Six months later…
It was very difficult to control Lily, who was so small to understand the magnitude of death. She had never seen anyone die or even heard of anyone dying for that matter. She was not ready to understand that her mother would not return from where she had gone. Harry's only hope was Hermione, she was Lily's godmother and she definitely would be able to make her understand. But she was not here right now she was trying to console Molly who was utterly devastated at the death of her only daughter. Yes, Ginny Potter was dead. Dead because of the defensive spell she had to cast to protect Lily from a lunatic who tried to kidnap her from the garden. Harry was so forcefully reminded of his own mother who had done the same thing to protect him, she had cast her own life for him. Ginny was aware that a simple defensive magic was enough to claim her already fragile life. But what options did she have, the kidnaper would have taken her Lily away from her. She might have stayed alive for six more months but at the cost of Lily's life. Harry was not angry with his wife for doing what she did, how could he? Ginny had ensured that he did not lose another Lily Potter even if he lost Ginny Potter in the process.
Harry could not help but remember her last words time and again. "I am sure you will find love again in this life… please stay happy for me" And then she looked at Hermione and said "Look after him". She did not let go of her life until Hermione assured her that she will look after Harry, always. And so, Harry was not angry at Ginny, he was angry at life for being so unfair to him. What was it with his luck or destiny that took away every one he loved? First his mom and dad then Sirius, Dumbledore, Remus, Fred even Snape. He was so angry with his own life that he wanted to end it, it would have been so great if he hadn't returned from the Kings Cross to life again. But then he remembered Dumbledore's words "Do not pity the dead Harry, pity the living and above all pity those who live without Love". He could not leave his children to live without him, his children will not suffered what he suffered being an orphan just because he was a coward who could not face life. And then he also remembered Ginny's words, even if he did not find love again he will definitely try to be happy.
He decided to take Lily to Hermione so that she could calm her down and explain to her that her mother will not return to her. He flooed to the Burrow with Lily in toe and scanned the room for Hermione, she was sitting on the couch with Molly stroking her hair which was laid on her shoulder. Harry hated himself for disturbing Molly, but he knew he had to, Molly was an adult she could handle herself but Lily was a child seeking reassurance that her mother was going to come back. Before Harry could call Hermione, Lily ran to hug her tight crying and asking between sobs when her mother would return. Hermione looked at Harry, into his eyes, she could not believe the amount of pain that was there. She could not believe that a person was capable of feeling so much pain, she knew that he had lost so many loved once and his heart was shattered so many times with such pain. But still managed to stay the same person he was over the years.
Hermione had made some decisions for them, for Harry, Ron and their children. She knew Harry would resist but she also knew that she was capable of convincing him. So after she had consoled Lily to sleep and told her that she would tell her about her mother when she wakes up. She herself needed time to sink the truth that her female best friend and sister in law would never return again. She walked up to Harry who was sitting by the fire looking deep into it, she put a and on his shoulder and made him aware of her presence. She wordlessly sent her patronus to Ron and asked him to come over, within seconds Ron was standing beside them with puffy red eyes and a pale face. She motioned him to sit beside them and motioned harry to turn towards them.
"I have decided something for all of us and I need the support from both of you" she said. They both looked at her quizzically but did not say anything so she continued. "We do have a big house and so I have decided that Harry, James, Al and Lily will come and live with us. Don't look at me like that Harry, it's no use." "Yeah Mate, decisions made, please come and stay with us" said Ron breaking into first smile after Ginny's funeral. Harry did not have any energy left in him to argue and that too with Hermione, he knew she was going to have it her way anyhow. And so he decided to give up and agree to whatever she and Ron decided. They sat there for some time or may be for hours it was difficult to say, when Lily came down calling for Hermione and she decided that it was time to explain Lily the painful truth of life.
She would remember this in coming years and wonder how they came out of their bubble of despair. But they had to, Harry had to she could not fail her promise to Ginny, she will not. It was her promise to Ginny and herself that she will do whatever it took to keep Harry happy.
