Thanks to those who reviewed as well as those who are following this fic... It's given me all happy's inside...
I hope you all enjoy this update.
Oh and me don't own anything... well, except for Briohny... gotta own one Mary Sue, right?
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Chapter 2: The Mystery Letter
After an extremely satisfying helping of breakfast, Ginny made her way towards her room, only to bump into a sleepy eyed Hermione.
"Ginny, what are you doing here? Molly said you and Charlie wouldn't be here until lunch time!" Hermione said, reaching her arms to hug her best friend.
"Good to see you too, fatso. So how is that brother of mine treating you and mini Weasley?"
Hermione grinned widely and rubbed her protruding belly slowly, "Ron's been wonderful. He'll sit up with me if I've been having back pains and rub my back and feet. And he doesn't mind my weird cravings, especially when I'm feeling up for-" Hermione paused and blushed.
Ginny shuddered and rolled her eyes, "Yeah, I get it Hermione. I swear this family going to drive me insane one day. I mean, you'd think there'd be a thing as too much information, but not in this family, apparently."
"Sorry, I'm finding myself doing that often, actually. I embarrassed your mother a couple of days ago. I'm blaming it on hormones and the Weasley genes that have embedded in my uterus."
"That's right, blame it on the jeans." Ron replied before placing a kiss upon his wife's forehead, "Hey Ginny, what are you doing here so early?"
"Charlie was getting excited about having a 'real breakfast' so left pretty much after we woke up." Ginny answered casually.
"So mum's already got breakfast ready?" Ron answered distractingly as he sniffed the air.
A small quirk of a lip was enough to answer Ron's question, causing him to run quickly down the stairs and into the kitchen.
Hermione folded her arms and smiled as she watched her husband, "He hasn't changed, you'd swear I never feed him." Turning back to Ginny, Hermione frowned as she saw a quick glance of the sad look on her face, "Ginny, are you OK?"
Ginny sighed heavily and shook her head once. After a few moments of silence, Ginny bit her lip slightly before clearing her throat, "Do you think about him, I mean what he would be doing if was still here?"
"All the time. Especially lately now that I'm expecting. Ron and I would of loved to have him as the Godfather but I -" Hermione stopped and composed herself as the tears flowed down her flushed cheeks, "-I guess we can't have everything, right?"
Hermione grinned in spite of herself as Ginny's arms wrapped around her, she too crying as the sorrow peaked through her steely appearance. Ginny felt comfort talking to her sister-in-law about Harry as Hermione had always been there through her darkest moments. Even though both women lived in different countries and had demanding jobs, they found time to keep up to date with each other, communicating by floo and owls but it was never the same as seeing one another face to face and in the flesh. With a quick squeeze, Ginny broke away from Hermione and breathed deeply, plastering her usual smile back across her face when she heard her mother call everyone's name for breakfast.
"We can talk about this later."
"Yeah, I'd like that but I guess you better go down for breakfast before mum has kneazles. Wouldn't be surpised if there's nothing left though."
"Tell me about it, I'd swear Ron's the one eating for two, not me!" Hermione replied cheerfully as she dragged Ginny down to the ground floor. Ginny grinned as she took in the scene of several red heads, a blonde with a girl with strawberry blonde beside her and two brunettes, all helping themselves to the amazing amount of food that seemed to cover the whole table. She was surprised that even Percy had even apparently stayed the night at his family home, something that hadn't gone unnoticed by George.
"You sure you want to eat with us second class citizens? We could lower your social stature in the wizarding community, you know." said George jokingly as he lent over to pick up another sausage.
"I'm never going to live down what happened all those years ago with the ministry." Percy replied with a sigh of indamnation.
"Not at all, dear brother." George said with a grin as he picked up a piece of bacon from his girlfriend, Angelina's plate. "Plus I love to watch you squirm."
Percy pushed his glasses up and cleared his throat, once again letting out a sigh "How you and Ron could never become outstanding businessmen is beyond my realm of comprehension."
"Boys, start acting like adults and stop acting like children. And eat up your eggs before they get cold. Hermione; pull up a chair dear and help yourself before all the men eat your share. Ginny dear, are you alright?" Molly frowned.
"How many times do I have tell you I'm fine mum? Really, I'm peachy."
Molly stared back at Ginny as if inspecting her appearance then without realising Ginny had already had several helpings of food before hand and was feeling extremely full, shovelled two more heaped spoonfuls of scrambled eggs onto a plate and passed them over to Ginny, "If you say so dear but-"
Mrs Weasley suddenly became distracted by a strange barn owl flying straight to her window. Opening it slowly, the owl landed upon the sill and held out it's leg for Molly to remove the tiny letter from it's leg. Unscrolling the letter and reading it slowly, Molly gasped and called her husband over to read the letter. Arthur eyes ran over the letter a couple of times before shoving it quickly into his pocket and grabbing his wife's hand.
"What iz the matter Molly?" Fleur broke the silence as she wrapped her slender hand around her daughter's shoulders.
Arthur looked quickly at his wife before rubbing his temple firmly, "Molly and I have to go to Hogwarts for a moment. Nothing to worry about."
"Are you sure, is everything fine there?" Bill asked.
"Of course, dear. Professor McGonagall just needs our oppinion. We'll be back in a couple of hours." Molly answered as she grabbed her cloak and swung it quickly around herself. Molly then turned quickly before leaving the house, "Eat up all of you before breakfast gets cold, we'll be back for the gathering."
Ginny turned to face Hermione as she heard two disapparation pops echo through the air, "What do you think that's about?"
"I'm sure it's nothing major, Molly would of said something if it was." Hermione replied before a forkful of eggs covered in orange juice entered her mouth.
"Yeah, I guess..."
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Back at Hogwarts
A small group of Order members stood impatiently at the door way of the Hospital wing, all thinking to themselves if the letters they had received had been true. Molly, who was ocasionally comforted by Arthur, paced up and down the hall as her mind raced at the possibility of such an occurance.
"Molly, can you stop that, you're making me feel sick." Arthur finally said, asperated.
"I can't Arthur, what if it really is him, I mean how can it be possible? What if-"
"It will be fine Molly, I'm sure of it." Arthur smiled kindly at his wife.
A frown crossed appeared upon Molly's face before she continued her pacing, "How can you be sure it will-"
Molly stopped suddenly by a large cough that came from Kingsley, causing her to turn quickly to find McGonagall smiling back at the group, which had been an extremely rare sight to be seen.
"Is it true Minerva? Is it really him?" Molly asked hopefully.
"We assume so but I just need to make sure it's truly him."
"What do you mean?"
"What I mean, Arthur, is the boy has no memory of who he is. Apart of his obvious appearance and his acknowledgement of Professor Dumbledore, we were unsure whether this young men could of even been a wizard. That's why I asked all of you here to confirm his identity."
"Why isn't Ron and Hermione here? Wouldn't they of been perfect to figure out who he is?" Kingsley asked.
McGonagall sighed tiredly, "No Minister, I thought, with Hermione's condition, it would of be prudent to confirm his identity before they see him. If it isn't him, which I'm sure it is, the shock may of done more harm then good."
"Very understandable. Now, can we see him?" Molly asked as she itched to open the door.
A nod was all the group needed for them to burst into the Hospital wing. Kingsley turned to McGonagall, his deep toned voice soothing yet commanded attention, "Do you really believe this boy is Harry, have you ever thought it could be a disguise?"
"I have and we're in the process of making sure it's not a disguise, but I wouldn't mind an Aurors oppinion, Minister."
"I could do that and it's Kingsley, Minerva, how many times to I have to tell you?." Kingsley answered back with a smile. McGonagall nodded back as she followed Kingsley into the room to where the young man was laying in bed. In the chair beside the bed sat a tired looking Briohny who had been talking idly to the suspected Harry until she was bombarded with a group of people who gasped in shock. Briohny eyes widened as one of those gasps, came from the Minister for Magic himself.
"Minister! What are you doing here?" Briohny asked as she looked from each of the faces.
"Harry? Dear, I can't believe it, we thought you were dead!" Molly asked, walking straight past the young woman to Harry's bedside. She looked into his confused eyes behind the makeshift glasses and then hugged him tightly as her tears of happiness began to flow.
"Do I know you people?" Harry asked, even his tone of voice had a confused note to it. Harry pushed the clingy Molly off him and looked around again at the unfamiliar group, "Honestly, am I supposed to know any of you because at the moment I'm drawing a blank, sorry."
"Oh Harry!" Molly hugged him around his neck again, cutting off a bit of circulation to his brain, "Dear, we wouldn't expect you to remember us after what you've been through. What have you been through all these years, can you remember anything?"
"Molly, I think you're sufficating him." Kingsley informed her.
A loud gasp came from the direction of Harry who stared blankly at Kingsley, "Thanks for that, umm?"
"My name is Kinsley Shacklebolt and red headed couple is Molly and Arthur Weasley. Does any of our names ring a bell?" Kingsley asked in his deep voice.
"Vaguely but not really." Harry replied. "I think I heard the matron mention something to that teacher."
"Don't worry dear, we'll all help you with that. Oh Ron and Hermione will be so happy to see you, not to mention Ginny." Molly squealed happily as her tears ran freely down her cheeks.
"Ginny?"
"Do you recognise that name?" Kingsley asked.
"It sounds very familiar. Briohny, you haven't mentioned that name have you?" Harry asked.
Briohny stepped back into view then shook her head, "Sorry mate, that name's too random for even me to mention."
Molly smiled kindly at the young Auror then hugged Harry for the third time while Kingsley and McGonagall walked up to Briohny. "It's Briohny, right? What happened?" Kingsley asked.
"I was patrolling when I heard a scream then saw a flash of light just a bit past midnight, Minister. I went to inspect when I saw him laying at the edge of the forest. I can't explain it."
McGonagall turned quickly to Kingsley, "Could this have anything to do with the anniversary?"
Kingsley nodded his head slowly, "Probably. No one ever knew what was shot at Harry and no one knew who the wizard was. I'd bet a million galleons that even he didn't know what spell he shot at Harry."
"So you think it's him?" Briohny asked.
"Still not sure. I believe he should be watched, just in case. At least for the next couple of days, even after we've tested him."
"I'll see what teachers I can keep watch over him. I'm sure Neville would be more than willing to do the first shift." McGonagall answered.
"Have you informed anyone else about this, Briohny?" Kingsley asked.
Briohny shook her head and lowered it, ready to be reprimanded, "No sir, didn't think I should. Dawlish was asking about why I wasn't on my post when he came to relieve me and I just gave him the brush off by telling him something about cramps. I thought best to keep it quiet for the time being. Was that ok?"
Kingley let out a laugh, causing Briohny's head to raise slightly. "It is. Now since you've done the first shift, I think you should get some rest, I'll be needing you to help guard."
"Yes sir. I better say goodnight to him, then." Briohny said as they turned back to Harry's bedside. "Harry, look mate I think I might go and get some rest, I'm buggered." Harry gave Briohny a pleading look as if to tell her not to leave him with these strange people. Smiling, Briohny nodded and took a seat on the bed next to his, "I guess I could just have a nap here if that's ok."
"Of course you can Miss McAllister." Poppy said as she came out from her office, "Harry, do you feel up to some breakfast, I'm sure Kreacher would be more than happy to get you something."
Harry nodded slightly, way too hungry to figure who or what Kreacher was, frowning again when Molly hugged him once more.
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The Burrow had become unusually quiet as everyone had gathered in the lounge room as they waited impatiently of news from their parents. Ginny had a sickly feeling that something major had happened but was unsure of to what extent. Finally two large cracks could be heard coming from the yard at the Burrow, causing her to jump up quickly to make her way towards her parents, stopping abruptly when she noticed the large smile that was plastered permeantly upon her mothers face. Once Arthur reached Ginny, he smiled broadly and swung his arm around her shoulder as if to direct her to the kitchen. Once inside, Arthur called Ron and Hermione to join himself, Molly and Ginny in the kitchen as he had some news for them. Tilting his head off to the side, Ron followed his wife into the room and looked apprendsively at his parents.
"Don't worry son, it's good news." Arthur smiled as he helped Hermione to her seat.
"Well, what is it?" Ginny said hastely.
Grinning widely, Molly moved closer to her husband, waiting him to finally tell them all the good news. Arthur nodded and glanced at each of the people in the room. "Now I know that this may sound quite unbelievable, we were sceptic ourselves until we saw with our own eyes but-"
"Get on with it Dad." Ron butted in.
Without even an acknowledgement of his son's words Arthur continued, "What I mean to say is Harry's alive."
"WHAT THE?" a loud voice yelled that sounded distinctly like George's, coming from the next room.
"How - how can this be?" Hermione stuttered as she sunk down lower into her chair as the shock hit her.
"We aren't sure yet dear but we are certain it's him. The only difference from when he disappeared is the fact that he is missing his scar and he looks seven years older. Not to mention he has lost his memory." Molly said as she wrapped her arms around her daughter - in - law.
"So he can't remember anything?" Ron asked.
"He recognised Dumbledore's name and he when Molly mentioned your name, Ginny, it must of tweaked something in his memory as well." Arthur replied, wiping his glasses clean.
"This better not be a joke because if it is then it's in poor taste." Ginny finally said acidly.
Arthur sighed and placed his large hand upon Ginny's shoulder, "Once you see him you'll realise it's Harry."
"It could be a Death Eater in disguise. I mean Barty Crouch Jnr was able to get away with impersonating Moody for nearly a year." Hermione piped in, her voice sounding oddly weak.
"Professor McGonagall has thought of that. I think that's why they have planned to have someone on guard. Anyhow, if someone came across some of Harry's hair then they would turn into a seventeen year old version of him with the scar." answered Arthur.
"If that was why you took off to Hogwarts then why weren't any of us asked?" Ron asked, frowning.
Finally taking a seat, Molly smiled then glanced towards Hermione, "I believe dears, Professor McGonagall was a bit worried about Hermione's state at the moment."
Standing up suddenly, startling the rest of the occupants in the room, Ginny started to make her way off to the yard.
"Ginny, what in Merlin's name is wrong?" Arthur asked.
Sighing, Ginny turned back around to face her worried parents, "Well if Harry really is alive then I'd rather to be at Hogwarts then sitting around discussing the technicalities. And if it isn't Harry, I want to be there to hit the horrible prat with the most powerful curse I have myself" Then with a quick flick of her hair, Ginny apparated straight to Hogsmeade.
Ginny's heart thumped quicker and quicker as she made her way to the gates of Hogwarts, causing her throat to dry at each step. Once she arrived at the gate she paced up and down until Filth grumbly made his way to open it. By the time he unlocked the gates, Ron, Hermione and her parents had arrived. A clear look of complete shock was written across Hermione's face which was mingled with a slight frown that conveyed the fact that she was trying to sort of the possibility of such a phenomenon while Ron seemed to look as though he was about to be sick. Ginny tried in vain to think positively about the fact that it could possibily be Harry but dark thoughts of death and destruction from a time she would rather forget crept into her mind.
It wasn't long before the group made their way to the familiar doors of the Hospital Ward in Hogwarts, a place that the three of them had spent several various visits in. Ginny paused at the threshold, unsure she wanted to put her heart through more breaking but was comforted by a queasy but well meant smile from her older brother, something that finally put a smile across her face for the first time since she had heard the news of Harry. Taking a deep breath, Ginny followed slowly after Ron and Hermione but quickened her pace when she heard a loud gasp from Hermione. When Ginny made her way up bed, she too gasped quietly and shook her head while stepping back, still in disbelief. There, laying in hospital clothes was an older looking Harry, rounding his eyes at the arrival at more unknown guests. Ginny barely could hear the small stuttered interogation from Hermione, who seemed to have collapsed against the bed where a red haired woman was trying to rest and was unable to pull herself up as her husband was too busy gaping widely like a stunned mullet. Frowning, Harry got out of bed and helped Hermione to the chair closest to the bed then glanced across at Ron who had continued to imitate a codfish. Rolling his eyes at another group of strange people his eyes finally came across Ginny who was shaking her head violently. Momentatily stymied at the beauty of this new arrival, Harry was shocked when Ginny began to beat her fists across his chest.
"WHO THE HELL ARE YOU? DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS FUNNY, HUH?"
Grabbing Ginny by her wrists to stop her from hurting him, Harry sighed and looked at the chocolate coloured eyes of his newest arrival. He then pushed Ginny back into the arms of her father then frowned heavily. "Don't bloody well ask me, I have no idea! They seem to think I'm a guy by the name of Harry but that name doesn't ring any bells to me."
"Don't give me that story, you can't be Harry." Ginny replied quickly before a tear began to run down her cheek. "You just can't be."
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Hope you all enjoyed... R&R peoples... constructive criticism is more than welcome... Oh and about the spelling and grammar... I'm currently working on an old computer that doesn't have Office so no spell check or grammar check... Am hoping to rectify it soon... so bare with me!!!
Cheers!!!
Zoe