The Monument Keeperoliver Chapter 5

Ginny thanked her dad for letting her know that the ceremony for Harry was canceled earlier. She had never missed an event that was in Harry's honor. She had asked why it was canceled, but her dad didn't really know the reason why. Just that Kingsley was called away for something that he seemed more important. It had to be for him to cancel something in Harry's honor.

James was outside playing, and she was fixing him a lunch, when someone knocked on her front door. When she answered it, she was surprised to find Kingsley there. "Minister, what a surprise to see you. Come in and let me get you something to drink."

"Thank you Ginny, but if I drink anymore this morning, I will live the rest of the day in the Loo. I came by to pass on some news of interest. However, be warned, as it is in two parts, and neither of them might be accepted. First, I need to let you know that Luna did something this morning that I would never expected her to do."

"How has she saved you this time Kingsley? Did she stop a herd of rampaging Griffins? Or save someone from a nest of Nargles?" Ginny became worried when she saw his face.

"I wish that were the case, Ginny. Luna killed someone this morning."

"WHAT? No way. Luna couldn't do that. She could never hurt anyone, let alone kill them. There must be another reason. Maybe it was someone that was Polyjuiced to look like her?"

"No, she did it. She came to me personally and admitted to the deed. However, there was a very good reason for it. The person she killed was dying anyway. It was Albert Runcorn. He had all the symptoms of being kissed by a dementor. After being examined by the medical staff at the prison, it was determined he would soon die. What Luna did, was out of mercy, but that was not the reason she did it."

"What other reason could she have to kill a person? Nothing good could come from it. It just does not sound like Luna. I'm sorry Kingsley, but I don't believe she did it."

"She did it Ginny, and when I tell you the reason why she did it, you may wish she hadn't. But even if she didn't kill him, when he died, the outcome would have been the same, just later, rather than sooner. You see Ginny, she did it to end his magic."

"Why would that make me want her not to do it? UNLESS! The monument she found, it was him wasn't it?"

"Yes Ginny, it was Harry. But Ginny, when he came to, he reverted back to when he was first changed. He was dying Ginny. He had a fractured skull, broken bones in his neck, with nerve damage. Several broken ribs, with one puncturing his lung. Other broken bones and torn muscles and ligaments. Internal bleeding was another issue. Whoever did that to him, was really pissed at him. They worked him over real good. It was Albert that saved his life, by making him the monument. I don't know why he did it though."

Ginny had tears in her eyes, "He did it because it was Tom who wanted to kill Harry. Anyone else would take Harry's place when Tom got to him. It was always Tom's wish to kill Harry, and his pleasure. Luckily he never got the job done. Is Harry going to recover fully?"

"It's too early to tell, but the hopes are high. Luna is with him right now. I have been going around letting people know that he is back with us. Your mum and dad left for the hospital as soon as I told them. She was with him in the Ministry. He was letting everyone know the Ceremony was canceled."

"Has Harry spoken yet?"

"He has, but it was in haste, and I believe he will withdraw what he said."

Ginny was out right crying now. "It was me, wasn't it? Harry knows I'm married, doesn't he. OH Kingsley, what am I going to do. I love Dean very much, but I have always loved Harry."

"Ginny, Harry has already said that there was no way he was going to be the reason you and Dean to break up. He did it once, but that was a different situation. You weren't married and there were no kids involved. Ginny, he wants to talk to both you and Dean this evening. He wants to explain what he is going to do."

Ginny was still crying, "What is it he is going to do Kingsley? What can we expect?"

"I'm sorry Ginny, that is up to him to tell you. I will tell you Harry is still the noble git he always was. Probably always will be."

"That's what I'm afraid of. He is going to close himself off to everybody. I just know he is. I hope someone can talk some sense into him. Maybe Luna and Hermione together could do it. I know I couldn't do it. I dread the time we meet. I hope I can hold back my emotions. I also hope that Harry and Dean can get along. I am glad that Luna brought him back to us, but I hope it won't cause us any problems. How does he look Kingsley. Being frozen like he was, did he age at all?"

"To look at him Ginny, I would have to say that even if he didn't age, the beating he took changed his appearance. He looks older."

"Thank you Kingsley, for taking the time and come to talk to me about this. I missed him so much, I wanted him back, and now that he is, I feel confused. I need to talk with Dean, before we go see Harry. I don't look forward to either situation."

"Good luck then Ginny, and I hope every thing works out for the best." and Kingsley left her sitting at her table still in tears.

TM-}

Arthur and Molly finished their talk with Harry, not too pleased with what he had to say. But they loved him enough to allow him his own feelings on the matter. Hopefully he would come around soon, and once again become a member of their family.

They walked into the waiting area, and a mass of people waiting to see Harry. Remus and Tonks, Ron and Hermione, Fred and Angelina, George and Katie, Draco and Astoria and even Rolf was there, waiting on Luna. However what Molly had to say, put that on hold. "Luna wishes for you, Hermione to join her in the room. Ron can go in with Rolf when you are done."

Ron was about to say something, when he got a look from his dad, that quieted him down immediately. He had never seen that look before from him, and he didn't care for it at all.

Hermione left the others, and walked into the room to see Harry for the first time in over ten years. The tears started up as soon as she saw him. He looked old and beaten. "Hello Harry. It's good to...DAMN IT HARRY, YOU STUPID SON OF A BITCH, WHY DID YOU HAVE TO GO ALONE?"

"It's good to see you too Hermione." Harry smiled back at her.

"Oh no you don't you git. You're not getting off that easy. We started that year together, and we should have ended it together. How did you know what it was we were looking for, and where did you find it?"

"Hermione, that is all going to have to wait. We have a bigger problem on our hands. This git as you called him, wants to close all ties to us, so that we could move on with our lives with out worrying about him. As if that will happen. Would you please tell him why that is such a stupid idea."

"You come back to us after ten years, only to go into hiding again Harry. I don't think so. You may not want to live with anyone, but there is no way you are shutting us out of your life. Harry you are the reason everyone is back with us. Remus, Tonks, Fred, Colin, Severus and the rest. Even Dobby is back with us. You can't leave us again because you're afraid of what you may think you will cause. It will be worse if you leave us, and have us thinking what we did wrong to send you away. Whether you think so or not, we are a part of you, as you are to us. I know it hurts that you feel alone, but you aren't. Yes, we are all married, and have kids, but instead of us telling them about your adventures, you could do it. They are your children too. All of them. Do you know that Teddy got us all to straighten out our act in regards to you. The only pictures he saw of you, were in Ginny and Deans home. Before he talked to us, we didn't want anything around that reminded us of you. It brought back too many memories. Memories that hurt. He taught us that it was those memories that kept our spirits up. He loves you Harry, and yet he has never met you. He thought that Remus made up the stories he told of you. He couldn't believe that a boy could do the things you did."

Tears were forming in Harry's eyes. He forgot all about Teddy. How he was his godfather. And if he was friends with Hermione and Ginny's kids, they would be around quite a bit. He could not hide from the fact that he did have responsibilities to all of them. Yes he would hurt when he was around Ginny and Dean, but he would get over it eventually. Then there were Luna's children. Lorcan, Lysander. He had to ask, "Luna, not to change the subject, but why do all your childrens names start with the letter L?"

Luna smiled brightly for Harry, "Why it's the greatest letter in the alphabet of course. Maybe I should have married Jeremy Lynch, that way they could have the double L for their initials. All the beautiful names start with the letter L. How about Lily? Your mother Harry. It's only natural that the most important person in your life should have a name that starts with the letter L, don't you think?"

"Thank you Luna. It really does make sense when you put it that way. It certainly puts the letter L in the spot light. And as for you MIONE, you're right. I can't hide from every one. I can't live with any of you, but It does not mean I can't visit. Please don't ask me to come stay with any of you. I can't disrupt your families. Rolf doesn't know me. Ron is still Ron, and will always feel I am a threat to his happiness. Remus and Tonks hopefully will let me stay with them, and if not, I will find a place. OH, by the way, does any body know if I still have an account at Gringotts? After all the damage that we did, and being declared dead, I have a feeling if I do, it's only a few knuts I have left."

Hermione laughed at his worried financial situation. "Harry, Kingsley never let any one near your vault for fear of death. Him and the Goblins took care of our little adventure, and they put a lock on all your holdings. Since your body was never found, even though you were pronounced dead, there was no evidence to back it, so therefore it is still your money. However, you have lost out on Sirius' will. After seven years, it went to Andromeda and Tonks. Let's just say, that Teddy is well taken care of."

"I'll have to thank Kingsley the next time I see him. Listen, there are others I wish to see, so I hope you don't mind if I tell you to get the hell out of here. Don't worry Hermione, I will listen to what you had to tell me. I will not forget who my friends and family are. Thank you for waking me up. And Luna, don't ever change, as I love you just the way you are."

Luna couldn't help it she ran across the room and pulled Harry into the biggest hug she ever gave. If she hurt Harry, the healers would fix him up but the words he just said were like magic. Hermione not wanting to be left out, decided she wanted a hug also, so she went for it, and all three were hugging as if their life depended on it. When they broke it off, Luna kissed Harry on the cheek, and said "I love you too Harry Potter, and don't you ever forget it." Harry didn't know how much she meant it.

"Harry, Luna doesn't love you any more than I do." Hermione chipped in. She kissed him on the cheek also, then thought better of it, and kissed him on the lips. Just a little peck. Then she stood up and left the room. Luna stayed where she was, waiting for Ron and Rolf.

When they walked in, Ron felt sick at the way Harry looked. The scars of his face were not that bad, considering the ones on the rest of his body, but they were bad enough to cause Ron to shudder. "Blimey mate you have seen better days, haven't you? Other than that how have you been." Ron didn't see the fist come around and hit him in the nose. Luna was shaking her hand after hitting him.

"You insensitive git. You don't talk like that to some one who has been through what Harry's been through. Are you sure you were raised by Arthur and Molly? I think you hung around the twins too much."

"You didn't have to hit me you bloody bint. You could have broken my nose. In fact, I think you did. I can't get it to stop bleeding. We'll talk later Harry, I have to go find a healer, and get this bloody thing fixed. Rolf, do something with her, would you please."

Harry just watched him walk out, and then said, "Well, that went well. Quick and to the point. Now Luna, I think we need an introduction. I'm Harry by the way. You must be Rolf."

"That I am Harry. It good to meet you. Luna has told us all about you. The kids are dying to meet you. They want to meet someone famous. I told them their grandfather was famous, and they just said, 'How? All he does is write books?' as if that was nothing."

"You now how it is with kids Rolf, it's all about action. Wait till they get to know the real me. All dull and plain. Then maybe the will see that their grandfather is after all great. Like his title. Great grand father."

"You have a unique way to put things Harry. I like that. No wonder you and Luna got along so well. By the way, thank you for saving her, Harry. When she came into my life, she changed me from being the person that I was. A lost soul who had no guidance. When father died, and grandfather was off on his little forays, I was all alone in the world. Mother died giving birth to me, and dad was all I had. Then when I met Luna at that seminar in France, my whole life turned around. She was like a breath of fresh air."

Harry smiled at Rolf, "I'm glad I was able to help, Rolf. It's good to see I did something right for a change."

Harry wasn't ready for the scolding she gave him. Luna let loose with a tirade that could be heard all the way down the hall of the wing. Hermione had to come in and calm Luna down. "What happened in here, and why were you yelling Luna?" When Luna told Hermione what Harry said, it started all over again, this time from the two of them. Harry had to lay flat, and cover his head with his pillow, to block the noise. Rolf was just standing off to the side laughing. He had never heard Luna go off like that, and thought it was funny.

The two women finally settled down, and Harry was able to take his head out from under the pillow. He saw Rolf off in the corner laughing, "Chicken. You stand off in the corner and let them torment me like that. Me, a defenseless poor patient being cared for by the wonderful healers here. Is this what I have to look forward too, every time I see you two?"

"Only if you keep making those stupid remarks. Now, because of that, it time for us to leave, so that some one else can come in and see you. I will be back tomorrow Harry, so you better behave yourself. Come on Hermione, Rolf, let's get out of here before I throw something at him."

"Luna."

"What Harry?"

"I love you."

"Shut it you git. Your buttering me up won't work. However, just to let you know, we all love you as well." and with that, the three of them left for who ever was next to come in.

TM-}

For the next two hours, Harry played host to Fred and Angelina, then George and Katie, followed by, of all people, Draco ad Astoria. Harry soon found out that Draco had never taken the mark, and was almost killed because of it. That was why he was in the manor that day when Harry, Hermione and Ron were captured. Voldemort left in a rage. To him, the Malfoys had failed him on many levels, and were worthless. Draco knew his father was weakened from the torture he was put through, and it was this torture he took for Draco, to save him from the pain.

After Draco, was Neville and Hannah. Harry didn't want to ask, but he did any way, "Neville, what happened between you and Luna?"

"Do you really want to know Harry?"

"Of course I do, that's why I asked. You don't have to answer if you don't want to though. I imagine it is kind of personal, and brings up sad memories"

"Actually they are good memories Harry. From the start Luna said that we would only be good friends. She loved me, but was not in love with me. It seemed she loved someone else. At the end of the final battle, she came to me hoping I could comfort her, but I already was comforting some one. Hannah. Luna understood, but that didn't change the fact that she was hurting something fierce. She lost the one she loved."

"But I thought everyone came back, when I disappeared?" Harry questioned.

The smile Neville wore didn't quite reach his eyes. I seemed forced. "No Harry, one didn't come back."

Harry thought for a minute, then raised his eyes to Neville's, "She was in love with me?"

"Very much so Harry. So much, she was willing to let yours and Ginny's romance blossom, because you looked so happy. It was killing her, but she didn't try to interfere. Then when you disappeared it devastated her. She left soon after, and came back two years later, married to Rolf. She still wasn't over you though. She quit her roaming, and took the job with the ministry, and has been there ever since. Her and Rolf have had a rough time of it, what with her being so determined to find you. Those two years she spent looking for you. While every one else was looking for you here, she went abroad and searched. Her and Ginny shared information when they learned something. It never amounted to anything though."

"Does Luna love Rolf? They looked happy when I saw them earlier."

"In her own way, I think she does Harry. But you are always on her mind, just as it is with Ginny. When the ministry declared you dead, it hurt them both, but they learned to live again I think Ginny loves Dean very much, where as Luna loves Rolf, but not as deeply."

"How do you know all this Neville? Surely they don't confide in you? Or do they?"

"Yes they do Harry. I'm sort of their best friend, and we have shared many stories between us. Haven't they dear?"

Hannah said her first words since they started their talk, "They have Harry. It almost makes me jealous to see them being so intimate with Nev. Not in a lovers sort of way mind you. Just sharing their secrets with him, that they can't share with others, including Hermione. I just happen to go with the territory, being married to him. For Luna, Rolf found her in a moment of despair, and somehow comforted her. He broke the lethargy that she was in, and in appreciation, she consented to marry him. Wrong, I know, but she was lonely, and he gave her companionship. I believe it's their children that has kept them together."

They talked for a few more minutes, and the topic of Remus and Tonks came up, and Harry asked, "Why haven't they been into see me yet?"

"They were going to see you when Teddy got hungry, so Remus had Draco take their place. They should be here soon. Teddy really wants to meet you. Now, I think we have taken up too much of your time, and let someone else come in and see you. Harry, it really is good to have you back mate. Things haven't been the same without you. Boring really. I miss the adventures you had with Hermione and Ron. Never a dull moment with you guys around." and Neville and Hannah hugged him and said their goodbyes.

After they left, Harry had to use the Loo, and he couldn't find the bed pan, so he tried to get up and make his way to his private stall. His legs were still too weak though and he started to fall, when the next couple walked in. Ginny saw Harry start to fall, and ran to him to catch him. With out seeing who it was that caught him, Harry pulled away, and said, "Damn it, I can do this on my own." When he saw Ginny back off in tears, he was sorry for what he said. "Ginny I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. It's just so frustrating being so dependent on others."

Ginny kept her distance as she replied, "I know Harry, and it's quite alright. It was just a reaction to you almost falling. Do you need me to call for someone for assistance?"

"No, I'll be alright. I just needed to use the Loo, and couldn't find the bed pan."

Dean reached under the bed and pulled the pan out, "It's right here Harry, if you still need it. We can wait outside while you do your thing?"

"Thanks Dean, I appreciate it if you both would. This is one of those solitary moments."

Trying to lighten the moment, Ginny said, "I can give you hand if you like?"

With out a change of expression Harry said, "I can handle it myself thank you. Now, if you will excuse me for a moment." and the two walked out. The minute they were apart, they both broke out into tears. Harry for the way he treated Ginny, and Ginny for the way she still felt about Harry. It was good that she had always been straight forward with Dan about her feelings toward Harry. She never hid anything from him, and now was no different. "Dean, help me. Why does he bloody well control my feelings. After ten years, and I still lose control of who I am when I am around him. Why do I let him do that to me?"

Dean placed his hands on her cheeks, "Ginny, we both know you still love him, and probably always will. Four years ago, when I asked you to marry me, I knew you still loved him, but we both thought that he was gone. Now that he is back, and things have changed, perhaps it is time for me to step aside and let things get back to the way they should be. I love you Ginny, but I can't stand to see you hurting like this."

"No Dean, I love you. I really do, and I don't want to break up with you. You have stayed with me even through my feelings for Harry. It takes a deep affection for someone to continue on when there is something like this that could tear them apart. Yes, I still love Harry, but I am married to you, and when I said until death do us part, I meant that with all my heart. Now that doesn't mean you should go out and commit suicide. Not even Harry is that big of a git."

"I wouldn't think of it Sweetheart. I would miss you too much. Besides, the mess it would make would cause you to work too hard to clean it up."

"Thanks for the consideration Dean. I love your compassion and thoughtfulness. Now let's see if Harry is done tinkling yet."

Harry called them in when they knocked, and they took the seats near his bed. At first, things were a bit clumsy for all of them. It was an awkward moment, that Harry finally broke when he said, "Dean, you are one lucky son of a bitch, you know that? Ginny is one beautiful woman, and you seem to make her happy. With that in mind, there is no way I will come between you two. When this day started, I was in mind to shut myself off from everyone, to let you all continue on with your life. Someone made me see the error of my way. Not only do I have you all, but there is also the children I have yet to meet."

"So who will you be staying with then Harry?" Ginny asked.

"Well, haven't talked to them yet, but I am going to ask Remus and Tonks if I could stay with them. Then I need to ask Minerva if it will be alright."

Dean started out,"You could st..."

"No I couldn't Dean. Don't even ask. It would be wrong on so many different levels. I Will be by for visits, and occasional meals, but that would be the extent of it. If Remus and Tonks can't house me, then I will find a place of my own. Black Manor is not on my list for living facilities. I will call for Dobby and Kreacher, and with them by my side, we will start looking for a place to stay."

"Harry, Kreacher died 7 years ago, when the ministry pronounced you dead. He felt with no family left to care for, there was no reason for him to carry on. Dobby went back to Hogwarts serving Remus and Tonks. Remus took it upon himself to bury Kreacher next to the empty grave of Regulus Black, where he felt he would be happy being with his master once again." Ginny explained.

The rest of their visit was filled with small talk, and soon the two left after a teary good bye.

Once outside, Dean turned to Ginny and said, "That turned out better than I thought it would. Harry is a much changed person, don't you think, sweetheart?"

"In some ways yes he has, but in many ways, he is still the same kind caring person he always was. I still love the idiot, and perhaps like you said, I always will, but, it is you that I am in love with Dean, so don't you forget that, ever."

"Never, Ginevra Molly Thomas. And for that reason, I will always love you as well. Now, let's go find something to eat, as I'm starving."

"A man after my own heart. Those were my sentiments exactly."

TM-}

A/N: Well, I hope I straightened out my mess with this chapter. It was a tough one for me to write, and I still haven't made up my mind as to Harry will be paired with.

At this time, I would like to welcome back a very dear friend who has been missing from my life for too long. Diane (AKA Friend of Molly) I am so happy that you found your way back to our group of friends.

As always, Ollie the Keeper.