The last weeks went by fairly quickly and before long, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s were a thing of the past and Harry was more relieved than anyone.
It turned out Ron hadn't been far off the mark. The Ministry official who was administering Harry's practical exam in Transfiguration spent most of the allotted time beaming at him and asking Harry the strangest questions. Harry had to ask the older wizard if perhaps he should actually transfigure something before their time was up.
And the witch overseeing his Defense Against the Dark Arts exam said it was absurd to put him through such useless exercises, but Harry had insisted and she found his sense of fair play just one more reason to shower him with praise.
But that was all over now and the best part of the down time before the official end of the term was spending hours and hours with Ginny. They were rediscovering each other and it was one of the only times when Harry was completely at ease.
He'd gone to Diagon Alley with Lupin and Andre and a near riot had erupted within five minutes of his arrival. Harry knew people wanted to see him, but this was more than he was ready to deal with. He'd always been a topic of discussion. This however, was on a whole other level. The Order was still watching him, and as much as they meant to him, he was quite tired of being guarded and moved about like a parcel.
And then there was the question of his career. The Ministry had already sent him an official acceptance to the Auror training program. He knew Kingsley had sped up the process, as he'd been promoted to head the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. Harry hadn't played in a Quidditch match in a year, but he still received offers from three professional league teams. He had a lot of decisions to make; and unfortunately, he'd soon have to leave the one place that afforded him any privacy to think things out.
Mr. Weasley had invited him back to the Burrow, but Harry did not want to intrude. Charlie would be staying indefinitely and the twins were going to move back home with their father, at least for a while. Bill and Fleur found a lovely place not terribly far from the Burrow and would be raising a family of their own, as they'd just told everyone they were expecting their first child. Harry knew he'd always be welcomed in their homes, but the Weasleys were still grieving and recovering. They deserved some uninterrupted time to themselves.
Harry gladly insisted that Lupin take up permanent residence at Grimmauld Place. He'd directed that funds be made available for its renovation. He hoped it would resemble the home he wished Sirius had actually known and it would definitely continue as headquarters for the Order. And it looked like Harry would be joining Lupin there, at least for the short term.
He had also started one other project and this one was probably dearest to his heart. He was rebuilding the house in Godric's Hollow. When he'd gone through all the Gringotts' paperwork, he discovered he actually owned the land on which the original house stood. It turns out what Mr. Gattling referred to as the house being haunted was nothing more than a few intricate Muggle Repelling Charms designed to deter any serious interest in the property.
Harry asked Jillian and Lupin to help him with the design and layout, since they both had vivid memories of what the house once looked like. It would not be an exact replica, but he wanted it to be a reminder of what was once there.
They were with him this morning in Godric's Hollow. Since there were other wizards and witches living in the village, he'd been forced to arrive beneath his Cloak. They didn't want to try and explain to the Muggle residents why he was being pursued like a celebrity. Harry was only free to walk about once he'd crossed beneath the huge construction tarps, the opening of which faced the Gattlings' property.
They'd been there perhaps an hour or so when Lupin looked up and waved in the direction of the Gattling home. Mrs. Gattling was peeking out her kitchen window and waving at Lupin, whom she recognized from last summer's visit.
"Now Harry," began Lupin, "are you sure about the fireplace?"
Harry had decided to keep the original fireplace, the one marked with spell and curse marks.
"Yeah, I am, Lupin," he answered.
"We could replace some of the stones," suggested Jillian.
"Nope," he said. "Leave it as is. I know it sounds a little weird, but I'm not bothered by it, not anymore."
And that was the truth. In an odd way, the marked fireplace made Harry feel closer to his father, to both his parents. And their portrait would hang front and center above the mantle. Harry had asked Dean to replicate the photo that was in the watch he'd inherited and Dean had been more than happy to honor his request.
"It's not at all weird," said Lupin empathetically.
A little while later, Harry, in jeans, t-shirt and a cap pulled low on his forehead, took a chance and walked next door and rang the bell. Mrs. Gattling opened it and stood in the doorway.
"Good morning, young man. Are you with the people next door?" she asked.
"Good morning," replied Harry as he pulled off his cap. "Yes, I am."
It did not take very long for recognition to set in and she brought both hands to her mouth, shaking her head slightly as if trying to convince her eyes that she wasn't seeing what was in front her.
"Oh my God," she said, looking at Harry. "Is it really you? Are you the Potters' son?"
"Yes, Mrs. Gattling," he answered. "I am. I'm Harry. I'm actually the one rebuilding the house. My parents' friends are helping me."
"I haven't laid eyes on you since the day before that horrible accident," she said, still shaking her head. "Oh heavens, you look just like them."
Harry smiled slightly.
"I'm so sorry, dear," she said, her eyes brimming with tears. "Forgive my rudeness. Would you like to come in? I'd love it if you could."
Harry looked over at Lupin and Jillian to let them know where he'd be and said, "Yes, I'd like that very much."
Mr. Gattling nearly tipped out of his seat when he saw Harry standing beside his wife in the solarium. But after his initial shock, they had a really pleasant visit. Harry gave them a sanitized and slightly altered version of his childhood and life, explaining that he'd been raised by his aunt and uncle. He told them he'd just matriculated from the same small, private boarding school that his parents had attended; and as he was soon turning eighteen, had decided to take part of his inheritance and repurchase the original home he'd lived in with his parents. They listened intently, asking questions here and there, but never prying for more than he was willing to share. The Gattlings turned out to be extremely nice people and Harry knew he would enjoy having them as neighbors.
By early afternoon, he was going over Jillian's designs for the front and back yards. Lupin was at a nearby table talking with carpenters. Harry was pleased with the progress on the house, but annoyed that he had to come even here, hidden and looking over his shoulder. Once the house was finished, Kingsley would help him set up security and wards; but for now, this was what Harry had to deal with.
It was Jillian who provided him with the possibility of a short reprieve.
"Harry," she said, "I'll be leaving at the end of next week."
"You will?" asked Harry, somewhat surprised. "She'd become such a part of his life, he'd not thought about her going back to her own home and her own life."
"Yes," she said, her eyes upon his. "Remus has all my final notes and recommendations for the house and can contact me at any time for additional input. But I'll be back at the end of August, most likely for good."
Harry couldn't help but grin, his relief evident.
"I'll be instructing, but not at Hogwarts," she explained. "The Ministry lost a lot of Aurors and Kingsley has asked me to help out. I'll be running the training program. Andre is coming on board, as well. Dad's decided to retire after all and he and Mom will be moving here in about a year or so."
"That's fantastic," said Harry, truly meaning it.
"Well, we'll see if you think so if you decide to join us," she said, with a devious grin playing at her lips.
"I haven't decided, yet," said Harry honestly. "I guess I'll need to make up my mind before long."
"Look, I know you've never been away from home," she started, "but how would you feel about coming stateside with me for a little while? I have to tie up some loose ends at home and Mom and Dad would truly love to meet you. Remus and Kingsley think it's a good idea. I can't promise you won't eventually be recognized, but it won't be nearly as insane as it is here right now. Maybe in a couple of months the frenzy will have died down to a more manageable level of chaos."
Harry stared at her.
"It's perfectly understandable if you'd rather not," she said.
The only thing that was giving him pause was leaving Ginny. But it would only be for two months. And Ginny knew he was going batty with all the unwanted attention. She would understand. He knew she would.
"I could ask Arthur to let Ginny join us for the last week or so," she said, reading his silence. "Ron and Hermione can come with her, if they like. Our parents have a large house with plenty of room. It wouldn't be a problem. Just think about it and let me know."
"I don't have to," Harry finally said. "I think it sounds great."
"Really?"
"Yeah, really," said Harry.
She smiled broadly and said, "I'm glad. I'll talk to Kingsley and Remus again. And I'll clear things with Arthur and get everything arranged."
And she did exactly that.
On his last morning as a student at Hogwarts, Harry walked down to the kitchens to see Dobby. There'd been several visits since Harry had been in the hospital wing, but he'd been saving a surprise for this one.
"Dobby shall miss Harry Potter greatly," said the house-elf, his ears drooping with sadness. "Would it be all right if Dobby still visits Harry Potter, sir?"
"I've a better idea," said Harry and the tiny elf watched him curiously. "How'd you like to come and work for me? I've already cleared it with Professor McGonagall. You'd stay here through the summer and then move in with me when I return."
If he thought Kreacher had been overwhelmed at being allowed to live with Regulus, it was nothing compared to Dobby's reaction as Harry's words sunk in. He burst into tears of joy and it was all Harry could do to calm him down before he created a puddle in the middle of the floor.
"Is that a yes, then?" asked Harry once Dobby had come round.
"Yes, Harry Potter, sir. Yes!" squeaked Dobby through a very wet smile.
"Good," said Harry, biting back a grin. "There's only one other thing to discuss and that's your wages. I think you need a raise and you are not allowed to refuse me."
Dobby looked shocked.
"Are we in agreement?" asked Harry, finally smiling and laughing.
Harry received one of Dobby's iron like hugs in reply.
And the last night before their summer departure was spent at the Burrow. Lupin, Kingsley, Jillian, Andre, Harry and Hermione joined the Weasleys for a much appreciated peaceful evening.
There was lots of news and Harry was not the only one with decisions to make.
Charlie was joining the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures and Harry didn't think they could have picked anyone better qualified.
Hermione was seriously vying for a spot with the Department of Mysteries. Normally, they wouldn't even consider someone so young, but with input from Mr. Weasley, Kingsley and Scrimgeour himself, things were looking really good for her.
Fred and George had just asked Lupin to help them out with running their businesses. They had their eyes on a few other expansion possibilities and they knew the value of having a Marauder on their team.
And Ron, like Harry, was torn. The twins had invited Ron to join them, too. But Ron was also seriously interested in the Ministry's Auror program, especially after learning that Jillian and Andre would be joining the team.
Ron and Hermione pulled Harry outside after dessert, where they were met with happy barks and wet licks by Fang before he bounded away to chase gnomes.
"Are you sure you don't want us to come with you now?" she asked concernedly.
"I'm sure," he said, knowing they were both still a bit worried about how he was adjusting to everything that happened. "It's not like I'm not going to miss you or anything. But it won't be all that long until I see you."
They still looked unconvinced and Harry took an envelope from his pocket.
"And besides," he said, "if you're with me, you won't be able to enjoy this, will you?"
"What is it?" asked Ron.
"Open it and see," said Harry and he watched Ron's jaw go slack as he flipped through the contents.
"You are absolutely the best mate a bloke could have!" Ron practically screamed.
"What is it?" interjected Hermione, looking slightly alarmed.
"It's a month's holiday arrangements for both of you. You've been looking after me for seven years. I think it's about time you had some quality time to yourselves. Because it must have been really hard trying to fit in all those snogging sessions while fighting evil and helping me find and destroy Horcruxes," added Harry, watching as Hermione's cheeks flushed and Ron's ears turned bright red.
Harry laughed and so did they.
"I couldn't be happier for the two of you," he said sincerely. "So please let me do this for you. Just promise you won't kill each other while I'm not around."
"It's too much," said Hermione.
"No, it's not," said Harry, looking very seriously at both of them. "It never could be."
"Thanks," they both replied together.
Harry wasn't quite done bestowing gifts. Some he was still working out, but he'd arranged for a few others to arrive after his departure tomorrow.
An exquisitely crafted baby cradle, wardrobe and rocker would be delivered to Bill's and Fleur's new home tomorrow.
He had always felt awful about Mr. Weasley's Ford Anglia that he and Ron crashed in their second year. There would soon be a new car waiting for him in the yard of the Burrow and Harry knew it would be bewitched by the time he returned.
And McGonagall would receive an owl from Gringotts notifying her of a generous contribution from Harry to the school fund set up to assist less fortunate students with educational expenses.
But there was still one more gift he planned to give this evening, and Ginny walked out into the yard just as his thoughts turned back to her.
"Umh, we'll let you say goodbye without an audience," said Ron, punching Harry lightly in the arm, while Hermione gave him a quick hug and kiss.
Harry took Ginny's hand and they walked about the yard and nearby fields.
"Thank you for being so great about me taking off so soon," he said.
"I know you'll be safe with Jillian and you need to get away," replied Ginny. "I'm amazed you haven't had an outright fit with all the people fighting to get at you. I suspect a lot of them just want to say thank you, but it's been a bit scary, really."
"Tell me about it," said Harry. "But it won't be for long and I can't wait until you come."
"That makes two of us," she said. "I'm really going to miss you, though."
"Well, I may be able to remedy a bit of that," he said and pulled a box from behind his back and handed it to her.
"Oh great," she said as she opened it, confusion clearing on her face. "It's a mirror."
She looked up and saw Harry grinning at her.
"True, but it's not just any mirror," he said and pulled out the second one. "It's part of a pair and you and I will be able to talk to each other in them everyday."
"You're kidding," she said.
"No, I'm not," he answered. "Dad and Sirius enchanted a set years ago when they were in school. I figured out how they did it and went out and bought this set."
"This is amazing," she said and walked into his arms.
Kingsley called out for him from the backdoor of the house about an hour later. It was time to go.
He and Ginny shared one last kiss goodbye and his hands lingered in her hair, brushing it back from her face and tracing the outline of her ears with his thumbs.
She looked up at him and asked, "Is there something wrong with my ears, Potter?"
Harry knew that one day he'd like to see them adorned with his great grandmother's earrings, but for now he smiled innocently and said, "No. They're just perfect."
In fact, at that moment, Harry thought things were well on their way to being as near perfect as he could hope for. A few months ago he wouldn't have allowed himself to hope for or dream about such things for very long. He'd certainly never had a traditional or normal upbringing. Harry had been largely defined by the tragedies in his past, but he was finally coming to terms with them. Now, for the first time in his life, he could honestly say he wasn't terribly worried about much of anything.
Like Luna had said, his life was never going to be the same again and he was quite all right about most of that. Harry had Ginny, his two best friends, a hodgepodge of extended family that meant the world to him and a future to which he was immensely looking forward.
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A/N: Well, I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I love the characters in HP; but as you can tell, Sirius is definitely one of my favorites. I always felt bad about how soon Harry lost him. I wanted Harry to have some closure and peace in regards to Sirius. And of course, I wanted our hero to grow into the man we all knew he was going to be.
If you're not too tired from reading it (I know it's a little long), I'd appreciate any reviews and comments. All will be answered.