CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR: END OF THE YEAR
Crimson light streaked across the sky subsiding into velvety blackness. A warm breeze settled the night making into beautiful evening across the entire British Isles. Harry Potter was stood on the top tower contemplating his future and just admiring the simple beauty of the heavens. He wore rich red breeches and calf-length boots. He wore a tunic of rich red, over that he wore a cloak of velvety crimson sparkling silver at the sides. His hair had been flattened and his eyes sparkled. He also wore the sword of Gryffindor and perched his left gloved hand on the hilt.
"I didn't think you would get married for at least another ten years," Ron's deep voice came from behind him. He turned to his best friend and best man to find the redhead smiling.
"Neither did I but then I didn't think I would have a son, two boys," Harry said, "with a girl on the way plus be ten years older,"
"It's been a strange year," Ron chuckled leaning against the battlements, "You've changed,"
"As have you Ron, you've matured and grown," Harry replied.
"The love of a good woman," He laughed outright Harry joining him.
"Aye I never suspected you and Kristen getting together,"
"She's so patient with me, I'm glad to have her. I never suspected Draco and Ginny getting together let alone me accepting it," Ron mused.
"I don't know I had an inkling of an idea but she seemed to be too interested in me," Harry said.
"Oh well if Mum and Dad can accept him then I certainly can," He sighed.
"How are your parents?" Harry now asked.
"We all wish Charlie could be here, he was young and Mum has taken it particularly hard,"
"Charlie was great, I always felt close to him. Have you got somewhere to stay?" asked Harry.
"Well Mum and Dad have been staying at Hogwart's temporarily but no I don't where we're going to live during the summer,"
"Well why don't you come live with me?" Harry exclaimed, " Gryffin Eyrie is a large mansion near a small village in Norfolk, it's going to be busy with Josh, Adam, Gwen, Hermione and our daughter but your family is more than welcome,"
"We'll speak to my Parent's and see what they think," Ron seemed quite animated, "How's Hermione?"
" I spoke to her today, she's actually missing Neville since he was attacked," Harry returned a little guardedly, " She's told me they had just started going out,"
"Oh wow 'Mione and Nev, that I didn't see coming," Ron said, "This year has been a tester for us all,"
"It isn't over yet," Harry said nervously turning away and looking at the night school, "I don't know Ron, what if I muck up or faint?"
"I've never known you to be nervous," said Ron awed, "This wedding has got you really shaken,"
"It has indeed," replied Harry and the two fell into companionable silence looking out upon the heavens each lost in their own thoughts. With two hours to go to the wedding Harry couldn't stop thinking of what would happen if he messed up.
"Well time to go, you need to greet a few people,"
The pair joked and talked on their way back into the main part of Hogwart's seeing friends and family milling around outside the Great Hall some taking their seats. A white pavilion had been set up with Albus Dumbledore acting as minister, as he stood at the altar looking pleased talking to Remus who stood at the front. Just like a church the pews were set out and whole hall had been decked out in white, nearly half the school sat in the back of the seats while family and friends sat at the front of the hall.
"Harry," Minerva McGonagall came up pulling the young man into an embrace almost crying on his shoulder. Ron winked at him and walked towards the front of the Great Hall.
"Minerva, I'm glad someone who was once close to my parents could be here," Harry said patting her awkwardly. She stepped back sniffed once then looked more businesslike.
"Harry I just wanted a quick word," She said.
"Oh?"
"Riley Monahan, well after you killed his father I found out that his mother was killed by Death Eater's, he has no other family," she looked at him.
"You want me to take in another stray?" Harry asked.
"Well all the paperwork is filled in, you need to just sign," McGonagall said awkwardly somewhat hopefully.
"Of course Minerva, he's a little rascal," Harry said, "But I'm sure I can fit him in the madhouse,"
"He's going to be particularly sensitive, he doesn't know about his mother," She said.
"I'll speak to him before we leave," Harry assured the deputy Headmistress and bid her a farewell.
Harry moved to the front of the Great Hall smiling and greeting people as he passed until he stepped up to the altar where Albus Dumbledore stood. Harry took his place next to Ron, Adam and Josh was on the other side of the Redhead. The Weasley Family, Hermione, and Remus were all sat on Harry's side. Then Music began to play and Guinevere came up the aisle, some gasped and ahhhed the bride. She wore a beautiful white dress that spread out and was held by Rayne. Her bulge was prominent as was her thousand-watt smile barely concealed beneath the white veil. Her Father King Rivern, splendid in emerald green, held his daughters arm. They stopped an arm's length back.
" We are gathered here today to celebrate one of life's greatest moments, to give recognition to the worth and beauty of love," Dumbledore began, " and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Harry James Potter and Guinevere Ibania Rivern Alyrdrial in marriage.
"Should there be anyone who has cause why this couple should not be united in marriage, they must speak now or forever hold their peace?"
Silence followed and Rivern took the finals steps with his daughter. Dumbledore proceeded.
"Who is it that brings this woman to this man?" Dumbledore asked.
"I do," Rivern's voice boomed in the Great Hall then Rivern stepped back and the groom took the bride'-to-be's hand. Harry squeezed her hand and Gwen smiled at him.
"Harry James Potter and Guinevere Ibania Rivern Alyrdrial, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage - as they do to every relationship at one time or another - focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong," Dumbledore continued, "This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.
"Harry James Potter do you take Guinevere Ibania Rivern Alyrdrial to be your Wife?" Dumbledore asked.
"I do" Harry responded firmly
"Do you promise to love, honour, cherish and protect her, forsaking all others and holding only unto her forevermore?"
"I do" Harry replied.
"Guinevere Ibania Rivern Alyrdrial do you take Harry James Potter to be your Husband?
"I do" She answered a huge smile on her face
"Do you promise to love, honour, cherish and protect him, forsaking all others and holding only unto him forevermore?"
"I do" again she replied.
" Please present the ring to the groom," Dumbledore stated, Ron moved forward handing a beautiful ring to Harry, "I believe you have chosen your own vow for the next part,"
"Guinevere Ibania Rivern Alyrdrial, I take you to be my lawfully wedded wife. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you, as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life," Harry said looking directly into Gwen's eyes, "With this ring, I take you as my wife, for as long as we both shall live,"
With these words he placed the ring gently on her wedded finger on her right hand. He smiled and Dumbledore again spoke looking at Kristen.
"If you could present your ring to the Bride," Kristen stepped forward in a plain white gown matching Gwen's dress, she handed a ring to her.
"Harry James Potter I take you to be my lawfully wedded husband. Before these witnesses I vow to love you and care for you as long as we both shall live. I take you, with all your faults and strengths, as I offer myself to you with all my faults and strengths. I will help you when you need help, and turn to you when I need help. I choose you as the person with whom I will spend my life," She placed the ring on Hurry's hand as she spoke, "With this ring, I take you as my husband, for as long as we both shall live,"
"With the Union of Man and woman we must never forget the Children that become part of one family so I would like Joshua Timothy Potter and Adam Michael Potter to step forward, would the bride and groom please present these two children with a token of your love so that you all may become one as a unified family," Josh stepped up to Harry as the oldest and bent forward slightly, Harry took a chain with a metal griffin upon and placed it over the young man's head. He stepped back and Adam moved up to Gwen to do the same.
"Harry James Potter and Guinevere Ibania Rivern Alyrdrial the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together - as from this day forward you shall be each other's home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other," Dumbledore continued with the ceremony.
" Just as two threads woven in opposite directions will form a most beautiful tapestry, so too can your two lives merged together make a beautiful marriage. To make your relationship work will take love. This is the core of your marriage and why you are here today. It will take trust, to know in your hearts that you truly want the best for each other," Dumbledore sustained his speech, " It will take dedication, to stay open to one another - and to learn and grow together. It will take faith, to go forward together without knowing exactly what the future brings. And it will take commitment; to hold true to the journey you both pledge today to share together. Now in front of these witnesses I'd like to present Mr. and Mrs. Potter,"
Clapping filled the Great Hall and Harry lifted Gwen's veil kissing her gently as Molly Weasley cried.
Much later the sky was light due to a strangely bright half-moon and the Pagoda was pure white with fairies flowing in around it. Music reached the ears of the couples and Harry enticing him. He had been chatting to one of the guest when he first heard the song.
Lonely the path you have chosen
A restless road, no turning back
One day you will find your light again
Don't you know?
Don't let go be strong
Follow your heart
Let your love lead through the darkness
Back to a place you once knew
I believe I believe I believe in you
Follow your dreams
Be yourself an angel of kindness
There's nothing that you cannot do
I believe I believe I believe in you
Harry entered looking at the Stage where Gwen dressed a little more casually was singing a Muggle tune. His eyes widened as she smiled at him and continued to sing.
Tout seul
Tu t'en iras tout seul
Cœur ouvert
A l'univers
Poursuis ta quête
Sans regarder derrière
N'attends pas
Que le jour
Se lève
Suis ton étoile
Va jusqu'où ton rêve t'emporte
Un jour tu le toucheras
Si tu croiS, si tu croiS, si tu croiS
En toi
Suis ta lumière
N'éteins pas la flamme que tu portes
Au fond de toi souviens-toi
Que je croiS, que je croiS, que je croiS
En toi
Someday I'll find you
Someday you'll find me too
And when I hold you close
I know that it's true
Follow your heart
Let your love lead through the darkness
Back to a place you once knew
I believe I believe I believe in you
Follow your dreams
Be yourself an angel of kindness
There's nothing that you cannot do
I believe I believe I believe in you
Gwen finished and she moved down off the stage and hugged Harry as the band took over.
"Mrs Potter I didn't know you could sing," He said excitedly.
"That's not half the things I can do," she said saucily and winked. Abruptly she grimaced and grabbed her stomach.
"Are you alright?"
"No I think the baby's coming,"
"What now?" he asked panicked
"Yes now," she snapped.
"Madam Pomfrey, come here," cried Harry out and guest's began to look at the wedded couple. Minerva followed the nurse over.
"What's the matter," Pomfrey asked.
"I think she's in labour,"
"I know I'm in labour," Gwen cried out.
"Come on let's get you to the Hospital Wing,"
Minute's later Gwen lay in the Hospital wing of Hogwart's panting with her was Harry, Madam Pomfrey, and Dumbledore who had a grin on his face.
"Breathe deeply, honey," Harry suggested holding her hand.
"You have the bloody baby next time then," she snarled squeezing his hand hard, "Mr Potter the next time you want sex I'm saying no,"
"You didn't say a last week, Mrs. Potter," Harry grinned.
"You try having a baby," Minerva grinned at the two lovers.
"Sorry honey," Harry said meekly.
"Come on Guinevere, push," Madam Pomfrey said. Gwen screamed again and her hand clenched Harry. Ten minutes Harry Potter looked down on his new baby daughter clean and pink the young baby weighed in at 7lb and 1oz. He held the emerald-eyed baby in his arms and she looked up into her father's eyes content with sucking Harry's thumb.
Smiling at his wife and took Harry the young girl through the swinging doors and looking onto the faces of the gathering crowd.
"People, I'd like you to meet Megan Hermione Kristen Molly Potter," a hush fell over the crowd. His smile and love was infectious so the crowd sighed entranced by the sight of the two, father and daughter. He was congratulated by everyone especially Kristen, Hermione and Ron.
"Can you come with me?" He walked back into the hospital wing giving the child back to the mother. Harry hugged his wife and blanketed daughter, already the girl was struggling to grab daddy's hand.
"What can we do?" Kristen asked.
"Gwen and I discussed it we'd like you and Ron to be godmother and father," Harry said, "I know it not usual but we'd like to be his godmother too, Hermione,"
"I'm lost for words,"
"That's a first," Ron muttered.
"Well I'm honoured," Hermione replied nudging Ron with an elbow as the three grinned.
"Can we come in?" a small voice said. Adam pushed his head in.
"Come and meet your sister," Harry said as Adam was followed by Josh and Mr and Mrs. Weasley.
"My first granddaughter," Molly said and started fussing over the young girl.
X
"Potter, Potter," he heard his name called. It was almost three weeks later and the last day of school. Harry was stood on the edge of the train station next to the Hogwarts Express. He looked and found Minerva McGonagall calling him.
"Go and get on, Riley sit with Hermione," Harry said. It was to be first train journey as a Teacher, escorting all the children back to 9 ¾.
"Okay Harry," He rolled his eyes, Harry was becoming like a big brother to him. He had been told about his mother a week before and was slowly coming to terms with being an orphan Harry had helped a lot. Riley followed Hermione, Kristen and Ron on board the Express.
"What can I do for you Minerva?" He asked.
"I just wanted to wish you good luck for the summer and hope you'll visit," Harry blinked in surprise.
"Visit?"
"I was hoping you and your family would visit my ancestral home and hopefully your boy's will meet my Granddaughters," she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Of course we'll think about, I think Gryffin's Eyrie is going to be a madhouse," Harry laughed.
" I shall see you on August fifteenth if not, all the teacher's gather to discuss plans etc before the new term and new students are listed," Minerva said, " Goodbye Harry,"
She shuffled off back towards the castle and Harry boarded the train. Walking along the corridor silently they came to one compartment where Ron, Hermione and Riley and Josh sat. In the corner Ginny was sat talking to Kristen who sat across from her, he knew Draco was absent because he couldn't be seen with Harry too much despite the fact Harry was still his jailer.
"You all looking forward to going home?" Ginny asked.
"Yes," Hermione said, "though it's going to be strange without my parent's,"
"But we're staying with Dad and the Weasley's,"
"I'm looking forward to it, peace and quiet after this place," Ron said.
"You're not going to get that," Harry responded standing by the door watching the corridor, "Megan can cry,"
"Arh, she's so sweet though. Where are Gwen and Adam?" Hermione asked.
"She's already gone on ahead with the Kids," Harry said, "Your mother and father are already there, settled in fine last week,"
"That's good," Ginny said slightly down. Harry knew it was because of Draco not being close.
A few hours later the train moved into cites with a greater Muggle population. Hermione was reading a book sat next to the window Riley's legs on her lap and his head in Harry's fast asleep. Opposite Ginny had her head on Ron's shoulder who sat next to Kristen talking quietly.
SLAM! The door to the compartment was flung open and both Ginny and Riley sat up wide-awake as three people entered. The leader had black hair and black eyes; blood red lips were smiling maliciously.
"Potter!"
"Isterria Black, it's been a long time. What are you doing on the train?" Harry stood replying coolly.
"I'm collecting my little Brother, your foolish headmaster allowed me to ride the train to the station,"
"Then I hope to never see you again, you never should have left the School," Harry replied annoyed.
"That is where you are wrong; I will start my seventh year at Hogwart's next year,"
"I would never have thought Sirius's daughter would be evil,"
" Well that comes from having your father in prison for thirteen years," she answered savagely, " Well if you hang around with Blood traitors like Monahan and Slytherin losers like Malfoy Voldemort shall never accept your darkness, Potter,"
"Go and I hope Alexander doesn't follow your path,"
"Oh I am, Dean is teaching him," she answered maliciously as Ron and Ginny's eyes widened in surprise.
"Go Isterria you're not welcome here," Harry replied and she swept from the compartment with Harry sighing.
"What was that all about? Sirius's daughter?" Hermione demanded
"Ah the lovely Isterria Black," Kristen said hatred etched on her face.
"Isterria Black is the Daughter of Sirius Black and attended the Elvin School while I was there. While there she began to turn to the Dark Arts and her mother collected her,"
"It's certainly going to be an interesting summer and New Year," Harry said at last.
It's been a long time in coming but that's the end of Return of the Mages, I had started on a new one and may look at posting it but I've been really busy in life. Please review and if and when I do a sequel I'll try let people know. Please Review and let me know what you thought.