Once a Potter, Always a Potter

by WarMunger98

Harry is not the only Potter left. He was lucky enough to have a little sister born just before James and Lily were murdered. Follow their journey through Hogwarts and beyond as the tackle love, mystery and a war. They will meet new friends and be reunited with lost family. M for violence, language and later sexual situations/scenes. Hinny. Slowly updating.

12. Home at last

Home at last: Chapter 12

As the old saying goes, home is where the heart is. But the heart is a complicated, subtle thing. Hogwarts would always hold a special place in Harry's heart. It was the first school that he had ever felt welcomed at, where he flourished and thrived in the presence of his peers rather than failing in the shadow of his cousin. It was a place that connected him with his parents and family, a place where he knew his family had walked the halls and sat in the classrooms for hundreds of years. Hogwarts was truly a home for Harry, away from the warm, country house of the Evans, where his sister, grandparents and Godfather all lived. He would miss Hogwarts over the coming summer, but he could not deny the desire he felt to be back at home, with his family. Most importantly though, home was where Ginny was. The thought of seeing her fiery red hair sent shivers down Harry's spine every time she crossed his mind, which was beginning to occur more often then not. His dreams were often laced with her, but not always as herself. He had sensed her in a way, a feeling he had associated with being near her. And yet, in his dreams, these other girls and women popped in and out and yet the feeling did not subside. When he woke from those dreams, Harry was always drenched in a little bit of sweat and his heart always raced, but at least they were nothing compared to the nightmares he has.

Thoughts of home were swept away however as the swell of pride from Gryffindor's victory came flooding back into Harry's mind. Their victory had yet to die down at all since the night before and students were still praising Harry and his friends even as they boarded the Hogwarts Express to head home. None were as proud as Professor McGonagall though, who, in a rare show of emotion, praised her four young Gryffindor's for their actions which saved the stone. She had been forced to admit that they were right in thinking the stone was threatened, and that the teachers had in no way suspected trouble from within their own ranks. Weren't it not for the actions of the golden four, as Harry and his friends had been titled, then the stone would of most likely been in the hands of a resurrected Voldemort and his minion Quirrell. In truth, McGonagall had spent a good portion of the night before discussing matters with Professor Dumbledore. By the looks McGonagall had given Dumbledore at breakfast that morning, everyone could see that the deputy headmistress was peeved at the headmaster.

But it wasn't all praise and congratulations from the school. The Slytherins had been quick to rally together, sending insults and snide remarks at Harry and his friends whenever they crossed paths. Some were already calling nepotism and favouritism, a quiet uproar amongst the green and silver. But the other houses had rallied behind Gryffindor, just happy that Slytherin had finally been taken down a peg or two. Slytherins head had been no better of course. Snape had avoided Harry as much as possible since his release on Sunday afternoon and even further once Gryffindor had secured a victory. Harry chalked it up to Snape being…well, Snape. He wasn't one for praise or congratulations, as much as his civil tone with Harry would disagree. Still, Harry was surprised that the potions master hadn't at least sought him out to dish out some snide comment or disappointment. Instead, Harry watched from afar as Snape watched Harry with his beady black eyes, a glint of disappointment and almost fear in them. It gave Harry pause for thought, something which he had plenty of time for now that he was safely on the Hogwarts express, heading back to London.

His thoughts were soon broken though, as Harry's friends roused him from his private time to invite him in for a game of exploding snap. Hermione was the one to notice his faraway look first though. "What's the matter Harry? You've been quiet ever since we left the station?"

"What's on your mind mate?" Ron asked too.

Harry turned to his friends with a smile. "Nothing, it's okay. Just thinking about the year, that's all."

Alec looked at him suspiciously. "There's more to it than that isn't there?".

"Honestly, there really isn't." Harry shook his head, "Just thinking about how good it will be to see Rose again." 'And Ginny.'

Harry hadn't lied, it would be good to see his little sister again, more so then anything, however there was more than that brooding in his mind. "Harry, are you sure there's nothing you want to tell us?" Hermione insisted.

Harry looked at her for a moment before sighing. "There was this…look, in Snape's eyes this morning. It wasn't a glare and it wasn't filled with malice. Sure there was disappointment but there was fear as well…fear Hermione. Why would he be afraid?"

"Maybe he was afraid for you?"

Ron let out a snort as he shuffled a deck of cards. "We're still talking about Snape here right? The only thing that man is fearful for is his own backside."

"Ron, you shouldn't assume things." Hermione chided, "Besides, Professor Snape has been rather civil with Harry all year, which is an oddity in itself considering his attitude to everyone else."

"Which just makes things stranger, don't you think?" Harry added.

"Yes…but people are complicated Harry, you of all people should know that."

Harry shrugged as he chewed on the bottom of his lip. "I don't know, some people are easily read."

Changing the conversation, Alec piped up as he took the deck of cards from Ron's hand and began dishing them out to people. "Come on you dour lot, lets have some fun before the train arrives. No more talk of school, we're on holidays now."

"But you can't just- "

"No buts Hermione, schools over, there shan't be hide nor hair of it until August at the very least."

Crossing her arms with a humph, Hermione played subdued until Ron finally cheered her up by having one of his eyebrows singed off. The group sat there playing snap until the deck was combusted, leaving the friends to chat aimlessly once more about anything but school. There were interrupted however when Neville came wandering into their compartment.

"H-hey guys, I just wanted to say thanks."

The group looked up at him surprise. "Thanks for what Neville? We jinxed you." Harry answered.

"Hermione jinxed him you mean." Ron joked, shooting her a smirk as she glared back.

"Not for that. Thanks to you I got the winning points, and now people are treating me like an actual Gryffindor." Neville smiled.

"Well, you're welcome Neville. And once again, I'm sorry I had to jinx you." Hermione smiled sheepishly at him.

Neville brushed is off with a wave of his hand. "it's alright, no harm done." He chuckled, "Besides, I think it should be me apologizing for getting in your way."

"Nonsense, you did a very brave thing Neville." Alec said, "Like Dumbledore said, it takes even more courage to stand up to your friends then your rivals."

Neville nodded his head in thanks before he said his farewells and went back to his own compartment. "Funny bloke Neville." Ron mused, "Wonder why he's so shy."

"He hasn't exactly had the best upbringing you know." Hermione answered, "He lives with his grandmother who is apparently very strict."

"That's one word for her. Madam Longbottom is not someone you want to mess with, even dad's afraid of her." Alec explained.

Before any of the four friends could say anything more, there was a sudden sound of the compartment door opening. Turning to face their visitor, all faces turned into glares as they eyed up their company. "What do you want Malfoy." Harry spat.

Said Slytherin just smiled smugly at the young Gryffindors. "I've just come to see how our latest celebrity is doing."

"Latest celebrity?" Alec chuckled, "Where have you been for the last 10 years?"

Ron let out a snort. "Blimey Malfoy, and here I was thinkin' you had some brains."

Malfoy shot Ron a scathing glare. "Shut it weasel. Next time you and your friends won't be so lucky."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "If you don't have anything productive to say Malfoy, would you kindly leave."

"Was I talking to you mudblood." Malfoy sneered.

Whether it was a slip of the tongue or just a brain fart, the young Slytherin had no idea, as he was soon greeted with a number of hexes and jinxes from the three boys.

"Who did the boils?" Ron asked.

"That'd be mine mate." Alec answered.

Ron nodded his head in approval. "Nice one, now, let's get this wanker out of here."

The three boys pushed the moaning body of Draco out of their compartment before shutting the door and pulling the blinds down.

Hermione looked at the three boys appreciably. "What would I do without you three boys",

"Probably find someone else to terrorize at exam time." Harry chuckled.

Hermione shot him a half glare as she failed to hide her smile. "You'd have all failed without me."

"More like we would have been spared brain aneurysms." Ron smirked.

It wasn't long before the group of friends found themselves pulling into Kings Cross station, where families of students lined the platform, waving and smiling at their loved ones who stuck their heads out the windows. Harry failed to find his family in the crowd of many, deciding to find them once they were off the train. Grabbing his trunk and Hedwig's cage, the latter hooting affectionally as she realised where they were going, Harry made his way off the train, following Ron and Hermione whilst Alec brought up the rear. Scanning the crowd, Harry only just spotted the spot of auburn hair before it impacted into his body. Wrapping his arms around his sister, Harry pulled Rose into a tight loving hug as she buried herself into his chest.

"Welcome home you big boof." Rose's voice was muffled by being nestled into Harry's chest.

Running a hand through Rose's soft auburn hair, Harry shut his eyes as he relaxed into his sisters embrace. "Good to be home Sis."

Retreating from his chest, Rose peered up at her brother with a bright smile. "You've grown taller."

"You've shrunk."

"I have not! How dare you!" Rose mocked outrage as she slugged her big brother in the arm, making Harry stumble back.

"Still as vicious as ever then." Harry smirked as he rubbed his arms.

Huffing to herself, Rose playfully bumped into Harry as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Volunteering to take Hedwig's cage, Rose led Harry over to where Juni was waiting alongside Molly. Ron, the twins and Percy had already made their way to their mother. However, it was the youngest Weasley Harry was on the lookout for, and he found her, nestled in between her mother and elder brother. Looking over towards Ginny, they made eye contact, smiling towards each other as they realised, they had found each other as they always did. Harry's heart once more lurched as he caught himself becoming breathless at the sight of Ginny. Breaking away from her family, Ginny briskly walked over to Harry and Ginny. Molly noticed her little girl go off, a small smile on her face as she saw just where exactly her daughter was heading.

As Ginny neared, Harry came to a standstill, his eyes never once breaking away from Ginny's vibrant chocolate ones. "Hello…" Barely a whisper escaped Harry's lips as he stood there in silence, watching Ginny with his bright emerald eyes.

What he didn't expect was for Ginny to take a page out of Rose's book and punch him on the arm before flinging herself around his neck. "Always have to be hero don't you." She mumbled into his chest, slapping his chest to articulate her words, "Stop. Being. A. Stupid. Hero. You could have died."

Even though his chest ached, Harry found himself smiling as he buried his nose into Ginny's floral scented mane. "I didn't have a lot of choices Gin. But what can I say, I have a tendency to find trouble."

"And solve it apparently."

Rose nudged him in the arm as she agreed with Ginny. "Well you can cut it out right now mister. You worry me half to death."

Harry only gave his sister a kiss on the head as he steered her towards their grandmother, taking Ginny's hand as they walked. Juni was huddled close to Molly, a smile on both their lips as they pointed towards Harry, Rose and Ginny. As they came closer, Harry recognized the third figure among them, dashingly handsome face of his godfather. Breaking away, Sirius quickly hurried off from the other two adults. Sensing his intentions, Harry let go of Rose and Ginny just as Sirius swept him up into his arms.

"Hello pup."

Harry nuzzled his face into Sirius' neck, breathing in his cologne. "Hey Sirius. I heard you came to check up on me the other night."

"Yeah…I did. Your gramps and I both did. I'm so glad you're okay, you gave us all one hell of a fright."

"I'm sorry, but I didn't have a choice."

Sirius had a noise at the back of his throat as he let Harry down onto his own two legs. "So I heard, but that doesn't matter. We can talk about that all when we get home."

Nodding his head, Harry offered Sirius a bright smile before he looked over behind him. Standing there with a smile on her face, Juni waited patiently for her grandson to come and say hello. "Go say hello pup, she's been missing you."

Following Sirius' advice, Harry broke away from the group and rushed over to his grandmother, wrapping his arms around her waist. "Hey Grandma."

"Hello sweetling, you've grown." Juni chuckled as she pushed her grandson back to get a better look, "You have grown! A good few inches I'd say. We'll have to put bricks on your head."

"Grandma!" Harry mocked outraged.

"Well, at least we know you've got your fathers genes. Lily unfortunately took after my shortness."

A grumpy huff came from behind them, making grandmother and grandson turn. Rose was currently up in Sirius' arms, a cross expression on her face as she crossed her arms. "Typical. Harry gets the best of Mum and Dad and I get the worse."

"Oh, come on Rose, it's alright to be a shorty."

"Watch it Potter." Rose waggled her finger at her brother, "I know where you live."

"I wonder why."

All this time, Ginny was quietly giggling to herself, mirth in her smiling eyes. "Don't you start Weasley! I thought you were on my side here. Besides, you're a short arse too!"

"Rose! Language."

Slinking back a little, Rose bit her lip in embarrassment. "Sorry Grandma…"

Harry had to keep his fist in his mouth to keep from laughing, a move that wasn't missed by Rose who just glared at her brother. Ginny meanwhile was quite openly giggling now, bringing her twin brothers attention. "What are you giggling at…"

"Ickle Gin-Gins"

Ginny snapped out her giggling trance to glare at her brothers, a threatening finger pointed at them. "Don't you ever. Ever! Call. Me. Gin-Gin again! Got it!"

Raising their hands in surrender, the twins slinked away, leaving Ginny in a foul mood. Breaking away from his grandmother, Harry went over and linked his hand in hers. "Hey, you alright Gin?"

Snapping her attention to Harry, a sudden blush spread across Ginny's face as she squeezed her hand around Harry's. "Oh…um, yeah sure. Thanks Harry, I just don't like people calling me Gin, or Gin-Gin especially."

"Do you want me to stop as well?"

"No!" Ginny blushed at how quickly she reacted, "I mean…no, it's fine. I…I like you calling me Gin."

Smiling, Harry gave Ginny's hand another squeeze as he let go. "Glad to know…Gin."

"Don't push it Potter…"

"I could always call you Ginevra."

Something about the way Harry said her name sent shivers down Ginny's spine. Still, she glared at him all the same. "Only if you've got a death wish."

"Do you two have to do that?" The voice of Rose broke their concentration on each other, the sudden realisation that they were being watched making Ginny and Harry spring apart, "You two are insufferable sometimes you know."

Glaring up at his sister, Harry just scowled at the look Rose and Sirius gave him, victory. Deciding to let it slip, Harry went and said hello to Molly instead, receiving a back breaking hug from her. Afterwards, Harry farewelled Hermione and Alec who both went off to find there parents afterwards.

"Well then, if you've said all your goodbyes, I reckon it's about time to head off." Juni came over and laid a hand on Harry's shoulder, making him jump, "Sorry sweetheart, didn't mean to make you jump."

"It's fine grandma, Sorry." Harry turned to smile at his grandmother before turning to Ginny, "I guess I'll see you later on. Are you going to come around tomorrow?"

"Definitely, Rose and I already planned something anyway." Ginny replied, a smile and blush on her face.

Offering a brilliant smile, Harry blushed before he turned to Ron. "I'll see you later on hey? Maybe tomorrow for some Quidditch?"

"I like the sound of that. We'll see you tomorrow then. Come on Ginny."

Sparing one last look to Harry, Ginny followed her brothers and mother as they headed off towards the portal to the muggle side. A sigh escaped his lips as his heart fell, seeing her disappear. "Come on lover boy, lets go home."

Harry glared at his sister, flicking her behind the ear. "Come on you little bugger, lets go home."

Grabbing his trunk from the ground, Harry followed Rose, who took Hedwig once more, through the portal. Sirius and Juni were close behind. Out Front of the station, the family Impala stood waiting. Sirius helped Harry slot his trunk in the back before hopping in the drivers seat, surprising Harry. "Since when can you drive Padfoot?"

"Since I was a young lad. Use to own a motorcycle as well. I've always found it useful to be able to drive, and of course it pissed my pureblood parents off."

"Language!" Rose and Juni said at the same time.

Sirius just grinned as he turned the engine on. "Yes Mum."

Driving through the city, Sirius turned back to face Harry at one of the stop signs, a small smile on his face. "So…how was your first year at Hogwarts."

Harry snorted. "Besides facing down Voldemort again, losing 100 points for Gryffindor and smuggling a dragon out of the school…yeah it was pretty good."

Sirius chuckled a little, although it was rather subdued. Juni just made a noise at the back of her throat, whilst Rose elbowed her brother in the side. "Well I'm glad it was a memorable one at least. And a good way to establish a reputation."

"What about you pads, been up to much?" Harry asked.

"Besides looking after your loving little sister and that crush of yours Ginny, nothing at all." Sirius said.

Harry blushed at hearing Ginny be called his crush, knowing full well it was reciprocated feelings. "Truth be told pup, I'm thinking about getting a job, maybe putting my duelling skills to good use. That's why I've been snooping around and asking at the ministry about any available Auror positions. My cousin Tonks it one at the moment, I've been writing backwards and forwards between her and a few contacts at the ministry."

"The Aurors? Why'd you wanna join them?" Harry asked, a little surprised at his rebel Godfather.

"For all the talk of being a rebel, I still want to help people. During my days in the Order of the Phoenix, I felt good about myself…helping people and stopping the bad guys." Sirius let out a long sigh as he pulled up to another set of lights, "And besides, with my set of skills, I'm not exactly suited for desk work."

"And what skills are those." Rose teased.

Sirius laughed at his goddaughter. "The skills that put a bad guy either in prison, flat on his arse, or in a million tiny pieces."

The group chatted idly amongst themselves for the trip back home, stopping on the way to grab some drinks and snacks from a local petrol station. Before long, the all too familiar white walls of the Evans home came into view, and Harry sighed in contentment as he finally arrived back home. Grabbing his trunk from the boot, Harry stepped into pace with Rose as they followed their grandmother and godfather up to the house. Harry noticed that the fields around the house were just about ready to be harvested, with grains of Barley and wheat sticking up like stalks from their roots in the ground.

As if reading his mind, Juni looked over her shoulder at her grandson and smiled. "Your grandpa will probably want a hand with the fields in a couple weeks' time." She told him, "I'll get you to give him a hand, and maybe Sirius here…if he can stop being a dog for a few minutes."

Sirius gave her a broad smile as he laughed jovially. "I'd be more than happy to help Alex out, especially if he just so happened to buy some sheep."

"You're not turning into a sheepdog Sirius." Rose called from behind.

"Killjoy."

Making their way into the house, Rose and Harry ascended the stairs to their room where they chucked Harry's belonging around the room, and let Hedwig out to fly around outside, most likely finding Zeus in the process. Harry watched as his snowy white companion fly out into the blue sky, a smile on his face as he watched her dive down into the tree line. It made him want to go out and fly again, to be out in the clouds. Letting out a little sigh, Harry turned back and headed straight for the bed.

"It feels good to be home." Harry said as he flopped onto the bed,

Rose followed suit and flopped onto her side of the bed. "Feels good to have you home."

Harry rolled over and smiled at his little sister. "Next time it'll be the pair of us going, no one left behind."

"I can hardly wait." Rose smiled brightly at her brother.

"So, have you sorted out your own room yet?"

Rose rolled her eyes. "You mean your room, because there's no way I'm moving out of here."

Harry copied her in rolling his eyes. "Fine, have you sorted out where I'm sleeping."

"No, not yet, although there was some talk with Sirius about magically expanding the house to add another room on." Rose said.

"You can do that?"

Rose nodded her head. "Apparently, but you need an expert to do it, AKA not Sirius."

Harry chuckled. "We'll talk to Gran and Grandpa about it, Sirius as well."

"So…how's your friend Alec?"

"Fine, why do you ask." Harry wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

Rolling her eyes, Rose slapped her brother on the arm. "Because I fancy him you dingus."

"Oh, so you admit it now do you?"

"I thought you figured that out ages ago." Rose chuckled, "And they call you smart."

Harry rolled his eyes, "We both know that's a lie."

Rose stroked her brother's cheek. "It couldn't be further from a lie, you're the smartest person I know, myself included."

"Don't count yourself out yet." Harry smiled.

Rose turned onto her back. "We'll just have to wait and see then hey."

Later that night, as the two Potter siblings slept on, Harry began to become restless in his sleep. His thoughts kept drifting off to Quirrell and the stone and the fact that he had killed someone, even if it was self-defence. Harrys eyes sprung open as he finally had enough, deciding to go downstairs and just read for a bit. Quietly slipping out of bed as to not wake Rose, Harry snuck down the staircase and into the lounge room, where the silhouetted figure of his grandfather was stoking the fireplace, bringing the fire back to life.

"Grandpa?" Harry slowly made his way over to the fireplace and onto the unoccupied longue, "What are you doing up?"

Alex turned to give his grandson a small smile. "I could ask you the same thing my boy, but if you must know, I have restless nights from time to time." A faraway look crossed Alex's face before it left again, "What about you my darling man, what are you doing up so late?"

"I couldn't sleep. I kept thinking about Quirrell…how I killed him…" Harry shuddered at the thought.

Alex sat up and sat next to his grandson, wrapping an arm around him. "It's not easy taking a life, and it doesn't surprise me that you're thinking about it. You shouldn't have had to gone through all that…but you did and nothing's going to change that."

"I just feel so…disgusting. How am I any better than Voldemort. Quirrell may have been possessed but he was still innocent." Harry let a small sob escape his throat.

"Harry let me tell you something. I was 17 when I signed up for the army, back in 1943. At the time I thought I was doing the right thing, I still believe it, but back then I thought it was going to be some grand adventure…but it wasn't." Alex told him.

"You fought in the war?" Harry asked.

Alex nodded his head slowly. "I did…from D-Day all the way to Germany. I must've killed dozens of men, some of them deserved it sure, but most of them were just for survival. War is like that Harry, taking a life shouldn't be glorious, it's bloody and brutal."

"What do you mean some deserved it?" Harry asked with a small voice.

"Well…some of the Germans we fought were part of the SS, Hitler's elite soldiers. One time when we were passing through a German town, we found…boys…some as young as you, hanging on the telephone and power poles. The SS had come through the day before, demanding the boys be drafted…the town refused and so they hung them all." Alex gulped as he remembered the memory, "So when my company moved through, we asked if the men who did it were still nearby. They were. They were camping in a nearby woods…so in the middle of the night we ambushed them and killed them all."

Harry gulped at the thought. "And they deserved it?"

"We believed so yes. They took the lives of young boys who had so much life to look forward to. They had no right to do so. So, we punished them. People like Voldemort, like those SS soldiers…they don't get to decide who lives and who dies…only God does, or whoever is up there. So, don't feel bad for their deaths, but don't celebrate it either." Alex dried one of Harrys tears with his thumb, "Remember the people whose lives they took, that is the ultimate insult to them. And those that died to secure your survival…people like Quirrell, or the German soldiers I fought and killed, remember that they won't suffer anymore…that their death will be mourned."

"I think I understand." Harry told his Grandfather, "But I still feel so…wrong about it."

Alex nodded his head. "And so you should. It means you're human…that you care and that makes you better then Voldemort and the people who like killing. My best advice to you my darling boy, is to remember what I told you and live your life to the fullest in the memory of those that have died."

Harry nodded his head. "Thanks Grandpa. Is that why you're still up?"

"Yes, it's part of the reason I'm up, yes." Alex took a steadying breath, "I saw a lot of horrible things over there Harry…some things that you're much too young to know about yet."

"Alright Grandpa. Thanks for everything. I better get back up there and get some sleep."

Alex gave Harry a kiss to his forehead. "That sounds like a wonderful plan sweetling. Go have pleasant dreams."

Harry smiled at his grandfather as he made his way back up to his room, leaving Alex alone by the fire. "Oh Harry…why is it always the young ones."

The next few days for Harry and Rose were ones of peace and tranquillity. Sirius and the Weasleys discussed the creation of another room at the Evans home, deciding it would be best to bring in an expert rather than attempt the charms and transfiguration themselves. Sirius insisted that he pay for it, stating that 'my family was filthy rich, let me spend it on something good and wholesome for once'. Talks of constructing a barn were also in the works, with Alex and Sirius talking about enlisting the Weasley boys and Harry to help set it up. Harvest season was nearly upon them, and Alex wanted to get a barn up to keep some animals in the coming winter. Whilst constructions went around the Evans residence, Juni and Rose were busy going off to other Muggle farms in order to buy some work horses that they could use around the farm. Alex was old fashioned, and tended to use old horse-drawn ploughs instead of the modern combine harvesters and tractors, both of which they couldn't afford. Rose was persistent that they buy a Shetland Pony, something that she had always dreamt about when she was a little girl. Juni eventually caved in to her granddaughter after one farm offered a lame Shetland pony for an incredibly cheap price. The small male Shetland had a limp in his front left leg, making him virtually worthless for any kind of work, and only suited for riding. Rose was ecstatic when her Grandmother agreed to the price, running after him straight away to go and see him. She feasted her eyes on one of the most beautiful sights she had ever seen, a beautiful brown coated Shetland, stubby, stout, and with a beautiful dark brown swishing tail to compliment his dark eyes and mane.

"I think I'll name you…Paulo…Paulomiles…Paul…that's a good name hey boy? Little Knight?" As if to agree, said pony huffed before butting his head into Rose's outstretched hand.

Paulomiles, or Littleknight, or as the others called him…Paul…was welcomed into the fold of Evans and Potters as an equal amongst the other working horses that they had bought. All up, they bought another four horses, a Brown Clydesdale Stallion, and a beautiful white Irish Drought Mare, a jet-black Australian Stock Horse Stallion, and a dark chocolate Auvergne Mare. The four horses would be used around the farm to help plough the fields, harvest, and of course for pleasure riding. Harry quite liked the Stock Horse, finding its jet-black coat a common feature between the two of them. Rose however was persistent on keeping little Paul. The family sat around the table that night, discussing who wanted which horse for pleasure riding, and what did they want to name them. Harry decided on naming the Stock Horse Courage, after all, both of them were courageous individuals. Alex bagged the Clydesdale, naming him Churchill, after the British war time Muggle Prime Minister. Juni decided on the Irish Drought and the Auvergne, naming the Drought Blath, Irish for flower and the Auvergne, Antionette, after Madame De Pompadour. Whilst the barn was being constructed, the horses stayed out in a makeshift stable made of old wooden planks and tarp, since the nights were warm and the days even warmer. However, it didn't take long until the barn was up and ready.

Alex had recruited Sirius and Arthur, as well as Percy and the twins, to help him build the structure. Alex planned the barn layout, bought the materials and supervised, otherwise he let the five wizards go about magically constructing the structure, much to Arthurs enjoyment. Thus, a week into the summer holidays, the barn was completed, and the horses of the Evans farm could move in to their new home.

"I love magic."

"It's pretty neat huh."

Turning around to face his sister, Harry let out a toothy grin as Rose came to slot herself underneath his arm. "Been wondering where you were. Come to see the last of work?"

"Of course, looks like things are going along nicely." Rose commented, "Ginny and Ron just sent a message through the floo, they'll be here in a mo'."

A sudden shout from the barn drew Harry's attention again as he watched George (or Fred) coat his brother in paint. "Those two are ridiculous."

"Couldn't agree more. They're a bit like you actually."

Harry gave his sister a cocked eyebrow as she looked up at him smirking. "How so?"

"Well, you're all jokesters, difference is that they actually go an perform pranks."

"Have you forgotten how much I scared you when I first got my cloak."

Huffing, Rose slapped her brother on the arm. "Of course, I do, you cheeky bugger. You almost gave me a heart attack."

Before Harry could snap back a reply, a shout from behind them caught their attention. "Harry! Rose!" The tall, lanky figure of Ron came trudging over, Ginny close behind, "Perfect Quidditch weather isn't it?"

"It is. Perfect riding weather too."

Ron scrunched up his nose as he eyed the two Potter siblings. "I uh…I don't know how to ride."

"Well neither do we." Rose replied, "But we're still willing to give it a shot."

"Yeah, come on Ron. Can't be any harder than riding a broom." Ginny teased her brother.

"Fine!" Ron shot his hands up into the air, "I guess we can give it a try."

Harry smirked as he went and slapped his mate on the back of his shoulder. "That's the spirit mate!"

Steering the two Weasley's towards the barn, Harry fell into step with Ron as Ginny and Rose led the way. The two girls were giggling to each other as they walked along, their heads leaning in to share a private joke before they'd flip their heads back in laughter. Every time Ginny's head flipped back, her fiery red hair would sparkle in the sunlight, catching Harry's attention as he'd get lost in the beauty that was Ginny Weasley.

"You alright mate?"

Ron's voice snapped Harry out of his daydreaming. Smiling back at his mate, Harry nodded. "Yeah Sorry, just lost in thought."

"Looked like you were completely out of it."

"Sorry, just thinking about a lot of things you know?"

Ron gave a bit of a noncommittal shrug, leading Harry to believe that he didn't really know. As the group of friends stepped through the barn, Harry called out to the twins to have a break and meet the horses. "Come on you lot, come have a meet and greet."

Dropping their painting gear and shoving their wands in their pockets, Fred and George quickly jogged over to the entrance. "We've been wondering when you'd invite us…" "To meet the newest Potters."

Leading them into the barn, Rose immediately began with Paul, her stubby Shetland Pony. Ginny let out a squeal of excitement as Paul trotted over, his swishing tail flicking in anticipation. "This is Paul, the most adorable and lovely boy I've ever met."

"Hey!"

"Sorry Harry, but how can you argue when this handsome young boy is around."

Harry huffed as he crossed his arms. "Can't believe my own sister loves a horse more than me."

Hearing Harry's annoyance, Ginny looked back and offered him a brilliant smile. "Don't worry Harry, I still think you're handsome."

Both Ron and Harry spluttered, although Harry did it more to hide his growing smile and blush. "T-thanks Gin."

"You're welcome."

Sidling up to her friend, Rose leaned in to whisper to you. "Worked like a charm huh? Told you we could make him blush."

"Uh…yeah." Ginny gave Rose a smile before a blush of her own creeped up her neck onto her cheeks.

"So uh, what kinda name is Paul anyway? Not a very good one for a horse now is it." Ron commented.

Ginny whacked her brothers arm as she glared at him. "Ron! Don't be so rude!"

"I'm just saying! Besides, no one could be a worse name giver then you."

"Oh? How so! Give me an example."

Ron smirked at his little sister as he crossed his arms. "Well, you obviously named that rat Scabbers…"

"And lets not forget Mr Growly…" Fred added.

"Oh and how could we forget when you found that lost owl and named him Harry!" George spoke up.

"Seems like your obsession for little Harrikins goes back a long way."

Blushing a deep red, Ginny pushed past her brothers and fled the barn. "Shut up!"

Tsking, Rose waggled her finger at the Weasley brothers as she began to tell them off. "That was really insensitive of you lot! She's your younger sister! You shouldn't take the micky out of her. If I was your sister…"

Harry didn't hear the rest of it, too focused on finding out where Ginny went as he followed behind her. "Gin! Wait up!"

"Go away Harry!"

Ignoring Ginny's plea, Harry sped up until he was just behind her. "Ginny stop, where are you going."

"To be away from my annoying brothers."

"Come on, I know a place." Taking Ginny's hand, Harry led the youngest Weasley past the Orchid and into the wilder looking tree line where an ancient oak stood, "Here, we won't be interrupted here."

Folding her arms around Harry's neck, Ginny leaned in and buried her face into his chest. "I wish I had brothers like you. Sometimes those gits can be…can be just so…thick-headed!"

"True." Harry ran a hand through Ginny's hair, "But that doesn't mean they don't love you. They love you just as much as I love Rose."

"They sure don't act like it."

Harry let out a chuckle as he squeezed Ginny a little tighter. "They show it in their own way, brothers are good like that."

"True." Ginny copied Harry's words from before as she looked up at him with a bright smile, "Thanks Harry…really. I uh…I find it hard to talk to people about this sort of thing sometimes."

"How come?"

Biting her lip, Ginny ducked her head down as she blushed a tad. "Being the only girl growing up, I couldn't really talk to anyone about...girl problems, except with my mum. And you know her, she's a loving mother but she can be pretty old fashioned at times."

"That she can be. But how come you couldn't talk to your dad or your brothers?" Harry asked.

"Because they don't understand, they never have."

"So, what makes you think I do?"

"Well." Letting out a sigh, Ginny unravelled herself from Harry, turning her back on him, "You've lived with Rose your whole life. From what she's told me, you two were each-others worlds for years. I live in a big family with lots of love, yes, but there's also not a lot of room for finesse and privacy. I've always been exposed to boyish things, I guess. I didn't have tea parties or play dress-up when I was little. I chased my brothers or got tackled in the mud. That didn't leave a lot of room for sensitivity."

"You're saying they see you as another brother, not a sister."

Ginny turned to face Harry with an excited expression on her face. "Exactly!"

"Okay, I see what you mean now. You just needed a bit of feminine influence and your mother is a little too old fashioned to help you out there."

"Precisely!" Bounding back over to Harry, Ginny grabbed his hands in hers, "Before I met your sister, there was no one I could talk to about girly things, like boys and clothes and romance. I can't exactly ask Ron his opinion on my short shorts or ask Percy if he thinks a certain boy is cute or not."

"No? I don't know, I think Ron is a bit of a fashionista in secret."

"Harry!" Ginny slapped his arm lightly, "You're terrible!"

Rubbing his inflicted arm, Harry just gave a good-natured grin as he tugged Ginny back into his arms. "What can I say, I've picked a lot up from the twins."

Shaking her head, Ginny looked back up into Harry's bright emerald eyes, shining with a look she couldn't quite put her finger on. "Thanks Harry."

"You're welcome. Anytime…Ginevra."

A shiver went down Ginny's spine as she wrapped her arms around Harry a little tighter. "Kiss me…"

"What?" Harry jerked his head back a bit at Ginny's words.

"I said Kiss me."

"But…what if your broth-"

Harry didn't have time to reply as Ginny launched herself forward and landed her lips on top of Harrys. A moment passed before Harry recovered, his eyes shutting as he surrendered to Ginny's lips. Feeling Harry reciprocate the kiss sent a jolt of joy through Ginny's heart as she moaned in delight. Just as Harry was feeling brave enough to deepen the kiss, a shout came from a distance away.

"Harry! Ginny! Where are you!"

Hearing Ron's voice immediately made the two jump apart, blushes deep on their faces as they looked anywhere but each other. "Oh, there you two are. Harry, you better come save us before your sister murders us. She hasn't stopped dishing it out to Fred and George."

Harry grinned at his best mate as he shook his head. "Well, you lot did ask for it."

"Yeah but surely we don't deserve death."

"That's up to her and Gin."

Ron looked at Ginny as she looked at Harry, a soft smile on her face as she ducked her head. "Well come on then, lets get a move on."

Being directed by Ron, Harry and Ginny trailed before, brushing their hands together occasionally as they trudged through the fields. As they neared the barn, the vibrant and fearsome voice of Rose Potter came bounding out of the doors. "And furthermore, if she just so happens to like a boy then you lot should fully support her, otherwise I'll come find you and shove my wand so far up your arses that you'll be spitting up red sparks for a week!"

Clearing his throat, Harry raised an eyebrow as he looked at his sister. "That ah…that's rather excessive don't you think."

"Don't you start mister! Otherwise I'll hex your bits!"

"Alright alright!" Harry threw his hands up in surrender, "Lets just…meet the other horses and put this whole thing behind us, alright?"

Huffing in annoyed agreement, Rose turned her back on the Weasley twins, only to turn back again to put an accusatory finger at them, making them jump. "Rose!"

Turning to face her brother, Rose just stuck her tongue out as she marched over to Courage's sty. "Come here then, come meet Courage, Harry's horse."

For the rest of the afternoon, the Potter twins introduced the Weasley children to their horses. At around Midday, Juni came out to check on them, smiling as she found them huddled around Blath's sty. She offered to give them all lessons throughout the summer, taking them out around the property so that they could all get a feel for riding a horse for the first time. The children were ecstatic at the prospect of learning to ride a horse, Ginny especially. She'd voiced her desire to outdo her brothers at something first for once to Rose, the youngest Potter encouraging to do so. And so, for the group of friends, the next week of holidays went by fast. The days consisting of horse-riding lessons with Juni or Quidditch matches out by the Weasleys. With Sirius accompanying them, the kids would head out into the woods around Ottery St Catchpole for picnics and adventures. The old dog was rather keen on running off in his Animagus forms a couple of times, coming back looking rather chipper then when he departed. A week after the barn had been raised, Sirius arrived back at the Evans home with Arthur and a number of other gentlemen, including a scruffy looking Remus, who was yet to meet the eldest Potter.

"Harry! Rose! Come down here!" Sirius' voice travelled up the wooden staircase all the way into the Potter sibling's bedroom, rousing the pair from their midday relaxation.

Jumping up from their spots, Harry and Rose raced each other down the stairs towards the sounds of the intermingling voices downstairs. "Coming!"

"That was quick." Sirius smiled brightly, "Harry, come meet Remus Lupin…one of your father and I's best friends back in school."

Moving out of the way, Sirius held his hands out to present Remus, who stood there looking rather shy with his hands in his pockets. That of course did nothing to stop Rose from bolting forwards and wrapping her arms around the older mans middle. "Remus! It's so good to see you!"

"It's good to see you too cub, haven't been giving Sirius a hard time?"

"Just enough to keep him on his toes."

Chuckling heartily, Remus released Rose from his own grip as he looked up to smile at Harry. "Hello Harry. You probably don't remember me but…Well, I remember holding you when you were but a tiny little thing."

Blushing lightly, Harry smiled as he stepped forward. "It's ah…it's nice to meet you again, Remus."

Sticking his hand out, Remus thoroughly expected Harry to shake it. What he didn't expect was for Harry to launch forward with his own hug, surprising Remus and Sirius. "Oof! Careful there Harry, you're a bit heavier than Rose."

"Sorry." Harry smiled sheepishly as he stepped back beside his sister, "I've heard a lot about you. Sirius and Rose have been telling me about you."

"All good I hope."

"Of course, just the fact that you were a do-gooder prefect that ruined James and I's pranks half the time." Sirius interjected as he came and clipped his friend behind the ear, "Besides, bad and Remus Lupin don't go together. You're sickly sweet and you know it."

"Excuse me? I do believe you got caught more often then not. Besides, it was always Lily Petals and I's plans that worked the best."

Sirius huffed as he rolled his eyes. "Surprised you didn't end up in Ravenclaw."

"Then who would look after your sorry arse, Black."

"Shut it moony."

"Aye! We gettin' this room done or wut?" One of the construction workers broke up the banter between the two long time friends, stepping in as he crossed his arms in annoyance.

Arthur coughed awkwardly as he too stepped forward. "Yes, quite. Now, Harry, you'll have to tell us what kind of room you want, what colour you want it, furnishing etcetera."

"You mean…I get to choose what I want?"

Raising an eyebrow, Arthur nodded his head slowly. "That…generally happens when it's your room Harry."

Stepping forward, Sirius whispered something in Arthurs ear, causing the man to go a tad pale as he inclined his head slightly. Whatever Sirius said had obviously distressed Arthur. "Alright…um, lets go see where we can put this room hm?"

"Lets." Sirius said firmly. He guided the workers up, Remus and Arthur bringing the Potter siblings up in front of them. Rose held onto Harry's arm, a little bit of excitement for her brother coming through, but also a little bit of fear. Although they'd been away from each other for months on end now, Rose wasn't prepared to sleep by herself when her brother…her protector, was just across the hall from her. It didn't seem right to her, and deep down she knew she was overreacting, much like how she did the first time they met Ginny. But her mind wasn't being rational at that moment, instead it was racing around in all sorts of thoughts.

Coming to a standstill in the middle of the hallway, just opposite Lily's old room, the workers had a look around the wall. With their wands out, they took various measurements with wand movements and even their hands. By the end of it, a faint highlight the size of door etched itself in the wall. "Aight Gaz, lets get dis thin' done and go get a pint."

"Aye aye. Right you lot, step back." Brandishing their wands, the two workers began to slowly move their wands in and out and up and down in all sorts of intricate patterns. Slowly, bit by bit, a space the size of a large bedroom began to carve itself out of thin air. The walls rippled like fabric as distortion made the room seem both smaller and bigger at the same time. Eventually, the ripples hardened as bare white walls stood firm. A set of two windows sat equilibrium from each other, a basic fireplace on the right wall. It wasn't much, but to Harry, it was a blank canvas for him to put his mind too.

"This…This is brilliant!"

"Eh? It's jus' a room lad, no need to get excited."

Sirius coughed awkwardly as he took the two workers aside, placing a fat bag of gold in the foremen's hand as he led them back downstairs swiftly. "So, guess we should start getting some things in here hey?" Arthur smiled kindly.

"Sirius already had me go out and buy some furniture for you, we just need you to give us instructions on where you want it, what colours you want in here and what decorations you want." Remus pulled another bag from his pocket, reaching in to pull out a miniature four-poster double bed, much like the one already in Rose's room.

For the rest of the afternoon, the group of adults helped put Harry's room together in rapid succession. Arthur was a wiz at painting, colouring the walls a deep burgundy all the way around. Sirius had placed a lighter burgundy rug just by the fireplace, a futon going in front of it with a small coffee table. A desk, bookcase, chesterfield, dresser and closet all got placed in Harry's room as well, the last items being the bed and matching bedside tables. By the time they were done, the room was already looking nice and homely.

"I can't thank you enough for this Sirius!" Harry had beamed up at Sirius as he had his arms around him.

Smiling back, Sirius had just ruffled the young boy's hair as he chuckled. "Harry, it's alright. It's my pleasure anyway, seeing you and your sister happy makes me happy."

"Besides, every boy deserves his own privacy, especially at your age." Remus had added, a chuckle at the end as he watched Harry light up with a blush.

"Remus! Don't scar the poor boy. Besides…that's my job." Sirius grinned.

"Alright! Enough you two! No more picking on my brother, or else your bits will end up in peril."

Hearing his sister stick up for him, Harry wrapped his arms around her shoulder as he stood behind her. "Sorry Sirius, sorry Remus, you'll have to go through the she-dragon first."

"And don't you forget it!"

Raising their hands in surrender, the two adult men just grinned as they backed off. "Alright, alright, no need to get crazy now Rose. Merlin, you're just like your mother sometimes."

"The hair doesn't help." Remus added.

"It doesn't, does it?"

Whipping out her mothers wand, Rose pointed it threateningly at the two men, chasing them downstairs as they ran for their lives. "Come back here you bleeding sods!"

Shaking his head, Harry went over and sat on his new bed, the soft, bare mattress beneath him scratchy from its newness. Sighing in contentment, Harry laid his head down and just shut his eyes as he listened to the sounds of his honorary uncles get threatened. "Immature! Imbecilic! Inept! Infertile! Idiots!"

Remus stayed for most of the night, joining the family for a nice dinner to celebrate Harry's new room. Arthur had disappeared soon after the paining had been finished, leavening him free from the amusing sight of watching an 10 year old girl chase two grown men through the house with a wand. Juni had reprimanded her granddaughter only slightly, 'punishing' her by making her help make some biscuits, which she thoroughly helped herself to once they were done. That night, Harry slept alone in his own bed in the first time in his entire life. A room with no one else but himself. Next door he could hear the rumbling snores his godfather on the other side. Harry was too excited to go to sleep straight away that night, tossing and turning as the euphoria of his big day filled his mind. His train of thought however was broken as the sound of his door opening brought his attention. Sitting up and turning on the bed side lamp, Harry's eyes adjusted to Rose standing at the door in her nightgown.

"Sorry…I didn't think you'd be awake." Rose whispered.

Harry shook his head as he patted the space next to him on the bed. "You're okay, come sit, what's up?"

"I…I couldn't sleep." Rose stammered as she sat next to her brother.

Wrapping an arm around his sister, Harry brought Rose close into him. "What's on your mind?"

"It's just weird…sleeping in an empty bed."

Harry snorted. "You've been sleeping in an empty bed for the last 8 months."

"I know. But you've been away that time, but now you're just across the way but you're not in the same bed as me."

"You're going to have to get used to it you know, eventually we won't even live in the same house."

Rose let out a sigh. "I know, but I just get this weird feeling whenever we aren't together."

"Well, I don't have an answer to that, but who knows with magic and all, maybe there is a bond there."

Rose shrugged as she buried herself into Harry's side. "Maybe. Is it okay if I sleep here tonight?"

Harry nodded his head as he laid back down, letting Rose lay her head on his shoulder. "Thank you, Harry, I couldn't ask for a better brother."

Harry snorted as he closed his eyes. "And I couldn't ask for a better sister, I love you Rosey."

"Love you to Harry."

Shutting her eyes, Rose let sleep overtake her as she listened to the soft snores of her brother next to her. She thought about her future for a while, wondering what would happen when the day they had to move out would come. Would she manage to survive without seeing her brother every day? The last few months proved that she would have preferred her brother around her, but she had survived, just. She would have to make an effort to sleep in her own bed of course, she didn't want to disrupt her brothers sleep. These thoughts would have to be for another day however, as she desperately needed sleep. The last thing she remembered that night was the dream of going to Hogwarts with her brother and friends, something that seemed better than any dream at that moment.