Harry and Ginny: A Love Story
Chapter 29: Harry's Last Gift
To say the Albus Dumbledore was mad, would be a big understatement, livid was a much better word to describe his emotional state at this point than anything else.
Thinking back to his meeting with Fletcher did nothing to alleviate his increasing level of ferocity.
Mundungus had been waiting quite impatiently at the little stone cottage deep in the countryside well away from prying eyes.
Albus knew immediately that something was wrong as soon as he stepped through the door. Mundungus' reaction was enough to tell him that, the way he cowered in the corner spoke volumes before Albus even noticed that Harry was missing.
Mundungus had explained how things had gone pear-shaped so quickly and that he considered himself lucky to have escaped at all, showing the headmaster the hole that had been blown in his cloak from the near miss of the spell that had been cast his way.
Albus had shook his head in disgust and thrown a few Galleons at him when the sneak-thief had complained about the damage to his "good" cloak, by then Albus Dumbledore was planning his next action to recover Harry into his custody, giving scant attention to the troubles of the somewhat dubious helper.
Seeing no reason to stick around, after Dumbledore had given him a few more Galleons, Mundungus had fled quickly, wanting to put as much distance between him and any possible pursuit as quickly as possible.
Dumbledore hardly paid any attention as he left, so engrossed was he in thinking about the events that had transpired, not that he had much concrete evidence other than the few scant pieces that he had been able to glean from Mundungus' remarks about what had happened.
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Sirius stared into the mirror and tried to reconcile the old man staring back at him with the face he remembered from before he had been sent to Azkaban. "Twelve years, twelve long years," he muttered to himself.
Shaking his head to clear his mind, he smiled at himself. Yes, he was twelve years older, but he was now a free man. "Well, almost free," he corrected himself, just needing some final paperwork signed and the nightmare that had been his life would be over and it would be time to start a new chapter, one that included fulfilling his duties as a Godfather, and taking care of one Harry James Potter.
Now that he was finished showering, he looked back at his scruffy appearance in the mirror and decided a modification was in order.
He picked up the wand and hefted it in his hand for a moment, getting a feel for it's weight had balance. A warm feeling spread up his arm and into his body, just like the first time he felt it when his farther had purchased his very first wand, right before he had started at Hogwarts. He knew that the wand would work well for him because he had won the wand by right of conquest.
Smiling at the memory, he returned to the job before him, trimming his unruly hair and beard. Looking in the mirror he set right to work.
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While most of the adults had gone out to the kitchen, Harry and Ginny remained behind in the parlour, taking their customary position on the small love seat, they spoke together about the events of the evening.
"Ginny, I want to know something?" Harry asked.
"What's that, Harry?" Ginny asked in return.
"Do you think that I should just accept Sirius as my Godfather and let it go at that?" Harry asked earnestly.
Ginny sighed and sat contemplatively, "Harry, I think that we can take our time about accepting Mr. Black as your Godfather, but I do think you need to give him that chance. Look at what he's done so far and your parents certainly trusted him."
Harry nodded slowly, "Yeah, I guess that's the safest thing to do. I mean, I feel I can trust him, but. . . ."
"Harry, you don't have to make any decisions at this time, there's no reason to rush anything, now is there?"
Harry gave a low chuckle, looking appreciatively at his Bond-Mate. "No, you are right, no need to rush in making a decision." Harry then took her into a big hug, relishing the warmth he felt both physically and through the bond.
"Thanks, Ginny. I don't know what I'd do without you," he sent lovingly.
Ginny just returned Harry's hug, holding him just as tightly as he was her. Letting her actions and feelings speak for her.
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Sirius had reappeared looking like a new man. He had showered, shaved and trimmed his hair. He actually looked like a completely different person. Though he still had a somewhat haunted air about him, he looked 1000% better than he had just a short time before.
As he he began his descent he ran into Arthur on the landing below the loo. Arthur smiled at him, a warm genuine smile, "Well now, that's just the ticket, eh? You look so different, that if I didn't know you, I'd hardly recognize you."
Sirius grinned, a gesture that felt so strange after twelve years without any type of happy thought, it felt odd, but in a good way.
"Arthur, may I ask you something?" he said softly.
"Certainly, Mr. Black, you can ask me anything," Arthur replied.
"Thanks, and by the way, please call me Sirius, all my friends call me that, and if Harry is staying here, I certainly want to be considered a friend," Sirius replied, still smiling.
"Okay, Sirius. What's your question?" Arthur replied.
"Harry and Ginny, they've Bonded, haven't they?" Sirius asked.
The smile fell off of Arthur's face, from shock that Sirius had figured it out, not from anything else. He was literally struck speechless for a moment.
Sirius looked a little bashful, "Sorry, if it's something you can't or don't wish to discuss, I understand," Sirius said.
Arthur gave himself a shake, "Not at all. You just took me by surprise," he replied. "Not many know and it's something we're trying to keep the wraps on for now."
Sirius nodded, "I can understand that. When and how did it happen?"
Arthur thought for a moment, "Come on down stairs and have some of Molly's fabulous cooking, and while you eat, we'll try and fill you in on what's been going on," he said with a smile. "It takes a bit of telling and it will be better on a full stomach."
"Lead on," Sirius replied, gesturing for Arthur to proceed him down the stairs, eager for some really good food in a long, long time and to hear what had been taking place with his Godson.
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While waiting for Sirius to reappear, the children had gathered in the parlour. Tonks was there as well, along with of all people, Aberforth.
Percy seemed a bit restless, like he thought that hanging out with the younger children was beneath him or something, but Tonks was smiling and talking quite animatedly.
"Hey, Harry," said George.
"We never did get to see Ginny's gift to you," added Fred.
"My Gifts!" Harry exclaimed in surprise, having forgotten all about them in the chaos that had unfolded right as he had finished opening them.
""They're all fine, Harry," Aberforth said, reassuringly. "Minerva and I brought them inside after everything died down. They're right over here," he said, pointing at the table where Scabbers cage had been.
Harry rose quickly and went to the table, picking up Ginny's gift and looking at it intensely once again.
Ginny could feel his emotions swell once again as he took in the pictures. Though he felt strong emotions when looking at either one, she knew that the one that he liked the best, and felt the strongest about was the one where it was just her. She didn't know how she knew exactly, but she was positive that she was right.
Harry turned and handed the picture to Tonks, who happened to be closest. "Here, pass this around," he said softly.
Tonks nodded before she looked down at the photographs, smiling back at Harry. She took in the two photographs and was stunned by the serene and loving scene that was of the two young people so obviously in love, but it was the photograph of Ginny that took her breath away.
If she hadn't known how old Ginny was, she wouldn't have been able to guess by the photograph. She looked simply breathtakingly beautiful. Looking all the young woman, not the young girl that she actually was. There was an ethereal feeling to the shot and though Ginny wasn't enhanced in any way she looked much older, much more mature than the almost twelve year old that she was.
Once finished, she passed it around and as everyone looked at the photographs, they all took on a look of wonder at the sight of the two pictures.
Ginny was surprised when the Twins didn't make any flippant comments, but just looked at the photographs in wonder and awe, just like the others did.
Neville was the last to get a look, and when he was done, he handed it back to Harry. "Wow," he said softly. "You two look so good together." He then blushed, "So in love." He then sighed, "I have a picture of my Mum and Dad looking like that. You can tell they were meant to be together, just like I feel you two are."
Harry took the framed photographs back, glancing once more at them. "Thanks Neville," he replied, blushing slightly as he did so.
Percy was the one that broke the mood, glancing at the clock he said, "Well, it's getting late, I'm heading off to bed." He gave the other Weasley children a look that said he thought that they should be too.
Neville looked at the clock too, "I guess I should be going, Grams will be wondering why I'm so late," he said a bit sheepishly. He shook Harry's hand, "Happy Birthday, Harry. You sure know how to have an exciting party," he said with a grin.
Harry couldn't help but smile back, "Thanks for coming, Neville."
Ginny came and stood next to Harry, and without thinking about it, hugged Neville, "Yes, Neville, thanks for coming and sharing in Harry's birthday."
Neville seemed a bit taken aback by Ginny's hug at first, but then returned it, "I wouldn't have missed it for anything," he replied, grinning at her.
"You will come to Ginny's, won't you?" Harry asked.
"If it is half as exciting as yours, Harry, a wild Hippogriff, couldn't keep me away," he said with a huge smile.
After a few goodbyes to the Twins, Ron and Mrs. Weasley, Neville flooed away with Tonks as an escort, not so much as to keep him safe, but to explain to Neville's grandmother why he was a little later than expected.
Tonks assured Molly that she would be very circumspect in explaining the lateness and keep the kidnapping attempt a secret.
Molly then told the other children to head upstairs to get ready for bed, but asked for Harry and Ginny to come back down and join them in the kitchen where they would be filling Sirius in on what was going on.
Ron grumbled a little about Harry and Ginny being allowed to stay up but he quickly quieted after a stern look from his mother. The Twins just smiled at Harry and Ginny, who knew that they would be listening in via their secret method.
Percy had already departed after saying good night to the others and soon it way just the adults with Harry and Ginny in the kitchen, where they found Sirius eating a generous second helping of Molly's fabulous cooking.
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Sirius had listened intently to the story of Harry's life including the rescuing of Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets and their subsequent Bonding.
He had been eating all the while, enjoying the first decent meal he had since his imprisonment. Though eating he asked very pointed and penetrating questions.
When they were done speaking, Sirius whistled lowly. "That's some story. I feel ashamed now that I let my emotions get the better of me back then. Harry never should have been forced to grow up like that. I should have gone with Hagrid and demanded that Harry be given to me to raise."
"How could you have known?" Arthur asked.
Sirius' face turned very dark, "Anyone who had the displeasure of meeting Lily's sister and her husband could have told you how they would have treated him," he said in disgust.
Minerva looked very uncomfortable, "I tried to tell Albus that when he left him there on the door step," she said sadly. "I should have done more too."
Sirius sighed and the dark look left his face, a thin smile forming as he looked at his old Professor, "What's past is past and we can't change it. All we can do now is try to make Harry's life better and give him the happiness that he has been missing up till now."
Molly looked at him and said, "Well, for all he's been through, he is a fine young man. You couldn't have ask for him to be a nicer, more compassionate boy than he is."
Sirius looked around at those there and saw the depth of feelings that they all had for his Godson. He knew with Harry being Bonded to Ginny, that here at the Burrow was the best place for him. He had a family that loved him, a wonderful circle of very good and powerful people around him that were determined to protect him. The only thing he wanted to know was where he could fit in and help.
Molly looked at Sirius a bit worriedly, as Harry's Godfather, he could contest the guardianship and she wasn't sure where that would leave everything they had done to protect Harry.
Sirius saw Molly's worried look, "Don't worry. Molly," he said with a smile, "I have no intention of changing things about Harry's situation other than ask what can I do to help."
Molly breathed a sigh of relief, but looked at Sirius with a little trepidation, "Am I that transparent?" she asked with a worried smile.
"Not really, but as someone who is also concerned for Harry, I knew what you must be feeling," Sirius replied. "I know wizarding Law enough to know that I could contest Harry's guardianship and and with the weight of James and Lily's will could probably win, but that would be counter productive and I have a life to re-establish. Harry is where he is safest and more importantly with those he truly needs to be with right now. He is in a loving family, with other children, most importantly, Ginny as they are Bonded. I have no intention of changing any of that."
Minerva looked troubled once more, "James and Lily had a will?" she asked.
Sirius turned to her and his shocked look said it all, "What do you mean?"
"No will was ever produced and read, Sirius," she said lowly.
Once more Sirius felt his anger rising, "Damn Albus to Hell!" he said emphatically. "He has a lot to answer for, and trust me, I am going to demand answers."
"Just tread carefully on that account," Minerva said, "He seems to be acting a bit shall we say high-handedly."
"Don't worry Minerva, I won't let my anger get the better of me again. If it's one thing I learned in Azkaban, it's patience and cool headedness," Sirius replied.
The others paled a little at his mentioning of Azkaban but he smiled back at them, "Listen, I know the impression you have of that place, and believe me, it's no picnic, but I learned to control my emotions because it keeps the Dementors off you. They feed off the emotions and will go towards those who are feeling them the most."
He then turned to Molly, "Would it be too much to ask for some more of you delicious cooking?"
Molly bound up, all in a dither, "It's no trouble at all, none at all," she said as she bustled around the kitchen, serving Sirius a generous second helping.
"Why don't we have Harry and Ginny join us, I'd like to get to know my Godson and his Bond-mate a little better," Sirius said with a smile, as he tucked into his meal.
"I'll get them," Molly said. "I'm up already," she added as she headed for the parlour.
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Harry and Ginny entered the kitchen and were taken by the transformation that Sirius had undergone. No longer the scruffy, dirty and haunted looking individual that they had first met. He was now well groomed, and had taken on a lot of his former handsome self. Though he was painfully thin and still had an air of sadness about him, he did not in any way resemble the convict that had entered the house.
"Why don't you two sit down," Arthur said, smiling at the pair.
While the adults were getting settled and Harry and Ginny took seats across the table from Sirius, Tonks returned from escorting Neville home and joined the group. Some were seated at the table and the others stood at various places around the kitchen.
"Well, looks like we have more to learn tonight," Harry sent to Ginny.
"This has really been one eventful birthday," Ginny sent back, "I hope you know that all your birthdays won't be this exciting."
Harry couldn't help but laugh, drawing looks from several of those sitting nearby. "What's so funny?" Molly asked.
"Something Ginny said," Harry replied, his smile never leaving his face.
Molly's eyebrows went up in question, so Harry said, "She said that she hoped I knew that all my birthdays wouldn't be this exciting."
This caused everyone in the room to chuckle, "Yes, I agree with her," Arthur said, smiling at his daughter.
"So why are we here?" Harry asked, looking around at everyone.
"Well, we thought you should be told about what is going on," Arthur replied.
Harry looked a bit concerned and Arthur noticed right away. "Don't worry Harry, nothing is going to change about your staying here."
Harry sighed in relief, for one moment he thought things had changed. "Well, what's going to happen then?" he asked.
"Nothing really, Harry," Sirius said, "other than that I want to be able to help in taking care of you, helping in anyway that I can."
"Like what, Mr. Black?" Harry asked, looking at him intently.
"For starters, I'd like it if you would call me Sirius. Mr Black makes me feel much too old," Sirius said with a grin.
If he expected Harry to jump at the change, he was disappointed. Harry regarded him intently for several moments.
"Is everything okay?" Ginny asked.
"Yes," Harry replied, never taking his eyes off of Sirius.
Harry finally nodded, "Okay, Sirius, I can do that."
Sirius looked at Ginny, "What about you?"
"Since it's okay with Harry, it's okay with me," she replied.
Sirius nodded, though you could see his mind taking in the way in which Harry and Ginny had answered. "I also want to help contribute to your upbringing. I know Professor McGonagall is more than capable of handling things financially, but as your Godfather, I feel some of that responsibility is mine too."
Harry looked at Aunt Minnie, who smiled back at him and gave a small nod that she was agreeable.
Harry nodded back at Sirius, "I can accept that," he said softly.
"I'd also like to help with your education," Sirius added.
Harry looked at him questioningly, "Like what?" he asked slightly bewildered.
"Let's just say that your father and I had some unique ways of doing things," Sirius replied with a smile.
Minerva groaned out loud, "Is that really necessary?" she asked a bit dejectedly.
"I think so," Sirius replied. "With all that Harry will need to do, I think it will be if not necessary, at the least, quite helpful."
Everyone looked at Minerva, who sighed resignedly. "Well, if you must, I'm sure that James would want you to."
When Sirius paused, Harry asked, "Is that all?"
"I can also tell you a lot about your mum and dad," Sirius replied softly.
Ginny felt Harry tense, but she read the eager anticipation in his emotions through the Bond.
"I'd like that very much," Harry said, his voice choking with emotion.
Sirius saw how affected Harry was and he looked at the Weasleys and Minerva questioningly.
"The developments that brought Harry here are very recent, and we've not had any chance to talk to him about James and Lily," Minerva explained. "I'm sure we all can contribute stories about them."
Harry tightened his grasp on Ginny's hand. "I can't believe it, I'll finally be able to find out the truth about my parents," Harry sent, quite emotionally.
Ginny took Harry into a hug and held him close, "Yes we both will be able to find out what wonderful people they really were," Ginny replied.
Molly saw how emotionally effected that Harry was becoming and said, "I think it's time for bed for you two. It's getting late and it's been a very trying day, for all of us."
Harry nodded as he disentangled himself from Ginny's arms. "Okay," he replied, rising.
He and Ginny stood, though Harry looked longingly at Sirius, wishing he could hear about his parents right now.
It was as if Sirius had read his mind, "Don't worry, Harry, we'll have plenty of time to talk. I'm not planning on going anywhere."
"Thank you. Thank you all for caring about me," Harry said, looking at each and every one seated and standing in the kitchen.
"Happy Birthday, Harry," Sirius said, smiling at him.
Harry just nodded, his throat too tight to speak.
Ginny, sensing just how emotionally overcome he was, said "Thanks," and steered Harry towards the stairs. Harry glanced back over his shoulder as they reached the first step. His eyes taking in the assembled adults, coming to rest on Sirius last of all. With a nod, he let Ginny lead him up to their bedroom.
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Minerva was the one who broke the silence, "What are your immediate plans, Sirius?"
Sirius ran his hands through his hair, "Where to begin?" he said more to himself. "I guess first I need to find a place to stay until I can get the legal matters handled, then find a place to live," he said.
"Won't you be going back to your family home?" Kingsley asked.
"Grimmauld Place?" Sirius replied, with a small shudder. After a moments contemplation, he said, "I don't think so. It's been abandoned for ten years and who knows what shape it's in. Plus I never really cared for the place anyway."
Molly glanced at Arthur, who she was sure was about to offer for him to remain at the Burrow. It wasn't so much that she didn't trust him, it was . . . well she wasn't sure why she was reluctant to offer. She just knew that she would feel better if he didn't live at the Burrow.
Before Arthur had a chance to speak up, Aberforth spoke, "He can stay as long as he wishes at the Hogs Head."
"Thank you, Aberforth," Sirius said, sincerely.
"If your not going to go back to Grimmauld Place, where will you go?" Minerva asked.
"I was thinking of one of the family lodges, probably the one nearest Hogwarts, Windmeer," Sirius said, wistfully.
"Wouldn't that be in just as bad of a condition as Grimmauld Place?" asked Tonks.
"No, dear cousin, the lodges all have preservation spells on them because they weren't used regularly," Sirius replied. "Though it will still probably take some work to make it habitable."
"If you need any help, I'd be willing," Tonks added, "mum always talked fondly about visiting there."
"And I could lend you and elf or two from McGonagall manor," Minerva said.
Sirius raised and eyebrow at her but said, "I may just take you up on that."
Minerva nodded, she knew Sirius probably thought she was trying to make up for not giving him the benefit of the doubt about his involvement in the deaths of James and Lily, but she didn't care, she would have offered anyway.
Sirius yawned deeply, "Molly, thank you so much for the delicious meal, it far surpassed my memories of the last time I was here."
"Thank you, Sirius and please, don't be a stranger. Harry will love to hear all you can tell him about his parents, you did know them the best of any of us," Molly said, smiling at his compliment.
"I won't be, but it may take a few days till I can get settled," Sirius replied, rising. "I could use that room now, Aberforth," he said, turning to the inn keeper.
"Just use the floo and tell Jimmy that I said you are to have room seven and he'll take care of you," Aberforth said with a smile.
"Will I see you there later?" Sirius asked, giving the man a grin.
Aberforth's gaze slid to Minerva, "Ah, I have previous plans for this evening. I'll see you tomorrow."
Sirius didn't miss the glance at his old Professor and knew that there was a story there, but that was a subject for another day. "Arthur, thanks for the clean clothes, I'll return them when I get some of my own."
"No hurry," Arthur said, with a smile.
As Sirius got ready to leave, Tonks came over and gave him a hug. "It's good to know that you really didn't do it, Mum will be so pleased to hear, she never did believe that you were responsible."
"Thanks, Dora," Sirius said, holding her in the hug for a moment. "Tell her I'll stop by in a day or two so that we can catch up."
"She'll be glad to see you," Tonks said, letting Sirius get away with calling her by her given name.
Sirius yawned once again, "I really must get going," he said, apologetically.
Poppy looked at him and said, "I'd like to stop by in the morning and if you're willing, give you a check up. No telling what all those years in Azkaban did."
Sirius nodded, "Probably a good idea. I'll see you in the morning then." With one last look around, he nodded and stepped to the floo and in a matter of moments he was gone.
Since it was late, the others started to depart too. It had been a strange and eventful evening and all were tired because of what had taken place.
Soon only Molly and Arthur remained, "Well this certainly has been one birthday that this house will not soon forget," Arthur said.
"That's for sure," Molly replied. "I just hope that it was a happy one for Harry. He certainly has had enough heartaches."
"All in all, I think it was," her husband said, as he wrapped an arm around his wife. "Now lets get to bed too, I'm sure tomorrow will be another full day."
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Harry and Ginny lay together, neither feeling the least bit sleepy as of yet. The events of the day having them too wound up.
"Harry, do you really trust Sirius?" Ginny asked.
Harry sighed and pulled Ginny into his side a little more. "Yeah I do, Ginny. I mean his story checked out and he was my fathers best friend. Besides, he is my godfather, that has to count for something."
"Yes, I agree," Ginny replied.
Harry let his thoughts drift to the few memories that he had from his time with his parents. Though few, they were all happy ones.
Ginny felt his emotions again and knew somehow where his thoughts had taken him.
"I'm sure you'll have more happy memories and you'll also get to really know what kind of people your parents really were," she sent to him.
"How come you always seem to know just what to say," Harry sent, smiling at Ginny.
"Because I'm your Bond-mate, silly," Ginny sent.
Harry hugged Ginny and buried his face in her hair, taking a deep breath of her flowery fragrance, letting it fill him with the calm that he had come to associate with her aroma.
"This has really been some birthday. First all the presents and then finding out about Wormtail and having my Godfather freed," Harry said.
Ginny hugged tighter into Harry. "I know, it's like you received an extra gift, and I'm glad that he'll be able to tell you about your parents."
Ginny felt Harry's emotions flare, his happiness flooding across the Bond at the thought of finally finding out the truth about them. She gently moved up so that she could kiss him.
Harry was a little surprised, but didn't object to Ginny's advances. It slowly turned into a very intense snogging session, coupled with some tender touching, and caressing but nothing more. It was just two young lovers getting acquainted with each other rather innocently.
Each enjoyed the closeness that they were sharing, feeling the love between them grow as they snuggled, nuzzled and touched one another. Knowing that in the future, more would be shared, but content for the moment with what they were sharing.
As Harry relaxed, Ginny once more snuggled tightly into his side. "Thank you, Ginny," Harry whispered.
"Any time," Ginny replied, thoroughly enjoying the warmth and love she felt from Harry.
Sighing contently, Harry felt Ginny drift off to sleep and he let his thoughts drift. They were filled with his parents, his life at the Burrow and his Bonding with Ginny. He thought about how the simple act of wondering about a stupid Rat led to justice and freedom for Sirius.
Slowly he drifted off to sleep, marvelling at how wonderful it felt to have Ginny tucked in his arm and also wondering what the new day would bring.
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A/N: The Rat has been exposed and Sirius freed, well mostly. Hope the Rat stays in custody. Sirius has a lot on his plate and wonder how he'll deal with Albus, but he has reentered Harry's life and that will be a good thing, for both of them.
Harry and Ginny have one more person in their corner and it seems Harry is getting all his wishes granted.