Crossroads 20: Broken


Before either he or Ginny could get very far (Ginny had needed to get re-dressed and Harry had thrown on whatever he could find since most of his were still in the laundry), Ron found them, having run the short distance from the build.

"Harry! Hermione's at the school today…what do you reckon?"

Harry looked at Ginny, who gave him a grim look. The three of them quickly made their way to Hogsmeade, where people were coming out to look at the dark cloud of smoke still forming in the sky. It was an ominous sight.

"Do you think someone has let the Ministry know?" Ginny asked. "Should we contact Kingsley?"

"They were doing a special meet and greet of the new first-year Muggleborns at Hogwarts today. Hermione's been hyped up about it since McGonagall left her and Greengrass in charge. This is just like Diagon Alley!" Ron said, starting to sound frantic. Ginny put a hand on her brother's shoulder in a move that reminded Harry of Brogan.

"Ron, send her a message. See if you get a reply first. Don't freak out until we have something to freak out about. Knowing our Hermione, she's probably in charge of the search and rescue already."

Ron gave his sister a grateful look, appearing moderately calmer. Harry glanced around as Ron's Patronus soon shot out of his wand and took off for the school. He saw a group of shopkeepers nearby that were talking quietly and decided to approach them to see if anyone had contacted the Ministry yet, as Ginny had suggested. He pursed his lips as a few of them recognized him – he invariably saw a few pair of eyes drift up towards his faded scar.

"Has anyone contacted the Ministry?" Harry asked before anyone could say anything.

An older gentleman, who Harry thought might work at Scrivenshaft's, nodded. "First thing. We were just talking about going up there to see if anyone needed help."

"Let us handle it," Harry said decisively. He had found that older adults tended to listen to him more if he sounded firm. "We have experience with this sort of thing."

"Of course. Mr Potter," the old man said as the rest of the shopkeepers murmured at his name. Harry turned to the other shopkeeper he recognized and nodded at him.

"Can we use the entrance in your shop, Mr Flume, and go in the secret way? Just in case?"

The man look startled to be sought out and that Harry knew his name, but he quickly recovered and nodded his head. "Of course."

They turned to head into Honeydukes when Hermione's otter Patronus found them. It curled around Ron in a wild burst of affection and simply told them to hurry if they could. Harry could tell Ron was greatly relieved and he felt it himself, knowing that if Hermione was okay then at least someone with a good head on their shoulders was helping. Harry didn't know who else was at the castle, it being summertime. He wondered if the damage had just been to the castle and therefore, no one had been hurt. Harry knew he shouldn't be too optimistic on that front just yet.

As Mr Flume led them to the cellar in the back room, Ginny nudged him.

"How did you know his name?" she murmured.

"When you buy property in Hogsmeade you have to agree to sign the charter of the village. His name was listed as the owner for Honeydukes and I've seen him in there loads of times. I used deductive reasoning, but don't tell Hermione. I'll never live it down."

Ginny shook her head at him as they made their way through the passageway. Ron was already far ahead of them, clearly eager to make sure Hermione was truly all right. The power of his Lumos spell was so bright that neither Ginny nor Harry needed to cast one themselves.

As they reached the exit and came out on the third floor behind the one-eyed witch, Ron sent off another Patronus. This time Hermione's reply was quicker and said she was in the new infirmary.

The air was scented with the smell of ash and smoke, but it wasn't unbearable and so Harry knew whatever had exploded wasn't anywhere near where they were. He suddenly had an idea. He told Ron they would catch him in a few minutes and the other man nodded, barely stopping.

Ginny gave him a questioning look as he called for the elf that he hoped would have some answers for them.

"Dobby?"

A brief moment passed and then there was a soft pop of noise as Dobby appeared in front of them. "Oh! Harry Potter, sir! And his Wheezy! You are all right!"

"Of course we are," Harry said, bending down. "How are you? And the other elves? None of them was hurt were they?"

"You are a kind wizard to ask after us, Harry Potter, sir. Yes, we is fine. But the castle, Harry Potter, sir, the castle is hurt!" Dobby's big eyes were full of emotion as he looked around.

"Do you know what happened, Dobby?" Ginny asked, joining them.

"Harry Potter's friend was leading a tour of students with the other girl, the grassy-one, Dobby doesn't like her too much, she orders Dobby around when Miss Hermione isn't listening and suddenly there was a very large boom! And all the elves scattered, but Dobby stayed to make sure Harry Potter's friend was all right!"

"Good job, Dobby, and thank you for looking out for Hermione," Harry said, glancing at Ginny. "Where was the explosion?"

"Come with me, Harry Potter, sir, and I will show you! We have to go up!" Dobby held out his arm and nodded at Harry to grab hold. Ginny looped her arm around Harry's and the elf grinned as he snapped his fingers.

A moment later, Harry, Dobby, and Ginny were standing on the ledge of a small rampart of the castle, barely big enough for the elf, let alone the three of them together. Harry hoped Dobby's elf magic was working overtime to keep them balanced. Harry didn't have a fear of heights but that didn't mean he didn't respect them. Ginny gasped next to him and as Harry turned he saw what had caught her attention.

The Astronomy Tower, or what was left of it, was what was causing the sinister billowing shroud of smoke to fill the sky. Parts of the tower lower down were still on fire but the observation balcony was just…gone. Harry could understand what Dobby had meant by the castle being hurt – it was as though the blackened and charred stone cried out to him. It was almost as though the dark, gruesome trail of smoke was the castle's blood, emptying into the sky. Harry felt a strange tingling in his wand hand and he felt a sudden compulsion to try and do whatever he could to fix the school, right then and there. He had almost half-raised his hand to cast something.

A sudden change in the wind made the smoke move in their direction, and Ginny started to cough. Harry pulled her in close to shield her and nodded at Dobby.

"Can you put us outside the new infirmary, Dobby?"

The elf nodded, and after making sure Harry had ahold of him once more, and a snap of his fingers, they were suddenly back inside, the chill and the heavy acrid scent of smoke leaving them.

"What could cause so much damage?" Ginny wondered out loud.

Just then the infirmary doors opened and it was Ron and Hermione. Behind them, Harry could hear the sound of kids upset but he also heard what sounded like Professor Flitwick trying to cheer them up. Hermione looked dazed, with a large bandage around her head. Her hair was bushier than normal except on the left side, where she had obviously been struck with something.

"Hermione! Are you all right?" Harry asked as he and Ginny moved forward. Hermione held out her hand to ward them off.

"I'm fine, you two. Just a conk on the head, which was my own fault really."

"Where were you when it happened?" Harry asked.

"That's just it, Harry! We had just been in the tower!" Hermione exclaimed. "If we had dawdled we might have got blown up ourselves. We were in the next corridor, and I was taking the children to meet up with Daphne's group in the Entrance Hall when it happened."

"Of course, she had to turn back and run the way they'd come to see what had happened," Ron muttered, giving his girlfriend a grim look.

"Oh, Ron, stop it! You would have done the same." Hermione looked at Harry. "A stray piece of the wall fell as I was moving past and this," she paused, and pointed at her head. "Happened. But I'm fine. Dobby helped me, Harry. Madam Sallow says it was just a graze. Superficial."

"Madam who?"

"Oh, she's the new matron, Elspeth Sallow. Thank Merlin she was in today! She wasn't supposed to be, but she was very helpful with the children, who were all terribly scared."

"Were any of them hurt?" Ginny asked.

Hermione shook her head. "Not really, just scared, of course, and a few cases of too much smoke inhalation. I shudder to think what might have happened if we'd still been in the Tower!"

Just then a low-pitched wail seemed to fill the hallways – all around them. Harry felt his stomach drop in response and was just about to ask what everyone thought that had been when he realized none of his friends had heard it as they continued to talk. The noise came again, and Harry was compelled to walk over to the side of the hall and place his hand on the castle stone. It was as though a million pinpricks of pain had suddenly exploded across his skin as soon as he made contact. Harry moaned out loud and shuddered, falling forward against the brick.

"Harry!" Ginny cried, reaching him first. The minute she touched him, the intensity of whatever he'd been feeling started to ebb. He blinked at her, a loud sort of rushing noise filling his head. He saw Ron and Hermione exchange glances. Just then a tall and willowy brown-haired woman around their age came out of the infirmary. She had grey-blue eyes and a perpetual expression of haughty displeasure on her face. She looked vaguely familiar to Harry as she eyed him and then made her way to where they were standing. Ron helped Harry into an upright position and he gave his mate a small smile of thanks.

"Granger, Flitwick needs to speak to you." The brunette looked at each of them, her eyes settling on Harry with a look of open curiosity. Harry had an idea that this was Hermione's Co-Head, Daphne Greengrass. Well, at least she wasn't gazing at him with open hostility, which was what he'd expect from a Slytherin.

"Oh, right," Hermione gave Harry a look and then turned to follow the other girl back into the infirmary. Ron shook his head.

"You all right, mate?" Ron asked.

Ginny put her arm around him. "I thought you were going to pass out, Harry!" She used her wand to conjure up a soft chair and pushed him into it. Harry sat down with a small oomph of noise, but he was grateful; he still felt wobbly on his feet.

"I heard this…terrible wailing," Harry started. He saw Ron and Ginny share a skeptical look. He pursed his lips at them. "I did! And I know no one else heard it either. And no, this isn't like hearing the Basilisk through the walls," Harry said pointedly to Ron. "This was all over…through the walls, the floors, the very air…I think I heard the castle."

Just then, noise at the end of the hallway alerted them to the arrival of Kingsley Shacklebolt and a group of Aurors. Kingsley's face cleared momentarily as he saw them.

"Harry, they said in town you'd come up to the castle. What have we got? Other than a bloody chunk of the masonry lying about the field outside?"

"We just got here ourselves," Harry said, forcing himself to stand. Ginny squeezed his hand, which made him feel better, so he kept holding it. "I had Dobby the house-elf take us up to survey the damage. It's not pretty."

"Anyone hurt or seriously injured?" Kingsley asked.

"No, not according to Hermione, she was just near the Tower when it went off, you'll probably want to talk to her. Professor Flitwick is in there too."

"Ah, good. As Deputy Head, he can get us into the Headmistresses' office, since Minerva's gone." Kingsley turned to a man on his right. "See that we contact her straightaway, we're going to need her here for this. Simmons, Bond? Go back out and borrow some school brooms to fly around and get some first impressions of what might have done this."

Kingsley turned back to Harry, Ron, and Ginny. "Please feel free to stay and help out, if you like. We'll need fresh eyes to sort through the debris and damage. Although, you're looking a bit peaky, Harry. Have another seat and catch your breath." Kingsley nodded his head at the chair and then swept into the infirmary, blue robes swirling with authority behind him.

"I see Kingsley is settling into his new role with aplomb," Ron quipped. He turned back to Harry. "Now what is this about bloody wailing?"

o-o-o-o-o

"So how long will you be away this time?" Brogan asked his father as they lunched. He had not, in the end, picked a dive with cheap breadsticks, but a nice moderately-priced restaurant that had recently opened near the end of Diagon Alley – The Confectionate Pig. They specialized in all things pork, and Brogan was enjoying a lovely Fettuccine Alfredo with a succulent, almost sinful amount of pancetta diced in, while his father was unapologetically destroying the house specialty – Maple-Glazed pork chop in a Balsamic reduction. They had barely said two words since the food had come, he was embarrassed to admit.

His father sat back finally and smiled, wiping his mouth with his napkin. He took a drink of his wine, twirling his glass slightly. "Only a week at most. So you're still stuck with me and these lunches when I get back."

Brogan frowned. "I'm not stuck with you. We're…we're socializing. This is a thing that fathers and sons do. Or so I've been told quite emphatically by a concerned third party."

Solace smirked at him. "Ginny?"

Brogan made a face but nodded. "Ginny."

Solace played with his fork for a bit and then glanced up. "She's good for you. They both are. They bring you out of your shell. You're fully animated and engaged in life now." His father snickered at his own joke.

"Thanks, ever so. But…they do make me incredibly happy. I reckon it was bound to come out somehow."

Solace seemed to sober. "I was surprised when you agreed to a second lunch with me this week, I have to admit, Brogan. If Ginny and Harry are influencing you to spend more time with me, then, they have even more of my thanks. And I owe them so much already. They gave you back to me."

Solace met his gaze, unblinking, and Brogan saw how earnest he was. He swallowed roughly and pretended to be interested in buttering a piece of bread for a moment. When he glanced back up Solace was smiling to himself.

"What?" Brogan asked, unable to stop himself.

"Nothing."

"Solace."

"It's just…it's nice to see you expressing emotions. And positive ones at that."

"I was not an impenetrable wall or anything, before, you know."

"No. But you have to admit you kept things very close to your chest. I blamed your mother for keeping you so sheltered. No, wait, let me finish," Solace said when Brogan bristled at the perceived insult to his mum's memory. "Because I could not understand how a son of Adaria's could be so unfeeling – she was so loving, your mother. So very, very full of every emotion and you seemed to have none of her joie de vivre. But I see now you did it to protect yourself, and now…now, I blame myself. You did it to protect yourself from me. I should have fought harder to be in your life, Brogan. And I am thankful every day that you have agreed to let it happen now. I can see so much of her in you and for the first time, it makes me happy to think of Adaria living on in you. And now it's time for me to look uncomfortable while buttering this exquisite bread."

Brogan gave his father a small smile, feeling strangely touched. There was a time, back when he'd been much younger that he would have given anything to hear his father say such words to him. And now that he had, Brogan just felt an empty sort of sadness at the chance they'd missed to be a proper father and son.

"Mum tried to tell me about you a few times, but I…I don't think younger me wanted to listen much. All knew was that you weren't around and you didn't need us, and…then she got sick and then I really started not to like you."

Solace, who had been lifting his fork to his mouth to finish the last of his meal suddenly paused, lowing his hand back down. His gaze was full of sadness. Indeed, Brogan could sense his father's sadness practically reaching out across the table at him. Taking a deep breath while hearing Ginny's voice in his head, gently nudging him on, he reached across the table. He squeezed his father's hand and began to do "his empath thing", as Harry liked to say.

Usually, when Brogan tried to soothe someone it was a momentary thing – he simply wished to ease the burden or trouble of whatever the person was experiencing and took a bit of it into himself to ease the person's anxiety or sadness. He typically never felt anything himself – just a brief twinge and then the emotion would leave, but with his father, he opened himself up a bit and allowed it to be a two-way street. It was similar, in a way, to what he was sure he did without thinking between himself, Harry and Ginny while they were intimate. He soon felt what Solace was feeling and he recognized the pain and shame of it and tried to soothe his father. But, surprisingly to Brogan, it was an old pain and therefore, more stubborn and he had to focus a bit more. He made a note to later cast Sid's spell on himself to see what colors were present.

Solace eventually pulled his hand away and looked a bit shaken. He nodded his head at Brogan.

"Thank you for that…it's been a long time since I've felt that sort of magic. Your mother was most…adept at it. I'm glad to see it is the same with you. I think I understand why Harry and Ginny were so drawn to you. Your strength is your heart."

"My outgoing and winning personality not enough, eh?" Brogan cracked, feeling as though the tension needed to be broken. Solace gave him a sheepish look.

"Not what I meant, son."

"I know. And I am glad I…helped. But Solace, you have to…you have to let go of some of that. The pain you're carrying around. You have to stop blaming yourself for everything. She…she wouldn't want that and you know it." Brogan paused, and again, he could hear the faint sound of Ginny's voice of encouragement in his head. "And I don't want you to feel it anymore, either."

The waiter interrupted whatever his father might have said, and Brogan sat back, realizing he'd almost forgotten they were out in public. His father ordered an Irish coffee and Brogan did the same, feeling as though he needed something strong in his veins. He had sensed a very old sort of self-hatred in his father that had not surprised him exactly, but it had made him think. He realized he and Solace were alike in a lot of ways that he'd rather not think about too much at the moment. At least, not while alcohol was nearby; he might turn maudlin.

As they were leaving the restaurant, both of them were rather more subdued, but closer than they had felt in a long time. There seemed to be a commotion going on around them. People were walking fast and talking even faster, and Brogan heard hushed snippets of conversation featuring Hogwarts, explosions, and the worse one of all – Harry Potter. He glanced at his father who had also heard the same.

"Go," his father said simply, touching him briefly on the back. "Go find out what's going on. I'll floo you later before I leave."

Brogan nodded and turned to leave but at the last moment, he looked back.

"Da," Brogan said, pausing. "Erm, thanks. For lunch. See you when you get back, aye?"

"Of course," Solace said, smiling briefly.

o-o-o-o-o

Somehow, the press caught wind of Harry being at the school (probably from the townspeople in Hogsmeade), so Kingsley had the Aurors now guarding the front gates to keep them out. He and Ginny had offered to join the Aurors on brooms to look for clues up along the Tower, but once the press started taking photographs and calling Harry's name, they'd landed and gone back inside.

Harry still felt a bit wobbly, to be honest and wasn't too angry at being back on the ground. There was a buzzing in the back of his head that he couldn't shake and it seemed to be intensifying. He knew Ginny was a bit worried about him, judging from her numerous glances.

"Let's go back to the house, I'm not sure there's much more we can do here," Ginny suggested, holding his hand.

"I want to feel useful," Harry insisted. He knew he sounded petulant and immediately squeezed her hand in apology. "Sorry."

Just then, Dobby appeared in front of them, making them both jump in reaction.

"Harry Potter, sir! You must come to Headmaster's office at once! Hogwarts needs its Headmaster, sir!"

"Erm, okay," Harry said, feeling confused. "Dobby, I've told you before, I'm no longer a Headmaster here."

Dobby had no answer to that and started leading the way. When they reached the hallway containing McGonagall's office, they saw a small group of people, Flitwick and Kingsley among them standing in front of the large gargoyle. Harry knew Hermione had said they had had to rebuild it almost from scratch. Dobby bowed slightly in Flitwick's direction and then disappeared with a slight pop.

"What's going on?" Harry asked. He saw Kingsley and Flitwick exchange glances.

"It seems Hogwarts won't let us in," Kingsley eventually said, nodding at the office. "Not even Filius can get it to change its mind. Normally, I'd say we wait until the Headmistress returns, but if we've received word she might be delayed until later tomorrow."

"Is there a reason you need to be in the office?" Ginny asked, sounding curious.

"Hogwarts is a very old building and as such, it has its…quirks, Miss Weasley," Professor Flitwick said, smiling. "Right now it is in disarray because of what has occurred and the magic surrounding and protecting the castle is in jeopardy until we can set it to rights. If Minerva was here, it would not be an issue. As Headmistress she is in charge of the castle. Its caretaker, if you will."

"The school is in pain," Harry said suddenly, and he saw Flitwick's eyes light up.

"Indeed it is, Mr Potter! You can feel it, can't you? As Minerva's Deputy, I am linked to the castle as well, but it is not to the extent that a Headmistress or…former Headmaster would be. Mr Shacklebolt and I believe the castle has closed the office to us because it is hurt, well, obviously it is hurt, they are still unable to put out most of the fire. But it is almost as though the castle is refusing to be treated, we're not sure why."

"We need to get into the office to see if it can be healed that way, Harry," Kingsley said.

"And if it doesn't work?" Harry asked, feeling peculiar. "If it doesn't…I mean, I was barely Headmaster, Kingsley. I don't know the first thing about…healing a castle."

"Well, that's not entirely true, Harry," Ginny said, turning to him. "You've been studying magic-building for a while now and you helped with the damage at the Abbey. Have you come across anything in your reading about this? My Dad used to say the castle was almost sentient, that almost all magical buildings, after a millennia or so, start to feel more alive. Something about all the magic that passes through it, over the years. That definitely applies to Hogwarts in this case."

Flitwick squealed in delight and beamed at Ginny. "Very good, Miss Weasley. Were you a currently enrolled student you would have just earned Gryffindor 50 points!"

Ginny bowed her head slightly and looked at Harry. She lowered her voice so that only he could hear her.

"Try it, Harry. I think you're linked to the school for whatever reason. You've been off since the explosion; I know you have."

Harry nodded. He swallowed roughly, the low buzz of noise in his head seemed to get louder for a moment. Was that the school in the back of his head? He remembered his feeling from before, about wanting, no, it was almost a need to help it. He hadn't really come across anything in his building education about this, but then again it wasn't something he'd even known about. He'd mostly been interested in building and creating new dwellings, not helping old ones.

He knew he needed to at least try, for the sake of the school. He nodded at Kingsley and the group parted, allowing Harry access to the gargoyle. After a moment, he turned to ask Flitwick what the current password was when the large stone Griffin started to turn automatically, as though recognizing him. It made him feel strangely…righteous. As though he was now exactly where he was supposed to be. It was an unnerving feeling, to say the least.

They entered the office carefully, although Harry was unsure exactly of what they'd been expecting. He felt as though the walls around him sighed in relief. Even Flitwick seemed to notice it, as his eyes twinkled at Harry.

"Now what?" he asked.

"Hello, Harry."

Harry turned and saw that Dumbledore was in his portrait, and he remembered that Hermione had mentioned that the Headmaster had wanted to speak to him. But Harry did not feel as though he were in the mood for a heart-to-heart just yet. The older man's eyes met his for a moment and then he smiled benignly at the others.

"Filius, Kingsley, and Miss Weasley, welcome all. What has occurred? The school is full of rumors."

And indeed, Harry could see other portraits crowding in with the other Headmasters, various wizards, and witches trying to get a peek, their combined voices at a low murmur.

"There's been an explosion, sir," Harry said, even though he was fairly sure Dumbledore knew that, for some reason.

"Ah, yes. Minerva told me of the one in Diagon Alley before she left. Has this one been a similar occasion?"

"We don't know yet, Albus," Kingsley said. Harry let the Auror take over for him to fill the portrait in. Harry wandered around the office, feeling drawn towards the west side of the building. He realized he could just make out the damage to the Tower from here and saw that the smoke was still going strong. Harry remembered Flitwick saying they couldn't get the fire to go out.

"Professor, why can't you get the fire to stop?" Harry asked now.

"We're not sure. Either by design because of the type of spell that was used to cause the explosion or because Hogwarts is being stubborn."

Harry raised an eyebrow at that. "The school can be stubborn?"

Flitwick chuckled as Ginny joined them. "Oh my, yes. Remember that swamp the Weasley brothers left when that despicable Umbridge woman was here? I know a few people thought I left it as a tribute to their mischievous spirit, but in all honesty, it was mostly the school that wanted a small part to remain behind. I think the school liked driving poor Argus spare."

"Harry?"

Kingsley called to him and Harry gave Ginny a look before heading back towards Dumbledore's portrait. She nodded and squeezed his hand.

"Albus here thinks you'll be able to help as a former Headmaster," Kingsley said, his look full of amusement. But he sobered after a moment and nodded at the portrait, who gave Harry a calculated look.

"The school thinks you are a former Head. Indeed, I think it…it believes that you are its true caretaker, Harry. It does not matter how long a term you served but that during your time you served the school and proved yourself most loyal." Dumbledore said when Harry opened his mouth to argue. Harry considered his words and nodded.

"Fine. What do I do?"

The portrait gave him an amused look. "Why you should already know, Harry."

Harry frowned at the quixotic answer and was about to reply that, of course, no, he didn't when it hit him. He glanced over to where Ginny and Flitwick were still standing and after looking back up at Dumbledore, who only smiled on benevolently, Harry rejoined them.

He held his hand out to Ginny. "I think I might need an assist on this one." She nodded immediately as their link opened. He turned to Professor Flitwick. "Sir, do you think you could help us as well?"

"Of course, Mr Potter. What do you need?"

"Erm, well, Ginny and I can channel our power together with these," Harry held up their hands, showing the bracelets. "But um, if you were to cast at the same time, perhaps? Just a low-level Reparo charm, I think should do it. Aim at the wall, here, and keep it continuous."

Flitwick nodded and used his wand to cast his spell. Ginny linked her fingers with him and he felt her through the link, offering her magic to him. Feeling oddly disconnected, yet strangely in sync with her and with the school, Harry concentrated on the castle. Much like before when he'd used the bracelet power in the flat, he saw the entire school in his head like a grid – all of its hidden places and crevices, its strengths and its weaknesses. He saw how the Tower burned like a bright spot, yet darkened by the power of the explosion. He could see the fractures and the broken bits the explosion had caused to appear, even now, still working their way outwards and he frowned. There were so many of them, he didn't know how they could heal them all.

But almost as though he had spoken out loud, he sensed Ginny's response to think of the Abbey and saw the answer. It was the same type of spell he'd used when working on various broken stone walls – it was a simple building charm but with the right amount of power…Harry knew he could do it. Ginny sighed next to him as he began to send the charm out towards the castle and he was glad he'd had the foresight to join with her. This spell would be draining for them both.

After many moments of concentrating, Harry finally felt as though they had done enough. Hogwarts shimmered in his mind's eye, appearing almost whole. He'd sensed Ginny applying a spell to the fires still burning and nodded with appreciation at how easily she'd put them out. They slowly pulled back and Harry started releasing his control over Ginny's magic and withdrew his hand from hers. When he opened his eyes, she was smiling at him with pride. Harry nodded at Professor Flitwick to also stop casting and the man did so, looking at them in awe.

"That was impressive, Harry!" Flitwick said, sounding as though Harry had just parted the Red Sea. He felt a hand on his back and Kingsley clapped it appreciatively.

"I couldn't have done it without Ginny being here," Harry said, thoughtfully. He wondered if it were true though – even when apart he could sense Ginny and Brogan, and he knew that as the Master of the bracelets he did have certain caveats to enjoy. Harry was beginning to understand why Sean O'Brien seemed to want them. In the wrong sort of hands, the bracelets could do a large amount of damage – an individual would almost be unstoppable, even.

Harry stared at the portrait of Dumbledore and saw that it was now empty. But Harry had a feeling they'd be talking again soon.

o-o-o-o-o

"So, let me get this straight…you healed the bloody school?" Brogan asked Harry. Ginny smirked as she chopped the rest of her potatoes. They'd come home to find Brogan about to charge up to the school, worried about them. Now she was getting their dinner ready while Harry and Brogan had coffee. It was Harry's turn to cook tonight, but she'd offered to do it instead. She could tell he needed to rest. Physically, he seemed a bit drained, but Ginny knew it was mostly the mental aspect of this new part of his magic that had thrown him the most.

"He was brilliant at it," Ginny supplied from the counter. Brogan noticed her starting to chop and got up to help.

"You did your bit too, Gin," Harry said, staring out the window. "I'm not sure I would have been able to do it without using the bracelets and borrowing your strength. I'm not powerful enough by myself."

Ginny exchanged a look with Brogan and neither of them said anything. With his wand as a knife, he started slicing the courgette she'd picked. She started seasoning the rest of the items; it was just going to be a simple beef roast with vegetables this evening. Something easy-peasy.

"You know," Brogan said thoughtfully. "I reckon it makes sense. You were technically Headmaster during a very tumultuous time for the school. If the castle is a bit sentient, then being chock full of Death Eaters for a time must have been hard for it to experience. We saw how it was when we rescued the children. Perhaps the school bonded with you, Harry because you were there at the right time."

Ginny looked up as Harry appeared thoughtful, considering his words. She saw Roisin wander in from outside and the kitten made a beeline for Harry, straight away. Harry absentmindedly picked her up without even blinking, starting to rub her head. Ginny smirked and went back to cooking.

Harry joined them at the counter a moment later, sporting Roisin on his shoulder, of course. The kitten mewled and hunkered down, its claws tightening on Harry's shoulder. Ginny clucked her tongue at the kitten but Harry waved his hand.

"She's fine, it doesn't hurt. Besides, she's curious about all the chopping and the pounding. Thanks for cooking tonight, love," Harry said as he sat down on one of the barstools. He rested his head in his hand. Ginny handed him a few carrots and a knife so he could help them. He took them with a small grin and got to work.

They were soon piling everything into the giant pan she'd found and as Brogan arranged it around the meat, she washed her hands. She went over to Harry and removed Roisin under protest, but the kitten soon forgave her as Ginny fed her a treat. She kissed Harry gently.

"What's really wrong?"

"I think I need to talk to Dumbledore's portrait. About these," Harry said, holding up his wrist. "And I think Brogan should come too so that we can show him the tattoo. I want to know more about their power and why someone like Sean O'Brien wants to take them from us, and why that's probably not a good idea."

"Boys-only club, eh?" Ginny teased. Harry looked startled.

"No, I mean, I just assumed you'd go with me, erm, us," Harry said. "Erm, I should probably ask you these things first, shouldn't I? Sorry."

"It's all right. Do you really need me to be there?" Ginny asked. "It's only Mum owled me earlier about someone's upcoming birthday dinner and she sort of wanted my input. Since things are still sort of tentative and sensitive there, I thought I would be an extra helpful daughter and stay in her good graces."

Harry blushed. "She doesn't have to go all out for my birthday, please tell her that for me. I don't want either of you killing yourselves just to give me a triple-chocolate four-tiered cake secretly made of treacle or something."

"Four tiers? What makes you think you warrant four tiers, Harry?" Ginny said, smirking. She put Roisin down on the floor and went to grab a dish to feed her.

"Well, if you think we should get the portrait's input, then I'm game. Who knows, maybe he'll have some insight. Even for a portrait, he's still bloody clever," Brogan said. "Sure you can take the time off of the build?"

"Oh, I'd forgotten about that," Harry said, frowning. "I could ask Ron to be there more. He's read the plans almost as much as I have. It should be okay for a day or two, right?"

"I think Andrew is trustworthy enough," Ginny said, standing back up from the floor. "I can also swing by and let the Potter influence be felt. If you think they're going to bunk off while you're away."

"No, it's not that," Harry said. "They're decent blokes, I trust them. It's more I just wanted to be there for all the…small stuff, as well as the big stuff."

Ginny smiled and went to him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. "I love that you want that, Harry. But I can tell this is going to bother you until you get some answers. I could tell earlier at the school that the portrait wanted to talk to you. Alone. I learned a lot about that portrait while at that library, and I recognized the signs. He's a cagey sort. He disappeared on purpose and you can't convince me otherwise."

"Reckon I'll owl Remus later and ask him if we can visit the library," Harry said, looking at her and then at Brogan.

"Just make sure you two actually get some answers and don't get too distracted by other activities. That library is a very romantic place," Ginny said loftily.

"Yes, yes," Harry grumbled. "You gonna be okay dealing with your mum and dad on your own, though?"

"I should be. I don't even think she's told Dad, to be honest," Ginny said, frowning.

"Are me and Harry still walking around with our heads on?" Brogan asked, smirking. "I don't think she has either."

"Brilliant," Ginny muttered. It had occurred to her before this that perhaps her mother's relatively easy acceptance of the status quo between the three of them might be because her father was really going to be the one to convince. Harry placed his thumb on her chin and tilted her head towards his.

"I will stay here for you, if you need me to, Gin. You shouldn't have to have that talk alone."

"I'll be fine. Mum was the real tough case. Besides, I'm my father's favorite daughter, remember?" Ginny tried to put confidence she didn't feel in her voice. Harry studied her for a moment and then nodded.

"All right, but if you need to afterward you come join us. Or just send us a message and we'll come straight home."

"Of course. What do you take me for? Someone who deals with things on their own? As if, Harry."

"Oh, bah," Harry said, but he laughed at her as he shook his head.

Later, after dinner had been consumed (in a rather hasty manner, because it had turned out very yummy indeed), as Harry sat at the table to do some work and write his letter to Remus, Ginny found herself relaxing on the sofa. The fact that half of her was curled up against another human being who was warm and cozy and humming softly had nothing at all to do with her easing tensions. Well, okay, perhaps Brogan had a little bit to do with it. She smirked at him as he read. As with Harry, she found him very attractive when he was all focus-y and intense.

"I'm going to miss you. Lounging about on this sofa just won't have the same appeal," she eventually said, snuggling closer.

"You'll have too much to do to be lounging about," Brogan said confidently. "Who do you think has to finish the rest of the you-know-what for you-know-who?"

Ginny frowned. She'd forgotten about their surprise present for Harry not being quite finished yet. Now she would have to do it all on her own. As well as go shopping for her own gift for him.

"Bugger."

Brogan chuckled. "Why don't you enlist Ron and Hermione, as well as Luna? Even Neville might be interested. I contacted them all the other day for my own project and they were all very keen."

"What project is that?" Ginny asked. "Is it something else or for the room?"

"For the room. Still not sure what to get him as a personal gift."

"Well, go on, tell me," Ginny said, nudging him. She popped her head up over the back of the sofa to make sure Harry was still preoccupied. "What is it?"

"Well, I remembered there are these…type of Muggle cameras, they're disposable. You take however many pictures you want and turn in the film part of it and poof! No muss, no fuss. All you have to do is point and click. So I wrote everyone I mentioned, as well as Remus and Tonks, to take pictures of themselves so we can include them on the wall. I noticed we mostly had older photos and I wanted some new ones. I was going to take a bunch of you for it as well. Everyone is sending them back to me when they've done their bit and I was going to get them all developed, give them to him and let him pick out his favorites."

Ginny smiled. "Brogan, that's brilliant! He'll love it."

"You think? I was hoping, but…I don't know, maybe I should get that book on building that I saw, too. Especially after this whole bonding with the school thing."

"I mean, if you want, he'll love that too, no doubt, but I think Harry will really enjoy the other thing much more."

"What will I enjoy more?" Harry said, surprising them both by leaning over the sofa. Ginny jumped slightly, her heart beating faster.

"Harry! Warn a couple before you interrupt their sofa talk. You scared me half-to-death."

"I have to announce myself to the room now, in case my boyfriend and girlfriend are sneaking secret snogs?"

Ginny pursed her lips and shared a glance with Brogan, who smiled mischievously. She had a feeling Harry would soon be just as horizontal as they were.

"We were talking about your birthday, you prat," Brogan said. He reached up and took hold of Harry and nodded at Ginny, who did the same. They both pulled at the same time and Harry yelled in surprise as they tugged him over the back of the sofa. He landed awkwardly in between them, but Brogan had also cast a spell to enlarge it a bit, so no one got knocked off. Ginny appreciated his fast thinking. Harry groaned as he turned and looked at them.

"Did you two rehearse that move?"

Ginny giggled. "No, but I think we deserve high marks all the same. No limbs nor Harrys were harmed in the attack."

"That's not what my back is currently saying, ow. That's quite the grip you two have. So what are we getting me for my birthday?" Harry asked as he settled in between them. Brogan started rubbing his back and Ginny moved closer to rest her head on his shoulder. Harry sighed happily. "Hey, I like this sofa-cuddling for three, this is nice. Remind me to design a larger than average sofa for the new house. Perhaps for the bedroom, so noisy-noses don't wonder why."

"Do you really want us to tell you about your present?" Brogan asked Harry as he continued to massage his shoulders.

"No, I reckon not. I do like surprises. Hmm, that's nice, Brogan." He grinned at the other man and then turned to face Ginny, green eyes turning darker. "I don't know about my birthday, but I do know what Ginny can give me right now."

Ginny snickered at him as she'd already noticed how much he was enjoying being in the middle. She lowered her hand and kissed his neck.

"If anyone will be demanding gifts, it's going to be me. You're taking him with you, and I will be very much alone during the night, Harry," Ginny said huskily.

"She's right, you know," Brogan said. "We're being bad boyfriends, I think."

"Well, when you put it that way…." Harry said, wrapping his arms Ginny and rubbing against her. "I reckon you deserve recompense for your sacrifice, Miss Weasley."

Ginny snorted, but she saw his eyes light up in that way that she loved. She lifted her eyes to Brogan's and saw that he was in agreement. She stretched and raised her hands above her head as she winked playfully at them.

"Well, come on, boys, do your best. Try to tire me out, why don't you?"

And they did. Eventually. And Ginny did the same right back to them.

o-o-o-o-o-o

"Mum?"

Ginny entered her childhood home tentatively. She'd just seen Brogan and Harry off, packed with a change of clothes and plenty of food for their mini-trip. If they stayed longer than they expected, she had no doubt Harry would make good use of popping up to the Whaligoe Café when they had the chance. After they'd left, the rental had felt so incredibly quiet that she'd immediately wanted to be around other people. It was funny how one grew used to being with two other people all the time, or in her case, at least one other person all the time. You'd think growing up the way she had, she'd want the quiet of an empty house to herself – but no, here she was, seeking out chaos instead.

"Ginny?"

Her mum came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. Ginny suddenly wanted to be the receiver of one of her mum's bone-crushing hugs. She threw herself into her mum's arms and squeezed her tight.

"Why, what's wrong, dear? Where are Harry and Brogan?"

"Oh, nothing's wrong," Ginny said, feeling like a ninny, all of a sudden. She pulled away and gave her mother what she was sure was a watery smile. "They're off on a minor mission to Dumbledore's Library and I just missed you."

Her mother led her over to the table and sat down, pulling Ginny with her. Her mum efficiently used her wand quickly and they were soon both holding two cups of tea, complete with a plate of freshly baked Bourbon biscuits. Harry and Brogan could eat their heart out in Scotland, Ginny was in true heaven with a few of these. She savored the taste of the buttercream filling and gave her a mum a small grin.

"I'm learning a lot about what it takes to make things from scratch, Mum, and I honestly don't know how you always make everything taste so incredible. I've missed these."

Molly smiled and was pleased. "Oh, you'll get there, dear. Especially when you…." Her voice ran off and she looked troubled for a moment.

"When I what?" Ginny asked, grabbing another biscuit.

"Erm, Ginny, dear…have you and Harry, and well, I suppose Brogan as well, have you talked about what happens when you want to start having children?"

Ginny blinked at her mum as she took a bite of her biscuit. She started coughing suddenly as the piece got lodged in her throat and Molly gave her a worried glance, getting up to pound her on the back. Ginny quickly took a drink of tea (thankfully, no longer too hot) and gulped the biscuit down. Once she had caught her breath, she gave her mum a wary glance.

"Erm, no. I assumed that was at least a few years away, Mum. I'd like to at least be in my twenties. Maybe even closer to thirty. I don't want a huge…erm, well, I don't want a lot of kids. Um." Ginny wondered what her mother would say if she told her the truth about her miscarriage and already facing that scare head-on. No, Ginny thought, some things still needed to remain just for the three of them.

Her mother, unaware of her thoughts, gave her a small smile. "I understand, dear. I didn't assume you did. Not everyone is meant to have seven. We just kept trying until we had you, of course. I'm sorry, I suppose babies are on my mind today."

"Oh. Because of Tonks?"

Molly frowned but then her face brightened. "No. Is Nymphadora expecting? Oh! How exciting for Andromeda! I must have her 'round for tea soon."

"Mum, I'm not sure Tonks wants it known quite yet," Ginny said, suddenly feeling bad for letting the kneazle out of the bag. She frowned as something occurred to her. "If you didn't know about Tonks, then who….?"

Molly turned a bit red and she almost looked as though she wasn't going to say. "Well, I reckon it won't hurt for you to know, since you'll be an aunt. Bill and Fleur told us this morning."

"What? Really? Merlin! They're not even married yet!"

"Is that really the stance you want to take, daughter of mine?" Molly gave her a raised eyebrow and Ginny felt silly.

"Erm, no. I suppose not. Are they moving ahead with the second bonding then and then the third right after?"

Molly nodded. "They were contacting her parents to see when they would be able to get here for it. I wasn't sure about that Fleur for our Bill, but…you should see how happy he is, Ginny. He's ecstatic. Our first grandchild! Oh, your father was around the moon this morning." Her mother suddenly sobered and gave Ginny a prim look. "I haven't told him about…you three, by the way. I didn't think it was my place."

"Oh," Ginny said, her mind still reeling about Bill becoming a father. Well, she reckoned he was old enough to start, wasn't he? She was going to be a godmother and an auntie. Ginny felt absolutely dazed. But she reckoned that was the most important thing to remember about life – it always went on.

"Anyway, what are you really doing here, Ginny? I can't imagine you miss those young men that badly just yet. And what's this business with Dumbledore's Library?"

"Well, I thought we might get a start on planning Harry's birthday," Ginny said. "As for them going to the library, well, that's going to take some time to explain."

Molly nodded her head. "It always does with you two, well, now I have to say you three, don't I? Well, come on, we can plan Harry's birthday and have a proper chinwag about things while I finish up the dishes. Do you want to wash or dry?"

"Washing, please," Ginny said standing up.

Molly aimed her wand at the sink and it immediately started filling with bubbles. It was easier to do it the magical way, of course. But it was a long tradition with mother and daughter to wash and dry together while they chatted. Ginny realized it was a tradition she'd started in her own house with Harry and Brogan. They usually did the washing manually and enjoyed the time together. On impulse, she hugged her Mum again.

"Are you sure you're quite all right, Ginny?" her mother asked, looking worried.

"I'm fantastic, mum. Just wanted to appreciate you."

"Oh dear, is it as bad as all that?"

Ginny couldn't help but laugh as they got to work.

o-o-o-o-o-o

After getting up super early to talk to Andrew about the build, touch base with Remus, pack, spend a bit more time with Ginny, Harry was knackered by mid-morning. But the library was exactly as they remembered it, and Brogan had a silly smile on his face because Harry knew he really was remembering and that it made the other man happy to be able to do so.

They picked their old bedroom out of habit and Harry steered his boyfriend towards the kitchen.

"Coffee, please."

"Need a pick me up, eh? Aye. I think there's still some…ah, hah, Remus was right. Dobby has been keeping the place stocked." He held up a full canister of beans and Harry sighed happily as he leaned against the counter. He remembered the food Ginny had given them and unpacked it as Brogan brewed. Soon they were sitting at the large dining table, watching the waves hit the rocks via the magical window.

"Well, how does it feel to be back and to actually know what you came back to?" Harry asked as they munched on some shortbread they'd found. It was very similar to the Hogwarts recipe, and Harry had the impression that Dobby had been busy indeed.

Brogan grinned. "This is so much better than when we went to Thorn Rose. No comparison. In fact, I should probably do a quick spell and see what colors are showing up."

Brogan used his wand on himself and Harry stared in fascination at the colors the spell created. He'd really love to know what it all represented. Brogan moved his wand again and put it to his temple. He saw Harry watching and smiled.

"That saves it for later. The colors start to fade as more memories come in or I start to make new ones. I'm not entirely sure how it works."

"Surprised you haven't read 20 books on the subject," Harry said dryly.

After they finished, Brogan looked towards the room with the portrait. "What do you reckon? Think he's waiting? Full of answers and banishing all thoughts of being cryptic?"

"Hah," Harry snickered as they stood up. "I wish there was a spell to make Dumbledore less cryptic. God, my entire school career would have been far different."

They entered the room and the lights flared into life. Harry rolled his eyes and looked at Brogan.

"Guess we're here for a bit then."

Brogan eyed the blank portrait and pursed his lips. "Well, there was a fifty-fifty chance this was going to happen, let's be honest. You could try calling for him."

Harry was tempted, but he had a feeling the portrait would show up when he wanted to and not a minute before. He wondered if it was perhaps because McGonagall needed him at the school due to the explosion. He smirked at Brogan.

"I'm about to make you a very happy man," he said.

Two bright spots appeared on Brogan's cheeks. "Oh?"

"Yeah. Come on, let's go to the library section and read for a bit. Maybe he'll be back before tea."

Harry took Brogan's hand and led him out of the room. They might as well use the vast resource of books they had at their fingers.

"I think we have two different meanings for what makes me a happy man," Brogan surprisingly grumbled.

Harry winked at him and pulled him closer, kissing him briefly. "Oh, I'll do that too. But later. Work before pleasure."

"Aye. But isn't it usually me saying such things? What's got into you?"

"I've decided to see it as a period of inner growth."

Brogan chuckled and stopped them again. He pulled Harry closer and kissed him until he had Harry pushed up against the wall. Harry felt a bit dazed when they finally broke apart again. "Erm, maybe I was hasty. We could do some pleasure before work."

"Oh no, you just got me all excited to be near the books. Come on, you big tease."

o-o-o-o-o

Ginny and her mum talked and birthday-planned most of the afternoon away, and as it drew closer to tea time she found herself wanting to stay. Her mum gave her a frank look.

"Your father will be home soon. Why don't you walk out to meet him? He'll enjoy the surprise."

Ginny nodded and then paused. "Mum?"

"Yes, dear?"

"I should tell Dad before Harry's party, shouldn't I?"

"That's your choice, dear. But I do think…I do think he deserves to know sooner rather than later, love." Molly wiped her hands on her apron and gave Ginny a fierce hug. "Just remember, he loves you. He's loved you for far longer than either of those two young men have. So if he gets a bit…protective, that will be why. Just try to keep that in mind."

Ginny nodded and headed outside. She wandered through the garden for a bit, tossing a few gnomes just to stay in practice. One of the plucky blighters bit her pinky and she tossed him the furthest of all. She soon sensed it was near that time and turned to walk down the lane to where she knew her father liked to Apparate. She was almost there when she heard the crack of sound meaning he had returned home. She stopped and watched him as he wiped his glasses on his robe; her father looked tired. But his face soon brightened when he saw her.

"Ginny! What an unexpected surprise! My favorite daughter is here to greet me." Her father paused as he drew closer to her. "Nothing's wrong, is it? Harry, okay? I heard about the school. Reckon he was a bit surprised to find out his role as Headmaster wasn't exactly a thing of the past! Kingsley, who won't stop talking about it, by the way, says he looked as white as a ghost earlier."

"Harry's fine, Dad. I just came over to help mum plan for the birthday party and catch up with her. Now it's your turn." She held out her arm and he took it, smiling.

"Well, then, this is a surprising turning into a pleasure. Let's sit in the garden for a bit."

They arranged themselves on the bench and her father sighed as a peaceful silence settled between them. Ginny mused to herself how her father's quiet strength had always been impressive to her as a little girl. He'd rarely raised his voice to them, if at all. Ginny knew a lot of people thought her mother was overbearing, emotional, and pushy, even, and that Arthur let Molly rule to roost without a second thought. But in reality, that wasn't how it was. Her mother, while loud and very particular about her brood and their actions, was really an old softie on the inside. Like the buttercream, she'd whipped up for those Bourbon biscuits of hers. But it was her father who took a long time to come around if angered or disappointed. Ginny suddenly felt her stomach drop and her nerves hit her full-on. She couldn't tell him about her alternative lifestyle, she just couldn't. He'd never look at her the same way. Let alone what it would do to his relationship with Harry. She suddenly longed for both him and Brogan to appear. Oh, why had she thought she could do this alone? She was an idiot.

Her hand, which she'd made into a fist without realizing, was suddenly covered by her father's gentle warmth. She glanced at him to find him studying her.

"Why don't you tell me what you need to tell me, Ginny."

"I…what makes you think I have something to tell you?"

Her father gave her a steady look and then slowly looked out across the garden. He glanced back at her, a smile on his face.

"The other day your mother was like a bee's nest built for one. And I know she went to see you and Harry. She came back rather withdrawn and thoughtful. But she wouldn't talk to me. She only kissed my cheek and hugged me and told me I had to wait for you. And now, here you are. Looking nervous and…dare I say it, a bit scared? I have to think to myself, what would make my baby girl feel scared of me, her dear old Dad?"

"I'm not scared of you, Dad," Ginny said softly. "Just…scared of things changing. Between us."

"Has this thing you need to tell me already happened?" Arthur said, lowering his head to look at her over his frames. Ginny nodded. Her father smiled again. "Then things have already changed, Ginny. All you're about to do is fill in the missing gaps of my knowledge."

Ginny nodded and raised her hand to push her hair out of the way and realized her hand was shaking. Her father noticed and clucked at her.

"Now, now. It can't be as bad as all that. Where's that famous Weasley courageous spirit? You can't be that scared of uttering a few words, surely. Unless you're about to tell me you've secretly been carrying on with a Malfoy all these years, hmm?"

Ginny smiled, knowing he was trying to make her laugh or scoff. She shuddered for effect at the idea of being with a Malfoy, and her father chuckled. Ginny grew somber again and held onto his hand.

"I…I think, in the end, that you'll be okay with everything. I mean, I hope you are? Mum reacted much better than I ever…this is going to change how you view me, Dad, and…I thought I was ready for it, but now…now it feels like I'm not."

"I love you, Ginny. You are my beautiful daughter and you will always have a place in here, so say what you need to say and we'll take it from there." Her father put his hand over his heart and gave her an encouraging smile.

Ginny nodded, trying to gather her courage to her. She released a shaky breath. "I reckon I should start with some basics, first." She looked away from her father's peering blue eyes and watched as a gnome, probably the one that had bit her, snuck back over the low garden wall. "You know I love Harry, right?"

"Of course. You have since the first time you met him, I dare say. When my girl sets her mind on something she usually gets it. And I knew one day that boy would recognize how important you are."

Ginny smiled. "I wish I'd had your confidence when I was fourteen or even fifteen. It felt like forever until he finally noticed me."

"You've more than made up for lost time, think," her father said, giving her a meaningful glance.

Ginny smirked. "You know I'm crazy about him, right? I mean, I love him very much. I'd do anything for him - protect him, fight for him, rescue him when needs it, and love him to the best of my abilities."

"As any daughter of mine should, you love with your whole being. Yes, I know, Ginny. You have always worn your heart on your sleeve when it comes to who you care about. It is a bit daunting to a father to see his child love so intensely and so strongly at such a young age, but I know what you and Harry have is like what Molly and I have. Doesn't matter what age it hits you; sometimes you just know."

"What if…." Ginny paused, trying to find her words. "What if sometimes you realize there's more than that? What if sometimes you find that you've grown to care just as intensely about someone else?"

Her father frowned, clearly surprised by her comment. He tilted his head at her as he started cleaning his glasses again. "Someone else?"

Ginny took a deep breath and decided to just come out with it.

"Brogan means a lot to me too, Dad. And to Harry. That's why we had to rescue him...it's why we put ourselves in danger." She watched her father's face as he processed her words and then looked away, unable to meet his eyes. With something close to either bravery or stupidity, she continued on before she lost her nerve.

"We're…we're all sort of…together. The three of us. It's been this way for a while, actually. And most everyone we care about…knows. Except for you and Mum. And now, well, everyone but you. I couldn't keep it from the two of you anymore. I…I want to be my true self with you two. You've taught me about love and family, and well,…Harry and Brogan are my family, Dad. They're mine. We're each others. We've all…chosen each other."

When her father didn't say anything, Ginny chanced another glance and saw that he had rubbed his glasses so hard one of the lenses had popped out onto his lap. She picked it up and handed it to him but he didn't take it. His face had gone an odd pinkish color and she felt as though she was holding her breath for an outburst that would never come. Because Arthur Weasley did not yell. Ginny reckoned she should take some comfort in that.

"Where is Harry now, Ginny?" her father asked, breaking his silence. His voice sounded odd – too reserved. Ginny frowned.

"He and Brogan went to Dumbledore's Library to talk privately with the portrait about the bracelets and other things. Why?"

"He has allowed this to happen? This…the three of you, together?"

"Dad. Harry hasn't allowed anything. I am my own person. I make my own decisions."

"He has forced you into this then? Made you…." Her father gestured insanely with his hands for a moment. He stood up abruptly and then sat right back down again. He glared at her and Ginny bristled.

"How can you say you know me and not really mean it? No one forces me to do anything. Of course, Harry hasn't forced this on me! He's not like that and you know it!"

"He agreed."

"He agreed what?" Ginny asked, confused.

"He agreed when he asked for your hand in marriage. And I don't care that he didn't know about the first bonding. He told us he wanted to marry you and that he would cherish you for as long as you both shall live. This does not sound as though he understands what that even means!"

"He does! He cherishes me enough to allow me to make my own decisions, something you and mum have never really done, you know. You've never trusted me. Ever since…ever since the bloody Chamber. I always felt you over-protecting me, holding me back from things. Watching me. God, my whole second year the pair of you wrote to me every other day. As though you were just waiting for me to make another stupid mistake!"

"So you were saving up until now, is that it then?" Her father asked angrily, face turning red. Ginny sat back as though he had slapped her.

"Loving Brogan is not a stupid mistake!"

"No, but…but allowing yourself to be used in...Ginny, I have always been proud of you. But this…this is beyond the pale! I thought we taught you to have self-respect with your body, Ginevra. How can you allow this?"

Ginny stared at her father. She knew what he really meant was how could she want to be with two people at once. Hah, two people. Two men. That was the issue. She saw the truth of what he thought of her in his eyes – and like a well-aimed pebble hitting delicate glass, it broke her heart into a million pieces. But she was not going to let her own father make her feel bad about her choices. It was her body they were talking about, and her heart, and she would damn well share them with anyone she chose.

"I would think you'd be happy that not only have I found love once, but twice. I understand the situation is outside of the ordinary and I did not expect you to understand right away, but…." Ginny stared at her father's face, feeling immense sadness. She finally looked away; she could sense how he was struggling not to call her every name in the book. "Trust me, Dad, all of the words you're calling me in your head right now? I've used them myself. But then I realized that what we share feels too good for it to be wrong. We love him, Dad. I love him. Or did you miss that part?"

"I think you should go now," her father said after a moment, looking away.

Ginny nodded. She saw the shadow of her mum near the window - perhaps she could make him understand eventually. Ginny stood and paused, almost putting her hand on her father's shoulder, to soothe him or maybe just to try to make him understand as Brogan had done with her mum. But in the end, she pulled her hand away and left – quietly and quite alone.

o-o-o-o-o-o