I would like to thank Sindhuja, Mjeffrey416, Jslee102 and "Guest" for their reviews. Thank you for giving this story a chance and hopefully, this chapter will help you answer some questions you have raised. Another thank you goes out to all the readers and to those who took the time to favorite and/or follow this story. It means a lot to me!

Chapter Two: Arrivals and Departures

The four Potters as they referred to themselves had been sitting on the train for nearly five hours now. Lily, bless her soul, was napping on the seat next to Harry, her head on his lap. Lily had wanted dress her finest for the first summer holiday ever of her life, although in reality, it was the first she could actually remember. She looked lovely in her purple Christmas sweater with a large yellow "L", a gift from no other than her loving grandmother. She wore a floral dress underneath, black stockings and brown buckled shoes. Lily had been bubbling with excitement ever since Harry had announced that they would finally visit the Grangers in Tenby... She had even accidentally apparated herself to the top of the china cabinet in their dining room, this morning, causing just a bit of havoc, the kind that had to happen, otherwise, this wouldn't be the Potter family. Harry chuckled to himself at the thought, as he tucked a loose ginger curl of his daughter's behind her ear, looking out at the countryside scenery through his compartment window.

James and Albus were sitting in the two seats opposite Harry and Lily, Albus deeply engrossed in a book that had been his cousin Rose's suggestion for him to read, a magical version of the muggle classic 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'. James, on the other hand, had been previously drawing in his sketchbook until a mixture of boredom and tiredness overcame him. His drawing supplies were now once again inside his satchel and he just stared out the window, lost in his thoughts and half asleep himself.

Harry worried about James the most. The usually loud, talkative, mischievous and rambunctious boy he had always been had given way to a boy who was now, for the most part, quiet and introverted. He would play with Albus, Lily, his cousins and friends well enough, but it was those lonesome moments, of silence, moping and sighing that made Harry wish he could just read his son's mind. Of course, Harry could if he wanted to, having trained himself in Legilimency during the war. However, doing that would mean invading the ten-year old's privacy and Harry would much prefer it if James would speak to him of his troubles, worries, and feelings of his own accord, he supposed and hoped that his eldest son would talk to him soon when he felt ready. Ginny's death had taken a toll on all of them, every single day she was missed.

Ginny.

Harry thought about his wife constantly. Whenever he visited the Burrow he still half-expected her to appear from inside the kitchen, after helping her mother cook supper or barge in from the inside, cheeks bright red, brown eyes sparkling after flying on her broom a portion of the afternoon, chest heaving from the pleasant exhaustion and the adrenaline. Whenever he thought of Ginny, it was that happy vision he'd see in his mind and he was enormously grateful towards the universe for it because to be honest, he didn't think he deserved it.

Ginny had passed away two weeks before her birthday on Wednesday, April 18th, 2013, on what had been for the most part a pleasant day of blue skies and a much-deserved break from her job as the Witch Weekly magazine's editor-in-chief. She had flooed out of the house in the morning, after a quick breakfast and having kissed all the children and Harry on the cheek, headed for Madame Malkin's shop where she would be having her dress fitting for the party that would be held by the Ministry of Magic in two weeks time. Ginny had been more than excited for the event as she had been one of the key proponents and organizers of the Anniversary Ball, to be commemorated on May 2nd, the fifteenth anniversary of Voldemort's death and the end of the Second Wizarding War. She had taken it upon herself to make it the event of the year and had been daydreaming of being the literal belle of the ball on the arm of the war's "most honorable hero", which of course meant her husband, Harry.

He recalled how much he had been dreading the party, the showing off and publicity it entailed. Harry hated being the center of attention in these things and deep down felt uncomfortable for being so heralded as the hero when all he believed he had done was escape death, several times. It had been the cause of an angry row between him and Ginny the night before her death, a row that he regretted with all his heart. If only he had known that those would be the last proper words he'd exchange with his wife before she passed... Merlin. Harry felt so utterly silly. He'd take balls, parties, fancy events and the press all over him any and every day if it meant getting his wife back. He missed her dreadfully and always wondered to himself, had she known just how much he loved her when she died?

Ginny's death had been quick, mostly painless and just simply an act of sheer cowardice. Upon leaving Madame Malkin's shop and walking in the direction of her new favorite café, someone walking in the midst of the small crowd going by and shopping had hit her with an unforgivable curse, bright green light taking her life immediately, from the back. Ginny had been disapparated to St. Mungo's by someone who had witnessed everything, but it was already too late. Harry was at home fixing the children's lunch and listening to some music on the kitchen wireless when a tawny owl he wasn't familiar with flew in with a piece of rolled parchment. After he'd read the contents of the paper, sent by the Auror in charge of the 'case', everything was just a blur to Harry. Those three whole months following her death were all a blur actually.

-/-

Harry's thoughts were interrupted by a small nudge at his shoe. James stared at his father from where he sat across from him.

"Dad, they announced that we'll be at aunt 'Mione's town in an hour. " The boy informed him, knowing very well that Harry had been very much lost in his thoughts for... the past hour or so, as he realized checking the time.

"About time isn't it son, I'm getting hungry." James nodded in agreement. His brother had fallen asleep beside him, his thumb in his mouth and head leaning on his brother's shoulder. Albus had reverted to his toddler habit after Ginny's death, a coping mechanism as Hermione would describe it. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine... This was nice and all but I wish we had just taken the floo to aunt Hermione's house, we'd have been there already."

"Aunt Hermione's house is new and the Ministry department hasn't been there yet to inspect her fireplace and give her the floo license, that's why."

"Oh, I wasn't aware..." James looked at his father in a way that Harry knew that there was something else his eldest wanted to say but was perhaps too afraid or shy to do so.

"Jamie, you know I love you right? That if there's ever anything that is upsetting you I'm here to support and to help you, you know that don't you?" The boy nodded and turned his head away, looking out the window and the sun beginning to set. Seconds later when he looked at his father again there were tears in his eyes threatening to fall and his lips trembled. The boy unfastened his seatbelt and launched himself into his father's arms, letting a sob he'd been holding in for hours escape his lips. Harry sighed and wrapped his arms protectively around his son, holding him and hoping that he could feel just how much he loved and cared. Ten years old was such a difficult age. James was still a little boy but time just passed so quickly that in no time he'd be a young man. Hell, next year would be his first in Hogwarts and though it was such a special place in Harry's heart he dreaded it, the thought of not seeing his James every day.

"D-dad... I miss my mum..." He mumbled, hot tears streaming down his cheeks. Harry caressed James' raven hair in the way that he used to when he was a baby needing to be soothed.

"I miss her too, James." He whispered into the boy's ear. "But you know what, I don't think mum would want us to be sad all summer. You know how much she loved the sea, don't you?" James nodded quietly. "I think she would want us to have as much fun as possible because that is what she would do. What do you say?"

"Yeah... Mum would be the first one to the beach every day to learn how to surf, just like the muggles do in the beach movies." Harry nodded. He could feel a small smile beginning to form on his son's handsome face. "She'd be funny as hell." Harry chuckled at James' comment realizing that he was probably imagining it all in his mind, Ginny trying to ride a wave and failing miserably, being knocked over by the strong waves of the ocean each time. He smiled too.

-/-

In no time the Potters were standing in the arrivals platform of the Tenby Station, each one carrying a small suitcase. Harry held Lily's hand while the boys stood next to him all four trying to catch a glimpse of their aunt, with her wild mane of golden-brown curls and warm chocolate eyes. In no time they saw her arriving, chest heaving as though she had run a long way towards the platform, afraid of being too late. She had Hugo in her arms, his little arm wrapped behind her neck and Rose by her side looking around frantically for her uncle and cousins. James and Albus spotted them first and wave their empty hands shouting out 'Rose' and 'Aunt 'Mione we're here!'.

Harry caught sight of her from the other side and their eyes met even from afar. He felt a warm feeling wash over him, as he watched her smile happily to him, lovely crinkles at the corner of her eyes. Both families walked towards each other and Harry watched as an excited Hugo practically jumped out of his mother's hold to engulf his cousin Lily. Hermione opened her arms wide and Harry's boys flew into their godmother and auntie's arms, happy to see her. Hermione kissed both boys on the forehead and ran a hand through their hairs.

"My, Jamie I think you've grown at least two inches since I last saw you! Please, please stop growing!" She exclaimed gently pulling him towards her. "And you Albie, you've grown a lot too you sneaky little rascal..." Albus giggled as she tickled him on the side. "I missed you boys so much..." Hermione paused and looked around playfully. "Why, I feel like there's a certain ginger that's missing... Oh no Harry, please tell me you didn't forget Lily at home or inside the train!" Harry chuckled knowing very well that the little girl was hiding behind his legs. Lily giggled loudly despite covering her mouth with her little hands. "Oh Harry, I'm afraid our summer will just not be fun without our Lily..." Hermione fake-lamented, it was then that Lily jumped from behind Harry and ran into Hermione's arms to everyone's amusement. "Oh... there you are!" Lily laughed wholeheartedly as Hermione just about smothered her with kisses. Harry hugged his niece Rosie and Hugo, kissing them both on the forehead.

"And you my Rose-petal, how have you been?" The girl beamed at him.

"Just happy you arrived, uncle Harry." Harry pecked her cheek and put her down as she engaged conversation with Albus and James. Hermione simply slipped her hand in Harry's and squeezed it as the two best friends were followed by their five very energetic children into a dark corner outside of the train station where a small café stood, yellow lights on. They entered and Hermione waved to the elderly mustached man behind the wooden counter. This café could only be seen and entered by wizards as heavy wards were cast around it. Hermione directed them all to a brick fireplace in the back and threw the green floo powder in the flames.

"Number 5 oceanview road, Tenby. Close your eyes, children!" She announced as they all entered. In a minute the Potters and the Grangers were all standing in Hermione's cramped stone fireplace covered in soot.

Rose and Hugo were the first to hop out, pulling at their cousins.

"I thought you didn't have the floo license?" Harry asked. Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes.

"Can you believe they came in just two hours ago? Of course, it was only because I lost my patience and sent them a holler via owl, at least that's something I learned from Molly Weasley!" She said with a laugh. Harry could see the twinkle in her eyes.

"I missed you, 'Mione." She gave him a small smile and finally hugged him properly, enveloping Harry in the bear hug that only she could give.

"I'm glad you came, Harry. You know I missed you even more." He noticed a pink blush suddenly appear on her cheeks. He tucked a curl behind her ear and sighed. "Oh goodness, are you hungry?" Harry laughed and nodded earnestly. Hermione then called all the children into her kitchen with a large wooden table in the center, a beautiful ornate wrought-iron chandelier with yellow and periwinkle lights illuminating the room and the table that was set with a delicious smelling soup for them. Seven bowls and spoons were laid out on top of the floral tablecloth and with a swish of her wand nice warm buns were removed from the oven and lowered onto the table.

"Children, wash your hands, come on! It's dinner time!" The three Potter kids were especially eager for the feast set out for them.

-/-

Later in the evening, Hermione climbed the stairs towards Rose's bedroom in the attic, which had a large window looking out to the sea. The walls were of a deep blue with white and light yellow stars adorning them that Harry knew Hermione had painted by hand. The large window had lofty translucent curtains that trembled with the wind that entered. The floor was of light wood, with a beautiful cream-colored rug under the white iron bed that had been pushed against a wall in the bedroom. Rose took her uncle's hand and guided him towards the almost magical tent the children and their mother had spent the afternoon building. Hermione had conjured a large mattress that could comfortably fit four or five little wizards, covered with soft cotton blankets of mismatched patterns and colors, full of fluffy pillows. Hermione had charmed the stars embroidered on the fabric covering the tent to shine a soft yellow light, glowing in the dark and transforming Rose's room into a dreamy environment. Rose was already in her magenta pajamas and so was Hugo wearing his gray ones. James had helped Lily into her baby-blue nightgown and he and Albus wore their matching blue plaid pajamas with socks on their feet. Rose had completely abandoned her bed in favor of the cozy tent which she already lay in with Hugo and Albus to her left and Lily to her right. The four were just waiting for Hermione to arrive to begin reading a story, a nightly ritual she had maintained with her children since they were born. Hermione handed the book to Rose as she crawled into the tent, Harry followed suit and finally, a slightly reluctant James curled into his father's side.

Hermione's voice was soft and her words clear as she read the first line of "Anne of Green Gables", a muggle book that had been one of her childhood favorites before she had discovered Hogwarts: A History and the world of magic she now belonged in. The children's attentions were all set on their mother and aunt, taking in each word and each pause with utmost wonder and adoration. As he listened to the story Harry saw some resemblance in his upbringing to that of Anne's who for years had been abused and mistreated. At the same time, he thought her to be so talkative, bookish and imaginative, just like Hermione. He might pick up the book to read by himself another time.

Twenty minutes was all it took for the children to drift off into a deep slumber and for Hermione to mark the page where they had stopped. She closed the book and sighed, turning carefully and slowly as to not wake Lily who had curled into her side. Her brown eyes looked straight into Harry's green ones. Without a word, just the openness of his eyes she wrapped an arm around him, hugging him. They held each other and Harry relaxed into her warmth, her scent of vanilla and the tranquility that surrounded them. If he closed his eyes and really concentrated he could hear the waves of the ocean outside. Not long after, he too drifted off, wrapped in such a deep and peaceful slumber that he hadn't experienced since Ginny had died.

Hermione watched him as he slept, she too reveling in her best friend's warmth, much like she had many years ago during the war that proved to be the darkest days of their lives. She knew how much pain he felt, heartbroken by such an abrupt loss. Hermione sighed and hoped with all her heart that during this summer they could both help each other move on and find happiness again. She ran the tips of her fingers ever so softly over the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead, the scar that hadn't hurt in sixteen years.

Hermione turned her back to him in order to find a more comfortable position to sleep in. She had her soft, large bed waiting for her downstairs, hell, even Rose's just in the far corner of the room, but she just couldn't bring herself to get up. As she felt Lily Potter move in her sleep and snuggle into her chest she knew she was trapped, but it was the best kind of trapped. She held back the tears that began to threaten to fall from her eyes, deep in her heart she felt that her family was complete again like no one was missing. Harry Potter, he was her best friend, but he was more than that. He was her brother, he was her confidant, he was the one Hermione turned to when she needed a shoulder to console her and he was always the first person she had in mind when she wanted to share a piece of good news or just about anything really... He was her Harry and it was so wonderful to have him close again.

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