"So you"ll come?" asked Harry excitedly.
"Of course," said Sirius, with Emmy nodding. "We'd love to see the new Quidditch Pitch now it's finished,. and with it being Halloween, well, we can stop by and see James and Lily too."
"Will you be able to stay for awhile. Halloween is a big ocassion in Godric's Hollow,"said Ginny
"I guess," said Sirius. "I mean, it's not my favourite holiday, but..."
"I know, me too," said Harry, nodding.
"Godrics Hollow make quite a celebration of Halloween, or All Hallows' Eve. It sounds really nice, said Ginny. "Remus and Tonks have said they'll come too. Please, just give it a chance. It's our first one here."
"Anything for you, Gin," said Sirius, hugging her. Harry looked on happily.
Ginny smiled to herself. The plans were coming along nicely. All their family and friends had said they'd be there. She just hoped her special guests would make it a memorable evening.
When Sirius and Emmy arrived they found quite a party going on. Bill and Fleur were there, watching as Teddy raced around chasing Victoire. Remus cheered him on, while Tonks talked motherhood with Fleur. Charlie had flown in specially and arrived with the twins and Arthur. Percy had brought his new girlfriend, Audrey. Neville and Hannah had arrived too.
"It's been such a wonderful day. The town has put on a spectacular lunch for all the Citizens, and it's been lovely to catch up with everyone," said Ginny happily.
"So, Harry, when are you and Gin going to make things official?" asked Charlie. He asked it everytime he was home.
"Soon Charlie, real soon," said Ginny. "We're just waiting on a couple of things."
"We are?" asked Harry, looking at her in confusion.
Ginny kissed his cheek and took his arm. "Come on, it's time for the bonfire. The Mayor is going to give a talk on the history of Godric's Hollow."
"And tells the kiddies a ghost story too, I bet," smirked Fred.
"You never know," smirked Ginny back. "Maybe we'll even see a ghost tonight."
"Ooh," said George, pretending to be scared.
"Pity the girls couldn't make it. They'd protect you," laughed Harry. Both Angelina and Alicia were at a hen's night for Katie Bell, who was marrying Oliver Wood soon.
"Harry it's nearly time," said Ginny.
"Let's go make our way to the town centre, it's where everyone's gathering," said Harry.
They all made their way, greeting Harry and Ginny's neighbours and the townspeople. They found a nice plce to sit together, and Sirius, Remus and Bill cast warming charms over everybody. Mrs Dalton came over, bringing Ben, who sat with Sirius and Emmy. Harry and Ginny sat on a grassy hill with Teddy and Victoire on either side of them.
Mayor Solomon stepped up to the dais.
"Welcome, friends of Godric's Hollow, Godric's Point and Godric's Bluff, to another All Hallows' Eve. Our town has a proud magical history, going back over a thousand years ago, with the birth of Godric Gryffindor himself. Of course, back then it was a small Muggle village, but as time has gone on, the Muggles moved away and now it is filled with magical folk.. Many notable names have lived here, and are buried in our graveyard. For all the Quidditch fans out there, Bowman Wright lived here when he invented the Golden Snitch, back in the 1300's. Ignotus Peverell, one of the three brothers who are rumoured to be part of the Deathly Hallows lore is buried there too."
Harry and Ginny exchanged looks at this, knowing it was true. Harry took Ginny in his arms and they settled back to listen to more.
Mayor Solomon continued. "One of the most powerful wizards of our time, Albus Dumbledore, and his family moved here, and the great author, Bathilda Bagshot lived here until her death just a few short years ago. Her nephew, Gellert Grindelwald, visited her regularly.
"Of course, our most well known residents are James and Lily Potter. Sadly, on this night in 1981, a dark wizard known as Voldemort, came to our peaceful town and committed two acts of murder. Their love for their son shielded him from harm, but he was taken from our town to be raised by others. Tonight, his fiancee, family and friends join us as we welcome him back. Harry, tonight you have come full circle."
The townspeople applauded, smiling at him. Harry nodded, as a way of thanking them all.
"I mentioned many notable names earlier, but they were mostly for our visitors benefit," smiled Mayor Solomon at Harry's group. "For in our town, there is no-one more special than another. We are all equally important, we all have a say in how the town is run, and we are all here to help each other out when help is needed, or to celebrate in ones good tidings. Whether your name is Harry Potter, Godric Gryffindor or Ned Flanders,"said the Mayor.
Ned grinned as people sitting around him nudged him for being mentioned along with Harry. Harry smiled at him and nodded.
"Likewise, our dearly departed, who lived here and are now buried here, are still important to us as All Hallows Eve, we remember them. This is the night when our dearly departed ones are closest to us than ever since their passing. Tonight, the veil between life and death is open but for a short time. With the old, powerful magic here in Godrics Hollow, tonight we may see them once again.
"What?" asked Sirius and Remus. Harry looked uncertain. Ginny looked hopeful.
Father Dornan stepped up to stand next to Mayor Solomon. "Recently, a great evil was defeated by the most powerful force of all-Love. I ask each of you to look into your hearts and think about someone you love that has departed, someone you would like to see again. Think about that person, what they mean to you." He paused "And now, we wait..."
All turned to look at the graveyard. " Is he saying what I think he's saying?" whispered Sirius to Remus out the corner of his mouth.
Remus shrugged. "What are we looking at?" he asked Sirius.
I don't know. It sounds like-"began Sirius.
"Look it's Granny," cried a little boy, pointing.
"My father, I see my father," cried an older woman in tears.
Ghosts were coming out from the graveyard. Rather than scaring the children, they were eager to see which families would be graced with a visit.
"Mum, Dad?" whispered Harry.
Sirius and Remus drew in their breath. "James, Lily?" Shakily the three men stood. Tonks and Fleur clutched Ginny's arm.
Two ghostly figures made their way over to them. With tears streaming down their face, the three faced the ghosts of James and Lily Potter.
Lily only had eyes for Harry. " Harry, my darling boy, we have missed you every moment of every day."
Harry gulped, barely able to believe his eyes. "I wish I could hug you.".
James smiled at his son. "We know you've done it hard, Son. We know there were times it would have been easy to just give up. Time after time, you did the right thing, not the easy thing. You saw this thing right to the end. I couldn't be more prouder."
"Harry my beautiful son, I'm so sorry for the way the Dursley's treated you. We never wanted you to end up with them," said Lily sadly.
James looked beyond his son to his best friends. "Sirius, thanks for being there for my boy when we couldn't. Harry is as much your son as he is mine. You stepped up for him when I couldn't."
Sirius shook his head, speechless. Emmy put her arm through his in support.
James and Lily then turned to Remus.
"Remus you must let go of the guilt you feel. We each grieve in our own way," said Lily.
"I should have been there for Harry. If I hadn't been so self involved, he would have grown up with me. When Sirius escaped he could have come to me straight away," said Remus, with tears running down his face.
Teddy came to his dad, and Remus picked him up. Teddy patted Remus' face. "Daddy sad?"
Harry didn't know Remus felt so much guilt from so long ago. "Remus, don't feel guilty. We can't change the past, but you have so much to look forward to," said James.
"He's right, you know. Your son needs a strong father who will guide him," said Lily, smiling at Teddy. "And so will your next son."
"Next son?" asked Remus shakily. He looked at Tonks.
"I was going to tell you tomorrow. I know how much this day affects you," said Tonks, patting her stomach.
Remus laughed through his tears and pulled her under his free arm. Teddy grinned at his Mum and put his arm around Remus.
"Mum, Dad, this is Ginny," said Harry, finally remembering his fiancee.
"Hello," said Ginny. "I know this may sound rude, but will you be able to stay for long?"
"Not much longer, I'm afaid," sighed Lily, looking back at Harry.
Ginny turned to Harry. "Harry James Potter, will you marry me, tonight? Right now? In front of your parents, our family and friends, our town?"
All the townspeople held their breath, waiting for his answer.
"Gin, how, I mean, yes, but, how...?" asked Harry.
"I've been planning this for awhile. Go up there with Father Dornan. Give me a couple of minutes," said Ginny, kissing his cheek. She hurried away with Fleur, Emmy and Tonks.
Harry was stunned at what was happening. He looked up to Father Dornan, who smiled and nodded. He quickly got his mind into gear.
"Mum Dad, please, we don't have much time. Come, stand here. Sirius, Remus you too," said Harry. Sirius and Remus stood beside Harry.
Harry climbed the dais and stood next to Father Dornan. "My friends, and honoured guests. Tonight, I invite you to witness our two newest citizens, Harry Potter and Ginny Weasley make the greatest commitment there is. In front of you all, they wish to be wed."
"Oh lovely, I haven't been to a wedding in decades. Usually I just get to see funerals," beamed the ghost of an old woman. Everyone settled down to watch, ghosts included.
A trio of local musicians played as as Ginny was escorted down a makeshift aisle on Arthur's arm. She was wearing a simple white dress and cloak. Adorning her loose fiery hair was Great Great Muriel's tiara. Rose and Rebecca, allowed out of Hogwarts for this special night, were her attendents. She made her way to Harry's side, and looked over, happy to see James and Lily were still there. James winked at her and Lily beamed and nodded.
"Who gives this woman to this man?" asked Father Dornan.
Arthur and the Weasley men stood. "On behalf of my beloved wife, Molly, we do," said Arthur. The Weasley brothers nodded.
"Do you, Harry James Potter, in the presence of us all tonight, take this woman, Ginevra Molly Weasley, to be your wife? Will you honour and respect her? Share her pain and seek to ease it? Share your burdens so that your spirits may grow in this union? Will you share the laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?" asked Father Dornan.
"I do," said Harry.
Father Dornan turned to Ginny. "Do you, Ginevra Molly Weasley, in the presence of us all tonight, take this man, Harry James Potter, to be your husband? Will you honour and respect him? Share his pain and seek to ease it? Share your burdens so that your spirits may grow from this union? Will you share the laughter, and look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?" he asked her.
"I do," said Ginny, her eyes blazing at his. Father Dornan smiled.
"Harry, in the hope that your parents be present tonight, Ginny has prepared her own vows. Ginny?" said Father Dornan.
Harry, you have seen me in my darkest times. You have always supported me, always been there for me. You are my best friend, you are my hero, you are my home, you are my heart. I am the luckiest woman in the world, because you love me. I can't wait to begin our future together as husband and wife. I will love you for eternity." She slipped a ring on his finger, then brought his hand to her mouth and sealed it with a kiss.
Harry was humbled by her vows. He wished he had time to prepare something special to say to her.
"Just speak from your heart, Harry," whispered Father Dornan.
Harry took a breath and nodded. He took her hands in his. "Ginny your love is the greatest gift to me. You lift me up when I am down. With you I am never alone. I have felt your magic- it is pure and good, just like you. You make me so happy. I can't wait to start our new life together. I love you , for eternity." He slipped a ring on that Bill had hastily passed to him. Like Ginny, he lifted her hand and sealed it with a kiss.
A lot of women watching the ceremony sighed. "Harry and Ginny, you have pledged your love for each other in front of friends and family. You have exchanged rings; circles of unending love. Tonight you rid your nightmares of Halloween past and begin your future. By the power granted to me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. Harry, you may kiss your bride."
Harry gathered her into his arms and kissed her passionately. Dimly he heard her brothers whooping and the townspeople cheering. They broke apart as Mayor Solomon stepped up to speak.
"Ladies and gentleman, as this All Hallows' Eve comes to an end, I give you, Mr and Mrs Potter, our new Citizens."
There was a lot of applause. "Congratulations," they yelled.
Suddenly a wind blew through. The ghosts were starting to get called back.
"Mum, Dad," cried Harry, reaching out to them.
James smiled sadly. "Thank you for letting us share your wedding, Son."
"I don't want you to leave," said Harry.
"We're just over there," said James, cocking his head toward the cemetery. "We always enjoy your chats."
"We will return. Not next year, but one day," said Lily, smiling sadly as Harry and Ginny stood before them..
"Besides when the kids come, you'll be too busy to worry about us. Like Remus here," said James.
"How did you know , James?" asked Remus, nodding towards Tonks stomach.
"Let's just say we know what's going to happen to you all in the future. One of the only perks of being dead, really," sighed James.
"Kids? As in, more than one?"asked Harry happily.
"Oh yeah. She's a Weasley, right?"smirked James.
"She happens to be right here, said Ginny huffily.
"Ah, red heads. All that fire and passion,"grinned James to Harry. Sirius chuckled.
"How many kids?" Ginny asks Lily.
"I don't want to say. Might scare you off, dear. But they are all adorable, and a great credit to both you and Harry," said Lily.
"All? All adorable? gasped Ginny, looking increduously at Harry.
"I think Gin's going to be keeping her legs crossed tonight, poor Harry," grinned Remus
"Poor Harry? Look at him, he looks ecstatic at the thought of all those kids. He'll sweet talk Gin, don't you worry," grinned Sirius.
Lily looked around. "We have to go, our time has come. Goodbye, dear friends," said Lily.
"Goodbye Moony, Padfoot. Thank you for being there for Harry," said James, already drifting away.
"Goodbye Ginny. Thank you for the love you share with Harry. It's wonderful to see him unburdened and happy. He is truly free from the horrors of his past," said Lily, smiling at her new daughter-in-law.
"Thank you, Mrs Potter," said a teary Ginny.
Lily shook her head. "Call me Lily. After all, you're now Mrs Potter." Ginny nodded, and stood to the side to let Harry have these last precious moments with his mother.
"Goodbye, Son. Thank you for letting us share something so special with you tonight. You have been the light of our life from the moment we knew you existed. You have made us nothing but proud. We love you so much," said Lily.
"I love you too, Mum, Dad.," said Harry.
"We will return," promised Lily waving as they returned to the cemetery.
The people of Godric's Hollow watched as the last ghost returned to the cemetery. The tears that flowed were tears of happiness.
"Well I wasn't expecting that," said Harry shakily. Sirius and Remus chuckled as he drew Ginny close.
Mayor Solomon spoke again. "Good people of Godric's Hollow, once again, our love and magic has given us a gift tonight. As this All Hallow's Eve celebrations comes to an end, once again we congratulate Mr and Mrs Potter. Thank you and Good Night."
With a last round of cheers and well wishes, the people of Godric's Hollow started to head for their homes.
Harry and Ginny turned to their family and friends who congratulate them before leaving. They in turn congratulated Remus and Tonks. Harry was still in shock by what had happened. Sirius and Emmy were the last to leave. Sirius still couldn't believe he got to see James and Lily. He and Harry embraced before Sirius and Emmy left to return to Grimmauld Place, taking Rose and Rebecca with them. They would return by floo to Hogwarts the next day.
Harry turned to Ginny, a twinkle in his eye. "Alone at last, Mrs Potter!" He wiggled his eyebrows. "Time to begin our honeymoon." He took Ginny in his arms.
"Do you think your Dad spoke the truth, when he said all our children?" asked Ginny.
"I hope so, but not for a while yet. In the meantime..." He scooped her up and carried her over the threshold of their home. He then Apparated her upstairs, "we need to practice."
"Practice for what?" asked Ginny, removing his jumper and tossing it placed a kiss over his heart.
"All those sleepless nights when our kids start coming," he grinned, as he removed her cloak and dress.
They never did get much sleep that night, not that either minded. The new house in Godric's Hollow was quiet for several days. Neighbours twittered as they walked past, knowing their newest citizens were inside, celebrating their honeymoon. The floo was shut, owls hooted as congratulatory messages were rejected and door knocks ignored. Not that any minded, or were surprised.
For Christmas, Ginny gave him a letter from her Midwitch, confirming her pregancy. Harry didn't think life could get any better.
On Valentine's Day, an appointment with her Midwitch confirmed she was carrying twins.