Harryand Ginny sat down with Sirius and Remus the next day to discuss their future. Hogwarts was re-opening on September first, as usual, but the professors were offering students opportunities to continue their studies; offering study groups, to work alone with study guides, or repeat their previous year. Harry had already decided he didn't want to return to Hogwarts to do his final year, and Ginny agreed. Remus offered to tutor them both, as well as Rose, until she returned to Hogwarts.
It was decided that they would work in the morning, then spend the afternoon in Godric's Hollow while the house was being built. They hoped to have it completed by Harry's birthday. They were going to do all the interior painting themselves, as Sirius knew some good painting and wall papering spells. They family had all offered to help, and Neville had offered to come and establish the gardens. Ginny wanted to put in a vegetable garden as well as a colourful garden. The locals were quick to advise both of them on the best flowes and veggies to plant.
Harry had bought the block of land behind their home, so his first thought was to include a Quidditch pitch. Bill and Arthur offered to help him out with that. Then he wanted a fun area for their children to play in. He told Ginny he'd always wanted a treehouse, and there was the perfect tree for it in their extended yard. Harry was ecstatic when Ginny told him he could have his tree house. It was worth it to see the smile of excitement on Harry's face.
Life soon settled down into a routine. Their studies were going well, and the house was coming along. Harry and Neville found themselves taking part in the Wizenmagot meetings as well, as they established new laws to start to bring the wizarding world into the twenty first century. Sirius, Neville and Harry were very adamant about the changes needed, and Harry knew his parents would be proud of him for taking up the reins for the Noble House of Potter..
Harry also decided to use some of his inheritence to set up the Potter Foundation. Its immediate aim was to help wizarding families get back on their feet after the war. He set up funds for Hogwarts students who didn't have enough funds to cover their basic costs for uniforms and books. He also donated new brooms to the school. Once he had it set up the way he wanted, he handed the reigns over to Percy Weasley, who found he had a knack for handling finances.
The Weasley family had been shocked by their mother's and youngest brother's loss. It had brought them all together again. Percy had returned, apologising to Ginny for his actions. Ginny had forgiven him, but the siblings weren't as close as she was with the others. Percy had also apologised to Harry, and when Harry had seen Percy's financial wizadry, he'd engaged him to be his financial advisor, closely watched by the goblins who had watched over his family vaults for many years. Sirius even donated a lot of gold from the Lestrange vaults to the Potter foundation, knowing that Bellatrix would hate that her gold was being used for good.
Bill and Fleur had married on Valentine's Day, just before Ginny returned to England. Arthur stayed with the Delacours while they honeymooned, finding it hard to be at the Burrow without Molly. When they returned and mentioned they were looking for a home near the sea, Harry suggested Shell Cottage and, as a wedding gift, paid the deposit for them.
The twins spent some time making new wheezes, before their grand re-opening. The children flocked to the store, makinng it a great success. They were even thinking of opening another store in Hogsmeade, close to the school. They were both doing well in their private lives too, having re-aquainted themselves with their old Hogwarts friends, Alicia Spinnet and Angelina Johnson. It was early days, but Ginny thought the foursome worked well together.
Neville had decided to return to Hogwarts for his final year, and had already been told he would be Head Boy. He planned to focus on his love for plants, with a goal of becoming a professor of Herbology. Madame Sprout had already told him she'd support his bid to take over when she retired in a couple of years. His relationship with Hannah was going well. She was returning to Hogwarts for her last year too, then was going to work with Madame Rosemerta at the Three Broomsticks.
Daphne and Tori weren't returning for the upcoming school year. Tori had a breakdown at the news of Draco's death. Her parents, who were known as friends of the Malfoy's, were eager to get out of town and make a fresh start. There was talk the girls may enrol at Beauxbatons.
Luna also wasn't returning for the next year. She told Ginny and Harry that she would study by correspondence while off searching for many fantastic creatures. She'd even sent a letter to Newt Scamander, asking his advice, and she hoped to even meet the great author.
Charlie had returned to Romania after the family furnerals. Hermione was travelling through Europe with her parents. She was still undecided whether she would return to Hogwarts or not. The war, and Harry's part in it, had made her look at her life differently, and she was deciding if she should take a year off from her relationship with Charlie was on hold too, as she wasn't sure if it was fair to have a long distance love affair. They wrote letters, and Hermione planned to visit him before returning to England.
Rose was enjoying living with Sirus and Emmy, and looked at Harry and Ginny as older siblings. She enjoyed studying with them, but she knew she had to return to Hogwarts. She was planning on studying to become a childrens Healer, and was doing some early training with Andromeda Tonks.
Sirius and Emmy kept talking about travelling, but kept putting it off.. Sirius wanted to be around for Remus when Tonks went into labour, and Emmy knew he still wanted to stick around for Harry. He often went to Godric's Hollow to help with the house and, like Harry, often ended up talking to Father Dornan, especially about James and Lily.
Remus was enjoying teaching Harry, Ginny and Rose. Neville joined them to keep up with his Potions studies. Remus got offers to tutor from families who were reluctant to send their children back to Hogwarts. Harry and Ginny happily endorsed him. As Tonks was undecided if she would return to the Aurors after she had the baby, the new income was appreciated.
Harry and Ginny threw themselves into their life at Godric's Hollow. Harry would often talk to Father Dornan, who was now a close friend and confidant. Ginny enjoyed discussing current events with Mayor Solomon. She was really surprised just how close the community was, and wanted to be a part of it. Harry was delighted she was taking such an interest in his home town. They both found themselves sitting in on town meetings, to which any Citizens could attend.
They still had a lot to work through, and Father Dornan was helping them with that. Ginny was working through her anger at Harry for leaving after the battle, and her guilt at never reconciling with her mother and Ron. During her counselling, she even brought up her anger at being given the diary Horcrux. Harry spoke a lot about his anger at Dumbledore and the Dursleys, his feelings of disgust at being the last Horcrux since he was a baby. He had conflicted emotions when it came to Snape but, to his surprise,the thing that broke the dam, was when he finally allowed himself to really grieve for Hagrid. He'd thought he'd dealt with it at the time, but obviously, he hadn't. Hagrid was good, decent, a true friend. Harry's first magical friend. He gave Harry Hedwig. He was irreplacable.
It was an emotional time, but it made Harry and Ginny stronger as a couple to be able to talk about this with each other. They held nothing back; they now had no secrets from each other.
Tonks went into labour at the end of June, and Theodore Remus Lupin was born late at night, with his father present. Remus wept tears of joy as he proudly showed his son to Sirius and Harry. As Harry held his godson, Sirius snapped a photo. "The Marauders-Next Generation," he proudly announced!" Harry liked that, and vowed he would be the best godfather he could be for Teddy.
Harry and Ginny had tentatively decided to get engaged sometime at the end of the year, possibly Christmas. Neither wanted a long engagement, their separation earlier in the year proving to both of them, they wanted to be together and there was no need to wait. They were finally in a good place emotionally, and now they looked only to the future. Their careers were still undecided, although they still mentioned curse-breaking when asked.
Harry's birthday came, and the house was built. All that needed was the decorating. They threw a party a couple weeks later, a combined housewarming and Ginny's birthday party. Teddy Lupin was the star of the party, which Harry and Ginny didn't mind at all. They were proud godparents, and Ginny loved watching Harry with Teddy. Dreams of a family of their own were for the future, just whispers in their bed at night as they made their plans.
Ginny sat for her OWLS at the end of August, and did so well, that Professor Mcgonagall offered to let her combine her sixth year and NEWT studies with Harry. Remus promised to cover her sixth year curriculum as well as her seventh. Both Harry and Ginny were studying hard- Potions, Herbology, Charms and Transfiguration. They both dropped Defense Against the Dark Arts, but Emmy taught them basic Auror training techniques. Ginny was studying Healing, and they both took Ancient Runes. Harry decided to do a course in Arithmancy too.
Harry, Ginny, Sirius and Emmy made the trip to King's Cross to farewell Rose. They all hugged and promised they would owl her often. She reminded them she'd be home for Christmas, where they would finally open those presents still under the tree from last year. Everyone had agreed their presents could wait, as they wanted to wipe out the memory of the last Christmas. They waved goodbye until the train took the first bend, then went out for lunch.
September rolled on, and the weather got cooler. The house was nearly all finished; Neville had finished the gardens before he left for Hogwarts. Arthur and Bill had joined Harry, Sirius and Remus in painting the house, and moving all the furniture in. Emmy, Tonks and Fleur had advised Ginny on all she'd need for the kitchen.
Their dream home was nearly complete. Now they just had to decide on an engagement and wedding date. Harry wanted it sooner rather than later. In the end they agreed to get married after they had sat for their NEWTS.
On Christmas Eve, Harry took Harry to the top of Godric's Bluff. From here, they could see both Godric's Hollow and Godric's Point. It was dusk, and with the early lights on, the towns looked like a picture postcard. It was here that Harry proposed and Ginny accepted.
Their families of course were all happy for the couple. It was a lovely holiday, with no gloom or worries about Voldemort. The Weasleys did have a tougher time, this being their first Christmas without Molly and Ron, but Bill and Fleur's news that she was expecting a baby brightened Arthur's day.
Rose was home for the holidays, and it was the first time she had seen Harry and Ginny's completed home. She too loved the little town of Godric's Hollow, and with Harry and Ginny, spent a good part of her Christmas holidays at the orphanage.
Harry and Ginny bypassed all the invitations for the New Year celebrations, preferring to be alone in their home. They farewelled the old year, and welcomed the New Year the same way, making love.
Bill mentioned to Harry and Ginny his willingness to take them on as apprectices if they decided to take up curse breaking. Ginny was still keen, but Harry was finding the Potter Foundation was taking up more of his time than he anticipated. Still, they had plenty of time to decide.
They wrote regularly to Luna, who was enjoying her travels, and particularly her travelling companion, Rolf Scamander. Ginny, used to Luna's way of thinking and speaking, smelled a romance brewing. She missed Luna. No-one saw the world quite like Luna, and it was refreshing.
They returned to Hogwarts to sit for their NEWTs. They enjoyed seeing their classmates again, but Hogwarts just didn't feel the same anymore. They were invited to stay for meals, but, after the first day of catching up with friends and professors, they politely declined, preferring to return to Godric's Hollow. Dobby always had a meal waiting for them and they would take a stroll through the town, before returning to study for their next exam.
Finally they were over. Harry took Ginny to the Greek Isles to celebrate and get away. When they returned they began their apprenticeships with Bill. They enjoyed the travelling and worked well together. Harry found he really liked the research side and planning, while Ginny preferred to be more hands on.
They spent the next two years travelling for their careers. They were always happy to return to Godric's Hollow, and, when home, Harry would bring up their wedding. Just when they thought they had picked a date, they'd get an owl, with their next assignment. Ginny would just shrug and remind Harry that they were still young, and had plenty of time for marriage and babies. They had already promised their families they wouldn't elope, although they were both very tempted at times.
Little Teddy was now two, and walking everywhere. He truly was the apple of Remus' eye, and he adored his 'Uncle Thiruth'. While Sirius and Emmy had no plans for children, they were happy to babysit Teddy whenever asked. Siris would transform into Padfoot and play chase with the little boy.
Harry and Ginny were home after just before Harry's birthday. They were taking a break; re-evaluating their careers and finally planning a wedding, although no date was set.
They spent a lot of time helping Mrs Dayton find homes for the children in the orphanage. Ben and Rebecca were still there, always eager for Harry and Ginny to return. They always brought a little gift for them, Teddy and Victoire, Bill and Fleur's daughter, from wherever they had been. Sirius had promised to keep an eye on the two, and Ben was as hero-struck on Sirius as he was with Harry.
The summer went quickly. Soon, Harry, Ginny, Sirius and Emmy were once again farewelling Rose as she boarded the Hogwarts Express. This time, Rebecca was going too, a recipient of the Potter Foundation. Harry and Ginny promised to meet Rose when she had a Hogsmeade visit, and wished both girls well for coming year.
Harry spent the next week in London. He checked in with Percy, issuing instructions for the Potter Foundation, and setting up an account for Teddy, so he would have some financial security when he came of age. Remus heartily protested when Harry mentioned it, but gave in when Harry told him it was his godfatherly duty.
Sirius, Harry and Neville were deep in discussion with the Wizenmagot for most of the week. Ginny enjoyed pottering around her home alone, doing the weekly shop, even washing clothes and hanging them on their line. Neighbours would drop in often, often staying for a cuppa as they got to know their new Citizen, although Ginny wouldn't hold that title till she and Harry married.
Harry liked the stability of coming home to Ginny after a day of being shut up with so many witches and wizards who feared change. He told Ginny at times it was like 'one foot forward, two steps back.' Some were so open to change in certain areas, but not in others. Some were still caught up in the whole 'Pure blood, Half Blood and Muggleborn status, even after all this time. At times, it felt like he was banging his head against a brick wall. He didn't know how he'd cope if he didn't have Sirius and Neville with him.
One late September afternoon, while Harry was over at the orphanage with Father Dornan, Ginny was home, folding some washing. As it was only the two of them, she didn'[t mind doing it by hand. There was a knock at her door. She answered it, only to find the Mayor of Godric, Henry Solomon. She invited him in.
"Your home is lovely, Ginny," he said, looking around.
"Thank you. It really does feel like home," sighed Ginny, looking around. "Would you like some tea and cake? It was made by a Hogwarts house-elf, fresh today." Dobby continued to be a part of Harry and Ginny's life, and he was very welcome.
"Don't mind if I do," said the Mayor, following her into the sunny kitchen that overlooked the back yard. "My word, is that a Muggle trampoline?"
Ginny laughed. "Yes. Harry said they're really fun, and I have to agree. We recently added a tyre swing that goes over our pond, too."
Mayor Solomon took the offered cup of tea, and sipped appreciatively. Ginny joined him after cutting two serves of cake.
"Harry isn't here?" he asked.
Ginny shook her head. "No, he went over to the orphanage with Father Dee. They're setting up for Bree's farewell party later this afternoon."
"Ah yes, the little girl finally got adopted. That just leaves young Ben and his sister, doesn't it?" asked the Mayor.
Ginny nodded. "And we may have someone interested in them, too," she said. She and Harry were trying to talk Emmy and Sirius into adopting the had certainly given her approval.
"You and Harry have done well to find places for the children. Thank you," he said.
Ginny smiled. "We have both come to love this town, and are happy to do all we can to help its Citizens," she said.
"Good, good. Now, I wanted to talk to you about All Hallow's Eve," said the Mayor.
"Oh?" asked Ginny.
":It's a big occasion here in Godric's Hollow. Certainly, one we all look forward to all year," said the Mayor.
"Really? Harry's never been one for celebrating Halloween, although we did have a big feast at Hogwarts," said Ginny. In the back of her mind she recalled their last Halloween at Hogwarts. Harry had enjoyed their own celebration that night. The year after they had stayed at the Burrow with Arthur. The day before had been Molly's birthday, and Arthur had been quite down. Last year they had been travelling.
"Perhaps I should tell you what will happen. It's quite unique to Godric's Hollow. Then, I will leave it up to you to tell Harry," said the Mayor.
"Okay," said Ginny, "let's hear it."
Ginny's eyes widened as the mayor described what would happen on All Hallow's Eve. A plan began to form in her mind. She knew she'd need a bit of help to pull it off, but oh, if it worked, it would be amazing. At least, she hoped Harry would think so.
"It was September twenty sixth. She had five weeks to pull it all together.
Then she would just have to wait and hope.