I rose early the next morning and looked around the room, my body still groggy with sleep.
The rest of my family were still sleeping, and I smiled as I watched them all breath, completely at peace.
The watch on my wrist showed told me that it was 6:30 in the morning, and I vaguely wondered why neither Mabel nor Liam were showing signs of awakening. I dismissed it, telling myself that it was a good thing as I rolled out of bed, and tiptoed to the bathroom.
After using the loo, I slid open the door to the room and looked up and down the corridor. The house was quiet, but I distantly heard a baby snuffling around. I grabbed my dressing gown, and stepped outside, shivering slightly in the cold May air, before heading down the stairs.
When I got to the kitchen, I was a bit put out to see it empty. I was so sure I had heard Lily down here, but apparently, I was wrong, and the sounds were only coming from the bedroom.
I sighed, and made my way upstairs, not wanting to be down in the kitchen by myself.
As I rounded the corner from the stairs, I stopped and listened. Voices were coming Harry and Ginny's room; quiet, sultry voices. I stiffened as I heard Harry growl Ginny's name, and grimaced to myself.
I tiptoed back to our room, not wanting Harry or Ginny knowing I had caught them doing what they were currently doing in their room.
Well, it was their house.
I let myself get back into bed, and rolled over to face Robert, who was emitting quiet snores from his open mouth. I didn't have the heart to wake him, for I knew he was appreciating these lie-ins, which we certainly did not get frequently on a usual day.
Speaking of which, I remembered yesterday's conversation, and I smiled. Home. We were going home today.
We hadn't been staying at the Potter's very long, but I already felt a bit homesick, longing for the comfort of my own bed, and using my own things and having a bit of privacy. I didn't know how long my family were intending to stay in Downlow, because I knew we didn't have nearly enough space for everyone to stay in our small 4-bedroom house with 2 toilets.
I stared up at the ceiling, and wondered how far my life had come in the past, what, 3 weeks?
I'd learnt more about my family than I had in my lifetime, and I didn't know how to feel about it all. Yes, there were lies, but lies that were only there to protect me and my family. Would I have felt differently about this whole situation if I had known that we were living amongst magic?
I let this question bounce back and forth before I came to my conclusion that no, I don't think I would've. Liam still would've befriended James, and so I would imminently have to become acquainted with his parents.
I speculated the outcome if Liam or Mabel were to reveal themselves as magic, and what I would have done if I hadn't just found out that magic does exist, and it runs directly down in my family. However, Abbie nor Orla were magical, so I doubted whether my children would be either. Secondary school was so far away, 6 years, to be exact, but it suddenly felt much sooner. Would Liam and James still stay friends even if one of them was boarding in Scotland for the majority of the year? Maybe they wouldn't stay friends. This caused a sudden wave of sadness to wash over me as I imagined the friendship between Liam and James coming to an end.
I drew my eyes from the ceiling at the sound of a child moving around, and saw my son yawn, his eyes still shut
"Hey, Li," I said softly, and he slowly unpeeled his eyes, looking at me tiredly, "How was your sleep?"
He nodded, before clambering out his duvet, and onto me, his weight squashing me into the sheets.
"Issit Friday?" he said sleepily, and I smiled, and nodded.
"I'm tired, Mummy," he said, and I remembered guiltily that he had had an unintentional late-night last night.
"I know," I replied quietly, trying not to wake up Mabel or Robert, "You can go back to sleep if you want."
Liam shook his head and wriggled down so that he was in-between me and Rob.
"I can't go back to sleep when I'm already woke." He told me sincerely, burying his head into the pillow.
I nodded in agreement, but then almost jumped out of my skin when I heard a soft knock on the door.
I quickly shot up and pulled open the door, only to see my brother, completely dressed, combing his hair.
"Why are you awake so early?" I asked, and he grinned.
"We're both early risers, Kate," he said, and I smiled, "But we're leaving soon."
I stared.
"Why so soon?" I asked, feeling Liam appear at my side, "You could always leave later today if you didn't want to stay another night."
Henry shook his head, pulling the comb out his hair, and putting it in his pocket.
"I've been told to bring the girls back after lunch," he said, and I looked down, "But hey, Katie, I can come up in half-term, when we all have a week off."
I nodded, "I'm sorry I didn't tell you anything," I muttered, suddenly leaning forwards to hug Henry. He didn't protest, rather pull me in further.
"It's ok," he said, "I would've only been panicking."
I smiled sympathetically.
"Mum and Dad told me what happened to your house, K," he said quietly, but apparently my smile threw him off, "Why're you smiling?"
"It's getting repaired today," I revealed, and he looked at me quizzically.
"You can't repair the whole house in one day," he told me sadly, but I grinned, and threw him jazz hands, all the while whispering 'magic'.
Henry's eyes widened, but no one could elaborate since a door to my left opened, and my Mum's head popped out. She smiled, before emerging completely, my Dad close behind.
"We thought we could hear voices," my Mum said, before beckoning us all over, "Come into our room; we're both awake."
I glanced at Henry, who nodded. We left the corridor and entered my parents' room, which was slightly smaller than the one we were staying in, but none the less, just as comfortable.
I sat down on the edge of their bed, pulling Liam onto my lap, Henry sitting down beside me.
"Had a good sleep?" I asked, and my parents nodded.
"The baby didn't wake us at all, which is surprising, given her age." My Dad said thoughtfully, "you reckon there's a spell to hide noises?"
I shrugged, thinking back to earlier this morning.
"Baby?" Henry asked, looking surprised, "You're not talking about the shy one with black hair, are you? Because I vividly remember him being able to walk and talk – definitely not baby stage."
"Not Al," I said, "Lily."
"There's a third child?" Henry asked, and I nodded slowly. Had he not known about Lily? I racked my brains, and to my disbelief, I didn't remember Henry being introduced to Lily. She had been upstairs, hidden from view, when Henry had arrived late last night.
"You never met her," My Mum said softly, "She was sleeping when you arrived last night."
"I would never have known," Henry said, "Didn't hear a baby cry or anything last night. It's so quiet in the countryside."
"Sometimes you can hear owls," Liam said excitedly, clambering onto Henry, "But you have to be really quiet."
"We'll have to stay up one night, and you'll have to show me," Henry said, and Liam giggled.
I loved the bond my brother had with my son. Liam was Henry's only nephew, even on Charlotte's side, so their relationship was strong. I had named Henry Liam's godfather back in 2003, and he had taken his position very seriously, taking Liam out to all sorts of wonderful places. He had been the one to look after Liam when Mabel was born 2 years later, and Liam had come back bearing all sorts of presents.
"There's two owls in this garden," Liam told Henry, "They're James'."
"Pet owls, huh?" Henry grinned, "Sounds cool. We should get you a pet, Li."
"Don't even think about it, Henry Grey." I growled, "We don't have time for pets."
"A goldfish?" Liam said hopefully, but I shook my head firmly.
"Cats aren't that much work," Henry said, "Just make sure they're fed, happy, and healthy. They're pretty independent."
"A cat Mum!" Liam said happily, "Can we get a cat?!"
"No!" I said, exasperated, "We haven't got spare money for vet's bills!"
Liam scowled and turned back to Henry.
"You can get me a cat, and keep it in your house!" He offered, and Henry laughed.
"Sure, Liam, anything for you."
"You're butter in his fingers," I muttered, making Henry and my Mum laugh.
"When were you hoping to leave, Mum?" I asked, once realising she was here.
"Tonight," she said, "We're not in a hurry to get home."
I smiled.
"Can I go wake James, Mum?" Liam asked, scrambling off Henry, and making his way towards the door, not waiting for my response.
"No, Liam." I said, "Don't you dare wake him up."
"He said if he was asleep, that I should wake him." Liam frowned, "So why can't I?"
"Let him sleep," I said resolutely, "You wouldn't want to be woken up."
"Yes, I would!" Liam shot back, "I'd wanna play."
"But he's sleeping, Liam," I sighed, "He'll be awake soon, and we can all go down for breakfast."
"I'm waking him up," Liam said decisively, pulling open the door, and running down the hallway.
"Fuck-"
I rushed to follow him, catching him just as he was pushing open the door to James' room.
"Liam Williams," I whispered, "Don't you dare go inside."
Liam shot me a determined look and slid into the room.
I groaned, and followed him, quiet, as to not wake Albus, whose door was ajar.
James' room was dark, and I spotted the boy still in bed, his eyes closed, looking extremely peaceful. This made me all the more nervous to enter.
"Liam," I whispered, "Don't, please."
He looked at me, before glancing back at James. A look of apprehension appeared on his face, and he suddenly turned back towards me.
"I don't wanna," he whispered, pushing me back out the room.
Once the door was firmly shut again, I sighed in relief, escorting Liam back to my brother and parents.
"Someone got cold feet," I panted, "Good thing, too."
"He was sleeping," Liam said sadly like it was new news.
"I know, Li." I said, "But it's only 7."
"James was awake at 7 yesterday," Liam grumbled, "And we had pandacakes."
"Pancakes," I corrected, "And you both had a late-night last night."
Suddenly, Liam's face lit up.
"Are we going home today?" he said excitedly.
"I don't know, Liam," I said, "You'll have to ask Harry."
"Home?" My Dad questioned, "As in your home?"
I nodded, smiling.
"How?"
"Magic," I said, "Mum should know something about it."
"I'm not practised in the art of magical repairing," My Mum said, "There's only a couple of universal fixing charms."
"Like?"
"Throw that glass on the floor, will you?" My Mum said, and I slowly took the glass from the bedside table.
"What? Like, break it?" I asked sceptically, but my Mum only nodded.
"Won't that make a terrible noise?"
"I've silenced it." My Mum said simply, "Now just chuck it."
I did as I was told, and threw the glass against the wall, wincing as it shattered. But to my surprise, it didn't make an ear-splitting noise as it broke into tiny shards.
"Don't go near there, Li," I warned, not wanting Liam to cut himself.
"Watch," My Mum instructed.
I heard her mutter 'reparo' and to my surprise, the glass shards slithered back, eventually forming the glass.
"That's awesome!" I exhaled, "And you can do that for everything?"
My Mum shook her head.
"That's just the basic one. There's a whole profession for fixing things, and tonnes more spells. A spell like that won't fix a house, hence Harry having to call in a team."
"What other spells are there?" Henry asked excitedly.
"Ah, loads," My Mum grinned, "Cleaning's a breeze with magic."
I sighed in longing.
"What, you just wave your wand, and the room's tidy?" Henry asked, and my Mum nodded.
"The more precise you are with spell work, the better the charm will work," she explained, "Let's say I wanted to make the bed. If I wanted the duvet to just be placed on top, I'd just wave my wand, but if I wanted tucked and folded, I'd have to more than just a wave. Maybe a flick."
"That's so cool," Henry whispered, "Now I wish I could do magic."
My Mum's smile faded.
"You'd have had to grow up in a very dark period of magical history," My Mum said sadly, "You would've been living through 2 wizarding wars."
"Wars?" I asked in shock, and my Mum nodded, before glancing at Liam, who was looking interested.
"I can't tell you when Liam's here," she sighed, "I'm afraid it's too dark, and he'd probably tell James. I know his parents probably don't want him knowing just yet."
I opened my mouth to order Liam out of the room, but just in the nick of time, I heard a door creak open, and little footsteps in the corridor.
"James," Liam said hopefully, and a small voice said, "I'm here."
Liam didn't hesitate to push open the door and greet James, and I slowly closed it behind him, making sure he was out of earshot before turning back to my Mother.
"What d'you mean?" I asked, "Wars?"
"The biggest wizards had seen for more than 400 years." She whispered, her eyes going wide, "So many of us thought we were going to die."
"Please explain, Mum," I said, longing to know.
"It started when Vol-," she shuddered, "His name is too horrible to say. I… can't."
I shared a look with my Dad and Henry.
"It's ok, Anna," my Dad said, pulling her in.
"You know who rose to power, great power, killing hundreds, thousands of innocent people." My Mum sniffed, "My family were safe for the time being, our pureblood status keeping us safe, but others didn't have that security."
She was suddenly crying, and I felt helpless. What she was telling me was insane. Thousands dead?
"I had you two before things really started getting dangerous, but I knew you wouldn't be safe. So I hid. I cut links from my family, the ministry, everything."
"We thought it was over when Harry stopped him in 1981, his parents both dying-" I gasped, "But we were all wrong. So wrong."
"What happened?" I asked in horror.
"During Harry's school years, he defeated You Know Who multiple times, his life always hanging on the edge, but he always lived. He overcame You Know Who at only a year old, and from then, always became The Boy Who Lived. Everyone knew his name, and he only continued to make himself known. This poor boy was growing up with the weight of the wizarding world on his shoulders, not knowing until he was 15 that he had to be the one to kill You Know Who once and for all. After Albus Dumbledore died in 1997, things really blew up. Millions more dead, the ministry was overridden, and Harry went missing. Know one knew where he was, but on the 2nd of May 1998, we knew it was it. I listened from afar at midnight, hidden in our bathroom as the news got out that Harry Potter was dead."
"That's not possible," I whispered, "We know Harry. We're staying in his house."
"That's where You Know Who was wrong. Harry came back, even more determined to fight, and by 1:30, You Know Who was dead. Harry had killed him, and from then, the name Harry Potter is known by every wizard alive. I didn't believe it when you introduced me to him. But he seems so normal. No one will ever know what happened in the forest that day when he died, and how he came back to life after many witnesses saw the killing curse hit him squarely in the chest, but he did it. Harry Potter is a living, walking miracle."
"I never knew," I said in dismay, "Harry did that?"
"Wow." Henry breathed, "And to think, this was all a secret."
"What about Ginny?" I asked, "What did she do in all of this?"
"Ginny Weasley is quite a name in itself," My Mum said, a ghost of a smile appearing on her face, "Best chaser the Holyhead Harpies had seen for a long time."
"Chaser?" Henry asked in confusion.
"I won't give you the rundown of quidditch," my Mum smiled, "It's far too complicated for an amateur to explain. All I know is that Ginny was one of the best. You'd see her face on the front paper of the Daily Prophet every other day when Harry's wasn't. They're the most famous couple in Wizarding history, and I dare you to mention to a wizard or witch that you know them. They wouldn't believe you."
"Harry's life is so shattered," I whispered sadly, "Both parents dead by the time he was 1? What happened to him? Where did he stay?"
My mother frowned.
"He went to stay his with Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. The details are patchy, but I've heard they weren't very pleasant people."
"Abusive?"
"Harry's life is immensely private," My Mum said, "You don't catch Harry Potter giving a statement about his personal life very day."
"You can't tell," Henry said, and I looked at him in confusion, "You can't tell when you look at him, what he's been through."
"His children," My Mum said, "The hidden lights of his life. You get one picture a year in the prophet, and Lily's one has yet to be released. Here."
She waved her wand, and I yellowing newspaper appeared in front of my eyes.
"This is the latest one, from this morning."
I took the newspaper, and to my surprise, I saw Harry's face on the cover. He was looking away from the camera, and much to my uneasiness, the picture was moving. The headline was 'MURDERER CAUGHT AND TRIALLED page 3'.
"Wow," I said in amazement, flicking through the paper, "It's so real."
"You'll learn as you go," My Mum said, "Maybe ask Harry and Ginny to take you all to Diagon Alley, so you can see for yourself."
"James mentioned Diagon Alley last week," I said in interest, "What is it? A shop?"
"A Magical Street." My Mum corrected, "In London. Has everything a wizard could ask for."
"Sounds cool," Henry breathed, "You're really a witch, aren't you?"
My Mum nodded.
I looked back at my watch and saw that 15 minutes had passed.
"I need to go wake the girls," Henry said, "We're leaving at 8:30."
"Why so soon?" My Mum said, unknowingly echoing my words.
Henry sighed.
"The girls' administrator said that if I wanted them out of school yesterday, they needed to be back in by 1 today. It's tight, but we can drive up, dump our things, and then drop them off."
"Thanks for coming," my Mum said softly, "You have no idea how much it means for you to come."
"When I heard you'd been involved," Henry gulped, "I thought the worst."
"Imagine hearing it on the morning news," my Dad chuckled.
"Is that how you found out?" Henry said, appalled.
"I would have told you," I said, "I honestly would have, but there was so much going on. At one point, I doubted the safety of my children."
"What?"
"Harry told us that the murderer was out to get him and his children," I said, looking down, "What, with Liam and James being so close at school, I really wondered how much protection Harry and Ginny had. But I was wrong to have doubted. I later found out that Harry had multiple people down at the school, acting as James' bodyguards if anything were to happen."
"One special kid," Henry muttered, and I nodded, unsure what to say.
"Imagine it like one of the Queen's children," My Mum said, and I looked at her in disbelief.
"You can't be comparing James Potter to Prince Charles, Mum," I said bluntly, but she only looked at me.
"I'd consider The Potter's like royalty, as do many wizards."
"But, they sent James to a normal Primary school. It's not even private!" I said dumbfounded.
"But they also found the most remote place in the whole of Britain," my Mum pointed out, "Apparently their London house attracted too many reporters, even though that house is notorious for its protection. I only assume they wanted a normal childhood for their children."
"Keep's getting more and more hard to believe," Henry said, but my Mum looked at him earnestly.
"You have to believe me," she said, "There's no pointing in lying anymore."
"You never lied in the first place," My Dad said softly, and we all turned to look at him, "You just never told us the truth."
I nodded in agreement and stood up.
"I really should be waking up my husband and daughter," I said, "See you downstairs for breakfast?"
"Of course," My mum smiled, and Henry nodded.
"It was nice spending time with my wife and children," My Dad said quietly, and it was then that I realised that it was just my brother, me and my parents in the room. The Greys.
"I love you," I said, walking towards the door.
They all gave their own love, and I turned around. It was starting to get light again as I reentered our room, and pulled back the curtains.
Mabel and Robert were snoring identically, and I grinned.
"Hey, Rob," I said, "I've sorted out Liam, but I'm afraid you can't go much longer in bed."
"Wish I could." He muttered, leaning upon his elbows. I bent down to kiss him, which he returned eagerly, before drawing back.
"I don't think you'll be having pancakes this morning," I said, grinning, and he smiled.
"We'll have to see, won't we?" He replied, ruffling his hair.
I sighed happily, and he looked over, confused,
"What?" He said, misinterpreting my sigh.
"No," I said quickly, "I like it messy."
He gave me a sly look, "What? Like Harry Potter's?"
"I prefer fair hair," I returned, leaning back over to kiss him. He grabbed me, and I fell forwards onto the bed, still kissing Robert furiously. We were making up for lost time. Or, we were, before Mabel sat up, and squealed.
"Don't eat each other!" She cried, "Wait for breakfast!"
I pulled away from Robert, to see Mabel looking appalled.
"You hungry?" I asked, and she nodded.
"You are," she pointed out, making me and Robert shared a bemused look.
"Certainly," Robert growled, and I smirked, before returning my attention my daughter.
"Where's Liam?" She demanded.
"With James." I replied, finally getting out of the bed to greet her properly, "I don't know if Al's awake yet."
"Can you do magic?" Mabel asked curiously, but I only shook my head.
"Al said he could," Mabel said, "And so can gandma."
"You can go ask her if you like," I said, but she shook her head, making me sigh in annoyance. I was never going to get a chance alone with my husband, was I? But then there was Harry and Ginny, going at it at 6:30 in the morning, with 3 sleeping children, and 10 guests in their house. Maybe I needed to wake Robert up earlier if I wanted a chance alone with him.
"Let's go downstairs," I said in defeat, and Robert groaned.
Mabel's face lit up, and she grabbed my hand, pulling me out the room, hardly giving me a chance to grab her dressing gown from the door.
I pulled her back, and shoved her in it, before letting her lead me on.
We went down the stairs together, before Al appeared at the bottom, clad in light green pyjamas.
"Al," giggled Mabel, skipping down the rest of the steps to greet her friend.
Al smiled, offering her a tiny gold ball.
"'nitch," He said proudly, dropping the ball. Almost at once, the ball grew wings and hovered above Al.
"Flying ball," Mabel said in amazement.
I felt a soft hand on my shoulder and turned around to see Robert. I smiled when I saw that he had left his hair messy. He was watching the ball warily.
"It's too early for this," he muttered, and I grinned.
"Golden 'nitch," Al said, reaching up, but before he could grab it, James ran forward, quite literally out of nowhere, and snatched it out the air.
Al cried out in annoyance, staring after his brother, as James ran off, giggling.
"My 'nitch," He said sadly, "My 'nitch."
"What's a nitch, Al?" Robert asked curiously, and Al looked at him, eyes wide.
"Golden 'nitch," He sniffed, "Kidditch 'nitch."
I'd never heard the word 'nitch' so many times, and I stopped down the last few steps to comfort him.
"Where's Mummy and Daddy?" I asked him gently bending down to his level.
"Daddy," Al said perking up, "Cookin'."
"Breakfast?" I asked, and Al nodded, pointing behind him.
"Mummy up'tairs," He said, "Lily Lu."
I nodded in understanding and stood up straight.
"What a nitch?" Mabel said curiously, and Al's face fell again.
"Jamie took it," He said sadly, "My 'nitch."
Robert grinned again, and I stood on his foot.
"Have you eaten breakfast already Al?" I asked, heading to the kitchen. Al trotted beside me but shook his head.
"We wait," He said, "Daddy said wait."
"What's he cooking?" Robert asked.
"Eggs," Al smiled, looking shockingly like Harry. Robert must have thought the same thing, for he muttered 'blimey.'
We entered the kitchen, and I saw Liam sitting on the counter, happily talking to Harry.
"-we can't have a cat, Mummy says," Liam was babbling to Harry, who had one elbow on the marble, smiling at my son, "Vet bills too high, she says."
"Snitching on me, are you Liam?" I asked, averting their attention to us. Harry stood up when he saw us, grinning.
"'nitch!" Al said, looking at me, "You said 'nitch!"
"What? Snitching?" Liam said, "That's when you tell of someone. Mabel's a snitch."
"Hey!" Mabel cried, looking at Robert for support.
"Jamie 'tole my 'nitch!" Al said, looking sadly at Harry.
"James stole your snitch?" Harry asked, and Al nodded, "Huh."
"Took it," Al said, "I hungry"
"Where is he, anyway?" Harry said, rubbing the back of his hair, unknowingly tousling it up even more.
Robert smirked, nudging me, and I felt myself redden. Luckily, Harry was looking away, probably searching for James.
"Liam?"
"He said was getting somet'ing," Liam said, shrugging.
"He 'tole it, Daddy," Al said, suddenly angry.
"I know, Al," Harry sighed, "I'm just trying to find him."
"He 'tole it," Al muttered, and I grinned.
"James?" Harry called, and no more than a second later, James returned, one fist curled tightly around the golden ball.
"Mine!" Al cried, lunging forward, Harry stumbling, trying to catch him before he started something with James. But, James leapt forward and pinned his little brother to the ground.
Al cried out in pain as his arm got wedged between the ground, and he started to cry.
"James!" Harry said furiously, "What was that for?!"
James shrugged, letting Harry pull him off Al.
"C'mere, Al," Harry muttered, bending down, and picking up his youngest son.
"You took his snitch, then pinned him to the ground! What is going on with you this morning?" Harry scolded.
"I lost my snitch," James mumbled, looking down, "He doesn't really use his, Dad."
"Took it," Al said, as if reminding everyone that James still took the object from him.
"Yes, I know, Al," Harry sighed, "Well, you gonna say sorry, James?"
"No," James said, and Robert and I shared a look.
"James," Harry said, "You really have no sympathy?"
"I don't know what that is?" James grumbled, "Can I have my eggs?"
Harry sighed, lifting James with one arm, so he could sit on the counter.
"Be grateful Mummy wasn't here," Harry warned, and James blanched.
"Don't tell Mummy," He said, brown eyes huge.
"I won't," Harry said, "But you haven't apologised to your brother yet, either."
"Sorry, Al." James muttered, "Here's your snitch."
He held out the golden ball, and Harry took it, placing it firmly in Al's tiny hand. Harry kissed Al's temple, before shifting him more securely onto his hip.
Robert lifted Mabel so she could sit beside Liam, and she swung her feet happily.
Ginny appeared only a few moments after, tying her hair up in a ponytail with one hand, while the other held Lily, who was still dressed in a sleepsuit.
"Morning," she said, "What have I missed?"
I shared a look with Robert and Harry, and we all grinned.
Ginny narrowed her eyes.
"Harry Potter, what –"
"Nothing," Harry said swiftly, "You've missed nothing, my love."
Ginny stared at him, before glancing at the three children sitting on the counter, and back at Harry.
"Why are you holding Al, Harry?" She asked, "What happened?"
"Nothing I've not already sorted," Harry said, placing Al next to Mabel, "And look, I'm not holding him anymore."
"Ha ha." Ginny said, rolling her eyes, "What's for breakfast, eggs?"
"Eggies," Mabel giggled, and Ginny grinned.
"Where're your parents, Katie?" She asked, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Harry's shoulders relax.
"They'll be down soon," I said, smiling, "My brother needs to leave at 8:30."
"They can stay if they want," Harry said surprised.
"The girls need to go back to school," I said, "But I'm sure they'd stay if they could."
Harry got out his wand, and suddenly, toast was in the toaster, eggs on the hob, and the kettle boiling.
"Magic," Liam and Mabel said, and I smiled. Their dreams really were coming true.
Footsteps down the stairs and I looked around to see Henry, Charlotte, Orla and Abbie. Henry was the only one dressed, and the rest were still in their pjs.
"Morning," He said, "Could smell breakfast."
Harry smiled, and showed them where they could sit. Robert and I followed. We sat down by the island, the kids on the counter waving happily.
"How'd you sleep, Charlotte?" I asked, and she nodded.
"Really well, thank you. It's so peaceful in the countryside."
Orla and Abbie nodded their agreement.
"Except Abbie snores," Orla said, looking at her older sister.
"Bit rich, coming from you," she replied, and Orla grinned.
"I don't snore, Abbie," she said, "Simply sleep loudly."
"Al looks like he's dead when he sleeps," James said, and everyone turned their attention to him.
Al looked at the strangers warily, before whimpering for one of his parents.
"Al," Harry said, "They're not going to hurt you."
"Daddy," he whispered, glancing at my Brother.
"Why's he so nervous?" Charlotte asked curiously, "He's the complete opposite to his brother."
Harry sighed, "We're working on it," He said, "I think it's the environment he was brought up in."
"Harry," Ginny said reproachfully, "All kids are different."
"Ginny," Harry said, "You've said it all yourself. Those reporters aren't normal. They get way too close when we're out."
"Reporters?" Charlotte asked.
"Cameramen," Harry muttered, "Idiots."
"With their flashy cameras," James grinned, "If you get really close, you can be in the Daily Prophet!"
"Why do you have reporters around you?" Charlotte asked.
"They're fucking famous," Robert grinned, and Ginny scowled.
"There are 6 minors in the room," she reprimanded, "One of which I'm positive will repeat what you just said."
As if on cue, James announced proudly, "I'm fucking famous."
"James!" Harry cried, "Don't say that!"
"He said it," James said, pointing at Robert, who turned pink.
"Adults only," Henry said, staring pointedly at Abbie and Orla.
"So you're famous, huh?" Charlotte said, "For what?"
"Ginny's career," Harry said quickly, "She's an athlete."
"Pretty cool," Charlotte said, looking over at Ginny. She did a double-take when she was Lily in her arms, "When the hell did you acquire a baby?"
"A few weeks ago," Ginny said matter of factly, "Meet Lily, our tiny demon."
Charlotte was instantly on her feet, striding over to get a better look at the sleeping baby girl.
"She's adorable!" She sighed, "May I hold her?"
"Of course," Ginny smiled, handing over Lily, and shaking her arm, "She's a dead weight on my left arm."
"She weighs nothing, Gin," Harry said, but Ginny glowered at him.
"You try nursing baby for hours on end, Potter, then you can complain." She shot back at him.
"Well said," I applauded, and she grinned at me.
"She's so little," Charlotte murmured, running a finger along Lily's cheek, "How old did you say she was?"
"Coming up for 4 weeks," Harry said, smiling softly.
"Congrats," Henry said, "Girls really are the best."
He got three very confused stares from the three boys on the counter.
"I thought you liked me, Uncle Henry," Liam said, hurt.
"I do, Li," Henry said hurriedly, "I was only joking."
"Good."
The sound of toast popping drew Harry's attention away, and he used his wand to serve up portions of scrambled egg on toast.
My parents came through the doorway just in time for them to be handed a plate each.
"Thanks," Robert muttered, already shovelling eggs down his throat.
"Geez Uncle Rob," Abbie said her fork in her hand.
Charlotte held on to Lily, much to Ginny's obvious delight, as she ate her breakfast.
Everyone ate happily, small talk popping up here and there, but mostly just silence.
James was the first to finish, and he yelled it for everyone to hear.
"I've done!" He cried, and Ginny glanced over at Lily. She sighed when she saw the baby beginning to fuss, her eyes starting to open.
"James," hissed Ginny, "Don't shout!"
"Sorry," James said, "Can someone please help me down?"
"Ask Daddy," Ginny said, and James turned to Harry, who was eating to his left.
"Dad?" James asked, and Harry sighed.
"Just, wait, ok?" Harry said, and James groaned.
"But I've finished!" He said, "I'll just have to get down by myself."
Harry looked up, and took out his wand, pointing it at James.
James floated down onto the floor, looking gleefully at his Dad.
"What about upside-down?!" James giggled.
"And help you throw up all your food? I think not," scoffed Harry, "I don't know why you wanted to get down; Liam isn't done yet."
"Oh," James said, looking back up at Liam, who was innocently eating his toast.
Lily was awake now, much to Ginny's annoyance.
Orla and Abbie had congregated at their Mother's shoulder and were both looking down at Lily.
"She's so cute!" Orla sighed, "She's cuter than Polly's little sister for sure."
"You can't say that about other people's babies, Orla," Abbie said, "They're all cute."
Lily's eyes were trailing the voices before she started to cry. Charlotte instinctively began to bounce her, but if anything, she just got louder.
"Don't bother," Ginny sighed, stepping in, "She won't quieten for anyone but Harry now."
"You say it like it's a bad thing," Harry said, pushing his empty plate away.
"It is when you're away," Ginny said, taking Lily, and depositing her in Harry's arms.
Harry grimaced, and started to walk around, 'shh'ing his daughter. She almost immediately stopped, her hand grabbing Harry's shirt, as he continued to bounce her.
"See?" Ginny said, exasperated, "It's not like I would do anything different for her!"
"'tis like Mabel," Robert commented.
"Not as extreme as that," I said, "She'd at least get quieter for me. She just preferred you."
Robert grinned smugly.
"She's so loud," James groaned, "Are you finished, Liam?"
My son nodded and looked over at me.
I reached over and pulled him off the counter.
"Me too!" Mabel said, reaching her arms out. I took her too.
"Me," Al said quietly, watching Henry and Charlotte warily again. Ginny smiled.
"He really trusts you, Katie," she said, "He doesn't usually ask to be held by someone else."
"I'm glad," I said, helping Al off, "He acts so different when he's around people he doesn't know."
"Tell me about it," Ginny said, watching as Al, Mabel, Liam and James scampered off, "He talks a lot. Especially before bed."
"He likes to tell us about his day," Harry said, "His whole day."
"Orla used to do that," Henry smiled, "When she was about 4."
Orla smiled sheepishly.
"Well," Ginny said, "I don't know about anyone else, but I really do need to get changed."
"So do I," I agreed.
I headed up the stairs a few minutes later, Robert close behind.
"All your clothes are clean," Harry said, and I couldn't help notice that his pyjamas were slightly worn down, revealing his muscular torso. I reddened slightly, and nodded my thanks. His job must involve a hell of a lot of physical activity.
I took a moment to process what he had said.
"Thank you," Robert said, steering me away. I prayed he hadn't noticed.
I swiftly showered, changed, and brushed my teeth, emerging to see Robert pull on his jumper. I towelled down my hair and called down for Liam and Mabel.
Liam returned first, smiling happily. He didn't protest when I put his freshly cleaned uniform on him and pulled a comb through his hair. He'd have to have a bath tonight.
Just as I was letting Liam go, James appeared at the door, giggling. I was about to ask, but I heard Ginny's voice a second later, yelling down the corridor.
"James!" She cried, "I haven't finished with you yet!"
"Yes, you have!" James giggled.
Ginny appeared in the doorway a second later, changed, holding a brush in her hand.
"I'm sorry, Katie," she said, before turning back to James, "I need to brush your hair, James. You don't want to go to school with hair like Daddy's, do you?"
"I thought you liked my hair!" Harry's voice called, and Ginny groaned, poking her head out into the corridor, a firm grip on James.
"I'm trying to brush your son's hair, and you blew my last persuasive comment, you prat." She glowered, pulling James back, and carrying him back into his room.
"Thanks for letting me brush your hair, Li," I smiled, and he returned it, biting on the end of his jumper.
"Don't do that," I sighed, pulling it out his mouth, but he only giggled.
"Mabel!" I called, releasing Liam, "Let's get you ready!"
She skipped into view and happily cooperated with me as I got her ready. At 10 past 8, we were all completely ready, and I knocked on Henry's door. He opened it, his bag in hand, and smiled.
"I was going to start loading these into the car," he said, "wanna help?"
"Sure," I said, "Where are the girls and Charlotte?"
"Cooing over that baby," Henry said, "I hope Charlotte doesn't expect me to –"
"I don't think she will," I said, "But hey, I wouldn't complain about having another baby in the family."
"You go do it then," Henry said, "Your children are younger."
"Oh no," I said, "I am more than done with kids."
"Thought so," Henry said, "What d'you reckon? 4 Grandkids good enough for Mum and Dad?"
"Definitely," I smiled.
We went downstairs together, and left the bags by the door, following the voices coming from the living room.
"How'd your other children react to another sibling?" I heard Charlotte asked, and I entered to see Orla and Abbie knelt next to a play mat, in which Lily was lying on, kicking her feet up, and staring around. My parents and Charlotte were sitting on the sofa closest to the door, and Ginny sat on the opposite chair, her legs tucked under her.
"James just wanted to make sure that she'd play with him," Ginny said, "Al, on the other hand, sat down, and patted his lap, saying 'baby baby' over and over."
"James was 4 though, wasn't he," I said, and Charlotte and Ginny looked up.
"He understood more, yeah," Ginny said, "When Al was born, James just wanted to poke him."
"Liam didn't understand, either," I said, sitting down, "He didn't understand that it was his sister."
"Same with those two," Henry said, pointing to his girls on the floor, "Abbie had a hard time adjusting."
"Well, I was an only child for only 2 years," Abbie said, looking up, "Maybe I wanted a bit more time by myself before Orla stole all the attention."
"You two remind me of my nieces, Dominique and Victoire" Ginny smiled, "You act just like them."
Abbie smiled shyly.
Harry appeared at the door, his hair still wet from what had been an obvious shower, and Ginny groaned.
"What?" He said innocently, "I just came to see where most of the household is at."
"Don't look at me with that stupid… wet hair," she sighed, and Harry grinned, "Just dry it, will you?"
"You know that spell isn't one of my talents, Gin," Harry said, his face falling.
"Harry Potter, Saviour of the Wizarding World, The Chosen One, The Boy Who Lived, can't cast a level 5 drying charm," Ginny said, "Now wouldn't that be a headline."
My Mum cast me and Henry a knowing look as I remembered our earlier conversation. So it was true. Not that I had any doubt in my Mum.
Harry grinned sheepishly before his face deadpanned.
"Ginny," he hissed, looking warily around at everyone in the room. Little did he know that only Charlotte, Orla and Abbie didn't know about what had happened.
"We know," I said quietly, and he looked down.
"I only suppose you told them, Anna?" He said, and my Mum nodded slowly.
Ginny was looking from Harry to my mother, her eyes wide.
"I was joking, love," Ginny said quickly, reaching for Harry's hand.
"I know," Harry replied, glancing at her, "I'm not holding it against you."
"Why's it so quiet in here?" My husband said, walking into the room.
I sighed.
"Never you mind," I said.
"I just don't want to repeat it." Harry said, "Thank you for explaining everything, Anna. They deserve to know."
I smiled in appreciation, and Robert looked at me curiously.
"And I don't?" He said, "What else don't I know?"
"You were asleep," I said, "Now's not the time."
Robert shrugged.
"Where are the kids?" I asked, and he pointed upstairs.
"I saw Liam and James on my way down," He said, "Dunno about Al or Mabel though."
"They'll be next door," Harry said, "Block-a-holics."
I laughed, and he grinned.
"We should really be going," Henry said, glancing at his watch, "If we want to be in Cardiff by 1."
"We don't want to be in Cardiff," Orla sighed, "We have to be in Cardiff. I'd much rather be here with this cute baby."
"We need to get going," Henry said firmly, and both girls slowly stood up, tickling baby Lily on the tummy as they did so.
"See you soon," cooed Abbie and Lily refocused her attention on the older girl, before sending up a gummy smile. Abbie cried out in joy.
"Thank you, Harry, Ginny, for letting us stay," Henry said sincerely, "It's been great."
"Anytime," Harry smiled, "It was nice meeting you."
"You too."
The men exchanged a shake, before Harry opened the front door, and released the gates.
"C'mon girls," Henry said, "Let's go."
They chorused their thank you's and followed Henry out to their car.
"Blimey!" I heard Henry say, and I blinked.
He reappeared at the doorway, goggling at Harry.
"Is that your car?" He asked, and Harry nodded, grinning.
"Really living the dream life, aren't you?" He said, looking at the car admiringly.
"If the dream life consists of not being able to dry your hair," Ginny snickered, and Harry grinned.
"Thank you," Charlotte said, "And I've suddenly remembered where I've seen you before, Ginny."
Ginny looked at her quizzically.
"I think we grew up in the same village," Charlotte smiled, "Ottery St. Catchpole. You have loads of brothers, don't you? I remember a couple coming to my Dad's shop and showing me magic tricks. Must've been real magic, huh."
"Yes," Ginny smiled, "That's exactly where I'm from. It was nice meeting you, Charlotte. Safe travels."
Charlotte nodded her farewell, and followed Henry out the door, getting into their car.
I gritted my teeth as Henry reversed out the driveway, his wing mirror coming dangerously close to my car as he pulled out.
"Close one, that," Henry grinned out the window, "Miss you already, K."
"Miss you too," I said, watching as he drove out of view.
