Harry woke early next morning as a nurse entered the room to do Teddy's obs. He used the time to go to the toilet, then checked on Teddy himself. The colour was returning to his face, although he was still pale.
Harry checked the time; it was only six o'çlock. He decided to get dressed then lay on his camp bed. As he did so, his thoughts turned to Ginny.
It hadn't registered with him yesterday, but now he realised Ginny had known Remus and Tonks. He wondered if Ginny had been at Hogwarts the year Remus had taught there, and, doing some quick calculations, decided she was. He wondered how she knew Tonks, and made a mental note to ask her about it sometime later.
His and Teddy's holiday was certainly not turning out how he wanted. He was debating whether they should return to America once the healers gave him the okay to travel. He didn't want to drag Teddy around with him while he went to Godric's Hollow, or visited Hogwarts to speak with the people that helped in the battle. Again, Harry wished he knew someone, anyone here who could help him; who he trusted to look after Teddy.
The door opened and Ginny entered. Her hair was up in a pony tail today, and he noticed how slender her neck was. "Morning," she said softly. "Sleep well?"
"I didn't hear him stir, even when the nurses came in every half hour," he said, nodding.
"Actually, I meant you," she said, flushing. "Those camp beds aren't the most comfortable, but I guessed you'd want to stay close to Teddy."
Harry nodded again. "Yeah, I'd hate to return to our house alone. I'd rather have sat out in the waiting room if I had to," he said.
"Well, they're even worse than the camp beds," she grinned, picking up Teddy's chart. She made some notations. "We'll increase his food today, see how he goes. I'm confident the danger has passed," she said. "I'll be checking on him regularly throughout my shift," she said, preparing to leave.
"You knew Teddy's parents," he blurted out. "Tonks and Remus," he added, unnecessarily.
Ginny stopped and looked at him sadly. "Yes. Yes, I did. They were...good people, who helped me through one of the worse times in my life. I'll never forget them," she said, before leaving the room.
Harry was surprised. He had guessed that Ginny was a similar age to him so he figured she was either a second or third year when Remus was at Hogwarts. He wondered what both Remus and Tonks had helped her with. He hated to think of someone so nice and kind as Ginny going through a horrible time.
She popped her head back an hour later. "Hey, I'm on my break. Do you want to go home and have another shower?"
He sniffed under his arm pit. "I think I'm good, I've just been sitting around here. But, if you truly don't mind, I might just go for a walk, get some fresh air and stretch my legs. Okay, Teddy?"
Teddy nodded and Ginny grinned. "Go, it's fine."
Harry wandered down to the Welcome witch, who pointed him where to go to send an owl. He sent a message to Kingsley, letting him know what had happened if he needed to get in touch with Harry. He chuckled to realise the staff had not yet realised he was Harry POTTER, indeed, they all called him Mr Lupin, Teddy's dad, or simply Harry.
He then went up to the fifth floor to the hospital shop and purchased some sweets and comics for Teddy. He was still lethargic and content to stay in bed, but was apt to get bored. Gathering his purchases, he returned to Teddy's room.
He heard Teddy's laughter even before he opened the door. It made his heart swell with love for the little boy that he loved as much as if he were his own flesh and blood. But, instead of Ginny, he found Teddy playing Exploding Snap with an older man."
"I win again, Grandpa Arthur, I win," sang Teddy, as the cards crumbled on the table.
"You did indeed, young Teddy," chuckled Arthur. He looked up at Harry, and stood. "Ah, Harry Potter. A pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand for Harry to shake.
Harry was pleased that this man wasn't gushing over meeting the 'Chosen One'. He shook the man's hand. "Hello, sir...and you are?"
Arthur grinned. "Sorry, Arthur Weasley, Ginny's dad. Erm, Healer Weasley, I mean."
"Can we play again, Grandpa Arthur?" asked Teddy.
Grandpa? Arthur must have noticed the confusion on Harry's face for he quickly explained. "Erm, hope you don't mind. Ginny told us last night that Remus and Tonks' son was here, and my wife sent some food. I came to see my daughter, and found her here with young Teddy, but then she got called away," he said.
"It was a 'mergency, Harry. So Grandpa Arthur asked if he could stay and I said yes. It's okay, isn't it, Harry?" asked Teddy, suddenly remembering how protective Harry could be.
"Yes, it's fine, very kind of you, sir," said Harry.
Arthur sat back down. "Not at all, not at all," he said, waving away Harry's concerns. "I have two young grandchildren with another two on the way. I'd hate to have any of them go through what you and young Teddy have gone through the last day or so. You've been a brave boy, not surprising considering who your parents were," he beamed at Teddy.
"You knew my mum and dad?" asked Teddy, wide eyed.
Arthur nodded. "And your grandmother. They were the best kind of people, young Teddy, and I can see you're going to be just like them." He patted the boy's hand, and Teddy smiled happily.
"Hey, I'm back, sorry I-Harry, you're back!" said Ginny, coming in to the room and nearly running into his back. He moved further into the room to allow her more access.
"Yeah, I just met your dad," he said, smiling at Arthur.
"Oh, good. Erm, Dad, sorry, I won't be able to have lunch with you. We've just had two cases of Scrofungulus brought in, so I have to go. Harry, Teddy, I may not see you much for the rest of my shift-"
" Aw, Ginny!" complained Teddy, until Harry hushed him and looked apologetically at Ginny.
" I'll definitely come by and see my favourite patient later," she laughed, and both Harry and Teddy looked pleased.
Ginny touched Harry's arm, something she did frequently, Harry realised. He didn't mind, it had been a long time since he had felt a kind touch that wasn't from Teddy. "Did you get everything done you wanted to?" she asked.
Harry nodded. Arthur watched on, intrigued by the emotions in the room. He smiled as Harry and Ginny stared at each other without speaking for several seconds.
" What did you do, Harry, where did you go?" asked Teddy.
" I just let Kingsley know we're here," Harry told him.
Teddy frowned. " Is that all? Bo-ring."
Harry chuckled. " Sounds like someone's getting better," he quipped to Arthur and Ginny. To Teddy he said, " We don't know anyone else here, Teddy."
" No-one?" asked Ginny, surprised.
Harry shook his head. " I've heard the names of people I was hoping to talk to-Longbottom, Hagrid,Mcgonagall, Bones, even yourselves, the Weasleys. But the things I wanted to discuss are not the best thing to talk about with a child present, and I don't have anyone to look after him," he said, looking at Teddy.
" Well," said Arthur, beaming. " Now you have us."
" Dad, Harry, sorry, I really have to go. Be good, Teddy and eat all your lunch, I'll check back with you later," said Ginny.
Teddy held his arms up for a hug and Ginny immediately leant into him to hug him back. " I'll miss you, Ginny," he said softly.
" Watch out for Rupert, I think he's cheating at Exploding Snap," she whispered, making him laugh. It warmed her heart to see the sweet boy she met at Hogwarts was back.
Arthur watched on interestedly, as Ginny kissed his cheek and then awkwardly moved around Harry. With a quick wave, she was out the door.
" Harry, my boy, I believe I may be able to help you out," said Arthur.
Harry, who was still watching Ginny walk away through the open door, turned back to her dad. " Hmm? Sorry, what did you say?" he asked.
Arthur smiled to himself. " Tell you what, Harry. I'm just going to go and see my wife, and I'll be back soon. I may have an answer to your dilemma."
"Can we play some more, Grandpa Arthur?" asked Teddy, "when you come back?" He was reluctant to lose his new friend.
" Of course we can, young Teddy. Harry, I'll return with some more of Molly's cooking for lunch," said Arthur.
" For me too?" asked Teddy, enthusiastically.
Arthur laughed, a great booming laugh. And Harry realised he didn't feel lonely any more.
/*/*/*/*
A week later found Harry and Teddy staring at the expansive grounds of the Burrow, and the large group of people gathered there.
" Hey, it's you." A young girl, three or four, with golden red hair approached Teddy. "I like your hair."
Teddy beamed, but became bashful. " Yours is pretty too," he said, his turquoise hair more brighter than ever. Harry found it hard to believe that only a week ago, he was in St Mungo's.
" Wanna come play? Grandpa made us a tree house?" she asked excitedly.
Teddy looked up at Harry expectantly " Can I, Harry?"
Harry had been hoping to keep Teddy with him for a bit longer, but he reluctantly agreed. " Don't over do it," he called out, as the girl grabbed Teddy's hand and they both ran past the chicken coop, giggling.
" They'll be okay, my brother George is down there with his boy, Freddie. Hi, I'm Bill Weasley, and that whirlwind was my daughter, Victoire," he said, holding his hand out for him to shake.
" Harry. Nice to meet you," said Harry, shaking the man's hand.
" You know, Tori's been talking non stop about a boy she saw at the Remembrance Day ceremony at Hogwarts, a boy with blue hair. Were you there?" asked Bill, bringing Harry over to a table set out with drinks and chips. Bill took a drink but Harry declined politely.
" Yes, we were at the back," affirmed Harry. " We didn't stay long after the ceremony due to the weather."
Bill nodded. " Yeah, I know what you meant. We actually had Tori's birthday party to prepare for after, so it was a pretty full on day for the family."
" Erm, is this ALL your family?" asked Harry.
Bill chuckled. " Most, but not everyone here is. Mum and Dad invited some people that were keen to meet you."
" 'arry Potter!"
Harry turned around at the mention of his name, but found himself smothered in a hug. Bemused, he realised he only came up the speaker's stomach.
" Hagrid, he needs to breathe," chuckled Bill.
The man named Hagrid stepped back. " Right. Sorry about that. Blimey, 'arry Potter. Aren't you the image of James?" he asked, rhetorically.
" You knew my dad?" asked Harry, looking up, up, up. Hagrid nodded.
" But you have your mother's eyes," said a stern looking woman of undetermined age, but with a twinkle of kindness in her eyes. "Hello, Mister Potter. I am Minerva Mcgonagall, headmistress of Hogwarts, and I was head of Gryffindor House when your parents attended," she said.
Harry's head swung to her. " So you knew my parents too, and Sirius and Remus."
Minerva nodded sadly. " Come, we have a lot to talk about." She gestured to a group of chairs.
Bill patted Harry on the back, and left him in the capable care of Hagrid and Minerva.
/*/*/*/*
Harry's head was spinning with all the stories he'd heard the last hour. He'd almost expected to be inundated with people, coming over to stare or ask questions, questions he didn't want to answer. Instead these people gladly shared their memories of his parents and their best friends, at times making Harry actually laugh out loud at the antics of his dad and godfather.
Arthur had used the Sonorus charm to call everyone to come and eat. Harry had watched out anxiously for Teddy, and felt small relief when he spotted the boy, now sporting the familiar red hair that was predominant with the people around him. He smiled to see him talking with Tori and another boy, a year or two younger.
A beautiful blonde called out to Tori, and a red haired man called out to the other boy. "Freddie, over here," he called. Freddie ran to his dad, leaving Teddy alone.
Just as Harry was about to go to Teddy, Ginny swooped in, picking him up and settling him on her side as they headed for the table. She tickled him and made him laugh, the best sound in the world to Harry. Ginny put Teddy down and started to load a plate of food for him.
A tall man sidled up to Harry's side. " Erm, Harry? Hello, my name in Neville, Neville Longbottom. My parents were good friends with your parents many years ago," he said, nervously.
Harry offered his hand to Neville, and gestured for a seat. The two men sat, and began to get to know each other.
They hadn't been talking long when Ginny interrupted. " Sorry, but I didn't want you to miss out. Here, a bit of everything," she said, handing them both a plate filled with food.
" Thanks, Gin, you're the best," praised Neville. " I don't suppose..." He raised his empty can of Butterbeer and shook it.
Ginny sighed, good naturedly. " Well, if healing doesn't work out, I can always go and get a job at the Leaky. Harry, would you like one, too?" she asked.
" Well, seeing as though you're getting one for Neville," he quipped.
Ginny scoffed. " Oh, you! You fit right in around here, you know." She chuckled as she walked away.
Harry realised she was right. For the first time in a very long time, Harry felt as though he was right where he was supposed to be. Not in hiding, not preparing to fight. He was here, with friends. It felt amazing.
Neville chuckled too. " She' a good sort, Ginny. Now, where were we? Oh yes, the Order of the Phoenix. Harry?" Neville looked to see what had caught Harry's attention, and realised he was following Ginny with his eyes. He smiled, having seen many familiar looks like that at Hogwarts. He quickly realised Harry was smitten with Ginny.
" Yes, great girl, Ginny. She' my best friend, you know. Don't know what I would have done at Hogwarts without her when the Death Eaters took over. Did you know, we made up a defence class to teach ourselves. Never had a decent defence teacher after Professor Lupin left. Ginny named it Dumbledore's Army. Her brother Ron, his girlfriend, Hermione and Ginny were the teachers. Ginny even taught me to produce a Patronus," he said proudly.
" Really?" asked Harry, watching as Ginny stepped in to stop an argument between Tori and Teddy. She dropped to her knees to speak at their level, talked calmly and quietly, and in the end, they both hugged her and ran away together to play.
" Erm Neville, would you excuse me?" asked Harry.
" Sure, Harry. Ill be around if you want to talk more, about our parents, or Hogwarts, or Ginny," said Neville, teasing.
Harry's eyes were on Ginny, who was walking away down near the pond. He started to follow her when two people seemingly jumped out of nowhere, blocking his way.
" Harry Potter! I'm Ron. Ron Weasley. This is my girlfriend, Hermione Granger," he introduced.
Harry smiled and nodded, whilst trying to peer over Hermione's shoulder to keep an eye on Ginny's whereabouts.
" Do you know, if you had come to Hogwarts, we would have been in the same year," said Hermione excitedly.
" I wonder if you would have been in Gryffindor with us," pondered Ron. " We saw you talking with Neville just then. Good bloke," he praised.
" Yeah, he seems it. Listen, would you -"
" So where did you get educated, Harry. Was it the magical school in America, Ilvermornay?" asked Hermione.
" No, I was home schooled. Mostly by Remus after he joined us," said Harry, trying to dodge around them.
"He was a great teacher. Really hands on, you know. Such a shame he couldn't stay at Hogwarts," sighed Hermione.
" Say Ron, what's down that way?" asked Harry, pointing in the direction Ginny had gone.
Ron turned to see where Harry was pointing. " Oh, we've got a pitch down there. I think Gin just headed down there, probably going for a fly. Merlin knows, she won't get much flying time when she leaves."
" Leaves?" asked Harry, aghast. How can she leave when he just found her?
"It's for her healer training, that's all, and it's only for a year," said Hermione. She stepped aside. " Why don't you go down to the pitch and talk about it with her."
Harry nodded and stepped past her, heading off quickly.
" I wanted to keep talking with him," complained Ron.
" Its okay, Ronald, I have a feeling he'll be around for a long time," said Hermione, trading a secret smile with Neville.
" He seems okay. Do you think we would have all been friends?" he asked, as Neville joined them.
" Definitely," said Hermione and Neville together.
/*/*/*/*
Harry found Ginny at the broom shed. " Hey, want to join me?" she asked, surprised to see him, and suddenly a little shy. " There's plenty of brooms."
" Somehow I'm not surprised," chuckled Harry. " How many are in your family, anyway?" he asked.
" Well, I'm the youngest of seven, and the only girl. Bill's married to Fleur, she's the stunning blonde with the big belly, and they already have a daughter Tori," started Ginny.
" I've met Tori and Bill," nodded Harry.
" Then there's Charlie, but he's not here, he works in Romania on a dragon reserve. Percy is the one with the glasses. He's married to Audrey, and they're expecting a little girl at the end of the year. Then there's George, although it used to be Fred and George, twins. We lost Fred at the final battle. George married Angelina, she's the dark skinned lady, and they have a son, Freddie, who's two. Then there's my brother Ron, and his girlfriend, Hermione," she finished.
"I just met them. Merlin, that's a lot of Weasleys!" he gasped.
Ginny chuckled. "And getting bigger all the time. I'm glad to see Teddy getting on well with Tori and Freddie."
Harry grabbed her arm before she could walk away. "Ginny, I know I keep saying thank you, but...thank you. For all of this, these people. The memories they've shared of my family will stay with me always. What with helping Teddy at the hospital, and now this, you've been amazing." He looked deep into her eyes.
" I've grown to care about Teddy since I've met him," admitted Ginny. " Whether it's because he's Remus and Tonks' son, or something else, I don't know. There was just something about the two of you that day at Hogwarts." She looked away, flushing.
" I felt so lonely that day," he said.
Ginny nodded, he eyes back on his face. " I wanted to comfort you, even though I didn't know you."
Harry stepped forward, palmed her face and gently kissed her. " You've been comforting us since we met," he said softly, before kissing her again.
A kaleidoscope of colours burst behind Ginny's closed eyes. This was it, what she'd read about in her romance novels. Here was the fireworks, the sparks, the magic she'd been waiting to feel with every boy she'd kissed.
" Wow," she gasped, when Harry reluctantly stopped and stepped back. " You're good at that."
Harry chuckled nervously. "I was going to say the same to you," he said. " I, erm, haven't really had a girlfriend, or anything, before. I've spent most of my childhood preparing to face Voldemort, and then when it was over, bringing up Teddy," he explained.
" You're doing a great job with Teddy, Harry, and I'm glad you had time with your godfather and Remus and Tonks," said Ginny.
Harry sighed. He hated to ruin the moment, but things had to be said. " Ginny, as much as I want to see where this," he gestured between the two of them, " could go, you have to know, Teddy is my priority over everything. I'm all he has, and vice versa."
Ginny leaned up and kissed him slowly. " You're a good man, Harry, and Teddy is lucky to have you. And while I understand what you're saying,you're wrong about one thing. You two are not alone any more. After today, you're one of us." She wrapped her arms around his waist and hugged him.
" Well, Teddy already has the hair colour right," chuckled Harry.
" One of us, one of us," chanted Ginny, teasing.
" Harry and Teddy Weasley," said Harry, grinning.
" One way to avoid the press," grinned Ginny.
He laughed and kissed her again. He wondered if she saw the same fireworks, the same sparks, the same magic, as he did when they kissed.