogwarts is bound to be much more demanding than all that."

Harry sighed deeply and rubbed his chin in thought.

"What?" Ginny scoffed at him. "Don't you want to go?"

"That's just the thing," Harry said meekly.

"You don't?" Ginny glared at him as if some imposter had abducted her husband and replaced him with Percy. "Well, I never would have guessed, not in a thousand years—"

"I do want to go," Harry interrupted. Ginny continued to stare in disbelief. "Even when Minerva was first telling me about it I was thinking of how exciting it would be. It didn't even occur to me right away that we'd have the baby too. And then I realized my excitement had gotten the better of me, but I still couldn't get it out of my mind. I thought I was just being selfish. I was hoping you'd talk me out of it." Fred and George laughed, startling Mrs. Weasley. Mr. Weasley simply smiled neutrally and continued observing.

"Well, now I can talk you into it instead," Ginny said resolutely.

"That's what I'm afraid of," Harry replied in defeat. "You've already made the case to go. I can't think of any reason not to do it now."

"I can!" Mrs. Weasley interjected.

"I'm listening," Ginny said skeptically.

"For one, there's—"

"Sorry we're late!" Ron's voice floated over from the doorway.

"I hope we haven't kept you waiting," Hermione entered behind Ron looking mortified. "Ron here insisted on—"

"Hermione, Ron, whatever the reason is, I'm sure it is a good one," Mr. Weasley said, hoping to keep the conversation from straying too far. "Please, come and sit. Harry and Ginny are here, and with some very interesting news."

Ron and Hermione didn't sit down or even remove their cloaks as Harry repeated the story of Professor McGonagall's request for him to lead the expedition of students to Durmstrang for the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Ginny jumped in every now and then to put her own spin on the situation. Ron's face grew steadily more excited as Harry filled them in on more of the details. Hermione looked as though she weren't sure if she should be happy or terrified that they were planning to take on such a task.

"You see this is actually much better for Harry," Ginny interrupted again. "He'd be far busier trying to run that whole school and teach on top of it. This way he'll be in charge of just a few students. How many is it now Harry?"

"It's going to be a rather small representation this time around. My Tri-Wizard prep course is down to ten."

"Plus, with that prep course of yours, they're doing a lot to get ready now," Ginny continued. "Once we finally get to Durmstrang, there won't be much left to do but teach the students who aren't chosen and get them ready for N.E.W.T.s."

"It seems alright I guess," Hermione said after a long silence. "Still, that's a long time away from home? I don't remember, how are the accommodations on the train?"

"Train?" Ron blurted out suddenly.

"Of course, you wouldn't know," said Harry. He and Hermione knew about the setup for the previous tournament because of their involvement in the Ministry. "You remember how the other two schools came to Hogwarts? Beauxbatons had the carriage and Durmstrang had the ship." Ron nodded mutely. "We use the Hogwarts Express. They take a few of the cars and modify them to give us room for sleeping quarters, as well as a large room that doubles as a classroom and a common room. Minerva has promised us additional space and extra privacy guards. I'm sure I'll be able to set up some wards myself as well."

"But, if you have the Hogwarts Express, how do they get everyone home from Hogwarts on holidays?" George asked when Ron hesitated.

"We won't need all of the cars at Durmstrang, and once we're there, we don't need the engine either since we will stay there over the holidays. There are enough cars left to handle the rest of the students back at Hogwarts."

"So you'll have living quarters, classroom space, a common area…" Ron counted absently on one hand as he listed things off. "What about kitchens? Will you have to do your own cooking?"

"I expect we'll be eating in Durmstrang Castle," Harry speculated.

"That makes sense. They ate with us didn't they," Hermione added.

"But I do think there will be a kitchen if we need it. We'll also have a couple of house-elves."

"What?" Hermione spat suddenly. "Now that's going too far, really. You'll just have to refuse Harry. They don't need to make house-elves go along for just thirteen people. It's not really fair to drag them along too."

"Actually, I think they enjoy it," Harry said gently, trying to calm Hermione.

"Come on Harry," Hermione raged on. "House-elves are always pretending they like what they do. How can you be sure they actually want to go?"

Harry hesitated for a moment, smiling at Ron as he savored a rare moment when he was sure he had the upper hand in an argument with Hermione. "There's a waiting list."

"Ha!" Fred laughed out loud.

"Bless them," George snickered along-side his twin. Hermione scowled at them for a moment, but relented when she realized nobody shared her concern.

"I imagine they like getting out and seeing new places," Ginny said helpfully. "Think about it Hermione. How many house-elves ever get to see anything but their master's home? This has got to be one of the most liberating opportunities a house-elf can get without clothes," Ginny finished with a wink at Harry. Harry couldn't help but admire Ginny's ability to choose just the right words to get Hermione on her side. He smiled briefly as he realized it was a skill she employed successfully against him as well.

"That is true," Hermione admitted. "I guess there's no hope talking them out of it anyway."

"Now Molly," Mr. Weasley said after a moment's ponderous silence, "you had some concerns."

Mrs. Weasley let out her own great grunt of defeat and folded her arms across her chest. "It's too late now. They've gone and explained away all of my good excuses." Everybody laughed and the mood in the room seemed to lighten considerably. "If this is what you really want…"

"I know it will be hard dear mother," Ginny said grinning, "but you will have plenty of time to spoil the baby rotten after we get back." The whole room laughed again and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley shared a knowing smile.

"Well, I'd best get started on dinner before it gets too late," said Mrs. Weasley, pulling her apron down from a well-worn peg on the wall opposite the stove. Harry and Hermione both moved to help as everyone stood and began to move about. "No dears, it's quite alright. I can handle the food if you lot can set up the table."

"You know," said George as he, Fred, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Harry all bustled around the glass-walled dining room, spreading table-cloths and cutlery, "it's just occurred to me how curious it is that the first baby in the next generation of Weasleys is going to be the child of the youngest sibling out of seven."

"It is quite interesting my dear George," Fred added with a wink at Ginny, who glared daggers at him. "Bill and Fleur really need to get cracking," he added with a chuckle and another wink.

"Actually," George responded, "I heard they have been trying for a while now. Apparently Veela-Human babies are harder to conceive."

"How ironic is that?" Fred responded jovially as everyone laughed again.

The harsh winter ended quite suddenly at the end of March, and by mid April the temperatures were rising rapidly. Spring fever hit Hogwarts with a sudden burst of youthful energy. The O.W.L. and N.E.W.T. students could be seen daily, grumbling their way up to the library as they enviously watched their friends from other years enjoying the radiant grounds. Harry found that he couldn't help but join in with the other teachers, and he began to pour on more and more homework; the end of the term growing more imminent with each passing day.

"We really must focus on completing our readings and research by the end of April," Harry admonished his seventh-years one day.

"April? Why so soon professor?"

"Because, Miss Anderson, that will give us the entire month of May to focus on practical application and review. You'll all be in a world of hurt if you're still stuck in the library the week before your N.E.W.T.s."

Harry began to grow concerned that he was loosing his good rapport with his students. Even the most studious among them began to complain as their workload increased. Still, he knew how much they would appreciate the reprieve once April was behind them.

Indeed as they continued into May, the students saw their hard work finally paying off. Harry looked on with pride at the confidence they were showing during their practical exercises. Compared to the grueling study of the previous few weeks, the students almost felt as though vacation had come early.

Harry entertained no such feelings of relief. Ginny's pregnancy was progressing rapidly and Harry's worry for her grew to more nerve-racking levels the longer he was away from her. Ginny threatened several times to pack up and relocate temporarily to the Burrow. "Harry, if you don't stop fussing over me I'll throttle you where you stand."

"But I worry about you Ginny," Harry responded, panting slightly. He had taken to running up to their apartment every chance he got.

"I love you too," Ginny said with a strained smile, settling herself heavily on the couch as Harry kneeled at her side. "Now go back to class."

"Nah, they'll be fine for at least another twenty minutes. I've got them working on—"

"Harry…" Ginny scolded.

"Do I have to?"

"Yes. Now get down there before I hex you." Ginny leaned over toward her wand.

"Okay," Harry said, rising in defeat. "Can I get you anything on my way out?"

"Harry, I swear to you, if you don't—"

"Okay, okay, I'm going."

Harry almost felt sorry for the Slytherin Quidditch team. Neither they, nor Ravenclaw had even a remote chance at the Quidditch Cup, but the Hufflepuff team was doing their absolute best to run up the score one Saturday in early May. Harry would have admonished the Hufflepuffs for their never-ending quest for more and more points, but he knew all too well what Austin Jones, the team captain, had been drilling into his teammates for the past few weeks. The only shot they had at beating Gryffindor for the Quidditch Cup was to earn as many points as possible in this, their last game of the year. Harry had to admit the situation was even a bit unfair to Hufflepuff, because no matter how many points they gained, they would never know if it was enough.

"If they catch the Snitch right now, Hufflepuff would be ahead of Gryffindor by 340 points in the race for the cup. All Gryffindor would have to do is score 350 in their game against Ravenclaw and they would win," Eric Simmons observed over his loudspeaker. The actual match was turning out to be somewhat dull as it was so one-sided, so Eric had done his best to add as much commentary in between plays to keep things exciting.

"It may interest you to know," Eric continued, "that Austin Jones, the Hufflepuff Captain, is the eldest son of the well known Captain of the Holyhead Harpies, Gwenog Jones. He seems to be in fine position to follow in her footsteps and become a professional Quidditch player. He will, of course, have to join a rival team though."

That evening, Neville and Harry sat discussing the match at dinner.

"Good game Neville."

"If you say so," Neville replied glumly.

"My, your standards are high. You won by over 800 points," Harry said enthusiastically.

"I know, but I just feel guilty. That game was shameful and embarrassing. I'm glad Jessica finally caught the snitch. I was about to call Austin over and have him end the game."

"Hey, that's the game," Harry said matter-of-factly as he spooned roasted potatoes onto his plate. "It's an unfortunate by-product of the strategy of the contest. Occasionally, the opponent you're playing against isn't even the one on the pitch."

"Yeah, it is a bit strange," Neville responded distantly, taking the bowl of potatoes from Harry. "I must say the most interesting part of that match was the commentary. I never would have thought Eric Simmons could be so good at it."

"He does come off as a bit… indifferent, I guess you could say," Harry said with a shrug.

"He's been like that for several years," Minerva interjected from Harry's other side. "I've always been a bit worried about him."

"Well, he's been much better lately," Neville said brightly. "It was like a transformation once you decided to put that microphone in his hands, Harry. He's been studying harder and getting his work in on time. He's almost a completely different student."

"I've seen that happen before," McGonagall said, nodding and wiping her mouth with her napkin. "Some students just need to feel useful. Once they finally accomplish something that actually seems to matter they turn right around."

"Well, Quidditch was the one thing I was sure Eric knew a lot about," Harry pointed out. "Every time I caught him talking in class it was about something that had happened in a match over the weekend." They all laughed. "So one day I got frustrated and told him if he wanted to talk Quidditch, he may as well put it to good use."

Harry didn't remember much of the conversation after that. He spent the rest of dinner watching his students coming and going. Thinking back to the first time he had sat in this very seat, he thought of those faces and how they had changed. The first-years, eager and terrified, now walked through the Great Hall with a perception of ownership he remembered fondly. What had once been a strange, new world was now their home. Harry nodded politely as various faces glanced his way. A strange yet familiar feeling swept over him. While the first day of classes felt like such a short time ago, a comfortable familiarity enveloped him and he felt as though he had been teaching at Hogwarts for years.

"What was that?" Harry said, his eyes opening sleepily.

"Hm?" Ginny sighed next to him.

"I think the baby just kicked me."

Ginny laughed silently and leaned back with her arm across her forehead. "I get kicked all the time. It's inevitable. The Weasleys are famous for tantrums."

"That's something to look forward to," Harry smiled with amusement, rolling over beside Ginny and wrapping his arms around her middle.

"As long as they're on the outside soon. This kid is driving me crazy. I just got to sleep and now this."

"Can I get you anything?" Harry said, nuzzling her cheek and inhaling deeply through her flame-red hair.

"You can open a window. It's really hot in here."

"Anything else?" Harry said as he slid out of the bed.

"Just the window. Thank you sweetie."

Harry shivered slightly as the cool night air swept through the room. He stopped at the wardrobe on his way back, pulling on a warmer shirt as he padded softly back to the bed. Ginny snored gently as he pulled the covers tightly around him. Harry gazed dreamily at his beautiful wife, and he thought of how lucky he was, and of the many wonderful things soon to come.

In all his years, Harry had never been able to understand the concept of pacing. He had watched other people do it with wonderment. What was it that possessed people to engage in such a pointless activity?

"Harry are you alright? Can I get you anything?"

"I'm fine."

It wasn't that he didn't understand being nervous. Harry Potter, of all people, was no stranger to apprehension. Just thinking of all the times he had waited impatiently for something he knew was coming, but not when it would arrive, made his skin crawl. All of those dark and dreadful nights, filled with agony and suffering… and uncertainty. Harry jumped at the tender touch of a friend's hand on his.

"Harry, won't you sit down?"

"I'm fine."

How dare Voldemort invade his mind at a time like this. Harry scolded himself silently and turned his mind to other things. The walls around him were a soft yellow. The tile beneath his feet was hard and cold, yet comforting. The window in the corner looked out onto a beautiful summer day, with trees rustling in the gentle breeze. What was it that caused a man to wander aimlessly in circles? He couldn't rationally believe it would make the time pass any faster. Harry stopped as he realized this wasn't the first time in his life he'd caught himself pacing. He looked down at the empty chair next to Hermione as if it were some foreign object he had never encountered before. Staring resolutely at nothing, he continued his aimless wandering.

"I should be allowed to at least chuck Dungbombs at you while you do that." Harry was jerked back to reality by the sound of Ginny's voice, beautiful yet strained and tired. Her face, with a similar mixture of exhaustion looked back at him, a pleading expression in her eyes.

"Ron!" Hermione's voice came from behind him.

"Is everything alright?" Ron's worried face appeared at the door through the smallest crack he could manage.

"Would you take Harry for a cup of tea or something please," Hermione said in exasperation.

"Don't you think he should stay here for—"

"Ronald!"

"Alright. Whatever you say. Come on Harry."

Something familiar was tickling the back of Harry's mind. Ginny looked back at him with her pleading eyes and then turned her gaze toward something else. What was she looking at? Harry gazed at her simple beauty, shining through her pain-stricken façade. What was that familiar sound?

"Harry?"

"Oh Ron, for heaven's sake, you can come in."

"Hiya Ginny," Ron said awkwardly.

"Just keep him busy for a while would you."

Harry's aimless footsteps were no longer his own. The yellow walls and softly lit room gave way to a harsh brightness. He smiled as a large quantity of red hair appeared in front of him. When did Ginny get so tall?

"Harry? Harry mate, snap out of it. You're in another world from me."

"Ron? What just happened?" Suddenly the environment around him cascaded in upon him. Sound came back to him as though his head had just broken the surface of the Great Lake.

"I think we lost you there for a minute. Come on. Fred and George and I will get you some tea. You'll let us know if anything changes dad?"

"Of course. You have nothing to worry about Harry," Arthur responded kindly.

"But what about…"

"Mum and Hermione are in there with Ginny," Ron said helpfully as the three redheads marched Harry down the corridor. "From what I've heard you'll just get in the way anyway."

"Don't worry Harry," George chimed in. "We've been through this before."

"Yeah, I remember when Ginny was born," Fred said nostalgically. "We had to sit out in this hallway for ages with Bill and Charlie."

"You were only three! You remember that?" Ron said incredulously.

"Naturally," said George. "We were getting tired of playing with you anyway so we were really looking forward to it."

"I wish I could remember it," Ron said dejectedly.

"At least you were here," Fred admonished him. "Think about poor Harry. This is completely new to him. He never had any siblings, unless you count that prat Dudley."

"Ah, here we are," said George ceremoniously as he pushed open the door to a large room filled with squashy armchairs and a comforting aroma of tea and fresh biscuits.

"So, how would you like your tea Harry?" Ron asked as they approached a small cart in the corner where a young attendant waited eagerly to serve them. The handsome young man looked to be just a year or two younger than Harry. Reaching for a silver teapot he looked over at Harry and suddenly did a double take, nearly dropping the kettle. Fred whipped out his wand in a flash and saved the teapot while George shook his head in warning. The attendant nodded and swallowed hard.

"Can I get you anything… sir?"

"I'm fine," Harry said distractedly.

"Better just make it nice and strong," Ron said as he and Fred directed Harry over to a set of comfortable chairs in the opposite corner, as far away from anyone else in the room as possible.

"Make it four," George said and then leaned over the teacart, speaking more softly. "Listen to me very carefully. I know you know who that is and I think you've probably figured out by now why he's here. He's under enough stress as it is so I hope you'll see fit to keep your nose out and your mouth shut. Am I clear?"

"Perfectly. I don't want any trouble… Mr. Weasley."

"Good. I see you know who I am too," George said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a few coins for the tea and a small piece of bright red paper. "Take this. It's good for any of our small package starter sets, compliments of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes."

"Thank you sir!" the boy said eagerly.

"Don't mention it," George said with a smile, "and I mean that literally."

"What kept you?" Fred asked his twin softly when George had joined up with the rest of them.

"Just taking care of some business," George said evasively.

"So Harry, what do you think it's going to be?" Fred asked, hoping to keep the conversation light.

"Mm," Harry mumbled noncommittally, shrugging.

"Yeah, but I'm sure you've thought about it," George said, joining in. "There are plenty of boys in the family already so I guess another girl would be nice.

"Then again, Harry is going to want another 'man of the house' some day," Fred countered.

"Either would be nice. I'm honestly glad I don't have to pick one. I don't know how I could choose," Harry said firmly.

"The man does speak!" George teased as their tea arrived with an extra large plate of biscuits.

"If there's anything else I can get for you, please don't hesitate to ask," the boy said nervously as he set a cup of steaming tea in front of each of them.

"We won't," George said firmly. With a courteous nod, and a second glance at Harry's forehead, the boy retreated to his cart.

"Ooh, that's good," said Fred with a delicious slurp. "Try some Harry."

"Go on Harry. You'll feel better," Ron pleaded. His own cup remained untouched. Slowly, Harry raised his cup from its saucer and lifted it to his lips. He closed his eyes and breathed the first full breath he had taken since they had arrived. "There, now that's the spirit." Harry nodded slowly and took another sip. Ron, Fred and George all jumped as a sudden bang echoed from behind them. Harry's eyes shot open and he set his cup down quickly. Turning around quickly, the three brothers saw what Harry was seeing. There in the doorway was their father, panting and wearing a huge grin on his face. Before any of them could blink they had all scrambled through the doorway.