Chapter 20: The Walk Through the Past

It was early the next morning, just as the shops were getting ready to open, that the Cullens arrived at the Leaky Cauldron. Harry greeted Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, and the family was soon surrounded by the morning patrons. Edward held Teddy close to him as the family huddled around them. But the crowd was friendly and many stepped forward to shake Harry's hand or pat him on the back.

The sentiments expressed by those in the pub consisted of, "Thank you Mr. Potter…Thank you for coming to our rescue again."

They eventually made their way to the back of the pub and into the courtyard. Harry tapped the bricks in the right order with his finger and the wall before them morphed into an archway. Remembering what Hagrid had told him all those years ago, Harry smiled and said, "Welcome to Diagon Alley."

The family stepped through the archway and stared in awe at the sight before them. The Alley was bustling as usual and the shops were amazing to see. But, the most astonishing thing was the large banner that hung over the Alley announcing, 'Welcome to free Magical Britain'. And there were signs in the shop windows that said, 'Proudly offering service to ALL Magical Races'.

While Diagon Alley had always been amazing, even those who had seen it before were shocked. Milling about the Alley waiting for shops to open were not just Witches and Wizards. There were Centaurs, Vampires, Fae, Goblins, Veela and Leprechauns; all of them mixing with the Witches and Wizards. They were all greeting each other kindly, as if old friends.

Word of course spread like wildfire that "Harry Potter" was in Diagon Alley. Soon the crowd started to gather around the family. The family, still being cautious, created a defensive circle. Draco, Teddy, who Edward was still holding, and Oliver who had a tight hold on Freddie were thrust into the center for protection. Many in the crowd saw the defensive position and stepped back giving the family room. Then others in the crowd moved forward and shielded the family with their own bodies, and clearing a path for them.

Harry was shocked, it had never been like this before. And as the family made their way down the Alley, they were greeted with bows and curtsies and shouts of "Thank you".

When they finally reached the three story building that housed Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes they noticed an additional sign in the window. Next to the sign declaring service to all races was a sign that read 'Closed for private viewing'.

Pointing to the sign Harry said, "I hope that is for us," as he knocked on the shop door.

Waiting for what they assumed would be one or both of the twins to open the door, they were shocked when the door burst open and Ginny Weasley flew out of it. She grabbed Harry, hugging and kissing his cheek, and then did the same to a shocked Ron. Finally she stepped up to Edward and kissed Teddy on the forehead before grabbing Harry and Ron's hands and pulling them into the shop saying, "Come on everyone's inside. Merlin I have missed you guys."

After getting everyone into the shop and the door shut and locked, they noticed a tall redhead that stepped forward and hugged Ron as if he was afraid to let him go. Finally letting Ron go, although still keeping a hand on his shoulder, the tall redhead greeted Harry, "Good to see you Harry."

Harry introduced his family to them, then turning to his family said, "I would like you to meet Ron's sister Ginny and his older brother Charlie". Then turning back to Charlie he asked, "What are you doing here? I thought you were still living in Romania taking care of Dragons."

Nodding Charlie answered, "I am but since it was safe to bring Ginny back, I thought I would stay so I could see my youngest brother, and that odd ball brother with black hair." That made Harry grin like mad.

Ron interrupted, "Wait, and why was Ginny in Romania?"

Ginny looked down saying, "Well…"

But Charlie interrupted and said, "Because she has a temper to match her hair. When they started saying and printing things about the two of you, Ginny exploded like Mount Vesuvius."

Ginny shouted, "What!? It was a total load of crap, Harry and Ron going dark, stupidest thing I ever heard."

Laughing Charlie continued, "Anyway, so that caused problems for her at home, at school and even out in public. After the second time she was attacked the twins literally shanghaied her and sent her to me to keep safe."

Ginny huffed, "Like I was going to be taken out or silenced without a fight. I gave as good as I got!"

Chuckling Harry asked, "Did you get them with a Bat-Bogey hex?" Then turning to look at his family he said, "Ginny has the meanest Bat-Bogey hex you will ever see."

Confused Emmett asked, "What is a Bat-Bogey hex?"

Shaking his head Cedric asked, "Emmett do you know what a Bogey is?" At Emmett's nod he said, "The hex grotesquely enlarges them, gives them wings and sets them to attack you."

Horrified Rosalie said, "That is disgusting."

Smugly Ginny replied, "Yes, but they will think twice about bothering you again."

Laughing Ron said, "I guess that explains you going to Romania, I am sorry you got attacked."

Turning to look at Ron Ginny said, "You are my brother." Then looking at Harry she continued, "And you might as well be." Then rolling her eyes saying, "And really the idea that either of you were going dark…you would have to be a total nutter to believe that." Then mockingly she said, "Dumbledore said it, and mum and dad acted like it was the word of Merlin himself."

They heard Fred say, "Well before the grand tour there is someone," George said, "That you should also see."

They all turned to see the twins and standing between them, with a little help from both, was Bill Weasley who said, "I am sorry."

Through gritted teeth Ron demanded, "WHY!?"

With a heavy sigh as the twins helped him sit down Bill answered, "They turned on you all. Really you did not have to be a seer to figure out where things were heading. Dean thought that if we got the girls to France they would be safe. But we had already heard from Madam Maxime and Victor Krum that Dumbledore had been searching for you. I did not think that national borders would be enough protection. I thought that if they think that I was helping them, that I was working with them that they would go easy on us." He turned to Harry saying, "I swear on my magic that I never fired anything that would hurt Remus or his family." Looking down at the floor as he continued, "It happened so fast, there was nothing I could do to protect them. In the end it didn't help, and when they came for us there was no one to stop them." Looking back up he said, "I know that you think I am a horrible person, and maybe I am, but I never intentionally hurt anyone. Fleur is my life, I would do anything to make her safe; even lay down my own life."

Fred interrupted, "And you nearly did to." George looked at the rest of them and said, "The Ministry forces did not take kindly to a Wizard defending a Veela." Fred said, "Especially one with ties to Werewolves." George said, "They beat him for trying to protect his family." Fred said, "They beat him to get answers." George said, "They beat him for trying to protect Gabrielle." Fred said, "The day the Camp was liberated." George said, "They came for Fleur." Fred said, "He tried to protect her, shield her with his body." George said, "So they whipped him." Fred said, "Over and over till he lost consciuosness." George said, "But he would not move, he would not let them have Fleur." Fred said, "When he got to St. Mungo's they said his back had been torn open to the spinal column."

Bill who had been looking at the floor as the twins spoke, finally looked up at Ron with tears streaming down his face. And in a broken whisper Bill said, "I'm sorry."

Ron moved forward and wrapped his arms around his brother. Bill's tears became sobs as he choked out, "I'm sorry…I couldn't protect her…I couldn't protect Gabrielle…I couldn't protect Ginny…I couldn't protect you."

They were soon joined by the twins, Ginny and Charlie in a group hug. As the Weasley siblings clung to each other Harry's eyes caught Bill's. And Harry said, "We have no right to judge you…like Remus you did what you thought best to protect your family…You are a very brave man William Weasley."

It was nearly noon by the time everyone's emotions had calmed down and they had been given the tour. Emmett and Jacob were sporting bags of products, although they had been threatened about using them on Draco or the boys. Harry also gave them fair warning that if he or Edward were pranked that he would retaliate in kind, and that he was the son and godson of the Marauders who just happened to have their original handwritten manual. This had the twins worshiping at his feet and the others slightly concerned.

The twins finally told Harry just how well the shop and the one in Hogsmeade were doing and that they had put his third of the profits in a Gringotts vault for him.

Harry thanked them and said, "I appreciate it, but I don't really need it. Keep it and use it for the family. Make sure that Bill and Fleur are taken care of; he still has a long road to recovery. Use it to make sure Ginny finishes her education, and when the time comes that she has a proper dowry as befits an old pureblood family." Looking around and spotting Charlie, Harry asked, "Speaking of family what happened to Percy?"

Looking at the others and then back to Harry, Charlie answered, "Percy really was not involved…you know just shuffling papers for the Minister…but he followed Fudge blindly…and did not object or tell anyone what was going on. The High Court sentenced him to five years minimum security in Azkaban."

With a sad shake of his head Harry asked, "What about your parents?"

Ginny answered, "They were not charged with anything, as they did not participate with the Order of the Phoenix. But, we cannot be a family like that anymore. We have each other, but they are no longer our parents. Not after what they did to you and Ron, and the way they refused to help Bill."

Finally they all said their goodbyes, as they still had another place to be today.

So Edward, who was still holding Teddy, took Harry's arm, Jacob took Draco's arm, Carlisle and Esme took Ron's arms, Emmett took Cedric's arm, Rosalie took Neville's arm, Alice took Luna's and Jasper took Marcus' while Oliver held tight to Freddie. And with a loud crack they were gone.

Instantly they appeared in Hogsmeade. As the family made their way through the village they each pointed out things of interest. They noted sadly that the Hogshead and Three Broomsticks were both still closed as their owners had died in the battle for Hogwarts.

They stopped at Honeydukes and got cauldron cakes for the boys and Jacob then bloodpops for the rest of them, before making their way up the path to Hogwarts. Stories about the Forbidden Forest were told as they went. Harry and Ron were just finishing the story of Aragog as they reached the main doors of the castle.

Professor Thomas was at the doors to greet them as they arrived. Harry stepped forward saying, "Dean I am so sorry about Gabrielle if I…"

Dean cut him off and said, "Harry stop that right now! You are not responsible for what Fudge and Dumbledore did anymore than you were responsible for what Voldermont did. You were my friend through school and I still count you as my friend. Sometimes that doesn't make things easy, being your friend, but it doesn't make that you fault either. Now, do I get to meet the rest of your family?"

Nodding, even though he didn't fully believe Dean, Harry introduced him to the family. After the introduction Dean said, "If you will all follow me the Headmistress would like to see you in her office before you start wandering around the school."

Dean lead them through the school to the Gargoyle guarding the entrance to the Headmistress' office. "House Unity," Dean said before stepping onto the revolving staircase followed by the Cullens.

Harry could not help but think that Minerva sure had better ideas about passwords than Dumbledore had. When they finally reached the office and entered, Harry could only marvel at the difference in the office. All of the whirling objects and contraptions that had occupied the office before had all been removed. The office was a bit more formal, and really it suited the stern Headmistress better.

Minerva rose and greeted them, "I am so glad that you are here. I wanted to remind you that the students are here and school is in session. And that if you want to view a classroom you will have to wait 'till either between classes or dinner; unless that teacher has a free period. I would also like to invite you to stay for dinner; we are having a Feast in celebration of a new rose garden that has been installed on the castle grounds. This was a joint effort by the best Herbology students of all houses. This is also the first tangible and lasting evidence of the new cooperation between the houses. A special table will be added to the Great Hall for you, near the head table. I hope that you will say that you will join us."

The Cullens looked at each other and finally it was Carlisle who answered, "We would be honored to accept your invitation."

Harry then began leading them on the tour of the castle. They spoke to several of the portraits and found the moving staircases amazing. Emmett had taken to jumping to the next landing as the stairs moved.

In route to the Gryffindor tower they encountered Sir Nicholas. Harry introduced the Cullens and then Sir Nicholas saying, "I would like to present Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington my friend and the Gryffindor house ghost."

Sir Nicholas bowed and then said to Harry, "I always knew you would be great. First the youngest seeker in a century, then defeating the greatest evil of modern times and finally leading the people to restore their own peace and tolerance."

With a bow Sir Nicholas continued on his way and the Cullens continued to head to the tower. The next ghost that they encountered Cedric made the introduction saying, "I would like you to meet the Fat Friar he is the Hufflepuff house ghost."

The Friar bid them good day as they finally reached the portrait of the Fat Lady. After introductions and a great deal of pleading she finally allowed them to enter the Gryffindor common room. Although she was not pleased with the idea of Cedric, Luna and Draco entering, being that they were from other houses.

They continued their tour through the castle and the grounds. They stopped at the Quidditch pitch and at Hargid's hut. As they made their way through the castle they encountered another ghost who Luna introduced, "May I present Helena Ravenclaw, also known as the Grey Lady, she is the Ravenclaw house ghost."

"You always saw more than people thought Ms. Lovegood." With that the Grey Lady bowed and flew through a nearby wall.

Making their way to the dungeons that housed Slytherin and the potions classroom when Harry got the attention of Ron, Cedric, Draco, Jacob and Edward asking, "I have been thinking, this is probably the place I considered home the most in my life before. What do you think of having the wedding here?" With agreement from the others Harry said, "We will ask Minerva at dinner."

After Draco led them into the Slytherin common room Ron commented that, "It was pretty much the way I remembered it."

Harry and Ron then explained how they had seen the common room in their second year. Draco was shocked at the audacity of the plan and that he had been tricked into letting two Gryffindors into the snake pit.

With a huff Draco said, "That was a plan worthy of a Slytherin."

Harry laughed saying, "The hat wanted to put me in Slytherin." So he then had to explain why he got sorted into Gryffindor.

The last stop before going to dinner was the potions classroom. Harry went over and peaked into a cauldron that was bubbling on one of the workstations. With a shrug Harry said, "I wonder what they're making?"

A scathing voice behind him said, "Why am I not surprised that a dunderhead like yourself would fail to understand the subtle art that is potions making and does not recognize poly-juice potion when he sees it?"

Edward growled at the sarcastic comment aimed at Harry as they all turned to face the voice.

Harry looked at the portrait and whispered, "Professor Snape?"

Looking down from his portrait Severus inclined his head saying, "Indeed it is I." Then looking around at the Cullens he said, "I see that you have taken my advice. You have taken care of your godson and mine."

Nodding Harry said, "Yes, but he is my son now, this is my fiancé Edward Cullen. We legally and magically adopted Teddy."

With a smirk Severus replied, "My I offer my congratulations. Or in the case of Mr. Cullen my condolences, as there is no telling what that impertinent brat will get up to."

Edward growled at the painting as Harry put his hand on his arm saying, "It's all right. If Severus was not a snarky git I would not recognize him. I know that part of it was an act because he was a spy and protecting his cover. But, part of it was just his personality. And if I am honest, even though it was hurtful, especially as a child, I am grateful that he acted like that to me. He kept me grounded. He never bought into the Boy-Who-Lived crap and kept it from going to my head. And for that I am grateful."

"You were always someone that Lily would have been proud of," was all Severus said in response.

Draco pulled a reluctant Jacob forward with him and clearing his throat he said, "Uncle Severus. I would like you to meet my fiancé Jacob Black."

Giving his best glare to Jacob Severus asked, "He is not related to that Mutt is he?"

Chuckling Draco answered, "No he is not related to Sirius." Then looking at his fiancé and back to Severus he quested, "We are going to have a child. If it is a boy there is a Malfoy tradition of giving the child their grandfather's name as a middle name. I would like to know if I my use yours in place of Lucius' name?"

The most feared Professor of Hogwarts bowed and in a voice thick with emotion replied, "I would be honored." Then looking at them with a questioning eye he asked, "How is this possible…you're…?"

"Dead", Jacob supplied. At Severus' nod the Cullens all laughed as Jacob's chest puffed out and he said, "Well…" And with more bravado than should be allowed Jacob told Severus how HE had awakened the Veela blood within Draco.

They spent a while catching up with Severus, who knew all too well what had been going on in the Magical World, and was very pleased that they were all well taken care of and finally happy.

Having eventually said goodbye to Severus the Cullens headed to the Great Hall for dinner. The instant they walked through the doors the entire hall went silent.

Next Chapter 21: Taking Another Look

A/N: A special thank you to DevilChild13 who has volunteered to Beta for me.

Hope you like this chapter…PLEASE REVIEW!!!