Once they returned to Hogwarts after Christmas break. Harry and Hermione decided that Harry should maintain a low profile for a couple of months. They decided it was time to start some serious studying for their NEWTS. They began having study groups with all of their friends in their common room. During these study groups they kept and eye on Padma and Susan. They kept an eye on them to see if there were any concerns about them that would prevent Harry from asking either of them out. At the beginning of February Harry sat down with Hermione to talk about his next move.
"Well, how do you think its going?" asked Harry.
"Well, I am really enjoying our study groups. I wish we could have done this before this year." replied Hermione.
"No, I mean Padma or Susan. How do you think its going with them?" He asked again. "Hmm…where to begin. It seems Susan is very quiet and somewhat shy and every time you talk to her she blushes and gives you small smiles. I do think she has a thing for you so you may need to find out if it is 'the boy who lived' infatuation or not. Padma is very discreet with her interaction with you. She is calm and collected, but when you pay even the smallest attention to her she gets a little flustered. There are times when she gently touches your and hand and squeeze it. So I don't think you will have any problem getting either to go out with you." Hermione stated matter of fact.
"I have noticed Susan giving me quick glances out of the corner of her eyes when I speak to any of the other girls besides you. She didn't look pleased. Like you said, Padma has maintained an even keel when I am around. I haven't been aware of her squeezing my hand like you said." Harry replied.
"Harry you really need to get moving on this. You only have a little over 5 months to decide and right now you are nowhere closer than when you started." Hermione said.
Harry decided Hermione was right. The following day Harry asked Susan if she would be willing to have a private study date with him. She nodded her head yes unable to look him in the eyes. That Thursday, Harry and Susan had their study date. All through the date Harry attempted conversation, but all he got from Susan was one or two word answers. Finally, the date ended and Harry felt she just wouldn't be able to overcome her shyness to be around him. No matter how hard he would try it just wasn't meant to be.
Harry spent the next week keeping to himself and trying not to be over anxious about the next move. In his mind this was it, if he failed he was not sure what to do. He wanted desperately to marry for all the right reasons like love and friendship. The secret admirer letter could've been a prank or a way for a family member of the deatheaters to make sure the line of Potter is stopped. This would be the ultimate revenge for Harry defeating them and putting them in prison.
At the end of February, Harry asked Padma for a date to Hogesmeade. They seemed to get along very well and had a wonderful day together. Over the next few weeks they began to spend quite a bit of time studying or going for walks. Harry enjoyed her company but there was something missing. When they held hands there was no spark or when they kissed there was no real passion. Harry decided to ask Padma if she felt the same way. On one their walks to the lake Harry sat Padma down to discuss his situation with her.
"Padma, you know my situation about having to choose a contract on or before my 18th birthday. One of the goals I set for myself is to marry for all the right reasons like love. I need to ask you something and to be truly honest with me. Do you feel anything when we hold hands or kiss?" asked Harry.
Padma closed her eyes like she was concentrating on something and after a couple of minutes answered, "No, I can truly say there really is nothing there. I like you Harry, but there is no spark."
Harry looked at Padma then said, "I feel the same way. Maybe under different circumstances we could wait to see it that develops, but for now I think we need to go our separate ways."
Padma nodded her head in acknowledgement and they walked together back to the castle. It only took one day for the whole castle know that Harry and Padma were no longer together. The next day Harry received another surprise. At breakfast he received a letter from his own owl Hedwig. After overcoming the shock he opened the letter and read.
Dearest Harry,
It has been sometime since I have written you. I can assure you that I have been watching you closely. I know you are trying to figure out who I am. I can ease your fears and tell you that I am not family to the deatheaters and am not looking for revenge. I also can tell you that I am not Hermione. Please believe that I am only doing this because of me. I need to believe that I am good enough for you. I know you don't believe all the things written or said about you. You have never acted in that manner either. I know you have gone through all the girls on your list and haven't found the relationship you have been looking for. I am going to ask if you would like to meet me. I know you have no way to reply to this letter. So in order for me to know if you are interested I ask you to wear this pin. Once I see you wear this I will write you again.
Until then,
Your Secret Admirer.
Harry looked at the pin in his hand. It was made of gold and was in the shape of a phoenix. This person must know about the order, because why would it be a phoenix, not a lion as in Gryffindor. Harry put the pin in a visible place on his school robe and headed for his first class.
Harry went through his day making sure the pin was very visible. That night in their common room Harry asked Hermione if she noticed anything unusual like anyone paying closer attention to him than normal. She replied other than his fan girls, nothing out of the ordinary.
When Harry went to bed that night he had a very vivid dream of what looked like the future. In the dream he was sitting on a chair holding a young baby. The baby had green eyes, but the shape of them was vaguely familiar. The baby had dark red hair. As Harry looked at the baby he realized she was his daughter. Harry looked up and saw a woman standing in front of him. She also had red hair like his daughter. She was watching two young boys flying around on their brooms. Both boys had dark messy black hair and really seemed to be at home on their brooms. At this time the baby started make some and as the woman began to turn around Harry found himself awake in his dorm room.
Harry tried to remember every detail of the dream. Somehow he knew this person but could not recall who it was. Over the next couple of hours the dream gradually faded. Harry continued on wearing his pin and hoped this would be the day his secret admirer would contact him. A couple of weeks went by when Hedwig appeared before him with another letter. Harry took the letter and began reading.
Dearest Harry,
I am writing to let you know that I am ready to reveal myself to you. As you can see Hedwig trusts me so I could send out the last two letters. I want you to come to the room of requirement tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. I will already be there and truly hope you won't be disappointed when we meet.
Until then,
Your Secret Admirer.
That night Harry had another dream, but this time he was sitting in a large room with all kinds of pictures. As he looked closer at the pictures he noticed these were all of him. All of a sudden a voice appeared behind him.
"Those are all my favorite pictures of you. I come in here everyday to see if any new ones have been added." A voice said.
Harry turned around and found the person talking was his mother. Lilly Potter looked at her son and gave him a hug for all the ages. Harry shocked at first did nothing until he realized what was happening hugged her back and broke down crying.
"What is going on mum, where am I?" asked Harry after he collected himself. Lilly looked at her son with a great smile on her face.
"Harry you have been granted a great gift. You have been allowed by the powers that be to see and visit with us. You will be allowed two visits. This is the first one where you will be allowed to stay with your father and me. I know tomorrow you are meeting your secret admirer. What I am about to tell you is that she is your soul mate. You two were destined to be together. I will not reveal who she is but once you meet her and hold her hand you will know. Then tomorrow evening when both of you are sleeping you will come back and meet everyone. You both will have the opportunity to meet all of your relation that has passed on. It will be sort of a engagement party before the engagement. Now before all that happens I want to take you to meet your father." Lilly said smiling.
When Harry went outside all he could see was beautiful rolling fields with flowers, trees and grass. At the top of the highest hill he saw a simple cottage where a man was sitting. It looked like he was watching something and was unaware they were coming toward him. When they reached the place where the man was sitting Harry recognized him as his father. James Potter hugged his son and welcomed him to their home. James and Lilly spoke to Harry about what truly happened the night they died. Harry was able to resolve all his guilt and sadness with the visit with his parents. Right before Harry was to leave he notice 4 children playing in a valley near his parents home.
"Who are those kids?" asked Harry.
"Those are your future children. You can not meet them yet because they have not been born. What you see is their souls. Just know they have chosen you and your soul mate to be their parents." Lilly said smiling.
"They have not decided if they will be boys or girls yet, but only know you will be their parent and decided to show you a little bit of them." James stated.
"When you come back tomorrow your soul mate will also be able to see them." He continued.
"It's time for you to leave. We love you Harry and can't wait to meet your soul mate." Lilly said as she gradually faded.
Harry woke up feeling more refreshed and happy than he had ever been in his life. He was ready to face the day.