A/N: My rotation is so out of synch, but I promised this chapter to a few people and here it is. The dream scene was inspired by the song White Night Fantasy by Nightwish. As always, thanks for the R/Rs.
Chapter 8: Summer Dreams
Harry waited impatiently in the entry hall for the fireplace to burst into green flames. The arrangements had already been made. All the adults had agreed, although in Luna's case, she would be at Potter Manor for two weeks, then home for two weeks, and back again. Ginny's great aunt, on the other hand, was more than willing to let Ginny spend the entire summer at Potter Manor. Harry sighed as he looked at the clock again. He had been waiting there for ten minutes, but he had been twenty minutes early, to begin with.
Starting to pace, he walked by the open door to the sitting room where his parents were planning something. Harry could tell because they fell silent as he walked past. He turned, walking back to the fireplace. He didn't notice the smirk on his father's face as he stood or the concerned look from his mother.
"Two days, and you're this impatient?" chuckled James as he poked his head out of the sitting room.
"Yes," Harry grunted not bothering to turn around.
"James, don't tease him about this," Lily spoke softly as she came into the hall. "It's the bond."
Lily walked over to Harry as he stopped by the far side of the mantel. She gave her son a knowing smile as she hugged him. "Just a few more minutes."
The words were barely out of her mouth when the fireplace burst into green flames. Harry looked around his mother with a hopeful look, only to sigh in frustration as Erica stepped out. Lily quickly shook her head at the smirk and growing comment on her daughter's lips. Erica gave Lily a strange look as she glanced at Harry.
"We'll explain later," Lily promised.
The fireplaced burst into green flames again.
"Hi, Harry," Luna smiled.
"Hey, Luna," Harry grunted. Luna locked eyes with Lily. With a slight nod, Lily confirmed Luna's guess that Harry was missing Ginny. Before she could say anything, the green flames burst a third time to reveal Ginny as she stepped out.
"Old bat," she grumbled as she looked back at the fireplace. Ginny closed her eyes as the feeling of warmth and home washed over her. She turned with a broad smile to look at Harry.
"Ginny!" Harry called out as he jogged over to her.
"Harry!" Ginny met him halfway with open arms.
As they hugged, the golden glow, brighter than any the others had seen before, shone brightly in the entry hall. Lily had to cover her eyes before she was blinded by the glow. Luna spun around quickly to protect her eyes but still had to close them with her proximity to Harry and Ginny.
"Good Godric," James breathed as the glow started to fade after almost a minute. Erica stood by Lily with her mouth hanging open. When the glaring glow was finally gone, James looked at Lily with wide eyes. Lily only nodded to his look.
"Well, I feel left out," Luna quipped as Harry and Ginny turned to her.
"Luna!" they shouted as they engulfed her in a hug. Luna giggled as they released her.
"Hey there, Ginny," Erica came over to give her friend a hug.
"Hi, Erica," Ginny chuckled.
"Welcome to Potter Manor, girls," Lily smiled as she hugged Ginny and Luna.
"Thanks for having us," Ginny replied.
"Now, we discussed this last time, Ginny," James began as he hugged her. "We love having you here. And you're always welcome. No need to thank us."
"Dobby," Harry called before Ginny or Luna could disagree. With a pop, the little elf appeared.
"Yes, Harry, sir," Dobby bowed.
"Will take Ginny and Luna's things to their room, please?"
"Of course, sir," Dobby smiled. "So nice to see you again, Miss Ginny!"
"Hi, Dobby," Ginny smiled.
"Harry and I will give them a tour of everything, mum," Erica chimed in, taking Luna's arm as Harry took Ginny's hand, and pulling them toward the door before Lily could argue.
"Want to bet they don't get past the Quidditch pitch?" James asked.
"Do I look like a sucker to you, James?" Lily swatted his arm as the kids ran outside.
The day had been exhausting! Showing Ginny and Luna around the grounds and Manor took the entire day. If they hadn't stopped to fly on their brooms for a bit, it would have taken less, but they couldn't resist. Harry lay down in his bed sore and very sleepy.
Harry felt a weird pull on his mind as if he were falling. Then, it suddenly stopped.
Harry opened his eyes to see a full moon glistening off the snow-covered ground. He heard his name faintly on the wind. Harry looked around, but all he could see was snow and trees. Harry looked down as he wondered why he wasn't cold. He noticed his feet were bare. He realized he was having a vivid dream. Harry heard his name on the breeze again. Or was it a dream? He looked around again, but no one was in sight.
As he turned, Harry expected to see the Manor behind him, but it wasn't there. In its place stood a house he had only heard and read about. The Burrow. Harry heard his name a third time on the wind, but this time there was a flash of red hair.
"Meet me by the pond," Harry heard what sounded like Ginny's voice. Confused, Harry shrugged and started after the voice.
The pond was nettled in a small clearing with a view of the Burrow on the far bank. Harry heard movement over there and made his way to the other side. As he approached the raised bank, Harry saw Ginny sitting there as she stared at the house from the grass. Harry sat down next to her, smiling shyly. Ginny returned his shy smile, her fingers, lightly bumping his hand. Without thinking, Harry took her hand, intertwining their fingers.
"It's so peaceful here, like a little paradise," Ginny began softly. "A place I can hide from everything."
"Even me?" Harry asked, suddenly unsure he should be there.
"No," Ginny answered. "Just the lies, the fame, and all that. It's…it's a place I come to when I think of all I've lost."
"Oh, Gin," Harry squeezed her hand. "You know I'm here for you."
"I know," Ginny smiled weakly at him. "What do you dream about? Other than me."
"Helping Remus find a cure, mostly," Harry looked down. "You?"
"My family."
"I'm here if you ever want or need it," Harry repeated.
"I know, and thank you," Ginny chuckled as she lay her head on Harry's shoulder. "You make me feel so…"
"You can tell me anything, you know," Harry told her as he put an arm around her shoulders when she paused.
"So at peace…at home…" Ginny paused again, taking a deep breath to gather her courage. "Loved."
"I'm glad," Harry smiled, as he tightened his arm around her. "You make me feel the same way, because home and love are right here with me and my family, Gin."
They sat in silence for a few minutes just enjoying the closeness.
"Can I make a confession?" Harry asked.
"Of course, Harry," smiled Ginny.
"I know you've heard it from everyone else," he began. "But I have had a crush on you since I was five, and more so since we met." Harry paused again as Ginny looked up at him. "I mean the real you, not the book you."
"Oh, Harry," Ginny grinned as she snuggled closer to hide her blushing cheeks. "I have too." She paused as she sighed. "I wish this wasn't a dream."
"Maybe it's not. Maybe this is part of the bond my mum was talking about," Harry considered thoughtfully. "Ask me about it in the morning."
"Alright," Ginny agreed. "Meet me by the bust of Arturas Potter, then we'll both know for sure."
"Brilliant," Harry agreed. He pulled Ginny closer. "But for right now, let's just enjoy this."
Ginny grinned as she turned slightly to put her arms around Harry as he put his other around her. They both reveled in the feeling of completeness until their dream selves fell asleep.
Ginny awoke with a start. She looked around quickly. She was expecting to see Harry sleeping beside her in the snow that wasn't cold. Ginny's eyes focused as she found herself in her bed at Potter Manor. Arturas Potter. She needed to get to his bust. She had to know if that had not been a dream. Ginny sprang out of bed, dressing quickly.
In mire minutes, Ginny was standing in front of the bust that was almost to the staircase on the third floor. She stared at the messy mop of hair on the elder Potter as she waited. She felt a buzz in the back of her head, but she was so used to it being there when she was near Harry that she ignored it. Ginny jumped as a pair of arms encircled her waist. Neither paid any attention to the golden glow that surrounded them.
"Morning, Gin," Harry spoke softly from behind her. Ginny shivered as Harry's breath wisped across her ear.
Ginny smiled as she turned. "Morning, Harry."
"I'll say it again, I have a crush on the real you," Harry blurted out before he lost his nerve. Neither noticed the glow becoming brighter.
"And I have one on you," Ginny grinned. Harry smiled as he pulled her into a tight hug. Again, the glow became brighter, but neither noticed nor cared about the glow. "Despite this bond thing, what are you gonna do about it, Potter?"
"How about we make it official?" asked Harry. Ginny raised her eyebrow with a smirk. He was not getting off that easy. "Be my girlfriend?"
"Yes!" Ginny smiled as she hugged him again. They never paid attention to the glow that was almost blindingly bright that surrounded them. Ginny pulled back, giving Harry a chaste kiss on the lips. When their lips met, a pulse of Magic rippled out, shaking the bust that stood on the pedestal behind Ginny. The sound of the shaking marble caught their attention enough to pull away from each other slightly. They stared at each other, blushing as they grinned.
"About time," Luna sighed from behind them. Harry and Ginny turned to see Luna standing a short way down the hall with her arms crossed and a smug grin on her face. "Can we go eat now?"
"Yes, Luna," chuckled Ginny. They turned following Luna down the stairs hand in hand.
"We should probably tell my mum, so she can add the dream to her research," Harry commented quietly.
"Just not the details," Ginny agreed in a whisper.
"Right," Harry nodded.
"Oh!" Luna turned around suddenly. "Do you think I can borrow an owl or two, Harry?"
"Uh…sure," Harry looked at her in confusion. "Why?"
"Oh, I just need to send a quick note to Neville and Hermione," Luna answered offhandedly. "They owe me five Galleons, each."
"You three bet on us getting together?" Ginny scowled.
"Well, yes," Luna answered as if it was obvious. Her smile turned impish. "But I had inside information, that I didn't share with them."
"The bond?" Harry sighed. Ginny looked at Luna with wide eyes.
"Of course," Luna shrugged as her grin turned smug again. She giggled before turning down the stairs again.
"We will never hear the end of it," Ginny frowned, shaking her head.
"Wait until Uncle Pads finds out," Harry pointed out.
"We might as well get used to it," sighed Ginny as they walked toward the kitchen.
"Morning, lovebirds," James greeted them as they walked in. Lily swatted his arm lightly but turned to see their hands intertwined. Luna walked past the couple toward the table with a smug grin.
"Well," Lily raised an eyebrow, "what have we here?"
"It's call hand-holding, mum," Harry grinned. Lily just raised her eyebrow further. Luna giggled as she sat down.
"You know, things you do as a couple," Ginny smiled. Lily's eyes widened as her mouth fell open. Erica was taking a drink as Ginny answered. She sprayed the table with pumpkin juice making Luna burst into full laughter.
"Uh…I thought I was…uh…" James sputtered as he tried to comprehend.
"Joking?" Harry asked.
"Well, we're not joking," Ginny told them with a wide smile as she and Harry sat down.
"Dobby is very pleased to hear this, Miss Ginny, Harry, sir," the little elf beamed as he brought their breakfast to them.
"Thank you, Dobby," Ginny smiled at him.
"Thanks, buddy," Harry winked at the little elf. Dobby grinned more as he bowed slightly before disappearing with a pop. Harry turned to a still shocked looking Lily. "We have something to add to your research, mum."
"Oh," Lily stated absently. Then recognition and comprehension cleared the shock from her brain. She shook her head to clear it. "Oh! I do have a few answers for you, but…um…maybe not here."
"No," Harry glanced at Erica. "At least not yet, anyway."
"Oh, come on!" protested Erica. "I wanna know what's going on!"
"Not until we have some more answers, Erica," Lily told her firmly.
"No offense, Luna, but…" Ginny began.
"I understand," Luna waved it off. "Besides, I'll just spend the time with Erica and she can show me her library."
"Fine." Erica rolled her eyes.
After breakfast, James and Lily led Harry and Ginny into James' office. Lily cast several Privacy Spells on the door before locking it. She retrieved a couple of books from the desk before joining the others by the fireplace.
"What's changed," Lily asked as she sat with James.
"We shared a dream last night," Harry answered.
"We know we did because we each said something to the other to do to know it wasn't just a dream," Ginny elaborated.
Lily glanced at James, nervously. She sighed with a nod before turning back to Harry and Ginny. "That just confirms what we've found."
"What did you find?" Ginny asked with a hint of concern.
"Nothing bad," Lily assured. "It's just…"
"We're not sure how to break it to you," James went on.
"Why?" Harry asked suspiciously. "You're acting like it's…I don't know…"
"Life-changing," Ginny tried as she squeezed Harry's hand.
"Well," Lily began, uncomfortably. "It is."
"And you say it's not bad?" Harry asked. "Come on, mum. What is it?"
'They think we're going to go bonkers about it,' Ginny told Harry.
Harry turned to her with a nod. 'That's my guess.'
"Excuse me," Lily called for their attention. "Not to interrupt your…uh…personal conversation, but…"
"Just out with it, mum," Harry frowned.
"Alright," Lily took a steadying breath. "At the end of term, when you were attacked, and sometime before…"
"Possibly the day you met," James helped.
"The two of you formed a soul bond," Lily sighed.
"A what now?" Harry asked. Ginny just looked at Lily as if she had grown a second head.
"Let me try it this way," Lily began. "Our Magic comes from our core. That core has power no one truly understands. Occasionally, there are two cores that are so similar that they join together."
"Like soul mates in the Muggle World?" Harry asked.
"Exactly," Lily nodded. "But what happened with you is even more rare. That soul mate bond became more when you saved each other's lives when you fought Spears."
"That's why we were stuck together for five days?" Ginny asked.
"Yes," James nodded. "There's…also a…legal…side to it."
"Legal side?" Harry asked slowly.
"I found and hid the records, for your safety," James started. "But according to law, because the bond was formed before you were sixteen, you are…uh…"
"Dad?" Harry pushed after a minute of watching his father have beads of sweat roll down his forehead.
"James, just tell us," urged Ginny.
James sighed. "You're…betrothed."
"What?" they shouted with wide eyes.
"Let me explain," Lily held her hand up. "Because of the bond, neither of you would be or could be, happy with another person as far as a relationship goes. So, the Ministry, a long time ago, enacted a law that states, bonded couples under sixteen are betrothed. But over sixteen, it's…an automatic marriage."
Ginny turned to Harry with a grin. 'I've said it before, Harry…'
'I know,' Harry grinned. 'Me too.' Harry leaned forward, giving Ginny a gentle kiss. She smiled back at him with a wink.
"Well, that went better than we thought," James commented.
"Um…what are we going to tell the family?" Harry asked.
"The truth," Lily sighed.
"When?" asked Ginny.
"How about your birthday party?" James asked. "Everyone will be here, so you won't have to repeat it several times."
Harry and Ginny shared a look. They nodded before turning back. "Alright."
"But what about my…" Ginny began.
"I thought we would put that off until after all the birthdays are done," Lily told her. They nodded again in agreement.
"Well, only one thing to do now," James smiled as he stood. Lily grinned as she joined him.
"What's that?" Ginny asked.
"Officially welcoming you to the family," James grinned as he pulled Ginny into a hug.
Ginny awoke slowly. She was comfy, warm, and felt safe. She cracked one eye as she felt fingers running through her hair. Ginny sighed contentedly as she realized she was wrapped in Harry's arms yet again. They had spent the night before watching movies in his room with Luna. Ginny realized she must have fallen asleep in Harry's arms as they snuggled in front of his sofa to watch the movies. She looked up to see a smile on Harry's face.
Since they had learned of their betrothal, almost six weeks ago, this was a common occurrence, and Ginny had no problem waking up snuggled next to Harry. Her eyes flew open as she thought of what day it was.
"Happy birthday, handsome," Ginny smiled, adding a quick kiss.
"Good morning, Gin," Harry returned her smile with a chuckle. "And thanks, gorgeous."
Ginny giggled as she leaned forward to kiss Harry again, but stopped when they heard a noisy yawn off to their side.
"Morning, lovebirds," Luna giggled as she sat up. "Happy birthday, Harry."
"Morning, Luna," Ginny frowned at her.
"Thanks, Luna," Harry nodded.
"Oh, don't mind me," Luna chuckled as she stood. "I'm headed to the loo anyway. You can continue your sweet morning kisses."
"You're just jealous you can't do this with Nev," Harry smiled smugly at Luna as she started for the door. She stopped, turning to Harry and Ginny with red cheeks and gaping mouth.
"Better watch it, Luna," Ginny grinned, "might catch a fly or two like that."
Luna gave her a mock angry face before throwing her pillow at them as they laughed.
Harry and Ginny stood in the entry hall holding hands waiting for the party guests to arrive. Ginny was a little nervous. This was the first time she was meeting Marlene Black and Neville's parents, along with his sister and grandmother. Through Harry, they were all going to be family to her someday. The thought thrilled and terrified her at the same time. She wondered if they would accept her after they heard about her soul bond with Harry. Ginny was almost sure her great aunt never would, and she was concerned that one of Harry's family would be the same way.
"Would you relax?" Harry smiled softly at her. "You have nothing to worry about from my family."
"Sorry, I just…" Ginny started only to be stopped by Harry's finger on her lips.
"Shh. Relax," Harry smiled. "They want to meet you. They want to get to know you. Mum, Dad, and Erica have told them a lot about you. Not to mention, Nev, Uncle Remus, and Uncle Pads."
Ginny sighed as she hugged Harry. "I hope you're right. I just…"
"I know," Harry pulled back slightly, looking into her eyes as he placed a hand on her cheek. "I get it. Even without our bond, I understand."
"Thank you," Ginny smiled sadly. She leaned up kissing him. They were too lost in their moment to notice the fireplace burst into green flames.
"Well, what do we have here?" Sirius proclaimed loudly as he stepped out.
"Hey, Pads," Ginny smiled but didn't blush. This gave Sirius pause.
"Hi, Uncle Pads," Harry grinned. Sirius was even more taken aback by the lack of redness on Harry's face. "It's called reassuring and kissing my girlfriend."
Sirius looked back in shock. His eyes grew wide and his mouth was doing its best imitation of a fish. The fireplace burst into green flames again. A medium height woman with dark hair stepped out.
"Well, I never thought I'd see the day when Sirius Black was shocked speechless!" she laughed looking at Sirius before turning to gape at Harry and Ginny, who were still holding each other. "Oh!"
"Hi, Aunt Marley," Harry chuckled. "Gin, this my Aunt Marlene, Uncle Pads' wife. Aunt Marley, this is Ginny Weasley."
"Uh…hi," Marlene shook out of her shock. She grinned, making Harry groan slightly as she extended her hand to Ginny. "I've heard a lot about you, Ginny. A pleasure to finally met you."
"You too, Mrs. Black," Ginny smiled as she shook her hand. "And don't believe all you've read about me."
"Oh, understand that," Marlene chuckle. "And it's Marlene or Marley. No, I was referring to hearing about you from my dear fish mouthed husband and Harry's letters."
"Harry's letters?" Ginny turned to Harry. "You told her about me in your letters?"
"Well…uh…yeah," Harry answered, looking nervous. Ginny raised an eyebrow to him.
"Nothing bad, I promise," Marlene answered. "Let me see…" she paused as she dug into her purse. "Ah, here go. Let me read the best one to you." Harry groaned a little louder as he hung his head. "I quote, 'I think you'll really like Ginny. She's funny, sassy, and smart. She has this gorgeous red hair that looks like flowing fire in the sunlight'."
"Aw, Harry," cooed Ginny as she wrapped him in a hug again, giving him a kiss on his red cheek. "You're so sweet." Ginny then planted a soft kiss on his lips.
Sirius and Marlene stood speechless as Harry and Ginny began to glow. A pulse of Magic rippled out from them that made the entry hall shake. Just as the pulse was starting to flow out the fireplace ignited in green flames again with five people stepping out in quick succession.
"What in Merlin?" another female's voice broke the moment between Harry and Ginny.
Harry turned, clearly recognizing the voice. "Hi, Aunt Alice."
"Harry…what…?" she sputtered.
The man standing beside her was looking as shocked as Sirius and Marlene. The elderly lady with them stood still with wide eyes. A younger light brown haired girl looked like she had seen a ghost. Neville, however, was shaking his head in amazement.
"Harry, what was…?" Lily asked as she came in through the back door. "Oh. Another flash and pulse?"
"Uh-huh," Sirius finally spoke.
Lily cleared her throat with a sigh. "Right. We'll explain everything to everyone later."
"Alright," the woman with Neville nodded weakly.
"Hi, Aunt Alice, Uncle Frank, Gran," Harry grinned. "Hey, Amber. Everyone, I'd like you to meet Ginny Weasley. Gin, this is Neville's parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom. His grandmother, Lady Augusta Longbottom. And his sister, Amber."
"Nice to meet you all," Ginny smiled. "Hi, Nev."
"Hey, Ginny," Neville blinked.
The fireplace lit green again before anyone else could shake off their shock. Luna and her father stepped through to see most everyone still staring at Harry and Ginny.
"Hi, Neville," Luna chirped as she smiled at him. Neville smiled as he turned to her. "Let me guess, another glowing moment?"
"Yup," Neville nodded, his eyes still wide. He shook his head slightly as he reached into his pocket. "By the way, what I owe you."
"Thank you," Luna smiled.
"Now that everyone's here," Lily called for everyone's attention. Slowly they all turned to her. "Everything is ready out back."
The guests quietly started following Lily, Harry, and Ginny toward the backdoor. Most still had wide-eyed expressions on their faces, especially Alice Longbottom. Neville was helping his father steer her along as she walked.
'I think they're still in shock,' Ginny thought to Harry as she glanced back at the crowd behind them.
'I have a feeling it's just going to get worse for them,' Harry replied.
'I know it is,' Ginny nodded.
Harry and Ginny were greeted on the back deck by James and Remus standing behind the huge grill that took up a quarter of the length of the far side of the deck. Lily directed everyone to the large table set in the middle of the deck. Harry and Ginny took one side of the double-headed table. Ginny, with a look at Lily, made sure Luna was sitting next to Neville on the other side. James looked over at Lily as she picked up some of the food.
"What was that all about?" he asked.
"Harry and Ginny again," Lily sighed.
"Oh."
"So," Marlene started as she looked at Harry and Ginny. "What exactly was that?"
"Party and gifts first, Marley," Lily stated as she set the plates down. "I promise, we'll tell everyone here after gifts."
"More waiting?" Erica frowned, crossing her arms.
"Patience, Erica," Lily gave her a stern look.
As the diner progressed, Ginny could feel the tension building around the table. Each face that didn't know what had happened kept looking at her and Harry with curiosity and puzzlement. Ginny noticed Erica and Amber whispering, trying to piece it together. Marlene kept giving them thoughtful looks. Alice alternated between questioning and bewilderment. The only one that looked like they had an inkling of what they were about to be told was Augusta. Several times, Ginny had looked her way to see the older woman grin and nod approvingly.
Harry had deflected most of the questions that they were asking until Ginny was ready to answer them for herself. For that, she was most grateful, but she knew the time had almost come to drop the news on the rest of Harry's family as he and Neville started opening their gifts. Harry smiled and hugged her as he thanked her for her gift of a Seeker's strategy book she had found. He had saved her gift for last. As Harry pulled back, he kissed her cheek, taking her hand for reassurance.
"Before anyone starts asking," James started as he stood, "we would like you to listen first, then ask any questions you may have."
"Part of this all came about because Voldemort found a way to survive all those years ago," Lily took over. There were gasps from around the table. "I know. Believe me, I know."
"At the end of term, Harry and Ginny fought Conrad Spears, who was the host body to Voldemort," James continued. "Or what's left of him. He's more ghost or wraith than man now."
"And no, we don't know how or why," Lily hurried out before any questions were thrown at them. "He tried to kill Ginny again, but something happened. Something rare and special."
"Harry was willing to sacrifice himself for Ginny, but Ginny was willing to do the same for Harry," James elaborated. Shocked silence greeted Ginny's ears as several people turned to look at her and Harry. "They formed a soul bond."
Loud gasps were heard around the table again. Except for Augusta. She smiled as she stood, walking over to Harry and Ginny. She nodded approvingly at Ginny before opening her arms to her. Ginny stared for a few seconds before Harry nudged her to stand.
"Congratulations, dear," Augusta smiled as she pulled Ginny into a hug. "None of this 'Lady Longbottom' nonsense. It's gran."
"Yes, gran," Ginny swallowed back the tears as she smiled. Everyone was looking very confused by this. Several heads swung from Ginny and Augusta to James and Lily then back.
"Because of the soul bond, and their age," Lily drew the attention of the others back to her, "Harry and Ginny are legally betrothed."
The table erupted in gasps and shouts of "What?"
"Wait! Wait!" Erica shouted above everyone. When everyone was looking at her. "You're telling us that Harry and Ginny are not only a couple but…engaged?"
"It's a bit more than that, sis," Harry sighed. "But we'd rather keep the other stuff to ourselves for now."
"Alright," Erica agreed. She broke into a huge smile. "But it still makes Ginny my sister-to-be!"
Erica didn't wait for any other reply. She dashed over to Ginny, laughing, and hugging her.
"You can gloat about your note in my jumper at Christmas now," Ginny giggled at her. Erica smiled as she nodded before hugging her brother.
While the kids and most of the adults were occupied with hugging Harry and Ginny, Frank, Sirius, and Remus came over to James and Lily.
"You do know, we have to train and protect them, now more than ever?" asked Sirius.
"Yeah, Pads, I do," James nodded.
"Count me in," Sirius nodded before turning to congratulate his godson and goddaughter-to-be.
"You know you can count me, James," Remus nodded.
"We're in, too," Frank nodded. "Alice would go nuts if anything happened to any of the kids, especially Harry."
"Well," Alice smiled as she pulled Ginny into a hug. "This quite the surprise! But a welcome one."
"Thanks…Aunt Alice?" Ginny asked uncertainly. Alice nodded.
"You do know about his former crush on you, right?" she asked in a loud whisper.
"Aunt Alice," Harry groaned.
"Yes," Ginny giggled. "I'm very well aware of it."
"You know, Ginny," Luna began after she had hugged her and Harry. "Now would be the perfect time to ask Lily about those baby memories of Harry."
"Luna," they groaned together as they blushed. Luna and Neville just burst out laughing.
The next twenty-four days were a mass of birthday parties at Potter Manor. Ginny's being only eleven days after Harry's, the entire family gathered again to celebrate her day. She was touched to receive so many thoughtful gifts, including a wand holster that matched Harry's from James and Lily. Harry had awoken her that morning with a kiss and breakfast in bed, complete with a rose in a vase. Two days later, Luna's party was held at Potter Manor. Erica and Amber had their eleventh birthdays at the Manor on the twentieth and twenty-fourth. The month of August was shaping up to be the death of Ginny.
The day after Amber's party, Great Aunt Muriel was coming to diner so they could tell her about the betrothal. Ginny was scared to death Great Aunt Muriel would be angry and try to drag her back to Prewitt Manor kicking and screaming. Ginny was on edge the entire day, no matter what Harry or Lily tried to tell her. She was just sure Great Aunt Muriel would do something drastic like that.
Harry stood beside Ginny, holding her hand, waiting for her great aunt to arrive as evening began. James and Lily were out on the back deck getting everything ready. Erica had opted to spend the night at Longbottom Manor with Amber. Erica had told Ginny; she didn't trust herself not to start yelling and being very disrespectful to her great aunt if any of Ginny's fears were valid. Ginny knew Harry would put up a fight as well, but not unless needed. Now, it was almost time for her great aunt to arrive and Ginny was slightly trembling with nerves.
"Relax," Harry tried to soothe her.
"Easy for you to say," Ginny retorted. "The old bat isn't your only family."
"I know," Harry sighed as he pulled her into a hug. "But I'll be right there for you, just like always."
"Thank you," smiled Ginny, weakly. She leaned up, giving him a quick kiss. Suddenly, the fireplace burst into green flames. "Hello, Great Aunt Muriel."
"Hello, Ginevra," she nodded.
"Welcome to Potter Manor, Madam Prewitt," Harry forced a smile.
"Thank you, young Lord Potter."
"We'll be dining outside on the deck tonight," Harry announced. "Please, follow us."
Harry and Ginny led Muriel to the deck. Ginny grumbling in Harry's thoughts the whole time. Harry did his best not to react to anything Ginny was thinking, especially about turning her great aunt into a goat. As they exited the Manor, they were greeted by James and Lily waiting for them by the table.
After greetings were exchanged, they all sat down to eat. The conversation was light, mostly revolving around school and the many August birthdays. Most of it was just small talk, making Ginny all the more nervous for the conversation that lay ahead.
After dessert was cleared away by Dobby and one of the other elves, coffee and tea were served. Ginny tried to hide the deep breaths she was taking by sipping her tea almost constantly. Lily gave her a knowing smile as she prepared to talk.
"So," Lily began as she set her cup of tea down on the table. Muriel looked over to her expectantly. "Madam Prewitt, we would like to inform you of something that we have recently discovered."
"Oh?" Muriel raised an eyebrow to Lily, her eyes flicking to Ginny briefly. "What might that be, Lady Potter? Something to do with Ginevra, I take it?"
"Yes, it does, Great Aunt Muriel," Ginny stated nervously. Harry took her hand under the table to help her stay calm. She glanced at Harry, giving him a weak smile in thanks. Muriel narrowed her eyes slightly at the exchange before turning back to Lily.
"Well, go on then," Muriel nodded curtly.
"Madam Prewitt, I'm the one that found it," James spoke up. Muriel turned her scrutinizing eye to him. James didn't flinch, Ginny noticed. It seems that, sometime during their first year at Hogwarts, something happened. Ginny and my son became bonded."
"Bonded?" Muriel all but shrieked. She narrowed her eyes at James. Again, he didn't flinch. "What exactly does that mean?"
"It means," James replied, slightly irritated, "that they will spend the rest of their lives together, for one thing."
"The rest of their lives?" Muriel huffed.
Lily placed a hand on James' arm before answering Muriel more calmly. "With the bond comes a formal legal Magical Betrothal Contract until they turn sixteen."
Muriel huffed loudly as her face became a puce color. She threw her napkin on the table as she held her head high. She stood abruptly, gathering her handbag.
"Well, I never!" she puffed as she went to turn for the door. She turned to Ginny as she stopped quickly. "Well, you've made your bed, Ginevra, now you have to lay in it!"
"Madam Prewitt," Lily hollered crossly as she shot to her feet. Muriel turned narrowed eyes to Lily.
"She will be your problem from now on, Lady Potter," Muriel snapped. Lily looked slightly taken aback by that comment. Ginny started crying as some of her fears were realized. Harry pulled her close to comfort her, but his glare was fixed squarely on Muriel. "I shall have my house-elves deliver her belongings and all paperwork. Good day!"
Muriel was halfway to the door when a wall sprang up in front of her. She stopped and spun around.
"That is all well and good," Lily ground out as she stalked closer to Muriel. "As per the Betrothal Contract, you are obligated to present a gift to your great-niece upon receiving the news of said contract. Ginny only wants one thing that you own."
"And what might that be?" Muriel ground out.
"The house-elf named Hoppet," Lily stated as she glared at Muriel.
"Very well," Muriel nodded. "The elf will help deliver her belongings and stay to become hers."
"Wonderful," Lily bit out. She flicked her wand as she turned away. "Good day, Madam Prewitt!"