Stag Run: Chapter 13

Over the next few weeks of the summer holidays, Rose rotated between her bed and Harry's and even sometimes Sirius', in her ever-deepening spiral of depression. The thought of eventually being separated from her brother had plagued her mind ever since she first thought about it the night Harry moved into his own room. Try as they might, her family and friends couldn't get her to her normal, bubbly, happy self, leading to Sirius resorting to desperate measure. One morning, Rose found herself being awoken by a wet, warm tongue slobbering its way up her cheek. Opening her eyes in panic, Rose shot up from her bed to the sight of her brother and Sirius, in Animagus form, sitting on her bed.

"Sirius! That's seriously gross!" Rose chided, "I have no idea where your tongue has been!"

Harry chuckled from his position in the doorway as his sister made to stand from her bed. "You should have seen the look on your face Rose, classic."

Sirius hopped off the bed as Rose shot her brother a glare, begrudgingly moving towards him for their morning hug. "Don't you start too Harry."

Sirius meanwhile had changed back into his normal self. "Nawh, isn't that touching. Also, I think I'll start going by Siriusly Gross from now on."

"Watch it padfoot."

"Alright I get it, you're grumpy."

"Gran has breakfast all set up downstairs." Harry told her, "Remus is coming over in a bit to take us somewhere with Sirius."

Looking at her brother and then her Godfather, Rose gave them both a raised eyebrow. "Where we goin' then?"

"That's for me to know and for you to find out missy." Sirius tapped the side of his nose.

Making their way back downstairs, Rose was greeted by her family seated around the kitchen table, enjoying their breakfast and morning beverages as they talked amongst themselves or read the newspaper in Alex's case. Juni looked up and smiled at her granddaughter as Rose rounded the corner.

"Good morning sweetheart, how'd you sleep?"

Rose shrugged her shoulders as she headed for an empty seat next to her grandfather. "I don't think she's in much of a mood to talk this morning." Harry said, "Not after the wake up she received."

Sirius grinned sheepishly as he took a seat next to Juni. "What can I say, I always wanted to be a family pet."

"You pretty much are Sirius." Alex joked, looking up from his newspaper.

Sirius spluttered as he tried to come back with something, but he was cut off by the sound of the fireplace roaring to life from the sitting room, indicating someone arriving by Floo. A few moments later, the dishevelled appearance of Remus Lupin appeared in their kitchen, looking as pale as ever. "Good morning everyone, how are we this morning?"

The group said their good-mornings as Remus took a seat next to Sirius. The two friends leaned in to have a private conversation. Rose strained her ears to try and pick up what they were saying, but failed to do so, going back to eating her bacon and eggs that Juni had supplied her. Breaking from their whispered conversation, Sirius and Remus beamed at the two young Potters.

"Well you lot, everything's set for today, so the quicker you eat the faster we can get where we're going." Remus told them.

Harry and Rose nodded their heads and they tucked into the food as quickly and politely as possible, Harry failing in the latter.

"So, Alex, are you looking for people to help with the harvest?" Remus inquired.

Alex looked up from his paper to look at Remus. "Aye, I am. You interested in a job then Remus? I thought you had an interview lined up already?"

"I'm afraid so, the last interview I had went rather…sour." Remus lamented.

Alex nodded his head as he put down his paper. "Well, I'm always happy to help a friend of the family." Looking Remus square in the eye, Alex let out a soft sigh, "But I can't promise you much. I'll do what I can though."

"Thank you, Alex." Remus nodded in appreciation, "Are you getting the boys to help as well?"

"Harry is going to help me out soon as the harvest is ready, and Sirius as well." Alex said, "Got to give the lad a bit of pocket money, but Sirius is earning his keep this way."

"If you'd only get sheep you could see my full potential." Sirius grinned.

Alex rolled his eyes as he picked his paper back up. "Aye, I think I'd have better luck using an Ass to plough the fields."

Harry snorted as Juni shot her husband a look, whilst Remus and Sirius chuckled softly. Rose was stoic however, as she got up to put her dishes in the sink, signalling that it was time to depart. Giving their grandparents a kiss each, Harry and Rose followed Sirius and Remus to the front of the house, ready to take the Floo, only to be directed to the front of the house.

"Why aren't we taking the Floo?" Harry asked.

Sirius looked back at his godson. "The Floo? Where we're going pup, we don't need the Floo."

"Did you just…"

"Hush Moony."

Walking all the way to the edge of the wards, Sirius signalled them to grab a hold of one of them. "Grab hold of one of us, nice and tight now."

Rose grabbed Remus' arm whilst Harry grabbed Sirius, as both adult wizards took out their wands, before being submerged in the tight, black embrace of apparition. Coming out of the expanse of darkness, the two Potters emerged on a dirt road at the edge of a property with a vast white brick wall surrounding it. Harry doubled over and almost retched from the sensation, gathering himself before finally righting himself to look at their surroundings. Around them, mountains and valleys appeared, with white mist pouring down from them in the early morning. In front of them was a large, double gate made of cold steel, decorated by a number of shaped stags. Remus and Sirius looked on at the house with a sparkle in each of their eyes as Remus pulled out a couple of pieces of paper and handed them to Rose and Harry.

"Read these pieces of paper, and then pass them back." Remus instructed.

Harry and Rose looked down at the pieces of paper they had just been handed.

Stag Run is located 3 miles due east of Fort Augustus, Scotland, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Passing the pieces of paper back to Remus, Harry and Rose had to stifle a gasp as a house appeared in front of them. Appearing out of what appeared to be mid-air, a large, dark brown stone brick house stood in place of what use to be an empty field. The house itself appeared to be at least two stories high, not unlike the Evans home, with large windows spaced out along the wall. The walls of the house had lush green ivy growing up the brickwork and around the windows, and in front sat a large garden of various flowers and plants. Reds and blues and yellows and pinks graced the garden bed, as well as ferns and various other flowering plants. Trees surrounded the property and filled the empty spaces, creating the feeling that the house was in the middle of a forest. Mostly Scottish Pines, Noble Fir's and a smattering of Norway Spruce.

"Remus…what is this place." Hardly a whisper passed through Rose's lips as she stood there in complete awe of the grand old structure.

Remus and Sirius each placed a hand on the young Potter's shoulders, giving them a squeeze as their voices filled with an air of reverence. "Rose, Harry…welcome to Stag Run, the ancestral home of the Potters for almost 300 years."

Harry and Rose stood there, mouth agape, as Remus and Sirius opened the gate in front of them, allowing them access to the grounds. Almost unconsciously, the two siblings walked up the gravel garden path to the white painted front door. The closer they got the more detailed it became, until eventually they came to a stop directly in front of it. The door itself was old, showing signs of wear and tear, however the stag's head was still proudly carved into the door, even with chips of paint missing.

"How do we get in?" Harry asked softly.

Producing a wrought iron key from his pocket, Sirius lined it up with the keyhole before stepping back, his hand extended towards it. "It has to be one of you two to open the door, it won't let anyone but a Potter in."

Taking his sisters hand, Harry led his and Rose's hand to the key. "Then we'll do it together."

"Together."

Slowly they turned the key until they heard the lock come undone. Gently, they reached for the doorhandle and pushed the door in, eliciting a squeak as the old stiff wood struggled to bend. They were immediately greeted by an ornate entrance room, with a flight of old wood stairs sat proudly in the middle of the room. To their left and right were doors into other rooms. The house itself smelt old and musty, but not repulsive, and the condition of the house was still quite liveable. The walls were painted a soft cream colour, with a fine golden border along the cornices, which were white with intricate flowers carved into them. The floor beneath them was old polished wood, with the signs of age gracing It like a finely aged whiskey.

"This place…it's amazing." Harry cooed in awe.

"Ah, this does bring back memories, doesn't it Moony."

Remus nodded as he grinned at Sirius, his arm running across Sirius' shoulders. "It's good to see it again, that's for sure."

Rose gently approached the flight of stairs, careful to walk, thinking that any step of hers could end up breaking something. "How many stories are there?"

"Two, this one and the one above, plus an attic and a small cellar if I remember rightly." Sirius explained.

"And how many rooms?" Harry asked.

Remus and Sirius smirked at each other. "There's a formal dining room, a kitchen, sitting room, family room, games room, wine cellar, two studies, four bathrooms, and eight bedrooms, with room to expand. Oh and of course the grounds."

Rose looked back at Harry with wide eyes before looking around again. "And this is all ours?"

"All yours little pups."

Remus stepped forward and placed a hand on Rose's shoulder. "The reason we brought you here is because it's become painfully obvious that separating you two at any point would be disastrous."

"So, we thought what could we do about it. Then Moony reminded me of Stag Run, and just how big it is…and can be." Sirius came and put his arm around Harry, "There's enough room here for both of you, and your families…should you have them."

Rose tore her eyes away from her godfather as tears began to form in her eyes. Without saying a word, she strode over to Harry and wrapped her arms around her brother in a fierce bearhug that could rival Mrs Weasley's.

"We don't have to move…we can stay here and grow old together." Rose choked out in barely a whisper.

Harry ran his hands up and down Rose's back in a soothing manner as he spoke. "Guess you got your wish then." Harry said, "We get to stay together till the end."

Rose broke the embrace to look up at her brother, who looked back down with a smile on his face. "Alright you two, shall we take a tour?" Sirius asked.

Nodding their heads frantically, Rose and Harry followed their godfather as Remus brought up the rear. The same decoration of the floor and walls followed throughout the house, with slight variations in some. The sitting room to the left of the front door was much like the Evan's, with a large dark brick fireplace, and deep burgundy red couches and sitting chairs arranged in a formal seating arrangement, with an old ornate coffee table set smack bang in the middle. Photos and paintings of old Potters of generations passed lined the wall, many of them peering at the newcomers, whispering to each other who it could be. Above the fireplace sat a number of photos of their father and his friends, along with their grandparents.

"Jamie's parents, your grandparents, died not long after him and Lily married. Taken by dragon pox…unfortunately." Sirius' lip quivered a tad, "They would have loved you both very dearly."

Continuing on to the door to the right of the entrance, they came into the family room, which like the sitting room, had a number of burgundy couches and chairs, along with a beautiful burgundy and gold rug that spread across the room. Bookshelves full of books, heirlooms and even family games lined the back wall, and an old wireless sat in the corner. The dining room was much the same as the Evans, with a large ornate wooden table surrounded by chairs, filling the room. The kitchen followed suit, with a small dining table and chairs placed off the side of the kitchen. The kitchen itself was a mix of dark black granite and dark oak wood, polished to be just as reflective as the granite top benches. The cold cupboard shared the same wooden look as the counters, and the stove looked at least 30 years old.

"This kitchen is going to need some work." Rose joked as the eyed the stove.

"Not old faithful betty!" Sirius said in fake aghast, "Do you know how many times your father almost burned down the house cooking!"

Rose and Harry snorted as Remus rolled his eyes. "All the more reason to chuck it out."

"Never! It's far too valuable as a source of entertainment."

Continuing on, the group found themselves in the games room, which housed an old pool table, old darts board, a bar stocked with a number of muggle and magical liquors alike, and a few old brown couches and wooden tables. Finally, the group ascended the stairs to the next level, skipping the cellar due to Rose insisting that she wouldn't step foot in a dark cellar till she could do some proper magic. The majority of the rooms were generic guest rooms, housing a double bed, a wardrobe, a chair and a hearth to warm the room. The master bedroom, which would have belonged to their grandparents and eventually their parents, contained a large four poster king size bed, two wardrobes, a large standing mirror, bookshelves, a hearth with chairs placed in front, and an old chest in the corner.

"Did mum and dad sleep in here?" Rose's small voice enquired.

Sirius nodded his head as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Only for a little while, but yes...they did."

A small tear escaped Rose's eye as Harry wrapped an arm around her and steered her out of the room, and into the hallway. The next door they came to would contain the room hardest for all four of them. Inside was James' room, untouched since his death. Pushing the door aside, Rose and Harry entered the room first, whilst Sirius and Remus hung back by the door. Inside, was much the same as their grandparent's room. A smaller double four poster bed sat with its back to the wall, a chest stood at its foot. The room screamed Gryffindor, with posters and photos of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, James' classmates and friends, and of various other Quidditch teams. A desk sat in the corner, empty of its contents except for a few old books and papers.

"This…it's…I don't know what to say." Harry whispered,

Rose took his hand as they walked around the room, looking at the various posters and photos, stopping at a photo of the marauders.

"You look so happy in this picture, you especially Remus." Harry remarked as he looked at the photo over his sisters shoulder.

Remus and Sirius came over to stand behind them. "I remember taking that photo, thank merlin we had the rat take the photo that day." Sirius spat.

"Look at your face Sirius, you look like you're about to prank someone." Remus chuckled.

Sirius joined his friend in chuckling as he ran a hand over the photo. "those days were…so much simpler."

"I think that's enough for today, don't you think?" Remus suggested.

Harry nodded his head as he steered his sister to the door. "I think it's time we headed home."

Walking out of the house and back down the garden path, the group found themselves taking one last look at the house from beside the gate.

"Harry, Rose…Remus and I have been discussing what to do with the house." Sirius spoke up, "And we were wondering if it would be okay if eventually, we moved in for a while to look after the place."

"It wouldn't be forever, but my landlord just found out who I was and well…" Remus hung his head.

Harry nodded his head. "Of course you can stay, both of you."

"There's no need to ask us, you can stay as long as you want." Rose added.

Choking back tears of joy, Remus ducked his head as he swiped furiously at the tears pooling in his eyes. "Thank you…both of you. Merlin, Lily and James would be so proud of you two."

"Thanks, Moony." Harry smiled softly, "It's good to know we would've made mum and dad proud."

Surprising the Potter siblings, Remus quickly grabbed them both up into his arms as he squeezed them tight. "Your parents would've been more then just proud of you."

It was decided later that night that Remus would move in as soon as possible and start to rejuvenate the home, giving it a fresh coat of paint and updating what needed to be changed. Sirius would eventually move in with him once he found a stable job.

"How are you going with the ministry by the way?" Harry asked Sirius that night as they sat on Rose's bed.

"Getting there, I have an interview with the Auror department next week." Sirius said, "But Amelia Bones knows what I can do. We worked together briefly in the war."

"Did you fight much, during the war?" Harry asked.

Sirius smiled lightly. "Yeah, Dumbledore had us spying on the Death Eaters, hitting them whenever we could." Sirius turned his head to look at the picture of the Potters on the desk, "Your mum and dad were the best team though…we often went in pairs, sometimes it was James and I, or Remus and I, and others it was Lily and James."

"How good were they?" Rose beamed,

"The best" Sirius smirked, "No one could take them down when they worked as a team, not even Remus and I teaming together. It was as if they had some sort of…fifth sense. That they could work together without needing to speak or even communicate."

"Could Dumbledore defeat them?"

Sirius chuckled. "Nobody could defeat Dumbledore, but I tell you what…Lily and James gave him one hell of a fight when they did practise together. I think what held them back was James' cockiness. Lily use to beat him with a rolled-up newspaper when he got to full of himself. But when they were together on the field, that cockiness disappeared."

"I guess that couldn't even stop Voldemort though…" Rose's whisper was hoarse as emotion flooded her voice.

Sirius and Harry wrapped their arms around her and each other as tears started to fall from all their eyes. "If only…but I tell you what." Sirius stopped to look at the two of them, "You two will be better than your parents, better then Voldemort…better then Dumbledore even!"

Harry smiled at his godfather. "One day maybe, but for now, I'm happy just being the boy-who-lived."

Rose snorted. "I hate that title you know."

"Don't worry, so do I."

"I'd much rather you be Harry Potter, idiot extraordinaire."

Letting out a barking laugh, Sirius' ruffled his godchildren's hair as he stood up from the bed. "Alright you lot, I think it's time for this old dog to head to bed."

Giving them each a kiss on the head, Sirius left them to themselves as he retreated to his own room.

"Harry?"

Harry looked down at his now sprawled out sister. "Yeah?"

"Can you sleep in here tonight?"

"Of course, I can, just be prepared for my snoring alright."

Snuggling herself into Harry's side, Rose let out a content sigh as her eyes fluttered shut. "Thank you Harry, you're the best brother I could ask for."

"And you're the best sister I could ask for." Harry smiled down at his sister, "Now if only you weren't an annoying brat."

"And if only your ego wasn't as big as a cheese roundel."

"Touché."

Huffing in agreement, Rose battered her arm against Harry's shoulder. "Go get ready for bed."

Laying a kiss on his sister's head, Harry got up to go and get changed for bed as per Rose's orders. When he returned, he found Rose fast asleep on his pillow. Chuckling, Harry turned off all the room lights except for the bed lamp. Crawling into bed, Rose stirred until eventually she settled on Harry's shoulder, letting out another sigh of contentment. Smiling at his sisters sleeping form, Harry swept a stray lock of auburn hair from Rose's eyes before leaning over to turn off the bedside lamp. It didn't take long for Harry to shut his eyes and drift off to sleep. As he slept, images of Stag Run popped up into his mind, picturing the various rooms now full of rowdy children with Red, auburn, brown and black hair running and screaming as a big black shaggy dog and tabby cat ran after them.

Since the Potters returned from Stag Run, Rose's mood had improved drastically. It was a relief to everyone in the house that the youngest Potter was once again back to her normal happy self. Over the holidays, Harry and Rose spent a vast majority of their time out in the fields with their friends and horses, keeping them well exercised and healthy. It was on one of these outings with their friends that Rose brought up the topic of Harry's 12th birthday.

"Harry?" Rose said, "What do you want for your birthday?"

Once again Harry was riding Courage along with Ginny, whilst Rose rode Paul and Ron, Churchill, whilst the twins roamed ahead with the mares.

"Harry, did you hear your sister?" Ginny's voice cut through Harry's thoughts.

Snapping out of his daydream, Harry gave Ginny a sheepish smile as he turned to his sister. "What did you say dear sister of mine?"

"I said, what do you want for your birthday…nob."

"Whatever you want to get me." Harry said, "I really don't mind".

"So we'll get you a pretty pink dress then aye mate?" Ron chuckled.

Harry shot Ron a glare as Rose and Ginny let out a chuckle. "Don't you start, otherwise I'll get you pet dragon for next year."

Ron bit down on his tongue as he stifled his laughter, whilst Ginny and Rose continued to laugh their heads off. "I don't know, that might be more Charlies thing then mine."

"Come on you lot! You're slower than a wet week!" The sound of George's voice cut through their laughter. Standing on the edge of the property forest sat Fred and George on their chosen mounts, "We've been waiting forever for you lot to get here!" Fred added.

Pushing into Courage's side, Harry urged his mount into a gallop in order to catch up to the twins. The sudden moment caused Ginny to squeal as she wrapped her arms arounds Harry's middle to steady herself.

"Couldn't warn me you were about to take off?" Ginny chided as she softly thumped Harrys shoulder.

Harry turned around to look at Ginny with a sheepish grin. "Sorry 'bout that Gin, I'll warn you next time."

Ginny hmphed at the reply, but couldn't help but let her lips form into a smile as she pulled herself tighter to Harry, the feeling of his heartbeat pressing against her chest. Finally catching up to the twins, Harry calmed Courage into a trot before stopping in front of them.

"'Bout bloody time you got here." George said, "We've been meaning to show you lot something."

Harry raised an eyebrow at the twins just as Ron and Rose caught up with them. "And what, pray tell, are you going to show us?"

Fred tapped the side of his nose as he pulled Blath around to continue up the dirt track. "Just you wait and see Potter."

"Couldn't wait up for us then." Rose pulled up alongside her brother, the size difference completely comical.

Rolling his eyes, Harry looked down at his sister. "You know I really can't take you seriously when you're down there."

A snort came from behind as Ron struggled to keep his laughter to himself. Meanwhile, Rose glared at her brother before speaking up. "Ginny dear, would be so kind as to whack my brother for being an annoyingly sarcastic prick."

"With pleasure." Ginny laughed evilly as she whacked Harry's arm with surprising force.

Harry flinched at the slap but chuckled nonetheless. "Geez you two, I'll be black and blue by the time you're both finished with me."

Rose looked satisfied as she pulled ahead to follow the twins. "Sisters mate, I tell yeh, they're mental." Ron said in pacing, earning himself a glare from his younger sister.

Following the twins along, the group finally found themselves in a large clearing, surrounded on all sides by tall, ancient oaks. "Wow, look at this place, how'd you find it?" Rose asked, completely astonished by the place.

Fred and George exchanged a look. "Well dear Rosie." Fred started.

"Unlike the rest of you." George added.

"We actually enjoy going out and riding."

"Fast."

"Not at a snail's pace."

"So, it was only a matter of time."

"Before we came across this place."

"Which is surprising, since we thought."

"You'd find this place first, living here and all."

"But we were both thinking."

"It would make a great Quidditch pitch" They both finished in unison.

Harry and Ron looked at each other, their eyes lighting up at the thought. "Wicked!" They both exclaimed.

Rose rolled her eyes at the two boys before looking over at Ginny, hoping to get some support, only to find that she was just as excited. "Oh, come on, really! You can't all be excited about this?"

Shrugging apologetically, Ginny just ducked her head as her best friend glared at her. Harry helped her dismount as Rose huffed to herself, mumbling about the 'stupidity of flying' under her breath, lest the Quidditch fans took offence.

The group of friends all strolled around the field, mapping out where goals could be and how high they could fly. The clearing was much bigger than the one at the Weasley's, and the trees were vastly taller, making it a better spot for flying any day. The only problem was that the clearing was at least a good 10-minute ride, and nowhere near the house where adults could supervise.

"As much as I love the idea." Harry said, "I doubt your parents and our grandparents will let us fly all the way out here."

Fred and George snorted. "Then we don't tell them."

"Honestly Potter."

Harry shook his head and looked over to Rose, who returned the sentiment with a shrug. "Alright, how about tomorrow you sneak your brooms over and we have a test round to see how we go."

Everyone nodded in agreement as they returned to their horses and began the journey back home. Daily matches in the newly found clearing on the Evans property were daily occurrences from then onwards. The group of friends enjoyed themselves as they flew around in the sky and practiced with makeshift Quaffles, mostly footballs and various sized fruits. Rose even managed to have a fly by herself without Harry's help, and found that there really wasn't much effort involved in flying the broom, although she was hazardous to try any complex manoeuvres that her brother and Ginny would pull off.

The real force on the pitch though were Harry and Ginny, who worked in tandem unlike anyone else. When they did occasionally play against each other on opposite teams, it was usually a long slog of a game before a clear winner could be decided. It was after one of these matches, a few days away from Harry's 12th birthday, that Ginny finally managed to fly Harry's Nimbus2000.

"Gin, didn't you say you wanted to try out my broom?" Harry asked her as she floated down to the ground after the well fought game.

Ginny blushed and smiled a bit as she touched down next to him. "I mean…you don't have to, I know how expensive they are", Ginny told him, "I wouldn't want to break it."

"I very much doubt you'll break it Gin."

Blushing an even deeper red, Ginny smiled gratefully as Harry passed his broom to her. "Thank you Harry, I promise I'll treat her well."

"What are you waiting for then, get your bum up there missy!" Harry's words made Ginny laugh as her blush spread down to her neck.

Without deliberately meaning too, Ginny mounted Harry's Nimbus with a teasing sway of her hips as she sent a flirtatious wink over her shoulder at Harry. Kicking off from the ground, Ginny let the power of the broom take her up into the sky as he hair streaked behind her from the Wind. All Harry could hear from the ground was the excited sounds of Ginny's whoops and laughter, both of which made Harry's heart bounce a little every time he heard it. In one particularly skilled move, Ginny passed within inches of Harry's head, her hand coming down to ruffle his hair before Ginny took the broom back up higher. Eventually, Ginny seemed to tire as she brought the broom back down towards the ground, a smile so large that her face seemed to radiate happiness. Her happiness spread to Harry, who found himself beaming as he watched Ginny stride over to him.

"Now that! Is what I call flying!"

"Oh, stop it Harry, it was nothing…really." A blush returned to Ginny's face as she handed the broom back to Harry, her head ducked as her smile widened even further.

Taking Ginny's hand, Harry led her back over to Courage, who sat there in complete content, eating the tall grass around the tree line. "Come on, best we head back before they wonder where we've gone and send out the whole Auror department."

"Bet they couldn't stand to lose the boy-who-lived, that would look pretty bad on their record."

"No, I'm sure that would look pretty shocking on a resumé, although losing Ginny Weasley is just as bad." Harry shot back with equal amounts of teasing in his voice as Ginny's. Grabbing the petite redhead around the waist, Harry helped her up onto Courage's back.

Harry's comment made Ginny blush once more though as she found herself snuggling into Harry's back as he rode them back towards the house. "You know just what to say to make a girl blush."

"You do a pretty good job too you know."

"You mean making girls blush? Why Harry you should know me better".

Rolling his eyes, Harry clucked as he smiled. "You know what I mean. Don't get smart with me Weasley."

"Oh? but why? It's so much fun teasing you Mr Potter."

Coaxing courage on to pick up speed, the two soon found themselves back at the Evans home where Rose was currently leading Paul back to his sty. "And where have you two been hey?" Rose gave them both a cheeky smirk.

Pulling up alongside his sister, Harry glared as he went to dismount, giving Ginny a hand down as well. "I let Gin have a fly around on my broom, that's all."

"You do know how wrong that sounds right?"

Grimacing a little, Harry narrowed his eyes at his sister as Ginny buried her face into her hands. "Madeline-Rose Lily Potter, get your mind out of the gutter!"

Rose just rolled her eyes as she put Paul back away in his sty, leaving Ginny and Harry to take care of Courage. All thoughts of Rose's impure comments were forgotten as Harry's birthday rounded the corner. On the day of his 12th Birthday, Harry was rudely awoken by a sloppy wet dog tongue.

"Bloody…what! Sirius! Cut that out!" Diving his head under the pillow, Harry waved his hand around until he felt a wet nose, pushing it away from him.

A deep chuckle from the direction of the door made Harry question who exactly was licking him. Pulling his head out from underneath his pillow, Harry quirked an eyebrow as he was greeted by a small tricolour English Shepard.

"You're not Sirius. Who are you, gorgeous…girl." Harry checked underneath the pup as his hand went out to let the puppy smell his hand.

"I'm Sirius thank you very much. And to answer your question, she doesn't have a name yet." Sirius chuckled, "Also, how come I don't get called gorgeous!"

Before Harry could respond, Rose came belting in through the door, knocking Sirius aside as she jumped onto her brothers' bed. "Happy birthday Harry!" The small pup was forced to quickly scamper away before she was crushed by Rose's form, "Um, who's this?" Rose said on noticing the pup.

Harry coaxed the puppy back towards them as he stroked her neck. "Don't know, but I think Sirius might have a clue."

Sirius' eyes twinkled as he sat down on the bed next to his godchildren. "Consider it a birthday present from last year, since I missed it, along with the other 8."

"Thank you, Sirius, she's beautiful, where'd you get her?"

"Your gramps knows a bloke from down the way whose Shepard just had a litter, giving the pups away to good homes so I thought we could use some more company around here…and you know, a real dog."

Rose and Harry chuckled as they ruffled their new pets' fur. "What should we name her?" Harry asked.

"Something fierce and protective." Rose suggested.

Harry pondered for a moment before coming up with a name. "Guinevere?"

Rose shook her head, "Nah, not fierce enough. Also, I think Ginny might take offence."

"But her names Ginevra."

Rose shrugged. "It's close enough. Think again."

"Boudicca?"

"Too hard to pronounce."

"Elizabeth?"

"Might get sued by the Queen."

Harry sighed. "Fine, what about Jeanne, after Joan of Arc."

Chewing on her lip, Rose thought for a moment before breaking out into a smiling nod. "I love it, alright then little Jeanne, do you like that name?"

Little pup Jeanne let out a small bark in approval as she snuggled into her new owners. "That means yes by the way." Sirius grinned.

"And how would you know, do you suddenly speak dog?" Rose scoffed.

Sirius smirked as he walked out of the room and down the hall. "Actually, I do!"

"Of course he does, he's an Animagus." Rose huffed as she jumped off the bed.

"Go on you, go show Jeanne off to the others, I'll be down soon once I'm decent." Harry instructed as he popped his arms out.

"Alright, don't be too long, we've got presents too open."

"We've? Also, not till tonight we do silly."

Rolling her eyes, Rose just smiled as she pecked her brother's cheek. "We share everything Harry."

"I'll remember that when it's your birthday."

Rose rolled her eyes again as she picked Jeanne up and carried her gracefully down to the kitchen. Harry joined her a few minutes later, dressed and refreshed and ready to start the day. On entering the kitchen, Harry was assaulted with various greetings of Happy birthdays and well-wishing from his family.

His grandmother was the first to spot him, throwing her arms up in delight as she went around the table to tug her Grandson. "Happy birthday sweetheart!"

"Happy birthday darling man." Alex chimed in next, his hand reaching out to ruffle Harry's hair.

Sirius voiced his greeting as well as Harry came to sit down next to his sister, earning himself a peck on the cheek from Rose. "So, what do you think of Jeanne?" Harry asked the table.

Juni was currently holding the pup, stroking her behind the ears, leaving the dog in a lulled blissful state. "She's beautiful, and if we train her right, we can have her running around the yard for us."

Perking up straight away, Sirius quickly voiced his opinion. "I keep telling you I'm more then capa-"

"Nope." Alex cut off.

Huffing in defeat, Sirius threw his hands up before grinning at the older man. "Stubborn old git you are Alex. Anyway, Remus should be here soon anyway, got any idea what you want to do today?"

Harry shrugged as he loaded his plate up with food. "Dunno really, are the Weasley's coming around?"

"They'll be here just past midday, so you've got the morning to relax and enjoy yourself." Juni smiled.

Turning to look at his sister, Harry gave Rose and mischievous grin as he waggled his eyes. "Then why don't Rose and I go for a little ride."

"What are you planning Harry…"

"Nothing at all dear sister."

"I'll believe that when pigs fly." Rose said, smirking at her brother.

Nobody saw the small wand movement that Sirius made under the table, they were only aware of any magical powers being used when a large pig flew past the kitchen window. "Was that…. was that a pig!" Rose let out an astonished gasp.

"I do believe that was a flying pig dear sister of mine."

Sirius gave him a wink back as he waved his wand under the table again. "I do believe that means you need to believe Harry now Rose."

Rose gave him a glare as she stood up. "Fine, have it your way." Rose chuffed, "Hurry up and get ready then Harry, then we'll go on a ride."

It turned out that Harry's little wish wasn't as deadly as Rose thought it would be. Instead of pranking his sister, Harry insisted that he teach Rose some proper flying skills. After much arguing and debating, Rose finally agreed to co-ride alongside Harry, and learn how to fly like him. Holding onto the front of the stick like mad, Rose was led through the moves by Harry, who sat behind her on the broom. With Harry's excellent teaching skills and encouragement, Rose actually began to enjoy herself, and started to whoop and holler as Harry helped her buzz around the pitch with increasing speed. Eventually the two called it a day and made it back towards the horses, but not before Rose could wrap herself around her brother in a bone crushing hug.

"That was amazing Harry! Thank you so much!"

Harry ruffled his sister's hair as he returned the embrace. "Hey, can't have a Potter not being able to fly now can we."

Rose smirked up at her brother as she broke the embrace. "Well I'll be learning from the best then."

"Awh Rose, I'm touched."

"Not you tosser." Rose laughed, "I'll be learning from Ginny."

Harry stood there slack jawed for a moment as he processed his sisters' comment. "Now that's just rude!"

Making their way back home, Harry and Rose only had a brief amount of time to freshen up before the Weasley's popped around for the birthday celebrations. Whilst there were away, Remus had arrived and made himself comfortable. He was currently sitting out front on the veranda with Sirius, trading stories as they enjoyed a couple of glasses of homemade lemonade, curtesy of Juni.

"Remus! It's so good to see you!" Harry exclaimed as he crashed into his other father figure.

Remus returned the embrace just as tight. "Good to see you Harry, and happy birthday."

Rose joined the fray too, sitting herself on Remus' knee. "How you doin' today Moony?"

Remus gave Rose a shrug as he ruffled her hair. "It's almost the full moon so I'm a bit reeled up, but I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Ducking his head as he blushed, Harry couldn't help but feel a little giddy that all these people wanted to come see him on his birthday. "Thanks Moony, it's good to have you here, have you moved into Stag Run yet?"

"I have, wasn't really hard to be honest, I didn't have a lot of things to move in the first place."

"Well I'm glad you're all settled in there anyway." Rose piped up.

"Just don't go replacing the stove whatever you do." Sirius warned, half-heartedly.

Remus waved him off. "Sure thing padfoot. Now, go wash up you two, you're filthy."

Harry and Rose rolled their eyes as they made their way into the house. "Yes Moony." They sighed in unison.

Scampering off up into the house, Rose and Harry quickly cleaned themselves up before they made their way back down to the veranda to sit with their godfathers, Rose taking a seat on Remus' knee as Harry pulled up a chair alongside Sirius. They chatted aimlessly for a while, Harry eventually revealed what they had been up too, making sure that neither of the adults would inform their grandparents or the Weasley parents. Sirius and Remus were delighted to hear that Rose was improving with her flying skills, Sirius even joked that she could make it onto a Quidditch team one day.

"Sorry Sirius, there's no chance that I'm even going to contemplate joining a Quidditch team."

Eventually the group where interrupted when the sounds of the fireplace roaring to life sounded from inside. Walking back into the house, Harry and Rose were greeted by the dishevelled Weasleys, who were regrouping after their individual floo trips.

Ginny was the first to notice the pair, rushing over to embrace Harry in a bone crushing Weasley hug. "Happy birthday Harry!"

Grimacing, Harry returned the embrace before tapping out. "Thanks…Gin…can I…breath?"

"OH! Sorry Harry." Ginny broke the embrace as she sheepishly smiled down at her feet, a blush spreading across her cheeks.

Butterflies swept up into Harry's stomach as he watched Ginny's blush spread from her cheeks to her neck. His thoughts were soon interrupted though as Mrs Weasley came over to give him another bone crushing Weasley hug. "Happy Birthday Harry dear."

"Happy Birthday mate!" Ron was next.

"Happy Birthday Hazza." The twins greeted in unison.

"Happy Birthday Harry." Percy greeted formally.

"Harry my boy, Happy birthday." Mr Weasley greeted last.

Harry returned the greeting to them all as Rose went around and received warm welcomes as well. Charlie and Bill where both still out of the country for work and couldn't attend, however they both sent their wishes and a couple of small gifts for Harry.

With greetings and present exchanging over, Harry and Rose lead the adults towards the back of the house, where Alex, and Juni were just finishing setting up the outside tables for the party, since the day was nice and lovely and warm. Much like last year, Harry and Alex conscripted the partygoers into a scratch game of football, this time with Remus and Sirius joining the fray as well. The group of friends enjoyed themselves immensely. Around 3 in the afternoon, the Grangers and Henderson's joined the party, arriving by floo, as the Grangers had been allowed the instillation of a private floo connection. Eventually the day wore on, and after a large dinner consisting of various roasted meats and vegetables, and a large Devils Chocolate cake birthday cake for dessert, the present opening had finally arrived.

Settling down in the sitting parlour with cups of tea and in the men's case, glasses of whiskey and fire whiskey, the group of friends passed their presents onto Harry one by one. From his grandparents Harry received some new, fashionable muggle clothing. Molly and Arthur gave him some homemade fudge and a leather-bound journal. From the Grangers, he received some sugar-free sweets. Lennox gave him a book about the history of the Aurors, whilst Alec gave him a book on Australian Rules Football, promising to get a hold on a ball so they could play. Hermione gave Harry a book on the history of magical Britain. Percy as per usual gave Harry a useful yet boring present, consisting of a new leather-bound bureau folder set. The twins chipped in to once again gift Harry some joke items and even some fireworks. Bill and Charlie had gotten Harry books on European curses and Dragon taming respectively. Ron managed to give Harry a pair of new seeker goggles, inbuilt with focusing lenses for his eyes. Remus gave him a book on Werewolves and their history, much to Harry's interest, whilst Sirius gave him a leather-bound journal of his fathers that included all their pranks throughout their time at Hogwarts. Presents sent from Hogwarts were also given to Harry, including a pair of leather gloves from Hagrid…he didn't specify what type of leather. McGonagall had once again surprised all by sending a present to Harry, a book on famous transfiguration masters and their invented spells. However, it was Dumbledore's present that had them all in laughter. Sitting in Harry's hands were a pair of lovely knitted thick woolly, burgundy socks, with small little Gryffindor lions on them.

"Well, he did always say people don't give socks as much as they should." Harry chuckled.

Lastly, Harry opened the presents from Ginny and his sister. Ginny surprised Harry by giving him a book on the Hollyhead Harpies, stating that he better become a fan. "Should I fear for my life if I don't?"

Ginny chuckled back and shook her head. "Oh Harry, I wouldn't do that to you, but it's highly advisable you do."

Going back to his presents, Harry opened his last, which was his sisters. Inside the wrappings, Harry was greeted by an ornate wooden box. Harry give his sister a curious look as he examined the box. "Well don't just look at it, open it up!" Rose exclaimed.

Taking his sisters advise, Harry opened up the box and gasped at what it contained. Inside was a beautifully crafted, Red Glass Lion, balancing on its hind legs on a plinth "It's beautiful Rose, thank you so much."

Rose looked back bashfully as she came over to sit by her brother. "It's a Gryffindor lion, thought you could use a little decoration in your room."

Harry laid a kiss on his sisters' forehead as he placed the lion back in the box. "It's amazing Rose, thank you."

With presents done and out of the way, the guests soon started to make their way home. Before long, it was just the Weasley clan and Remus left as the rest departed for their homes. Ginny was meandering by the fireplace as her parents bid Harry farewell before whooshing away into the fireplace.

"Ginny? Are you coming dear?" Molly asked her daughter as Arthur went through the floo.

Ducking her head, Ginny chewed on her lip before looking up to her mum. "In a minute mum…I ah…just want to talk to Harry for a bit. Is that okay?"

Molly eyed her daughter with a knowing look, a small smile spreading on her face as she looked over her daughter. With a slight nod, Molly threw some floo powder into the fireplace and stepped over to the Burrow.

"Are you spending the night, are you?" Harry joked as he spied Ginny still waiting by the fireplace.

"I um…there's one last present I have for you." Barely a whisper escaped Ginny's lips as her face began to colour.

Sticking her hand in her pocket, she withdrew a small paper packet and placed it in Harry's hand. Giving Ginny a quizzical look, Harry smiled as he opened the small wrapper. Harry's smile widened as he took out Ginny's present, a bracelet made of her own hair.

"I made it myself, I thought…after what you got me for Christmas, I had to repay the favour somehow."

Fiddling with it between his fingers, Harry looked up to look into Ginny's eyes. His heart pounded in his chest as he felt his legs go to jelly. "It's beautiful, thank you Gin."

Stepping forward and wrapping her into an embrace, Ginny and Harry blushed as Harry laid a small chaste kiss on Ginny's lip. "You know…I could get use to that."

"Get use to what?" Harry's smile upturned into a grin.

Rolling her eyes, Ginny whacked Harry lightly. "Kissing you…stupid."

"You wound me!" Harry cried out dramatically, "You've been hanging around Rose too much."

"Well she is my best friend."

Looking back at the clock, Harry sighed as he spied the time. "Best you get back before your parents suspect anything."

Nodding her head, Ginny stepped into the fireplace and called out for the Burrow, as she smiled and blew a kiss towards Harry, who caught it with his fist, bringing it to his heart.

As Ginny disappeared with a flash of flame, Harry stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where Ginny had just been, smiling at nothing particular as he ran the bracelet through his fingers. His mind was awash with happy feelings and emotions as he studied back through the memories of tonight. Harry thought to himself, this had to be one of the best birthdays of his life.

OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP OAPAAP

The summer holidays continued on much the same for the coming weeks, consisting of scratch Quidditch matches and exploration into the surrounding area. As the days neared Ginny's 11th birthday, the group of friends found themselves once again in the birthday celebrations. Ginny's birthday was a small affair for the group of friends, consisting of just the Weasleys and Potters. Luna and her father were away for the summer, off studying the Yeti in the high off Himalayas. Days beforehand, Harry and Rose had departed for Diagon Alley to buy Ginny a birthday present. Rose settled on buying her friend a large collection of new Wizard and muggle clothing, as Ginny was still having to wear second hand clothing. Harry however settled on buying her a book on Quidditch moves, along with a very special locket that would serve as her surprise present.

The day of her birthday itself turned out to be a lovely day for Quidditch flying and so, much to Rose's dismay, the group found themselves high up in the sky flying around the grove near the Burrow. Rose had settled on flying by herself, putting to use the training Harry had given her during the last few weeks.

"You're getting better Rose!" Ginny called out as she pulled her broom up next to her best friend.

"Harry's been teaching me." Rose smiled, "He's a pretty good teacher if I'm honest."

"Well, he is the best flyer here."

"Hey, don't count yourself out, you're just as good, if not better." Rose countered.

Ginny waved her hand in dismissal, turning to watch Harry teach Ron some sort of tricky manoeuvre on his broom. "You know, you could try out for the Quidditch team when you get to Hogwarts" Rose interrupted Ginny's thoughts.

Drawing back to her friend, Ginny smiled. "Yeah, maybe I will. Not like there's any harm in trying."

The sound of a broom smacking into a tree brought them back to the scene in front of them. Ron was currently stuck in a tree, his brooms discarded on the ground, as the redhead sat up on a tree branch in a daze. The girls couldn't help themselves, breaking into a laughing fit at the sight of the youngest Weasley male.

Ron soon got over his daze and went back to flying with his best friend and siblings, and continued to do so until Molly called them all inside to get ready for dinner. Bill and Charlie would be arriving soon, only staying for dinner, as the boys would have to get back to their respective jobs the next day. Dinner was spectacular, as always. Dishes of roast meat, vegetables, cold summer salads and breads were spread out on the table outside the Burrow. Charlie and Bill had helped set up the chairs and tables outside, along with the twins, enjoying a round of table wrestling before finally setting the furniture up. Once dinner was all set and done, the group retreated back into the house, before saying goodbye to the elder Weasley boys.

"Sorry we couldn't stay longer Ginny, but the goblins are insistent that I arrive early tomorrow." Bill lamented as he gave his sister a tight hug.

Returning the embrace, Ginny just shook her head. "That's alright, just make sure you come home for Christmas this year okay."

Bill nodded as he ruffled her hair. "I promise, have a great night spitfire."

Breaking her embrace with her oldest, and arguably favourite brother. Ginny turned to say goodbye to Charlie. "Look after yourself Charlie, don't let those dragons burn you to cinders."

Grabbing his sister around the shoulders, digging his knuckles into her head, Charlie noogied his little sister. Breaking the torture by elbowing her brother in the ribs, Ginny wrapped her arms around her brother's torso. "You're a twit Charlie!"

Chuckling to himself, Charlie ruffled her hair. "'Fraid I've got to get going now to sis, I'll see you at Christmas."

The eldest Weasley boys waved off to their families as Arthur escorted them to the edge of the wards, taking the downtime to have a chat with his eldest sons. The rest of the group made their way back into the Burrows parlour. Settling down for the night, the group of friends and family passed off their presents to Ginny, who accepted them all with a smile. The Evans had gifted her a set of muggle novels, including a three-book set entitled 'The Lord of the Rings'. Her parents got her new school robes for her coming first year. Percy gave her a set of quills and inks, whilst the twins went with their traditional joke items and fireworks. Charlie and Bill had gotten her a pair of dragon hide boots and an Egyptian amulet bracelet respectively. Ron in the meantime had bought Ginny some chocolate and candies from the local sweets shop.

Finally, Ginny moved onto Rose's and Harry's presents. Ginny loved the clothes that Rose had gotten her, promising to try them on with her later. Getting to Harry's present, Ginny was surprised to receive the Quidditch moves book. Looking inside, Ginny noticed a small scribbled note in the corner.

'Look at the back when you're alone.'

Ginny shot Harry an inquisitive look. Harry just smiled as she looked through the book. Soon enough, the end of the night approached, and the group of friends departed for home, or for bed. Ginny gave both Rose and Harry a hug goodbye, Harry's a little longer, before she departed for her bedroom to check out the back of the Quidditch book. Sitting down on her bed, she opened up the back of the book, where a small inlet held a small silver locket and chain. Picking it up, Ginny ran her finger along the heart shaped locket, noticing the fine flowers that were carved into the silver. Opening it up, Ginny let out a gasp. On one side, was a small magical photo of the two of them, sitting together under one of the Burrows trees, taken sometime during this summer. On the other side, was a small lock of Raven, black hair, which could only be from Harry's messy mop of hair itself.

Smiling to herself, Ginny closed the locket and placed it by her bedside, before finally crawling into bed. She sat there staring up at the ceiling, mulling over the day's events, grinning like an idiot over the happiness that was coursing through her veins.

"That stupid, lovely boy." She muttered to herself.

That night, Ginny dreamed of a future with Harry, a future where they would live together as a family, with little red headed and raven-haired children running around them, as Harry held her as her father held her mother.

"One day, he'll be all mine."

AN: If people are wondering what Stag Run would look like, I kinda like to think it looks a bit like Cecil Beaton's Reddish house. So I you're interested, have a looksey and that will give you an idea as to what Stag Run would look like.