(A/N: A few have commented on Bill's behavior being a little unexpected. Please don't forget that with Molly dying when he was younger, that would have thrust him towards adulthood sooner plus having to help his father take care of the other boys more than before. The other boys had other affects, such as Percy becoming closer to his father so he never rebelled.

Also, on James's gift to Harry. I didn't think I needed to work it into the story, but since someone asked I figured others may wonder too. James wasn't being cheap. To put it into perspective, I typically use 1G to 10GBP; so imagine being given 100K GBP or 100K US Dollars or 100K Euros (yes I know the exchange rates don't make them equal but it gives a vision for the size of the gift). So with 100K in the bank and having free rent and utilities, that amount would go far enough that having any job would make life pretty easy because all you really need is food, clothing, and a few other things from time to time. Heck, if you could invest half of it (50K at 8%), you'd have doubled your money (or to 108K) in ten years. And yes, James is smart and caring enough to tell Harry that.)

Chapter 4

Harry woke up feeling very rested and, well, wonderful. He'd turned the alarm clock off as they had nowhere to be until this evening. He and Ginny had stayed up late making out on the couch too. He rubbed her back slowly and randomly, just enjoying feeling her against him.

"Umm, you may never get away now," Ginny said sleepily a few minutes later.

"Works for me," he said softly. "We have hours before we have to be anywhere. I thought we could work on our new names, maybe go flying, or maybe even work on getting Ginny's shirt off."

She wasn't so asleep she missed what he said. "I think the last one will have to wait for another day, but make me really happy again and you might get lucky. Besides, I'm sure you've seen a topless girl before."

"Nope, you'll be the first," he told her. "Remember, no sisters or anything like that, and going to a school with Victorian values."

"Hmm, well, keep going like you are and it'll work out one day," she told him. "You seem to be warming up to James and Lily."

Harry sighed. "I'm still trying to get used to them, but yeah, I think I'm starting to understand what it means to have a family and to be a part of it. They also seem to be all right. This is what you've always had, isn't it?"

"It's nice isn't it. I wish Mum was here and Ron too, but there's something nice about this version of the family although I don't know what it is," she told him.

"I'm going to miss Ron, and Hermione too, but it's good to have both of the twins. And your mother was pretty special," Harry agreed. "You're right though, it's different with them. Maybe because your mother wasn't here? That would show her influence."

"I'm still trying not to think about missing her too much, but you're probably right on that." Ginny stretched then flopped back so only an arm was on him again. "Go make breakfast; I'll be there eventually, I think."

Harry chuckled. "Yes, Your Majesty. I'll go make breakfast so you can start your lazy day." He patted her on the bum before he rolled out from under her with a smile. He was definitely getting used to this arrangement.

— — —

Far earlier than Harry awoke, James and Lily went to work, since it was Friday and they'd taken the previous day off. While each could have worked full time and then some, each treated their jobs as part time.

James could easily get away with working part-time most weeks as he owned the company. Today, he took care of some paperwork, approved some decisions, and talked to his few employees to set tasks in motion. Since he'd arrived at seven, he was done by ten and headed home to take care of his "next job".

Lily had an arrangement to work half-time and St Mungo's was happy to have someone of her caliber there, so they let her work the hours she wanted as long as enough important tasks were done. Today, she arrived a little before seven, checked on some long brewing potions, did some tests for a person who'd come in last night and was suspected of being poisoned (he was), brewed an antidote for the poison, and also brewed a few of the quicker potions the hospital was low on. She was probably going to have put in a longer day on Monday, but all of the important tasks were done and her two colleagues who did work full-time would take care of the rest for today. She returned home a few minutes after her husband did.

"Are you ready?" she asked as she entered the bedroom and stripped off her healer robes and pulled out sturdy trousers and a blouse to change into. Her hair was already in a braid and wrapped in a bun on the back of her head so it wouldn't get in the way. Her boots were waiting for her as she wasn't sure what she would be facing today. She also needed to stop by her home potions lab to pick up a few things for their trip.

James was similarly dressed and he was lacing up his boots with a spell. "Almost there. I'll go find a box to take. I thought it'd be easier to hide whatever we found if everyone sees me coming with a box and having it the whole time. Then I can just say it's a few things I need to give to people instead of them wondering what I'm taking from Hogwarts."

When they were ready, they Apparated to the front gates of Hogwarts. The gates were unlocked as they were most days during daylight hours, so they started walking. The front door was similarly open. Classes were ongoing so they didn't see too many students, although the few who did see them gave them strange looks. The Potters headed to the hospital wing.

Inside, they saw a bed occupied by a younger girl, maybe second or third year. The rest of the beds were empty. A charm on the door had alerted the attendant and she hurried in. "Oh, Lily, James, what a surprise. Your children are perfectly fine as far as I know," Poppy Pomfrey told them.

Lily smiled at her. "Poppy, I hope you're doing well. We're not actually here for our children but to see the person you have in your isolation room."

Pomfrey looked unsure for a moment. "He's not supposed to be disturbed. I can tell you there hasn't been a change though."

Lily nodded. "I'm not surprised given what happened. I still need to see him. I promise he'll be just like he is when I'm done." When the older woman still looked hesitant, Lily reached into a pocket and pulled out her St Mungo's card and showed it. "I wouldn't do this if it wasn't very important, but I'm an Assistant Healer which out ranks a Mediwitch." The identification card went away.

"I know, but it's just that…" Pomfrey looked over to the bed with the girl before looking back. "Please be careful."

"I promise and I don't think this will take very long," Lily told her as she patted the woman on the arm. "I'll let you know when we're done." The Mediwitch nodded and walked over to the room, unlocking it, before returning to her office.

Lily slipped inside as did James. He stayed by the door while she checked the chart at the end of the bed before she walked over to the the old man who appeared to be sleeping peacefully. "All right, let's see if we can get some answers. I have a special Strengthening potion, which has a small dose of Pepperup too. Come on Albus, take your potion." She gave it to him slowly with a spell to help him swallow. Then another small phial came out and she put three drops in his mouth.

Checking his vitals again, she nodded. "Good, he's improving."

"If that helps, why didn't Pomfrey do that?" James wanted to know.

"Because it's only temporary. Also, I can only give him one of these until he shows improvement on his own," she told him. She cast the spell to wake him.

"Albus, Albus," she said softly with a gentle shake on his shoulder.

His eyes fluttered open and he tried to focus.

"Albus, can you understand me?" Lily tried again.

"Yes. Lily?"

"Good. You've had an accident and we need some answers. Albus, where are the notes and anything else you have on the ritual we did to bring a savior here?" she asked.

"In the Headmaster's safe," he said slowly.

"Where is that and how do I get in?" She watched him. He struggled but he was answering.

"Behind Dippet's portrait, move it and a little of my blood will open it." Albus paused. "Why am I telling you this?"

"Because it's important that you tell me," she assured him. "If the savior came from another dimension, is there a way to send him home?" She owed Harry and Ginny this, or so she felt.

"Not that I'm aware of."

"Albus, this is very important," she told him. "Do you know how You-Know-Who stays alive after he's killed?"

"No. Lily-"

"Can you guess how he stays alive?" she continued, knowing her time was short.

"I think with Horcruxes."

"Do you know where any are?"

"No."

"Do you know why You-Know-Who went to the The Burrow in 1981 and killed Molly and the three babies?"

He struggled but eventually had to answer. "There was a Prophecy."

Lily quoted the prophecy Harry had told her. "Was that it?"

"Yes. How did you know? I never told anyone."

"How did You-Know-Who find out about the prophecy?" She had always wanted to know about some of these events.

Again Dumbledore struggled not to answer by finally said, "Severus overheard the first half and told Tom Riddle before he knew who it was about."

It was all Lily could do not let her temper out. She didn't dare look at James for fear she wouldn't hold it all in. "How did Tom Riddle know when and where to attack on Halloween of 1981? What did Snape tell you?"

The struggle was greater still, but the potion compelled him to answer. "Severus told Tom when the next meeting was but he didn't know why it was important. Severus said he later found out all of the houses were being watched and you were seen going to the Weasleys."

"What makes you trust Severus?" Lily demanded.

Albus looked at her and his eyes glazed over. She did a quick diagnostic as his body slumped. She closed his eyes before she almost jumped up and turned to the nearest wall and hid her face against it with one hand raised and softly beating the wall. The knuckles on her clenched hands were white.

James ensured his wand was not in his hands before he took the few steps over to wrap his now sobbing wife in his arms from behind. He didn't speak; he was sure he couldn't for the moment he was so angry.

"He knew, he's known all this time," she sobbed angrily. She turned in his arms and threw her arms around his neck.

Neither knew how long they stood there, but the door eventually opened and Poppy came in. "Is everything all right?"

"No," James managed, "no we're not."

"Can I help?" Poppy asked, genuinely concerned.

"No, not really," he answered. "Honestly, it'd be best if he never awoke."

"But…" The Mediwitch was obviously confused.

James continued. "He awoke long enough to tell us he betrayed us. If you'll excuse us, we need to go find Minerva."

Poppy did a quick spell. "His vitals are a little lower, but not alarmingly so. What did you do?"

Lily wiped her face dry. "I gave him a Strengthening potion and we got lucky he woke up. James is right, we need to find Minerva. Thank you, Poppy. Oh, I need a blood sample so I can look for any imbalances in his system." She conjured a small phial and took only a few drops of blood from Albus's finger, just as any other healer would have done.

James picked up his small box by the doorway where he'd set it down and the pair left. They did stop right outside the hospital wing's closed doors. Lily leaned against the wall, closed her eyes, and worked on getting her composure more fully back.

James pulled out the Marauders' Map. "She's in class. Let's go after the other thing. It's nearing lunch and we can find her then."

Lily nodded and followed him not saying a word until they reached the seventh floor, trying to push her emotions from the conversation with Albus aside. Following Harry's directions, she paced and thought of a room to hide things. They each were amazed by the door appearing and went inside. "This place is huge and there are so many things. I'm glad we have directions to find it," she commented.

A few minutes later they found the bust with an old wig and a tiara resting on top. Lily tried the Human Revealing spell and the tiara glowed dimly, compared to her and James who glowed brightly. "It's confirmed." She levitated the tiara and James opened his box for her to place it in. He transfigured the box to a single piece of steel so it couldn't be easily opened or opened by accident if he dropped it.

James looked at the Map again. "McGonagall is still in her classroom, but the students are leaving. We should hurry so we can talk to her alone."

The pair left the large room and hurried down. McGonagall was leaving her classroom when the Potters found her.

"Minerva?!" James called out from down the corridor as she had turned to walk away. The shout caused her to turn back.

"James, Lily, what a surprise. What brings you here?" the teacher asked.

"We have an important question for you," James told her. "Is there a private place we can speak for a few minutes? Your classroom would do if you like."

McGonagall unlocked the door she'd locked only a moment before and beckoned them in and to have a seat. James put a privacy spell on the door before he sat, earning him a surprised look. "What is so important you'd come to the school?" She was also eyeing the box under his arm.

"Minerva, we need to know about what happened back in the 1992 and 1993 school year," Lily started. "I know Albus tried to keep it quiet, but I've heard that's when Slytherin's Chamber of Secrets was opened. True?"

"Aye," McGonagall agreed guardedly.

"We need to know what happened. It's very important," Lily told her. "Who was involved and did anyone go missing, even if they were found again later."

"Why is this so important?" McGonagall asked. "This is something Albus didn't want spread around so people wouldn't get hurt."

"Yes, more of Albus's secrets that he wouldn't share and will get people killed!" Lily snapped viciously.

McGonagall leaned back, surprised by the outburst.

James grabbed his wife's hand to lend at least a little support. "I apologize, Minerva. The problem isn't you; it's Albus. We just found out why our little Harry was killed and Albus has apparently known for years but never told us. I'm afraid we're not at our best at the moment."

The teacher gaped at them for a moment. "He knew that? I … I'm so sorry. I always thought it was a random killing."

"Because that's what Albus wanted you to think, but we'll deal with that later. Please tell us about the Chamber of Secrets. It's important to know because it affects the war. Also, do not tell anyone else we asked about it, especially Severus Snape."

McGonagall nodded. "I can do that. Let's see … there were writings on the wall near that girls' bathroom on the second floor. There was an attack on a second year Hufflepuff, but he was only petrified, not killed. Then it all stopped around Christmas, maybe a little after. I don't know why it stopped but there were no more attacks after Christmas break.

"Oh, Vincent Crabbe, a second year didn't return for the spring term. There were allegations that he never made it home for Christmas, but no one on staff can say definitively if he did or didn't get on the train - only that he didn't stay here over the holiday. Albus bought a Mandrake potion and the Hufflepuff boy was restored less than a month after he was petrified. I don't believe he suffered any problems, other than having to make up some work."

The Potters looked at each other for a moment. "We'll need to talk about it later," Lily told her husband before she turned to McGonagall. "I'm sorry for my outburst. What James said is true, but that doesn't excuse my reaction."

McGonagall leaned forward and pulled the younger woman into a hug. "I understand that just because a memory is old doesn't mean it can't still hurt."

"Thank you," Lily told her as they parted. "Probably best if you didn't mention anything about our visit. We've found some new clues about fighting the war. I don't want to get your hopes up, but I think we may have some good leads this time."

"This would be because of our two other-worldly guests Alastor mentioned to me?" McGonagall queried.

"The less said the better," James answered. "We need to go and you need lunch."

"As long as you share those secrets so they don't die with you," McGonagall said and shook her head. "I almost fear what we'll lose if Albus doesn't wake up."

"Oh, I forgot, we need into his office. We found out where his notes are about the ritual," Lily explained.

"It's good I'm with you then, come on." The older woman led them out. "It's sounds like you spoke to him, even if only briefly."

"It was briefly," Lily confirmed. "In my medical opinion, I think there's little hope of him recovering. You should plan accordingly."

McGonagall nodded once. "I've already started. The only good thing is that the school year is almost over."

As they neared the Headmaster's office, Severus Snape was coming from the other direction. James hurriedly moved over and put an arm around Lily as he could see her eyes narrowing, although he had a deep desire to hit the man himself - multiple times - in places that would really hurt and do permanent damage.

"Can I help you, Severus?" Minerva asked, stopping at the gargoyle, preventing the Potions teacher from going up into the office.

"I was dropping my regular report off for the Headmaster. I assume he still has not wakened?" Snape asked, looking at all three.

"Dark chocolate," she told the gargoyle, which moved aside. Looking at the Potters, she said, "Go on up; I'll be there in a moment."

James had to push Lily to get her going, but at least she hadn't done more than glare at her old friend.

Minerva turned back to the last person. "I'll take the report and place it on his desk." She held her hand out.

He was slow, but Severus finally gave her the report. "Why is Lily so upset? Did her oaf of a husband do something to her again?'

Minerva stood up a little straighter. "Not that it's any of your business, but I understand she just received some very unfortunate news from Albus. Thank you for the report." She too went up the stairs to the Headmaster's office, leaving the other teacher behind.

When Minerva reached the office, Lily was standing behind the desk with a portrait of Dippet swung to the side and placing papers into a pocket. "I never knew that was there. How did you get it open?"

"You need a little bit of Albus's blood," Lily said. She handed a fat envelope over. "This is addressed to you; I suspect it's his Last Will. The rest was about the ritual, but if I find that's not true I'll bring those things back to you. I have to know how the ritual worked and if our visitors can be sent back."

Minerva took the proffered envelope. "I trust you with that. Personally, I think you should destroy it when you're done."

Lily nodded. "That seems prudent." She closed the safe then swung the portrait of Dippet back, who glared at her and she ignored.

"Do you mind if we leave from here?" James asked, pointing at the fireplace.

"Go ahead and good luck," McGonagall told them before they left.

When they were safely at home, James said, "Good job on not killing Snape."

Lily closed her eyes. "I can't tell you how close I came to doing it. He will die though." She was completely serious.

"Of course he will," James said, knowing it didn't have to be them, but he was sure that if Lily found him on the battlefield, there would be no stopping her from going after the greasy git and he really hoped her single-mindedness in that task didn't get her killed. Of course, in some ways, he was only a little better in that he hoped he could throttle the man - with his bare hands.

Milli popped in. "I will have lunch ready shortly. Harry and Ginny came by and borrowed a broom each. I reminded them about the rules."

"Thank you, Milli," James told her so she could leave. "At least someone is having a better day than we are."

— — —

It was late in the afternoon when James noticed Lily throw her pen down, stand, and walk over to the window and stare out, in the general direction of where the tent was pitched.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"The ritual is very complicated and it's in a language I'm not really familiar with. That's forcing me to have to use Albus's notes and the researcher in me hates that because I can't verify his translation and it's possible he made a mistake and I'll never know."

James stood and walked over, holding her loosely from behind and pulling slightly so she leaned back against him. "I'm sorry this is so difficult, but it's a good deed you are doing to help them."

"Thank you," she said quietly. "I haven't finished yet, but so far it's going the way Albus predicted and I don't want to have to tell them they can't ever go home."

"Just remember it's not your fault," he reminded her.

"I know that, but it doesn't make me feel any better when I know I agreed to help with the ritual," she told him.

"There's also the problem that we're probably going to need a Parselmouth for our hunt from what's been explained. I can't remember if Harry said he still was, but if he's not this is going to be a lot harder to keep secret.

"We're also going to need Bill's help. For the life of me," Lily complained, "I can't figure out why Albus never involved Bill."

James said, "You heard him say he wasn't sure about the Horcruxes. I can see him waiting until he was sure before doing something like that."

"You're an optimist," she accused him.

"And you're usually a pessimist," he returned, "so the answer is probably in the middle."

Lily turned and gave him a quick kiss. "Thank you for being so understanding."

"I've tried, but I'm still very angry at a lot of it. You probably feel worse because to you some of it is more personal since you knew the betrayer since you were a child."

"True." Lily shook her head. "I need to send a note to Arthur and Bill and I need to start dinner. Perhaps that will help settle me more."

"I probably need to send a note to Harry and Ginny too." James looked around for something to write on and with.

"Don't worry about it, I'll add it to the note to Arthur to tell them to come by this evening. I have a feeling we'll be up late, especially if Sirius, Shelly, and Remus make it for dinner."

"Yeah, we have a lot of explaining to do to bring them fully into this.

— — —

Sirius and Shelly came over; their two children were at Hogwarts, a first and second year. Remus was only a few minutes later in arriving.

Sirius pulled out a stack of mirrors, each with a tag identifying it. "Here's a pair for our visitors like they asked for. A pair for you and Harry to use. A pair for us to use. Finally, Remus and I have a pair."

"I take it you haven't figured out how to do more than a pair?" James asked.

"No, and it wasn't for lack of trying," Sirius said with frustration. "Moony and I worked on making three work together for most of the day and just couldn't get it." He pulled out a sheet of parchment and handed it to Lily. "Have a go at it. You have a mastery in Arithmancy and in Charms."

Lily took it and gave it a glance. "Maybe next week since it's a lower priority. I'm little busy at the moment."

When Sirius raised an eyebrow to imply his question, James waved them to the dining room. "Let's eat first then we have a lot to tell you. We got a big break today and we're going to need your help following up on this."

"This is because of Harry and Ginny, isn't it?" Remus asked as they sat down at the table.

"It is, but let's wait until after dinner," James told them. "Trust me, it's not a topic for the dinner table."

— — —

Harry and Ginny arrived at The Burrow. Percy was outside waiting. "Hello. I'll get Dad," he turned and went inside.

Arthur came out a moment later and walked over to them. He held out his hands and they grabbed on so he could pull them inside the wards. "Follow me," he told them and led them into the house. He had them stand on a spot that looked no different and did a spell, ending with touching their forehead with his wand - one at a time.

"You can now walk in through the wards without penalty and Apparate to the porch," Arthur told them, looking very pleased. "Have a seat at the table."

A moment later, each Weasley came out of the kitchen with a platter or bowl in each hand and set it on the table before taking his own seat.

"I'm impressed," Ginny said. "I don't know if my father ever cooked an entire meal."

Arthur looked a little embarrassed, but he said, "I can cook, although all of the boys will tell you it'd be an average tasting meal on my best days. After about four days on my own I surrendered and James got me some help. Brolli?"

A house-elf popped in. "Yes, Master Arthur? Did I forget something?"

"No, Brolli, you've done well with dinner," Arthur told him. "I wanted you to meet our guests. This is Ginny Weasley, my step daughter, and she may feel familiar."

The elf looked at her intently. "Yes, she has family magic." He looked at Harry and said, "He does not."

"Yes, that is Harry Potter and he's related to James and Lily Potter. These two are dating," Arthur explained.

"Oh, I understand now." Brolli looked at them. "Welcome to our home."

"Thank you, Brolli," Ginny said and Harry echoed her.

"You may go," Arthur said and the elf left. "I know ... Molly, would have never allowed us to get an elf, but we'd be lost without him." He took a deep breath. "Well, let's eat and get to know one another.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Lily sent a note over," Arthur said. "She said that she'd like Bill to come see them tomorrow morning, and myself if I feel like going on an adventure. She also requested that you two be available for and after breakfast. She also wanted to know if you'd stop by after your time here this evening, but there was no hurry as they'd be up late." Arthur smiled. "I'm thinking about going tomorrow."

"Do you know what this is about?" Bill asked the visitors, politely.

The two looked at each other; it was Harry that answered. "We can guess she'd like to go look for a few things, but I suspect we'll have to wait for her to answer."

"I can't imagine why she'd ask for me unless she needs a Curse Breaker," Bill said.

"Perhaps she needs a Curse Breaker," Ginny quipped with a smile and the twins laughed.

One of the twins also said, "We have something for you to read before you leave."

"Oh sure," Harry agreed. "I'm thinking I'll fund you myself. James promised me a little family money and I think you two would be a good investment."

"Harry, you don't have to," Arthur argued.

"I know I don't have to," Harry replied, "but the twins we knew had a really amazing joke shop and they had a good business too. If these two are even close to as good, they'll do really well."

The twins beamed and high-fived while their father, Percy, and Bill looked thoughtfully at the twins.

As dinner wound down and they were all talking around the dinner table, the empty bowls and plates started disappearing. In the center of the table a double layer chocolate cake appeared, along with a stack of small plates and forks.

"Thank you, Brolli, I'd forgotten," Arthur called out. He started serving the cake, giving the first slice to Ginny and followed by Harry and then his boys.

Arthur looked at their guests. "Have you given much thought as to what you'd like to do after you take your NEWTs? That's from before you came here or after."

Harry nodded at his girlfriend who said, "I mentioned Quidditch the other day. I've wanted to play for the Holyhead Harpies since I was little. That's still an option, I think. Other than that, I don't know."

"I don't know for sure," Harry said. "I've lived most of life just wanting to make it past You-Know-Who. Now that I have, I suppose I have options. James offered to let me work for his company. I've considered playing Quidditch too, but obviously I can't play for the Harpies." Everyone laughed.

Once Ginny finished laughing, she said, "I hadn't realized you had ever wanted to play professionally."

"It's a more recent thought and I don't know how serious I am," Harry admitted. "About my only thought beyond that was that if we both played we'd need to be on the same team or we'd hardly ever see each other."

"True," she agreed. "So since you can't play for the Harpies then I couldn't either. Perhaps not my dream but I could play for someone else."

"Ginny, I'm not-" Harry tried.

"Shush, you," she told him. "These are only ideas and some ideas are more important than others, like seeing my husband is more important than playing for a specific Quidditch team."

As they stared at each other thinking about that, Harry realized suddenly that the room was very quiet and all eyes were on them. "We'll have to talk about it later." He felt her reach out and take his hand to squeeze it as she smiled at him.

"Yes, well, everyone finish their last bites of cake and we can move to the family room," Arthur announced. "Fred, George, I believe you have something for our guests." One of the twins jumped up and went up the stairs while the others finished off their cake.

As they moved into the family room, the missing twin returned and handed over a bound thin book (more like a thick report) to Harry. "Thank you," he said as he opened it up and leafed through the approximately ten pages in it quickly as he didn't want to keep everyone waiting. He was looking for a few key words, however.

"I'll read it in detail over the next few days, but I don't see anything about a line of defensive products. Have you considered anything like that?" Harry asked as he flicked backwards for a second quick look.

"Yes, we've thought about something like a hat that has at least a weak shield in it," Twin One said, "but we haven't made one yet."

Ginny nodded. "Shield hats were a big seller. There was a Darkness Powder for creating instant darkness in an area, but you should be careful who you sell that to - oh, and a way to reverse the darkness. I liked the Portable Swamps, great for slowing enemies down. I'm a little disappointed they never made a version with alligators, snakes, or something else dangerous in them, but maybe that was too hard."

Twin two pulled out a small notebook from a pocket and began scribbling madly. "I think I know how to do all of that." He finished his line and looked up. "Good ideas are worth a lot." He looked at his twin. "Maybe not just an investor but a partner?"

"I'm warming up to the idea quickly." Twin One looked at Harry. "What else can you recommend?"

"I can see you've already got the Canary Cremes and Tongue-Ton Toffees," Harry replied as he closed the proposal. "Ginny and I will go over what you have and create a list of other things we can remember that you don't have, or things we've considered on our own. I saw you mentioned you'd need about 600 Galleons to open a small shop in Diagon Alley. I'd propose giving you 1000 so you can get a bigger shop. I'll even see if the place I remember is available because it was in a good location." He'd talk to James too because this seemed like something his company would handle.

The twins threw up their hands and did a high-five again.

Arthur chuckled. "Now that business is out of the way for the moment, perhaps some stories so we can get to know each other a little better…"

— — —

It was a little after nine when the conversation started to develop more pauses. Mindful of Lily's request to stop by, Harry said, "It's getting later and we still need to see James and Lily, and some of us have to get up earlier tomorrow."

"Oh, yes, quite right," Arthur agreed and stood, so the rest did as well. "I have the password so you can Floo there straight from here. Be a little patient when you arrive as they have to let you out of the room."

He dithered for a moment, so it was Ginny who moved first and walked over and gave him a hug. "Thank you for having us over. I enjoyed it and want to come back again."

"I'm glad and you're always welcome - both of you," Arthur told her as he patted her on the back and looked very happy.

Harry was shaking hands with each of the boys, then went to Arthur as Ginny gave each of the boys a quick hug, even Bill.

The good-byes said for now, Arthur threw some Floo Powder into the fireplace and whispered something so the fire turned green. "Probably best to go together."

Ginny said, "Good-bye," again before the two left holding hands. They ended up in a small stone room with a door that didn't have a handle. Not knowing what else to do, Harry knocked on the door.

It didn't take long before the door was opened by James. "Oh, surprise. I expected you to Apparate and come in the front door. Come in, come in."

James led them down the hallway and into the family room, which was larger than the parlor.

Harry stopped suddenly as he saw who was there. Ginny stood beside him with a hand on his back.

"Introductions, I think, for our other visitors," James said. "I believe you saw him the other day, but here is Remus Lupin."

Remus stood and walked over. He looked as worn in the face as the other Remus did, but this one was dressed better - not as good as the others, but very respectably like a normal person. "Harry, Ginny." He shook hands with them.

"I'm sorry about the wand," Harry said quickly.

"Once I was over my shock, I understood. Since you returned it, please don't worry about it," the man said as he returned to this seat.

"What would you like me to call you?" Harry asked. "Remus, Moony, Professor, or something else?"

The man smiled and chuckled. "James was telling us that you know of the Marauders and Lily said I was your teacher for a year. I think Remus will do considering your age." He made sure Ginny knew that applied to her too with a look and a nod.

"Next is the probably the only woman in the UK that would put up with the old dog here," James teased, "Michelle Black."

The woman gave James a disparaging look before she smiled at the teens. She had light brown hair and was attractive. She'd also be a little shorter than Sirius, which made her taller than most women, including Lily and especially Ginny who was shorter than average. "Everyone calls me Shelly and you should too. It's nice to meet you." She shook hands with each teen. "I'm sorry I missed seeing you the other day since you did arrive at our house; I was busy elsewhere at the time. While I'm aware of the project, I chose not to be involved because I thought we should solve our own problems, even if it's hard."

Harry told her, "Thank you," as she returned to her seat.

"Last and least is-"

James was cut off as Sirius jumped up and said, "Sirius Black at your service." He pumped Harry's hand and looked him in the eye. "And godfather extraordinaire who didn't get to do that much because of a very unfortunate time. I'm someone who'd like to take up those duties for you and also get to know the real you."

"I'd like that," Harry said thickly.

Sirius let go of Harry and grabbed Ginny's hand, instead of shaking it he raised it to kiss it. "It's a pleasure to meet a lovely young lass such as you, Miss Weasley. While Harry's grandmother was not a redhead, it is interesting to see Harry carry on his father's tradition. Hmm," he looked from the girl to Lily. "With a little luck, I think Harry will be happier than his father." He bowed to them and waved his hand in deference and supplication before he backed up to this seat.

Lily sighed and shook her head. "Shelly, you have my sympathy."

"Thank you," Shelly said mischievously.

"Hey! I am right here," Sirius objected, although obviously faked.

"I think that's the problem, old friend," Remus said with a grin.

"Moving along," James said with his own grin as he looked at Harry, "we've explained the problem that we're up against, as you've explained it to us. What would be news to you is that Lily and I retrieved Ravenclaw's Tiara today. It was where you said it would be and a Human Revealing charm caused it to glow dimly; therefore it is a Horcrux."

"Good job in proving that," Harry told him.

"Yes, it's good to know we're finally making some headway on defeating the evil bastard." James's smile went away. "I'm sorry to tell you we have some bad news too. We were able to wake Albus Dumbledore up and ask him a few questions with some encouragement to answer them honestly. Dumbledore didn't know for certain what was keeping the monster alive, but he had suspected Horcruxes and hadn't told anyone. He also didn't have any ideas where any were located."

"Not overly surprising he didn't tell," Harry replied, "but not much of a problem now, or hopefully that will be true."

"I'm afraid it gets worse," James told him. "While we were there, we ran into Severus Snape. While he didn't know why we were there, he seemed to have rightly concluded that his life was in danger and left the school without telling anyone; Minerva told us early this evening. While most of this group doubts he helped us all that much, we now have no one as a spy."

"He's a very good fighter and potions master, but beyond that I don't think much of him - although I will admit to being biased against him since he treated me so badly in school," Harry told them.

"Yes, well, I'm afraid there is even more bad news," James took a deep breath. "While we were questioning Dumbledore, Lily made him tell her where his notes were for the ritual that brought you here. Dumbledore was of the opinion that your trip across the dimensions was … one way."

Harry looked at Ginny and they grabbed each other's hands.

"I haven't given up hope," Lily added quickly. "I've already started looking at the ritual and I will find an answer."

After a moment, Harry looked at his step-mum. "We appreciate the effort greatly. While we can hope you'll find something, we'll have to start thinking more seriously about what we'll do here long term."

Ginny nodded at him, her eyes shiny with unshed tears as she willed herself not to lose her composure. To suspect was one thing, to be told was another.

"I've already looked at it long enough that I believe the reason you were picked was because you didn't exist here," Lily told him.

"Right," Harry said softly acknowledging her before he looked around, hoping to leave after that news. "We will join you tomorrow. Is there anything else we have to talk about tonight?"

"Excellent, I'm sure your guidance will be most helpful," James said. "Breakfast is at eight and we'll go afterward. I don't have anything else."

"One more bit of news and it's good this time," Sirius said. "No, make it three bits. Since it sounds like you'll be here for a while, as your godfather, I will match what James gave you to help you get started in life."

"Sirius!" Harry started protesting.

"Don't worry about it, the Blacks aren't poor and I want to make sure my godson, and it looks like future god-daughter too, are taken care of," Sirius said a little pompously.

Harry and Ginny blushed slightly as they looked at each other. "Thank you," Harry finally got out.

"Yes, thank you," Ginny said softly.

"I also have a couple of gifts for you." Sirius grabbed a package off of the table next to him. "Here is the pair of mirrors you requested. It is a generic set with the names on them. There is also an extra mirror in there that if you call for 'James Potter', then it will make a connection to his matching mirror."

"Brilliant! Thank you!" Harry said as he accepted the package.

"While not as personal for you, the other good news is that a few years ago when Amelia Bones was abducted and murdered to help resurrect You-Know-Who, some of the Aurors and/or possibly an ex-Auror, went a bit crazy and all of the Death Eaters that were in Azkaban were found dead in their cells when someone bothered to look," Sirius told them.

"As an aside, the Order has been a little surprised You-Know-Who hasn't tried take over the Ministry before now, but those Death Eaters being killed probably is what has slowed them down. Whatever the cause, Albus believes they'll try this summer though.

"Anyway, one of those Death Eaters that died in Azkaban was Bellatrix Lestrange, plus her husband and brother if we care about them. She had a vault in Gringotts and there was a dispute over it. There are other Lestranges, but they are from a cadet family. Meanwhile, the Blacks had a claim as her birth family. The Goblins, may they rot in hell…"

"Sirius!" Shelly shouted.

He didn't amend anything. "…decided that the Lestranges could have the gold as that was what they wanted most, and the Blacks received all of the non-gold items, which I've barely even looked at, but they are all still in the Black family vault. Lily mentioned that we might want something from Bellatrix's vault."

"That's, that's really helpful!" Harry almost shouted and grabbed Ginny in a hug. "That was the hardest one to get."

"You and I can go retrieve it immediately after breakfast while the others prepare. I believe Lily needs the time to build an underground oven, or that's how she described it."

"Close enough," Lily agreed. "We can put the things in there then use Fiendfyre as you suggested. I do have a small amount of basilisk venom, although probably only enough to destroy one of them."

She sighed. "I'm sorry to have to say this too, but we're probably going to have to go into the Chamber of Secrets. Professor McGonagall told us that Vincent Crabbe disappeared around Christmas time and the petrifications stopped after that. The only conclusion I can come to is that something went wrong and he was killed in the chamber, probably by the basilisk. So odds are we'll find the diary there."

"That's a guess though." Harry didn't care for her guess, even if he agreed with her.

"It is, but it's the most probable answer," she told him. "I think that's all we have for now."

"All right, thank you." Harry was still holding Ginny's hand so he stood and pulled her up. "We'll be back at eight, or maybe a little before so Sirius and I can go to Gringotts first. I assume you have an order of retrieval for least likely to be caught to most risky?"

"I do," Lily told him.

"Good night, then." Harry was trying to be as friendly as he could, as were they, given the bad news he and Ginny had just received. He walked Ginny to the front porch and looked at her, then Side-Along Apparated her to their tent.

Inside they wrapped each other in a tight hug and held on for a long time.

"It's what I was expecting, but to actually hear there is no going back," Harry breathed, not wanting to really say it.

"But Lily could find a way back," Ginny thrust the hope out.

"Maybe she will, but for stuff like this, Dumbledore is probably right. He's wrong about a lot of people problems, but on magic he's usually right," Harry told her. "Let me go put this mirror where we talked about then we can go to bed."

It didn't take long for Harry to turn "Mirror B" on before he Apparated to near The Burrow. He hid the mirror in a tree with it pointed at the house. Several spells hid it so it couldn't be seen. Returning to the tent, they each could see the lawn and house in the moonlight.

"There, now if they're attacked we'll know sooner and can go help," he told her.

"Thanks for doing that," Ginny told him. "Now let's go to bed. I really don't want to talk about what's happened to us or I'll get even more upset."

"I know, I don't like it either, but what can we do?" Harry said with resignation as he led her to their bedroom.

(A/N: Maybe things are getting better for them, but maybe not. :)