Still dreaming about owning Harry Potter, yeah right like that's gonna happen.
The birthday party resumed without hesitation as people gathered in small groups to discuss what had just happened and the meaning of Harry's parting comment to Voldemort. Ginny leaned against Harry's chest as he put his arms around her waist, his face beside hers. He was looking at his father without her seeing him. James gave an almost imperceptible nod as he talked with Lupin, Sirius, McGonagall, and Hagrid. Lily smiled seeing the look pass between father and son while she chatted happily with her sister. Ron and Hermione had joined the twins discussion with Dudley, Tonks, and the older Weasleys about their newest inventions.
"Ginny, do you remember me telling you that I never wanted to break up with you again?" Harry whispered in her ear. Ginny spun in his arms to glare at him. "I do" she said her expression warning him not to try it. "I also remember agreeing with you" she said slightly coldly.
Harry never flinched, "I'm glad" he said. "Feel like sharing that decision with the world at large?" he asked grinning at her.
Her eyes glistened as tears formed in them, "What?" she asked in an emotional whisper. Everyone else in the garden was looking at them now, their attention drawn by the tone of Ginny's voice. Harry let go of Ginny except for her left hand as he kneeled in front of her drawing a gasp not only from her, but everyone else too.
"Will you marry me Ginerva Molly Weasley?" Harry asked nervously. The tears that had formed in Ginny's eyes now flowed freely down her cheeks.
"Are you mad Harry?" she asked happily. I've wanted to marry you for three years" she said before anyone could answer her question. When Harry remained kneeling in front of her she said seriously, "Yes, I will gladly marry you Harry James Potter." Everyone cheered as Ginny pulled Harry off of his knees and into a passionate kiss. Harry pulled back when he began to worry that they both might suffocate.
"Ginny," Harry said breathlessly, "I haven't had the time to buy you a ring yet. But I had a set of wedding rings given to me this morning." Ginny stared at him awestruck as what he was implying hit her. "I'll understand if you want your own ring, but my mother left me her rings for you. I think she would love for you to wear them." Harry told her smiling at her. Ginny didn't know what to say, it wasn't that she didn't want to wear Lily's ring, she just didn't want to insult her memory to anyone.
Lily seemed to sense this because she stepped behind her. "Harry lied to you Ginny" she said putting her hands on Ginny's shoulders. "I wouldn't just love it; you wearing those rings would be the greatest honor I have ever received alive or dead." Ginny's head whipped around as she stared at her future mother-in-law, seeing Lily's genuine smile she turned back to Harry and nodded because she couldn't speak. She found her voice after Harry slipped the ring on her finger, "Mrs. Potter," Ginny started but Lily interrupted her "My dear you must call me Lily." Ginny smiled and nodded at her. "Lily the honor is all mine." She said hugging her. James came up beside his wife and hugged Ginny too saying, "I wish that Lily and I could linger long enough to see your wedding, but sadly I don't think we will last more than today."
The birthday party quickly turned into an engagement party with everyone talking to Harry and Ginny about when and where they wanted to get married. Only Petunia wasn't mobbing the new couple. She sat with her sister desperately trying to understand what had just happened. "Lily I don't understand how all of this happened so quickly." Lily smiled at her sister and sat down beside her.
"Ah, well when you're the number one target for Voldemort you might tend to rush things a bit I suppose" she said sighing.
"So the guy that looked like a cross between a snake and Death really was…" she stopped looking horrified.
"Yes Petunia, that was my murderer Lord Voldemort" Lily said in a comforting voice.
"I guess now I can see why everyone is afraid of him. The man is pure evil, even Dudley noticed it." Petunia said shivering. "And Harry has to fight him alone?" she asked fearfully.
"Well, he doesn't have to fight him alone per se" Lily answered "But Harry is the only human that can kill him."
"How horrible" Petunia said terrified, "I wish I could help him."
"You already have Petunia" Lily said smiling.
Petunia looked at her sister completely shocked. "How?" she asked.
"Well your mistreatment of Harry taught him how to live in his own mind and how to protect it, although he doesn't know that yet" Lily answered.
"How will that help?" Petunia asked disbelievingly. "Voldemort is a master quote mind reader" Lily said, "Because of his experiences Harry will be able to prevent him from reading what he really knows. So he won't know that Harry knows how to kill him until Harry does it" Lily said smiling.
Dudley walked up to his mother and Aunt with a very concerned look on his face. "What's on your mind Dudley?" Lily asked as he approached.
"Mrs. Potter, I just wondered if I could help Harry in anyway. You see he saved my soul, literally, a few years ago and I would like to be able to repay him."
"I see, well Dudley I think just being a friend to Harry when he needs one is repayment enough, Not to mention dropping a few more of those haymakers of yours at the right times" Lily said smiling at him, "And do call me Aunt Lily will you, Mrs. Potter just seems so formal." Petunia and Lily looked at each other and laughed leaving Dudley very confused.
Harry was watching all of this from a distance with Ginny in his arms. "That's the happiest I've ever seen my Aunt" Harry whispered into her ear.
Ginny just smiled, "I think that you did more for everyone else than you did for yourself by creating these echoes Harry. Harry gave her a questioning look. "Well, I mean, look at them. Your mum got a chance to talk to your Aunt and your Dad got to talk to Lupin and Sirius again, although Sirius is not your doing." Harry nodded and was silent for a moment.
"What about you Gin, do they do anything for you?" Harry asked timidly. Ginny spun in his arms to stare at him like he was crazy.
"Of course this does something for me you dolt," she exclaimed. "I got to meet your parents, get engaged to you with their blessing and even got a truly warm hug from both of them. How could that not mean something to me?"
"Good" Harry said smiling, "Because Dad suggested it because he heard that you wanted to meet them and thought he could kill two birds with one stone so to speak." "Really?" Ginny asked intrigued. "Yeah, he also wanted to prove that Dumbledore was right about the whole love is the most powerful force known to man idea" Harry said grinning at her. "I guess I have to admit that he does have a point." He said thoughtfully.
"I had no idea that this was for me" Ginny said tears filling her eyes. She stared into his eyes for the longest time before saying, "Harry, I need to talk to my mum for a bit." "Sure thing Gin" Harry said smiling and releasing her.
Harry watched Ginny make her way toward her parents for a minute before going to talk with his family. He enjoyed listening to Dudley joke with Fred and George and listening to his mother and Aunt talk about growing up together. He sat smiling as his family repaired itself after many years of damage due to his parents' untimely deaths and his Aunt's abusive husband. He was getting lost in the stories and not really noticing what was going on in his own garden. Therefore it didn't really surprise him when he jumped in shock as Ginny laid her hand on his shoulder.
"Harry, Mum and I have a great idea. Can we talk to you and your parents about it for a moment?" she asked gently. Harry had known Ginny a long time but had never heard her use that tone before.
"Uh, sure Gin," He said smiling at her. "Mum, Dad would you come with me?" he asked excusing himself from his aunt and cousin. His parents followed him and Ginny into the house where he settled them all into the sitting room.
"What's this all about Ginny?" Harry asked kindly because he could see that she was nervous.
"Well, I wanted to thank your father for suggesting the idea of creating these echoes for my benefit and I wanted to return the favor if you'll let me" Ginny said looking at Harry.
James was the first to speak, "it was our pleasure Ginny, you owe us nothing, we did this as much for ourselves as for you or Harry."
"I realize that sir," Ginny said. "But you also did this so that I would get the chance to meet you both. Now I find myself in a position to grant a wish of yours if you and Harry will allow it" she said.
Harry spoke up in a confused voice, "What wish could you want to grant that you need my permission for?"
"I want to marry you today Harry, before the echoes of your parents fade" Ginny said quietly. The room exploded into gasps and exclamations of shock.
Finally Harry took control of the situation again, "Ginny don't get me wrong I can't wait to marry you but I don't want to rush you into a wedding that isn't what you wanted. I want it to be perfect for you."
"Yes, you should take your time and plan this out Ginny. You will remember this day for the rest of your life, don't rush it" Lily said looking imploringly at Ginny.
"Mr. and Mrs. Potter as long as Harry is waiting at the end of that aisle I don't care about the rest of the wedding" said Ginny smiling.
"Besides Ginny and I have had this wedding planned for at least three years" Molly said airily. Harry's mouth fell open in shock as he turned to his fiancé eyebrows disappearing into his untidy hairline while his parents looked at each other in amazement. "What, a girl can dream, can't she?" Ginny asked in an innocent voice.
"Very well," said James in a strong voice. "I will allow the wedding to occur today on one condition."
"Really and what is that sir?" Ginny asked fearfully looking him in the eyes.
James smiled at her, "That you never call Lily and I anything but James and Lily or Mum and Dad." Ginny sighed in relief while Molly and Arthur just laughed. "Sorry Ginny but we died much too young for people to call us such formal names and make us feel old" Lily said laughing, "And my husband can't help himself. If he can make a joke he will." Everyone laughed as Ginny turned to Harry pleading with him with her eyes to wed today.
"I may not be the smartest wizard in the world Ginny, but even I am not dumb enough to interfere with a woman's wedding plans" he said smiling, "If this is what you want then I suggest we get to setting up the garden." Ginny leaped into his arms as their parents left to make the announcement to the rest of the guests.
"Thank you Harry" Ginny breathed in his ear as he hugged her tightly to him. "No thank you Ginny," Harry responded, "you've just given me my greatest dream." He set her down and they both smiled at the thought as they went to rejoin the party.
The wedding was beautiful. Even without the dress robes or arranged flowers typically seen at a wedding Harry and Ginny could not have chosen a better setting to wed. The garden looked gorgeous anyway and Harry had conjured a white lattice work arch to serve as an altar. Ron and Hermione had served as Best Man and Maid of Honor. The ceremony was not unlike the wedding ceremonies used by most muggles except that there was no minister per se and the parents of the couple touched their wands together at the end to signify their families' blessings. However, at this wedding the family blessings was not just symbolic. James and Arthur's wands had just made contact when a shower of silver and gold confetti rained down on the guests. Molly and Lily touched their wands together and a clear voice belonging to no one present shouted, "Rejoice with us on this day at the joining of these two ancient and noble houses. The Griffin of the Potters weds the star of the Weasley line on this day!!!" Everyone gasped at this because it rarely ever occurred. "Uh, Dad" Harry whispered, a question in his eyes.
"It's alright Harry," both fathers started to reply. James finished the explanation, "The voice just means that you found your soul mate, which is very rare." James smiled at his son while Ginny and Harry stared at each other in astonishment. They both knew that soul mates were fated couples that had the choice to form or not form if they ever found each other.
"Well, that explains a lot now doesn't it?" Molly exclaimed. "Yes it does" said Ginny as she stepped into Harry's embrace as his wife for the first time. They shared a tender kiss to complete the ceremony and then spent the better part of two hours celebrating with their guests before the party wound down and people began to leave.
"Sirius I need to speak with you a moment before you leave" Harry called out still holding Ginny like she was going to disappear.
"What can I do for you Harry?" Sirius asked coming to stand in front of the couple.
"Actually, I wanted to know where you planned on living and what you planned on doing now that I own all of your money." Harry said seriously.
"I hadn't really thought about yet Harry," Sirius said thinking, "I've been living as a dog ever since the Department of Mysteries because I need less food and water that way and people tend to help a stray dog out."
"I have a solution for both problems if you like" Harry said staring into his godfathers eyes.
"Really," Sirius said, "Let's hear 'em."
"Well I own Black Manor so you can live there or stay here for a while, and I'd to appoint you as my financial manager. Oh, and as soon as your name is cleared by your cousin I'd like you to take the Black seats on the Wizengamut and at the Table of Wizards" Harry said grinning at him.
"Which of my cousins is going to be able to clear my name Harry," He asked skeptically, "Tonks is an Auror but was not involved in my case, and Bellatrix might have cared enough to try but she's gone so dark that I doubt it."
"Nice one Trixie, but not nice enough Huh." Harry said enjoying the look of shock on Sirius' face.
"You heard that" Sirius exclaimed, "I didn't think I got it all out"
"You didn't," Harry replied, "Bellatrix remembered it and finished it for you."
"She… She remembered" Sirius said to himself
"Yes she did," Harry said, "and your apparent death broke her in two Sirius." "I captured her a few days ago but didn't send her to the ministry. She's in the dungeon now. She's been crying her heart out for the last two days." Ginny turned and glared at him. "Don't worry dear," Harry reassured her, "The head of the Aurors knows she is here and has her wand. He gave me the permission to interrogate her so long as no physical torture or abuse was used, which I have no intention of using." Ginny still seemed miffed but also seemed to understand that Harry was trying to get useful information out of Bellatrix that the ministry wouldn't even know to look for. "May I see her Harry?" Sirius asked. "I was about to ask if you would" Harry replied before turning to lead them both to the dungeon.
Harry knocked on the metal door before opening it and stepping into the dungeon. Bellatrix was lying on a crude mattress but that was better than the floor. Ginny watched fearfully as Bellatrix kneeled before Harry and Harry raised her from the floor with a hand on each shoulder. "Bellatrix, I have very good news for you" Harry said smiling at her. "What is that Sir?" Bellatrix asked still not wanting to look Harry in the face. Ginny was shocked at Bellatrix's actions and turned to Sirius questioningly.
Sirius sighed, "She is doing what she was taught to do from the day she was born Ginny," He said seeing the question in her eyes. "She is acknowledging Harry as master, because he captured her, her parents made mine look like Order members." Ginny gasped in shock. "God, I wanted to get her out of that family so bad, but her parents promised her to that filthy Rodophus Lestrange before I turned seventeen." They watched as Harry said a few more comforting words to Bellatrix and the turned and nodded to them through the partially open door. Ginny and Sirius stepped into the room and Bellatrix's legs gave way. Harry just barely caught her before her head smacked the stone floor.
"Siri" she said fearfully. She sounded like a small child who was afraid she was going to get a spanking to Ginny. "why did you abandon me Siri?" she asked crying still in the childish fearful voice. "Bella" Sirius said softly lifting her easily out of Harry's arms and into his. "I never abandoned you, I tried to save you, but Rodolphus wouldn't let me see you, He burned any letter I wrote to you." Harry and Ginny slowly backed out of the dungeon keeping their wands ready just in case. Sirius set Bellatrix gently on her feet and said, "watch I'll show you that I never left you." He transformed into the big shaggy dog and sat staring into her eyes.
"Merlin help me!" Bellatrix cried thowing her arms around the dog's neck, "I thought Rodolphus killed you." "He tried Bella, but I got away. He just never let me near you again." Bellatrix opened her eyes to see her arms around her cousin's neck and both of them kneeling on the floor. She broke down again and sobbed hysterically as Sirius held her and stroked her hair and back. "It's okay Bella, it's okay" Sirius kept saying this over and over again, while Bellatrix sobbed and mumbled "I'm sorry Siri" over and over into his neck. Harry walked up and tapped Sirius on the shoulder, "Will you be alright with her?" he asked. Sirius nodded but handed Harry his wand, "Just in case" he said with a smile before going back to comforting Bellatrix. Harry and Ginny nodded before they left the dungeon.
Late That Night:
Harry and Ginny walked hand in hand into the downstairs sitting room where his parents waited. "Ginny," Lily began solemnly, "this is your house as well as Harry's. But remember that only you and Harry can make it a home. You know that Harry loves you more than life itself, but in order for our world to return to the peace you both grew up enjoying he must face Lord Voldemort. Now I know that you would die to save him from this, but make us one promise."
"Anything" Ginny said.
Lily's eyes teared up as she looked at her son and thought of him fighting the man that murdered herself and her husband. "Promise us that you will stay out of that final fight Ginny" James said putting his arms around his wife. Ginny's eyes flashed in anger, but James continued before she could protest. "Ginny, don't think for a minute that Harry, Lily, or I doubt that you can handle yourself in a fight or that you would be a formidable ally in a fight. But in a fight against Voldemort Harry will need his entire focus to be on his adversary. He can't do that if you're in the fight." Ginny stared at James then Lily her own eyes tearing up. "Ginny, take it from someone whose been there. You have heard that James and I fought Voldemort in the past. That's not entirely true; you see I helped James find him several times. But James was in the same situation that Harry must enter now, so James went to fight him and I willingly stayed home. The only time we faced him together was the night he came to our home and you know the results of that fight." Lily said sadly.
"Are you telling me that you think you're being in that house caused James death?" Ginny asked astonished.
"Maybe not, but the knowledge that if he lost that duel his wife and child would die was definitely was a distraction." Lily told her, "If we had not been there James might have broken him that night, James was powerful enough to do it."
Ginny thought all of this over while Harry held her close to him, finally she turned to look at him. "Harry, I love you and I will do whatever you think best." She said a plea in her eyes, "But please, don't try to keep me out of the fight entirely."
Harry pulled her head to his chest and she listened to his heartbeat speed up. "I can't do this without you Gin." He said, "And I would never make you sit at home and wait for me to save the world. I just need to know when I duel with him that you are safe no matter what happens."
Ginny kissed him to answer him. "I will promise you that I will support Harry anyway I can and if he tells me to, I will run from that fight."
"Fair enough" James said warmly, "Now, Harry, I know that you want to set off now to hunt down Voldemort now. But you will need all the knowledge you can get to defeat him, therefore it is imperative that you finish school." Harry started to argue but his mother cut him off. "Harry, your father is right. Think about this for a moment; your father, Dumbledore, Sirius, Lupin and me have all faced him and barely escaped. We all finished school and learned a great deal more after school. You are more powerful than all of us but you need time to learn to harness that power. That is the only promise your father and I ask for Harry."
Ginny squeezed his hand reassuringly as she whispered, "You know that they're right Harry." Harry nodded to all three of them sealing the promise to his parents.
"Very well." James said smiling, "Now as it is very late, I suggest that we all say goodnight and goodbye." Ginny and Harry hugged both of his parents crying. His parents hugged and comforted them for a long while telling them not to cry as they had both lived happy lives and to take care of each other and trust the power of their love. They promised to remember that as Harry led Ginny into a guest suite, leaving the master suite to his parents. James and Lily smiled and watched them go.