The preacher and his assistant took the launch back to the mainland immediately after the ceremony, the rest made their way back to the castle. Dobby, Winky and the other house elves had spent the entire night preparing the Ball Room for the reception. Harry had enchanted the room to look like a living forest, with a small meadow for the tables, living trees, and fairies.
When Ginny walked in with Harry, she was met with the most spectacular room she had ever seen. The elves had apparently added their own ideas into the mix, and made the entire ceiling glow a bright pink color. There was only two tables in the meadow, the first was for Harry, Ginny, Cindy, Ron, Hermione, Arthur and Molly, the second was for the remaining guests; Dumbledore, Annie, Peggy, Tonks, Neville and Draco.
None had taken their seats; they all decided dancing was the first order of business. Harry has both a wizarding wireless and a muggle radio for music. Harry watched, as Arthur took Ginny out for the first dance. They seemed to move well together; apparently Arthur was no stranger to dancing. Harry waited patiently until they had made two turns around the makeshift dance floor in the meadow, before turning to Molly.
"May I have this dance, mum?" Harry asked.
"It would be a pleasure, son." She answered.
Harry danced Molly across the entire meadow. Everyone watched in awe as Harry gracefully swayed with his new mother in law.
"Did you know Harry could dance like that?" Hermione asked Ron.
"No, I thought he was as bed as me." Ron answered.
"Is there anything he can't do well?" Draco asked Ron and Hermione, sounding jealous.
As soon as the song was over, Harry and Arthur exchanged partners, and began dancing their wives to the next song.
Harry, having memories of the other timelines, knew exactly how Ginny danced, and was able to anticipate every move. They danced like professionals who had been practicing for years. Even Arthur and Molly had to stop to watch them. After a moment, the others began dancing, Ron was lead out kicking and screaming by Hermione, Neville lead out Tonks, Draco danced with Cindy, Dumbledore invited Annie, and Peggy was left watching.
Harry laughed out loud when he saw Cindy with her feet on top of Draco's dancing around. Draco had never looked happier. Neville, who Harry always knew was not very graceful, moved with surprising style, evidently, he had been taking lessons. Poor Hermione was stuck with the gangly, ungraceful Ron; he repeatedly stepped on Hermione's feet, and turned left, when he should have turned right. Dumbledore on the other hand could have given Harry a run for his money as the best dancer there.
"I'm going to save Hermione." Harry whispered into Ginny's ear.
"Please, if she keeps dancing with Ron, she won't be able to walk for a month." Ginny said jokingly.
Harry kissed her deeply, and walked over to Ron and Hermione. At that moment, Ron had tripped over his own feet, but Harry was there to catch him.
"Thanks mate." Ron said, composing himself.
"May I cut in?" Harry asked politely.
"My pleasure," Hermione answered for Ron, pushing him off to the side.
Harry, having also danced with Hermione in the previous timeline, did as well with her as he did with Ginny. The two moved gracefully around the dance floor, causing Ron to go slightly pink.
"Harry, you're incredible." Hermione said to him.
"Ah, Ginny's been talking." Harry joked, receiving a slap in the arm from Hermione.
"You know that's not what I meant." She said blushing.'
"Oh, you meant the dancing, yeah well; I may have had a lesson or two." Harry said smiling.
"But come to think of it, Ginny may have mentioned a thing or two about your other talents as well." Hermione said teasingly.
"Jealous?" Harry asked.
"Depends, are you going to teach Ron?" She asked slyly, making Harry laugh.
"Depends, how much money you got?" Harry joked back, making Hermione laugh.
They danced the remainder of that song, before Harry respectfully excused himself, and went back to his bride. Luckily Hermione was saved again, this time by Dumbledore.
Harry and Ginny stood watching the others dance. Harry laughed as Molly led Ron around, instructing him every step of the way.
"So Mrs. Potter, I hear you've been singing my praises to Hermione." Harry teased, Ginny turned red.
"Well, you know Harry, girls talk." Ginny said sheepishly. "You're not upset, are you?" Ginny added nervously.
"Of course not, I was just teasing. I tricked Hermione into letting it slip, that's all. I don't care who you tell, they'll just end up jealous." Harry said, hugging her tightly.
"Was she jealous?" Ginny asked curiously.
"Well, she did say she wanted me to teach Ron." Harry answered slyly, Ginny laughed.
"No way, your secrets are just for me." Ginny responded, kissing Harry.
When the music stopped, they all took their seats; it was time for the toast. Ron nervously stood, and all eyes were upon him.
"Friends and family, as tradition dictates, it is time for the toast. I have known my sister all her life and I love her dearly. She deserves nothing but the best, so I am very pleased to see she is getting it. Harry Potter is the most generous man I have ever met, he once told me that if my parents would accept it, he would gladly give every knutt he had, to them. I believed him then and I believe he'd do it now. He has helped, and watched over my family for years, he even saved Ginny's life before he really knew her. He's brave, kind and loving, he is the perfect match for my sister." Ron looked right at Harry and Ginny. "I love you both, and I wish nothing but the best. Congratulations." Ron said, raising his glass, and drinking.
Harry stood, and walked over to Ron, he hugged him tightly.
"That was beautiful mate." Harry said during the embrace.
"My turn," Hermione interrupted. "I know, it hasn't been tradition for that long, but as the maid of honor, I'm going to make a toast too. "I have considered Harry my brother these last six years. Ginny, I have considered my sister for the last three years. It is only fitting that they end up together. They are equally as kind and loving, equally as generous and brave; they are the reason we fight. The love they share is one we all aspire to have, I know they would do whatever it took to keep the other safe, and for that I honor them. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Harry Potter." Hermione declared.
The room broke into applause.
Dobby, dressed in a muggle tuxedo, appeared and stood in the center of the room.
"Dinner is served!" He announced. At once, the tables filled with every possible meal any of the guests would want, they all began eating immediately.
"Harry, you didn't hire a photographer." Molly said, realizing she would have no pictures of her daughter's wedding.
"Yes Molly you're right, I didn't." Harry said sounding abashed. "But, I did charm my servants to be invisible, and take pictures throughout the ceremony." Harry added with a smile.
"You did?" Molly said, scarcely believing it. "Show me." She commanded.
Harry waived his hand at the room, ten house elves appeared. Eight were holding magical cameras, one had a muggle still camera, and one had a muggle video camera.
"Biddy, are any of the pictures ready yet?" Harry asked the nearest elf.
"Yes sir, they is." The elf answered, and a stack of about a hundred pictures appeared in front of Harry.
"Here you go Molly, take a look." Harry said, banishing the pictures over to Molly.
"Harry dear, you never cease to amaze me. Is there anything you haven't thought of?" Molly asked, flipping through the magical pictures.
"There is, what am I going to do to keep my wife interested." Harry answered, looking at Ginny.
"Trust me Harry, you'll think of something." Ginny said with a sly smile.
The pictures were passed around both tables, clearly the most sought after picture was the one of Ron tripping over his own feet while dancing. Biddy received six requests for copies of this one picture, even Dumbledore wanted an enlarged copy for his desk.
After dinner, Dobby announced the cake. It was without a doubt, the largest cake any of them had ever seen; it stood two meters tall, and had a circumference at the base of two meters.
"Who's going to eat all that?" Molly asked, watching the cake float in.
"I know it's a lot, but I figured you'd all take plenty home." Harry said sheepishly.
They all received Hagrid sized pieces of cake and they sat down to gorge themselves. The cake was chocolate, with vanilla icing, and a Bavarian cream filling. Everyone finished their pieces; Ron had seconds and thirds. By the end of the night, the entire wedding party was stuffed with cake.
"It's getting late; I think the Potters want to be alone." Arthur declared, standing from the table.
"I agree." Molly said, standing also. The rest followed suit.
"I want to thank you all for sharing our special day, and I'll see you guys at school." Ginny said standing also.
They all said their goodbyes. Harry prepared Cindy's bag the evening before, so she left immediately with Arthur, Molly, Peggy and Annie. As soon as Harry and Ginny were alone, they retired to the library.
"Well Mrs. Potter, we're finally alone." Harry declared, sitting Ginny on his lap.
"Whatever did you have in mind, Mr. Potter?" Ginny asked with a longing look in her eyes.
"I was thinking of a nice hour long orgasm for my new wife." Harry said smiling.
"I like the sound of that, when did you plan on doing this?" Ginny asked playfully.
"Oh, I don't know, I kind of figured I would bring you to the point of no return and stop for about two or three days, and then maybe I'd finished." Harry answered playfully.
"Potter, you evil, evil man, would you really do that to me?" Ginny asked, nibbling on Harry's ear.
"No, but you don't know that." Harry said.
They began making love in the library, moved on to the Ball Room, which still looked like a forest, and finally ended in the indoor pool on one of the sub levels.
"Mr. Potter. I do believe you're going to make a vixen out of me. I can't get enough." Ginny said with a satisfied look on her face.
"That's just fine with me, I can't get enough of you either." Harry responded honestly.
They spent the next two days exploring each other's bodies, it was Harry who convinced Ginny to do something other than make love. On the third day, Harry took Ginny down to the leeward side of the island, where both yachts and a smaller launch were docked.
"I was thinking of diving this morning." Harry said, boarding the smallest of the three vessels.
"Diving like a muggle or wizard," Ginny asked curiously.
"A wizard of course, I figure gillyweed would be the best solution." Harry explained opening up a container of gillyweed on the deck of the boat.
They untied the boat and headed off for the Great Barrier Reef. The ride was only an hour, but was filled with various boaters waiving and calling out to them.
"Do you know all these people?" Ginny asked.
"No, boaters are just friendly to each other." Harry explained. "Oh, we're almost there, you may want to get into your bathing suit." Harry recommended.
By the time Harry had the boat anchored, Ginny emerged from below deck. Harry caught his breath at the sight. Ginny wore a rather revealing thong bikini, which made her look like a fully-grown woman. "She IS a fully grown woman." Harry realized.
He handed her some gillyweed, took some himself, and placed extra in the pouch he wore around his waist. He quickly explained the effects, as they waited for the gillyweed to kick in. Once it did, they dove off the boat.
Ginny felt amazing as she used her webbed hands and feet to propel her through the water. They slowly examined the abundant life of the reef. Fish of every shape and color lived there. Ginny had never felt more alive.
They remained underwater for the better part of the afternoon; they finally emerged shortly before dinnertime, and decided to eat at a local island restaurant, where docks were available for boats. Ginny put a sun dress over her bathing suit, and Harry just added a shirt.
"Welcome back, Mr. Potter." The manager said, shaking Harry's hand. "And is this Mrs. Potter?" He asked Ginny.
"He'd better hope so, or he's in trouble with someone." Ginny joked, shaking the man's hand.
"Your usual table," He asked.
"Thank you that would be fine." Harry answered, as the man lead them to a pier side table outside the confines of the restaurant.
"May I get you something from the bar?" He asked before leaving.
"Yes, two red wines please." Harry said.
"So, what do you think?" Harry asked Ginny.
"How do they know you?" Ginny asked.
"Well, its kind of a long story, the owner, Bill, was having financial trouble, so I helped him out by investing in this restaurant." Harry explained.
"You own this place?" Ginny asked.
"No, well not really, I'm just a silent partner. The staff doesn't know, they just think I'm a V.I.P." Harry said.
"Anything else you want to tell me?" Ginny asked smiling.
"No, if I tell you everything, then you'll get bored with me." Harry said smiling back.
They ate a pleasant dinner together. Harry and Ginny were quite content to just sit and talk. After a good two-hour conversation, Harry paid the bill, and they hopped back on the boat for home.
Hermione was sitting in Ron's office at the Department. Hermione had been going over all the events of the summer with him. He seemed to be only half listening, so Hermione stopped talking.
"Are you listening to me?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, sorry Hermione, I just can't get over all that has happened over the last few days." Ron said distractedly.
"I know." Hermione began, walking behind him, and rubbing his shoulders. "One minute Harry's dead, and Ginny's in the hospital, the next they're married." Hermione agreed.
"How can we keep all this quiet? The morale would increase a hundred percent if they knew Harry was alive." Ron said.
"Harry has his plan, and to be honest, I think there's more to it. I think he's still keeping things from us." Hermione confided.
"So do I, but we have to trust Harry, he has never let us down before." Ron said. "So, who else wants to join us?" Ron asked, changing the subject.
"I think the question is who doesn't. I have 267 requests to join the Dark Aurors, including almost half of the regular Aurors. We're going to have to go through the applications, some might surprise you." Hermione admitted.
"Like which?" Ron asked.
"Well, there's Charlie, Bill and Percy." Hermione started.
"Ooh, my older brothers working for me, I like it already. Go on." Ron said smiling an evil grin.
"There's Snape." Hermione said quickly.
"Snape, yeah, I really want him working for me." Ron said excitedly.
"Moody." Hermione said smiling.
"Oh no, I don't want that weirdo around here at all." Ron said disgusted.
"The list is almost endless." Hermione added.
"Maybe we should start interviewing people." Ron recommended.
"Yes, but we have to look at what the applicants do now. We need people to patrol while we're at school. We can't take Snape or Charlie, they're both at Hogwarts with us, and Percy is going under cover already, we have to be careful." Hermione warned.
"Can't we just interview Snape then tell him no." Ron whined.
"No." Hermione said firmly.
"Hey I thought I was in charge." Ron said defensively.
"Not if you want to spend time together tonight." Hermione said warningly.
"Oh, yes ma'am." Ron said defeated.
"Sir," they heard Dorothy's voice. "Colonel Longbottom to see General Granger," she said.
"Send him in." Ron commanded.
"Hey guys." Neville began, closing the door behind him. "It's all over the wireless, Percy had a fight with the Minister, then he stun a Dark Auror, bad publicity for us if you ask me, but Percy's gone." Neville said breathlessly.
"Wait a minute; was this a real fight, or the planned one?" Ron asked Neville.
"I don't know, I was thinking you could call your father and find out." Neville recommended.
"Good idea, I'll call him now." Ron said, walking over to the fireplace, and throwing in some floo powder.
"Minister Weasley." Ron said clearly.
"Ron." Arthur's said. "What can I do for you?" He asked.
"I heard about Percy, it's all over the wireless. What's the deal?" Ron asked, not wanting to be specific.
"I'm not sure, come to my office, we need to talk." Arthur commanded.
"On my way," Ron said, taking Hermione and Neville with him.
Arthur was standing next to Dumbledore and McGonagall when Ron, Hermione and Neville entered.
"What's up dad?" Ron asked, sitting down.
"It's Percy, I don't know if he went over for our side, or theirs." Arthur said honestly.
"What exactly happened Minister?" Hermione asked.
"Well, Percy wanted to join the Dark Aurors, I told him we needed him to spy for us, so he demanded to do it right there and then, I told him it was still too early, and he got upset, he stunned Cho, and ran off. The problem is, that was the original plan, so did he go over for us, or against us?" Arthur explained.
"Percy is a stickler for rules; did he stun Cho before he left, or after?" Neville asked.
"Well, let me see if I remember correctly. He said he wanted to do it now, oh, it was when I said no, he stunned her and ran." Arthur said.
"We may have a problem." Dumbledore said.
"I agree." Neville said.
"So do I." Hermione added.
"Not me, I think he stuck to the plan perfectly." Ron argued.
"Actually Ron, the plan was to run then stun Cho." Hermione corrected him.
"I don't see a difference." McGonagall added.
"Well Professor, Percy would not have deviated from the prescribed plan, unless there was a problem, from what the Minister says, it happened almost to the letter, except for when he stunned Cho." Hermione answered her.
"And what the argument was about." Neville added.
"That's right." Hermione agreed. "They were supposed to argue about him getting an Assistant Minister or Deputy Minister position, not a Dark Auror position." Hermione realized.
"I still don't see a problem." McGonagall said again.
"You see Minerva, Percy will do as he's told, regardless of his surroundings, if he's told to say light blue for example, he'll say light blue, not blue, or powder blue, or any other variation, he's methodical in his approach to everything, I have to agree with General Granger, and Colonel Longbottom." Dumbledore explained.
"Maybe we should have told him about…" Arthur started saying.
"About that other information, Minister," Hermione interjected, saving Arthur from a verbal mistake.
"Yes Hermione, exactly, that other information," Arthur corrected himself.
"I don't think that would have made any difference." Ron said, still not believing Percy would cross.
"It would if he was scared. If he thought we couldn't win." Hermione said quietly.
"Arthur is it true." Molly said, barging into the office.
"It is Molly dear, it is." Arthur said.
"Was it planned?" Molly asked quickly.
"We're not sure if it is Molly." Arthur said softly.
"We think he might be scared." Hermione said to Molly.
"Scared? Scared of what?" She asked.
"Scared he might be siding with the losing side." Dumbledore added.
"Oh my, we should have told him about Harry." Molly blurted out before anybody could stop her.
"Harry, Harry who," McGonagall asked, picking up on what Molly said.
"Cat out of the bag, Professor," Hermione asked.
"Indeed General." He said to Hermione. "Minerva." Dumbledore turned to McGonagall. "We've been keeping something from you." Dumbledore said.
"Potter's alive." McGonagall said, obviously picking up on what had not been said.
"Yes Minerva." Dumbledore said emotionlessly.
"Where is he now?" She asked angrily, as tears welled up in her eyes.
"On his honeymoon," Arthur answered.
"Honeymoon, whom did he marry?" McGonagall asked, astounded by the revelation.
"Ginny." Molly answered.
"Mr. Potter has married Miss Weasley?" She said, looking for clarification.
"Actually Professor, it's not Miss Weasley anymore, it's Mrs. Potter." Hermione corrected her.
"This has got to be a joke." McGonagall said, sitting down on the nearest chair.
"They were married three days ago Minerva, in a very beautiful ceremony on the beach, we have pictures if you'd like to see them." Dumbledore said pleasantly.
"Perhaps later," she answered distractedly.
"Back to the matter at hand," Arthur interrupted. "What are we going to do about Percy?" He asked the group.
"Nothing," Dumbledore answered. "We'll take whatever information he gives us, with a grain of salt. We'll ensure not to give him anything of value, anything that may hurt us. If he is truly on our side, we'll know soon enough." Dumbledore suggested.
"I'd like to see those pictures now." McGonagall declared, crying freely.
"Of course, Minerva dear," Molly said, grabbing a hand full of pictures from Arthur's top drawer, and bringing them to her.
Molly and Minerva spent the rest of the afternoon talking about the wedding, while the rest discussed Percy.
"What a beautiful bride." McGonagall exclaimed, looking at the picture of Ginny walking down the aisle. "Where is this castle?" She asked Molly.
"That's their house, Potter Castle." Hermione said, sitting down beside them.
"Potter has a castle? This is too much information." McGonagall said.
"Yeah, Ron and I were saying the same thing earlier. I'm sure, as soon as their honeymoon is over, Harry will invite you over for dinner, now that you know I mean." Hermione said.
"Why doesn't he want anyone to know?" McGonagall asked.
Hermione went into the whole story about how Harry faked his death, how she realized it, and how they found him. McGonagall sat riveted to her seat listening to Hermione.
"Albus, what is Mrs. Potter going to do once she's in school?" McGonagall asked the Headmaster.
"I have given my permission for her to commute back and forth between castles, in exchange for her teaching expertise." Dumbledore explained.
"Teaching expertise?" She asked.
"Apparently she's one of Harry's star pupils, she can apparate through all anti-apparition barriers, I have asked her to instruct some of the teachers at Hogwarts, you inclusive." Dumbledore explained.
Harry and Ginny were lying on the beach on the seventh day of their honeymoon. The weather had cooperated perfectly all week, and Ginny wondered if it was fate, or Harry's elemental magic, either way, she was Happy.
"How about we just lay here for the rest of our lives," Ginny suggested playfully.
"We could, you know." Harry said smiling. "We have the money, we have the time, and we're safer here than any other place on the planet." He added.
"Yeah, but do you think everybody else would be jealous." She asked, still playful.
"They're jealous now; I married the most beautiful girl in the world." Harry said, rolling over and kissing Ginny.
"This has to be a dream Harry, are you sure you brought me out of my coma?" She asked.
"Who cares, I've never been happier." He said smiling.
Winky appeared out of the blue, right in front of them, "Mistress, you is having a call." Winky said.
"Thank you Winky." Ginny said apparating back to the castle, Harry followed.
Ginny walked into the library, where her father's head was floating in front of the fireplace.
"Daddy, how are you." Ginny said, excited to see her father.
"Fine Ginny, I just wanted to know if you and Harry would mind a little company tonight." Arthur asked.
"Of course not daddy, who's coming?" Ginny asked.
"Me and your mum, Cindy, Ron, Hermione, Annie, Peggy, Albus, Tonks, Draco, Neville, and um, Minerva, Fred, George, and Cho," Arthur said, adding the last few quickly.
"Oh daddy, Harry's going to be upset." Ginny said nervously.
"Your mother has let it slip several times this week, but only Minerva knows of your marriage, Fred, George, Bill, Charlie and Cho do not." Arthur clarified.
"What time are you coming?" Ginny asked.
"In about two hours, I have to round everybody up. Try to smooth things out with Harry; I don't want him hexing me, or his mother in law." Arthur said, not entirely kidding.
"Ok daddy, I'll see you soon." Ginny said, turning to find Harry.
Harry was fixing himself a sandwich in the kitchen; Biddy was arguing that he shouldn't lift a finger that the elves are there to serve him. Ginny giggled at the spectacle.
"So, who called?" Harry asked, tanking a bite out of his sandwich.
"My dad, he asked if we minded company." Ginny said happily.
"That's nice, make sure Biddy knows, she might curse any of them if they attempt to cook anything." Harry said, giving Biddy a sideways glance.
"There is one small catch." Ginny said evasively.
"What's that?" Harry asked, taking Ginny in a hug.
"He's bringing some of our friends and family." Ginny said, still being evasive.
"And," Harry asked, uncaringly.
"He's bringing mum, and Ron and Hermione and Cindy and Draco and Tonks and Neville and Albus, and, um, Fred-George-Bill-Charlie-Cho-and-McGonagall." Ginny added, saying the last six people in one word.
"Ok, so," Harry asked, still not seeing the problem.
"You're not upset?" Ginny asked.
"Upset that we're having a dinner party, why? How horny do you think I am?" Harry asked, looking at Ginny strangely.
"That's not what I meant!" Ginny said, slapping him on the arm. "I meant that Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Cho and McGonagall know about you." She clarified.
"Who told them?" Harry asked pleasantly.
"My mum," Ginny answered.
"So, if mum feels they should know, who am I to argue?" Harry asked, taking another bite of his sandwich.
"I thought you told everyone not to talk about it." She said.
"I did, but again, if mum thinks they should know, then why should I be upset. Ginny, my love, you need to understand something about me, if anyone else, besides Arthur, Molly or Albus said anything, I would probably be upset. And if it were someone I absolutely did not want to know, I'd probably be angry. But how can you think I could ever get upset with mum or dad. They are the only parents I've ever known, I love them." Harry explained, stroking Ginny's hair in the process.
Ginny began to cry softly. "How did I get so lucky? I love you Harry." She said, kissing him more deeply than ever before.
"Dobby, Winky," Harry called out, making the elves pop in. "Prepare the Dining Hall; we're having a dinner party in two hours." Harry commanded smiling.
"How many is coming sir?" Dobby asked.
"Fifteen," Harry answered, still smiling.
"Very good sir," Dobby answered, popping out with Winky.
"Do the others know about us?" Harry asked.
"Only McGonagall," Ginny said.
"Then I think this calls for a new gown, what do you think?" Harry asked.
"You sure know how to please a girl, Mr. Potter." Ginny said smiling.
"Only girls who deserve the best," Harry said, apparating them to the launch.
Harry took Ginny to the local boutique, she quickly picked out an evening dress, had it altered, and they returned with 30 minutes to spare. Ginny took over the master bath, so Harry grabbed one of his black Armani suits, and headed for the nearest guest bath.
Harry was ready in twenty minutes, but he knew Ginny would be a while longer so he went down to the library to await his guests.
The guests appeared just outside the front door, where Harry had instructed Arthur to use as an apparition and port key destination the week before.
The newcomers looked around in awe, even McGonagall, who had seen the wedding pictures, were amazed.
"Who lives here?" Fred asked.
"Not Harry?" George added.
"Actually guys, it's called Potter Castle." Ron said, slapping them both on the back.
Arthur urged them all forward to the door, and rang the bell. Dobby answered.
"Good evening Misses and Sirs, please be coming in." Dobby said, opening the door wider.
The group walked into the main hall, Harry entered from the library to greet his guest. Arthur looked apprehensive.
"You're here!" Harry exclaimed happily. "Welcome! Welcome!" Harry added, going along shaking the men's hands, and hugging the women. Harry stopped when he reached Cindy. He bent down and looked into Cindy's eyes. "I've missed you, young lady." Harry said, hugging her tightly.
"I've missed you too, daddy." Cindy said crying.
Harry picked Cindy up, and motioned the others to follow him to the library.
"This is some place you've got here Harry." Charlie said, looking around.
"It's not much, but its home." Harry said imitating Ron from the first time Harry visited the Burrow.
"You're not angry with me Harry, are you?" Molly asked nervously.
"Angry with you, Molly, you're the only mother I have ever known, how could I ever be angry with you?" Harry said honestly.
Molly stood and hugged Harry, if it were possible, harder than he ever remembered.
"So dad," Bill began. "Would you care to tell me why my sixteen year old sister is staying un-chaperoned?" Bill asked in a not so friendly kind of way.
"I think I should answer." Ginny said, walking down the stairs from the second floor of the library looking absolutely stunning.
Ginny walked right up to Bill, and hugged him.
"You look incredible." Bill said. "So why are you here?" Bill asked.
"Because I live here," Ginny said plainly.
"You live here, with him." Bill said angrily.
"I hope so; I wouldn't want to commit adultery while we're on our honeymoon." Ginny said, sitting next to Harry.
"Honeymoon, Mum, dad, did you hear this!" Bill yelled.
"We are in the room dear." Molly said pleasantly.
"And what are you going to do about it?" Bill asked, raising his voice an octave.
"We're going to eat dinner I would assume, isn't that what you do at a dinner party?" Molly said straight-faced.
"What?" Bill couldn't believe his ears.
He paced around the room while the others watched; he stopped only when he saw an enlarged wedding photo depicting Harry, Ginny, Ron, Hermione, Arthur and Molly.
"You knew? You were there?" Bill still couldn't believe it.
"Actually dear, we suggested it." Molly said smiling.
"And what's to stop me from killing Harry right now?" Bill said, still furious.
"The fact that Harry could kill us all, and not even work up a sweat," Draco answered.
"Bill." Harry said standing and walking over to him. "I'm in love with your sister; your parents can see this as plain as day. I want nothing but the best for her. Do not be angry with them, if you like, you can hate me all you want, I'll take no offense. But don't upset Ginny, my daughter might take it personally." Harry said, sitting back down next to Ginny.
"And what do you mean by that?" He asked Harry, fury still in his eyes.
"He means that my darling granddaughter could lay you flat with a waive of her hand, he means you couldn't even defeat a six year old." Arthur said, now matching Bill's anger.
"Can I say something?" Fred asked politely. The group quieted. "I couldn't have been happier when I heard Harry was alive, he's like a brother to us. But now, realizing he's married to my sister, he is our brother. I congratulate you Harry, you found a great girl." Fred finished, hugging Harry and Ginny in turn.
George stood, and followed Fred's example. What surprised Bill the most was when Charlie, who hadn't said a word, stood, and hugged Harry and Ginny.
"Bill." Charlie began. "You're being selfish. If Ginny is happy, the only thing you should be saying is congratulations, nothing else. I've always been the quieter one of the two of us, but I promise you if you don't apologize to Ginny and Harry, I'm going to KNOCK YOUR TEETH IN!" Charlie said, yelling at the top of his lungs.
Bill, who had never heard Charlie raise his voice to anyone, froze in place. Bill reconsidered his position.
"You own this castle?" Bill asked Harry.
"Yes." Harry answered.
"Well, as long as you can provide for my sister, I guess it's all right." Bill conceded, shaking Harry's hand.
"Can Cindy really do what you and dad said?" Bill whispered in Harry's ear.
"There are things she can do that your father doesn't even know about." Harry whispered back.
Winky popped in. "Dinner is served." She announced.
"You have house elves working for you?" Bill asked, as they made their way to the Dining Hall.
"Yes." Harry answered distractedly.
"How many," Bill asked.
"Twelve." Harry said.
"Twelve? How rich are you?" Bill asked surprised.
"Let's just say neither your sister, nor her family, will want for anything the rest of their lives." Harry said, looking right into Bill's eyes.
"I'm sorry Harry. I'm just overprotective of Ginny, I helped raise her, you know. I was just so amazed that my parents would allow it." Bill confided.
"Bill, if you only knew how much I love your sister, you would never doubt your parents again." Harry said honestly.
"You sure know what to say Mr. Potter." Ginny said, obviously overhearing the two talking.
They arrived at the Dining Hall a few moments later. After the initial awe of seeing the cavernous room, they all sat to eat. Ginny sat on Harry's right, so Arthur took the liberty of sitting on Harry's left.
After the obligatory small talk, Arthur turned serious, and engaged Harry in conversation.
"Harry, the reason we are here, is because we need your help." Arthur began, causing Harry to pay attention. "My family may be in danger; I want to move them in sooner than later." Arthur said.
"What's happened?" Harry asked.
"We fear Percy may have gone over to the other side." Arthur said bluntly.
"Didn't we agree on sending him in the first place?" Harry asked.
"Yes, but we hadn't settled on a time, he left arbitrarily, and actually hurt Cho, which is why she's here." Arthur explained.
"You are all, of course, welcome in my home, but how are we going to work this out?" Harry asked.
"Well, Fred and George put Lee Jordan in charge of their stores. Charlie is going to commute when school starts in two weeks. Cho is my bodyguard, so she goes to work with me. And Bill, well, that's probably why he's so angry; he may have to quit Gringotts." Arthur explained.
"Hey Bill, you got a second?" Harry yelled across the table.
"Yeah," Bill answered, taking a sip of wine.
Harry escorted him into the kitchen, where the house elves were busying themselves with the dishes.
"Bill, I wanted to ask you something, and when you were so mad at me, I didn't know if I should, but your dad says to ask anyway." Harry said.
"What is it?" Bill asked curiously.
"I have very extensive assets. Partnerships, ownerships, real estate, and large sums of gold, I wanted to know if you would be willing to be my personal financial advisor. You're the only person I trust wholeheartedly who has a working knowledge of finance. I'd pay you whatever you thought was fair; I just need you full time. What do you say?" Harry asked, making it sound like he actually had it planned.
"I don't know Harry; I'm paid quite handsomely at Gringotts." Bill said unsurely.
"How much, if I may ask," Harry asked.
"Twenty five thousand Galleons per year," Bill said proudly.
"I'll pay you fifty." Harry said straight-faced.
"Excuse me? Did you say fifty thousand Galleons per year?" Bill asked.
"And free room and board. My castle has one hundred and fifty bedrooms, I'm sure one of them would suit your needs." Harry clarified.
"How long can you afford to pay me that much," Bill asked.
"Well if he could give me a ring worth millions, and my own quidditch supply store, probably for quite a while." Ron interrupted, entering the kitchen. "Harry, everyone is looking for you." Ron added.
"Just a minute," Harry said.
"Harry, did my baby brother just tell me he has a ring worth millions of galleons?" Bill asked.
"And a quidditch supply store." Ron added.
"Yes Bill, I gave him both those things." Harry said honestly.
"In that case, yes, I'll work for you." Bill said.
"Excellent, we'll draw up the papers in the morning, and I'll transfer your first year's salary as well." Harry said, walking back to the Dining Hall.
"Settled," Harry said to Arthur, sitting back down.
"How," Arthur asked.
"Bill now works for me, a financial advisor. I offered him twice what Gringotts pays." Harry explained.
"Harry, I didn't mean..." Arthur started saying.
"No Arthur, I had the intention of doing it anyway, I have too many assets I have no idea about, and the Black family estate was huge." Harry lied.
"Ok, then it's settled. When can we move in?" Arthur asked.
"I thought you already did." Harry said smiling.
"No seriously Harry." Arthur said.
"Seriously, you live here already, I moved all your personal belongings a moment ago." Harry said to him.
"Ginny my love," Harry got Ginny's attention. "Do you mind if I invite these wonderful people to live with us, as of tonight?" Harry asked his wife.
"I love it, are you ordering new clothes, or are you going to let them get theirs?" Ginny asked loudly.
"I've taken care of it already, well, except for Fred, George, Bill, Charlie and Cho, but they'll be taken care of by tomorrow evening." Harry answered.
"How about you Minerva, you interested in staying?" Harry asked.
"I don't think its necessary Harry, I'm quite happy at Hogwarts." She said.
"But not as happy as you would be here. We have beaches, pools, year round beautiful weather, and pleasant company, won't you reconsider?" Harry argued.
She was about to speak when Dumbledore whispered in her ear. "Perhaps I could give it a try Harry; I really need to work on my tan." McGonagall lied.
Harry knew Dumbledore convinced her, and judging by what Arthur said about Percy, it was Harry's interests Dumbledore had in mind. He probably didn't want anyone, outside himself, who knew Harry was alive, to be anywhere but Hogwarts, the Ministry or Potter Castle.
The remainder of the summer holiday went by like lightning; Harry and Ginny would spend their nights making love, and their days playing various games. Harry even thought Minerva was enjoying herself, she had even on occasions told jokes, and funny anecdotes about life as a Hogwarts teacher.
On the day before Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville and Draco had to return to Hogwarts, Harry planned a very special treat, quidditch. He charmed the island so that no one could see them, and conjured goal posts at either end of the island. It was the largest quidditch pitch they had ever played on.
Harry, Ginny, Cindy, Tonks, McGonagall, Ron and Hermione were on one team, and Draco, Fred, George, Bill, Charlie, Neville and Arthur were on the other. The game lasted all day, and most of the night, by the end, it was Draco's team who won, though Arthur argued that the other team let them win, which wasn't far from the truth.
Ron was packing all his new belongings; it was only when he pulled something out of his pocket that anyone noticed.
"Ron!" Molly cried. "You're head boy!" She exclaimed excitedly, rushing over and hugging Ron.
"Oh, yeah, it came with my Hogwarts letter." Ron said absentmindedly.
"And Hermione's head girl." McGonagall added.
"Oh, Hermione, that's so wonderful." Molly added, hugging Hermione too.
"When were you going to tell us?" Ginny asked slightly angry.
"With what was going on at the time, it slipped my mind." Ron answered, and Hermione agreed.
Ginny hugged them both. "Let's get some sleep, tomorrow starts your last year at Hogwarts." Ginny said.
"Yes Mrs. Potter." Ron joked.