Yeah, yeah, I don't own Harry Potter. On with the story.
Harry spent the next week desperately studying ways to enhance a wizard's magical power. He knew that to create the solid echoes of his parents he would need a wealth of power that he did not think he had yet. His time was not completely spent on studying however; He spent a considerable amount of time talking to Aunt Petunia about his mum. Ginny usually dropped by about one or two in the afternoon for a couple of hours, but he still had no answer to the problem. Ron and Hermione had no idea if it was even possible. They also began to wonder why he was asking about it as he had not told them what he was planning to do. July 30 came and Harry was about to accept that there was no way to give himself any extra magical power. Ginny had tried her best to find an answer for him, even going so far as to continually interrogate her parents, but had no luck.
"Well Harry, I don't know. We've tried everything anyone can think of, I think you're just going to have to rely on your own considerable abilities."
"Really Gin, I'm, a seventeen year old wizard. I don't have any considerable abilities" Harry sighed.
"Oh, I wouldn't say that." Ginny said with a meaningful smile," I mean, you have now defeated or escaped Tom four times. No one, not even Dumbledore or your parents, has done that before. And the fact that I can feel your power every time you hold me, and no I am not talking about your physical arm strength." Harry stared at her as if she had just told him that Sirius was not dead but on holiday in the Bahamas. "Don't you look at me like I'm some crazy witch Harry," Ginny said in a falsely angry voice. "I never lie to you, you know that."
Harry smiled at her, "Yeah, I do know that. I just don't feel very powerful, in fact I feel like I must be the weakest wizard in the world."
"Ha!" laughed Ginny, "I guarantee you that's not true, You're at least more powerful than Crabbe and Goyle." She said waggling her eyebrows at him. Harry couldn't help himself; he had to laugh at her. "And, I know from what you've done in the last six years that Tom has no chance against you. Her confidence in him reminded him how much he loved her. He began to think about his conversation with her father and wonder if he hadn't underestimated her feelings.
It was getting late and Ginny had to get home, she kissed him briefly as her father apparated into the garden. "Well then," Petunia said, "we will see you both tomorrow at Potter Manor around eleven then?" She asked both Weasleys.
"Of course you will, we would never miss Harry coming of age party. Molly would kill us if we did" Mr. Weasley said smiling.
"Wonderful, and do apologize to Molly about me forcing us to hold it at the manor, but apparently it was Lily's last request of me I couldn't bear not granting it." Petunia told him quietly.
"Not to worry Mrs. Dursley, Molly completely understands. Besides, Harry's coming of age party should be held at his family home."
With a final smile they disappeared leaving Harry and his aunt alone. "Aunt Petunia, I want you to know that I will be moving to Potter Manor soon but a part of me will always consider this house home. And you and your family will always be welcome in my home."
Petunia hugged him with tears in her eyes, "Thank you Harry, I know your time here was miserable. I hope you will come to visit now and then." Harry smiled and nodded at her then turned and went up to bed.
That night Harry lay in his bed dosing and dreaming, as usual, about his life with Ginny if he lived through the war. His alarm clock chimed midnight at the same time as the front door was blown onto the staircase downstairs. Harry wasn't alarmed, he'd expected the Death Eater's to call tonight at about this time. He got up quickly and opened his door to let them know which room to go to. He hoped to draw them all into his room leaving his family an avenue for escape. He was legally of age now and knew enough defensive magic to hold his own against them until reinforcements arrived. Hedwig had taken a letter to the Weasley's earlier today asking them to monitor the house in case this happened, but not to disturb the Dursley's. His plan worked almost to perfection. All five of the Death Eater's entered Harry's room stealthily, but Harry was standing in his wardrobe to give him an element of surprise. After they all got in and started looking for him, Harry launched his attack. He threw the door open firing off a total body bind jinx at the leader as he left the wardrobe; he then threw himself to the floor to avoid the curses the others threw at him after they recovered from the shock of Harry attacking them when he was outnumbered five to one.
In their bedrooms Uncle Vernon and Dudley woke with a start. Both knew that the house was under attack, and neither was going to let some stupid punk tear up their house. Dudley was faster, and maybe smarter, than Uncle Vernon. He slowly opened his door and peeked around into the hall just in time to see the last edge of a black cloak whip into Harry's room. He almost went back to bed, after all Harry was a wizard he could take care of himself. That would really be low Dud, he thought to himself. Remember those Dementoid things, it was Harry that save your massive butt. So he crept out of his room towards Harry's hugging the wall in case more were coming, thinking quickly he balanced an old school bench his mother had in the hall precariously on it's edge at the top of the stairs as an alarm and trap for reinforcements.
Uncle Vernon was much more prepared to defend his house. For one he owned a shotgun and was not afraid to use it. He loaded the gun quickly, and after telling Petunia to stay put he opened the door to see flashes of light coming out of the door of Harry's room. "Stupid boy, I told him that funny business would do him harm in the end." He thought to himself, "Well, he is your nephew. And you don't want to have to bury another of Petunia's family; the last two were bad enough." Setting his mind to saving Harry he walked down the hall.
No one in Harry's room expected the odds to change, least of all Harry. He had taken down three of the five intruders and was left with perhaps the two most evil people in the world save Voldemort himself, at least to Harry's way of thinking. He was purely defensive now as Bellatrix Leastrange and Lucius Malfoy attacked him in perfect coordination. Harry was concentrating all his might on holding the shield charm that was saving his life. He didn't see Dudley step behind Malfoy, He just heard Malfoy scream, spin around and fall in a heap. The next thing he saw was Dudley dropping to the floor to reveal a very angry Uncle Vernon aiming a shotgun at Bellatrix's heart. He didn't hesitate, as soon as Dudley hit the floor the shotgun spat fire but Bellatrix was ready for it. With a wave of her wand the pellets simply vanished and the gun grew red hot causing Uncle Vernon to drop it with a scream. Bellatrix then made a critical error in judgement, She chose to try to torture Vernon and Dudley rather than attack Harry. Harry saw his chance and took it before she could attack his relatives. He waved his wand and muttered a charm under his breath. Thick steel chains appeared from thin air and bound Bellatrix's arms and legs tightly. A cloth gag silenced her protests.
"Thanks for that!" Harry said tiredly. "I had hoped to draw them away from you, but I didn't expect those two to come."
"YOU KNEW THESE FREAKS WERE COMING!" Uncle Vernon roared at him.
"I knew they might come and prepared for it, Uncle Vernon. I sent a letter to the Weasley's earlier today asking for help if we were attacked," Harry explained trying to calm his uncle. At that moment all of the "of age" Weasley men appeared in Harry's room wand's drawn. Seeing the disabled Death Eater's at Harry's feet and Uncle Vernon's shotgun, they lowered their wands.
"What did you say you needed us for again Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked with a smile.
"Well I had hoped to keep Uncle Vernon and Dudley out of this, but they decided they would rather join the fight than run and watch it." Harry said.
Dudley spoke up next, "Well you see, Harry saved my life once so I really kind of owed him one. Besides, it's been a few months since I got a chance to really hit someone."
"And I will be damned before anyone in my house is killed in it" Vernon spat. All the wizards laughed. Bill Weasley walked over and pulled the mask off of Malfoy's face, While Charlie revealed Bellatrix's face.
Fred and George whistled. "Let's see George," Fred said thoughtfully," I guess we really do owe Dudley something for bruising up this git." He nudged Malfoy's unconscious body none too gently. "Yeah I'd guess this is his work." George said.
"You also owe Uncle Vernon for his help with her" Harry said pointing at Bellatrix's body.
"What are you talking about?" asked a confused Fred.
"Well, Uncle Vernon tried to shoot her but she was ready for it." Harry explained while George rolled his eyes. "But at least he distracted her so I could do this" Harry finished kicking Bellatrix lightly in the side.
"Who are these people?" asked Uncle Vernon. Harry spent the next few minutes explaining who the two were and all of the crimes they had committed. Vernon hated violent criminals even worse than he hated magic. By the end of Harry's explanation he was so enraged that it took Dudley and Mr. Weasly to keep him from killing the two intruders with his bare hands.
"I know that you don't normally approve of magic in your home, but I would suggest that you allow us to help clean up" said Mr. Weasley.
"Please," said Aunt Petunia startling everyone as she stood shivering in Harry's doorway. "That will save us more than a few embarrassing questions." Moments later the room was clean. Mr. Weasley banished the death eater's to ministry holding cells with the exception of Bellatrix whom Harry had banished to the basement of Potter Manor.
"Now Harry, don't' torture her and make sure the ministry gets her quickly" Mr. Weasley admonished him.
"Don't worry sir, I have no intention of sinking to her level, I just want to get a few things straight with her before I turn her in" Harry said darkly. Harry then proceeded to introduce his aunt to the Weasley's, her eyes lit up when she met Fred and George.
"I wonder how I could get a supply of those healing chocolates and the bruise cream that Harry shared with me a few days ago?" She asked them after hugging them both rather forcefully.
The twins looked at Harry who nodded before saying, "We have a store in Diagon Alley or we can leave you a catalog and you can order by Owl. We'll even send the products by muggle post if you like" they replied staring at Vernon.
"I think the catalog will work best guys," Harry told them. "And I will pay for anything she wishes to buy." He added silently daring them to challenge him.
"Harry that's not necessary," Aunt Petunia exclaimed, "I can pay for my own purchases."
"Actually, Mrs. Dursley, you'd probably better let him pay" The twins responded to her, "We only trade in wizard currency and Harry has more access to it than you do." Seeing her disturbed look they added, "We would gladly take pounds instead of Galleons but the bankers of our world make an outrageous fuss if they get mixed deposits. And they will only allow us to deposit earnings once a day." Aunt Petunia didn't look especially happy about it but she did nod.
"I'll explain a little later Aunt Petunia," Harry said cutting his eyes briefly to Uncle Vernon. After calming Aunt Petunia down and repairing the front door, the Dursley's returned to bed. Harry on the other hand was ready to start on his surprise for his own birthday party. After bidding the Weasley's a goodnight he stepped out into the garden, strapped his trunk to his broom and kicked off. He shot straight up until he got cold, then he turned south and shot off toward Lymington and his new home.
Harry landed in the garden of Potter Manor shivering from the cold flight from Little Whinging.
"Here let me warm you up a bit" said Ron from the shadows.
"Ron!" Harry said lowering the wand he had drawn instinctively, "You scared me spitless." "How and why are you here anyway?"
"Dobby wouldn't let us in the house but he did let us wait here," Ron replied casting a warming charm on Harry. "And I was doing my little sister a huge favor." "And what was that," Harry asked suspiciously. "Bringing her to help set up her boyfriend's birthday, of course." Ron smiled as Ginny stepped from the shadows to join him. "Hi Harry," she said just before she kissed him. It was a good thing that she didn't require an answer because Harry's voice had left him the moment he saw her.
"Okay you two break it up before I throw up," said a grinning Ron a few moments later. "Now, I've gotta get back before Mum notices us gone. Try to get Ginny back before seven or Mum will wake up and I'll really catch it."
"I'll do what I can Ron, and thanks," Harry said emotionally.
"No big deal, she's so miserable when she's away from you that she's no fun anyway," Ron said throwing a teasing smile at his sister. Ginny just stuck her tongue out at him before he apparated back to the Burrow.
Harry led Ginny into the house and set his trunk by the door. "Dobby?, Squeaky?," he called. Both house elves appeared with a snap mere seconds after the words left his mouth.
"Master called," they both said earnestly.
"Yes, I did. We have a lot of work to do in a very short amount of time," he said smiling at them. "Dobby take my trunk up to the guest room directly behind the family portrait room."
Ginny stared at him shocked, "A guest room Harry, why not the master suite? This is your home Harry." Ginny reminded him gently.
"I know that it is my home Gin, but I'm not ready to move into their bedroom yet." Harry said smiling to let her know that he wasn't mad at her.
"I'm sorry Harry, I didn't even think about that." Ginny said ashamed.
Harry folded her into his arms, "That's okay Ginny; you'd never try to hurt me. I know that." She looked up at him and smiled. "Now then, Squeaky. I need you to start on one heck of a menu, make everything you believe my Mother would have had you make for my seventeenth birthday." The elf nodded and disappeared. Dobby reappeared after taking Harry's stuff upstairs. "Dobby, I need you to help Squeaky now. Remember that while you two have equal status on the staff here, she knew my parents better. This is her show okay?" Dobby nodded and disappeared.
Harry and Ginny looked at each other, "You ready to try this Harry?" Ginny asked.
"As ready as I'll ever be I guess" Harry said sighing. They went up to the Portrait Room to find the portraits of his parents sleeping. Harry tried the charm twice with nothing happening. Finally, Ginny reached around him and kissed his neck as he cast the charm for the third time. Harry felt his chest grow warm as thoughts of Ginny and his love for her filled his mind just before he cast the charm. This time both portraits glowed gold for a moment as both his parents woke up.
"Well, I think that did it Harry" Ginny said smiling.
"Yes, I believe it did" James said smiling at his son.
" You both look exhausted, to put it mildly" Lily added smiling, "Why don't you two go get some sleep, in separate rooms" she said giving Harry a long stare.
"This will take some time Harry," His father said gently, "You don't need to be here. I'm sure it worked Harry, I can feel it already." Harry finally nodded and led Ginny to the sitting room downstairs. Dobby had already left a plate of sandwiches for them with a pitcher of pumpkin juice. Harry and Ginny ate and talked about their respective days, Ginny was shocked to hear about the attack and how his family literally saved his life. She was very glad to hear about the recapture of Bellatrix Lestrange and Lucius Malfoy. Harry left out the part about Bellatrix being held in his basement. Ginny told Harry how she had thought about Dumbledore's insistence of love being the strongest magical power late last night and had begged Ron to bring her, saying that she had to see him. Harry held her by the fire that Dobby had left burning for them, they both fell asleep right there.
"Wake up you two" Ron hissed at them.
"What… who's there?" Harry mumbled sleepily.
"You didn't bring her home so I thought I'd come get to save you getting Mum's behavior speech" Ron whispered.
"Ron, you are the best brother a girl could have." Ginny said hugging him.
"Well, if I didn't trust Harry with your life I wouldn't be." Ron said smiling at her.
"Yeah, Thanks a lot mate." Harry said shaking his hand.
"Don't mention it," Ron said, "We'll just call saving your life payback for all the money you've loaned me over the years."
"Deal," Harry said, "now the party should be ready about two o'clock, so make sure that at least Ginny is here then. I'll need her help with a surprise I have for everyone, and no we are not engaged… yet" he said noticing Ron's look.
"Alright, we'll be here" Ron said before taking Ginny back into the garden and apparating them both home.
Harry walked back up the stairs to the portrait room and paused outside the door. Had it worked? Was he about to be able to hug his parents for the first time in sixteen years? He took a deep breath and opened the door, inside Harry saw his father helping his mother to step down from her frame. He ran to them with a cry of joy and leapt into his mother's arms. His father wrapped his arms around them both as all three cried for joy at the feel off each other's arms again. "You have no idea how much I've missed you both" Harry cried.
"We've missed you too, Harry" Lily said hugging him tightly to her. Harry brought her hand to his face and pressed it against his cheek.
"It feels so good to feel your hands again Mum," Harry told her, "I remember both of you're hands. I don't know how, I was so young when you died but I remember."
Lily looked at her husband absolutely shocked. "I'll explain that Harry," James said smiling, "You can remember our hands because my family has always been able to remember almost anything from the time they were born. For example I remember when my parents brought me home for the first time; we sat in the sitting room downstairs all night as a family." "That is just one of the legacies you inherited from my side of the family, you are also an exceptionally powerful wizard Harry because my family was powerful family and your mother being a muggle born gave you more power than most wizard babies. It always happens that way. The muggle borns have to be very powerful or they never notice that they are a witch or wizard." Harry smiled at his parents; it was so good to see them both seemingly alive and happy. "Harry, we are as happy as to see you and hold you as you are us. However, we had all better get some rest before your guests arrive." James said tiredly.
"Right, I've left the master suite for you, and had Dobby put my stuff in a guest room" Harry told them. "I also had Remus bring your clothes from Godric's Hollow and put them in the closets for you" He added when they both began to protest that this was his home now and the master suite belonged to him. "I know" he said patiently, "And when you two fade I'll move into it. But for now, I'd really like to sleep in the room you had picked out for me. I'd like to spend whatever time we have as if you had never died." Both of his parents smiled at him.
"If that's what you want Harry" Lily said tearing up again.
"Great! But I have to warn you that Voldemort, or Tom as we call him, will probably try to party crash today. I
want to welcome him." James opened his mouth to protest but Lily stopped him looking at her son amazed. "Just think" Harry said, "It took him thirteen years to regenerate, He knows that you didn't fear death. He will never expect me to welcome him to my birthday party, much less to see you two attending it. This will give me a chance to talk to him face to face and try to wring some info on his remaining Horcruxes out of him." James was now staring just like his wife. "Besides I put your wand on the nightstands in your room, I imagine that they will recognize your spirits regardless of whether or not you are actually alive. So if Tom becomes too rude I'll have plenty of backup." Harry said with a smile.
"Dumbledore must have really taught you something last year Harry, I would never have thought of setting a trap for, Tom you said you called him." James said with a new respect.
"Why do you call him that anyway?" Lily asked.
"Because that is his given name. Tom Marvolo Riddle" Harry replied. "That's what I learned the most from Dumbledore, Tom is afraid of being another "Tom" so he invented the name of Lord Voldemort rather than face it. If we refuse to call him by his chosen name he is not nearly as sure of himself or as dangerous." Harry and his parents continued this conversation down the hall and stopped only when they reached the door right next to the master suite.
"This was your room, Harry" Lily said opening the door. "I hope the décor suites you."
"It's perfect Mum!" Harry exclaimed as he looked around at the many Quidditch posters hanging on the walls and noticing that many of them featured his father as seeker. "I didn't know you played professionally Dad." He said amazed.
"I didn't, those were all posters I got in Hogwart's trying to recruit me" James said smiling. "If Sirius and Remus weren't lying when they described your flying I'm amazed you don't have a stack of them somewhere."
Lily smiled at Harry's stunned expression, "I quite agree Harry, perhaps after we've been introduced to your guests we'll all go out back and your Dad can try you out. I'd like to see how good you really are, and I know your Dad was one of the best seekers to ever play at Hogwarts."
"I'd really like that" Harry said, "well I guess I'll say good morning then."
"Yes, get some rest Harry. We'll see you in a few hours" both of his parents said as they backed out of his room.