September and almost all of October pass without incident. Nothing of importance happened, just Harry convincing Dumbledore to let them take Care of Magical Creatures, Ancient Ruins and Arithmancy. They excelled in their classes with flying colors. The Professors in every subject were soon out of homework to give them. But today would be different for them, the excitement was quickly rising for some but for others they were getting extremely nervous. Today was October 30th, the day before Halloween.
Remus and Sirius were extremely nervous, so was Dumbledore but he didn't let on. Everyone else was excited they knew tomorrow would be spent happily and they would probably get to witness a proposal.
That night Sirius was in bed with Amelia laying beside him.
"Hey Ams."
"Yes Siri?" she said turning to face him.
"I was wondering. Do you love me?"
"Of course I do! I love you more than anything!" she said immediately. Then she blushed, realizing how fast that came out.
Sirius smiled, "Good." he said said as he buried his nose behind her ear.
"Why did you have to ask? I have told you a thousand times that I love you." she said.
"Because, if I wanted my plans to go alright then I need to make sure that you love me by tomorrow."
"Why what is tomorrow?" she said pulling back.
He scowled a bit, "Halloween, what else?" he said slyly.
She huffed. "Don't worry, I'm sure you'll love it." he whispered as he slid his nose back to her ear. He kissed her softly and she sighed.
Remus was sitting in bed with Tonks laying with her head on his chest. He thought she was sleeping, her breathing was easy and spaced out perfectly for someone who was sleeping. He sat there not even trying to sleep.
"Remus, we haven been in bed for an hour and you still haven't tried to shut your eyes." she said.
Remus jumped, "Sorry I thought you were sleeping." he said.
"Why aren't you sleeping?" she demanded.
"Just thinking is all." he said as he pulled her up to make their faces level.
"About what?" she said.
"You of course, what else is there to think about."
"Loads of things." she whispered.
"Not for me." he whispered back kissing her cheek.
"What were you thinking about me?" she said.
Remus gulped. "That bad huh?" she laughed.
Remus tried to smile but it didn't work. "How much do you love me?" he blurted out before he could stop himself.
Tonks was taken aback by his question. "More than you know." she said after a moment. "More than anyone knows. I haven't loved anything more. I don't think it is possible to love anything more."
Remus smiled, "I love you." he said.
"You know I love you." she said. Remus smiled a smile that made butterflies appear and start to flutter in her stomach. She leaned down and kissed him hotely on the lips. He smiled against her. She just kissed him harder. Remus kissed back and after a while pulled back.
"Hmm, couldn't resist could you?" he said.
"Not with your smile." she said.
Remus grinned and she kissed him again, then she pulled away and looked at him.
"Sleep my love, you will need it. We will be celebrating tomorrow." he whispered.
She nodded, not catching his double meaning. Not only that they had to celebrate having the Potters together for a good Halloween, but they had to celebrate, hopefully, an engagement.
In the morning Remus was fidgeting nervously, even in class. Harry and the marauders noticed but Harry warned them not to say anything. Sirius wasn't any better but he was alone all day so he had to find something to occupy himself so he would pace his room and practice how he would do it in the Great Hall. After he decided what he would say he went to the Great Hall and helped put up decorations.
After a while it was time for lunch and Severus strode in, "Black, you look nervous." he said.
"I am Severus, more than you will ever know." he said pacing in a circle.
"I bet." he answered shortly as he strode to the head table.
Sirius paced until the rest of the house came. Then he sat down and composed himself.
Harry sat down beside Sirius before Amelia got to his other side Harry whispered "Nervous?" He nodded vigorously. Harry smiled, "Don't worry she will say yes."
"Thanks Harry." he said.
Harry nodded as Amelia sat down.
"So do we all agree to stay for the whole dinner tonight then?" said Harry then he dropped his voice "I mean we don't know when he is going to do it and he won't think about it."
They nodded.
After what felt like forever, it was right before dinner and Remus had a free period.
He went to the common room and saw Sirius practicing, down on one knee and everything.
"What are you doing?" he said.
"Oh um. Practicing." said Sirius.
"Oh when are you going to do it?" asked Remus.
"Tonight, at dinner. Harry suggested it." said Sirius.
Remus gasped, "He is a Marauder! He suggested this is when I do mine! That is why I am here! I was going to get her ring!"
Sirius laughed "Of course he is a Marauder! How didn't we catch this before?"
"Wait till James finds out." said Remus "He will be so proud."
"I'm not even his dad and I'm already proud! He is a genius! Going behind two Marauders backs and setting up a massive prank!" said Sirius.
Remus just laughed and went into his room and opened his trunk. He pulled out the rings that Harry gave him. He smiled at the ring and the little pink satin box that matches Tonk's hair perfectly. Remus quickly changed into better robes and found that Sirius had done the same. Sirius and Remus' robes matched a bit. Remus was spoiled by Lily in Diagon Alley and she had bought him new robes and such, then she took all the girls out for a girls day.
"Dinner will be starting soon, do you have a time picked out for the proposal?" asked Sirius when Remus came out.
"7:30, when the dessert comes out." He replied.
"Well I guess we will be doing it together then, that it what time I picked as well."
Remus smiled, "Good. Lets go, it is 5:50."
Sirius nodded and checked the ring before sliding it into his pocket. Remus did the same and then they walked out and went into the passage and they didn't wait for the others before stepping out into the corridor to the Great Hall. They went in and sat down, "Do you think that we may taking this too fast?" said Sirius.
"No, we are in love. Love has no end, we have forever to do it. Really, I don't want to waste anytime, which I imagine you don't either." said Remus.
"Wow, that has to be the wisest thing ever said." Sirius said looking over at Remus. "If she says no, I'm in trouble."
Remus, just smiled, "Come on Padfoot I'm trapping a young innocent girl into being the bride of a werewolf and you think you're in trouble?"
"Moony, chill out she doesn't have to agree. That is what I'm worrying about, that she will say no and I'll lose the most important thing about my life."
Remus nodded, "I know what you are feeling, literally."
Sirius chuckled, "Yes you would. Shut up they are coming." he said.
Remus was suddenly quiet. Tonks came dashing over and sat beside Remus. "Where have you been?"
"Talking with Padfoot." he said.
"Next time tell me. I was worried sick." she said.
Remus grinned "Alright."
Sirius grinned when Amelia sat beside him.
"You were supposed to wait." she said sternly.
Sirius whimpered, "I'm sorry. I got to talking and we forgot." he lied.
She nodded. "Forgiven." she said as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. He grinned.
"I like it when you forgive me." he said. She nodded, "Quit doing so many stupid things and I could reward you."
Sirius nodded enthusiastically, "I'll try." he said.
She chuckled. Dinner continued with Sirius and Remus checking their watches every ten seconds. Finally at 7:25 Dumbledore stood up and turned to McGonagall, she stood up because he gave a look that clearly said to stand.
"Albus, where are you going?" she said. He just smiled pulled something out of his robes and jumped down onto one knee while opening the box. McGonagall just stared wide eyed at him.
"Minerva McGonagall, I have loved you since the day I first saw you. Please do this old coot the best honor of marrying him." he said. The whole Hall was really quiet.
After 4 minutes of waiting in silence, with a dash of anticipation, she said, "Yes." the whole hall erupted in cheers and Sirius looked to Remus just as the clock struck 7:30. Remus nodded and they stood up. Their ladies watched them as Harry smirked. The movement of two standing caused the Great Hall to quiet again.
Remus looked to Sirius, they smiled nodded and retrieved the rings from their pockets and went down on one knee. Lily was bouncing in her seat and James was smirking so much his face hurt.
"Nymphadora Andromeda Tonks, please. Marry me?" said Remus. Tonks shed a tear and pounced on him. She couldn't even speak she just nodded.
"Amelia Susan Bones, I love you more than anything in the world. For the second time in my life, I'm going to ask you. Will you marry me?" said Sirius in a strong voice.
Amelia tackled him so hard he ended up laying flat on his back with Amelia kissing him.
"Is that a yes?" he said.
She nodded and kissed him again. "Finally." he murmured against her lips.
The hall erupted again, most of the girls awed and the guys just cheered.
Harry looked up to Snape and saw McGonagall, Flitwick and Sprout handing him a Galeon. Harry chuckled they must have bet on it. The Marauders all exchanged their money as well. Everyone watched as Dumbledore grabbed McGonagall and put a ring on her finger. When he let her hand go she looked at it and then she hugged him.
Remus, using strength of someone much larger than him, picked up Tonks and swung her in a circle. She giggled and he put her down and slid the ring on her finger. She gasped.
"Do you like it?" he asked.
She grinned, "It is more than perfect." she said staring at it.
"It was my mothers." he said. She looked up to him.
"Your dad had good taste." she said.
"Apparently, but I must admit mine is better. I picked you." he said.
"And mine is best. I got you." she said as she leaned in and kissed him.
Sirius placed a very pretty ring on Amy's finger. Amy looked at it and smiled then she turned to Sirius and kissed him. He chuckled and grabbed her hand with the ring on it. He kissed it then kissed her cheek. She smiled, "It is so pretty."
"Yeah, it goes with you perfectly." he whispered, "So pretty." She smiled.
After a few minutes Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Now would be a good of time as any to announce we will be having a Ball to celebrate on Friday, December 20. That day of classes will be canceled for preparations and it will begin at 5:00. It will be for all years and you are allowed to bring a date." he said.
Some boys groaned and the girls squealed. Ron's eyes widened and Hermione pursed her lips. Balls weren't really their thing. Ron just composed himself turned around and grabbed Hermione's hand. He lifted it to his lips and said softly "Hermione Jean Granger, would you please attend the ball with me?"
"Yes." she breathed. He smiled and kissed her cheeks and watched her blush.
Harry leaned over to Ron, "Good job mate. Now you can't possibly be yelled at because you didn't ask her soon enough. Just remember that for the Yule Ball, fourth year." Ron grinned, "Will do." he said.
Harry turned to Ginny. "So before any other bloke asks you how about you go with me?" he said.
She smiled, "Alright, but we aren't going according to the public okay?"
He nodded. "We shouldn't spend too much time together. I want to see who would be gutsy enough to ask us." he whispered. She nodded. then she suddenly grinned. "Don't think too much of it but I'm going to slap you." she said.
"Why?" he asked.
"So people think we are fighting." she said.
Dumbledore gathered the teachers and they all went into the quarters for a discussion. Ginny stood up and said "Uhh! I hate you!" she shrieked and then slapped him. "Your such an idiot." She then got up and left.
Harry watched her, winked to his dad then stood up and went after her. "Wait! Ginny! I didn't mean it!" The whole house stood and went after them while the great hall watched. Certain people were smirking, the cutest girl and cutest guy in school were now available.
In the common room everyone walked in and saw Harry and Ginny kissing on the couch.
"Well well, my son. What was that about?" said James as he plopped down on the chair closest to the fireplace.
They stopped kissing and Harry said, "We just wanted to see how many people, if any, and who would try to get us to the ball with them. We couldn't do that if they believed we were together."
James smirked, "Nice!" he said . "But what about in class, you always sit beside each other."
"We already figured we could but Hermione and Ron in between us." he said looking at the two in question. They grinned and nodded.
"Good, so we are 'broken up' and if anyone asks I said something I shouldn't have and she didn't like it. That is it." said Harry.
Everyone nodded.
"Wonderful, now come on Harry." said Ginny as she stood up, grabbing Harry's hand and dragging him to their room.
Harry and Ginny came out 5 minutes later with loads of butterbeer.
"Drink up! It is time to celebrate!" said Harry.
Remus and Tonks were drug up by Sirius and Amelia to come get butterbeer.
Ginny, who had caught Harry's train of thought, had drug Lily away from James and started to talk to her. Harry sat down beside his dad. "Hey." he said.
"Hey." James replied.
"I'm sorry." Harry said looking down at his butterbeer bottle.
"For what?" asked James.
"Making you feel like you had been the worst father ever." he said. "For making you feel like I don't love you." Harry said. James just looked at him, speechless. "I know I made you feel like, I liked Snape more than you. And truth be told, I did. I was wrong, and I shouldn't have done that. After the war and then becoming head auror messed with my head a bit and I forgot what was truly there for me. Then Ginny practically slapped me one day and told to me open my eyes. So I did. I saw what I had been doing to you, I made sense of the thoughts I'd heard from you and I realized a lot." he said. "I realized that no matter what choices you made, it was all with your heart in the right place. I figured out that there were more good things in you than bad and I realized that there was more bad than good in the Snape I knew. The big eye opener was when I really thought about Neville. How he could have been the chosen one, if Voldemort had chosen him. And I realized if he had chosen Neville, Neville would be the one with the scar and dead parents and Snape would still be a death eater. I realized that Snape, even though he had no reason to, did everything in his power to get Remus fired from being a professor last time when he went forever without a good job that made money to support him. He went as far to tell the school what Remus was. And it helped that I payed attention to the patronuses. Snape's was a doe like mums, and I had thought that was the biggest sign of love until I realized yours was a stag, which complements a doe. And I realized there was a different between love, what you and mum had, and obsession, which Severus held for mum. And obsession isn't love.
Then I started looking at the things you'd done, and I found out why you did them, because even as a child Severus wasn't an angel. I saw what happened and who turned out worse." he said looking at his father. He reached up and touched a light scar on his fathers cheek and then dropped his hand, "I forced myself to realize who the bad guy was and what he did. Creating dark magic and 15, and instead of the embarrassment route he goes for the physical pain route. He couldn't handle his anger on the right people, he couldn't make the right choices even if it meant he was losing what he wanted the most. He made all the wrong choices." he said glancing at Draco who leaned over and kissed Astoria's cheek. "I got myself to think and I realized you held love for my mother even though you were from and ancient family of purebloods, meaning you could have despised mom for being a 'muggle born' but you didn't. Instead you treasured her and tried, in stupid ways I might add, to show her that you did love her no matter what. When you matured you won her over and you had me. I've seen your memories," he said. "and I know how happy both of you were when you were together and even if people might think that if you didn't get mum, Snape would have. But I don't think that's right, she valued choices and making the wrong ones don't suite her fancy. She chose the boy who did dumb things but with good intentions. I think she chose the right guy and I couldn't ask for a better dad, even if I actually don't know you that much." he finished.
James looked at him and had to blink back tears, that was really sweet and his son pretty much told him that he didn't hate him and he actually does like him. Harry glanced towards his father and then saw the look in his eyes. James just hugged him tightly and Harry hugged back even tighter. Harry felt his shoulder get a bit wet, but he didn't care because his dad's shoulder was getting wet too. After they backed away "Apology excepted by the way." he said. Harry smiled, "Good. Happy Death Day by the way." he winked.
"What?" he asked sipping his butterbeer.
"Thats what ghosts call the anniversary of the day they died, their Death Day like a birthday. So since you came back to life you have an unofficial deathday." he said.
James chuckled. "Thanks." he said. Harry smiled. Soon Harry and his father were joking and having what felt like their first day together. A fresh start.
By the end of the night they had emptied out 10 cases of butterbeer. It was quite a sight to see them all stumbling around. Eventually they all made it to their own rooms and got to their trunks.
Harry and Ginny crawled into bed and were out immediately. As was everyone else.
At around 11:00 everyone stumbled out of bed. Harry quickly passed around the hangover potions he had prepared yesterday during a free period. They all drank them and the pepper up potions Ginny prepared the day before during her free period. After everyone drinking them everyone was back to being themselves. Soon they all headed to lunch. They were glad Dumbledore also canceled classes that day or they were screwed.
At lunch Harry and Ginny put on their glares to each other for their act. They sat at opposite ends of the table. It was quite funny to see all the girls and guys throwing themselves at Harry and Ginny. They finally ended lunch with a total of 86 boys that asked Ginny and 87 girls who asked Harry.
Dinner was the same, more and more boys and girls threw themselves to the two first years. That is how it would continue.
That Saturday, November 2nd, was the first Quidditch match of the season. Unlike last time Harry did a lot of showing off. Hard loops, different dives, and finally the best move of them all. How he caught the snitch.
The score was already at 730-10. Gryffindor was far above Slytherin and still scoring. All of Gryffindor was on Nimbus 2000, thanks to Harry and Draco's charm. All their strategies were better too thanks to Godric's plans. The snitch was being impossible to find. Harry noticed the Slytherin Seeker following him, then he saw the snitch, it was right behind the Slytherin Seeker and he was totally oblivious that it was there. Harry moved forward and the snitch shot to the ground, Harry following close behind. He reached out his hand but wasn't close enough to the snitch so he stood up on his broom then he jumped off and caught the snitch in one hand while using his other to catch his broom, he caught it and whipped himself back onto it and flew to the middle of the pitch with the snitch in hand.
"GRYFFINDOR WINS! WITH A NEW SCHOOL RECORD!910 POINTS TO 10!" shouted Lee Jordan into the microphone.
Harry was surrounded by players in the sky and then in his voice he heard.
Go behind the Hufflepuff stands, there we can be alone. I want to be the first to congratulate you that isn't on your team, but I want to make sure no one thinks we are still together.
Alright be there in a second! thought Harry. "Victory lap!" said Harry.
The team grinned and did it and watched them take off and he cast a silent disillusionment charm on himself and flew behind the Hufflepuff stands.
Ginny was waiting there and Harry removed the charm and hopped off his broom and ran to her and kissed her. She kissed back. After a few minutes of pure bliss she pulled away. "Congratulations, my Seeker. You should be a keeper. I mean you are a keeper I intend to keep."
Harry grinned "Since the whole school already asked us, we could just go up on my broom and say we are back together."
She smirked "Alright Mr. Potter. I hate having to be mad at you. I want to make sure people know I'm yours and no one can have me or you."
He grinned, grabbed her hand and put her in front of him on the broom. They flew up and went around the pitch then landed.
"There you are!" said James winking at them "I see you are back together?"
They grinned and nodded. "And are attending the ball together." he said much to the disappointment of the girls waiting to ambush Harry.
The party in the Gryffindor common room was a wonderful one. Harry and Ginny were celebrating not only a fabulous win but that they were back together in public. They shared a victory snog. And much to their surprise so did Angelina, Alicia, and Katie. Angelina was kissed by George, Fred kissed Alicia and Katie jumped on Wood. The girls all awed and the boys laughed and clapped, except Dean who just glared at Harry.
I honestly don't understand why Cho and Dean care. We are only first years, they aren't supposed to know we exist yet.
We messed with time, we get together early and they were bound to be mad when we did, it just happens that we are really early.
I guess but it is stupid. Did you see his glare when you kissed me?
Yeah want to make him do it again, Mrs. Potter?
Of course, Mr. Potter.
They snogged and Dean was glaring so much, Seamus noticed. Which was impressive for the thick headed bomber, he tried to distract him with exploding snap. It didn't work. Harry grinned against Ginny's lips. They broke apart and Ginny slid up onto Harry's lap.
At 11:30 then the Big House kids left.
"You are going to get in trouble! Filch doesn't care about Quidditch." said Dean smugley.
Harry just smiled "That is a bit insulting to our knowledge." Then they all tapped their heads with their fingers and slowly disappeared.
"How did you do that? That is a disillusionment charm! That is a 6th year charm!" said Dean.
He just heard laughter, "I said we were smart. Bye Dean, and if you know what is good for your health you will stay away from Ginny." said Harry smugley, with a bitter cold hate in it.
Then the common room door opened and then after a moment it closed.
In the hallway, Ginny snickered. "I think he is trying to end up in St. Mungos. He won't give up. I am too irresistible."
"Tell me about it." said Harry. They all teleported apart from Fred and George who changed into Phoenixes and blazed away.
In the common room they all were greeted by the adults and then they all went to bed.
On Friday, November the 29th the Marauders all went to the Burrow at 6. They had talked to Dumbledore about birthdays and he agreed if they are during the week they could skip dinner, if weekends they could just go. So thats what they did. Today was the eldest Weasley child's birthday. Bill was turning 21 and Harry and Ginny were working on their family drawings.
At the Burrow, Bill had come home for it and had eaten cake and started opening presents. When he got to Harry and Ginny's he was drooling. Harry and Ginny had drawn a picture of Fleur in her wedding dress. At the bottom it was signed with loopy writing that matched very closely to Fleurs own. But the drawing was torn down the middle.
"Who is this and where can I find her?"
"That is Fleur Delacour and you can find her, if all goes well, on August 1, 1997, or sooner. But if you look for her now she is only 14 and is in France." said Ginny. Bill sighed looking at the picture longingly. "Who is she marrying?" Harry grinned and pulled out the other half of the picture.
"He's cute." said Bill, then he looked closer, "Blimey! That's me!"
Ginny giggled and Harry grinned and nodded. "You might have to make an excuse to be here in 1994 to 1995." he said while winking. Bill nodded and Ginny waved her wand and said "Mischief Managed." and the two halves of the paper Bill was holding zoomed together and attached themselves. Bill smiled and watched as the two in the picture started to dance. Everyone was glad Harry and Ginny insisted their present went last, Bill was very distracted by the picture.
The Marauders did the same thing on Thursday, December 12. Charlie turned 19 and got a drawing from Harry and Ginny. He gawked at the fine detail in the moving drawing of the Hungarian Horntail.
"Where did you buy this from?" he asked them.
They chuckled, "We drew it, we didn't but it. We thought you may like it." said Harry.
After a few moments Charlie chuckled, "I don't even want to know how you got so many details of a Hungarian Horntail right."
Ginny and Harry smiled.
Harry won the match against Hufflepuff, even with Snape being a ref again. He actually awarded Gryffindor penalties. They won the game 950-20, setting another record. Harry of course was being a show off. He stood up on his broom and did a cartwheel off his broom, effectively catching his broom and the snitch. James, of course, told him it was a bloody brilliant move. Lily however was warning him to be careful, James and Harry pouted telling her he would be fine. He knew how to keep himself safe.
On Friday, December the 20th, every girl was running around their dorms squealing about who asked them. The Gryffindors were extremely annoying but thank Merlin the Marauders didn't have to be in there. They just got ready in the outfits their dates bought for them. Hermione had a nice light orange dress on that she picked out. it had short sleeves and it fanned out by her waist and it went a bit below her knees. She wore black tights and a black cover up jacket. Her shoes were simple, they were a shining black and with a heal very well sized for an 11 year old girl who has to be the same height as her date. Her hair was all curly and not bushy.
Luna wore a purple dress with purple heels and pink tights with a pink jacket. She had a leather belt with purple and pink gems on over the dress. Her hair was pulled back in the middle with soft curls falling to frame her face. She wore her radish earrings and bottle cap necklace that strangely fit in with the outfit.
Astoria was wearing a nice silver dress with a silver headband to match. She, being the same height as Draco already, had flats on that were silver. She had red tights on with the same color jacket. All in all they looked stunning. Lily had a simple dress on that was green. It oddly looked the one Harry bought Ginny. Remus had gotten Tonks a bubblegum pink dress that matched her hair, and Sirius got Amelia a blue dress that fit her perfectly, showing off the curves. All the boys had on a nice suit and tie to match their partners.
Harry almost fainted when Ginny came out of the dorm the girls occupied for the day.
Her hair was in soft and even curls. Her green dress looked absolutely stunning on her. She had her locket on but it looked plain. Her heels were the same green. She looked gorgeous. Harry recovered slightly and stepped forward. He put his wand on her locket and right on the gold heart was a red rose, but it also had yellow.
"It is a Fire Rose."
"It is beautiful." she said. Harry smiled, "Not as much as you."
Ginny blushed. "So beautiful" he whispered. Then after everyone kissed their mates, briefly. They all stepped out of their common room and went into their passage. The girls were all trying to fix their dresses. Most of them let them do it but Lily just finished smoothing hers out and straightened James's tie. He grinned at her, "Still fixing my tie, just like our wedding."
"Always." she said, "If you learned to do it yourself, I wouldn't have to."
"That's why I won't learn. I need an excuse to keep you around." he said.
She laughed and kissed his cheek. "I'm sure you have plenty of excuses." she said.
"Your right, as always, I do." he said. She grinned.
Harry leaned down and kissed Ginny's hand while silently placing a bracelet on her with doe on it. She ginned, "It's me." she said.
"It can be a necklace but I figured a bracelet would work tonight. I have one as well. They have signals on the back. It will show you where I am and if I am alright. Only you can see the back though. Mine does the same thing, except the front of mine shows a stag." he said.
"I love it." she said as she looked down to the back of the locket. She could see Harry looking at her with a loving gaze. She grinned and put her wrist down and kissed him.
"Are you wearing yours?" she said when she stopped kissing him. He nodded. She reached around his neck and pulled it out, displaying it on his chest.
After a few minutes at 4:59 to be precise. The Marauders all slid out of their passage when they were met by Fred and George's dates. Alicia and Angelina respectively. They all walked into the Great Hall. Everyones chatter stopped as they walked in. They were all breathtakingly beautiful. Some stopped just to stare at how well they were dressed. Others glared because they were prettier and had the dates they wanted.
The Marauders ignored them and found a small tabled and Harry made it grow and they all sat down. After a while the silence became known again. Then at 5:10 the food appeared and the only table talking was the Marauders and Angelina and Alicia. Finally Tonks said very loudly "Anyone else realize everyone is watching us?"
Everyone nodded and went back to their conversation. Then the other tables slowly had conversations again.
"Thanks Tonks!" said Luna. "Anytime." The Marauders all finished their food at 5:20. The music started out nice and slow. The Marauders all stood and escorted their women to the dance floor. All the guys bowed and the women curtsied. Then they began twirling around the dancefloor. It was graceful to say the least, they never hit anyone and the never stepped on the others toes. The Marauders were the only ones dancing at the end of the song. The Professors, all grinning, joined them on the dance floor. They were all very graceful as well. It was magnificent.
Back at the tables, Jarod Dick, a Hufflepuff fifth year leaned over to Caden Hazenstab a Ravenclaw fifth year, "Who do you thinks flying the most?"
"Harry and Ginny. But Mr. and Mrs. Potter aren't far behind. Must be a Potter thing."
"Yeah."
And it was true Harry, Ginny, Lily and James were the best dancers there. At the same moment James caught Harry's eye and winked. He grinned. Then, as if they had practiced for a few months instead of just doing it for the first time on a whim, Harry spun Ginny out as James did it with Lily. They let go and the girls swapped places. Harry danced with his mum and James with Ginny. Harry was keeping a good conversation up with his mum about random things.
"Enjoying your night?" asked James.
"Of course." said Ginny. James smiled.
"It is because you came with a Potter isn't it?"
"Mostly, but don't give yourself the credit. I didn't say I was enjoying the dance with you."
James' eyes widened "You prat! No wonder Harry likes you! Your a right good joker!"
"Who said anything about joking?" said Ginny raising her eyebrows.
"You know you are enjoying this." he said.
"Fine, but growing up with 6 brothers you have to have a little fun." she said. James nodded then caught Harry's eyes and Harry winked and they swapped partners again.
"How was it?" asked Lily when she was dancing with James again.
"It was like dancing with a little version of you. Except the eyes of course." he said.
Lily chuckled, "That's how it was for me. Dancing with a little you, except for the eyes." James smiled.
After a couple more slow songs the music picked up and people started drifting to the dance floor. The Marauders didn't stop their dances they just sped them up and did a whole bunch of stunts and swings and things. Finally after a loud and rather obnoxious song that some people seemed to like another slow song came on and the Marauders went back to dancing. Though this time others did too. Mainly older Gryffindors and loads of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. There didn't seem to be many, if any, Slytherins in attendance.
Harry heard a thought run through from the crowd, as if it was shouting right at Harry. When he goes and gets her punch or something. Leaves her for a second, I'm gonna sweep her off her feet. She won't know what hit her. Especially if I slip a love potion in her drink! Harry growled.
"Can't we go to one event where something doesn't need to be taken care of?" he said through clenched teeth.
Ginny chuckled, "Don't you know anything? Of course not!" she said. "Who thought what now?"
"Dean wants to sweep you off your feet." he scoffed.
"Well there is a way to fix this."
"What?" said Harry.
"Don't leave me alone."
"Sounds easy." he said tightening his grip on her waist. She giggled.
"Better?" she said.
"Much." he said. He felt the small but warm hands around his shoulders tighten.
"What?" he asked raising his eyebrows.
"What? Am I not allowed to hold my husband close?" she said lowly,
"No you are, I just thought something happened." he said. He kissed her cheek. She grinned.
After another 10 minutes of dancing Ginny said, "I can feel you are getting tense from Dean's thoughts. Why don't you go get punch or something and I'll take care of it?"
Harry scowled. "Harry I'll be fine, I have the locket if he gets touchy and 4 of my brothers in the room. Plus, even your dad would come if I shouted 'Potter help'."
Harry chuckled, "Your probably right, something about Potters and Redheads. If a redhead is in trouble call for a Potter and they will be there." Ginny grinned and nodded. Harry let go of Ginny and walked to the punchbowl, to 'get' some punch. No sooner did he get 10 steps away from Ginny did he feel his locket glowing. That meant Ginny was with a guy in a romantic situation, who wasn't him. He could tell by the settings of the heat, the light and the vibration. He silenced it with his hand and made it look like he was fixing his tie.
After another 10 minutes of dancing Ginny said, "I can feel you are getting tense from Dean's thoughts. Why don't you go get punch or something and I'll take care of it?"
Harry scowled. "Harry I'll be fine, I have the locket if he gets touchy and 4 of my brothers in the room. Plus, even your dad would come if I shouted 'Potter help'."
Harry chuckled, "Your probably right, something about Potters and Redheads. If a redhead is in trouble call for a Potter and they will be there." Ginny grinned and nodded. Harry let go of Ginny and walked to the punchbowl, to 'get' some punch. No sooner did he get 10 steps away from Ginny did he feel his locket glowing. That meant Ginny was with a guy in a romantic situation, who wasn't him. He could tell by the settings of the heat, the light and the vibration. He silenced it with his hand and made it look like he was fixing his tie.
When Harry walked to the punchbowl, Ginny watched him leave for a few steps before her vision was blocked by none other than Dean Thomas.
"So Ginny, care to dance?" He didn't wait for a reply he just grabbed her arm and brought her to him. They started to dance and Dean kept stepping on her feet, he didn't even apologize. He pretended as if it didn't happen. She had a feeling he was doing this on purpose for how hard he would step on her feet, she couldn't figure out why though.
"So?" he asked.
"So what." she said.
"I asked if you would be my girl. You know girlfriend. I mean you don't belong with Potter. No matter what they say about Potters and Redheads." He said.
"No, let me go Dean. Now." He shook his head. Ginny then tried to back up but it didn't work, he had a strong grip on her. She could get her hands in a good spot to hex him and her wand was in the pocket of her dress. she was helpless.
Potter! Help! she sent to all of them, even Percy. Harry and James were immediately seen walking to her leaving Lily by the punch bowl. 4 Weasleys were seen standing from the tables they had occupied and walked to the dancing couple as well. Lily just went and sat beside Hermione. Dumbledore was the only adult in the room at the moment as all the other teachers had a meeting, except the 6 new teachers. He was almost bouncing in his chair when he saw the little Mrs. Potter try to get away from young Dean Thomas and then James, Harry, Percy, Fred, George, and Ron going toward them. She must have sent a distress call. he mused in his head.
The Potter and Weasley males made a circle around the couple, in which half was oblivious and the other half was still trying to squirm away. She squirmed and looked to Harry for help, he nodded and ever so calmly took out his locket and pressed it. Its reaction was immediate. A surge of light came from Ginny's wrist and in the next second Dean was bound by a rope on the ground. He looked around dumbly, one moment he was trying to convince or rather force Ginny into a relationship with him and the next he was bound with rope on the ground. The 6 boys looked murderous standing around Dean. Dean watched as Ginny quickly stumbled to Harry who wrapped his arms around her while still staring at Dean.
"Harry, he wouldn't let me leave. I thought I could handle it, but then he had a strong grip, I couldn't hex him where my hands were, my wand was in my pocket, and he was literally stomping on my feet so then I couldn't run. I felt useless." she said.
"You are not useless." he said immediately, "You are now a Potter." he whispered lowly, "Trouble will find you now. And you were right, you say Potter help and even my dad came."
She nodded against his chest, "My chest is getting wet." he stated, he was going for humor, which worked when she giggled softly. Mostly because that was a good way to stop from lashing out on the still bound Dean.
"Ginny." they heard from in front of them. It was Dean. "You still didn't answer my question. Will you be my girl?" he asked. Ginny let go of Harry walked to Dean, picked him and the ropes up by the back of his neck, standing him up. Then she slapped him. HARD. Harry watched as Fred gave George a Galleon. Then Ginny put up a silencing and notice me not charm then gave him a bat boogey hex. Harry watched as George passed back the Galleon. After a good ten minutes of a large bat boogey hex, that had the largest bats she ever produced, Harry unbound Dean and lifted the curse. Fred, George, and Ron highfived while Percy congratulated his little sister. James smiled at Harry before walking back to Lily. She stood up and he sat in her seat and pulled her on top of him. Harry was carrying Ginny back to a chair. He sat her on one, and propped her feet up on his. He then removed her green heels. He looked at her feet and hissed. He conjured a camera took a picture, which developed it and sent it flying to Professor Dumbledore with a note on the back describing what happened.
Her feet were all red. That would be the only color you see. Red. They were covered in blood. The Weasley's smiled dropped immediately. They all growled. A second later Dumbledore stepped out of the room only to return a few minutes later with Madame Pomfrey. Harry put up notice me not charms and Pomfrey gasped when she saw the feet and asked the basics, "Who did this? Why? and When?"
"Dean Thomas, because he didn't want her to run away when he asked her to be his date and a good 15 minutes ago." spat Harry.
Madame Pomfrey waved her wand muttering diagnostic spells. Then she looked to Dumbledore, "7 broken toes, and 3 broken bones in her foot, and a muscle tear in the right foot." she said. The Weasleys growled, and Harry looked murderous. Ginny grabbed his hand, the dress sleeves slid back and Harry saw a bruise on her arm. He grabbed her arm and examined her arm. It looked like a hand. "We need to get her to the hospital wing." he growled. He then picked her up and ran from the hall, quickly followed by Madame Pomfrey, and all the other Marauders and Dumbledore, thanking the heavens Minerva chose that time to walk in.
In the Hospital Wing. Harry laid her on the bed and unzipped the dress and looked at the bruises on her waist. Madame Pomfrey entered then, almost out of breath.
"What is the meaning of this Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"She had bruises on her waist and arm. I'm sure if you brought Dean in here, the prints would match his hands." he said. Or rather growled. Poppy nodded and went to her office and returned with 2 balms. She handed one to harry and said, "Light pressure over the bruises. Mrs. Potter do you mind if he does this?"
"No, but how did you know of that?" asked Ginny.
"The diagnostic spell detected it. That would explain some things though." she said. Harry opened the balm and rubbed it on her bruises. He remembered doing this to her after particularly bad Quidditch matches involving some well aimed bludgers. The bruises healed over, on her back. He slowly zipped up the dress. Then he rolled up the sleeves of her dress and put the balm there.
*Earlier*
"Better than last time?" asked Ron as he pulled in Hermione from a spin.
"Much, I'm in a pretty outfit and with the one I actually want to be with." she replied.
"This has to be better than dancing with Padma." he said shuddering.
Hermione giggled. "This is better than dancing with an 18 year old Bulgarian who couldn't even pronounce my name right." she said.
Ron smiled and leaned into Hermione's ear and said "I can do it right. Hermione."
She grinned and shuddered a bit. "I know you can."
Hermione looked over Ron's shoulder and really grinned.
"What?" he asked.
"Nothing, but it looks like Lav Lav wants to dance with her Won Won." giggled Hermione.
Ron glared. "Not a chance, she can go to hell." he growled.
"Language Ron." reprimanded Hermione.
He leaned in and whispered in her ear "Sorry, Weasley temper."
After the ball, the Marauders, excluding Harry and Ginny who had left after the trip to the Hospital Wing visit, all walked back to the common room. Everyone from Gryffindor and Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw seemed out of breath. The Marauders were just fine because of their daily training. The only person who seemed a bit out of it was Remus. But that was only because this was the first of his 3 horribly bad days of the month. Tonight was the night before the full moon. They all went to bed immediately. The girls removed their charms and dresses and hung them up and then joined the boys who had quickly taken off their suits.
In the morning every changed quickly and agreed to skip training to pack. Finally they finished packing, not that everything wasn't already technically in their trunks. They just organized it all and cleaned up stuff. Soon enough they got out and shrunk their trunks and walked out of their rooms.
They walked down to the front doors. They went to the lake and sat around Harry and Ginny's tree. The all laid in relatively the same way, with either the girls in between their legs or with the girls on their lap.
Some were talking, some relaxing, but Sirius and Amelia were just sitting there. Or at least Amelia was doing nothing, Sirius was too busy watching her face. After a while he leaned down nuzzling his nose in her neck. She purred and leaned into his nose, shifting on his lap. He slowly started to kiss her neck. She raised her wand and cast the distraction charms and silencing charms.
Harry looked up on instinct to see a purple and grey dome appear around Sirius and Amy, distraction and silencing charms. He smiled and turned back to Ginny, who was relaxing.
Sirius was still kissing Amelia's neck. She purred and Sirius pulled back. She groaned.
"Why did you stop?" she whined.
He chuckled, "Sorry, I was just wondering."
"What were you wondering?" she said.
"Wondering about you. Wondering what you were thinking."
"Well, I was thinking about how good that feels. How great it feels being with you. How I can't remember feeling happier, I can't imagine how it feels without this lightness." she said turning to face him. He smiled, "I have never been happier, lighter, more in love than ever before." he said. She smiled and leaned up and pushed him into a laying position. She laid on top of him. He grinned at her.
"So, your happy?" she asked.
"Extremely." he said rubbing her arm with his hand, they were laying in snow after all. And in tee shirts no less. She smiled, "You do know just being with you makes me warm right?"
He smiled but continued to rub her arms. She cuddled into his chest. That was how Harry found them sleeping when he removed the charms and hour later so they could leave. All the girls awed at how Sirius had his arms wrapped her in a loving yet protective embrace. They both looked so peaceful. Harry smiled at his godfather, he was truly happy. For once. He walked over to them and shook Sirius' shoulder. He woke up immediately which was strange. His shoulders tensed and he stayed still. He say Harry and realized he wasn't being attacked and he felt Amelia was breathing. He relaxed then and shook Amelia awake. She awoke and smiled at him.
"You make a nice pillow." she said. He chuckled and helped her up.
The Marauders, excluding Remus who had apperated earlier because he was tired and needed to rest because of his condition, all walked to the doors of the castle and got into a carriage for show. They easily could have flown as eagles, or phoenixes or walked or teleport or flashed there but they figure this would be easier, especially when they enlarged it. They looked they got into a muggle clown car.
The ride was relatively nice. At Hogsmeade they all got on the Hogwarts express, they went to their compartment and sat down. They started talking when a group of Slytherins was at the door, it looked like the whole house was there. They pulled open the door and sneered at them, "So poor none of you have luggage! No matter, our friends are getting into your common room right now to collect your secrets." said Marcus Flint.
Harry just chuckled at them as the house stood up as one. Then the Slytherins noticed the 5 adults in the room, the Slytherins just glared but didn't back down.
Flint growled at the smug look on Harry's face. He sent a stunner at Harry. Before Flint could blink a shield went up and everyone around him was stunned. No one but him even had his wand out. Then everything went sideways for Flint. He was stunned. Harry did some basic, but powerful memory charms and sent all the Slytherins back to their compartments. He rolled his eyes and plopped down beside Ginny.
The ride was uneventful after that. Until Snape came by. He never goes anywhere! He knocked on the door to the compartment. James opened the door, "Hey Sev." he said as he gestured for him to come in. He smiled slightly and came in. He chose a seat in between Remus and James.
"Are you going anywhere?" said Lily.
"No I was just keeping an eye on the Slytherin First years." he replied.
"I think you should try watching the older one's next time." said Harry.
"They showed up didn't they?" he said.
Everyone nodded. Severus sighed. "Such brats they are." he mumbled.
"So if you aren't going anywhere, would you mind staying at Potter Manor?" said James.
Severus was taken aback. "Y-you want me to c-come?" he stammered. James nodded and said "Of course, we have and awesome potions lab you may like. But I'll warn you, the new Blacks and the Weasleys are on our property also. It will probably get a bit hectic. Not to mention Xenophilius Lovegood and Augusta Longbottom and John and Jean Granger are allowed to visit anytime. We will be a busy bunch but we would love to have you."
Severus let loose a rare smile, "It sounds a bit wacky but I love to come."
James smiled "Wonderful, we will tell you whose room is whose then you can pick yours."
The rest of the ride was spent with Snape and the Marauders in that compartment. The Slytherins came by once, saw Snape and left immediately. The Marauders and Snape were having a lot of fun conversations it felt like 5 minutes to them but 5 years to others that they arrived at King's Cross. The parents were all shocked when they saw Snape get off the train. The Marauders were going to put on a show and Sirius leaned into Snape and "When we transform grab Harry's tail feather." Snape nodded and watched as all the Marauders changed into Phoenixes Snape grabbed Harry's tail feathers, after a moment of heat they were at Potter Manor.
Snape was given a tour of the house, he of course chose the room closest to the Potions lab. It was right beside Narcissa's temporary room. Harry knocked on Snape's door, Snape opened it with his wand, "Enter"
Harry stepped into the room, "I was just wondering if you found the surprise in your closet?"
Severus raised his eyebrows and strode to the closet and opened it. "Is that a water slide?" he asked after a moment.
"Yes and on your way down it will charm your close to not get wet. It is dead useful if you aren't a morning person." replied Harry.
"Hmm, is that it? I have been dying to check out the potions lab." said Snape. Harry flinched at the word dying but then replied "No, I was wondering if you needed flashed back to Hogwarts to get your clothes?"
Snape nodded, he had forgotten about clothes. Harry smiled and stepped back and then Ginny appeared beside him and Severus jumped back in surprise. "I'm never going to get used to that." he mumbled.
Harry and Ginny chuckled, "No one does." they said together.
"or that." he said.
They laughed again. The laughter morphed into phoenix trills. Harry turned around and Snape grabbed his tail as all three disappeared in a flame ball.
Harry stood back up in his human form in the Potions lab. Ginny stood up as well and grabbed his hand. He smiled at her. Snape went into his office and returned a moment later. "Alright, lets go. I want to see this potion lab."
"We are having a Quidditch match later, you can come watch or play if you'd like." said Ginny.
"But it was snowing when we left. How are you going to play in the snow?"
"Do you really think snow would stop Sirius Black and James Potter to play Quidditch?" said Harry raising his eyebrows. Snape chuckled "No I suppose not."
"Don't worry, we know how to make it stop." said Ginny.
Snape shook his head "Of course you do. You are an animagus with what? 8 different forms? You two can fly on your own free will with no help, what is controlling the weather?"
No sooner did he finish the rhetorical question, two Phoenixes were on the floor looking at him. He sighed and grabbed the black phoenix's tail.
Harry and Ginny flashed back to Severus' room. He smiled, "You two are, something else." he said as they left. Harry smiled. Halfway through the doorway he stopped and Ginny ran into him, "Thanks for the warning." she grumbled. He grinned and turned to Severus again.
"I forgot to tell you. In my dream I had three children two boys and a girl. What do you suppose their names were?"
Snape looked at him curiously, "I haven't the slightest idea." he said after a moment "But I imagine you named them James, Sirius and Lily."
"Not quite. My first born son looked just like dad, black hair and brown eyes. So naturally we named him after two that we didn't have in our lives at the time, James Sirius Potter. Our daughter was a red-head with brown eyes, we named her Lily Luna Potter. She was our youngest. So that leaves my middle son, let me ask you again what do think we named them?" said Harry squeezing Ginny tight.
Snape was thoughtful, "Did you name him after Remus?" he said. Ginny shook her head. Snape looked stumped.
"Did you pick a random name? One that has nothing to do with anyone imparticular." he said.
Harry shook his head. "Will you quit making me guess? Tell me already!"
Harry and Ginny chuckled, "Well, I'll tell you what I told him when he was fretting about being in Slytherin. I said-"
"You were named after two headmasters of Hogwarts, one was a Slytherin and he was the bravest man I have ever known." cut in Ginny. Harry smiled at her.
Snape was even more puzzled. "So who was it? Albus Phineas Potter?" he said.
Harry snorted, "You have the first and last one right. But you won't guess the other one. He hasn't been a headmaster so far. and I hope for my own reasons he won't be."
"Albus Severus Potter or Al for short." Ginny said smiling proudly at her son's name, though she kind of wasn't.
Severus gasped, spluttered a few times before he stumbled backwards. A chair appeared behind him. He landed in it and sat there.
"We will leave for you to do some thinking. Potions lab is open when you want to check it out, and Quidditch is in a few hours." said Ginny dragging Harry with her.