The Monument Keeperoliver Chapter 13

Neville and Augusta were still in shock after their wonderful reunion. Alice and Frank being back after all these years was a blessing they never expected, but always wished for. This was because of the friendship Neville had made with Remus, Severus and Filius. A stranger friendship than one might expect since at the beginning, Severus was not one to make friends. He even went out of his way to make sure he had no friends.

Neville thought back on the things Severus did to keep his enemies at a distance. He was the reason that Neville began his schooling as a weak and pathetic student. It took Harry to get him to believe in himself.

Then there was the third year incident where Severus was the one to disclose to the school that Remus was a werewolf. This created such a stir, that Remus was forced to give up his teaching position. Luckily, Remus expected something like this, and banked all his earnings while teaching. His spending was done wisely, and was able to maintain a meager life that took him to his marriage of Tonks. He didn't have much to offer her at the beginning, but what he offered her, she accepted eagerly.

Severus continued on with his fear of making friends in Harry's fifth and sixth year. The sixth year was the worst, as it set up the situation they were currently in. His murder of Albus Dumbledore ended Harry's relationship with Ginny. But it did not end his love for her, or her for him.

In the ten years that followed, Remus was once again given a Professorship, as was Neville. Severus returned as the Potions Professor, and a changed person. From the start, Remus and Severus became friends along with Filius. When Neville was asked to replace Professor Sprout, he gladly took the post, as Hannah was expecting their first child, and he wanted a more stable position for his family. It took a while for Neville to take to Severus, but with Remus' help, it came about. Now the four, or should he say eight, were more than friends. Neville even made Filius the godfather of his son Frank. Minerva was the Godmother.

When Neville told Severus and Remus about his parents, a tear was seen rolling down Sev's face. Neville questioned this, and Sev explained, "You have to understand Neville, that if I had listened to Lily from the start, none of this would have happened, and I still might have Lily, James, and that canine pretender here with us. Frank and Alice would never have been subjected to what they had to endure. Harry would not have to endure what he did."

Neville thought on it a bit, "That may be true Severus, but if things turned out the way you just explained it, we might still be fighting the war, and many more people might not be with us right now. Yes, maybe things looked bad for the past ten years, but since Harry came back to us, things are looking up, don't you think?"

Remus went even further, "He's right you know. Sev, think about it. If things went the way you just brought up, we may never have known a way to defeat Voldemort. Harry would not have become the Chosen One. Instead of trying to find ways to come back, he would have been looking for ways to take control even earlier than he did. Harry's distraction he caused Voldemort saved us in the end. Once he took control of the Ministry, and lost Umbridge to the Dementors, he began to lose that control. He was fighting a war on two fronts. Eventually the Muggles would begin to strike back. They may seem weak, but believe me they had their ways to take the battle to him. If things didn't work out the way they did, he would have taken control of the Ministry earlier, and then set his sights on taking control of the muggle world. If that had happened, then all would be lost."

As much as he hated to admit it, Severus had to agree. Not that it made him feel any better. However, what happened next did.

As they were talking, Minerva walked into their meeting, followed by two more people. Alice and Frank walked in, and were pulled into hugs from Remus and Neville. Severus stood back to watch, and then was surprised when Alice left her hug with Remus, and walked over to hug him. "Thank you Severus. Neville told us what you and Remus did to bring us back. Our entire family owe you so much."

"You owe me nothing Alice. That is what friends are for. Now, sit and tell me how it feels to be back and fully awake. Has Neville brought you up to date on the state of affairs?"

Alice laughed at his way of asking, like this was a ministry meeting. "He has touched on certain subjects, but all he did was raise more questions."

Augusta joined them as they were talking, and they all took a seat, and Alice and Frank were brought up to date on everything. It took hours, which included two meals and a bit of firewhiskey for everyone. Hannah joined them before the second meal and she had her son Frank with her, who Alice took from her right away. The seven year old took to his Grandma right away, as well as his Grandpa.

Before the night was over, many laughs and many tears were shared by the friends. After twenty seven years, there was a lot to catch up on.

The following morning, it was time for Alice and Frank to catch up with three more old friends. Remus and Tonks took Teddy and Leia with them as they took the couple to Black Manor. Harry and Luna were playing with the twins when they called to come through. When Alice and Frank made it through, they thought they were being attacked. Luna went right to them for a hug, with out thinking. Taken back by this sudden move, Frank pulled Luna off Alice and was holding her arms to her side. He looked into her eyes, and that did it for him as he released her arms, and she went right into her hug for him. "UM, could you tell us who you are please, before my wife kills us both."

Luna pulled back, "Of course, I'm Luna Scamander, and these are my sons Lorcan, and Lysander. And this is Harry Potter."

Alice went right to Harry and pulled him into a hug. "Harry, it has been so long since I last saw you. You look so much like Lily."

Harry stood there shocked. "How is it that everyone else says I look so much like my dad, and you say it is my mum I resemble?"

"What are they looking at when they say that? You have your mum's nose, eyes, lips, chin, and ears. All you have of your dad's is his mop."

Harry laughed, "Thank you Mrs. Longbottom. You don't know how much I like this different perspective on my looks. I heard I looked so much like dad so many times, I was beginning to think I was him. Now I don't feel like that anymore. Wait until I tell Severus. I can't wait to see what kind of an argument we could have over this."

They continued to talk on their way to the library, where Harry let them in to see the three in waiting. Harry, Luna and the twins left them as they entered the room.

Alice and Frank entered and looked around. Then to their right, they saw the portraits and went to them. "Lily, oh my god, it is so good to see you. And you too James. Sirius you look the same as ever."

Sirius smiled, "Is that good or bad? And hello Frank. Alice you look as lovely as ever."

Alice answered his question before the chance got away, "In my point of view, you look like the kid that never grew up. You can take that any way you want to. Now, Lily let's talk. Frank, you and the boys carry on your own conversation." and that was way their talk went for the entire afternoon.

TM-}

Hermione had been working on her gift to Harry for the entire ten days. She had to visit different people to get the required items to finish it, but finish it she did. She laid it on the table to admire it from a distance. Ron walked in and saw the finished item, and went over and ran his hand over it to feel the silkiness of it. It felt amazing, and really admired the work that Hermione put into it. He left the gift, and went to Hermione, and pulled her in to a hug and a kiss. "Everything about you is so amazing, do you know that? The truth. You give so much of yourself in everything you do. You care for everyone like they were family. Of course most of them are, but that is beside the point. You put up with my severe lack of social grace, etiquette, eating habits, and my obsession with Quidditch. You spend time with the kids. I don't know how you do everything you do, when there is only 24 hours in a day."

Hermione smiled at her husband, "I use a time turner. Now come here and give me a kiss, to start the morning off right." to which he was glad to oblige.

When they broke off the kiss, he asked, "Who all did you get to chip in their part for the gift?"

"Well, let's see. Me of course, Luna, Ginny, Molly, Tonks was a huge help, Elisabeth and believe it or not James."

"James? How did he help, and why was he the only man included in this?"

"Because he gave me access to something from Lily. Lily didn't even know he had it."

"Whoa, that will make it even more special for Harry. How did you think to ask James?"

"I didn't. Luna did and am I glad she did. Who would have thought of James as a collector of such items?"

"Me." Ron squeaked out.

"What? What do you collect, Ronald?"

Ron left the room, and came back with a box that he laid in front of Hermione. She took off the lid and saw six years worth of homework filling the box. "You saved your homework papers Ron?"

"Not mine, yours. I don't mind telling you, some of the places I had to fish some of it out of were disgusting. But it was worth it." Ron watched as Hermione's eyes filled with tears. She stood up, and grabbed his shirt, and pulled him in for a kiss that took both of their breath away.

When they broke it off, she said, "That is the sweetest thing I ever have ever seen."

"Even sweeter than James'?"

"OH yes. This was way more sweet. It was you, thinking of me."

"It was always only you Mione, Even when I went through that thing with Lavender, it was always you I was thinking of. Wishing it were you kissing me instead of Lavender. That Won Won thing, if it had been you calling me that, It would have sounded so much better. However, don't even think about starting to call me that. If you do, I may have to start calling you what the twins used to call you, and you won't like it."

"What was it they called me?"

"Wormy!"

"Urghhh. I promise I will never call you that nickname, if you promise to never call me that."

"Deal." and he kissed her to seal the deal.

TM-}

Dean completed the gift for Harry in five days. He somehow rescheduled all other appointments for a week later, in order to finish it. When he showed it to Ginny she cried over it. Then they shared the most exquisite night of love ever in the history of man.

With the gift done, all Ginny had do think about was how they were going to get Harry to his party, without his knowing it. Luna already told her she suspected Harry knew something was up. Luna was the one who took the task to hand. Ginny asked if she needed help, but Luna said no, she had it covered.

The morning of July 31st, Harry was up and ready to face the day. He knew what was planned, but didn't know where. He had all his gifts shrunk down to give to those he had them for. He wished he could give one to all, but he had no idea who was going to be there, where ever it was.

He heard feet making their way down the steps, and looked at the door, where he saw Lorcan, Lysander, and Luna dressed for the day. The twins ran to him and hugged him and wished him a happy birthday. Luna walked over and Kissed him on the lips. "Harry, Minerva called earlier and asked for you to come to talk. She didn't say what it was about. And happy birthday."

"Thanks Lu. I think I will see her tomorrow. I have something I want to do today."

"You should go see her today, and then go do what you want to do."

"There is no rush Luna. I am sure what Minerva has to say, it can wait until tomorrow."

"Can't what you have to do, wait until tomorrow as well?"

"No, I think I have to do this today. I need to see Molly and Arthur about something."

"Why can't that wait until tomorrow?"

"Because Arthur will be at work."

"OH, OK then." Luna said with a disappointed sigh.

Harry thought he won out over her. So the party was at Hogwarts. Harry would take his cloak, and sneak in on the party and surprise every one.

When he arrived to the gates to the school, they opened for him, and he started up the path to the castle.

He was stopped only twenty meters onto the grounds by the deep voice of one he hadn't seen in many years.

"Harry? What are you doin here? Been a long time Harry since I last seen ya."

"Hello Hagrid." Harry was pulled into a hug similar to Molly's. "I was asked to come here by Professor McGonagall."

"Really? Why would she do that? She asked me to join her in town."

"So that is where it is?"

"Where what is Harry?"

"OH nothing Hagrid. I was just thinking out loud. You better get going to your meeting, I think I'll just wander around and remember what I have been missing about this place."

"OK Harry, see you around."

Harry watched as Hagrid took off for the gate, and threw the cloak over him. He followed Hagrid not too closely, and was taken back, when he disapparated. Harry didn't know he could do that without a wand. Now Harry was at a loss. He didn't know what to do. He thought sure that the party was going to be here, but with Hagrid's strange behavior, and Minerva not being here, he had to be mistaken.

So, Harry did what he told Luna he was going to do, and Apparated to the Burrow. He walked to the gate, and saw that everything was quiet. He made his way through the yard, and for once was not greeted by Molly as he approached the door. He knocked on it, and he heard Molly say, "Come in."

He opened the door, and Molly turned and saw Harry and went to him and pulled him into a hug. "Harry, it's so good to see you. What are you doing here?"

"I came to talk to you and Arthur about something. How are you mum?"

"I'm fine Harry dear. Arthur is in the den. Why don't you go join him, and I will be right in with some tea."

"OK thank you Molly." and he went to the door. When he opened it, he was greeted to, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" by everyone he knew, including Hagrid. Harry doubled over with laughter. He had been duped by his lovely lady.

Harry was led to the couch, and he looked as Molly brought in a cake that was large enough to feed every one here with two large slices for them all. He hoped that would be enough for Ron.

With the cake sitting in front of him, he was urged by everyone to blow out the candles. When he did, the fire works started to go off out side, and they all went out to watch the display. They only lasted for ten minutes, but it was the finale that made Harry laugh once more. He watched as their dragon works chased Harry's figure on his firebolt like it did during the tournament.

Once finished, they all went back inside for Molly's cake. He was surprised when Ron stopped at just one slice of cake. He looked to Hermione, and she patted her belly, then pointed to Ron's. He had to hold back his laughter.

Then the gifts started to be passed to Harry, and he began to open them. Most were clothes, which he could really use, but the last three were the ones that he cherished the most. He opened Hermione and Ron's first, and was taken back as he was looking at a wall hanging of the Gryffindor House emblem. What was amazing about it, was the softness of the texture. He looked to Hermione once again, and then saw her use a wand movement, and her charm was lifted, and Harry saw that she was wearing a new shorter hairstyle. A much shorter style.

"Yes Harry, the entire emblem is made with the hair of all the women you love. Mine, Ginny's, Molly's, Elisabeth's, Tonks', Luna's and believe it or not, your mum's."

The tears in Harry's eyes started to flow down his cheek. "How did you get mum's, Hermione?"

Hermione didn't answer, "I gave it to her son."

Harry turned around, and there were the three portraits on the wall. However, all three figures were in the center frame. James was the one who answered. "How did you get it to her? I mean is it possible for you to give something like that through the portrait?"

Lily laughed at that, "No Harry, it seemed you dad had a fetish while in school. He collected my hair every time I cut it. Silly git. It seems that Pads helped him out with his fetish by going through the trash to retrieve it for him."

Harry was still running his fingers over the emblem as he listened. He loved this gift so much. He went to Hermione and Ron, and hugged them both, and kissed Hermione on the lips. "Thank you Hermione, Ron. You don't know how much a appreciate this. Thank all you lovely ladies for this one of a kind gift."

He then went to Ginny and Dean's gift. Once it was unwrapped the tears got worse. He was holding a portrait of himself, Luna, and the twins sitting in front of the floo. The twins were sitting on their laps. Harry could not believe the beauty of the last two gifts, and the work done to complete them. Once again, he was hugging Dean, then he hugged Ginny, and then he surprised her with a kiss on the lips. It lingered a little longer than he intended, but, when he broke it off, he told them both, "Thank you so much Dean. This is beautiful. Ginny, I love you, and I am happy that we remained friends. It means more to me because of what we shared in the past."

Then he got to his last gift. A very small one. He pulled the paper of and saw a box that was about ten centimeters square. When he took the lid off, he was looking at a a picture of two letters A capital I, that sat on a capital U. Harry took the picture out of the box and tuned it over. There were some words.

Harry: I've got my (Turn the picture over). The rest of the gift will come later. LU.

Harry turned it back over, 'I've got my I on U.' Harry laughed and leaned over to Luna and kissed her deeply. This got the whole crowd making kissing noises, but none were louder than the two sets of twins.

Harry then said. "The evening is not over yet, There are more gifts to be opened." Harry started to pull packages out of his pocket, and handing out to the people he had their name written on the package. Luna opened hers first, to find a book entitled (Magical Creatures). It was thicker than the book Hagrid used in his care class. In it she found pictures of the creatures others thought she fantasized about. She also found a note. 'There will be more in just a few minutes, so please be patient my love. Harry'

She looked up to see Harry smiling at her. He gave her a wink, then turned to Remus who was just finishing unwrapping his gift.

Harry heard things like 'OH Harry you shouldn't have.' or 'Isn't it beautiful.' From Remus all he got were tears and "Thank you so much Harry. I know quite a few people who will be thanking you as well." and then he was lost in the book, with Severus reading over his shoulder.

He looked to see Ginny also in tears as she had Dean place the necklace on her neck, kissing it as he did so, "Harry. It's so beautiful, but why?"

"Because I couldn't think of a more beautiful place to show it off. Don't you agree Dean?"

"I am in complete agreement with you there Harry. It is a beautiful showcase."

Harry then turned to Hermione, who had not yet opened her gift. Ron hadn't yet either. "We wanted to wait until everyone was done Harry, so that we could thank you personally. Go ahead Ron, you first."

Ron tore open the paper, and pulled out an original copy of the Quidditch rules book. It was over three hundred years old, yet was in pristine condition. There was only one other known in existence. It belonged to the Quidditch League. Ron was running his hand over the cover, mumbling something. Then he looked up, "Where did you find this Harry? Do you know how rare this book is? The league was offered over a million galleons for their copy by Jeremy Sharper, the billionaire."

"And theirs isn't in as good of shape as this one Ron. Take care of it. Now Hermione how about you?"

Unlike Ron, Hermione took care opening her gift. She used magic to preserve the paper wrapping. She then unfolded the wrap, and stopped when the book came into view. What Ron got was priceless. What she got was leagues beyond that. The personal journal of the greatest wizard ever known. The Wisdom of Myrrdyn Emrys was completely hand written. She had to push the book away, which scared Harry thinking he had insulted her. "Hermione, did I do something wrong?"

"No Harry. I had to get it away from me, because I am crying, and I didn't want the ink to run on the pages. It is all hand written, Harry. Merlin himself wrote it. Do you know what that means?"

"I think it means you like it, or at least that's what I hope it means?"

"No Harry I don't like it. That is not even close to how I feel about it. Try honored. Ecstatic. Beyond elated. Thrilled to death. Dying to get home and start reading it. Wishing I would stop crying so I could open it. Come here and let me show you how happy I am." and when he did, Hermione pulled him to a kiss that he would never forget. Luna wouldn't let him. When Hermione finally pulled back from the kiss she whispered, "I have been wanting to do that for twenty years now Harry. Thank you for both the gifts."

"You're welcome Hermione. Now please will everyone take a seat, as there is one more gift for me to hand out." Harry walked to Luna and dropped down to his knee. When he did this, a large sigh went through the room. More than just Luna helped with the sound. "Luna, what I have to say to you is this. You have helped me get through a few rough times in my life. I think I have done the same for you. In this time we have spent together, I have grown to appreciate everything about you. I love your sons as if they were my own. I love you more than you could ever know. It is my wish to spend the rest of my days with you if you will have me. Would you Luna Scamander Marry me?"

There was silence for a few seconds then, "Harry, I would love to say yes, but, I have to ask the children first."

Harry glanced at Lysander who had a huge grin on his face. "They already know, and they told me to ask you. They have already accepted me Lu."

"Let me think about it Harry." Lysander's grin got wider.

"YES! I will marry you Harry." and Lysander fell to the ground laughing, as did Lorcan. Harry couldn't help it. He was on the floor as well. Luna was just staring at the three.

Harry looked up to see everyone wearing a puzzled look. Harry took that away when he said, "Everything Luna said in answer to my question, was told to me two weeks ago by Lysander. He is brilliant that one is. He takes after his Aunt Hermione."

Hermione blushed at Harry's words, and Ron said, "Lysander, I told you, you need to find a different role model. There is room for only one Hermione in this family."

Hermione didn't Know if she wanted to kiss Ron, or swat him in the head, so she swatted him in the head, then kissed his brains out. Literally. He couldn't form a complete sentence after the kiss. It lasted the better part of two hours for the affects of the kiss to wear off.

Harry could not remember a better birthday. Ever. This was the first day of the rest of his life. One in which three very important people would soon become a part of.

A/N: I know this was faster than usual in coming, but I had been wanting to write for about four days now.

With just two chapter left I think, I hope to have this done by weeks end. I hope you enjoyed this one, as much as I enjoyed writing it.

As always, Ollie the Keeper.