Chapter 2
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Author's Note: I changed my mind! I have gotten 40+ plus reviews in less than a week, which I am quite happy about, so I am going to upload this chapter now! I have a pretty clear picture where I am going with this story right now over the first few chapters. So I hope to upload at least one chapter per week from here on out! We'll see how that goes!

One of the things that plays out in this chapter may be slightly unbelievable, but I needed it to happen in order to change something I had take place rather early on in the story that I don't exactly like. More is explained about said scene at the bottom Author's Note.

Sunday, June 25th, 1995

Sirius Black stood on the platform Nine-And-Three Quarters at King's Cross station in London, amongst the large crowd of parents and guardians, waiting for the Hogwarts Express to arrive. One of his hands was hidden in the pocket of his robes, gripping his wand. Amidst the crowd were several members of the Auror Department wearing everyday clothing and posing as waiting parents. There wasn't a serious threat of an attack by the surviving Death Eaters who had escaped the cemetery in Little Hangleton, but an Auror was always prepared for the worst in case it did happen.

Near Sirius, Molly Weasley was talking to the Grangers about summer plans. Augusta Longbottom stood nearby, talking to Xenophilius Lovegood. Sirius had a sneaking suspicion that the woman was avoiding his eyesight; there was nothing heinous about this however, he knew – she probably hadn't forgotten her meeting with Sirius and Amelia the previous year discussing her grandson, Neville.

A few yards away, Kingsley Shacklebolt was standing near Narcissa Black. While Narcissa wasn't in any immediate danger now that Lucius Malfoy was dead, Kingsley Shacklebolt had stayed on the job as her guard since she was still living in Black Manor with her son, sister and brother-in-law. Sirius was aware that Narcissa was planning on moving to a new house as soon as she found one. He had offered her to permanently move into Black Manor, since he wanted nothing to do with it, but Narcissa told him that Draco didn't seem happy in the house. Sirius couldn't blame the boy.

As he waited, Sirius thought about the past weeks since the Battle of Little Hangleton. The day after the funerals of Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape, Sirius and Amelia had brought their new twins, Marlene and Elvendork – more commonly known as Eli – home to Potter Manor for the first time. While Amelia had finished their nursery a couple weeks before the twins were born, they had been sleeping in cribs in Sirius and Amelia's bedroom ever since they had come home, so the new parents could be close in case the twins needed anything during the night.

It was common for the twins to wake up three or four times a night, crying. Most of the time Sirius and Amelia would wake up when this happened, and most of the time Amelia would tell Sirius to go back to sleep. Sirius had chosen to ignore his given paternal leave, due to the ongoing possible threat of Death Eater attack, and had been at the Ministry for several hours a day during the week, and even a few hours on weekend. Such was life for the Head of the Auror Department, even if he was a new father.

Amelia told him multiple times that she was just fine with him going to work. After all, she wasn't alone watching the twins. The house-elves were always there to give a helping hand. Even the youngest house-elves, Donder and Blitzen, wanted to help take care of the new babies. Even Molly Weasley had come over at least once or twice a week to lend a helping hand, or drop off some home-cooked meals.

It had been seven weeks since Voldemort's defeat at the Battle of Little Hangleton, and so far, there had been no reports of Death Eater activity. That did not mean that Sirius, nor the Auror Department or the Department of Magical Law Enforcement was sitting around waiting for something. Over the past few weeks, they had been improving security in Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and several other locations around wizarding Great Britain. Wanted posters of all the known free Death Eaters were posted in many of these locations. There had been many letters sent into the Ministry from people claiming to have seen the various Death Eaters, but so far they were all dead ends.

A screeching sound broke Sirius from his reverie, and he looked up to see the Hogwarts Express making its way onto the platform. He looked around at the Aurors and was pleased to find that each and everyone of them were on alert for any heinous or suspicious activity. A moment later, the Hogwarts Express came to a complete stop, and students started pouring out of various train-cars, making their way onto the platform to find their awaiting family.

Soon, Sirius saw Harry, Ginny and their friends walk off the train. They grabbed their belongings from a pile and made their way through the crowd. Draco Black and Astoria Greengrass made their way from another direction – Sirius found this rather odd; he was sure the two Slytherins had become a part of Harry and Ginny's group as of late. Sirius shook this thought off as nothing just as Harry, Ginny and their friends reached him and their families. Molly intercepted both Harry and Ginny, giving them hugs and greetings. Susan reached Sirius just as Harry and Ginny backed away from Molly.

"Won't you come round for dinner this evening?" Molly asked Harry and Ginny, "I'm making a big meal. Percy just came home from Brighton last night for the summer."

"As much as I'd like to see him and Dad," Ginny said, "I'm afraid we can't do it tonight. But we're planning on visiting sometime in July before Harry's birthday. There's something we want to tell you and the family, but it needs to wait for just a little while."

Sirius caught the look of confusion on Molly's face. He decided to step in and aide them.

"Amelia's cooking dinner this evening anyway, Molly," Sirius said, "And she misses Harry and Ginny. Perhaps we can plan something before too long."

Sirius knew of Harry and Ginny's plans to inform her family of their big secret they had kept for over four years now. Obviously they still needed a bit more time to plan for it.

"Oh, alright," Mrs. Weasley said, "Be sure to contact me through the Floo Network if any of you need anything. Especially Amelia. You know I'll be right over."

"Will do, Molly," Sirius said, "We better get going so Amy doesn't worry."

Harry and Ginny hugged their friends and family again, and Sirius led them and Susan toward the Apparation-Safe platform. Though he knew very well that Harry and Ginny could Apparate on their own, he always accompanied them with Side-Along Apparation whenever there were crowds. It wouldn't do for anyone to catch two young teens Apparating skillfully on their own when they wouldn't be able to take official lessons for another year and a half, or get their license for over two years. Besides Susan couldn't apparate on her own either, and she didn't know yet about Harry and Ginny's secret of time-travel. Sirius had a feeling this would soon change.

He sent their luggage to Potter Manor with an easy spell, then took their hands, while Ginny took Susan's and they Apparated to Potter Manor. As they reached the entryway of Potter Manor, Amelia was there to greet them.

"Perfect timing!" she said, as she hugged Susan, Harry and Ginny, "Dinner is almost ready. I just put Marlene and Eli to bed, and the house-elves promised to look after them and tell us if they need anything."

"Hopefully they'll stay asleep for a while," Sirius said, making a show of crossing his fingers.

"Put your things away and wash up," Amelia said, "And we can have dinner."

Susan headed toward the stairs, but Harry and Ginny stayed behind. Sirius could tell the pair were speaking to each other telepathically, and they seemed worried about something. Although it had been a long time since their expressions revealed they were speaking telepathically, he had seen this happen so many times that it was easy to tell when it was taking place.

"Is something wrong?" he asked them.

Harry and Ginny exchanged looks. Ginny nodded and Harry sighed and looked at Amelia.

"Amy, we need to tell Susan about our time-travel secret," he said.

Amelia raised her eyebrows, looking rather alarmed. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah," Harry said, "With all of the stuff we have planned this summer – with the wedding and everything – we wouldn't want her getting confused or anything. It is better she knows our true ages."

"Probably a good idea," Sirius said, "If we're going to be planning your wedding, then she would figure something out."

"I agree," Amelia said, "We can tell her during dinner."

"Alright," Harry said.

Harry and Ginny walked away, and Sirius greeted Amelia with a kiss.

"No trouble with our youngest, I trust?" Sirius asked.

"None at all," Amelia said, "I was able to fix dinner without interruption." She sighed and her eyes raised to the ceiling. "It seems this is going to be a rather interesting dinner."

"Never a boring moment around Potter Manor!" Sirius said with a laugh.

He followed Amelia through the house and toward the dining room, where the table was already set with plates, glasses and utensils for dinner.

"Sirius, you need to promise me something," Amelia said.

"Anything, love," Sirius said, "Name it."

"While I am okay with Susan knowing Harry and Ginny's big secrets," Amelia said, "I don't want her training to be an Animagus right now. OWL exams take place next year, and such training would only distract her. Harry and Ginny have already gone through their exams before, so I'm not worried about them."

"I'll try to keep it discreet," Sirius said, "I was planning on talking to Harry and Ginny about the training, but that can wait until after dinner. Something crossed my mind recently about their training. I am not sure if their Soul-Bond will give them complications with training."

"Nothing too bad, I hope?" Amelia asked.

"No," Sirius said, "It is probably nothing."

"Promise you'll be careful training them," Amelia said, "I don't just mean Harry and Ginny, but their friends as well. While I'm not worried they'll get in trouble with the Ministry – our influences will get past that snag – training a group of youngsters with something so complicated could be dangerous."

"Remus and I know what we're doing, love," Sirius said.

"I hope so," Amelia said. "Er... you have talked to Arthur and Molly and the other parents about it, right?"

Sirius winced. He knew he had forgotten something.

"Sirius!" Amelia said, in a scolding tone, "You know you need parental permission for teaching students so young."

"I'll work on it," Sirius said.

It was not something he was looking forward to. He knew he would have trouble convincing Molly to let her two children go through training. Augusta Longbottom – well, another meeting with her wasn't exactly something he looked forward to. And the Grangers? Well, they probably didn't know a witch like their daughter was in fact capable of turning into an animal! Yeah... this wasn't going to go well at all.

By the time Amelia and Sirius brought out the food – Amelia had made lasagna and salad for dinner – Harry, Ginny and Susan had arrived in the dining room and were seated. As everyone filled their plates, Sirius listened to the three teens discuss their last few weeks of schooling. He was not surprised at all that his old Potions Master Horace Slughorn was still up to his usual camaraderie.

He remembered the days when he and James had tried their best to get into the Slug Club, but apparently being a Marauder, and setting a record for the most detentions in a year wasn't exactly enough to be a member. However, that didn't stop him and James from invading one or two Slug Club parties under the Invisibility Cloak so James could spy on Lily back before they had become a couple.

It was obvious Harry and Ginny were delaying telling Susan about their big secret. Sirius wondered if they were telepathically debating how to begin it. Finally, about fifteen minutes through dinner, Harry brought it up. Sirius and Amelia sat there while Susan listened with wide-eyes and an open mouth to Harry and Ginny's explanation. In fact, she didn't ask any questions until they were through. As Harry and Ginny finished, Susan stared at them in shock, speechless for about half a minute, before looking at Sirius and Amelia.

"Did you know about this, Auntie?" Susan asked.

"They explained it to me the summer before your second year," Amelia said. "I caught Harry in a – err – compromising location -"

Sirius snorted. "I forgot about that!"

He went silent as Amelia, Harry and Ginny all glared at him.

"S-so," Susan stammered, "The Triwizard Tournament. V-Voldemort. The cemetery? You know about all of that, Harry?"

"Yeah," Harry said. "Well, most of it anyway. A lot of things were quite different this time. Last time, Barty Crouch, Junior was posing as Professor Moody, but this time Moody was himself. And Ginny and I were both well-prepared for the cemetery. Last time, it was a complete shock when Voldemort returned. The three years before his defeat were – well – I'm glad we won't have to go through that again."

"So... you're really – how old?" Susan asked, "In your mid-twenties?"

"Nineteen and twenty," Ginny said, "Our minds have sort of been put in a stasis when it comes to aging. We can't exactly explain it."

"Why did you decide to tell me this now?" Susan asked.

"The mission we set ourselves on is over," Harry said, "Voldemort is dead. His Death Eaters are still out there, but now we don't fear so much repercussion or danger. Plus – well, Ginny and I are going to officially get married on her birthday."

Susan's expression – which had been lit with shock and confusion – now shone with excitement.

"That's brilliant!" she said, "I'm so happy for you. But – won't everyone find it odd? I mean – you still appear to be teenagers."

"When Ginny turns fourteen, well, body-wise," Amelia said, "she reaches the age in our society where she can legally marry. You know about their Bond, yes?"

"Yeah they told me about it the night before your wedding," Susan said.

"Well," Amelia said, "Their Bond already makes them married, but -"

"Nobody besides our closest friends know it," Harry finished for her.

"This is so exciting," Susan said, "How do your parents feel about this, Ginny?"

Harry and Ginny looked at each other, then back to Susan.

"Mum and Dad don't exactly know about our time-travel secret yet," Ginny said. "Most of my family doesn't."

Susan's eyebrows raised. "You've kept this from them for four years?"

"We couldn't tell them," Ginny said, "Not until Voldemort was defeated. We couldn't let them interfere with our plans. We knew they would be worried about us, and that would only possibly hinder our mission plans. We plan on telling them in a few weeks."

"Our closest friends know," Harry said, "Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna. Hermione's going away on holiday, but she wants to be here to support us when we tell everyone. So we're waiting until she returns."

"That doesn't give you much time to plan your wedding," Susan said.

"Oh, we'll still plan it before then," Ginny said, "We're getting married officially whether or not my parents like it."

"I'm sure they will approve once they know of everything, Ginny," Amelia said.

"I hope so," Ginny said, "I'd like to have the wedding at the Burrow."

"Well, on the off-chance there is difficulty," Sirius said, "We could plan a back-up to have it here. This house has seen its fair share of Potter weddings."

Over the next few minutes as the last of the food was consumed, Susan asked more questions about the future. Harry and Ginny were quite careful answering the questions. Sirius noticed they didn't tell her anything about the other Sirius and Amelia's deaths. The conversation was soon interrupted by Melina, who informed Amelia that the twins were awake and fussy. Susan volunteered to help in case of nappy change, and Amelia was all too happy for the assistance. Aunt and niece left the dining room, leaving Sirius, Harry and Ginny alone.

"Well, that went rather well," Ginny said.

"Yeah, better than I expected," Harry said; he looked at Sirius, "And Amelia was completely fine with it?"

"She is," Sirius said, "However, she doesn't want Susan to take part in the Animagus training."

"Alright," Harry said, nodding.

"Er, speaking of Animagus training," Sirius said, "There is something we need to discuss before you begin. I was thinking about the training, and how your Soul-Bond might affect it. It is quite possible that your original Animagus visions, that you saw on your twelfth birthday, Harry, might not be the same as they are now."

"Oh?" Harry asked.

"It is possible that your heightened Bond might have changed it," Sirius said, "Sort of like a Patronus might change due to an emotional event."

"Sounds possible," Harry said, with a nod.

"What about me?" Ginny asked, "My Bond won't heighten until I turn fourteen. I will want to practice before then. But it might not show a different animal."

"Since you are connected by the Bond, my guess is that you will be the same animal," Sirius said. "So, whatever Harry sees, is what you will probably see. We can test that later, of course, if you have complications. The potion takes nearly three days to brew completely. It should be rather easy. It doesn't take much hovering or maintenance for it. I can use our Potions laboratory to brew it, and it will be done before next weekend."

"Sounds good," Ginny said, "I mean – we don't want to start the lessons until our friends are here. Starting next weekend, Hermione will be away for two weeks."

"We can schedule to begin it around your birthday, Harry," Sirius said, "By then, I can have everything in order, and talk to Remus about it since he'll help."

"And by then we'll have told the rest of our family and friends about our secret," Ginny said, "And we can use the time until then to prepare for our wedding."

Harry nodded. "Sounds good to me."

Sirius, Harry and Ginny cleaned up the dinner table, and by the time they were finished, Amelia and Susan had returned. Harry and Ginny performed an Honor Vow on Susan, concerning their secrets, then said goodnight to Sirius, Amelia and Susan and made their way upstairs. Susan announced she wanted to write some letters to her friends, to plan some events for the summer. She promised to keep Harry and Ginny's wedding plans a secret, before she made her way upstairs.

"Nice to have the children home, isn't it?" Sirius asked, as he and Amelia watched Susan walk away.

"Yeah," Amelia said, "Been quite lonely in the house lately."

"I do apologize for that," Sirius said, "Work has been so busy."

"It isn't your fault and you know it," Amelia said, "I know you're going to be busy until the free Death Eaters are captured or killed, though as much as I hate to say it, I do hope it doesn't have to come to the latter. Hopefully soon, I can get back into the swing of things as Minister again. Susan did volunteer to be the babysitter if I found a way to get some work done."

"Nice of her," Sirius said.

"Well, she's at that age where summer jobs are possible," Amelia said; then she sighed sadly, "Plus I think she is still mourning over the loss of her parents. Now that she is away from the distractions of education and her friends at Hogwarts, she needs something to do."

"I don't blame her," Sirius said.

Amelia smiled sadly. "No, me neither."

"Come on, sweetheart," Sirius said, taking his wife's hand, "Let's go see how our own children are doing, and then I can show you how much I love you."

Amelia smiled. "Sounds good to me."

Sirius smiled in response and the pair headed off toward their bedroom.

Monday, June 26th, 1995

The following afternoon, Harry and Ginny were sitting on the back patio, taking advantage of the nice day before the expected summer swelter would drench most of England in heat. The Bond-mates had parchment and quill in hand and were discussing wedding plans.

"You know, Ginny," Harry said, "We could just have our wedding identical to our first. No one would ever have to know."

Ginny patted her mouth with her hand, faking a yawn. "Such a predictable and boring suggestion, Potter!"

"Oh, really?" Harry asked.

"This is supposed to be a new experience for us," Ginny said, "We're young teenagers again. I mean -" she pointed to the sheaf of parchment in front of her, already cluttered with notes and scribbles. "The guest list is loads different than it was last time. We're not inviting all my relations again, simply because most of them will find it odd we're marrying so young. We can't go around telling dozens of my family members about our secrets. We need to come up with something a bit more special."

"Well.. we're getting married on your birthday, right," Harry asked, rhetorically, "How about we base the decorations on a combination of a wedding and a birthday party?"

Ginny's mouth slowly upturned into a smile. She leaned across the table, and kissed him.

"Brilliant," she said, "And here I thought I would be making most of the decisions again. I mean, me and my mother – if she goes along with it."

Harry smiled softly when he noticed the quick change in Ginny's mood.

"She will, love," he said, "This time we'll be more prepared in our explanation. Your mother – and the rest of your family – will believe us. I know they will. And they will support this wedding."

Ginny smiled. "I believe you. Really, I do. It's just... this is a lot bigger than revealing our Bond to them. They're going to look at me – at the both of us - in a whole different light now."

"But isn't that what you want?" Harry asked, "For them to realize you aren't a young teenager anymore."

Ginny nodded. "I just hope they're not scared of me."

Before Harry could reply, he was interrupted by the hooting sound of an owl. He and Ginny looked up in the air, as a large eagle owl swooped down through the sky toward them. It dropped an envelope in front of Harry, then perched itself on a vacant chair. Harry picked up the envelope and studied it.

"It is a Hogwarts envelope," he said, then looked at the writing, "It addresses both of us."

"Must be from Professor McGonagall," Ginny said, "She knows about our Soul-Bond. She probably guessed we're living together."

Harry nodded and opened up the envelope. His first glance at the parchment told him that Ginny was right. The letter was signed from Professor McGonagall. Curious, he began to read:

Mr. Harry Potter and Miss Ginny Weasley,

I am under the assumption from rumors in the past that the two of you are living together at Potter Manor, due to your Soul-Bond. So I assume this letter will reach the both of you at the same time.

Over the past few weeks, I have been in several discussions with the portrait of Professor Dumbledore. Even though his portrait is but an echo of the man he once was, it is still up for some entertaining discussions. A recent discussion with him delved into the future of Hogwarts, mostly involving what would happen in the coming terms. During one of the conversations, the two of you were brought up. I do not wish to discuss what was said in a letter.

I know your summer has just begun, but I would like to meet with the two of you for a discussion. I should have had this discussion with you while you were still at Hogwarts, but I was quite busy. Since this is an unexpected surprise for you, I am leaving the decision up to you. If you wish to meet with me at Hogwarts, that can be done. If you wish that I visit you at Potter Manor, that can be done as well. Reply to this letter with a day and time in which we can meet, and I will try my best to be available.

Until we meet again,
Minerva McGonagall

Headmistress
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Harry gave the letter to Ginny and waited for her to finish reading it.

"Professor McGonagall wants to talk to us about something," Ginny said when she was finished, "Funny she mentioned Professor Dumbledore's portrait." Her eyes widened and she looked at Harry. "You don't think his portrait told her about us being from the future, do you?"

"I don't know," Harry said, "I'm not sure if a portrait would have such restrictions of an Honor Vow. Plus the portraits of the Headmasters and Headmistresses are there to assist the current Head of the school."

"I don't know what she would want to talk to us about," Ginny said, "Other than this secret, if she knows part of it." She glanced back at the letter, then back to Harry, "Harry, maybe it is a good thing she knows. Or if she doesn't know, perhaps we should tell her. She is the Headmistress. We have to tell her about our planned wedding since we'll be having to sleep in a dorm for married couples."

Harry nodded. "Alright. It is probably best she knows everything. So, what should we do?"

"She offered to come here to talk to us," Ginny said, "How about we invite her for dinner one evening? A nice sit-down dinner like last night when we revealed our secret to Susan."

Harry shrugged and nodded. "Well, this would be a nice practice for telling your family."

Ginny smiled. "Indeed. Though we should probably tell Sirius and Amelia about it."

Harry agreed.

Sirius was at work, but Amelia was still at home. They told her about McGonagall's letter, and Amelia agreed that a nice sit-down dinner with the Headmistress would be an excellent idea. So Harry wrote a reply letter inviting Professor McGonagall to Potter Manor for dinner. The same eagle owl that arrived that morning returned that evening with a reply letter. McGonagall had accepted the invitation and said she was free Wednesday evening. Harry replied once again and said that would be fine.

Wednesday, June 28th, 1995

Early Wednesday evening, the dining room at Potter Manor was extravagantly prepared for six people. Dobby, Melina and Winky had prepared a nice dinner of steak, baked potatoes and salad, with a apple crumble for dessert. Donder and Blitzen were babysitting Marlene and Eli who had just been put down to bed.

Earlier in the day, Harry and Ginny had programmed the main wardstone to allow Professor McGonagall onto the property. Sirius had spoken to Professor McGonagall earlier that day, giving her the Secret of the location of Potter Manor.

Precisely at seven-o-clock, Professor McGonagall arrived, and was escorted into the house by Melina. The five residents of Potter Manor were dressed formally for the occasion. Harry and Ginny were waiting for the Professor at the front door. She was dressed in black formal robes, though Harry could see a hint of gold and red color glistening in the robes. He was quite amused she owned an outfit so like the robes he wore to the Yule Ball that had once belonged to his father.

"Good evening, Professor McGonagall," Harry greeted.

"Mr. Potter, I am your guest," McGonagall said, "I think you can call me Minerva."

"Yes, ma'am – Minerva," Harry amended, "I assume you'll be calling us by our first names as well?"

Harry noticed that a look of amusement had crossed the Headmistress' face. "That is correct."

"Alright," Harry said, "Well, dinner is ready and waiting. Follow us."

"Have you ever visited Potter Manor before?" Ginny asked, as they walked through the house.

"I was a guest at James and Lily's wedding," McGonagall said, "But that was long ago."

When they entered the dining room, McGonagall was greeted by Sirius, Amelia and Susan. Food and drink were already on plates and in glasses, ready for dining.

"I assume this must be a rarity for you, Minerva," Amelia said, as the five residents and guest sat down at the table, "Visiting the homes of students when not introducing Muggleborn to our world."

"It is as Albus used to say," McGonagall said, "the students need time away from such Professors like myself in order to empty their heads, or we would never be able to fill their minds with enough important information each year. I'd like to think my students remembered most of my teachings, but for the most part, Albus was probably correct."

"He usually was," Harry said, he lifted his glass of butterbeer, "To Professor Dumbledore."

The guests at the table echoed his toast. They began their meals, and nothing more was said for a few moments.

"To answer your question, Amelia," McGonagall said, "It is quite rare. But sometimes such occasions are needed. Actually the reason I am here is rather rare in of itself. I wouldn't be here if I didn't already know the answers to my burning questions."

Harry and Ginny exchanged glances. Again, both wondered if she was referring to their secret of time-travel."

"In the past, most Headmasters and Headmistresses are given ample time to prepare," McGonagall said, "Before they begin their job. It is rare that such roles are given because of unfortunate circumstances. Therefore I was quite unprepared for my role as Headmistress. Luckily, the portraits of the former Heads all gave me such good advice. Including Professor Dumbledore. One of the topics I discussed was the important roles of students. Or to be more precise: Head students and prefects."

Harry paused in the middle of eating a piece of steak. He realized then he and Ginny were wrong in their assumption.

"I discussed possible names of students for next term's new Prefects," McGonagall said, as her eyes turned to the students, "And all three youngsters in front of me were brought up. Normally I would not spoil such information this early in the summer, but it is of most importance. You'll understand why soon. Miss Bones, I am happy to say that you are one of the Hufflepuff prefects."

Susan's eyes widened. "Are you sure, ma'am? I mean – Hannah or -"

"I took this decision into heavy consideration," McGonagall said. "I am quite sure of it."

Susan smiled. "Thanks, ma'am."

Congratulations were sounded around the table.

"Harry and Ginny," McGonagall said, "I brought up your names as well. However, I received an odd reply from Professor Dumbledore's portrait. He was under the assumption that the two of you would decline such titles of Prefects. I asked him why he thought this, and he said he could not tell me; that I should ask the two of you."

Harry looked at Ginny, who shrugged.

We need to tell her, Harry, Ginny said, We already discussed this. We're not the right choice for Prefects. You know who deserve it.

Harry nodded and turned to McGonagall.

"I must agree with Professor Dumbledore, ma'am," he said, "We're not the best choice."

"And why not?" McGonagall asked. "The two of you have some of the highest performances in your year in the past four years. In fact, if I may say so, sometimes I have witnessed you not try your best, and still achieve more than many of your peers could do."

Harry glanced at Sirius, who looked rather amused. Harry and Ginny had already discussed their plans with him to reveal their big secret to McGonagall.

"There is a reason why for that, ma'am," Harry said. "But to answer your question, we must decline, because come next term, we're not exactly going to be proper students to look up to when it comes to that of prefects."

Sirius snorted lightly, and sobered up when Amelia glared at him.

"I am afraid I do not understand," McGonagall said.

"You know about mine and Ginny's Soul-Bond, yes?" Harry said, "You learned about it when we were first years."

"Yes, I remember," McGonagall said.

"How much do you know about the Bond, ma'am?" Harry asked.

"What Harry is too modest to ask," Ginny said, "is are you aware of what happens when Bond-mates reach the age of consent?"

McGonagall uncharacteristically stammered lightly, then cleared her throat. "I've heard rumors over the years. Most of which seem too incredulous to be seen as factual."

"Most of what you read is probably factual," Ginny said, "Including the more intimate details."

McGonagall's eyes went large as she looked between the two Bond-mates. She wiped her brow with a napkin.

"I see," McGonagall said. "I also see what you mean when you say when you wouldn't be the most proper of students. And this is something unavoidable?"

"So it seems," Harry said.

"My goodness!" McGonagall said, "But you are only teenagers! Such things are – well -"

She sighed and went silent. Harry looked back at Sirius, who once again looked rather amused. McGonagall turned to Sirius and Amelia.

"I assume the two of you know all about this?" she asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Sirius said.

"And you're fine with it?" McGonagall asked. "I mean – I'm not exactly sure Molly Weasley would accept such things -"

"Ah, but Molly doesn't know everything concerning Harry and Ginny yet," Sirius said, "And, if I may say, neither do you."

"There is more to it?" McGonagall said, turning back to Harry and Ginny.

Harry looked at Ginny, and she nodded. She didn't have to say anything for Harry to know that she agreed it was time to divulge such secrets to McGonagall.

"Headmistress," Harry said, "There is something about Ginny and I that you need to know."

For the next few minutes, Harry and Ginny explained their secrets of their experience of time-travel. It was rather easy for them to tell it to McGonagall, since they had done so recently with Susan, and were preparing to do the same with Ginny's family. McGonagall sat there with the predictable look of shock and awe as she listened to the story. When they were finished, Professor McGonagall sat there stunned speechless for a couple of minutes.

Finally she spoke: "I never expected – I would never have guessed – my goodness. How many people are aware of this?"

Harry listed off the several names, including their friends, and adults including Dumbledore and Snape.

"Albus and Severus both knew?" McGonagall asked. "Did – were they aware of Voldemort's return?"

"I had complications over those final weeks before my confrontation with Voldemort," Harry said, "I wasn't sure I could defeat him, really. Therefore, I requested their help. We told them everything."

"Almost everything," Ginny corrected.

Harry nodded. He still regret the fact that things he hadn't told Dumbledore had been partially the reason for the man's death.

"But we didn't ask for them to help us that evening," Ginny continued, "That was their decision."

"I see," McGonagall said; her eyes were slightly misty.

"We saved a lot of lives by defeating him three years earlier," Ginny said, "If we hadn't, these next three years would have been quite horrible. This time last time around, only a few people believed Voldemort had come back, most of whom were members of the Order of the Phoenix. So many didn't believe Harry or Professor Dumbledore."

"At that time," Harry said, "The Ministry of Magic, which was still lead by Cornelius Fudge, and the Daily Prophet – which was also influenced by Fudge, did their best to discredit me and Professor Dumbledore. Voldemort was able to plan his reign of power for a full year before everyone was aware."

"I can hardly imagine what you must have gone through," McGonagall said. "what the wizarding world must have gone through."

"I don't think any of us aside from Harry and Ginny could imagine the horrors they experienced," Amelia said.

McGonagall nodded once, and looked back at Harry and Ginny. "I knew something was off with the two of you. I could tell you were holding back in my lessons."

"Well, we couldn't exactly get everything right the first try, could we?" Harry asked, amused, "It would have been too obvious."

"I do agree on that," McGonagall said, with a rare smile.

"There's something else we need to tell you," Harry said, "Ginny and I – we plan on getting officially married once again on her birthday."

McGonagall's eyes widened. "I see."

"Professor Dumbledore was aware of this," Ginny said, "And he explained to us about something called the married dormitories."

McGonagall nodded again. "Such rooms haven't been used in many years. Not since the Great War when terrified young couples were getting married before their seventh year began because they thought they wouldn't live much longer. The two of you will be the youngest married couple Hogwarts has ever seen. Each of the four houses hold one extra dormitory that nobody can see but those who are given permission by Headmasters, or Headmistresses, and Heads of House. But we'll discuss this more come next term."

"Alright," Harry said.

"So it seems that the two of you are declining your offers for the roles of prefects?" McGonagall asked.

"Yes, ma'am," Harry said, and Ginny nodded.

"A young married couple might not be the best role models for younger students," she added.

Also there is the little fact of our intimate encounters, Harry said.

Yeah, Ginny said, but I wasn't going to say that out loud, was I?

"Very well," McGonagall said, "And who would you have in mind for your replacements?"

"Ron and Hermione," Harry said immediately.

McGonagall smiled. "I assumed so. It will be taken under advisement."

"Have you had any thought as to who the new Professors will be?" Sirius asked. "As I understand, you have three open spots."

"I have put together lists as of late, but I have also been adding on and taking off names as well," McGonagall said. "Are you offering a place on my staff?"

"I'm afraid I am needed more where I am," Sirius said, "Especially as of late."

"I assumed as much," McGonagall said.

"Though I do understand my good friend Remus Lupin might like to return," Sirius said.

Professor McGonagall smiled. "He is one name on a very short list, I assure you. I am going to be meeting with several people over the next few weeks. He is one of them."

"I will warn him then," Sirius said, with a smirk.

"I am most curious, however," McGonagall said, turning to Harry and Ginny, "Who was your Defense professor at this point in time in the – err – previous timeline, I suppose you would call it."

"Dolores Umbridge," Harry said.

Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows. "My word. I would have never imagined her the type of woman to be a teacher."

"That is because she isn't," Ginny muttered, "She is a horrible woman. She basically took over the school, inserting herself everywhere she could. Your – err – other self wasn't exactly her biggest fan."

"I can imagine!" McGonagall said. "How did Albus ever consider hiring her?"

"He didn't," Harry said, "Fudge passed a decree, one of many, giving her the job."

"I see," Professor McGonagall said, "Well, then I must offer you my thanks for what you have done for us, the both of you. Time travel is a tricky thing, feared among many in our world, but it seems the both of you have done exceptionally well."

Harry smiled lightly. He could have contradicted her, and told her that what he and Ginny was experiencing wasn't exactly time-travel. But he was still trying to wrap his mind around the whole alternate reality thing Fate had revealed, and he knew he wouldn't be able to explain it. It was best just to let most people who he and Ginny revealed their secrets to that they were indeed time-travelers.

After that, the rest of dinner wasn't as exciting as the first half. Most of it was just hearty, innocent discussion amongst friends. An hour later, well after dinner, dessert and more conversation, Professor McGonagall said she had to leave. She thanked everyone for their hospitality, and left the Manor.

Harry and Ginny then headed upstairs to their bedroom, where they took a bath together before heading off to bed. As Harry curled up with Ginny, and watched her as she drifted off to sleep, his mind wandered. He was happy that Professor McGonagall had taken to their secret so very well.

He only hoped Ginny's family responded in the same.

Chapter is finally complete! That was a rather lengthy one!

So both Susan and Professor McGonagall know Harry and Ginny's secrets of time-travel. When I began this chapter, it was only going to be Professor McGonagall. But during the part of the story, where Sirius, Harry and Ginny were heading to Potter Manor, I nearly forgot Susan was living there too! So I decided to let her in on the secret as well. Also, the reason I did not do lengthy explanations about the time-travel for either Susan or McGonagall's scenes, is because I plan on doing a bit of lengthy discussion when it comes to the Weasleys finding out. So I didn't want it to seem to repetitive.

As you can see, I am changing Harry and Ginny's Animagi from stags to a different animal. There is a reason for this. Back when I originally wrote the scene when they found out their Animagi, I was not planning for there to be a lot of action after Voldemort's defeat. While a stag is a pretty good fighter, it wouldn't work well with my plans. So they will be animals which are better fighters. Their new animal – at least Harry's – will be revealed next chapter!

Also next chapter: Ron is introduced formally to Hermione's parents as her boyfriend. Also, for the first time, and probably the last, I will be doing a small scene in the point-of-view of Hermione's parents! Hermione and Ron go on a date. However, something happens during the date that ruins Hermione's family plans of a holiday.

Hope you liked this chapter!