Eleven

A week had passed since Ginny had told Ron the truth about her situation. She had been hoping that he would be able to track Harry down without any trouble. But she knew that if Harry wanted to remain hidden he'd be able to.

"BREAKFAST"

It sounded like a herd of elephants stampeding as the three Potter children came running into the kitchen. Ginny watched as they fell onto the food. She couldn't help but smile thinking that this was just like families were suppose to be.

"Is there any sauce?"

With a flick of her wand tomato sauce appeared on the table. Gavin grabbed it and covered his plate with it. She had only seen two other people cover everything with sauce like that. It made her smile seeing some of her deceased family members in her children.

"Aren't you having anything mum?"

"No, you three eat up."

Gavin was watching her as he shovelled sausage into his mouth. But she turned and set the pans to wash themselves. She was even more sure now than before that he had figured out the truth about why Harry wasn't with them. Or at least a part truth.

"Mummy when is daddy coming home?"

Charlotte grinned through a grilled tomato. Ginny sighed softly shaking her head.

"He isn't coming back Lotte! I heard Matt and Gavin talking. Matt said that his parents were arguing and that Uncle Ron shouted that daddy has left us for good."

"Don't lie Hol."

"I'm not Lotte. He's gone for good. Isn't that right Gav."

"ENOUGH!"

Ginny dropped into a seat and looked at her children. Her attention slipped to Gavin and she raised her eyebrow.

"Matt said that his parents were arguing. Aunt Hermione told Uncle Ron that it was none of their business and Uncle Ron yelled that if dad had abandoned us of course it was his business."

"You're father hasn't abandoned us."

"Where is he then mummy?"

She looked at Charlotte and closed her eyes. She had to tell them something and it looked like it was time to tell them the truth, or a little part of it anyway.

"We had an argument and your dad has gone away for a while to calm down. He'll be back soon."

"What did you fight about mummy?"

"That doesn't matter Lotte. The important thing is that we stay positive. Your dad will be back soon."

"What if he's hurt mum?"

"Gavin don't be silly. Do you know who your dad is? He's Harry Potter. He hasn't been hurt. He's just gone away for a while."

The three children looked at her silently and then Holly spoke up.

"But why did he have to leave. Couldn't he think here?"

"It's what your father does. This isn't the first time he's gone away. A long time ago he had to leave school to go and look for some of V – Vo – Voldemorts things. I trusted that he would come back then and he did and he will now."

"He doesn't love us anymore does he mummy? That's why he left!"

"Don't be silly Holly it's got nothing to do with you three. He loves you all very much."

"No he doesn't that's why he left."

"Of course I love you. Don't be silly."

Ginny looked up to see Harry stood in the doorway. Holly and Charlotte jumped from their seats and ran at him. She watched as he took them both into his arms. They giggled as he kissed their cheeks. As he put them on the floor he looked towards Gavin. The boy didn't move but took Ginny's hand. She smiled squeezing his fingers tight.

"Gavin why don't you take your sisters outside and play."

"Mum?"

"Go on Gavin. Harry and I need to speak in private."

The boy looked at them both before taking his sisters hands and leading them outside. Ginny remained seated as she looked closely at her husband. It was a few moments before she found her voice.

"You better sit down then…"