Harry's Future, Part XIII
Professor McGonagall anxiously stood outside the door that led to the antechamber behind the faculty table. The heart wrenching sounds that she had heard when she first hurried up onto the dais had subsided and now she could just barely hear murmured conversation and the pop of a house elf entering the room. Whatever it was that caused Abagail to flee from her History of Magic Class and run straight here was coming to a close and the Headmistress would wait until she emerged. She had her suspicions, or more precisely, her fears about who the little witch had come running to but she would have to wait on that as well.
The Headmistress stepped away from the door and sat down on one of the chairs at the head table. She nervously drummed her fingers on the armrest of the chair and watched the door. She waited for a quarter of an hour before the door was slowly pulled open and Harry and Abagail emerged, her two tiny hands holding on to his left, his right holding the cane that helped support him.
"Hello, Professor. Sorry if I caused any trouble," Harry said.
"Is there something you'd like to talk about, Harry?" she asked evenly.
"I think so, Professor, but I think perhaps we should include Professor Dumbledore," Harry replied. "This gets a little complicated."
"Very well, Harry, let's all walk up to my office," the Headmistress replied.
Fortunately for Harry's current state of mind most of the students were still in classes and those few that were in the Great Hall were ignoring or pretending to ignore the trio on the faculty dais. They left the Great Hall by the smaller side door and began the trek to the Head's office. By the time they had reached the guardian statue the stiffness had returned to Harry's leg but it was only a minor sensation on the edges of his awareness.
He was all too aware of the two small hands that were holding on to his left. He was all too aware of the memory of the bright green eyes that had held his so firmly and the charge to care for Abagail. And he was all too aware of the bitter disappointment that welled up inside after the images of his mother and father faded away all too soon. He heard Professor McGonagall say the password and he heard the grinding sound of the statue swinging out of the way. He followed the Professor up the staircase with Abagail pressed closely to his side so they could both make it up the narrow spiral staircase. When they entered the Heads office proper a chorus of greetings sounded out from the portraits but were quickly stifled when they could see that something was amiss. It was Dumbledore who broke the ensuing silence.
"Good afternoon, Harry, Abagail. I feel I would not be incorrect in making the observation that all is not well with you," the former Headmaster said.
Harry looked up at his mentor, no less so even in death, and nodded slightly.
"Something odd happened a little while ago, Professor, and it kind of took me by surprise. It was something I thought you should know about, sir. I can't figure it out."
"By all means, my boy. Myself, all of us here, are more then willing to be of assistance, well those of us who are awake, that is," the Professor said as gentle snores drifted down from several directions. "Please tell us what this is all about, in your own time, of course."
Professor McGonagall took her place behind the desk. Harry walked Abagail over to a chair and lifted her onto it. He gave her a smile to reassure her and then he walked over to the portrait of Dumbledore and began to describe what happened. Dumbledore maintained his calm gaze upon Harry's face although his eyes did flicker once to Abagail and then again to Professor McGonagall when Harry mentioned Lily's bright green eyes. Harry concluded his retelling minus the breakdown.
No one said a word for several long minutes. Finally Dumbledore looked at the three people in front of him, his expression serious. He focused on Harry once more and said,
"Suffice to say, Harry, this is a most extraordinary occurrence. Taken by itself the conversation between yourself and Abagail would be incredible. The addition of the appearance of your parents and your mother's instructions to you regarding Abagail are nothing short of astounding."
"It goes a little further then that, sir," Harry said as he turned to Abagail. "I'm guessing you didn't get a chance to tell them about the first time, did you?"
Abagail shook her head. Harry then turned back toward Dumbledore and began to tell the tale of his time in coma. When he started to tell about his first encounter, with him, Harry stopped.
"Sir, do you recall any of this, were you actually there?" Harry asked.
"Things are not quite so straightforward on this side, my boy. I have certain memories, images of both of our encounters but I think for the sake of the others and for clarity, assume I have no recollection and tell us the full story."
Harry nodded and told in as much detail as he could recall what had happened during his visits to the 'other side'. When he was done he could hear mutters and murmurs from various places on the wall. He looked at Professor McGonagall, whose face was a study in forced neutrality, trying not to give anything away. Once again it was Dumbledore that spoke first.
"I think I'm safe in saying that this is the most incredible tale I have ever heard in life or death. There are things going on here that defy belief and coming from a wizard that is saying something. Abagail, my dear, if you would please," Dumbledore said as he waved her over.
She slid off the chair and shyly came to stand at Harry's side. Apparently without noticing it, Harry placed his arm around her shoulder.
"Miss Westwood," the Professor said kindly. "Is there anything you can add to what Harry has said? This goes well beyond any of the things we've talked about these past few years."
"Well, sir. He didn't tell you how I was told that he needed help the first time," she replied and began telling how she was enlisted by the shade of Lily Potter to come to Harry's aid.
Once more Dumbledore listened in silence. When Abagail was through, he looked down on both she and Harry from his portrait, his hands clasped and hidden within the sleeves of his robe.
"That there is some connection between you two is without question. What that connection is I haven't the faintest idea. It is true that you both lost your parents to tragic circumstances but beyond that I just don't know. I believe we must make a more intensive search for the details of Ms. Westwood's ancestry."
"I wonder if there might be something in the Ministry records that might help, Professor," Harry offered.
"It's a place to start, Harry."
"Well," Harry spoke to the room, "you all know what's been going on. If any one has any ideas as to what has been happening I'd be happy to hear them. I'm at a complete loss."
"Well, young man," began an elderly witch from the opposite side of the room. "I've been hanging on this wall for some two hundred and fifty years and I've heard quite a lot said about you and all that business with that scoundrel Riddle. Seems to me there's been a great deal about death and the boundaries between the living and the dead. Riddle trying to forestall his and him trying to hurry you towards your own. You've survived not one but two killing curses I understand. Seems to me that perhaps the boundary has been thinned a bit where you're concerned. And as for this young lady it doesn't sound like boundaries apply to her at all. It's something to think about, at least."
Harry looked at the portrait that was addressing him and the aged visage that was regarding him, her light blue eyes squinting to see him over the tops of her half glasses.
"Perhaps you're right, ma'am. I don't really know and I'm a little too fuzzy headed to try and figure it out now. It must be nearly dinner time. I'll walk Abagail back down to the Great Hall and then I think I'll take a little walk outside and try to clear my head. Good night, Professors. Good night, everyone."
Harry offered his hand to Abagail and again she took it in both of hers and they turned and walked towards the stairway. The current and past heads watched them go. Once they heard the statue grind back into place a spirited conversation ensued. The subjects of that conversation moved slowly down the corridor to the staircases and navigated down the shifting stairs to the main floor.
"Abagail, before you go in to eat there's a couple of things I'd like to tell you," he said looking down at her.
"Yes, sir?" she said in a barely audible whisper, her eyes wide and bright as they looked up at his face.
"Firstly, thank you for coming to see me this afternoon. I appreciate your concern. Secondly, Professor McGonagall told me what she had found out about how your grandparents are doing and it confirms what you told me the other day. Your grandmother has agreed to let me become your guardian. At the end of term you'll be coming to live with me this summer. Of course Ginny will be there quite a bit, too."
"Really, sir?"
"Yes, really. It seems we are linked at least for the foreseeable future," he said with a bit of a smile.
Abagail's smile was a good deal larger. She squeezed Harry's hand and then put her arms around his waist and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you, sir," she said from around his chest. "Thank you."
"You're welcome, little one. Now, go on inside and have a good dinner. I'll be leaving in the morning but I'll see you at breakfast, ok?"
"Yes, sir," she said with one last squeeze then she let go and practically skipped into the Hall.
Harry watched her go and then he slowly made his way out into the dimming evening. He made his way to the same bench that he and Abagail had previously sat on. He looked around the grounds and then up into the sky which was still too bright to show any stars. As he tilted his head back and let his eyes roam the heavens, a voice startled him.
"If you seek guidance in the stars, Harry Potter, you have a long while to wait."
Harry's head snapped down and around.
"Firenze, bloody hell, you scared me," Harry exclaimed.
"My apologizes, Harry Potter, I did not mean to cause you alarm. Hagrid came to inform me of your contact with my brethren. I heard you speaking to the little witch and I sought you out," the Centaur said.
"It's ok, Firenze. I just wasn't expecting anyone to be out here. It's good to see you again. It's been a while," Harry said.
The Centaur folded his legs and reclined on the grass beside the bench so that he could look at Harry from a less towering perspective. He looked at Harry with a calm steady gaze as Harry looked back at the Centaur who had rescued him from the combined Quirrel/Voldemort creature his first year. The Centaur spoke again saying,
"I am likewise pleased to speak with you again, Harry Potter. As to the time, it has been a short while by the stars but one full of momentous events and portents. You have fulfilled much that was foretold but there is much left ahead for you to do," Firenze said gravely.
"I've been told that a couple of times lately. Hearing it from you makes it sound pretty final though. Hard to argue with the stars," Harry said ruefully.
"Do not fall into the same trap that so many humans do when they look to the stars for guidance, Harry Potter. The stars do not dictate the course of events any more then does a sign along the side of a pathway. They merely point the way for those that know how to read them. Who or what sets the course of that pathway is still one of the great mysteries of our collective existence that we have not been able to penetrate," Firenze said, the deep voice ominous in the dimming light.
"Well, whoever was responsible for my path sure was working extra hours. I suppose the stars haven't told you that I get to live a long quiet life filled with family and friends have they?" Harry asked.
"I am afraid we Centaurs do not draw such exacting messages from the night sky, Harry Potter," Firenze said with a touch of irony in his voice. "You would do well to chart your own course through the years to come. You may have to steer your way amongst a few obstacles but the way will be your own."
Harry let out a long sigh and looked back up into the sky. The sun had dipped below the horizon but a few high clouds still reflected back the red rays and the view was truly breath taking. In the past few years he had heard a variety of people tell him for a variety of reasons that the answers had to come from within himself. Even the all powerful stars weren't going to take any of the weight of his shoulders. He laughed quietly and then looked over at Firenze, meeting his penetrating gaze.
"The master of my own destiny then. Alright, Firenze. But if you happen to spot an obstacle or two up there in the night sky feel free to send me a message. Hagrid can always pass it on," Harry said with a small laugh.
"I will do my best, Harry Potter. I will take my leave of you now. It was my intention to renew our acquaintance and wish you well. Farewell."
Firenze rose from the grass and went back along the path to the castle. Harry spent a few more minutes gazing into the sky until the red tinged clouds faded away. Then he slowly pulled himself off the bench and made his way up the steps and into the entrance hall. He could hear the sound of the students nearing the end of dinner as he started climbing the shifting staircases to the Gryffindor Tower. He had a long day of travel ahead of him.
*******
"Good morning, Mr. Potter. I got your message," Milligan said as he entered the study of the Black house. Harry had returned from Hogwarts last evening and sent a message to the Ministry this morning asking Milligan to come to meet him.
"Thanks for coming out, Milligan. I have something I need you to look into. You remember what I told you about the source of the information that we used to take down those smugglers?"
"Yes, sir. I remember that you told me very little and that I should trust the information," the lanky investigator said with a straight face.
"That's right," Harry said with a small grin. "Well, now I'm going to tell you everything I know about my source. She's a thirteen year old girl that has the uncanny ability to 'see' things that happen as they are occurring. She can also pick up on events that have happened and trace them backwards. What else she can do we can only guess at. She comes from a muggle family so we don't know what the source of her talent is. That's what we want to find out."
He handed Milligan an envelope saying,
"This is all we've been able to come up with so far, but it's a start. This is your top priority for now and I mean just you. Consider this a confidential investigation. The rest of your team can continue on with the smugglers and that dragon."
"Yes, sir. If that's the way you want it. I have some contacts on the muggle side that might be of help. This will likely take a while."
"I'm afraid you're right but give it your best effort. I may be wrong but I think what we have here is a once in a lifetime occurrence. That's all I have for you, Milligan."
"Yes, sir," the lanky wizard replied as he stood up and left the study.
Harry leaned back in his chair and stared at the ceiling for a few moments. In the last several days he had managed to make some headway into what he felt was a logjam created by his injuries. If truth be told things weren't that bad. The reorganization tasks he had started were continuing. Evelyn Muntab had been training her Special Squad relentlessly. The Patroller trainees were busy working the Alleys and Hogsmeade. The incorporation of all the magical law offices had taken place and Harry's title as Auror chief was now a misnomer. It would be more accurate to say he was the Chief of Magical Law Enforcement. But from his vantage point it appeared that he had much to do and he was lagging behind. He leaned forward and took a sheet of parchment and began making notes about what he saw as important tasks and how he could get them done. He heard the knocking on his front door and when Kreacher answered it he heard a deep familiar voice ask if Harry was available. Kreacher's higher voice answered in the affirmative and by the time Harry was standing up the imposing figure of Kingsley Shacklebolt appeared in the doorway of his study.
"Minister," Harry began.
"No, no, Harry, sit back down and take the weight off that leg. I wanted to see how you were doing and to have a talk. Could I impose on you for some tea?"
"Of course, sir. Kreacher, could you fix tea for us, please?"
"Certainly, Master Harry," the little elf said and left the room.
"Please sit down, sir."
"Thank you, Harry. I have to say this house is certainly a much more pleasant place then the last time I was here. The change in your house elf is nothing short of amazing," the Minister said.
"Yes, sir. Hermione's theory about treating him with kindness was right on the money. I understand the report that got her the job with Director Grimsson contained some references to Kreacher's turn around," Harry said.
"More then some, Harry. I read that report," the Minister said from his chair across the desk from Harry. His gaze was attracted to the sheet of parchment spread out on the desk.
"May I?" the Minister asked indicating the sheet.
"Yes, sir," Harry replied.
The Minister picked up the sheet and looked at the list of items Harry had written down. His brow pulled down a bit as he neared the end of the list. He placed it back down on the desk and looked at Harry who looked back a bit apprehensively, picking up on the Minister's expression.
"I noticed something missing from your list, Harry."
"What was that, Sir?"
"Who you were going to have take care of each of these items," Shacklebolt said seriously.
"Well, sir, I figured these were things for me to take care of," Harry replied.
"No, Harry. I saw one, possibly two things on that list that would require your personal attention. Everything else falls into the category of administrative details and you shouldn't be dealing with those."
"Who else is there, sir? Everyone else is working on investigations or training the recruits or working at Azkaban. I can't pull any of them off those assignments to do my drudge work."
"Harry, you are in charge of all the law enforcement in our community. You don't do drudge work. You aren't back at your aunt and uncle's house in Surrey. You have a huge job to do, Harry, and you can't allow yourself to get bogged down in the details. I'm thinking that perhaps Director Grimsson and I have dropped the ball here. You made the first correct step when you appointed Maxwell your Deputy but that didn't take care of the details. You need an assistant, Harry. Someone who can take care of the little things so you can concentrate on taking care of the big ones."
"Are you sure, sir? I don't know, it just seems…" Harry tailed off.
"Harry, if you're worried about appearances, that somehow you're flaunting your position, stop worrying. You've more then demonstrated your willingness to put yourself on the line," the Minister replied with a small smile. "If you have one failing, Harry, it's the idea that you have to be the one to take all the risks, to do the dirty work. You've paid your dues, as they say, Harry. Now you have to put that experience to work for the good of all of us. We can't afford to have you laid out in a hospital bed for weeks at a time or worse. So, when I return to the office we'll start looking for someone to take up the administrative load and leave you to do what you do best, lead. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Harry said a bit reluctantly.
They were interrupted by the return of Kreacher with their tea. He placed the tray on the desk and quietly left. He had sensed the serious nature of the discussion and he looked back at Harry with concern, then left.
"I understand that you and Miss Granger have made contact with the Centaurs, Harry," the Minister said taking up his cup.
"Um, oh, yes sir. While I was at Hogwarts tending to some personal matters, we were able to arrange for the meeting that had been postponed when I got hurt. There were no commitments made other than they would consider Hermione's question and give us an answer in time," Harry replied with a half smile.
"I read Miss Granger's report. An excellent piece of work from the both of you. I've also seen some very positive feedback on the Patrollers. The public seems very pleased with their presence."
"Yes, sir."
"This is what I mean, Harry. You stick to the important things and we'll find you someone to take care of the little things."
Harry simply nodded.
"Good, well, that's all I have for today, Harry. Hopefully we'll see you back soon but not before you're well. All things considered you're doing great work in spite of your injuries," the Minister said as he stood. "Good bye for now, Harry."
Harry stood and walked the Minister to the front door then walked into the kitchen.
"Master Harry is upset?"
"No, Kreacher, not really upset. Concerned, a little confused, maybe. I guess it just seems that things are moving kind of fast that's all. I think I need to have a talk with my folks. Kreacher, I'd like you to take a message to the Ministry, please."
"Yes, Master Harry."
Harry wrote a note requesting a Ministry car to drive him to the Burrow. He was still uncomfortable with the idea of Disapparating. In less then an hour he was in one of the small sedans and was comfortably negotiating the mid afternoon traffic to the outskirts of Ottery St. Catchpole. He smiled as he saw the Burrow come into view. The sound of the car arriving had brought Molly Weasley to the door and as she saw Harry step out of the car she came forward.
"Harry, dear, what a pleasant surprise. I hope everything is alright," her voice light but with a touch of concern.
"Yeah, Mum, it's just been a tough week and I though I'd pay a visit and relax a bit," Harry said, keeping his tone even.
"And?" she asked, her mother's intuition picking up on something deeper.
Harry gave her a crooked smile and shook his head.
"And I'd like to be able to talk with you and Dad."
"I thought so. Come inside, Harry. Arthur isn't due for a while yet, but you can at least relax for bit."
"Ok, Mum. Just a minute," Harry said as he turned to the driver. "Would you please have someone pick me up here in the morning, say at eight o'clock?"
"Yes, sir."
Harry turned around and he and his 'mum' walked arm and arm into the house. It always gave Harry a warm feeling to enter what he considered his refuge from the world.
"Have a seat at the table, dear, I was working on dinner. Do you fancy some tea? Something to nibble on?"
"Oh, that would be great, Mum."
"I received an owl from Ginny yesterday. She wrote all about what was going on with that poor little girl. She's very lucky to have found you, Harry."
"She's special, there's no mistaking that. How special we don't know yet but we're trying to find out. I assigned Milligan, the head of our investigation unit, the job of tracking down her background."
"Can you do that, Harry? I mean use Ministry people to do personal work?"
"No, but this isn't really personal. Well, it is, but it's more then that. She's already provided information on one big case and we've already discussed the idea of her coming to work for me when she graduates. But we need to find out the source of her abilities if we can."
"I see. That makes sense, I suppose."
Harry and his 'mum' continued discussing what was going on at the school; plans for the weddings and anything else that wasn't what Harry really needed to talk about until his 'dad' arrived. It was just after sunset when Mr. Weasley came through the kitchen door.
"I say, Harry. What a nice surprise. I hope nothing is amiss," he said as he put down his briefcase and hung up his hat and cloak.
"Not really, Dad. A lot of things have been happening and I just felt the need to talk some things through. I hope you don't mind. I know you've got a lot of things of your own to deal with."
"Harry," Mr. Weasley said with a mild look of exasperation. "For such an intelligent young man, you have a hard time grasping certain concepts. We are your family and this it what families are for. We discuss, listen and offer guidance. So let's hear what's on your mind."
"Yes, sir," Harry said with lopsided grin. "I'm not even sure it's all that important but I had a visit from Minister Shacklebolt at home today."
"Really? That certainly is unusual," Arthur Weasley said.
"I thought so, too. He said he wanted to see how I was doing. I'm not really sure why he wanted to see me but before he came I had written out a list of things I needed to take care of. He saw it and read it. He wanted to know who I was going to have take care of all those things. I said I was going to. He proceeded to give me a lecture on how I shouldn't be worrying about all those small details. That I needed to concentrate on big things. That I needed an assistant."
"What's wrong with that, Harry," Mrs. Weasley asked. "You've got so much to do. Isn't that why you appointed Maxwell as your Deputy?"
"I guess so, I don't know. At that point I just figured it would be a good idea to have someone to fall back on if I couldn't be there or was up at Hogwarts. But an assistant? I mean Dad has a big job and he doesn't have an assistant."
Mr. Weasley held up two fingers.
"Two? But you never said anything."
"What's there to say, Harry? Look, when I was doing my old job there wasn't any need for that sort of thing. Now I have a lot more responsibility, more things to deal with and more people to deal with them. So the office is set up with two assistants. But it's not something I'd go around talking about. So, tell us what in the name of Merlin is so wrong about Kingsley Shacklebolt telling you that you should have an assistant."
Harry looked down at the table top and used his fingertip to trace designs in a spill of tea on the saucer in front of him. He looked up at his parents and sighed.
"When I decided I was going to apply to be an Auror it was so I could use the things I learned to fight dark witches and wizards. Now I'm not even two years out of school and I'm the Chief of Magical Law Enforcement with a deputy and I guess an assistant and I can't go out and do what I thought I'd be doing. It's getting to be, I don't know, kind of silly. I'm not even twenty one yet. I don't think I should be doing this."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley looked at each other. Mr. Weasley nodded and looked at Harry.
"Harry, I think you've been living under a serious misconception. You seem to think that you need to measure yourself against what is usual or normal. Son, what I'm about to tell you isn't meant to flatter you. I'm trying to get you to see things as they really are. You aren't like other people, Harry. In the whole history of magic there hasn't been another person like you. No one has seen all the things you've seen, done the things you've done, and had done to them what has been done to you. You can't measure yourself against anything or anyone other then yourself and what you believe is the right thing to do. As for your age, I seem to remember a young man giving an interview where he stated that he was older then his years. Do you remember who that was?"
"Yes, sir. It was me."
"It was you. Harry, you spent ten years living with an aunt and uncle and cousin who never missed an opportunity to knock you down. You had your problems at school with that Heir of Slytherin business then the TriWizards Tournament and the hammering you took from the old Ministry and the Daily Prophet. It's understandable that you may feel unprepared or unworthy to handle this job but don't think for a minute that it's true."
Arthur Weasley was leaning on the table across from Harry, his eyes locked on those of his 'son'.
"If you never cast another spell in your life you have more experience then any wizard I can think of when it comes to combating the Dark Arts. Add to that all the situations you've encountered and worked your way out of. So what would you do? Let all that go to waste because you don't think you're old enough or spent enough years paying dues?"
Harry smiled a bit and said,
"Minister Shacklebolt said I've already paid my dues."
"And you think he's wrong?"
"I don't know who's wrong or who's right, Dad. All I know is that when I look in the mirror I don't see anything much different then when I was a first year."
"Harry, dear," Mrs. Weasley broke in. "People, muggle or magical, tend to fall into two groups; those who undervalue themselves and those who overvalue themselves. Very, very few know who they truly are. Apparently you fall into the first group. Some people might say that that is a good thing. That modest people are better to have around then those with big heads and puffed up egos. They may be some truth to that but not if that modesty hides true talent that could be of benefit to those around them."
Mrs. Weasley took hold of Harry's hand in hers and continued,
"Witches and wizards are different from other people, Harry, and we learn to deal with it. You are different from other witches and wizards, my dear, and you must learn to deal with that. Learn to accept it and learn to use it wisely and well."
"You know, Harry, it seems to me that you have these moments of doubt after times of great physical or emotional stress. Now I know that you're still recovering from very serious injuries but is there something else going on?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"We already talked about Abagail. That was a pretty emotional situation I guess."
"Yes, based on what you've said and what Ginny wrote I can well imagine, dear. Do you think that's what's bothering you?" she pressed.
Harry stood up and took his cup and plates to the sink. His parents watched him but said nothing. He came back and sat back down.
"What I told you about Abagail wasn't the whole story," Harry said, not making eye contact with either parent.
He proceeded to explain everything that had occurred while he was comatose and Abagail was unconscious. While he was describing his encounter with Fred, Mrs. Weasley began to tear up. By the time he was done she was sniffling into a handkerchief. They remained silent for a moment and then Mr. Weasley cleared his throat.
"Well now, Harry. I would have to say that that would certainly be considered emotionally stressful. Can I make a recommendation, son?"
"Absolutely, sir."
"Don't make any career decisions just yet," Arthur Weasley said with a small smile. "Once again you've been through a great deal in a short period of time. You've also managed, once again, to accomplish a great deal in short period of time. Give yourself a chance to unwind a little bit. I, and many others by the way, think you're doing a great job with the Aurors and all. That young lady, Abagail, will need your attention and there's the wedding as well. Concentrate on those things and getting yourself well and leave the big picture alone for a while. I think in time you'll gain a better perspective on things and you'll be able to see your way through it all."
Harry considered this for a few moments while his parents studied his face. He then looked at them both.
"Your probably right, Dad," he said quietly. "I know Mum said I should just take things as they come but I guess there's just so much coming that it's hard not to get overwhelmed by it sometimes. Maybe, if you don't mind, once I get back into the office, I can come up and chat with you now and again on how things are going and you can help me keep my head on straight."
"Take out the maybe and no I don't mind. I'd be more then happy to discuss these things with you, Harry. I hope this has helped you."
"Yeah, Dad, it has. Hermione once accused me of having a thick skull. I guess it just takes more time to seep through then for most people," Harry said with a shrug and a little laugh.
"Well, now that we have that taken care of, what do you two say to some dinner?" Molly Weasley asked.
Both men agreed and they quickly got the table set and dinner underway. Dinner passed pleasantly but took a more serious turn when Mrs. Weasley picked up on an earlier topic.
"Harry, dear. It may not be my place to ask but I will anyway. Have you given any thought to the practical aspects of being Abagail's guardian?"
"What do you mean practical, Mum? I have a house where she can live, I can certainly afford it. After August, Ginny and I will be married so I'm not sure what you mean."
"Well, Harry. Yes, you have a house but during the day you'll be at work, Ginny will be in Holyhead or elsewhere. Were you planning on leaving this child home alone during the day?"
"Well, Kreacher will be there," Harry replied.
"Kreacher is a fine enough house elf but he's hardly proper supervision for a teenage girl, my dear."
Harry let out a long breath.
"Great, I thought I had that problem settled."
"Now, Harry dear, I didn't mean it that way. I just think you should consider having her come stay here at the Burrow."
"I don't know, Mum. Would you really want to do that?"
"Harry, look around. The house is twice the size it used to be when we had seven children running around. To be honest it gets a little lonely here all by myself."
"There's only one thing, Mum. Abagail and I have developed a pretty close bond. With what I saw happen this week, I'm not sure how that would work out."
"Hmmm, you may be right."
"You have a fireplace, don't you, Harry?" Mr. Weasley asked.
"Yes, sir, several."
"And we have the one here. Why not have her stay with you at the Black house, but during the day, she can come here using floo powder and spend the day with Molly. That way she maintains the connection with you but she's being looked after here during the day. Molly can teach her to bake and cook and she'd have plenty of room to fly that broomstick you bought for her. What do you think?"
"I'm thinking you're a genius, Dad," Harry replied with a smile.
"Well done, Arthur dear. We'll know when Harry or Ginny get back to the Black house and then we can send Abagail along home," Molly Weasley said with a smile.
When Harry returned home to the Black house he was feeling much better then when he had left. His 'mum' and 'dad' had provided some excellent advice and Molly Weasley had uncovered a serious flaw in his plan for Abagail and they worked out a great solution. He wrote a letter to Abagail letting her know what plans had been made for her summer. He sat in his overstuffed chair and used the heat bag to ease the stiffness in his left leg. He also sent a message to St. Mungo's to see about an appointment with Dr. Stonebridge.
By one o'clock that afternoon Harry's message to St. Mungo's had resulted in a response with an appointment and Harry was waiting in the same examination room as when he was being cleared for his return to Hogwarts. He was in the same hospital gown, with the burn scars on his leg and arm clearly visible.
"Mr. Potter," the healer said by way of greeting. "So, tell me what's been happening."
"Well, Dr. Stonebridge. It just seems like it's taking forever for my leg to get better. It's not so much that it hurts, but it gets tired a lot sooner then the other and the knee stiffens up a lot."
"Hmm, let's take a look, shall we."
The healer took hold of the lower part of Harry's left leg and began to bend it at the knee slowly.
"Now, tell me if you feel any pain or stiffness."
"Um, now."
"Yes, I can feel that," he murmured.
He moved his hand up to feel the scar tissue around the side of the knee and then he felt around the entire knee. He let Harry's leg rest on the edge of the examining table and took a small hammer and tested for reflexes on both knees. The left didn't respond as much as the right. He took out his wand and held it over the knee and he murmured an incantation and Harry could feel a strange tingle go through his leg.
"Tell me what you've been up to since you left us in February, Mr. Potter."
Harry proceeded to explain to the healer his time at home, his one trip to Hogwarts, no Disapparation or broomflying.
"Hmm, yes, excuse me a moment if you would," the healer said and left the room. He returned several moments later with another healer.
"Mr. Potter, this is Dr. Antimony. He specializes in joint and bone injuries."
"Oh, you're an orthopedic specialist, sir?" Harry responded.
"Yes, you could say that," Dr. Antimony replied. "Ah, yes, you were raised in a muggle household, Mr. Potter. That's close enough."
The new healer spent a fair amount of time probing Harry's knee with his nimble fingers and his wand, passing it over in slow sweeps as well as touching the tip to certain areas. His brow was creased in concentration and he pursed his lips on several occasions.
"Mr. Potter, can you recall anything at all about your crash landing that caused these injuries?"
"Not a great deal, Doctor. I was pretty far gone by the time I hit the ground. I think I was coming in with the tip up so I probably hit first with my feet and lower legs. Then I just sort of tumbled through some low bushes I think."
"Yes, that would make sense. There appears to be quite a bit of trauma to the tendons and ligaments in your knee. There may also be damage to the cartilage material at the ends of the leg bones under the patella, the kneecap. Had that been the extent of your injuries we could have applied sufficient magical remedies to get them sorted out but considering how bad off you were we just couldn't risk it. As time goes on the less effective such remedies can be; by now, fairly useless. We'll have to set you up with a regimen of exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee to take up some of the stress. Otherwise it is what it is. We'll need to assess it periodically as you go through rehabilitation, Mr. Potter. I can promise you it will get better. I can't promise you that it will be as good as it was before the injury."
Harry took a deep breath and let it out. He looked at the two medical wizards and nodded.
"It is what it is. I guess I can learn to deal with it. I do need to ask you a couple of questions though."
"Certainly, Mr. Potter."
"Is there any reason why I shouldn't Disapparate?"
"No, Mr. Potter. With the exception of your leg, you're fully recovered so using standard spells is no risk. I would strongly suggest you avoid any prodigious feats of magic however," Dr. Stonebridge said with a small grin.
"I'll try and stay out of the way of any more dragons. I guess flying a broom is ok, too?"
"Yes, but the same cautions apply. Your reputation as a flyer is well known but I wouldn't try anything too fancy until we make some progress on your leg. I'll get in touch with our physical therapy department and have them make arrangements."
"Thank you, Doctor. Umm, do you know if Dr. Medford would be able to talk to me today?" Harry asked.
"We can ask. I think we are done here for now, Mr. Potter. Feel free to contact us if you start having more problems with the leg."
"Thank you, Dr. Stonebridge, Dr. Antimony."
"You're most welcome, Mr. Potter. Why don't you get changed and I'll see if Dr. Medford is available."
"Alright," Harry replied.
As Harry was tying up his shoes a nurse poked her head in the door of the examination room.
"Mr. Potter, Dr. Medford can see you in his office now. You can take the elevator to the fourth floor and his office is the third door on the left."
"Thank you, ma'am," Harry replied.
Taking his cane he walked out of the room and down to the elevator. Within five minutes he was knocking on the door of Dr. Medford's office.
"Come in."
Harry swung the door open and stepped in. The tall, older wizard rose from behind his desk and came out to meet Harry.
"Harry, I'm glad to see you. You look much better then the last time I saw you," the healer said.
"You mean up at Hogwarts that time?" Harry asked.
"Oh, no, Harry. I mean when you were here after your run in with that dragon."
"I'm sorry, Dr. Medford. I don't remember seeing you, only Dr. Stonebridge."
"Well, Harry, I saw a lot of you. It was twice a day while you were comatose and once a day while you were mostly sleeping the next two weeks. We were very concerned that you had done yourself permanent damage pouring out that much magical energy. May I?" the healer asked while raising his hand in the way Harry knew meant he wanted to check Harry's brain function.
"Yes, sir."
Doctor Medford placed his hand alongside Harry's head, his thumb on his temple and the fingertips at the back of his skull. Harry could feel the tingle that marked the examination.
"Looks good, Harry. So what was it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Well, sir, I've come across something that is pretty extraordinary and I thought you might know something about it," Harry said as he and the healer took seats. "Have you ever come across anyone who had mental abilities, you know, a seer, someone who could tell the future, that sort of thing?"
"I'm afraid not, Harry. Someone like that is very, very rare. The last one I ever heard of was Cassandra Trelawney and that was what, three or four generations ago. I've never had the opportunity to study the phenomenon beyond reading some accounts," the healer replied.
"Would you be interested?"
"Why? Do you know of someone, Harry?" the healer said eagerly.
"Yes, sir. She's a third year student at Hogwarts. I first met her when I was in my seventh year and I was teaching first year Defense Against the Dark Arts classes. It's not so much that she sees the future as she can see the present elsewhere and she can trace back where someone has been. She's muggle born and an orphan," Harry said.
Dr. Medford raised an eyebrow at the last.
"Somehow there is a bond between the two of us," Harry said and went on to give an abbreviated version of the two instances when he and Abagail had interacted in that shadowy place.
"My God, Harry, this is amazing," Dr. Medford said. "This is unlike anything I've ever heard of."
"Yes, sir. Professor Dumbledore and the other Heads at Hogwarts have said the same thing. One Headmistress thought that maybe with what has happened to me I've somehow thinned the barrier between life and death and that barriers had no meaning for Abagail."
"That sort of thing is quite a bit beyond what I know anything about, Harry, but I would be glad to meet this young lady and see what we can find out about the two of you. Once school is out for the term please come see me."
"Thank you, Dr. Medford. I will do that."
With a handshake Harry left the healer's office. Since he was given the go ahead he Disapparated into the lobby of the Ministry building and slowly made his way to his office, partly due to walking with the cane but mostly due to the numerous stops he made to accept the many greetings and wishes for his good health. When he got to his office he opened the door, expecting it to be as dusty as when he first took occupancy. He was surprised to see it was looking freshly cleaned and his desk polished. He sat down and pulled out a sheet of parchment to rebuild the list that he had started at home but had to be redone based on the comments of the Minister and Arthur Weasley. He was at it for about fifteen minutes when he heard a quiet knock on the doorframe.
"Sir?"
"Hello, Maxwell, come on in," Harry said as he looked up from his work.
"Are you sure you should be here, sir?" Maxwell asked.
"I just came from St. Mungo's. Except for the banged up leg, it seems I'm recovered. So I figured it was time to start showing myself around here again. I may not be ready for a full day's work yet but it's a start. So, how are things going?"
"Much the same as the last time we spoke, sir. Patrollers are training, we're working on guards for Azkaban and it seems that there is growing pressure to get us to release that portal to the spooks in Mysteries."
"Not yet. I still have some questions to get answered before we close that crime scene. If anyone makes a fuss have them come see me. Anything else?"
"Milligan is off on some assignment but I assume you know about that."
"Yes, I put him on something special yesterday. Once I know what he finds out I'll fill you in."
Maxwell just nodded. He left a few minutes later. Harry continued working on his list when he heard another knock.
"Um, Mr. Potter, sir?"
Harry looked up and was surprised at the person he saw standing in the doorway.
"Tom? Tom Medford?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sir. Do you have a few minutes to spare?" the former Gryffindor Prefect asked.
"Of course, come in and sit down. What can I do for you?" Harry asked.
"Well, sir. I guess this is sort of a job interview. I happened to hear this morning that you were going to be looking for an assistant and then word was you had come into the office this afternoon so I came down to talk to you."
"You want to be my assistant, Tom? Whatever for?" Harry asked incredulously.
Tom looked at Harry quizzically. He began to speak a couple of times but hesitated. The he finally said,
"Sir, I don't know if you realize it or not, but this office, the new Law Enforcement section is where all the action is, as they say. I thought about trying out for the Patrollers but I have some back problems from a bad broom crash several summers ago. I didn't think I'd get past the physical requirements. So I've been working up in Magical Catastrophes. That's where I heard Mr. Weasley talking about you being pushed by the Minister to get an assistant. Mr. Weasley is great to work for but all I've been doing is helping obliviate witnesses," he finished looking a little embarrassed.
"Well, Tom, if you think being my assistant would get you close to the action, as you say, I'm afraid you're out of luck. By my own choice and encouragement from the Minister, I'm not doing any more field work. I'll be spending most of my time here at the office with some trips to Hogwarts," Harry said.
"I'm aware of that, sir. I wasn't thinking of being able to do field work. I just want to be part of the work of building up the new Enforcement program, the work you're doing with the other magical races and the stronger relationship with Hogwarts. I guess you could say I'm more interested in the policy end of the work."
"Are you qualified to Disapparate?" Harry asked.
"Yes, sir. No restrictions," Tom replied.
"How's your wand work and charms?"
"I passed my NEWT for Charms with an Exceeds Expectations," Tom replied, a bit puzzled.
"Just because you're looking to do policy work, Tom, doesn't mean you might not find yourself in a tough situation at some point. Plus you'd be dealing with some pretty hard boiled personalities with the original Aurors. I wouldn't want you dealing from a weak position if they didn't think you had the skills, if you understand my meaning."
"Yes, sir. I believe I do. I understand even with your credentials they gave you a hard time," Tom replied thoughtfully.
Harry looked at the former Gryffindor who was only a year younger then himself and nodded.
"Ok, Tom, I'll tell you what I'll do. I'll request a temporary reassignment from Catastrophes and we'll see how you work out. Fair enough?"
"Yes, sir. That would be great."
Harry took out a piece of parchment and wrote the following note to his 'Dad'.
To Director Weasley
Department of Magical Accidents and Catastrophes
I respectfully request the temporary reassignment of Thomas Medford to the Department of Magical Law Enforcement with the intent that he serve as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief, Magical Law Enforcement section.
Respectfully yours,
Harry James Potter
PS You thought it was a good idea, after all.
H.
Harry folded the parchment and put a wax seal on it. He handed it across to Tom and said,
"Ok, Tom, take that up to Mr. Weasley and see what he says."
"Yes, sir and thank you," Tom said enthusiastically.
"Wait until you see what the job is like before you thank me," Harry replied.
Harry watched as Tom left his office in haste with a small smile. He hoped that Tom's enthusiasm would last. He took the list that he was working on and began noting where he could put his new assistant to work. Something had been nagging at Harry for the last few days. Something someone had said, possibly in passing, yet nonetheless important was trying to push its way to the front of Harry's mind but it was having trouble getting through the clutter. Harry got up and closed his door and then sat down behind his desk again. He placed his hands on the desk in front of him and closed his eyes and took several deep breaths to clear his mind. When he felt relaxed he began to sift backwards through the events of the last few days and tried to recall what people had said to him. His conversations with Ginny, Professor McGonagall, Abagail and the rest replayed themselves out. Suddenly his eyes popped open and he sat forward in his chair. Madame Rosemerta had said something to Harry when he first entered her pub. When Harry had said he didn't want to impose on her she replied,
"Impose? You have an awful long way to go before you become an imposition around here, young fellow. Your Patrollers already more then paid for the room when they stopped some rowdies from breaking up my furniture. Sit yourself down right over there and I'll be right with you."
It was the mention of rowdies breaking up her furniture that had been nagging at Harry. He had never really spent anytime in Hogsmeade when it wasn't swarming with Hogwarts students. What was the place really like? He could recall seeing some of the fringe members of the magical community but he had no idea what kind of issues the residents and business owners of Hogsmeade might have. He wondered how this flaw in his plan had escaped notice so long. He was scribbling on the piece of parchment when someone knocked on the door.
"Come in," Harry called out.
Tom came in holding the same piece of parchment and smiling. He handed the message to Harry who opened it and read the note below his original request.
Harry,
Agreed. Well chosen. He can begin immediately.
Arthur Weasley
PS. It's a terrible thing when a son picks his father's pocket.
A.
Harry laughed and placed the sheet on his desk. He looked at Tom and waved him into a chair.
"We'll look around for a place for you to sit, not that you'll be sitting much. First, take this up to the Director's secretary so she can put you down on the department's roles. Then I need you to do some digging for me."
Harry then went on to explain what he had realized about the distribution of the Patrollers based on the comments of Madame Rosemerta.
"So I need you to conduct a survey of sorts. First talk to the Patroller trainers and see what kind of information they've been getting about problems or incidents in the Alleys and Hogsmeade. Then talk to the individual shop owners in each area and put together a picture of where things are happening and how often. I'll give you a letter of introduction so people know you're working for me," Harry said as he handed the parchment back to Tom.
"Yes, sir. I'll run this up and be right back."
He watched as Tom left his office and then he took another sheet of parchment and began writing out a short letter that Tom could use if he needed to establish his authenticity. He reread it and then folded it and placed it on the corner of his desk. He resumed his assault on his list of things to do now taking into account that he had someone to assign things to. He looked up at the clock on the wall and noticed it was getting late so he started to put things away with an eye towards going home. He was almost ready when Tom returned.
"I'm all set, sir. The Director's secretary got me on the department's list and then the Director happened to come out and when he found out what I was there for he seemed quite pleased. He asked his secretary if there was any space available and apparently there's a small space just down the hall. I'm going to check it in a bit. Is there anything else you need me to do?"
"No, Tom, I think you should get yourself squared away and then tomorrow start in on your survey. I'm working on some things now, so I'll leave you the list when it's done."
He handed Tom the letter he had written.
"Yes, sir, and thank you again, sir, for this opportunity," Tom said.
"You're welcome," Harry said and then indicated that Tom should precede him from the office.
Harry went to the lobby and Disapparated back to the Black House. Kreacher of course let him in. While the house elf was preparing Harry's dinner he sat at his desk and wrote a note to Ginny telling her of the things that had happened with the Minister and her folks and then Tom. It was nice to be able to write something that was mostly positive. He went to his room to send it off by owl and when he returned his dinner was on his desk.
Over the next couple of weeks Harry's life took on a routine where he spent all morning and half the afternoon in the office and the rest of the afternoon at home reading through his collection of books looking for any mention of the portal or what had occurred between Abagail and himself. He made a couple of trips to Flourish and Blotts to look for anything that might help and again came up empty. Ginny was able to make weekend visits and they started looking at setting up one of the upper storey bedrooms for when Abagail came for the summer. Ginny was particularly happy to discover that despite the condition of Harry's leg it did not hinder them from enjoying nights every bit as exciting as the ones they shared shortly before his encounter with the dragon.
At the beginning of the third week Harry's afternoons took on a different pattern where three days a week he would have to report to St. Mungo's for his therapy sessions. Tom Medford was proving to be a valuable addition to Harry's team. The survey that Harry had assigned to him was completed halfway through the second week and indicated that indeed Hogsmeade did have an appreciably higher incident rate of public disturbances then the Alleys. With the exception of the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley pretty much closed down by nightfall and any activity in Knockturn Alley of that nature usually occurred in private, away from prying eyes. Hogsmeade had the two pubs and full time residents as well as visits from both Hogwarts students and folks from the wilder surroundings. It appeared that the town would need more coverage at night, particularly weekends and on those Saturdays that the students were around. Tom had also made some serious inroads into the list Harry gave him including the preparation of formal thank you notes to both Kandak and Bane and Ronan for helping start the reconciliation process.
*********
Sooner then he would have imagined the day arrived when George and Angelina were to be married. Harry had been busy with work and getting caught up so he hadn't been around the Burrow that much as preparations were being made for the big day. When he arrived on Saturday morning he was dressed in his best thanks to the combination of Ginny's choice of a new black dress robe that was subtly embroidered with dark gray thread. He looked around and saw that the field across from the Burrow was arranged in a similar manner to when Bill and Fleur were married.
He chose to stay out of the way after saying his hellos and he took a seat in a chair that was set aside for him by his 'adopted' parents. He sat alone as Ginny was to be a member of the bridal party so she would make her appearance when the bride did. Harry had been offered the opportunity to be an usher but he declined. George expressed his disappointment but Harry explained he was afraid his notoriety would distract from the stars of the day, namely the bride and groom. What he didn't say was he was afraid any extended time on his feet would push him to use his cane and he was uncomfortable doing that in front of the number of people that would be in attendance.
Harry watched as others began to arrive and were shown to their seats by Percy, Charlie and Ron. Bill was going to be George's best man. Angelina had chosen her friend and teammate Alicia Spinnet as her maid of honor. Ginny and Katie Bell completed the party. Harry had joked that since they were all accomplished Quidditch players they should arrive on broomsticks. Harry was forced to make a concession. Since Bill was part of the wedding party, as was Ginny, he would serve as Fleur's escort. He loved the silver haired beauty as the big sister he never had but he knew she would draw attention like moths to a flame and he had been trying to avoid attention today. But she would not be denied. To compound the problem the entire Delacour family had been invited and that meant Gabrielle would be there. Ginny had long ago gotten over any ill feeling toward the younger version of Fleur and her hero worship of Harry but he still found it somewhat disconcerting. He never let on, however, since he feared he would unduly upset the girl if she thought he was unhappy with her.
As if on cue several pops produced Madame and Monsieur Delacour and Gabrielle. A loud squeal was heard from the house and Fleur dashed out the front door to meet her family as they came up the walkway. After many hugs and kisses, Fleur turned and waved to Harry to come join them. He rose from his chair but left the cane behind as it was only a short walk. It was still early in his therapy and the leg still hindered his gait somewhat so he took his time although his smile was wide and genuine. He received a hug from the mother and a firm handshake from the father. Up close the relationship between Fleur and Gabrielle was nearly blindingly obvious. The same long silver blonde hair. The color of the eyes and shape of the face was nearly identical. At fourteen she was just starting to show the maturity that would attract serious attention.
"Bon jour, ma petite soeur," Harry said as he stepped forward to give his 'little sister' a hug.
When he stepped back he saw her blushing to the roots of her silver hair, her mouth in a smile wide while simultaneously trying to suppress a giggle. Once she regained her composure she looked at Fleur who nodded as if to urge her onward. Gabi looked back at Harry and began speaking.
"'ello, mon frere 'arry. Eet ees very bonne…I mean good to see you," she said, struggling a bit. "We were un'appy to 'ear that you were injured, yes? I am so 'appy to know you are feeleng better, oui, yes?"
She looked at Harry and swallowed. He grinned broadly and took Gabi's hands in his and said,
"Thank you very much, Gabi. Your sister has told me many times that you were concerned about my health but it is so much nicer to hear it from you. Your English is getting much better. Much better than my French."
Gabi looked to Fleur and she provided a quick translation and when she was done her younger sister positively glowed. Fleur then added something more in French to her parents which apparently indicated they should go inside to see the Weasleys. As her family walked by she hung back a moment and stepped up to Harry.
"You 'ave made her day, mon frere. She has been so excited to see you. When she was told that you would be coming back weeth us she almost fainted. You are sure that the trip will not be too much for you?"
"No, Fleur. If I keep the walking and stair climbing to a reasonable amount I'll be fine," he said, smiling to reassure her.
"Professor LeMond was very 'appy that you would be able to come to Beauxbaton thees year. He feared your injury would keep you away. They are very excited you will be there," Fleur said with a smile.
"I'm glad to be able to do it, Fleur. It's was tough just hanging around the house but I'm glad to be back at work again."
"You look much better, mon frere. And you are looking so very 'andsome today. Geeny's choice of robes make you look very, comment voulez-vous dire, um, how do you say, dignified. You should wear those at Beauxbaton."
"You think so? I would have thought just some plain robes like at school," he said.
"'arry. You are no longer a student at 'ogwarts. You are a world renowned weezard, 'ighly regarded for your courage and knowledge. Mon Dieu, do not look at me that way. You 'ave no idea 'ow your actions 'ave impressed the wizarding world. I do not weesh to upset you today but we will speak of thees more. Come weeth me eenside. Today you are my escort and I am most demandeeng as my 'usband can tell you," the last she said with a silvery laugh as she hooked her arm in his and walked him into the house to rejoin her family.
The ceremony was scheduled to begin at noon. At a quarter to twelve the guests who put off being seated began to converge on the Weasley brothers to be shown their seats. Angelina's parents had arrived around eleven thirty and now the parents of both the bride and groom made their way together to their seats at the front of the two columns of chairs arranged on the field. It was a pleasantly warm day with high fluffy clouds floating overhead. A large arbor had been erected and beneath it Angelina and George would pledge their vows. Ginny, Hermione and Fleur had collaborated and festooned the arbor with flowers in the Gryffindor colors. At five minutes before the hour, George and Bill took up their positions on one side of the small raised platform that had been set up so that the somewhat diminutive wizard who had officiated at Bill and Fleur's wedding could be at more or less eye level with the taller bride and groom.
Harry had escorted Fleur down the aisle and she quite literally glowed. Her parents and Gabi followed behind, the younger sister bracketed by the two pairs of adults. The elder Delacours gave no indication that they noticed the number of young male heads that swiveled to follow their second daughter as she glided down the aisle. Fleur and Harry entered the second row of seats behind the Weasleys. Gabi moved to follow and the Delacours came next. This left Harry bracketed by the two silver haired sisters. From behind this made for quite a contrast. Harry with his unruly black hair and dark robes provided contrast to the long silver tresses and pale gowns of the sisters. A few moments after they were seated chimes announced that the hour of noon had arrived. One by one, members of the bridal party popped into view at the rear edge of the aisle and began walking toward the arbor. First came Ginny looking radiant in a pale green gown, her long red hair flowing down her back. Harry couldn't take his eyes off of her. The other guests were able to see Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet follow behind in matching gowns. Lastly, the bride, wearing an elegant white gown that highlighted her tall slender frame. As she moved at what could only be described as a stately pace she tried to control herself but she kept breaking into a wide smile. As Ginny passed the row that Harry was in, she tilted her head slightly in his direction and winked. It was Harry's turn to split into a wide grin. The bride's maids turned and made way for Angelina to take her place at George's side, who likewise was unable to suppress a smile.
"Let us begin," the little wizard said.
Harry heard little of what transpired under the arbor. He simply couldn't pay attention to anything other then his own beautiful bride to be as she stood beside her former teammates. She kept looking back over her shoulder at Harry and whenever their eyes met he smiled and she blushed. And then it was over. The sound of applause snapped Harry back to the here and now and he saw Angelina and George sharing their first kiss as husband and wife. He also became aware that on either side of him were the sounds of crying and sniffling. Not sure what to do he hesitated a moment then put an arm around each slender shoulder and offered what support he could. Gabi remained upright but Fleur leaned into Harry and put her head on his shoulder. Harry turned and looked down at her and he could see that she looked sad. He whispered,
"What's wrong, Fleur?" his voice full of concern.
"Oh, 'arry, eet ees nothing really, eet's just that eet was so beautiful and then I thought 'ow for Bill and I eet all went so bad so fast. I weesh we 'ad 'ad a least a little time to enjoy that moment."
Harry didn't know what to say. He realized that no matter how happy the rest of their lives would be, Fleur and Bill would always have that memory of how darkness had fallen on what should have been such a bright day. He always knew others had suffered from what Voldemort had tried to do but it hurt whenever he saw it so close to home. He gave Fleur another squeeze and rested his head on top of hers. Then it was time to stand and follow the bride and groom to where the tables and dance floor had been set up. Gabi managed to squeeze in between her mother and father and Harry walked arm and arm with Fleur with her pressed up close to his side.
They stood and watched as the bride and groom shared their first dance and then danced with each others' parents and then the bridal party joined in. Harry watched as Ginny made her way around the floor with Percy. On several occasions she looked over and Harry could see that while she was enjoying herself she would rather be dancing with him. As the first series of dances concluded Harry, with his arm still linked to Fleur's, managed to catch Bill's eye. He motioned him over. Bill came over, a puzzled look on his face.
"What's going on, Harry?"
Harry transferred Fleur's arm to that of her husband.
"I believe you should be the one to share Fleur's first dance today," Harry said quietly.
Bill still looked puzzled but Fleur's face brightened and she looked at Harry with teary eyes and reached out to touch the side of his face then pull his head forward to kiss one cheek.
"Merci beaucoup, mon frere," she whispered.
Then she wrapped her arms around her husband in a fiercely tight embrace and then led him out onto the dance floor, her husband still looking confused. While he watched the two make their way further onto the floor he failed to notice someone come up besides him and tuck in against his side. He looked over and down and saw Ginny smiling up at him, a questioning look in her eyes.
"The wedding reminded Fleur of how hers had ended. It made her sad. I thought she needed to make some better memories of being at a wedding with Bill," he said with a smile and a shrug.
Ginny slipped her arms around Harry and hugged him tightly. The rest of the reception passed with a great deal of fun, noise and joy. Apparently, George had passed out a number of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes and they were set off with stunning results. When it came time to cut the wedding cake expectations ran high that something spectacular was about to occur. Instead, the bride and groom fed each other a bit of cake with great decorum and restraint. Then they shared a brief kiss. Later on George confided to Harry that they figured the best gag was to let people think they were going to pull a caper with the cake and then play it straight. Harry could only shake his head and think of how well suited the two were for each other. As the sun set, magic lanterns began to glow and the revelers settled down to a dinner under the stars and quite conversations about this wedding compared to others past. Except for Bill and Fleur's. As the crescent moon began to rise guests began taking there leave of the bride and groom and their parents. Finally it was just the Weasleys, the Johnsons, and Harry and Hermione.
"Harry, how are you feeling, dear?" Mrs. Weasley asked.
"Content," Harry said almost without thinking.
His 'mum' smiled and then said,
"That's lovely, Harry, but I meant your leg. You've been on it a great deal today," she said kindly.
"It's tired and a little sore, but it was worth it. This was a great day," Harry said with a smile.
"And we owe it all to you, Harry," Angelina said.
Harry looked at her, his smile fading to be replaced by that serious look that was always followed with that quiet voice.
"No, Angelina. Not me, not alone anyway. There were so many, many others that played so many roles in getting us to where we could have this day. So many who aren't here to share this night but deserve so much of the credit. Most people would agree with you, sister of mine," he said with a small smile, "but I know better."
He sat back in his chair, oblivious to the looks he was receiving as he gazed into the heavens overhead, wondering what road signs were shining up there.