Hello! You will notice that this is an edited version. It's technically same as the original, except the scene with the Dursleys. Petunia being so nice just doesn't feel right. So please bear with me. I am so sorry for the late "update", but i have been very busy the past few months with major exams, graduation and all that, especially now that i have to take the licensure exams a month from now. If time permits, i'll be able to squeeze out the third chapter in July. I'll try to continue working on it soon...
Realization and Reunions
"Absolutely not!" Harry yelled, storming out of the master's bedroom with Ginny closely following behind. "Nobody is going to throw a coming out party, and especially not for me!"
"But Harry, isn't it that with the muggles, a person is considered an adult once he turns eighteen! Well, since you grew up thinking you are one, why not go with their tradition? You know, a debut?" Ginny reasoned out. "Besides, we haven't really celebrated any of your birthdays properly before, aside from that one time and – "
"Exactly!" Harry said, stopping in her tracks just before the stairs, turning to face Ginny "I haven't celebrated any of my birthdays, and what makes you think I'd want to start now?"
"Well, it was just a suggestion since your birthday is only two days away. Besides, Herman actually thought there's going to be one!" Ginny hollered back, glaring.
"You've always known that I'm not the type of girl who goes for those things Ginny. Besides, what's there to celebrate?" Harry said, her voice dropping.
Taking in a deep breath, Ginny said in almost a whisper, "The truth is, we wanted you to have a reason to celebrate for once, since you have been very busy mourning. And I thought, maybe, just maybe, a party might remind you that there are still quite a number of people alive, caring for you. WE are still here and will always be with you." Having said that, Ginny walked past Harry, down the stairs, going inside the room beside what was previously Regulus's room.
Harry felt like a pail of ice-cold water has just been poured on her after hearing Ginny say those words. Is that what they were thinking all these time? Had she been that selfish not to consider how they feel about what had happened? Now she could finally understand why Herman have been so hard-headed about leaving her alone when she starts complaining on how they were babying her so much, or why Ron and Ginny doesn't find it troublesome to come over to her house almost every day, just to keep her company, or even Neville and Luna, which aside from their letters, had already visited her a few times. Had she worried them that much? With that realization, Harry ran down the stairs, almost bumping Ron, who was just about to step out of Regulus's room, groggily asking "Where'd the banshee go?", which Harry ignored.
She stepped in front of the room Ginny's using. Just when she was about to knock, Harry heard Ginny's muffled voice, saying "I can't help it Mum. I'm confused if I still ought to understand her or just knock her out of her senses. I mean, it's just not her who lost someone they love. Had she forgotten that we've lost Fred too? Besides, aren't the rest of them our friends too?" Shocked, Harry took a step back, planning to turn back. But then she felt someone stepping behind her, stopping her tracks.
"You know, she got a point there mate. You're not the only one mourning. You should not keep them all to yourself." Ron said, shrugging. Turning Harry to face him, he continued. "You have not lost everyone. I'm still here, right? And Herman's still a know-it-all prick who prefers reading books, chasing after Quaffles, and being your annoying, self-proclaimed big brother. What I'm saying is, Fred and the rest of them did what they believe was the right thing, and were fully aware of the consequences of their decision." Taking in a deep breath, he continued, "They are all part of our pasts, and this is our present and future. We have to move on. Besides, they may not be with us here physically, but they'll always be in our hearts and in our memories, right?"
At this point, tears were already streaming down Harry's face. Choking back a sob, she embraced Ron tightly, surprising him, then said "Thank you, I needed to hear that." Jokingly, she added, "Who'd think, that a thick-headed weasel like you has a soft side, huh? In all those years being friends with you, I've never seen that side of you myself."
Ron pushed Harry back, his facial expression halfway on being embarrassed and livid. He eventually decided to just ruffle Harry's already somewhat messy elbow-length, raven-colored hair. Raising his knuckles by the door, he looked back at Harry, who was now scowling and trying to fix her hair, "Well then, shall we go inside?"
Harry did not know what to tell Ginny when they entered her room, so she just chose to sit by the edge of the bed, after giving Mrs. Weasley a brief nod, who stood up and got out of the room after squeezing her shoulder. After a few tense minutes, as Harry started to open her mouth she heard Ginny say, "You don't have to apologize. Let's just say things got out of hand because we were both emotionally high and hormonal."
Ron snorted upon hearing this muttering "You definitely got that right," which earned him a smack from Ginny.
"No, I should apologize. It didn't occur to me how worried all of you were about me all these time. I've been so selfish. I hope you can forgive me. I was just so cooped up in my own guilt and whatnot, that I didn't realize I have been neglecting all of you. I am really, very sorry." Harry pleaded.
"We understand. Everything has happened so fast and unexpected, especially for you. You are entitled to grieve Harry, we all are. You just went somewhat overboard. Definitely emo. It's just like your fifth year all over again." Ginny grinned.
"O shut up!" Harry grinned back. "Well, since you were so stubborn on throwing a party, I give. But on one condition," Harry said warningly, "It will definitely not be a ball! I get to decide when, where, or how it's going to be done. And no surprises! Deal?"
"How'd you get to be such a prick? And why can't it be a debutante's party? You know, dressing up and all." Ginny whined. "But, it's your birthday, who am I to refuse? Besides, as long as you're happy, it's alright with all of us. Just don't go emo on us again. Remember, you should not keep all those emotions to yourself. We are here. Don't you dare forget it." With this, Harry hugged Ginny, relieved that she had not managed to push all her precious people away.
"Finally! Now, can we go down for breakfast now? All this emotional girly stuff that I've just witnessed sucked the energy out of me, I'm hungry!" Ron complained.
"Ronald Weasley, for that statement, you're not invited to my party." Harry snarled. "You just ruin everything, you're so annoying! Right now, I think Malfoy is more tolerable, as compared to you. And case in point, you are always hungry!" Harry teased. This irked Ron, who then jokingly tried to grab both girls for revenge, the three of them running towards the kitchen.
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"Harry, why does it look like we are going to the Ministry of Magic?" Ginny asked, confused, after seeing the familiar telephone booth they used a while back when they went to the Department of Mysteries.
"I just need to ask Minister Shacklebolt for something, before we go to Madame Fortescue's. We'll plan the party there." Harry answered.
At the ministry, they didn't have to wait long for their appointment with the Minister. Once the secretary saw Harry, she immediately ushered them in Kingsley Shacklebolt's office, declaring she would make sure there will be no interruptions, while the "Lady Defender" was having a meeting with the Minister of Magic, causing Harry to blush from embarrassment.
"You would have to excuse my secretary Harry." He said apologetically. "She is just one of your many adoring fans, you being the Girl-Who-Lived, The Lady Defender and all that." He teasingly added.
"Minister Shacklebolt, I advise you to please stop teasing Harry. She already gets enough of it from Ron and Herman, not forgetting The Daily Prophet all but kissing the ground she walks on. She's so close to losing her temper." Ginny joked. "We wouldn't want to be blown up like her Aunt Marge, would we?" She finished, grinning.
The Minister chuckled at this, but upon seeing Harry's serious face, he asked, "How would I be of service Harry? I reckon you wouldn't come here personally if it wasn't of great importance."
"Um, Minister? Well, um -" Harry started, unsure of what to say "Since Voldemort and the Death Eaters are no longer a threat, would it be alright - is it possible, ah - I mean, would you be able to tell me where the Dursley's are?" she said in a low voice.
"Why would you want to know their whereabouts Harry? I thought it was not a big deal when we separated you last year?" He asked, somewhat confused.
"Well, I know I have not given you any reason to think that they're my most favorite person in the world, but for whatever it's worth, they're the ones who raised me, albeit grudgingly." She answered. "Besides, they're the closest thing I have for a family aside from my friends. And I think, even if they have not really shown it all those years, they have really cared for me, judging from their reactions when all of us had to leave Privet Drive." she reasoned.
Shacklebolt's brows were furrowed, thinking about what Harry had just said. But afterwards, he looked at Harry with a fond smile saying, "Yeah, I guess you are right. I'll have the files ready by the end of the day. You can come back for it this afternoon, or we can send it to you by owl if you prefer."
Harry smiled thereafter, as if a big weight was lifted off her shoulders. They then said their goodbyes after telling the secretary that she prefers the files to be sent by owl instead.
Once they stepped out of the office, Harry heard Ginny sigh, so she asked, "Ginny, you haven't said a word since I asked Minister Shacklebolt about the Dursley's. What's wrong?"
Ginny sighed again, before answering, "I didn't know that you felt that way about your muggle family, Harry. I mean, they were not nice to you at all, and I thought you couldn't care less about them because of that. I guess, shock is the right term for what I'm feeling right now."
"Yeah, I know. Weird huh?" Harry agreed. "But like I said, I believe, deep down, they really cared for me, especially my aunt. She deserves the benefit of the doubt. After all, she's my mother's sister."
"Make that very deep down. Note the emphasis on the very." Ginny joked. "But I have to agree, it's about time you go visit them, and lay it all out on the table. Closure, you know? Besides, you have to admit, you care for them too."
"Yes, I do. Very, very, deep down." Harry grinned back.
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At Madame Fortescue's, Ginny was somewhat confused regarding Harry's plans. "Wait, you are going to arrange for a party, but it's not going to be your party? I'm losing you. How was that even possible?"
Harry sighed, then answered "Well, since the party will not be held on my birthday, ergo, it's not a birthday party. Besides, my birthday is only two days away, how in the world would we be able to plan a benefit dinner with just –"
"Benefit dinner? What benefit dinner?" Ginny, said cutting off Harry's words.
"Will you please let me finish?" Exasperated, Harry continued. "Like I said, it is going to be a benefit dinner. Since my thick, selfish head finally realized that I am not the only one mourning, I thought it would be nice to organize a benefit party in honor of all those who passed away, and with the collected money, we would be able to help the families that were left behind, both wizards and muggles alike. You know what I mean?"
"I see. That's great Harry! So many people would surely gain a lot from this, especially the orphans." Ginny agreed.
"Yeah. To tell the truth, it was actually Malfoy who gave me the idea." With this, Ginny stared at Harry as if she had grown two heads.
"Malfoy? As in Draco Malfoy? How in the world would he be able to cook up something like that? You know how despicable that guy is!" Ginny finally said.
"Remember that day we saw Malfoy at Flourish and Blotts? What he said about orphanage and stuff? That's where I got it from." Harry answered. "Besides, I don't think he's all that bad. From what I could remember, he was not really into the Death Eater stuff. Dumbledore thought so too."
"Only you and Dumbledore would believe that there's always something good in other people." Ginny said thoughtfully. "Well, I suppose everybody deserves a second chance. He's still a git though."
With this Harry laughed, saying "I totally agree. So I guess we have to head home now, we can continue planning later. I have to write a letter to the Minister about it too. Besides, the package from the Ministry's probably arrived. And I promised Andromeda I'll be taking care of Teddy today. I swear she ought to take a rest once in a while, now that Teddy is starting to be a handful."
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Back at Grimmauld's Place, the older Weasleys left later that afternoon, while Ron and Ginny stayed. The three of them were hanging out at the attic, while Teddy was sleeping by the crib Harry had put up. The conversation led to what has happened at the Minister's office, which of course, surprised Ron. "Ron, stop staring at me like that. If you won't, I'm really going to stun you for real." Harry threatened. "I wouldn't have to repeat myself over and over. I already told you what I told Ginny, so just suck it up. Which reminds me, I wonder if the files have arrived?"
As if on cue, a knock was heard by the door followed by Kreacher's voice "Mistress Harry? A package has arrived for you. I believe it's from the Ministry."
Harry jumped up from the daybed, and went to open the door. "Thank you Kreacher. I have been waiting for those."
On her way back to the sofa, Harry unceremoniously announced that she's going to visit the Dursleys the next day alone. When she saw Ron about to open his mouth, she added, "No arguments."
Harry noticed Ron and Ginny exchanging worrying looks, which made Harry explain "Look guys, this is the first time I'm going to see them in a long time. I need this. Just like what Ginny said, closure. Besides, you know how they are when they're around our kind. I'll be fine. Really."
This somewhat assured the siblings. As they were waiting for Harry to finish reading the documents, they heard her gasp, "Harry, why? What happened?" Ginny said with worry.
"They're at Godric's Hollow." Harry whispered. "All these time they're just somewhere near. And I think it was my aunt who requested that they be transferred there, and apparently she knows about the Fidelius Charm, Shacklebolt's their secret-keeper. What I don't know is why? Sure, muggles and wizards live there, which could mean they're somewhat safe. What I can't understand is why she would want to live in the place where she said Mum was, and I quote "blown up". I thought she'd had enough of magic stuff and would be relieved once they've gotten rid of me." Harry mused, baffled.
"Maybe she was scared, you know. And being protected by magic somewhat made them feel safe. Or maybe she really does care, especially about your Mum and you." Ginny thought aloud.
"Well, there's only one way to find out. You know that right? Ginny's probably correct about them caring. Besides, you could just stun Dudley and Mr. Dursley if they're a pain any way." Ron snorted.
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Harry Apparated by the front of the church at Godric's Hollow the next day, feeling nervous and excited at the same time. She decided to visit her parents' graves first before she went to her aunt's house. Walking through the kissing gate at the entrance of the graveyard, she walked deeper passing through rows and rows of tombstones. She briefly stopped by her ancestor's tomb, and then proceeded to go to her parents' after offering a prayer. She knelt down, tracing the engraved names of her parents.
"I love you Mum, Dad. I miss you so much. How I wish you were here. I wish – "
"Harry?" a voice asked. Turning around, she was taken aback by what she saw. There, standing a few steps behind Harry was her Aunt Petunia and her cousin Dudley, the latter holding a bouquet of white chrysanthemums.
It seemed like time decided to stop at that moment as Harry and Aunt Petunia stood rooted to their spot, while Dudley looked on them alternately, looking confused. Harry was about to open her mouth when she heard Aunt Petunia scoff and say "It's about time you come and visit. I was beginning to think you've forgotten us, with all that fame going to your head."
Harry didn't know if she was supposed to be irritated or relieved after hearing Aunt Petunia say those words. Relieved that they're safe or irritated that there was no love lost between them.
"I just wanted to come visit my parents and maybe come see you too. But then, seeing that nothing has changed, I shouldn't have bothered." Harry answered, not able to hold back her temper.
Aunt Petunia sneered at Harry's statement while pushing Dudley towards the tombstone. Dudley, finally able to move, placed the bouquet on top of the marble stone then hid behind his mother. Apparently Dudley looked like he is still afraid of what Harry might do to him, making Harry feel smug.
"We might as well go to the house. Vernon would be arriving shortly; I might as well prepare tea. You're not staying, are you?" Aunt Petunia said while leading the way towards their house.
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The walk towards the house was awkward to say the least. Aunt Petunia just stared right ahead, not offering any conversation whatsoever while Dudley keeps stealing glances at Harry, as if she would blurt out a spell at any moment.
Harry was surprised when she noted that her parent's house was only a block away from the Dursley's. What surprised her more was when she saw an owl perched on the mailbox, carrying The Evening Prophet. Harry incredulously looked at her aunt, earning for herself a glare and a scoff.
Once inside the house, Harry was dragged upstairs by her aunt, and was unceremoniously pulled inside a room, which suspiciously looked like a girl's room. The room was bigger that what she had back in Privet Drive. She noted a dresser with a vanity mirror on the right corner, a built-in closet just beside it. The bed was by the window, covered in red and gold bed sheets and a study table beside it. Harry turned back to Aunt Petunia, asking "Whose room is it? Don't tell me Dudleykins came out of his closet already!"
"Say that again if you'd want a black ring around those flashlights of yours frog-eye!" Dudley snarled, cracking his knuckles.
"Quit it both of you! You've been together barely an hour and you're already back to your antics!" Aunt Petunia shrieked, then facing Harry, she said "This room is yours, not Dudley's. Of course after that so-called war of your sort, you'll need a place to stay. So we decided to fix this place for you out of the goodness of our hearts."
Harry stared at her aunt as if she was petrified, thinking, "Out of the goodness of their hearts? I didn't know you had a heart! What is this world coming to?"
Aunt Petunia noticed the look Harry was giving her, so she decided to explain further.
"You don't believe me, do you? I expected as much, with the history between us. But then even if she was abnormal, your mother was still my sister. I expected that you'll be as strange and as abnormal as she was so; I can't help but accept you, with or without that Dumbledore's letter when he left you in our doorstep and even if you were the reason she was blown up. Be thankful that you look a lot like her and not that good-for-nothing father of yours, especially your eyes."
Confused would be an understatement as Harry tried to decipher what her aunt was trying to say. It was as if her aunt was saying, in her own twisted way of course, that she really cared for her. And that the reason for the animosity was that her aunt blamed her for her mother's death. Trying not to waste more energy, she just decided to divert the conversation back to "her" room.
"Are you trying to say that you want me back here? I thought I was just a waste of space. I thought you'd be glad that I'll be –"
"Rubbish!" Aunt Petunia cut off. "Weren't you listening to what I said back there? Of course it would be somewhat nice to have you back."
Hearing those words from her aunt made her feel somewhere between shocked, happy and somewhat sceptical. In all those years she was with them, she never felt she was welcome, much less hear her aunt admit out loud that she really does care, making the situation they're in at present somewhat too good to be true. And if the war hasn't ended yet, she can even claim that they've been under the Imperius curse. But then, discovering that they really think of her as family, that they consider her as one of their own, somehow filled the gap that was left by her parents and her godfather.
"But I can't. I mean, my godfather left me his house, and I'm old enough to live by myself." Harry said, somewhat unsure.
Aunt Petunia scoffed after hearing Harry say those words then said, "As if we'd beg you to come back." However, when she faced Harry, there was somewhat a hint of yearning in her eyes, especially when she said, "But, it doesn't hurt to come once in a while, right?" which made Harry smile, and replied, "I suppose I could."
"People may say you look like your father, but really, you look like your mother when she's your age. This reminds me, I have something for you. Your birthday's tomorrow, right?" Aunt Petunia went to their room and gave Harry two packages. One was a medium-sized rectangular box, covered in silvery-blue wrappings and a silver bow. The other was a smaller one, somewhat old looking, covered in brown parchment.
"Thank you, Aunt Petunia. But, what's this?" Harry said, holding up the brown parcel.
"That one came from your mother. Before they went into hiding, she gave me that for safekeeping. I think it's an heirloom or some sort, and told me to give it to you when you turn eighteen."
"I think I'll open this when I get back home. I don't know what kind of enchantments it has, coming from my father's." Harry decided. "And please tell Uncle Vernon thank you. The room and the gift is more than enough." Harry said, then proceeding to open her aunt's gift. It was a picture frame made of silver, which contained her mother's picture, which surprisingly for Harry, was not moving.
"I think she was about your age when that picture was taken. I told you, you look a lot like her. If only you had her red hair and not your father's messy ones, I'd daresay you are her. If only you'd stop wearing those glasses so that it won't hide your eyes."
The rest of the day went by, with Harry telling Aunt Petunia about her new house, her godson and her friends. She felt like a lot was lifted from her shoulders, and decided that, finally she can face the future with a clean slate.
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Back at Grimmauld Place, Harry told Ron, Ginny and Andromeda all about what has happened, the conversation going up almost all night. Before going to bed, Harry decided to open the parcel from her father. It was an antique-looking jewelry box made of dark mahogany, with fleur-de-lis adorning its edges. The letter P was carved to the center of the lid with vines framing it. The clock struck midnight when Harry started lifting up the lid, then something inside the box started emitting a bright light, almost blinding. Harry was about to shut it back close, when she heard some tinkling sound and a voice saying:
"Before two hearts could beat as one,
a tangle of sorts should be undone.
For before thy heart could be claimed as his,
true love's curse should be surpassed before the bliss."
"What could this possibly mean?" Harry mused, and decided to open the box. Thinking that since it came from her father, it must be safe.