Bill and Fleur's wedding was absolutely beautiful. Ginny had literally taken Harry's breath away as she stood at the altar with the rest of the wedding party. She was so beautiful, Harry had claimed her arm as soon as the ceremony was over and refused to let her go. "You look so beautiful that if I don't keep a tight hold on you I might have to beat all the other guys here off of you with a stick" he told her when she asked what had gotten into him. His statement just made her laugh that gorgeous, joyful laugh that Harry loved. They spent practically the whole reception dancing together with Ron and Hermione right beside them trying to keep pace.
"What is going on between those two?" Harry asked noting the look passing between his two best friends.
"Oh, Ron finally managed to ask Hermione out about a week ago." Ginny said with a smile, "About bloody time too. I thought Hermione was either going to kill him or snog him anyway if he didn't ask soon." They both laughed at the thought.
"Ginny, do you think your parent's will let you take a trip with me?" Harry asked her as the reception wound down that evening.
"I don't know. Where do you want to take me?" Ginny responded a little puzzled.
"I want to take you to my real home and introduce you to my parents. They have two life-size portraits hanging in Potter Manor. Remus and I are going to go in a couple of days, and I wanted to take you with us." Harry told her.
"Well, it can't hurt to ask," Ginny said with a smile. Harry nodded and set off to find Mr. and Mrs. Weasley while Ginny went to find Ron and Hermione. He found Mr. Weasley in the kitchen; Mrs. Weasley had already gone to bed as the wedding had worn her out.
"Mr. Weasly I'd like to ask a favor or two" Harry said nervously.
"What can I do for you Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Well... First, I'd like your permission to marry Ginny someday. And second, Remus and I are going to Potter Manor in a couple of days and I'd like to take her with us." Harry said in a rush.
Mr. Weasley stared at Harry admiring his courage while at the same time being concerned about Harry wanting to marry Ginny so soon. "Have you and Ginny talked about marriage yet Harry?" he asked.
"No, I haven't even mentioned it to her. But I love her more than life itself; she is the only person who's ever been able to make me forget pain and anger in an instant. I just wanted to know if it was okay to ask her when we're ready. I wouldn't dream of trying to marry her before this war is over." Harry said honestly.
"Well, I would trust you with Ginny's life Harry; you've proven time and time again that you're more than capable of saving all of our lives. So yes if she wants she may go with you to Potter Manor and yes you may ask her to marry you when you feel she is ready." Mr. Weasley said with a smile, "But I wouldn't rule out marrying her before the war is over Harry, she can be pretty determined and I expect you to remember her wishes when you decide on a date if she accepts your proposal."
"Yes sir" was all Harry could manage to say. Mr. Weasley watched Harry walk out of his kitchen on unsteady legs. Smiling to himself he looked around and decided that he could use a little more rest too.
Harry found Ginny with Ron and Hermione under a large oak tree in the garden. "Your Dad said you could go if you wanted Ginny." Harry told her excitedly, "So if you want to go Moony and I will stop by around nine to pick you up."
"You'd better or I'll hex you into next week," she said with a smile.
"Where are you three going Harry?" asked a concerned Hermione.
"Harry is taking me to Potter Manor" said Ginny.
"Oh," Hermione said surprised, "Well then you just make sure he doesn't go running off on his own after you get there." Hermione said to Ginny with a meaningful look. Ginny smiled and Harry understood that a very serious message had just been sent and received by the two girls.
Ron started to protest about Harry going to his house with Ginny before him and Hermione, but a stern look from Hermione stopped him before he embarrassed himself. Instead he merely said, "Well Ginny, I would say you don't have to worry about Harry's feelings anymore. Make sure you tell us what the manor is like."
Ginny nodded at her smiling brother realizing for the first time that Harry was giving her a valuable gift. He was taking her to a home he hadn't seen in more than a few years, and he was letting her see it before his best friends. "Um, Harry do you want Hermione and Ron to come?" she asked timidly.
"No Ginny, I want you to see it first. I can't introduce you to my parents like you wished, but I can share my return to their home with you and only you."
"What was that you could share with Ginny Harry?" Lupin's amused voice came from behind the group.
"My return home," he said simply.
"Molly and Arthur agreed to let her come then." Lupin asked.
"Yes, Mr. Weasly agreed to both of my requests Moony." Harry said with a smile. The other three teens looked baffled by this but Lupin simply smiled and said, "No real surprise there Harry."
"Easy for you to say Moony" Harry laughed. Ginny looked at Harry with the question everyone else wanted to ask in her eyes, but Harry merely smiled his "I'll tell you later smile" and Ginny knew it was hopeless when he did that. Ron and Hermione caught the smile too, so no one asked what he and Lupin were talking about. However, Hermione had a sneaky suspicion that she already knew.
"Well Harry, I'll be free for a while now. Would you like to go to the manor tomorrow?" Lupin asked.
Harry looked at Ginny and receiving a slight nod said, "That would be great Remus. If it's not too early I'd like to get there around nine a.m."
"So would I Harry, I'd love to see the look on your face when you see the house in the morning sun." Lupin said smiling, "But you might want to invite Dobby too."
"Why" asked Harry. "Well, normally a wizard house seals itself when its owner dies until the rightful heir appears to claim it. That way no one else could claim it." Lupin smiled at Harry's confused look, "Harry your parent's died seventeen years ago, and no one has been able to get in to clean or care for it since. You'll probably want Dobby's help, besides you were so young when your parents left I'm not sure the House Elves will recognize you if they stayed" Lupin finished thoughtfully.
"Right" said Harry, "well then I'll owl Dobby as soon as I get back to my aunt's."
By now it was really late and as Harry still had some work to do when he got back to Privet Drive he bid everyone a goodnight, kissed Ginny and turned away with Lupin to apparate back to his Aunt's. After they arrived in the garden of the Dursley home Harry stopped Lupin from leaving, "Remus, I have a gift for you."
"Harry, what would be the occasion for giving me a gift?" Lupin asked bewildered.
"Don't think that just because I spent the entire reception dancing with my girlfriend I didn't notice you dancing with yours." Harry said laughing at him. "It's about bloody time you made a move for Tonks, Remus, she's been after you for years. So that's the occasion if you need one, I don't" said Harry pulling a small package from his bag. He had gotten Ginny to help him wrap it earlier. Lupin took the package and slowly opened it to stare at the portrait of his best friends. "The only condition is that you have to show this to Tonks. I thought she had the right to know your old friends, and be able to quiz them about ways to surprise or annoy you as needed." Harry said smiling.
Lupin had been close to tears, he knew what it cost Harry to give him this, but when Harry made his condition he threw his head back and laughed. "You are too much like James, Harry. If you're not careful I'll start calling you Prongs instead of Harry" he said looking down at his best friend's son. For the first time Lupin had trouble seeing just Harry, right now he saw James laughing back up at him. Shaking his head to clear it he thanked Harry, and said he would see him tomorrow morning. As Harry went to bed after Lupin left he couldn't help thinking that he could get used to being called his dad's nickname, and he didn't need the portrait to know that James wouldn't have minded passing the nickname to him at all.
Harry woke up at seven thirty the next morning. At breakfast he told the Dursley's where he was going today and to his surprise Aunt Petunia started to cry.
"What's wrong Aunt Petunia?" he asked alarmed.
"I should have taken you there years ago Harry," she said miserably "I haven't been there since you were born, and I'm ashamed to say I've forgotten how to get there."
"That's okay Aunt Petunia," Harry said in a comforting tone, "I mean Mum and Dad left there a long time ago, so don't worry about it."
"That's not all Harry; Hedwig brought me a letter from Lily today. It was dated just days before they died; it begged me to hold to a surprise party for you at the manor when you turned seventeen if they died. But I don't remember how to get there, and I don't know how to find out so I can't even throw the party she wanted you to have." Petunia was really sobbing now; Uncle Vernon for once was acting like a normal husband. He stood behind her rubbing her shoulders and actually looking upset, as if he understood how hard it was for Petunia to not be able to do this.
"Don't worry Petunia dear, we'll find a way. It might not be a surprise party but at least Harry will celebrate his seventeenth birthday in her home like she wanted." Vernon was saying softly.
Harry caught his cousin's eye and nodded toward the sitting room. Dudley nodded and followed Harry from the kitchen. "Look, I'll get Remus to leave directions to the manor on a charmed piece of parchment so that it'll look like your mum wrote it years ago." Harry said in a low voice, "After we leave give it a few hours then give her the parchment. Act like you found it lying around somewhere and were trying to figure out where it led to, okay?"
"Yeah," said Dudley amazed at his cousins ability to improvise to cheer people up. "That'll make mum feel loads better, thanks Harry," said Dudley.
"No problem," Harry said.
An hour later Harry, Ginny, Dobby, and Lupin were preparing to apparate to Potter Manor. Harry had done exactly as he had told Dudley and his Aunt Petunia would be getting her directions to the Manor in a few hours. Harry just hoped that she didn't decide to run straight there; He really had intended this to be a special time for him and Ginny.
Harry opened his eyes to see Lupin smiling at him; he had gotten into the habit of closing his eyes during apparation. Behind him he heard Ginny gasp, and then he saw why. In front of them stood a wide lane of tall trees leading up to a massive white house. "Welcome home Harry" Lupin said with a smile. Harry took Ginny's hand and walked up the lane to his ancestral home, staring at it the whole time. When they got to the front door Lupin handed Harry an ornate key bearing a coat of arms that reminded Harry of the Gryffindor coat of arms at Hogwarts. "You're not supposed to get that until your birthday, but I figured a week early wouldn't hurt anything. I'll wait out here with Dobby so that Ginny can be the first person to enter your home with you Harry." He said smiling at Ginny. They both said that it wasn't necessary but Lupin insisted, finally saying that he and Dobby would check the grounds first. That satisfied Harry, and he turned and opened the door he had not touched in seventeen years.
The entryway was massive. Paneled in a light mahogany that almost glowed in the morning sun that streamed through the spotless windows. Harry and Ginny stared at each other, "I thought no one had been here to clean since my parents left," Harry said stunned. The house was absolutely spotless; in fact it looked like someone had been constantly cleaning as if they had nothing better to do. He had no sooner thought this when a high pitched voice squealed in delight and he found a House Elf wrapped tightly around his legs. "Masters, you came back!" the elf squeaked.
Harry and Ginny stared at the elf in astonishment. "How do you know us?" Harry asked.
"Squeaky could never forget Master James and Mistress Lily!" The elf squeaked in an indignant tone as she leaped away from Harry tears forming in her huge eyes. Ginny looked worriedly at Harry but he roared with laughter.
"You said your name is Squeaky, right elf" Harry said kindly as he kneeled down in front of the distraught elf.
"Yes, sir; Do you not remember Squeaky sir?" Squeaky asked, "You remember me don't you ma'am" she asked desperately looking at Ginny.
Harry hugged the elf to his chest and let her cry for a while. "I'm sorry Squeaky; neither of us remembers you because we are not James and Lily Potter." At this the elf flung herself away from Harry. Harry recognized the signs of extreme anger coming from the elf so he continued before she got really mad and hurt someone or herself. "I am Harry Potter, and this is Ginerva Weasly my girlfriend. I haven't been here since James and Lily left."
Squeaky was an instant from cursing the two of them out of the house when Dobby and Lupin appeared at the door. "Well, I see you haven't been idle Squeaky." Lupin said with a smile.
The elf stared at him, "Where are Masters James and Lily?" she asked Lupin desperately hoping he would say "right in front of you". But, of course he did not.
Lupin's expression softened, "Squeaky, they are buried in the garden. Remember, I brought their bodies and buried them seventeen years ago."
Slowly the memory dawned on the elf, "So this is little Master Harry, master Moony?" she asked.
"Yes, Squeaky, this is Harry. And in a week's time he will become the owner of this estate." Lupin said a little more officially.
Squeaky jumped as if she had been given an electric shock. It hadn't yet dawned on her that she was addressing her future owner. "Sir, I has been keeping the house clean and in order." Her ears drooped a little as she said, "Everything is as Masters James and Lily left it. I was preparing for their return. I is sorry sir." She snapped herself as straight as a board after her apology eager to make a good impression, "I will gladly set the house as you wish sir. I is a good elf, I will serve you loyally sir. I ...".
"Squeaky!!" Harry interrupted her forcefully, "First of all, you have no reason to apologize the house looks wonderful. Second, I have no doubt about your service. The fact that you are still here is proof enough of that. And lastly, I don't want anything moved from the place that my parents left it until I legally own this home." Harry was still kneeling in front of the elf and looked her straight in the eye, "Do you understand these instructions?' he asked kindly.
"Yes sir!" she answered excitedly.
"Excellent, Then I'd like you to meet Dobby." Harry said ushering Dobby in front of her, "Dobby is a friend of mine that I would like to employ if he is willing."
"Of course Harry Potter sir, Dobby will gladly bind himself to the service of Harry Potter!" Dobby said as if he had been waiting to say this for a long time. Harry thought about telling Dobby he would still get paid, but didn't want to embarrass him in front of Squeaky.
"Very well then, Squeaky I want you to take Dobby and make sure the rest of the staff knows who he is and his status. Effective immediately you and Dobby are the heads of staff." Harry said as he stood up, both elves nodded and disappeared.
Ginny gaped at Harry in awe, "I swear, Dumbledore must have rubbed off on you."
"Why do you say that?" Harry laughed.
It was Lupin who answered, "Because you just did exactly what he would have done and even managed to sound a bit like him."
"Oh...I did?" said Harry bewildered.
"Yeah you did," said Ginny with a smile.
"Well since Squeaky has been slaving away cleaning this house, I suggest we look around." Harry said. "Remus, make yourself at home. Obviously you know the staff, so if you need something just ask them." Remus nodded and Harry set out with Ginny to explore his home. They toured the library, which was full of both magical and muggle books, and the study. This was paneled in a rich redwood which gave it a warm relaxing feel, Harry could imagine his dad sitting in an armchair by the fire reading the file on his next assignment for work. Ginny was thinking that if this were her home she would love this room exactly as it was; she could see Harry sitting at the hardwood desk catching up on some correspondence while she read by the fire.
Next they found the formal dining room. They didn't spend much time in here but they both thought that Christmas dinner would never be a cramped meal again. The kitchens were extensive, but Harry found that he would be able to cook in them with out much trouble. They had deliberately left the sitting room for last; the room was as gorgeous as the rest of the first floor.
Lupin was sitting in an armchair reading the Daily Prophet he had brought with him, "Just finished the first floor?" he asked startling Harry, who had been thinking that Lupin looked like he belonged in this room.
"Uh... Yeah. It's absolutely amazing. I can't imagine changing anything except a bedroom or two maybe." Harry told him.
"Well, I imagine you'll change your mind before too long" Lupin said, "The second floor had the family portrait room, the master suite, and a couple of guest suites. The top floor is all bedrooms and storage, if you'd like I'll have Squeaky start lunch." He suggested.
"Yeah that sound great Remus, Tell her and Dobby to set us a place in the garden. It's too nice outside to eat indoors." Lupin smiled and nodded as they started up the grand staircase.
Harry led Ginny quickly through the guest rooms. They were practically identical except for the colors, they all had Queen sized four poster beds and adjoining bathrooms. He led her to the Family Portrait room door and paused, "are you ready to meet my parents Ginny?" he asked her.
Ginny took a deep breath and said, "I am Harry." With that Harry opened the door and led her into a room full of portraits. As he looked around he was reminded of the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, and there on the east wall were the life-size portraits of James and Lily Potter.
"Welcome home Harry" his Father greeted him. Harry tried to answer but the words stuck in his throat. Ginny wrapped her arms around him from behind and held him to calm the emotions that she knew were warring within him right now.
"Harry James Potter!" Lily shouted smiling, "If your friend is going to act like that I'm going to have to insist that you introduce her."
The false anger worked and Harry finally found his voice, "Mum, Dad, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend Ginerva Weasly" Harry said stepping aside and leading her to stand in front of the portraits.
"It's a honor to meet you both," Ginny said nervously.
"The honor is ours, or would be if we were alive. Still at least this is something. Thank you for coming with Harry, it must have been very difficult for him." James said graciously. "Tell me are you any relation to Molly and Arthur Weasley, They always wanted a daughter to name Ginerva."
For the first time Ginny smiled, "Yes, my name is Ginerva Molly Weasley. I'm Arthur and Molly's daughter; they still speak very highly of you both. I think Mum made it a personal responsibility to take care of Harry for you both."
James laughed "that's Molly for you all right. Well I must say I would never have imagined that you would grow to look so much like Lily." he said his gaze alternating from Ginny to his wife.
"Yes, that may have been the hardest part of this trip for Harry." Said Ginny, Your house elf Squeaky thought that we were you."
"Oh dear," said Lily, "I knew I forgot to tell her something." Harry looked at his mother's portrait a little confused. "She comes up here once a day dear," Lily said noticing her son's expression.
"So Ginny," James asked his eyes shining, "did Lily and I just get to meet our future daughter-in-law?"
Before Ginny could answer Harry exploded, "Dad!" he said outraged.
"It's okay Harry, they have the right to know these things," Ginny said soothingly as she turned to face the portrait. "I love Harry more than anything in this world and that includes my own life. I will never leave his side as long as he allows me to stay there. If it comes to it I would gladly give my life to save his."
Lily smiled and said, "Well then, Harry if I hear that you've pushed her away from your side for any reason I'll personally hex you in your dreams."
Harry laughed at her, "Mum I don't think that's possible is it?"
"You don't want to find out Harry" said his father smiling at him. "Death opens the door to many possibilities that seem impossible in life," James said, "At least to most of us" he added looking at his wife.
Harry looked quizzically at his mother for a moment. She just smiled at him before she answered. "Harry, I was an unspeakable in life, I knew many things about death that no one else knew." She looked sadly at James, "Unfortunately I was sworn to secrecy so I couldn't even tell your father. Made the job really lonely" she said. Harry nodded in understanding. "And no I still can't speak about it much but there are some things that I can reveal now, we'll talk about that later okay?" she asked kindly.
"Yeah, I'd like that Mum" Harry said smiling. Ginny nudged him quietly causing Harry to look at her then his watch. "Oh we've got to go" He said alarmed.
"Really, why" asked James.
"Well, we're supposed to meet Lupin in the garden for lunch and it's probably getting cold" Harry said quickly, "We'll stop back by before we leave."
"That would be wonderful Harry" his parents said, "Oh and do tell Remus hello for us and remind him that his room is as ready as it always was."
"Sure thing" Harry said and He and Ginny left for lunch.
Remus was waiting at a white wicker table on the garden lawn; Harry noticed that he had conjured a bunch of white lilies. They enjoyed the meal immensely leaving Harry to wonder if he ever would want to cook as he obviously already had a master in his kitchen. It was Lupin that led Harry and Ginny to the graves, Harry expected this to be the hardest part of his trip. However as he stared at the headstones he felt a strange sense of peace wash over him. "Remus, I think you must have picked their favorite place in the garden." Harry said laying the lilies on the graves, "Thank you for burying them where they would have wanted." Remus made some noise of acknowledgment and Harry realized that being here was much harder on him than he let on. "I'm sorry to have put you through this, but I didn't know anyone else who could do it." Harry said quietly, "By the way, Mum and Dad said to tell you hello and that your room is as ready as it ever was" Lupin just nodded as the tears he'd held for seventeen years finally fell.
Harry and Ginny did tour the rest of the house except the master suite, Harry didn't feel he could take that this trip, and stopped to chat with his parents again. This time Remus joined them, and after a pleasant talk all of them left feeling better and happier.