Harry Potter was famous before the Battle of Hogwarts, but became even more famous after. Four and one half years earlier, Harry fought to the death against the darkest wizard of all; Lord Voldemort.
Harry's life over the last few years had become decisively better, his beautiful wife Ginny, had a pair of twins on the summer solstice the year after the battle. His adopted daughter Cindy was growing into a beautiful young woman, and his friends and family were constantly around. He was in heaven.
Harry and his family resided in Lee Castle in Scotland; they had acquired it three month before the final battle. The Castle, which came with the title Baron; was Harry's move into the muggle world, he knew his enterprises in the magical community, though vast, would have to expand into the muggle community if it was to grow properly. Harry later used his title to engage in both capitalist enterprises and philanthropic enterprises.
The evening before his eldest child's eleventh birthday, Harry met his good friend and mentor Michael, the Magi. Michael was, for lack of a better term, strange. He would spend hours telling Harry how he couldn't interfere, and then allow Harry to decipher the answers. Michael was indeed a good friend, and Harry always looked foreword to their meetings.
"So, what brings you to Scotland?" Harry asked, sitting behind his desk in his office.
"Oh, same as always, sticking my nose where it doesn't belong," Michael responded warmly.
"Here to find out if Cindy's going to Hogwarts?" Harry asked, but already knew the answer.
"Maybe," Michael responded, but gave Harry an affirmative look.
"I expect you want her to go." Harry pressed him for information.
"I can't tell you that." Michael said, nodding his head yes.
"I kind of figured, if she goes and completely disobeys her parents, and starts teaching her fellow classmates advanced sorcery, our kind will start to advance, finally allowing you all to leave this planet." Harry said knowingly.
"I would never agree to such a statement." Michael said, entirely unbelievably.
"I know, but I don't have an answer for you yet, Cindy's going to give me her answer tomorrow at breakfast." Harry explained.
"What do you think she'll do?" Michael asked.
"I think she'll go, there are no children around that are her age, she's been very lonely for playmates, so she'll probably go." Harry answered.
"Are you concerned?" Michael continued.
"Not really, I know she's going to disobey us, I know she's going to start teaching advanced sorcery, but I just hope it's in her fourth year or higher, she's still too young to try to teach." Harry said.
"We're not talking about Cindy, are we?" Ginny asked walking into the room.
"Ginny my love, you grow more beautiful every day." Michael said, standing and kissing Ginny lightly on the lips.
"And you grow more full of excrement every time I see you." Ginny joked back.
"Oh, now I'm hurt, shot down by the most beautiful witch in the world." Michael said jokingly.
"So are you talking about Cindy?" Ginny asked, sitting on her husband's lap.
"Yes we are; Michael wanted to know what Cindy chose." Harry answered.
"And you explained your theory on her teaching others." Ginny said, obviously overhearing.
"Yep," Harry said, and then turned to Michael, "I love my wife, but she's delusional, she thinks Cindy's perfect and would never disobey us." Harry said.
"I don't think she's perfect, I just think she would never disobey us about that." Ginny clarified.
"I've known your daughter for over four years, and I agree with Harry, if she feels she's doing the right thing, she'll disobey you." Michael said.
"Did he just give an opinion?" Ginny asked Harry disbelievingly.
"Why I do believe he did." Harry mocked a surprised expression.
"Keep it up Potter, you may have killed the other Michael, but I'm much better than he was." Michael joked back.
"That was sad." Ginny said, thinking back.
"Sad but necessary Ginny, he had Time Dementia, he wanted to play God, and he would have gotten away with it, if it weren't for Harry." Michael said.
"But I never understood, how did you realize it?" Ginny asked Harry.
"Something he said after the battle; 'nothing is as it seems'. I started thinking, the main players knew too much, me, Riddle, even Malfoy. How did they hijack that ship, how did they keep it moving and unplottable, how did Riddle know exactly where to strike the muggles, someone was feeding him information. Someone was playing us all.
Then the strangest thing happened, I called him on it, I asked him to repeat the story of how I told him to come back in time, he couldn't remember it, or actually, he remembered it differently. The first time; Hermione died and Ron went crazy, the second time; Ron died, and Hermione disappeared, something was wrong. I knew I couldn't get any answers from him, so I sought out this Michael, the one that's supposed to be in this timeline, and when I explained everything, he knew immediately; Time Dementia.
We set a trap for him a week later, and the truth began to come out, he decided to use me to advance the wizard race to the point where the Magi would think they were no longer needed, and he would have the run of the planet."
Harry was cut off by Ginny.
"So it was all a lie." She said.
"No not really," Michael cut in, "he probably was sent back by a future Harry, but all he was supposed to do was give Harry the information he required then vanish into the Wait of the Dead. But according to Harry, he kept coming back; he even helped Harry retrieve his godfather, and even more to the point, he instructed Harry to use the archway against Voldemort, then destroy it, leaving us cut off from the other timelines." Michael added.
"How do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"Well, we communicate inside the Wait of the Dead, have so for thousands of years, but with the archway destroyed, we would have been cut off and with no means of communicating with other dimensions, if we, in this reality, were to have seen the wizarding world evolve, we would have assumed we were no longer needed, and left.
Michael was cut off by Harry.
"Leaving Michael as the sole Magi." Harry added.
"But why would that have been such a big deal?" Ginny pressed.
"Ginny, my dear, one Magi; with a wave of his hand, can wipe out the entire wizarding world, and with Michael and his Time-Dementia, he would have made himself a god." Michael explained.
"So I forced him into a duel." Harry stated.
"But why you," Ginny pressed.
"Because under treaty, a Magi cannot kill another Magi in this universe, even if it's me killing me." Michael said.
"I'll never understand it, even if you explained it a thousand more times." Ginny said; sounding even more confused.
The grandfather clock struck twelve.
"I have to go, I'll come by in a month or two, I'll call your cell." Michael said standing.
"Good bye old friend." Harry said, embracing Michael.
"Good bye, take care of those beautiful children." Michael said, hugging Harry back.
"And you, you gorgeous woman you, come here and give your old friend a treat." Michael said, kissing Ginny again.
"Don't be a stranger; the kids love it when you're around." Ginny said
And with a smile and a wave, Michael left Lee Castle.
"Alone at last," Ginny said provocatively.
"Why Mrs. Potter, what could you possibly have in mind?" Harry asked playfully.
"Oh, I don't know, a little of this, a little of that, a lot of sex." Ginny answered, kissing Harry deeply.
"How did I ever get so lucky?" Harry asked.
"Because of me," Ron said, entering the room.
"Ron, what are you doing here?" Ginny asked, as she hugged and kissed her brother.
"Probably back from some late night with one of your models." Harry answered, hugging Ron as well.
"Actually yeah, but I'm here so I can give Cindy her gift before I leave for work in the morning." Ron said, sitting down.
"You are coming to the party," Ginny said rather than asked.
"Not if she's going to be here." Ron said, referring to Hermione.
"Oh come on Ron, you're both Cindy's godparents, the least you could do is spend her birthday with her together." Ginny argued.
"Gin, I love you, but there is no way I'm going to sit in the same room with her when she's turned down my marriage proposal twelve times." Ron snapped.
"You know why she does it, you know she loves you more than she could possibly love another, you've got to give her another chance, it's been two years." Ginny continued arguing.
"Harry please, you understand, don't you?" Ron said to Harry.
"Plan on getting me in trouble with my wife, are you? Well, I unfortunately agree with both of you. Ron, you should give Hermione another chance, but rather than rushing things, you should take it incredibly slow. You should treat her like any other date, then any other girlfriend, then any other lover, and finally, when she actually believes you'll never leave her, then you ask her for the thirteenth time. But Hermione should stop her childish fears, and take a chance. She's been teaching at Hogwarts for almost two full years, if she wants to end up like Minerva; old and bitter, well that's her problem, and you should move on. But if she wants a chance at true happiness, then she should give you a chance." Harry explained.
Ron was staring at him blankly. "I thought I was the politician, that I was supposed to give the long-winded speeches." Ron said.
"Sorry, I've been giving so many speeches recently; I'm starting to give them in my sleep." Harry apologized.
"I'll sleep on it; I'll just be in my room." Ron said standing.
"You will be here tonight." Ginny warned as he left. "And you'll make sure of it." Ginny added to Harry.
"Yes dear." Harry said nervously.
Cindy's birthday found the grounds of Lee Castle with a blanket of newly fallen snow. Ginny had planned a large party, inviting all their old friends, professors, and most importantly, her family.
The Weasley's, who typically spent all their time in Harry and Ginny's other castle; Potter Castle, were all apparating to Lee at noon that day. Ron luckily spent the night before.
Harry and Ron were up early that morning, and reminiscing about their time at Hogwarts. The two, whose lives went in such different directions, enjoyed every moment they could steal to talk.
"Oh, I almost forgot," Ron began, "Guess who I saw the other day." Ron said.
"I don't, know, who did you see?" Harry asked.
"Gilderoy Lockhart," Ron said laughing.
"Where did you see him?" Harry asked, thinking back to his second year.
"The ministry, apparently they released him from St. Mungo's, he's the new janitor." Ron said laughing harder.
"No more than he deserves, after trying to wipe our memories, which would have doomed Ginny and released another Riddle." Harry said angrily.
"He's apparently remembering small things, he remembered us in the chamber, the phoenix ride, he even remembered our visit to St. Mungo's in our fifth year." Ron explained.
"Well, as far as I'm concerned, he's a dead issue." Harry said, ending the conversation.
"What time is everyone due?" Ron asked, picking up on Harry's unwillingness to talk about Lockhart.
"Midday, but most usually arrive earlier." Harry answered.
"Hi daddy," Cindy exclaimed as she ran into the room hugging her father.
"Happy birthday, sweetheart," Harry responded, kissing her on top of the head.
"Uncle Ron," she yelled, running over to him. "When did you get here?" She asked hugging him.
"Last night, I wanted to be the first one here." Ron answered, kissing her on the cheek.
Cindy had grown into a beautiful young woman, she had long, flowing red hair, and deep green eyes and pale skin that made both her hair and eyes seem to pop out of her body.
"So, what did you get me?" Cindy asked impatiently.
"None of that Cindy, you'll get your gifts at the party." Harry interrupted.
"Ok," she said dejectedly.
"Well, it's the big day; do you have an answer for me?" Harry asked expectantly.
"Yes daddy, I do," Cindy said, standing in front her father. "I want to go to Hogwarts." She finally answered.
"Excellent, I'll tell Aunt Minerva when she arrives. She'll be very pleased." Harry added.
"I know I'm pleased, you'll have so much fun there." Ron said, hugging his goddaughter.
"Go see if your mother needs any help." Harry told Cindy. He waited until she left before turning back to Ron. "Of course she'll have fun, she knows more than her teachers." Harry said with a proud laugh.
"What, do you think she'll be like us, getting into mischief I mean?" Ron asked.
"Like father like daughter." Harry responded simply.
Midday approached quickly, the castle was starting to fill with guests, and Dumbledore was the first to arrive, since he had no prior commitments, but the rest arrived shortly after him.
They were all sitting around the dining room table, the dining room was nowhere as large as the one in Potter Castle, but was still large enough for the twenty people who were due to arrive.
When all the guests arrived, Harry decided to address the group; he got everyone's attention, and then stood.
"Thank you friends and family for helping us celebrate Cindy's eleventh birthday. We have all been looking foreword to this day with great anticipation. Before the opening of the gifts, I wanted to make a small announcement; Cindy had decided to attend Hogwarts in the fall." The group gave a small applause. "Some of you may end up being her teachers and I wanted to assure you she understands her place as a student." Harry said looking at McGonagall. "So congratulations Cindy, I'm sure you'll have a great seven years." Harry added, kissing Cindy on top of the head. "Gift time," he exclaimed.
The rest of the meal was spent on Cindy opening up her gifts. The group had apparently anticipated her decision, because many of the gifts had Hogwarts seals on them; including a muggle notebook, a custom quill and muggle clothes. Cindy was thrilled with all her gifts.
Snape and Peggy went over to Cindy carrying their godson Arthur.
"Are you excited about school?" Peggy asked.
"Oh, yes, mommy and daddy told me they had a great time in school. And I remember how much fun it was learning new spells." Cindy said simply.
"Well, I don't know how much more you can learn, but we'll try to teach you." Snape said pleasantly.
"Are you going to be one of my teachers, Uncle Severus?" Cindy asked excitedly.
"Yes I am, I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts." Snape answered.
"And he's the best." Harry said, walking over and joining the conversation.
"Harry," Peggy exclaimed, giving him a hug and kiss.
"Hello Peggy, Severus, how's Hogwarts?" Harry asked, hugging Snape.
"Good, I truly enjoy being Deputy Headmaster, I can completely annoy the Gryffindor's." Severus said somewhat jokingly.
"Stop with the evil Slytherin attitude, I know you're a good man, besides, if you weren't, I would have never made you godfather to my only son." Harry said, taking Arthur from Severus.
"And you're lucky you take such wonderful care of my godson, or you'd have me to answer to." Severus said, still only half joking.
"And now, my little birthday girl, for my gift." Harry announced to Cindy.
Harry handed her a large rectangular package with ordinary brown paper. She quickly began to rip the paper off the box, and opened the lid.
"A Firebolt XP!" Cindy exclaimed.
"Now I know typically first year's aren't allowed to have their own broom, but Aunt Minerva said it would be all right, so long as you only use it when the other students in your class use theirs." Harry explained.
"Oh thank you daddy, its beautiful." She said, running to her mother to show off her new broom.
"Do you think that's wise Harry?" Snape asked.
"Wise, probably not, but I enjoyed giving it to her anyway. Besides, she'll probably make the Quidditch team her first year, just like her daddy." Harry said, prodding Snape.
"You were an adequate flyer." Snape said smiling.
"Severus you old softie, I knew you loved me." Harry said sarcastically.
After Cindy had shown off her new broom to her mother, a thought seemed to cross her mind.
"Where's Aunt 'Mione?" Cindy asked, noticing she wasn't there.
"She's covering for Uncle Severus and Aunt Minerva, she won't be here until later." Ginny said smiling.
"I'm going outside to try out my new broom, can you please tell me when she's here?" Cindy asked in her cutest voice, the one she knew her mother would not resist.
"Sure dear, go have fun, but no tricks on the broom." Ginny warned.
"Ok mommy," Cindy added, as she hopped on the broom and did three loops, before flying out the window.
"Was I ever like that?" Ginny asked her mother.
Molly just stared at the window Cindy had just left from. "No one has ever been like that." She said softly.
"You're not nervous about her, are you mum?" Ginny asked.
"No, not nervous, just a little concerned. A young, adventurous girl with the powers most adult wizards only dream of, that's a bad combination, I just hope she'll suppress her powers during her time at Hogwarts." Molly explained.
"Me too," Ginny only verbally agreed with her mother, inside she fully expected Cindy to flourish.
"So where is my namesake?" Molly asked, looking around for the other twin.
By five o'clock, most of the guests had left, at Harry's request; Ron remained in spite of himself.
When the castle door opened, no one was surprised to see Hermione standing there.
"'Mione," Harry exclaimed, taking her in a huge hug, and kissing her on the lips. "It's been too long." He added, taking her cloak.
"Well you know, school and all." Hermione said dismissively.
"Where's Cindy?" Hermione asked, looking around the room.
"Out flying on her father's present." Ginny said, hugging Hermione, and also kissing her on the lips.
"Where are the twins?" Hermione asked Ginny.
"With their namesakes, I can't get my parents to release them for a minute." Ginny said smiling.
"Well you know how they are, the twins are their first natural grandchildren." Hermione said, smiling back.
"Hello Hermione." Ron said, somewhat coldly.
"Hi Ron," Hermione answered, a little more excitedly than she wanted to.
"You're looking very nice." Ron said pleasantly.
"Thanks, you too." She retorted, with a glint in her eye.
When Hermione removed her school robes, the room fell silent. She had on muggle clothing; a tauntingly short skirt, low cut sweater almost revealing both her attributes, very high boots, and fishnet type stockings. Even Harry needed a better look at her.
"Um Ginny, you don't dress like that for me." Harry said to her so the others could hear.
"That's because I'm not trying to snag a husband." Ginny answered, making Hermione blush a deep crimson color.
"Have you ever considered a threesome?" Harry asked Ginny playfully, but loud enough for Hermione to hear.
"Not another one, you'll wear us all out." Ginny answered in a provocative voice.
"Hey mate listen, if you and this incredibly gorgeous creature don't hook up tonight, let me know, I have other plans." Harry said to Ron, but never took his eyes off Ginny.
Hermione just strolled off blushing a color that would have matched Cindy's hair perfectly. Ron just stared, open-mouthed and dumbfounded at the spot she vacated.
"Was that for me?" Ron asked.
"I hope so brother, if not, Harry and I have a playmate for tonight." Ginny said as she passed.
Ron waited for Ginny to be out of earshot. "Um Harry, did she just give me a green light?" Ron asked his best friend.
"As much as I would like to think it was for me, I have a feeling it was for you." Harry responded, following the girls out.
Dinner was a small family affair, only Harry, Ginny, Cindy, the twins, Arthur, Molly, Ron and Hermione were present. Ron and Hermione were sitting together, talking quietly between the two. They were too wrapped up with each other to notice the constant stares they were getting from Arthur, Molly, Harry and Ginny.
"So son, how are things at the I.C.W?" Arthur asked.
Ron forced himself to look away from Hermione. "Hectic, ever since the DME went international, the work never ends. The Secretary General has just authorized us another two hundred Dark Aurors." Ron explained.
"What's the I.C.W? Cindy asked.
"It's the International Confederation of Wizards dear, they are like the Ministry for the whole world." Molly explained.
"So Uncle Ron fights bad guys all over the world?" Cindy asked curiously.
"Yes he does sweetheart, and he does it just for you." Harry said, stroking Cindy's hair.
"Wow, can I be a Dark Auror when I grow up?" Cindy asked in a childlike manner.
"We'll see dear." Ginny answered.
"How are things at the Ministry?" Ron asked his father.
"Good, ever since Riddle died, the job is very enjoyable. I only have to deal with insignificant squabbles and power hungry aides." Arthur answered smiling.
"That's no way to talk about Percy." Ron joked, the adults laughed.
"Now that he's Deputy Minister, all he wants is my job." Arthur agreed.
"And how's the shop, Ginny dear?" Molly asked her daughter.
"Business is great, everyone is starting to wear my designs, I've even got a request from the Queen of England to design a gown for her." Ginny answered proudly.
"That's wonderful dear, when can I go see you in action?" Molly asked.
"Yes when, I'd like to go too." Arthur added.
"How about tomorrow, I was taking Cindy to be fitted for some new muggle clothes." Ginny offered.
"That would be great, what time?" Molly asked.
"I usually leave at nine." Ginny said.
"That's perfect, I'll pack a picnic basket, and we'll have lunch in the park." Molly said.
"It's settled, 'Designs by Ginny' in the morning, and lunch in the park afterwards." Arthur agreed.
"Where is your studio, anyway?" Hermione asked, realizing she had never known.
"In the United States, in the southern part of the state of Florida." Ginny explained.
"Really, I hear it's very beautiful there." Hermione said.
"It's a tropical climate, I chose it for the wonderful views from my office, I can see the beach." Ginny declared.
"Maybe I can go after the year is over." Hermione determined.
"You're welcome any time." Ginny agreed.
Ron whispered into Hermione's ear, and they excused themselves from the table, and began walking the grounds.
Molly and Arthur took the twins, and retired to the indoor swimming pool, Harry and Ginny were all alone.
"All right, what's with Hermione?" Harry asked, knowing Ginny knew the answer.
"She's in love." Ginny answered simply.
"Yeah, what else is new?" Harry asked sarcastically.
"She misses Ron." Ginny added.
"Are you going to make me drag the information out of you?" Harry asked, taking Ginny in his lap.
"What could you possibly do to make me talk?" Ginny asked provocatively.
"Let's see, I can take you to the point of no return and stop, over and over again, until you're ready to explode, and then ask you the same question, it's worked before." Harry said, running his hand up Ginny's thigh.
"You wouldn't dare?" She said.
"That's usually how I get you to do what I want." Harry said smiling.
"You would deprive me of my favorite activity just to find out some useless information." She said, kissing him deeply.
"Try me," Harry said.
"Ok, you win, she's jealous. Ron and his girlfriends are constantly in the news; there are pictures of them in the Daily Prophet every week, in Witch Weekly every other week, and in Witch People every month. The women he dates are all perfect tens, they're my models for heaven sakes, and she's kind of become insanely jealous. That's why she dressed like that, she wanted him to notice her, to want her, and I think she wants him to propose, again." Ginny said.
"This ought to be interesting." Harry said.
"What do you mean?" Ginny asked.
"I told Ron to take it slow with Hermione, now she wants to go fast, sparks are going to fly tonight." Harry said with a chuckle.
"So should we do anything?" Ginny asked.
"Yeah, we should make love, like always." Harry said, kissing his wife.
"Why Mr. Potter, you certainly do know the way to a girl's heart." She said, kissing him back.
The next day found Ginny, Cindy, Arthur and Molly at the studio for 'Designs by Ginny'. Besides being the number one designer for wizards and witches, Ginny was the fourth largest clothing designer for muggles. Her line of business suits for women made her the most sought after designer in New York, Paris, London and Milan.
She spent the morning showing her parents and daughter the facility. The building maintained both the manufacturing division of the company as well as the corporate offices. Cindy was happy to see she had her own office in the company.
"I have my own office?" Cindy asked excitedly.
"Absolutely, I can't have my baby sitting in my waiting area, now can I?" Ginny asked her.
"Dad, I designed a line of clothes just for you, muggle business type, with wizard robe flare." She said, showing him one of the suits. "What do you think?" She asked.
"It's perfect, can I have it?" Arthur asked.
"Have it, I made it just for you." Ginny said, handing it to him. "The other colors should be ready next week, I'll send them over to Potter Castle when they're done." Ginny explained.
Ginny took Cindy to be fitted for her new clothes, Arthur and Molly stayed behind.
"She's doing very well for herself Arthur." Molly told her husband.
"All our children are doing well for themselves." Arthur corrected her.
"And all thanks to Harry." She added.
"A remarkable man, I know my life's better because of him." Arthur said honestly.
"Everyone's life is better because of him." Molly agreed.
Ginny took the family to Jonathan Dickenson State Park in Florida; she chose a quiet spot on the sand by the Atlantic Ocean. Molly summoned the basket she prepared, and they began to eat.
When the afternoon was winding down, and the hot Florida sun began to set, they were visited by two people they were just not expecting.
"Ron, Hermione, what are you two doing here?" Ginny asked nervously.
"We have important news," Ron began. "She said YES." He said holding up Hermione's left hand.
"We're getting married!"
To be continued…
In "The Family Potter and the Resurgence of Evil"