They all flooed back to the Burrow to find an anxious Molly Weasley. Ron got over with the worst part and just told his mum what had happened from their point of view, then Harry added his. Of course this left a frantic Mrs Weasley running around exclaiming how she could have lost one of her babies when Ginny snapped.
'QUIET! Mother please grow up. We are all safe as you can see. They were not after us. We could have told you nothing and left it till tomorrow with the Prophet for you to find out what happened. When the others would not be here, but we told you now because we thought you were able to cope with the information. Have we just been proven wrong?' Ginny stared at her mother with cold defiant eyes.
'Who are you, you are not my daughter, she would never be like this.' Molly clasped a hand over her heart.
Ron answered, 'She is your daughter. This is the fruit that when no one comforted her after her first year ordeal, you remember her being possessed by Voldermort! When no one helped us deal with the lose of a student and later others like Sirus. We have had to deal with fights before, when no one was there to protect us we stood up for ourselves. You have not helped us so we grew up. Now you have to deal with the fact mother.
'You've all changed, and it's not for the better. I don't like this, stop it right now.' Molly childishly said as if it were a bad dream.
'I'm sorry mum, but it is true.' Ginny spoke as she led her to the couch and set her down. 'You may want to protect us by wrapping us up in cotton wool, but in the end your doing more harm than good. What would happen if death eaters attack tonight and you and dad fall instantly and we didn't know how to look after our selves? What would happen mum?' Ginny left the cold truth seep into her mother.
'All I wanted was for you to grow up like a princess. Never to have to fear, or fight for your lives. I wanted you safe and happy.' Molly weeped.
'I'm truly sorry Mrs Weasley, there are no innocents, and no where safe to hind in this war.' Hermione softly commented.
The group left Mrs Weasley on her own with a cup of tea to comfort her, whilst they walked up the stairs into one of the rooms.
'Well played everyone, now it is two ten, I suggest we leave at four for Godrics Hollow before disappearing completely. Neville, Luna you best head of now ok. Ginny, sorry but you are gonna have to stay here for the rest of the summer.' Harry finished after giving his orders. Ron and Hermione smiled at what poor Harry had just done.
'That's ok Harry, I fully understand why I can't be close to you. Idiot! Do you want to try again?' She said poking a finger in his chest.
'but gin'
'Don't oh gin me young man. I am leaving here tonight with or without your permission. I am not playing stupid for another two months while you have all the fun. Do you want to try and stop me?' She said fuming.
'You know you look pretty when your angry, and it's sexy as well.' Harry said smiling, further irritating Ginny to the point wind whirled around her to which Harry answered with a kiss, as sweet and gentle he could and soon the wind died down and they were floating. When they stopped the enamoured kiss and returned to the ground Luna asked the question.
'Did you two know you were floating in the air?'
'Pardon?' they answered together.
'Oh no, they are at that stage. She best come with us definitely now.' Ron observed.
'Why'? they both spoke again, they looked at each other and laughed at the comical side to it.
Luna spoke in one go. 'Ginny, Harry, you two while kissing were floating in mid air, as to the reason of why Ginny has to come now, well can you imagine it for anyone near her, she will moody, grumpy and violent and as Harry feels Toms moods, you two, will be able to feel each others moods in a way indescribable. That's why you're doing that thing.'
Harry looked at Luna as did Ginny with shock and awe.
Harry started, 'Luna neither of us cast a spell'
'so how could we be floating and to top it off,'
'we don't feel what the other feels.'
Hermione interrupted the duet. 'Really? Then explain the finishing each others sentences. Ginny I suggest that tonight you and Harry practice your mind shields.'
At that moment Hedwig flamed into the room and landed on Ginny's shoulder.
The Phoenix sung a long slow trill. The reason they are acting like this is because their magic is reacting the way it is supposed to. They are not Soul mates but they complete each other. After Harry saved her from the beast all those years ago, she had a wizard dept to him, unspoken and unknown. It is known that if two people where one owes the other a debt and falls in love with them completely and the hero also is in love with the victim then the debt acts as a means of sealing their love for eternity.
'So you're saying that the floating was a sign from the debt sealing them together in love.' Hermione observed.
Yes
'Do they get any extra abilities or loss any abilities?' Ron asked.
They lose the ability to cheat on each other as the debt works both ways when dealing with love. They do get to feel each other's moods and in some respects it will help casting easier when thinking of each other. Hedwig's trill ended.
'Thank you girl. That was most informative, could you wait at Godrics Hollow tonight for Alastor, then bring him to us please?' Harry said in disbelieve about the whole situation.
Ginny playfully teased Harry, 'that's you finished with your harem of one night stands Mr Potter, your all mine now.' She said smiling.
Luna and Neville left by walking down the path towards Luna's home. Once there, they flamed to the lair, her father never taking notice of her coming and going. It was the last time they would see her father alive.
At two o'clock, the four members gathered in the kitchen, Mrs Weasley couldn't see Ginny as she was invisible through the use of Harry's cloak.
'Just be careful ok, if you see death eaters just run please.' She told them.
The others just nodded subserviently just to keep her happy. They all flooed to the Leaky Cauldron once more and entered muggle London, but not for long as Harry took his wand out and raised it like hailing a cab. The Night Bus exploded into view ten yards down the road and coming to a stop just next to Harry and company. The doors opened to reveal a happy Ernie.
'Hello Mr Potter, where do you want to go?' Ernie spoke to the customer, the conductor was shocked as Ernie never spoke to any of the fares.
'Hi Ernie, good news about Stan hey? Erm Godrics Hollow if you please.'
'Ah yes, you'd be wanting to see that. I'll tell Stan you are thinking of him. Now come on in and hold on.' He said waving them in. Once they were all in including Ginny, the bus launched down the road then next second it was winding down a country road and coming to a stop.
Ernie turned around in his seat to see the teenagers all holding on for dear life. 'Here we are. Hope you settle some things.'
Harry pulled out and gave Ernie two gallons. 'For the fare and promptness Ernie and thank you.' Harry and the others stepped off. They didn't notice or hear a mutter from the back of the bus where no one was to be seen. If Neville had been with them, then they would know that Tonks was on board under an invisibility cloak under orders from the ministry to guard the bus. Well they would more importantly know that she had just tripped over her feet and fallen flat on her face at the back as she tried to see where they were as no one in the Order knew what the boy was doing.
The bus disappeared in a bang and left the four visitors out in the open. Ron asked the question.
'What's the plan mate'
'Grave and house. Just need to make my peace really.' Harry said and he received a gentle affirmation that he was not alone from Ginny squeezing his shoulder. 'Shall we get going.' He said.
Ten minutes walk later they arrived at a church and entered, Hermione went off to look inside the church, while the others looked around the grave site.
Ron exclaimed, 'The muggles sure do keep their dead long, I mean this guy, David Blunkett died in 1689, look here it reads "the world may never see his likes again" I mean what's that mean.'
'It means he was unique Ron.' Harry said.
Later Hermione came out with the Vicar. 'Harry this is the reverent here, he has been here for twenty five years.'
'Thanks Hermione.' He said and turned to the vicar. 'Sir my name is..'
'Harry Potter, my I remember baptising you in the font indoors. Quite as anything, I thought you perished in the fire?' he reminisced. While Ginny was laughing under the cloak at the fact it seemed everyone knew of Harry.
'Some people rescued me that night of the fire and took me to my aunt and uncle. Not the nicest people.' Harry informed the vicar.
'Oh I am sorry, so tell me what can I do to help you?'
'Well I'm looking for my parent's grave, no ones ever let me visit them before. I just want to …I don't know. All I know is I feel I should see them at least once.' Harry spoke.
'I understand, my parents were taken from me by Kray twins gang, I never got to know them, I went to visit their grave for ….well its like you say. You cant describe it really.' The vicar said walking through the cemetery and around the graves until in one dark secluded corner a little grave was set up.
'This is your families resting place, supposedly a Potter has always been present in the cemetery from before 1066. So you have quite a family history let me tell you and your home well its still sat by the lake, but none of us seem to be able to get close to it, even just to enjoy the parkland. There are rumours that there is a large creature that stalks the grounds at night, but no one has ever seen it.'
They stood before a large head stone baring the legend, 'We stand for what is right and we fight for it.'
'After the fire at the game keepers cottage, where your parents were found, well we all thought well maybe they did fight in their own way for the country. You could tell with the look in their eye….much like the same in yours. Oh I'm so sorry.' The vicar said after seeing the eyes truly before him.
'Its not your fault sir, life deals us a lot, we either deal with it or get out.' Hermione said.
The vicar chuckled. 'My, what fate fortune wheel turns. I once said the same thing miss, I will you all luck on your mission. I will leave you in your families care Lord Potter.' The vicar bowed his head and left.
Harry turned to the others, 'do you want to check out what he means by this house by the lake and the creature?'
Ginny squeezed his hand, 'remember we are only a thought away if you need us.'
'take care please, I don't want to loose you gin.' Harry whispered into her ear.
The gang left Harry alone by the family head stone, he sat down on the stone seat before the grave.
'I don't know what to say mum, dad. I don't want to swear vengeance, I don't want to spend my life fighting. I found this girl I love, you just saw her, the red head, her names Ginny and I love her. I really do, it scares me at times. I want to ask her, but I'm scared. I want to raise a happy family not fight for my life or a war that's pointless. Funny really, you sacrificed yourselves for sixteen years of peace and prosperity, now its all going down the drain hole.'
Harry bent his head over, his hands seizing the air in, he stared at his hands and forced them open to reveal them shacking. 'I've killed people, I don't like it, but it's the only way, pacifism has failed. I've shown the others how to kill and they do it. I don't think they enjoy it, I think its only our friendship that saves us from our nightmares.' Tears rolling down his check. 'How can I look at my children and promise them it will be all alright, they will always be safe. There will always be some maniac threatening our way of life, where does it end?' He sat there in silence for some time before raising his head.
'you can come out you know.'
'I shouldn't have pried but …' the vicar said trailing off. 'you know you can come to me. I may be a muggle but I do understand. Don't look so surprised, it was me that married your mum and dad. Your mum wanted a proper one, not a 'weird wizard one' as your mum put it.' A smile appeared on the vicars face of happy times remembered. 'They were great people, your father had much the same worries you do now. He ran to hide you from the war, it didn't work.' The vicar sat down by Harry on the stone bench, tears flowing down his checks.
The vicar continued, 'you may not know it, or remember it, but they loved you so much. They gave up their way of living for you. Their friends and family to keep you safe and they sacrificed themselves for you, if anyone told you your parents don't love you, then they never knew your parents. Your dad is proud of you, you face the challenges like a man, you wish for peace and you have a woman you love. You best get to your friends before the Griffin's do, I know they makes nasty work of burglars. Don't harm them, they are loyal to your blood, as soon as they scent it they should guard you. Remember I am always here, even if you need someone to talk to. You're not the first and you wont be the last to have these thought. But it is a comfort knowing there are others out there thinking the same.' The vicar gave Harry a nod and left.
Hermione, Ron and Ginny should have had an easy time right? Walking down a path towards a huge beautiful house when two Griffin's appeared in front of them snarling and snapping.
'What did Hagrid say about Griffin's?' Ron asked.
'He didn't, we only dealt with Thestrals, maybe if we show them respect.' Hermione interrupted, her nerves showing in her voice.
The Griffin's stalked forwards, the gang backing up to find two more blocking their escape.
'oh bollocks' Ron said in regret.
A green flame burst out next to them and Harry emerged and walked towards the house and directly to the biggest Griffin. He stopped and stared into the Griffins eyes before Harry declared aloud, 'This is my land, I am a Potter, and these are my friends, they are with me.' Harry then walked towards the house and found a whole herd of Griffins. Most ignored him, the larger ones he could have sworn, bow to him. The rest of the gang trailed after Harry, fearful that at any moment they would be torn apart by these vicious beasts. Harry got through the front door and ushered in the others, once in he closed the door.
'Well I think I can safely say that was intense.' Harry said leaning against the door. Ginny rushed to him and wrapped her arms around him, happy they were all safe.
'Well we are at the Potter family house, let us see what there is.' Harry said. Ron and Hermione went off in one direction with each other while Harry and Ginny went in the other direction.
After some walking Harry grew restless, 'What is it love?' Ginny asked with concern.
'This isn't right, this isn't where they died, I need to see where they stood up to that monster, and this place is far too nice. I don't understand.' Harry said.
'Well lets go to the hollow then, see what you need to see.' Ginny said supporting Harry all the way.
'Thanks babe.'
They flamed to the game keeper's cottage and it wasn't some tiny cosy cottage, it was a large Tudor style cottage. They walked amongst the scars of the fire, rooms still sooty and the smell of carbon and dust think in the air. They both just continued walking around and just looking in silence at the home this obviously was. They came across the nursery and found little to help. Harry just stood there with Ginny's hand in his.
'This is where mum fell. She died right here.' Harry said with solemn in his voice. 'Ginny?' Harry turned around to her. 'I love you, you know? I don't want our kids living in the fear we have had to grow up with, don't get me wrong, we can train them to deal with this sort of shit but I don't want them growing up alone. I can't loose you!' it was the second time that day he cried and he lept into Ginny's welcoming arms. A tear sparkling in Ginny's eye. 'Don't be afraid Harry, I trust you. I know everything will work out just right with us. After all I cant loose you either, I couldn't cope with out you.'
They just stayed there in each others embrace. Something in Harry's mind clicked. The vicar, he wasn't talking just about death and sorrow when saying others had been through what he was going through, after all he was talking about Ginny just before.
'Ginny, I know it seems a bit rushed and all, you don't have to say anything, but just know….' Harry knelt on one knee. 'It would be my honour if you would be my lady at my sides for all time.' He said holding her hand. 'Sorry to say I don't have a ring but when I get to Gringotts I will pull a fortune out to find the perfect ring for you my love.'
Ginny couldn't believe it, harry had just asked her to marry him. 'Yes,' she whispered in return. 'I accept Mr Potter and no ring is needed when I have you to prove to everyone I am in love.' She pulled him up and kissed him soundly.
Hermione and Ron were still exploring the house when they encountered a house elf, a young one. Ron started with, 'excuse me, who is the house keeper of the house of Potter?'
The poor child had never seen a human before except in portraits and so had run off scared.
'What did I say?' Ron asked a smiling Hermione.
'Nothing Ron, absolutely nothing.' She said and turned to face a house elf that had just popped in.
'How can I be helping you?' the elf asked.
'We are here with Harry Potter, we were just looking to ask someone for a breakdown of the house, like how many Griffins are outside, number of staff all these things.' Hermione asked politly.
'Master Harry is here?' the house elf popped away, when she returned she had another five house elves including the young one they saw earlier. The eldest one spoke, 'we have been waiting for Master Harry to come home for some time.'
'Excuse me, are you telling me in the sixteen years of Voldermorts disappearance, no one has been here?' Hermione asked.
'That is correct miss.' A female house elf spoke up.
Ron called to Ginny and Harry to get here and just like that they flamed into the view of everyone present. Harry and Ginny stood together holding hands looking at the house elves with thought.
Harry asked, 'I don't know how my parents or Grandparents treated you but I will not harm any of you. If you wish I would like you still to work for me and my family.' He said squeezing Ginny's hand. Harry observed they wore the typical rags. 'Further more, no one is to wear those clothes, we are equal and so I would not expect one of my friends to wear that, so why should you.' Harry was on a role for Spew by starting at home. 'you are not fired or releaved or released from service for any reason unless you are unhappy with the situation or I am unhappy with what you have done.' Harry stopped to smile at this point. 'Trust me I don't expect much, I don't expect all of you to be running around madly all the time. Now are they any questions you wish to ask me?' he opened the floor.
The youngest elf raised its voice, 'when is the wedding?'
Ron and Hermione exchanged looks of disbelief, there was no ring on either of their finger they were confused until Ginny informed them that Harry had asked her while at Godrics Hollow and that she had accepted.