I retreated back into the house as Harry closed the gates, feeling a bit empty.

"Right," Robert announced, "Let's load the children into the car."

"We doing car swaps?" I asked, glancing at James and Liam, who had appeared at the foot of the stairs. Liam's face lit up.

"Can I go in the fast car, Mr James' Dad?" He asked excitedly. James' face fell instantly.

"But that means I can't go with you," he said woefully, "There's only enough space for one child. Why can't I go?"

"You always go in there," Liam said, making James frown.

"Not always," James said back, "Daddy's always busy."

"James," Harry said reproachfully, "It's much safer for you to be in the big car."

"Not as fun," James said, looking back at Liam, "Why do you get to go?"

"I've never been in a fast car before," Liam said, looking at Harry hopefully, "I just wanna see what it feels like."

"It's up to you, Harry," I said, "I don't mind him going with you."

James scowled.

"James, I'll take you out tomorrow, yes?" Harry said, and a small grin appeared on James' face.

"Diagon Alley?" James asked optimistically, and Harry grinned.

"We'll see," He said.

"So I can go with you?" Liam asked, and Harry nodded.

"Sure," he smiled, and Liam beamed.

"I'm going with Gandma," Mabel said decisively, clinging to my Dad's hand.

"I'll go with them, too, then," Robert said.

"Katie, you can come with us," Ginny said, "There's enough space, now Harry's not there.".

I smiled, nodding my head.

A few minutes later, I placed Liam's bag in his hand and handed him over to Harry.

"Let's go," Harry said, taking Liam's hand, and saluting everyone, "See you lot at school."

James was scowling as he watched his Dad help Liam into the car, the door sliding upwards, as my son dipped out of sight.

"Come on, James," Ginny said, steering him towards the red Bentley, "Let Liam have his moment. You can go with Daddy any day."

"Only when he's not working," James muttered, climbing into the car.

Ginny sighed, and walked over to the right side of the car, in which Al was already secured tightly in his seat. Lily was by her feet, strapped into the car seat, and didn't fuss when Ginny lifted her up into the car.

I gingerly opened the passenger door and took my seat, Ginny appearing in the driver's seat a moment later.

"We need to wait for you parents to leave first," Ginny said, pulling the seatbelt over her. I glanced back and saw the three Potter's in the backseat, James in between his siblings, still looking put out.

I watched as my parent's left, and then we followed, Al's chatter filling the quiet car.

"It's not yours, Al," I heard James mutter, and Ginny looked through the rear-view mirror.

"What's he got, James?" Ginny asked, as we slowly left the driveway.

"A galleon," James sighed, "He could spend it in Diagon Alley. How'd he get a galleon?"

A roar behind us, and we were suddenly overtaken by Harry, his car racing ahead.

"He's a good driver," Ginny muttered to me, "He'd never endanger himself in a car, I promise."

"Liam's probably having the time of his life." I smiled, and James huffed.

"Couldn't you use magic to extend the seat?" I said angrily, "Liam's havin' fun without me."

"You don't want to be stopped by the police, do you?" Ginny said, and James scoffed.

"They can't arrest Dad. He's in charge." He said.

"Doesn't mean he doesn't have to follow the law," Ginny pointed out.

We arrived at the school 10 minutes later, and I saw Harry and Liam standing by the school gates, Harry's hand securely on Liam's shoulder as he spoke to Zara.

"He's stealing my Daddy!" James said furiously, folding his arms. Ginny only laughed.

"He's just making sure Liam doesn't run off," Ginny said, and James only blew out a frustrated breath.

Ginny pulled up next to Harry's car and stopped the engine.

I pushed open the door and waved to Liam, who spotted me, giggling.

I helped Ginny get out Al, whilst she got out Lily and held a firm grip on his hand as I escorted him over to Harry.

My parents, Robert and Mabel weren't close behind, and I saw Robert pull Mabel out her seat, before making his way over to us, smiling.

"Liam looks happy," Robert said, joining me and Ginny as we walked over to the gates, "Must have had a great time."

James sulked unhappily.

"Mummy," Liam said, rushing up to me once we were out of the car park, "We went so fast!"

"I've been faster," James said hastily, and Ginny sighed.

"Katie," I heard a voice cry, I looked around to see Sarah, Dillon, and their three children hurrying through the car park. Maisy was wearing the navy-blue uniform of Downlow Primary.

"Hey," I said, and before I knew it, she pulled me in for a rib shattering hug. Al whined in fright and ran to Harry.

"Oh Albus," Ginny sighed, brushing a thumb over his temple, "You're safe here, ok?"

Al sniffed and eyed Sarah nervously.

"Sorry," she said, "I didn't mean to scare him."

"He's a scaredy-cat," James said, "Like a baby."

"James," Ginny said, "Chill out."

"Maisy's starting today," Sarah said, steering her daughter forwards, "She's been excited to come here."

"I miss my old school, Mum," Maisy said, glancing at Dillon. He was looking at Harry steadfastly, a determined look in his eye.

"Are you Harry Potter?" He asked, and Harry blinked.

"Yes. Do I know you?" he said wearily, but Dillon shook his head.

"I work with the Gillingham Police Department, in the tracking team," Dillon explained, "You know we had no leads? None of you lot did anything to help us track the murderer. We were trying to do our job, but it's pretty hard when you have no information."

"It's not my job to report to the tracking team," Harry said coolly, "That was up to your branch leader."

"Apparently he didn't know anything either," Dillon said, "He said you weren't saying anything."

"We're closing the case at 1 pm today," Harry said, "We caught who was behind it, along with his associates, and all the reports have been filled out. I haven't spoken to anyone outside my department about this, except for Josie."

"That explains everything," Dillon said, "Maybe we could have got this done a lot quicker if you had actually told us something."

Harry looked affronted for a moment, before waving his hand in dismissal.

"The case is over, Mr?"

"Dillon Coleman."

"I can assure you that we had the best people working on this. It couldn't have been solved any quicker, unfortunately."

"You didn't track him down here, though, did you?" Dillon said, "Turned up on your doorstep, didn't he?"

"Dillon," Sarah hissed, "Not here."

Dillon looked down at Maisy, who looked a little down heartened at the lack of interest her Father was showing on her first day of school.

"C'mon," Harry muttered, gesturing us up the path, "Let's drop the kids off,"

Ginny came to his side and spoke to him softly. Her words were inaudible, but Harry nodded, looking back at me and Robert.

"Ginny'll take you to see the progress on your house, if you like," he said, "The repair team has been there since 6 this morning."

"Sure," I smiled, and Robert grinned, "Where will you be?"

"I'm working from 9:15," he said, "The earlier I'm in, the earlier I'm home."

"Can I go in your car again?" Liam asked hopefully, but James glared at him, mortified.

"No," James said, "One time is enough."

"It's not your choice," Liam mumbled, before glancing at James, who looked furious.

"James," Ginny warned, bouncing Lily, "What's got into you this morning?"

"'tole my 'nitch," Al reminded everyone, and Harry grinned.

James shrugged as we reached the top of the gates, scooting off to find some friends to play with. Liam's face fell.

"James," Harry growled, "Don't be stubborn."

"He doesn't like me anymore," Liam said, looking tearful.

"Course he does," Ginny said, "He's just in a bad mood."

"He liked me this morning," Liam said sadly.

"You can play with me," Maisy said weakly, and Liam glanced back at James, before nodding.

Sarah smiled, one hand on Alex's head, and bent down to see her daughter.

"I love you, ok?" she said, "You'll have a great time. Say bye to your brother and sister."

"Bye Alex, bye Posie," Maisy said, grabbing her bag, and gingerly following Liam, "Bye Daddy."

"Bye Maisy," Dillon said, kissing her on the forehead, "I'll be here to pick you up after school."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around her Father's neck.

"I love you." She said, "Hope you catch the bad guys."

She then scampered after Liam.

Dillon sighed, reaching over to pull Posie's blanket over her.

"I'm transferring to the Downlow Police department," he said, and Robert grinned.

"I work at the Tesco's right next door to the Police Station," he said, "We'll be neighbours."

"Crime rates are quite low, aren't they?" Sarah said, glancing at Harry, "That's why we moved here."

"Virtually nothing," I said, "It's a safe area, I promise."

Sarah smiled gratefully, "At least I have big, strong Police Officer sleeping with me," she said, nudging Dillon

"Don't know about big," he said, "I'm only 5 foot 9."

"You're short, mate," Robert grinned, and Dillon groaned.

"My brother's 6 foot 3. He stole all the tall genes in our family."

"5 foot 9 isn't that short," I said, "You're only 5, 11, Rob."

"Almost 6 foot," Robert said, "I'd rather round it up."

"Liam's a pretty short 4-year-old," I said, "He's short and stocky."

"They both are," Robert said, "Al's almost the same height as Mabel, and he's a year younger."

The bell rang, and everyone's heads turned to the classroom, where children were piling in.

"Bye Mummy! Bye Daddy!" Maisy cried, holding Liam's hand as he helped her put her bag away.

"Bye!" Liam echoed, waving.

James skidded to a halt by his parent's, his eyes trailing Liam's departing figure, almost longingly.

"Go and apologise," Harry said, bending down to James' level, Albus still hanging onto his neck, "You'll miss him."

James' eyes widened, and he nodded, accepting a quick kiss from his Dad, before turning to his Mum.

"See you after school," she smiled, kissing his brow, "Have a good day."

He smiled and made his way to the door, Luis, and Josh scurrying after him.

Soon, the school was littered by lingering parents and preschool children.

"I hope she settles fine," Sarah sighed, "She was the one who hated the idea of moving. She grew up in Gillingham," she said.

"It's a nice community here," I said, and she nodded.

"Alex and Posie get automatic places here, which is good," Sarah said, "They would have had to apply to West Brom."

"Posie starts in 2012," Dillon said, "It doesn't even seem that far away."

"Don't say that," Sarah said reproachfully, "It's a full 4 years."

"When Mabel goes, I don't know what I'll do," I said sadly, glancing down at my daughter.

We made our way back to the carpark, Robert, Sarah, Dillon, and my parents talking happily amongst each other.

"I have to go," I heard Harry mutter to Ginny, and I saw her glance at her watch before nodding, "I love you."

"I love you too," Ginny said quietly, reaching up to kiss him swiftly. No one else was paying them any attention, "I'll see you at home. Be safe."

"Aren't I always," Harry grinned, and Ginny swatted him, "Ok ok, I'm leaving."

Harry gently placed Al on the ground, kissing him on the cheek, before glancing once more at Ginny, saying softly: "It's the last day, Gin. I have the weekend off, then you can have me all to yourself."

Ginny grinned appreciatively.

Then he ducked into the car and was driving off. I distantly heard a faint pop and realised I could no longer hear the roar of the engine.

Ginny sighed, turning her attention back on everyone else.

"Hey," Robert, "Where did Harry go?"

"Work," Ginny said.

"Huh." Robert said, shrugging, gathering Mabel into his arms, "Let's go see the progress on our house."

"We need to get going," Sarah said, opening the door to her car, and helping Alex up, "Dillon needs to check in with the Police Station to secure his job."

I nodded.

"I'll be here after school to pick up Maisy," Sarah said, giving me a quick hug, before getting in the passenger seat. Dillon placed the pram in the boot, and gently secured Posie in her back-facing car seat, the dark-haired baby frowning.

The Volvo drove out the gates, amid all the other cars trying to get home.

"Dillon really hates Harry, huh," Robert commented, and I narrowed my eyes, "Makes me wonder what it's like from a police officer's perspective."

"Well," Ginny said, "Technically Harry's not a Police Officer."

"Oh yeah," Robert said, "I suppose Dillon doesn't know that, then."

Ginny shook her head.

"Let's get going," I suggested, and Ginny nodded, making her way to the car, "I'll travel with you, if it's alright."

Ginny smiled, "Of course."

We waited until the gates cleared a bit, before Ginny pulled her wand, and tapped the wheel. The car's engine came to life, and we began to glide out the school, closely followed by my parents.

"Is it powered by magic?" I asked curiously, but Ginny shook her head.

"Harry bought it the muggle way," Harry said, "But my Dad fixed it up to do some extra stuff."

"Like?"

"It could fly, if we wanted to fly," Ginny said, and I felt my jaw open, "But we usually apperate if we wanted to go long distances."

"Apparate?" I asked, and Ginny nodded.

"Appear somewhere else," Ginny explained, "Though, with three kids, it's getting increasingly difficult. I have to hold Lily's head, and make sure I have a firm grip on any other children I've got with me."

"Could you do it right now?" I asked.

"Not, right now," Ginny said grinning, "I'm driving, and can only hope that the car won't veer into the side, probably killing you and two of my children."

"Yeah, maybe don't," I replied, glancing at the two Potter's in the back. Al was fiddling with a round gold coin.

"What's he got?" I asked Ginny.

"A galleon; one of our coins."

"You have your own currency?"

"Yeah," Ginny said, "Knuts, Sickles, and Galleons. There are 29 Knuts in one Sickle, and 17 Sickles make up a Galleon."

"D'you know how much that is in our money?" I asked, overwhelmed.

"Uh," Ginny said, "I'm not that accustomed to your money. Harry knows that sort of stuff."

I nodded.

Ginny pulled up just outside the house, beckoning me out the car.

"So you won't be able to see anything," She warned, "They've put anti-muggle wards up."

Robert and my parents appeared at my side, Mabel holding on tightly to my Dad's finger.

"Anna, you can go ahead," Ginny said, "You should be able to see."

My Mum stepped forwards and smiled at what she saw. I peered over her shoulder, but all I could see was a huge empty spot where our house should have been.

Ginny placed Al on the floor after she got him out, and pulled Lily out too, still contained in her car seat.

A man suddenly appeared in front of me and looked at us sceptically.

"Who are you?" He asked curiously, "How'd you find this place?"

"They're with me," Ginny said, and the man looked over, "This is their house."
"Ginny Potter," the man smiled, "Pleasure to meet you. Winston Stocklin, part of the MOM Repair Department."

"Pleasure's all mine," Ginny smiled back, offering her hand. Mr Stocklin shook it, before turning his attention back to us.

"They're with you, are they?" he asked, and Ginny nodded.

"I need you to allow them to see the site," Ginny said, "They're muggles, but know."

"Isn't that breaching the Statue of Secrecy?" Mr Stocklin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Mrs Grey, here, is a witch," Ginny said smoothly, and Mr Stocklin's face relaxed. He took out his wand – a rather short, stubby wand – and waved it over us.

I looked over and saw our house slowly coming into view. Wizards and witches were running around our house, lifting debris and objects with their wands, all muttering spells under their breaths.

"We're about a third done," Mr Stocklin explained as we walked onto our driveway, "The main structure is done, but we still need to add support and clean through the inside. I heard Mr Potter came round a cleared it for dark magic, Mrs Potter?"

"He did," Ginny nodded, "It's safe."

"Mornin', Ginny!" a voice cried, and Ginny smiled.

"How are you?" she asked, as a tall woman with dark hair appeared from inside the house, her clothes caked in dust.

"I'm good," the woman smiled, "How's retirement?"

Ginny grimaced, "It's alright."
"How're the kids?"

"Growing," Ginny sighed, "Last time you saw Al, he couldn't walk or talk."

"He looks so much like Harry," the woman smiled, bending down to Al's height.

"You don't remember me, do you?" she said softly, and Al shook his head nervously, "I'm Gwenog's sister. You know Gwenog, don't you?"

Al nodded, smiling.

"Kidditch," Al said, "Mummy's kidditch."

"Oh, he's so grown up," the woman sighed, "How's James?"

"Getting more and more stubborn," Ginny said, "He's at school."

"Well, it was nice talking," she said, "I've got to get back to work."

"Sure," Ginny smiled, "Have fun, Milana."

"Will do," Milana smiled, "Send my love to Harry."
And then she walked off, waving her wand, the dust on her flying off, and dissipating into thin air.

"Milana Jones," Ginny said, "My old Quidditch captain's sister."

"You know a lot of people, huh," Robert said.

"You have no idea," grinned Ginny, turning back to Mr Stocklin, "When do you think the house will be ready, Mr Stocklin?"

"Winston, please," insisted Mr Stocklin, "Maybe by this afternoon. We're bringing in a couple of people to put charms up."
"What will they do?" Robert asked, "We're not magical."

"Just to keep you more protected," Mr Stocklin said smoothly, "Your house has been broadcasted onto national news. Yes, unfortunately, ours too. You might get unwanted visitors."

"But we're not at all famous, especially in your world," I said starkly.

"People are nosy," Mr Stocklin said, "Reporters might want to interview you."

"But we haven't done anything," I said weakly.

"Try telling the public that." Mr Stocklin replied.

"Owl the Aurors when you're done," Ginny said, "That way I can found out."
Mr Stocklin nodded.

"Thank you," Robert said, "We're really grateful."

"I've been told to get money from Mr Potter's vault," Mr Stocklin said, and Ginny nodded.

"Thanks," I said, and Mr Stocklin smiled.

"No problem," he said, tipping his little hat in our direction.

He escorted us from the building site, and when I looked back, the house was gone.

"We'll remove the charms after we're done," Mr Stocklin assured me, and I nodded.

I got into Ginny's car, and we made our way back to the Hollies.

"It's amazing," I said, "It's literally a miracle."

Ginny smiled as we drove through the gates, parking by the door.

An owl was waiting on the porch when we got out, and it flew onto Ginny's shoulder when she got out.

She took the letter from its extended foot, and the owl flew off. Her eyes skimmed over the letter as she read it.

"What does it say?" I asked, and Ginny looked up.

"We've been invited to watch the press conference at 1," she said, "When the Aurors give their closing statement about the case."

"At your ministry?" Robert asked, coming to my side.

"It would be, yeah."

"It's up to you, dear," My Mum said, and Ginny smiled.

"I'd have to quickly drop Al and Lily off with someone," she said, but my Mum spoke again.

"We don't have to go, do we, Howard?" she said, and my Dad shook his head.

"You don't mind staying with Al and Lily?" Ginny asked cynically, but my Mum only shook her head, "I could call my parents if you'd like. They can stay with you."

"I like to meet your parents," My Mum smiled.

"I'll just go and floo them, then," Ginny replied, unlocking the front door, the letter still clutched in her hand.

"We'll be in the living room," I said, and she nodded.

"A wizarding press conference," Robert said, grinning, "That should be a laugh."
"It'll be intense," warned my Mum, "I reckon you'll be photographed."

"I've always wanted to be in a newspaper," Robert said absently, "D'you reckon it'd make the front cover?"

"If you're with Ginny, yes." My Mum said seriously, "Don't do anything stupid."

"C'mon, Anna, you know me better," Robert said.

"I hope so," My Mum said.

Ginny returned, swiping her hair out her face.

"They can come over at around 12," she said, "And we'll be leaving around then, too."

"How long will it go on for?" I asked.

"Maybe half an hour," Ginny shrugged, "Depends on how many questions there are."

"How do we get there?" Robert asked.

"I'll probably apperate," Ginny sighed, "But you're not gonna like it."

"Why not?"

"It feels," Ginny thought for a second, "Like you're being sucked up in a tube."

"Huh?"

"Maybe it'd be best just to show you now, so you don't throw up in the Ministry," she grinned, and my mother chuckled.

I glanced at Robert, before nodding.

"C'mon," Ginny muttered, and we all followed her out into the garden. Before anyone could speak, she spun on the spot, and to my surprise, she appeared only a few feet away. She strode back to us, her fiery hair billowing out behind her.

"Did you just-" Robert stammered, and Ginny grinned.

"It's easier just to show you," she said, "No point in explaining it."

She held out her hands.

"If you'd take one each, then I'll show you."

I cautiously took Ginny's left hand, Robert turning a tinge pink, as Ginny firmly encased our fingers. The feeling was immediate. It really did feel like I was being sucked up in a giant tube. All the breath was drawn out of me, but almost as soon as it had started, it had ended. I let go of Ginny's hand and looked over at Robert. He looked a bit green, but even more surprisingly, we had ended up on the other end of the garden, the tiny stream flowing gently behind us.

"You good, Robert?" Ginny asked, and he nodded, "You get used to it."

"You do that on a regular basis?" Robert gasped, face beginning to lighten again.

"Yes," Ginny said, offering her hands again, "Ready to go back?"

I nodded slowly, and Robert did the same, as we took Ginny's hands.

It was slightly better this time, though when I opened my eyes, I felt a bit giddy.

"Well, at least you won't throw up in public," Ginny said, and I smiled appreciatively.

We ate a small lunch – beans on toast – and Ginny went upstairs to nurse Lily, leaving the rest of us downstairs.

"Wizards are quite remarkable," I said, and Robert grinned.

"Can't wait to see how famous they really are," he said, and I looked down.

"Robert," I said, "There's a couple of things you've got to know."

It was then that I repeated all that my Mum had told me and Henry this morning, filling Robert in on all the missed details.

"Fucking hell," he whispered, once I was done, his eyes huge, "Harry did all that?"

"Though he'll try and deny it," came a quiet voice from the door, I turned to see Ginny in a deep purple cloak, "I'm glad Harry didn't have to tell you all that."

She didn't look angry, so I smiled a little.

"We never knew, Ginny," I said sadly, "You've both been through so much."
The younger woman sighed and sat down.

"He defied all the odds," Ginny said softly, "At a huge price. Harry didn't have a childhood."

"What d'you mean?"
"He was forced to grow up too fast," Ginny said, "We all were. He shouldn't have been fighting for his life at only 17. He was still a child."

"I'm so sorry," I whispered, tears fogging my vision.

"The people who raised him were terrible people," Ginny spat, "Harry grew up neglected, 10 years of being unloved under his belt, before he found out he was a wizard. It's scary, sometimes, when I see Al do normal things. It's like having a glimpse into the past. It's like seeing what Harry would have been like if he had grown up feeling loved."

"He was just a baby," Robert said quietly, and Ginny nodded sadly.

"Just, don't, mention, any of this to Harry," Ginny said, "But you had a right to know."

Me and Robert nodded in understanding before Ginny handed us each a long black cloak.

"Take these," she said, "You'll blend in better. You have one of mine, Katie, and you've got one of Harry's, Robert."
"So these are what wizards wear?" I asked in bemusement, pulling the black fabric over my shoulders, "Classy."
"Not when you get boiled alive," Ginny grimaced, "How'd they fit?"

"A bit long round the ankles on his," I said, pointing down at Robert's covered feet, "But I think we look pretty wizard-like."

"I've got to warn you," Ginny said, "Not to say anything when the reporters yell you questions. No matter how mental they seem to be, please please just ignore them. Any word you say will be used against you."

"Oh." I said, "You think they'll ask us questions?"

Ginny nodded.

A sudden rush of air distracted us all, and Ginny hurried into the other room.

"Mum, Dad," I heard Ginny say, and I grinned. The parents meeting the parents.

Ginny returned, accompanied by Mr and Mrs Weasley. I had met Mrs Weasley before, and she smiled in recognition of me.

"Hi," I said, walking forwards to shake their hands, "Katie Williams."

"I know dear," Mrs Weasley smiled, patting my cheek.

"Arthur Weasley," Ginny's Dad said, looking incredibly excited, "So you're the muggles?"

"Dad," groaned Ginny, but I smiled, and nodded.

My parents stood up to greet Mr and Mrs Weasley in a similar fashion to what I did, and at once I realised that they'd get along perfectly.

My Dad and Mr Weasley got it off at once, discussing absolutely everything under the sun, and I grinned at Ginny.

"Let's go," she suggested, and I nodded, grabbing Robert's hand.

"The kids are upstairs, Mum," Ginny called, "Don't mind me, I'll just leave."

"Bye dear," Mrs Weasley replied, and Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Bye Al," Ginny yelled up the stairs, "See you later, sweetheart."

Al didn't respond, and Ginny sighed.

She opened the door, tucking her wand safely into her cloak, before holding out her hands again.

"Ready to meet some crazy wizards?" Ginny grinned, and me and Robert nodded. We took her hands, and the feeling of being sucked up in a tube overwhelmed me again.

When the feeling had stopped, I opened my eyes. We had appeared in a dark hallway, tiny lanterns flickering on the walls. It was surprisingly empty.

"I've brought us to the Auror's apparating spot," Ginny said absently, "Stay close."

She led us down a long corridor before I was suddenly blinded. It took me a second to realise that the flashing lights were cameras, and I was being photographed within an inch of my life.

Ginny!

Ginny Potter!

What are your feelings on the case!?

Mrs Potter!

How are your children?!

How did Fürsicka find you?!

Over here! Mrs Potter!

Who's with you?!

I was so overwhelmed, and I groped for Robert's hand. He looked at me, his eyes huge.

Ginny was striding in front of us, a hand held over her face as she moved steadfastly through the crowd. Bright spots were dancing in my eyes, but I kept them focused on Ginny. I kept my mouth closed, following Ginny's orders, and tried to ignore the shouting people.

I felt a stab of pity for Harry and Ginny, who probably had to endure this frequently, but then I thought of the children. No wonder little Albus was afraid of strangers if these were the strangers he was used to.

I hurried after Ginny, and breathed a sigh of relief when she pushed open a door, at the nod of a tall burly man in blue.

"They're with me," Ginny muttered, and the man nodded, letting us all pass.

"That was mental," Robert said, his hand all clammy in my own.

"Sorry," Ginny grimaced, "Now you know why I don't bring the kids."

"Absolutely." I agreed, "I feel sorry for you."

"I knew what I was getting myself into when I joined professional Quidditch," Ginny grinned, "And marrying Harry, but the kids don't deserve this. James may like it, but I don't want him all over the tabloids. They make up awful shit about everyone and anything."

"Where's the conference?" Robert asked, and Ginny pointed to another door.

"I'm afraid it's pretty crazy in there too." She sighed, "But at least you'll have a safe seat."

"Ginny," a low voice said, and Ginny turned around, smiling.

"Hi, Kingsley," she said, "Shouldn't you be in there?"

Kingsley smiled.

"They're running late," he said, "Two Aurors started a scuffle."

"Who?" Ginny asked, surprised.

"Norcross and Proudfoot," Kingsley said, and Ginny groaned.

"Well that was inevitable," she sighed, "What happened?"

"Who knows," Kingsley shrugged.

"Proudfoot isn't being very helpful these days," another voice said, and a man appeared, his dark features looking almost threatening, "They need you inside, Minister."

"Nice to see you too, Starcoff," Ginny muttered, and the man shot her a look.

"You can go inside, Potter," he said, glancing at me and Robert, "You're sitting on the left-wing."

"Thanks," Ginny said, beckoning me and Robert to follow, as she stepped forwards, and entered the room.

It was instant chaos.

Cameras flashed even more vigorously than outside, and the talk was loud. Ginny escorted us to the left, where I was glad to sit down, out of the camera's lens. There were dozens of people, in official-looking uniform, lining the walls, and sitting in a similar place to where we were.

"Looks like Olly got Proudfoot good," Ginny commented, "He's been slung up."

I looked down her trial of sight and saw a man with a sling, his eyes narrowed furiously, as a man spoke intently beside him.

"Where's Harry?" Robert asked, but just as he uttered the last syllable, Harry entered, closely followed by Oliver Norcross, and the dark-faced man we had briefly met in the corridor.

The noise in the room rose significantly, and the flashes were going mad.

"Let's see what they're saying," Ginny mumbled, as Harry scanned the crowd, looking formidable.

The dark man spoke first, his voice booming through the room, bouncing off the walls.

"The case of Yorick Fürsicka was closed at 12:53 pm. Any reports sent in from now will not be included in our investigation, and the person responsible is being escorted to the Azkaban on Sunday."

An eruption of sound followed.

You don't think Azkaban is too cruel?

Starcoff, as Ginny had called him, shook his head.

"Fürsicka murdered countless people," He said, "He was mentally unstable, and wouldn't be any use anywhere else."

He then stepped down, cameras flashing frantically as Harry and Oliver got up instead, Oliver talking quietly.

Mr Potter!

Over here!
Potter!

Harry stayed quiet, and eventually, the only noises were the flashes and clicks of the cameras, all dying to take a photo. Harry ultimately began to answer questions, but I found myself not really listening. I knew most of the facts, due to my involvement, so decided to have a good look around the room whilst Harry spoke, often replying to the hounding press with 'no comment.'

The hall was wide and long, and all sorts of wizards and witches were standing at different parts of the room. I saw a gathering of men and women in robes identical to Harry's and were listening to him talk intently, one man nodding his head enthusiastically at everything Harry said. A woman with short blonde hair was standing slightly to the left, her head held low. I noticed she was shaking, and I felt a wave of sympathy for her. She must have been an Auror, for she wore robes the same as the others.

The conference didn't go on too long, and before I knew it, Harry had left the platform, cameras still furiously clicking.

"Let's go," muttered Ginny, standing up, and gesturing for us to follow. We did, and were soon out in the corridor. I was vaguely surprised to see Harry there, laughing with Oliver.

"Harry," Ginny grinned, and Harry looked over, startled.

"When the hell did you get here?" He asked, "You've been here the whole time?"

Ginny nodded, "I got a letter saying we would come, so we did, and here we are."

"You got through the press?" Harry asked, glancing at me and Robert, "How'd that go?"

Ginny sighed, "Same as usual. What time are you here to?"

"Here? 2, but I'm on duty outside The Three Broomsticks until 4." Harry said, glancing at Oliver, "Unless you-"

"No way," Oliver said, shaking his head, "You've got tomorrow off. I'm working all day."

"Poor you," Harry said, grinning, "And I thought I was struggling. How's Adalia?"

Oliver sighed, "She's alright."

"When can you go see her?" Ginny asked.

"Whenever her Dad wants me too," Oliver scowled.

"As long as she's better for your wedding," Ginny smirked, and Oliver turned pink.

"I don't think I'm ready yet," he muttered, "I don't think she is either."

"What makes you say that?" Harry asked, and Oliver shrugged.

"Her Dad doesn't really like me," He said, "I don't reckon he'd be pleased."

"Fuck that," Ginny said, "If you're both ready, then go for it."

"Thanks, Ginny," Oliver said dryly, "Because it was so hard for you, wasn't it?"

"Where's Al and Lily?" Harry asked, apparently on his own train of thoughts.

"With my parents and Katie's parents," Ginny replied at once, "They offered."

"Great," Harry said, "I've got a 20-minute break. Wanna go down to the Leaky or something?"

Ginny sighed.

"I can't, Harry," she said wistfully, "I've got to get home."

Harry's face fell, but he nodded.

"That's fine," he said, "I'll see you tonight."

"Sure," Ginny smiled, leaning up to kiss him. He returned it, before drawing back, grinning down at her.

"I-"

"POTTER!"

Harry blinked, and turned around, only to see the man I knew as Proudfoot.

"What?" Harry said, narrowing his eyes, "I've got a break, Proudfoot."

"Not anymore you don't," Proudfoot sneered, "Fürsicka's putting up a fight."
Harry sighed, glancing at Ginny.

"Gin, I gotta go," he said, "I love you."

And then he was hurrying after Proudfoot, his wand already removed from his cloak.

"What happened with you and him?" Ginny asked, turning to Oliver, "Starcoff said you fought."

Oliver scowled.

"He's been pissing everyone off recently," he said, "Today was the last straw."

"What'd he do?"

"Yelling at everyone, shouting at the trainees, being so. Fucking. Uncooperative," Oliver spat, "If I were in charge, he'd be off the team in an instant."

"He's a good Auror, Olly," Ginny said, "Don't hold Dawlish's loss against him."

"You don't work with him, Ginny," Oliver said, shaking his head, "He's the worst company. You could be dying, and he'd give you tips on how you should have survived, for Merlin's sake."

"What does Harry do about it?" Ginny asked, "He doesn't really mention it at home."

"Harry's got a lot of patience," Oliver said thoughtfully, "He usually just lets him grumble."

"Sounds about right," Ginny muttered.

"Well," Oliver announced, "I better get going."

"See you," Ginny smiled, "Try not to kill Proudfoot."

"No promises," Oliver grinned, "Have a good weekend."
"You too," Ginny said softly, "If you can't see Adalia, send her an owl. I'm sure she'd appreciate it, Olly."

He nodded, swallowing thickly.

He left a moment later, and Ginny turned back to me and Robert.

"I hope I've waited long enough for most of the reporters to leave," she grimaced, "But I can't guarantee it."

"I'm surprised you haven't lost any of your sight," Robert said, "I had green spots in my eyes the whole of the conference."

"Magic," Ginny grinned, "But use your hands to shield your eyes."

"I should've done that the first time," I said.

"Let's go," Ginny suggested and pushed open the door.

There were definitely fewer people than before, but enough to make me feel uneasy. These people were watching us.

Who's with you, Ginny?!

What are your names?!

Can we take a quick quote?!
Ginny was glowering at them.

"Listen you lot," she growled, and they instantly stopped, their hands frenetically scribbling as she spoke, "Go take your quills and interview someone who wants to answer your questions."

And with that, we reached the next set of doors, and Ginny pushed her way through, breathing heavily.

"I shouldn't have said anything," she moaned, "They'll twist those words into something negative, just you wait."
Me and Robert glanced at each other, before taking Ginny's hands and appearing outside the house.