Third Times the Charm

by Breanie

Part 3 of the Kismet Trilogy: Voldemort is dead. And while Harry and his friends turn their attention to the future and their new careers, not everyone is willing to move on. It all comes down to this. The cemetery in Godric's Hollow. Three elusive Death Eaters. One Resurrection Stone. One person from the past. All leading to a choice that just may destroy Harry.

29. The One With The Beginning

Author's Note:

Posting one day early!

I would like to take the time to dedicate this chapter to Diya. Diya was an active anonymous ask on my tumblr who I looked forward to hearing from. She was always so enthusiastic and so fun when she left me tumblr asks and reviews about which parts she loved and how she and her boyfriend both bonded over my world of ASC, it always made me smile. She always made me think that she and her boyfriend had a great relationship (almost Hinny-like). Her comments and asks kept me smiling for days especially when she shared joint reactions between her and her boyfriend to moments I wrote. Her boyfriend sent me a tumblr ask the other day informing me that Diya had passed away a few months ago to cancer. He said he couldn't reach out until now because he's been a mess (rightfully so) and hasn't been reading as it reminds him too much of her. I just wanted to say again, how deeply sorry I am for your loss. 💔 Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for reaching out to tell me about her. I've often wondered what happened or why she might have stopped reading. I'm grateful to know but deeply saddened.

Thank you and I do hope you one day return to my story with a smile for Diya.

Diya, this one is for you! ❤️❤️

Reviews and Comments: To marauders_mowopapr: Aww, it's true, Harry is pretty amazing. No one can quite compare. But yes, Hinny are finally officially getting their happy ending. Thanks for loving the poem. I thought it was an adorable throwback as well. Thank you! To TaSophie: Thanks for taking the time to comment then! I love hearing it's one of your favourite fics/series. I really try my hardest to keep the characterization and the plot consistent so thank you very much. To MABK_Potter_Fan: Who doesn't love a good cheesy poem? Sorry to make you cry though (a little). Yes, I have come full circle with a lot of things. Thank you very much! To Mrs_Norway: Reading is always better than sleeping lol. Thanks for loving Harry's proposal, I do think it fits them perfectly. I love knowing your heart is full! Thank you! PS — I am loving your reread of ASC comments very much! To CorbanD17: Harry and Ginny are definitely so cute! Thank you! To briana_t: Minnie was an amazing person and she did love her boys. Yes, Hinny are engaged! I think the wedding is pretty great as we will see soon. Thank you! To BigMackie: Yes, Sirius and Zee are back and reconnecting with everyone and each other and they're married! Harry's proposal was very them. They definitely deserve some happy times ahead. Thank you! To corneliastreet_28: Thank you very much! To bandhoez9194: Aww, thanks for saying Harry's poem was so perfect! Yes, Rolf and Luna will finally meet in Luna's epilogue (chapter 32). McGonagall was an amazing woman and I think Sirius did well at telling the world that. Thank you very much for saying my world of ASC is your "absolute favourite fanfictions… ever read." Thank you!

To Emltct (Emmathomas1992): Sorry to make you cry so much, but at least they were most happy tears, right? Thank you! To guest111: Sobbing, wow! Happy and sad tears! Hinny definitely deserve the world. Thank you very much! To MotherofKatie: Thanks for loving the proposal, it was perfect! We will see Molly's wedding input for sure and yes, we will find out about the tiara. Haha, well I won't say no more "gruesome plot twists to come," but mostly good for sure haha. Thank you! To Arabella_SG: I love that you wanted to scream and squeal aloud while reading — do it! Yes, I have you a Zeerius wedding and a Hinny proposal all in one chapter. It was a lot of happiness for sure. Thank you! To katelyn453: Yes, the proposal finally happened! Thanks for loving Sirius and Zee's wedding too. Thank you! To Cassiopeia Anastasia Black: Thank you very much! To alix33: Sorry to make you cry while Sirius read the eulogy. Yes, Harry made modifications to his tattoos as needed. Thank you! To jaystyles2013: Thanks for sticking around for so long and thank you very much! I love knowing this story has been something for people to look forward to. Thank you very much! To Hanacide: Happy tears are a good thing. Thanks for loving their proposal and yes, we will definitely see some of Zee and Molly planning the wedding. Thank you! To OH MIA MYA: Waiting patiently impatiently is pretty much how I love my life lol. Thank you! To Nightwing2013: Yes, the Marauders teasing each other is what's expected. Harry and Ron are definitely both whipped and they love it. Thanks for loving the proposal and ha, Harry did give Ginny ammunition against him with the poem. Thank you!

To ninaz08: Thank you! If I could draw, I would try to sketch Hermione's tattoo but I really, really can't. We will see Luna and Rolf meeting soon (chapter 32) in Luna's epilogue. Thank you! To ellyann13: No, it was said that Bill and Fleur were home with Victoire which is why family went to see them. Thanks for loving the add ons to Harry's tattoo. Thank you. To charmshield7: Thank you! To Chelsea Greenwell: Oh? I didn't know fanfic was down. Sorry you had to wait on it, that's not fun. Ha, well yes, sorry to make you cry at McGonagall's funeral and yes "candle in the wind" and "wind beneath my wings" are definitely that vibe. Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked the proposal as me "rewriting the Valentine's poem." It was fun. Thank you! To Guest: Thank you! To TW: Thank you for you for saying it's "truly masterful." To Read and Fly: Thank you for finding Harry's proposal so well done. The Weasley brothers will definitely want to hear the poem, but Ginny's going to keep it close to her chest (for now). I love writing Zee as a mum. Thank you very much! To MrsHJSnape: Thank you! I really hope you enjoy the epilogues as they come. Right now I have no plans of dipping back into this world, but I will never say never. A prequel of Misha and Sorcha? Interesting. I never even thought about it. Thank you! To Sets: Nope, proposal and wedding in the same chapter. As to Sirius needing new transportation for the twins, ha, we will see. Thank you!

To EnigmaticEmperor: Sirius can dream lol. Yes, third time really is the charm. Ha, Harry and his treacle tart is a whole other level? I don't know lol. Zee has no qualms about going all mama bear on Harry lol. I loved the idea of Sirius and Zee, the two who dragged their feet over commitment, just being fuck it let's do it and plan everything within a week. Thank you for saying "the poem and the proposal were so beautiful. Harry mentioning all that they've been through together" it was nostalgic and I'm so glad you liked it. Harry forgetting the ring just made sense haha. Thank you! To George R: Thank you! Yes, I did want Hagrid to be in the story more but ultimately it just didn't work. He's a great character. Thank you very much! To Finnspa23: Thank you very much! To Nuno Neves: Thank you. I loved having Sirius and Zee's wedding be so spur of the moment. Thanks for loving the proposal and Ginny's excited reaction. Thank you! To I'm a Ravenclaw: Sorry to make this chapter hit harder than the last one and nope, no cliffhanger. As to the chapter being not detailed enough, as I'm rounding out the story to the end, it will be similar with time jumps. As to how do I motivate myself? Honestly, a reward system lol. If I wrote 500 words I get to go read my book or get a snack. Doesn't always work, but it's surprisingly good. Thank you very much!

My posting schedule: Weekly.

As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!

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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE:
The One With the Beginning

Theo finished putting out fresh towels and pillows by the pool in the back. Kiki had made a fresh pitcher of white sangria and he had snacks and lunch prepared. He was looking forward to spending the afternoon and evening with Ginny, Luna, and Colin. It had really been too long since they'd had a chance to do so.

He headed upstairs to change into his bathing suit, pulling on the new swim shorts he'd bought: Bright purple with a white band and white tie. They were short and cut just under the bottom of his arse and they fit like a glove. Theo loved how great it made his behind look. He grabbed a pair of sunglasses from his dresser and headed downstairs to wait for his friends. He found Sebastian lying on the long chesterfield in the living room.

Theo couldn't help but smile at the sight of him. He was stretched out on his back wearing nothing but loose black shorts. His eyes were closed and Armani was snuggled on his chest, Oliver purring on the arm of the couch near his head and Arlo was nowhere to be found. Theo bent over the back of the couch to admire his man and Sebastian opened one eye.

"Can I help you with something?"

"Nope," Theo said, grinning. "Just admiring all of this sexy adorableness."

Sebastian lips curved. "Oh? Like what you see, eh?"

"You know I do. Tired from all that gross exercise?"

Sebastian chuckled. Theo knew his boyfriend had already gone for a run this morning and then had proceeded to do other stretches and lifted weights at the MIA workout facility. He'd come home, taken a quick shower, and then stretched out on the chesterfield.

"Come here."

Theo beamed and walked around the chesterfield, tossing his sunglasses on the coffee table before he crawled between his boyfriend's legs and rested his cheek against Sebastian's bare chest, making Armani give him an annoyed look before the cat moved up onto the armrest to sit with Oliver. Sebastian wrapped his arms around him, kissing the top of his head as he ran his hands up and down Theo's back.

"Mmm, we should stay like this forever," Theo said.

"I wouldn't oppose," Sebastian said. "But you have friends coming over so I'll make myself scarce."

"Don't have to be scarce," Theo said, closing his eyes in contentment. "You can come out and drink with us."

"Nah. You can talk more about me if I'm not there."

Theo grinned. "You know me so well."

Sebastian's hands continued to stroke up and down his naked back and Theo practically purred. He loved being held like this. He loved being wrapped up tight in Sebastian's strong arms as his man rubbed his back. He always felt so warm, so safe, so loved. He nuzzled his face into Sebastian's chest and let out a contented sigh.

"You all right?"

"Perfect," Theo whispered, turning his head to rest his chin on his boyfriend's chest. "I love it when you hold me."

Sebastian smiled. "I love holding you."

"This, right here, Bas, this is my safe place, you know?"

Sebastian kissed his forehead. "I will always keep you safe, Theo. I promise." He stroked his hand along his spine again. "This is my safe place, too."

Theo smiled and snuggled back into Sebastian's chest, his arms wrapped around him as Sebastian continued to stroke up and down his spine. They just lied there, holding each other for the longest time and then Sebastian's hand moved a bit lower to just above the line of his swim shorts.

"You're wearing your new shorts."

"Mmhm," Theo murmured. "They make my arse look fantastic."

Sebastian slid his hand down to cup Theo's bottom at those words. "That it does, but your arse always looks bloody fantastic."

His hand massaged Theo's bottom now before sliding back up his spine and then down. When two fingers slid under the band of his swim shorts to tease the top of his crease, Theo pouted.

"Don't be starting something you can't finish, Auror Arsehole."

Sebastian's lips curved. "I can be quick."

Theo grinned. "They're going to be here any minute, Bas."

Sebastian kissed the top of Theo's head before his resuming his hands to stroke up and down his spine. "Fine. But when they leave later, I'm getting you out of these delectable shorts and rimming this arse."

"Tease."

Theo lifted his head to kiss his boyfriend and sighed against his soft lips. The kiss had just deepened when someone cleared their throat. Theo reluctantly pulled away from Sebastian and turned to smile at Colin.

"Hi, Colin."

Colin gave them a warm smile. "Well, you two look cozy."

Theo climbed off of Sebastian to hug his friend. "We were. I'm so glad you're here!"

Sebastian stood up as well, stretching as he did and Theo's mouth watered. When he finally stopped starring he saw that Colin was checking out his boyfriend as well. Feeling possessive for no reason, he leaned into Sebastian's side, running his hand over his boyfriend's abs.

"Are you heading out, Bas?" Colin asked.

"I am," Sebastian said. "Durant and I are going to go play a round of golf." He touched Theo's chin, tilting his head back so that he could kiss him. "Have fun. Love you."

"Love you too."

Sebastian said goodbye to Colin, reaching down to grab his shirt which was draped over the chair, and then left them alone in the living room to go upstairs and change.

Colin turned to look at Theo and placed a hand over his heart. "Bloody hell, you lucky bastard. You come home to that man every night? Did you see his abs?"

Theo wiggled his eyebrows. "See them? Colin, I've done a lot of naughty things to those abs. Come on, let's go outside."

They headed outside to the pergola and in-ground swimming pool that Theo had installed a few years ago. Colin pulled his shirt off before he sat down on one of the lounge chairs in his bathing trunks and put his sunglasses on.

"I so need this. Thanks for inviting me."

"To be fair, Ginny invited all of you," Theo teased. "But yeah, I need this too. You lot are finally done at Hogwarts and you're all taking off."

"Only two of us."

Theo gave him a pointed look and he shrugged as Ginny and Luna came outside to join them. Once they were all settled on lounge chairs with glasses of white sangria in their hands did Theo realize how much he'd truly missed them.

The last thing he'd ever expected was to become best friends with a Gryffindor, but Ginny had wormed her way into his heart after one meeting in the school kitchens. Along with her came Colin and Luna and then Harry and Ron and because of the four of them, his friend group had opened even more to expand to others. It was funny how life had a way of surprising him.

"All right," Theo began. "Before we get all sad over Colin and Luna leaving us, tell me something fun and exciting."

"Um… I walked in on Theo and Sebastian snogging and it was incredibly hot?"

Theo winked at Colin. "Oh, sweet boy, that was so tame."

Luna chuckled. "That doesn't surprise me. Speaking of not tame, how's your first week living with Harry been?"

Ginny's slow smile made Theo laugh. "Good. Really good. Amazing actually. He had the week off so we settled in and spent lots of time together."

"Spent time together? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?" Colin teased

Ginny stuck her tongue out at her friend. "We've been… making the house ours."

"So you've been coming on everything then?"

Ginny reached over to smack Theo's shoulder. "THEO!"

"What? Don't lie to me, chick. I know what you've been up to!"

Ginny sipped her sangria and smirked. "And like you haven't?"

Theo grinned. "Oh no, I most certainly have. When Bas was suspended, you should have seen all of the sex we had!"

"Bas was suspended?" Luna asked. "What happened?"

Theo sighed. "Oh, well that."

Ginny lifted an eyebrow. "You never told me that he was suspended! Is this about Macmillan?"

Theo nodded. "Yeah."

He quickly launched into the story about the letters and how he'd ignored them until he couldn't. He explained how Sebastian had been away for work so Theo had gone to see Harry and Ron, to see if they could help him. When he told them about waking up on the sofa wrapped around both Harry and Ron, Colin laughed out loud.

"No way! Come on!"

Theo grinned. "No really. Then they let me touch their abs. I mean, they have nothing on Bas, but they're no slouches either. Especially Harry. When I touched his v lines I almost came."

Ginny elbowed her friend. "Stop feeling up my boyfriend."

"He let me!"

Ginny shook her head in amusement. "Such a flirt. Continue."

Theo told them about how Harry and Ron had helped him get a restraining order against Macmillan and made sure that he would stop sending letters. Then he told them how Sebastian had come home about a week later and accidentally found out through Harry before Theo could tell him.

"It was our first real big fight and he was suspended for three weeks for his actions. I felt so guilty over it because he did it for me, you know?"

"He loves you," Luna said. "There's nothing harder than watching someone you love hurting and not being able to help them. Was he upset over it?"

"I think he was upset that he let the prat provoke him, but he says that he doesn't regret hurting him."

"I would like to hurt him," Ginny said with a scowl. "How dare he reach out to you like that after everything he's already put you through!"

Theo nodded. "Well, it's over with now. Harry, Ron, and Bas made sure of it. Macmillan won't be bothering me again as his sentence was extended an additional three years with no parole. He's going to be in the crypt for a long time and Bas and I are good again and life is just… really good."

Colin smiled as he stretched out towards the sun. "I'm happy for you, mate. You deserve it."

"Thanks," Theo said. "So, let's change the subject to the front page of Witch Weekly this week."

Before anyone could react, Theo pulled the magazine out from under his chair and held it up for everyone to see. The photo was at King's Cross station and it was of Ginny jumping into Harry's arms, legs locking around his waist and then them kissing over and over again.

"Headline: Holyhead's Newest Chaser Snogs Potter at King's Cross!" Theo read aloud rather dramatically. "And the best part," he said, rifling through the pages to get to the article. He turned the magazine around to show them there were more photos.

Harry lowering Ginny to the ground. Ginny's eyes moving down his body rather provocatively. Harry's smile lighting up his eyes.

HARRY POTTER, MARQUESS OF SOMERSET,
WEARS WEASLEY'S NUMBER PROUDLY

Harry James Potter, the Marquess of Somerset and the Man Who Defeated Voldemort over a year ago in a heroic duel at the Battle of Hogwarts on the second of May, was spotted at King's Cross Station in London snogging his long-time girlfriend, Ginny Weasley, Holyhead's newest star Chaser. Fans awed at the sight of the happy couple reuniting, but that's not what everyone's been talking about. No, everyone wants to know what Potter is hiding in those jeans.

Rumours have flown for quite some time that Harry Potter has inherited more than just his good looks, but this is the first time that we've really gotten a glimpse of it. In boot cut blue denim that shaped his bottom and calves, he wore trainers and a Holyhead Harpies tee sporting Ginny Weasley's number three and name. But it was his jeans that got everyone's attention.

"It could be a shadow," an anonymous witch commented when shown the photo. "But with how he moves, I think it's the real deal."

"No way that's real," another witch claims. "But it sure is fun to speculate."

Speculate we are. Did Potter have a surprise for his girlfriend in his pocket or is it what we all think (and hope) it is? Either way, it certainly doesn't diminish the charm and handsome smile of the marquess. With that messy black hair and those bright green eyes, he's always had that extra something. When you add in the well defined muscles and the rather prominent bulge in his jeans, he's certainly got a whole lot of something else.

Ginny Weasley is one very lucky lady.

Ginny blushed when Theo finished reading. "They wrote an entire article about it?"

"About the Titanic? Chick, of course they did! It's on display in these pics!"

"It's not on display," Ginny insisted. "The shadow from the photo is what everyone can see."

Theo wiggled his eyebrows. "The log on his thigh is definitely not a shadow, Ginny."

"Um… the Titanic?" Colin asked, looking between Theo and Ginny curiously.

"It's what we've named Harry's thing," Theo said very matter of factly.

Luna chuckled. "Seems appropriate to me. I take it Harry doesn't approve?"

"We don't call it that," Ginny insisted.

"I do," Theo quipped.

"You named his… do I want to know?" Colin asked.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "It's not The Titanic and Witch Weekly has no right to publish that with such a speculating article."

"The people want to know."

"The people can bite me," Ginny said, crossing her arms in front of her chest. "Harry is mine. Every last inch of him. See?"

She waved her wand over her hand and the ruby of her engagement ring caught in the sun.

"Oh!" Luna exclaimed, taking Ginny's hand in hers. "Well, that looks like it was made for you."

"Certainly feels like it," Ginny admitted, a big grin on her face.

"You're engaged!" Theo exclaimed. "And you waited this whole time to tell me!"

Ginny bit her bottom lip and nodded. "Yes."

Theo squealed and jumped up to hug her as Colin and Luna did the same. When Ginny told them how he proposed, Luna smiled dreamily.

"That's so romantic."

"It was perfect," Ginny agreed. "It was perfectly us and… I just love him so much."

"Every last inch of him, eh?" Theo teased.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Hands off, Theo."

He chuckled. "I'll keep my hands to myself. Now, let me see that gorgeous ring!"

Ginny explained how she was going to tell her parents and brothers tomorrow, but how she wanted to tell Luna and Colin before they left.

Colin kissed her cheek. "I am so happy for the two of you. We always knew that you'd end up married."

"He just… makes me very happy," Ginny said, a goofy smile on her face.

Talk turned to Ginny planning to marry next summer and Luna told Theo about her upcoming trip to Auckland.

"I'm going to train on the reserve in New Zealand, well mostly on Ulva Island, but the portkey takes me to Auckland first. The reserve itself is hidden in the mountains," Luna explained. "I'm looking forward to really getting a chance to learn how to be a Naturalist. If I train there for three months, I can apply to the Ministry of Magic for a position."

"Wow, that's brilliant," Theo told her. "And you said that you were travelling, Colin, but you didn't say where?"

"I have nowhere in particular in mind," Colin admitted. "But I'm starting out in Italy. Blaise already told me that I could stay at his place for as long as I want. So I'm heading out there for two weeks and we'll see where things take me from there. I just want to explore and take pictures and see what happens."

Theo lifted an eyebrow. "Blaise? Will he be there?"

Colin shrugged. "Possibly."

Theo shook his head. "You have to stop shagging him, Colin. Nothing will come of that."

"I'm a big boy, Theo. If I want to ride Blaise's cock, I will. I don't want to marry him."

Luna smiled. "He is very good looking."

"And he knows it," Theo said. "That's the problem. The bloke's an arsehole. He ever blow you in return yet?"

Colin shook his head. "He doesn't do that, he says."

"Wanker," Theo replied. "Colin, really, don't shag him again. He doesn't deserve it. I love him to death, but he's a git."

"No promises," Colin said. "I don't plan on shagging him, but if I need it and he's there… I can be selfish too. Not all of us have gorgeously muscled boyfriends with eight abs to worship us."

Theo grinned, his eyes lighting up. "Yeah… I'm a very lucky man."

Talk turned to summer plans as Theo told them about his classes and his upcoming internship at St Mungo's.

"I'll start next week as an intern and then from September until May, I'll work as a junior mind healer which is on my own, but still under the advisement of others. Then I can get a job as a mind healer myself after that."

"Wow, that's amazing, Theo," Ginny said. "I'm so happy you found something you love so much."

"Me too," Theo said. "It's been great. I just need to find something to do to help get out some excess energy. Being cooped up all day and just sitting in class… I need something fun other than sex. When Bas isn't here, it's almost tortuous."

Colin snorted. "Can't say I blame you. I'd certainly be using every opportunity to climb that man like a tree in a heartbeat."

Theo winked at Colin. "Oh, I do."

Ginny smiled at her friends' antics. "I feel very much the same. Harry and I run every morning, but I'm already missing the structure of meeting with the Harpies and doing hot yoga. I really love it."

"You've mentioned that a few times," Theo said.

"Actually, there's a new studio that opened in Diagon Alley," Ginny said. "I heard that they'll be offering hot yoga classes. Why don't we go together?"

Theo hesitated. "I'm really not a 'Ginny exercise' kind of person."

Ginny laughed. "I won't make you run, Theo. Promise. I think you'll love it. Plus, it will help increase your flexibility and balance."

"I do like the sound of that…" Theo murmured.

Colin grinned. "He's imagining trying out new sexual positions with Bas."

"Can't blame him," Luna teased.

Luna stood up then and slowly pulled her bikini top off, tossing it onto the ground before she shimmied out of her bottoms. She looked over at her friends with a soft smile. "Anyone else up for a swim?"

Colin groaned. "Luna… why must you torture me? Your tits are magnificent."

Luna chuckled. "Thank you. Come for a swim."

Luna dove into the pool and Colin followed as Ginny shook her head.

"She's so confident in herself, I envy her."

"You're gorgeous, Ginny. Even if you don't think that, you just have to look at this photo from Witch Weekly. Harry sees nothing but you," Theo said.

Ginny looked down at the picture and smiled. "I see nothing but him either."

Theo filled up her sangria glass with a smile. "Good girl. Now, while those two are occupied in the water, let's talk about this hot yoga idea."

Ginny made herself comfortable and took a sip of her sangria. "Yes, let's."

~ TTTC ~

Harry found himself both anxious and nervous for dinner at the Burrow. After sharing the news with Sirius, Zee, Remus, and Tonks and then knowing that Ginny had told Theo, Colin, and Luna, he knew that they needed to tell the Weasleys. He knew that they would be happy at the news, but for some reason he was still feeling anxious.

Ginny noticed because she stopped him when they Apparated to the orchard near the Burrow and grabbed his hand. "Mum is going to be ecstatic, Harry."

"I know," he said. "I don't know why I'm nervous."

She stood on her toes to kiss him. "Well, stop it. You're making me nervous."

He grinned and kissed her again. "Don't we make a team?"

Ginny chuckled. "The best. Now, kiss me again and then's let go."

Harry did as he was told and then they walked hand in hand down to the Burrow. The first person they saw was George. He was throwing what looked like a ball of some sort across the garden to Ron who caught it. Half a second later, the ball exploded in Ron's hands and singed his eyebrows.

"Bloody hell!"

"It's called Exploding Catch, Ron!" George bellowed. "You have to be faster than that!"

"Exploding Catch?" Harry asked, causing George to turn to them.

"Yeah, Fred and I are working on the prototype. It's on a timer, you see, and whoever is holding it when it blows is the loser."

"Safe," Ginny said, rolling her eyes.

"It's based on Exploding Snap," George replied.

"Yeah, but in Exploding Snap, you're not throwing the exploding card at someone's head," Harry began.

George shrugged. "Semantics."

Harry snorted and caught the ball that George threw at him in one hand. He tossed it over to Ron who caught it one-handed and the ball blew up in his face again.

"Bloody hell!" Ron bellowed.

George winked at Harry. "The ball doesn't like him."

"So you rigged it?"

George gave Harry a scandalous look. "I would never!"

Ginny rolled her eyes again and grabbed the ball from Ron. She whipped it hard at George, who fell over in his attempt to catch it.

Harry laughed. "Ooh, out-thrown by the Quidditch star."

George made a rude hand gesture just as Molly came outside.

"GEORGE FABIAN WEASLEY!"

"Sorry, Mum!" he called out as he stood up, the ball exploding in his face. "Fuck!"

"GEORGE!"

"Serves you right," Ron muttered.

"Harry! Ginny!" Molly exclaimed, hurrying towards them with her arms extended and ignoring the son who'd just had a ball explode in his face. "Oh, I can't believe none of my babies live at home anymore! How's the house? Are you settled? Do you need any help? I'd love to pop over and help you fill your ice box full of dinners."

"We're fine, Mum," Ginny said, kissing her mum's cheek.

"Thanks for having us over, Molly," Harry said, kissing her cheek in turn.

"Oh, don't be silly!" Molly said, waving them off. "My children are always welcome any time. Now, go on and sit down! I'll bring you out some fresh lemonade."

Harry and Ginny moved to sit in one of the chairs in the garden as Bill stepped out of the house, Victoire in his arms. Ginny immediately jumped to her feet, her arms out for her niece, and Bill chuckled as he carefully passed the little girl over.

"Well, that didn't take long," Bill teased, kissing the top of his sister's head.

Ginny moved back to her chair, smiling down at a sleeping Victoire. "She's so precious."

"She is," Bill agreed.

Fleur came outside a moment later and took a seat next to her husband. Harry couldn't help but smile when Bill wrapped an arm around her and pulled her close to him. He liked seeing everyone so happy. He looked around at the crowd of Weasleys. Ron was being fussed over by Hermione who was dutifully fixing his singed off eyebrows as Ron complained. Fiadh was sitting on a blanket on the grass with Felicity and Finley who at nine months old, were already crawling everywhere. Fred was grinning hugely as Felicity crawled to him, babbling nonsensical words that sounded fairly close to 'dada' and looking between him and George with uncertainty in her eyes. Angelina and Audrey were talking about weddings. Percy was nodding along to whatever Audrey was saying.

Harry jumped to his feet when Molly came out with a tray of drinks to help her and she thanked him as he passed them around. Then he took his seat again and smiled at Ginny with the baby in her arms. The way her eyes lit up when she looked down at her niece only reminded him of how much he wanted his future with her. He wanted to see her holding their child one day.

"So, Harry, did you and Ginny settle in?" Bill asked. "Get everything from the Burrow you needed?"

"We did," Harry said. "I don't think Ginny's forgotten anything, though she did try to take Raphael and he was very opposed."

Fred laughed. "Hell, that cat's so old I'm surprised you even found him. I haven't seen him around this house in years."

"Well, someone eats his food so I know he's still around," Molly said. "But yes, he does like to hibernate."

"He's still offended by Ginny," Percy said. "Remember how she used to stuff him into our old jumpers? She insulted him and he's never gotten over it."

Ginny stuck her tongue out at her brother. "You're just jealous because he liked me better than you."

"Well, so does everyone, Gem, there's no need to rub it in," Fred said.

George was holding Finley in his arms as she ran her fingers all over his face. "How old is that cat, Mum?"

"Raphael?" Molly asked, looking pensive. "Oh… your father brought that kitten home when I was pregnant with Ron so… almost twenty."

Harry nodded. The elusive black cat of the Weasley family was almost always hidden for as long he could remember. He barely ever remembered seeing more than a passing blur.

"Arnold loves his new digs," Ginny told her brothers. "We have him all settled on his own big pillow in a chair in the bedroom. He sometimes wanders out onto the balcony too, but he's very content. Hedwig often comes to play with him which he doesn't enjoy as much as she does."

Fred laughed. "What does she do?"

"Pecks him with her beak mostly," Ginny said. "Though sometimes she swings her wing around him like a blanket and then they snuggle. It's adorable!"

"Percy and I are thinking about getting a pet," Audrey said.

"Oh? What kind?" Ginny asked. "A dog?"

"Or a cat," Percy said. "We're still looking. Something small and well-behaved of course."

Fred snorted. "Naturally. Wouldn't want something that could — gasp — make a mess or worse, a racket!"

"Piss off," Percy said.

Bill chuckled. "Pets are wonderful. I'm sure anything you choose will be great for the both of you. So, Gin, how does it feel to have a season of Quidditch under your belt?"

"Amazing," Ginny admitted. "The team is so great and Angelina helped me sign on with the Harpies for an additional five years which means that I can relax."

"And I got her a little raise. With the Quidditch League Awards in September, I think we can look forward to seeing her name come up more than once in nominations."

"Wins," Harry corrected.

Ginny sent him a shy smile. "You are biased."

"Player of the Year is going to you, I know it," Harry insisted.

"So, what are your plans for the summer, Ginny?" Molly asked. "With the season over, what do you do?"

Ginny carefully passed Victoire to Harry as she reached for a glass of lemonade. "We don't have official team practices so other than keeping in shape, I'm pretty free until the end of August. I'm looking forward to just spending some time with Harry, but I might do some travelling as well. Colin is going to be travelling around Europe with his photography so it might be fun to meet up with him somewhere. Luna is in New Zealand so that's another option. Plus Theo and I have signed up for the new hot yoga class being run out of that new studio in Diagon Alley. It starts on Tuesday."

"What's the difference between yoga and hot yoga?" George asked.

"Well, the main difference is that you sweat more as the room is almost like a sauna in heat level," Ginny said. "I love it and have missed it the most since my daily practices ended."

George wrinkled his nose. "Sounds dreadful."

"Is it 'ard?" Fleur asked.

"It's yoga so it's about doing what you can, increasing your flexibility and balance. The more you do the better you get at it," Ginny said.

"Mmm, zat might be something I'd like to try," Fleur said. "I need to lose ze baby weight."

"You are gorgeous," Bill said, taking his wife's hand and kissing it.

"The class is at seven in the morning," Ginny said. "You're welcome to join us."

"Well, if you're going to be up early that day, Ginny, I can shift some things around," Angelina said. "We can meet up early for dress fittings. Katie's off on Tuesdays and Alicia is visiting her parents. It would be perfect timing."

"That sounds great, Ange," Ginny agreed with a smile.

Harry didn't know much about what Ginny was wearing, but he did know that it was royal blue and knee-length. He knew that she would look incredible in it. Katie Bell was Angelina's Maid of Honour, but she'd asked Alicia Spinnet and Ginny to be her bridesmaids. Fred was George's Best Man, and his two groomsmen were Lee Jordan and Oliver Wood. Their wedding was coming up this fall and Harry thought it was going to be lovely.

"I still need to get shoes as well," Ginny told Angelina.

"I've picked out great ones. Flat sandals since we'll be on the beach. You'll love them. They're very comfortable," Angelina assured her, making Ginny smile.

"Ginny, you'll have to come and try on the dress I've picked out as well," Audrey said. "Wait until you see it, it's gorgeous! I picked a lovely shade of tangerine."

"Oh… that sounds great, Audrey," Ginny said as Ron snickered.

"Ginny hates orange."

"It's not orange, Ron," Audrey said. "It's tangerine."

"What's the difference?" Ron demanded.

"Everything," Audrey said.

Ron shared a baffled look with Harry before shrugging. "Anyway… Hermione and I have settled into our new flat as well. We're still getting some things together, but we like it."

"It's kind of nice to have our own space," Hermione agreed. "Plus it gives Harry and Ginny time to themselves."

Fred lifted an eyebrow. "More time to shag you mean."

"Fred!" Molly exclaimed. "There's no need to talk like that."

"I only speak the truth!" Fred insisted. "You know the two of them spent the week shagging like bloody rabbits."

Molly shook her head. "I know nothing of the sort."

"It's all right, Mum. We know it," Fred said.

Molly rolled her eyes. "Merlin, sometimes I wonder how I raised such heathens."

Talk turned to work, to how Sirius and Zee were adjusting, and to the grandchildren. When Molly went inside to get dinner settled, Ginny went in to help and Harry reluctantly gave Victoire back to her parents as he settled back in his seat.

"Well, life's looking good on you, Harry," Bill said. "Things are finally going back to normal?"

Harry chuckled. "To be honest, Bill, I don't even know what normal looks like, but yeah, life's pretty good. I'm an A2, which is bloody awesome, and when I go back to work tomorrow, I'm sure Higgins will increase my workload tenfold."

"Oh you can count on that," Ron said. "Baxter says that he's been counting down the days until he can dump work on your desk again."

"Great," Harry said, making Ron laugh.

Harry told them about he and Ginny spending time horseback riding and flying and just enjoying not having to worry about things. Soon, the long picnic table outside was groaning under dishes of Molly's delicious cooking as everyone dug in.

"Honestly it's kind of fun," Fred said, stabbing his fork into the salad on his plate. "I love watching them look between Georgie and I in confusion. Fiadh likes to tell them to go to Daddy and watch them look between us so unsure."

"Fred, it's disrespectful to confuse your girls like that!" Percy insisted.

"Nah," George said. "It's fun. Plus, you'd be surprised how quickly they realize I'm not their dad."

"They know," Fiadh said. "It is kind of brilliant to watch them figure it out."

"Are you and Angelina thinking about kids, George?" Molly asked.

"Mum, we're not even married yet!"

Fred slapped his twin on the shoulder. "Don't let that stop you, Georgie! I didn't."

Molly rolled her eyes. "I'm just wondering if you're thinking about having children."

Angelina smiled and reached for George's hand. "Molly, we definitely want to have a family one day, but not yet. We want the time to enjoy being married first."

"Yeah, let us be married first," George repeated. "Pick on Harry and Ginny. Now that they're shacking up you might have another accidental grandchild."

"I'm not pregnant," Ginny said. "Good grief, why does everyone think Harry and I are going to start popping out kids? I just started my career!"

"Well, maybe not kids," Bill said. "But living together is a big step."

"Maybe it leads to marriage," Molly prompted, a soft smile on her lips.

Harry kissed Ginny's cheek. "This dinner is great, Molly."

Fred laughed. "Way to divert, Potter."

"Ron, are you and Hermione still looking for furniture?" Percy asked. "Audrey and I are looking for a new sofa and we can give you our old one if you'd like?"

"Don't take it, Ron!" Fred exclaimed. "Those two are kinky and who knows what kind of sexual escapades they did on that sofa!"

Audrey picked up her wine glass and met Fred with a steely gaze. "It's leather. It washes off."

George spit out his own wine as he laughed. "Well said, Audrey, well said."

Hermione was talking about how they were painting the bedroom. "I'm leaning towards a soft greyish blue, something to brighten up the room a bit, make it bigger."

"There's a great place in Diagon Alley that really helps you with paint colours and space," Audrey said. "The owner can imagine a room and create it right before your eyes so you don't choose wrong. He's wonderful."

"Oh, I like the sound of that," Hermione said.

"Our bed arrives tomorrow," Ron said. "For now we've just been using sleeping bags on the floor. We picked it out yesterday and that will be great when it arrives."

"For sleeping or shagging?" Fred teased.

"Don't usually need a bed for the second one," Ron replied.

Molly sipped her own wine. "Well, that's true. I'm pretty sure not one of you were conceived in a bed."

"Mum!" Ron exclaimed, his ears burning. "We don't want to know that!"

"Oh, so you lot can talk about sex, but I can't?"

"Yes!" Ron said.

Ginny leaned into Harry and kissed his cheek. "Pantry, two minutes."

Harry blinked as he sipped his wine and tried not to watch her leave. He waited the designated two minutes before he stood up, making an excuse to go to the loo.

"All right, who had half past six?" Fred called out.

"I had seven," Bill said.

"Me! I had half past," Ron bellowed.

"What are you lot on about?" Harry demanded, watching them exchange money across the table.

Fred pulled out his coin purse and began to pass Galleons over to Ron. "How long it would take for you and our sister to sneak off."

"I'm just using the loo," Harry insisted.

"Sure you are," George said. "And where's Ginny then?"

Harry's face turned red and Hermione touched his arm.

"Ignore them, Harry."

"I'm going to the loo," Harry insisted before he turned and headed towards the house to the sound of laughter behind him. Ginny snagged his arm as he passed the pantry and pulled him inside. "Gin, we can't."

Ginny stood on her toes and kissed him. "Can't what?"

"Your brothers are out there making bets on how long it would take us to sneak off together," Harry blustered.

Ginny reached down to unzip his jeans. "Well, might as well give them something to talk about then."

Her hand slid into his jeans and be bit back a groan. "Fuck… you're going to be the death of me, I swear it."

Ginny bit her bottom lip, her brown eyes on his as she pushed his jeans down, then his boxer briefs. Her hand wrapped around him for a few tugs that made his semi more than ready to go.

"So… I should use my mouth then?"

Then she slowly lowered to her knees and did just that. Harry let his head fall back and hit the wall behind him as he shoved his knuckles into his mouth to stay quiet. Her mouth felt incredible and when she took more of him into her throat, he stifled a groan. She let go and then licked him before she stood up.

"I want you inside me, Harry. Right now."

His eyes darkened before he moved, pinning her against the wall and lifting up her dress. "Even though everyone knows we're in here?"

"Don't care," she whispered. "Take me."

He pulled her knickers down and off before he lifted her, holding her up on her toes as he slid into her and her eyes rolled.

"Oh, yes!"

"Like that?" he asked, pumping himself into her. "Is this what you wanted?"

Ginny's nails dug into his back as she bit his lip. "Oh, Harry! Yes… yes!"

Harry lifted her left leg, locking it around his waist as he worked himself in and out of her. She was so wet and he'd barely touched her, which turned him on even more. Their lips met again and again as they took each other and when his fingers began to rub her clit, she moaned into his mouth and came so quickly it surprised him. He finished a moment later with her sucking on his tongue and then he rested his forehead against hers, a bit breathless.

"Godric, I love you," he said, kissing her quickly.

"I love you, too," Ginny said.

They stayed there a minute, still entwined as they caught their breath and then Harry reluctantly lowered her to the ground and slipped out of her. He tugged his jeans and boxer briefs up, snagging her knickers from the floor and stuffing them into his pocket.

"Harry!" Ginny exclaimed, making a grab for them.

"Nuh-uh," Harry said, a wicked grin on his face. "If you're going to seduce me in the pantry of your mother's kitchen, I get to keep these."

"You expect me to go have dinner with our family without knickers?"

Harry leaned in and nipped at her mouth. "Wouldn't be the first time."

Ginny adjusted her dress as they stumbled out of the pantry. She snuck upstairs to clean herself up and Harry headed back outside.

"Get lost, Potter?" Bill asked.

"Nope," Harry said, sitting back down and diving back into his dinner.

"He looks a bit flushed, doesn't he?" Fred teased.

"You know, the point of you and Ginny moving in together is so you don't have to find time alone," George said.

When Ginny came outside a minute later, it was to more catcalls.

"Yes, yes, Harry and I can't keep our hands off of each other," Ginny said rolling her eyes. "We're in love and engaged, what do you expect?"

She plopped herself back into her seat, her ring visibly showing on her finger now as Molly's eyes widened to saucers.

"What did you just say?"

"I said we're in love," Ginny said, stealing a chunk of bread from Harry's plate. "Can you pass the gravy, Mum?"

"GINEVRA MOLLY WEASLEY, IS THAT AN ENGAGEMENT RING?"

Ginny shrugged, her eyes twinkling. "Oh? This old thing? Nice, isn't it?"

Molly's shriek pierced the air as she jumped to her feet and rushed around the table to grab her daughter's hand. "Oh my gods! When did this…? How did this…? Tell me everything!"

Harry grinned into his wine. "You'd think she's excited or something?"

Molly dropped Ginny's hand and grabbed Harry by the shoulders, turning him and smothering his face in kisses. "You asked my baby to marry you! Oh, I'm so happy to make you an official member of the family! When's the wedding? How many bridesmaids? Groomsmen? Ginny, have you thought about your dress? Oh, dear you'd look so lovely in a tiara! We'll have it right here in the orchard or no, would you prefer your new home as the property is a bit bigger and there are more gardens? Or maybe Theo would let your use Norfolk? We'll discuss it. Hannah can do the baking. Let me go grab my book!"

"MUM!" Ginny exclaimed with a shaky laugh, grabbing her mother's hand. "Later. It's new and no, we don't have an official date, but we're thinking next July."

Molly let out another small shriek before she nodded, containing herself. "Oh, that will be lovely!"

George clasped Harry on the shoulder. "Well, guess that means you're stuck with us, mate. Weasley brother for life."

Ron snorted. "He already was, this just makes it all official."

Harry took Ginny's hand in his and brought it to his lips, kissing the ring with it. "I can't wait to marry you, Ginny Weasley."

Ginny leaned in and kissed him. "I can't wait to marry you, Harry Potter."

Molly squealed in excitement again. "Harry, have you told Zee? We'll need to converse immediately and get planning! Let's talk wedding colours!"

Ginny exchanged a look with Harry and he grinned. He had a feeling the wedding planning was going to be more than they were both prepared for.

George snickered from Harry's side. "Now you're in for it, mate. Colours, fabrics, flowers, food… it's never ending. As excited as I am to marry Ange, I can't wait for it to be bloody over."

Harry watched Ginny roll her eyes at her mother and thought every second was completely worth it.

~ TTTC ~

Sirius felt like his life was finally back on track. He woke snuggled with Zee, inhaling her scent of vanilla and cinnamon, and if the kids were still asleep, kissing his way down her body. Some days she woke first and her mouth wrapped around him, reminding him of how good she was at sucking him off.

He came down her throat that morning with a barely a minute to spare before Leo's cries informed them that he was awake from down the hall. He watched her lick her lips and he grinned.

"Fuck, I missed sex."

Zee chuckled and kissed her way up his chest. "Me too."

Sirius cupped her face in his hand. "You didn't find someone when I was… even for just one night?"

Zee shook her head. "With two babies, dating wasn't exactly on my to-do list, Sirius. No, I used toys and imagined they were you."

His eyes darkened. "Bloody hell. I'd like to see that."

She pecked his lips. "Ask nicely. Maybe you will."

Sirius' slow smile made her blow him a kiss. "You know, me coming back like I did… I'm pretty sure that made me a virgin again."

Zee laughed as he flipped her beneath him on the bed. "I don't think it works like that, Sirius."

"Sure it does and that is why I'm so happy you were the one to pop my cherry, Mrs Black."

Zee gave him a sheepish grin. "My pleasure, Mr Black."

When he began to kiss his way down her stomach, she groaned.

"Sirius… Leo's up which means Mina will be awake any moment."

Sirius pressed a kiss between her legs, breathing her in before he sighed. "All right. But I'm dropping them off at nursery school and then eating you out in the shower before you go to work. No arguments."

Zee chuckled. "Well, it's hard to argue with that."

He watched her climb out of bed and find her pyjamas to pull on and he stretched his arms up over his head as he did the same. He pulled her close, her back to his front and kissed her neck, his hands gliding up her soft stomach to squeeze her large breasts.

"Fuck, you're so gorgeous."

Zee reached a hand back to cup his head. "I'm glad you still think so. I have stretch marks now and well, my stomach isn't as flat as it once was and my thighs are a bit thicker."

Sirius ran one hand over her stomach again while the other continued to fondle her breast. "You're even more gorgeous than the day I met you. I've always loved your curves."

"Good answer," she teased, patting his head.

Sirius kissed her neck. "Simple facts, babe."

"I love you, Sirius Black."

Sirius turned her face to kiss her deeply. "I love you, too. Now come on, let's go get our kids and make some breakfast."

They did. Sirius turned on some music, which Zee changed to some Shania Twain, and he couldn't stop grinning as he watched her sing and dance while she cooked. Sirius danced with Mina and Leo, making them laugh, and as he covered them in kisses and listened to them babble to each other and to their parents, he thought this was what life was supposed to be like. They ate breakfast together and got the twins ready for the day. Zee kissed them goodbye and Sirius dropped them off in Polperro with a hug before hurrying home to find his wife.

Wife. The word still surprised him, but it sure felt right.

He found her in the shower as promised and he got on his knees the moment the water touched him. She came with a loud shout — twice — and then he took her against the tile, satisfying them both. Zee kissed him goodbye when she finished getting dressed and told him she'd pick up Mina and Leo on her way home and then she headed off to work.

Sirius dressed himself and then did the same. Since rejoining the Wizengamot, Sirius was spending most of his days at the Ministry of Magic. He was not only catching up on what he missed, but he found himself having meetings with different members of the Wizengamot, including returning to the the CBC (otherwise known as the Crann Bethadh Cabinet) learning more about Jericho Jones and his Quinque Annos Consilium (Five Year Plan) and he found himself falling in love with it all over again. He liked the banter and the discussion. He liked seeing positive change finally happening in the Ministry and it felt even better to be a part of it.

The British wizarding community was undergoing some pretty big changes to make the world a better place and Sirius was surprised to hear how much of that was due to the beginning of the Phoenix Initiative. Since the defeat of Voldemort, Jericho Jones and his Deputy Minister, Miranda Jameson, had been promoting massive change to the magical world.

He sat in the Black seat, listening intently as Jones wrapped up how the first year of changes had worked.

"As you all know, my plan for the Quinque Annos Consilium is off to a fairly decent start. I want to build the Ministry back up to full strength, regroup, and make sure that every British Magical Citizen is aware of their rights and freedoms," Jones said from the podium, looking out across the council. "One year has passed since this plan began and I can say with pride, that things are looking up. The Office of Communication and Cooperation has helped us narrow our focus on specific magical communities; to help them rebuild, restructure, and reform. House elves have been our biggest challenge and progress is being made. House elves are no longer enslaved, but working for a wage. We want that to be a living wage, but house elves are a tough sell. I have every faith that we will get there, just maybe not as soon as we'd like. Giant communities are being rebuilt. With the sad loss of so many giants in the last war as well as the one before that, the community has grown smaller every day. A settlement has been put together once more on the banks of Scotland, looking out on the Island of Staffa towards Fingal's Cave. We've helped rebuild homes, a town hall, and helped them stay in touch with the Ministry. The Gurg of the village, Zogrog is working with the Office of Communication and Cooperation to get the support the community needs. The giant population has dropped down to under twenty people. We've asked assistance from other ministries around the world to see if anyone is willing to immigrate and resettle off of the Scottish coast in hopes of boosting our population and we've had success. Eight giants immigrated from Russia and in the last year, two new babies have been born, with two more on the way. It is a very good start."

Jones cleared his throat before he continued. "The Merpeople, with the help of the Menagerie's hiring of a mermaid named Marina, have opened up their kingdoms to the magical world for trade and tourism. We have Merpeople coordinating with Gringotts' cursebreakers to study hidden treasures in areas of the ocean and lakes we couldn't before gain access too. Cooperation and communication with the Merpeople has opened our horizons and made them feel safe enough to open their communities. Miranda?"

Jameson moved up to take over Jones' place at the podium. "Thank you, Jericho. As our minister has said, the changes are happening slowly, but we can see change coming. I would like to proudly announce that the orphanage in Cambridge has finally finished its reconstruction. It's given us more rooms and a larger common room and garden. With so many orphans coming out of the war, we wanted to make sure that they had a safe home for those with no family or friends who can take them in. In terms of education, Hogwarts accepted two wolves, four fae, two Merpeople, and a half-Veela this past September. We know that as more families see these students thriving, this number will grow. Richardson of the Department of Education has also finally revealed the plan for those who are interested in obtaining OWLS or NEWTS. We will look into that bill today. Griselda?"

Griselda Marchbanks, the Chief Witch of the Wizengamot Council returned to the podium when the Deputy Minister sat down. "Thank you, Miranda. Now that we've had a chance to hear some of the positives coming out the the Quinque Annos Consilium proposed by Jones and Jameson, I want to inform you about the new bills we're looking to pass today. The first concerns the new educational program designed for people who were unable to write their OWLS or NEWTS for any reason."

The new educational program was being run out of the Department of Education. It was going to be available to anyone over the age of seventeen and they would be required to attend night classes three nights a week. They were hoping to keep it small for the first term to get a feel as to what people needed and looking for people willing to teach the classes. Scholarships had been set up for potential students.

The bill was passed almost unanimously which made Sirius happy. He loved seeing the positive change and how people were reacting to it.

The second bill was pertaining to a spin-off program of the Phoenix Initiative. With peacetime, they didn't need to keep a full army ready to go, but they were interested in keeping a defence squad available which could be used for other things during peacetime. The proposal was to call it The Guard and it would still hold the same four sub-councils as the Department of Defence did, but they would be redirected as needed. The idea was to keep them trained, but to be used as a special forces unit.

"Ian MacGregor, Head of the Secret Intelligence Unit at the Magical Intelligence Agency will explain more about the Guard and its potential use," Marchbanks declared as Ian MacGregor moved over to the podium.

"Good morning," MacGregor said, clearing his throat. "The MIA is known for being an elite team of Aurors who are able to work all over the world. We often coordinate with the Ministry of Magic as well as ministries all over. We have MIAs in multiple countries that we often work with. The idea of the Defence Squads is something we all felt safer having which is why we've been discussing putting them to use within the MIA. They would be elite guards that could be called upon in times of need, whether that's the Department of Magical Law Enforcement needing more help, the MIA needing the assistance, or the ICW needing an extra hand. The plan is to have these elite guards working in MIAs all over the world to be called upon whenever a specific country is in need of them. They will be called Guardians and the same four units will be trained exclusively to assist in their fields: Terra Troops for land defence, Aqua Protectors for water, Wing Guards for air, and the Spooks will work intelligence and strategy as needed. They will be trained by the best and if we ever need their help, we will have them ready to call so that if a dark wizard or witch ever rises up in Britain again, we will be able to stop him or her before it's too late."

The bill was passed with a majority and they moved onto the next order of business. A few more Death Eater trials were still being processed as many of the accused had allegations against them from multiple countries. A few more little things were discussed before Chief Witch Marchbanks finally dismissed them and Sirius made his way out of the council to greet Bill Weasley.

"Bill, things are looking great in there," Sirius said.

Bill smiled warmly at him as Sirius took in the scars on the man's neck and face. It was a reminder of one more thing he had missed, another battle that had taken place while he'd been dead. Sometimes it still overwhelmed him. He shook the thoughts from his head as Bill answered.

"It is. A lot of good is happening and it's wonderful to see. Speaking of good, congratulations on your marriage."

"Thank you," Sirius said. "It's been a long time coming. How's fatherhood treating you? I heard it's a little girl."

"Victoire," Bill said with a huge grin. "She's beautiful and amazing. I'm very blessed."

"Always knew you had a thing for Fleur," Sirius teased.

Bill shrugged. "I'm a lucky man."

They chatted a bit more and Sirius was pleased to catch up. He stopped to talk to Augusta Longbottom and Griselda Marchbanks as well, catching up for a few moments before wishing them well.

It felt good to be back.

Sirius often stopped by Hogwarts to have lunch with Remus, marvelling at the fact that his best mate brought his son to the castle with him. They chatted about their wives, their kids, their jobs, and about Harry and it felt so great to have that again. When Remus was busy, he sometimes popped by the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to catch Harry. He was harder to pin down for lunch as sometimes he ended up out in the field or was too busy to break at a scheduled time, but seeing him in uniform, watching him work as an A2 in the Dark Arts Unit, Sirius had never been prouder.

As summer began, Remus was bouncing between Hogwarts and his house as he tried to organize the school and help get it ready for September with still no headmistress or headmaster in sight. Sirius sometimes popped down to the Menagerie to grab lunch with his wife instead.

As July swept in, Sirius was pleased to receive a letter from Apollo Castellanos. Zee had told him that she'd written to Althea to tell her the news that Sirius was back, but hearing from Apollo had still been a surprise. Apollo wrote to tell him how pleased he was to hear that his death had been faked and that he was hoping to catch up soon as he and his wife Medea were in the process of moving back to England. Medea had been offered a job by the Ministry of Magic in the Magical Menagerie with a better promotion and pay than she was currently getting in the Greek Ministry. After much discussion, they decided to move back to England. Apollo, Medea, and their three daughters: Daphne, Circe, and Cassandra were hoping to be settled by August and Sirius was anxious to see them.

Sirius and Zee invited them over to the house for a barbecue at the end of the summer and learned that Apollo was taking over the ownership of the Greek restaurant that his older brother Acheron owned. Apollo ran the restaurant in Greece so transferring to the one in England wasn't anything new for him. The family restaurant was called The Greek A's and had been open for ten years in Apricity Lane. Acheron wanted to retire and was more than happy to pass the business to his younger brother.

Zee and Medea talked shop as Medea worked as a magizoo-healer and told Zee about some of the magical creatures whom she'd worked with in Greece. The girls played in the treehouse with Leo and Mina, keeping an eye on them. Daphne, their eldest, would be turning ten in November and was pushing Leo on the tire swing as he laughed in joy. Circe had just turned nine and she was pushing Mina in the second tire swing while Cassandra, who was six, was at the top of the pirate ship yelling for her sisters.

"It's really great to have you back in England, mate," Sirius said, grinning out at the sight of the kids all getting along.

Apollo nodded, a smile on his face. "It's nice to be back. We loved living in Greece of course as most of our family is there, but England is where we met and Medea and I talked about what we want for our girls. The direction the British Ministry is taking is a good one. We love the plans for a more accepted society and the fact that Hogwarts has opened it's doors to all magical beings… it's a world we want our daughters to grow up in."

"It is pretty great to see some of these changes in action. We've been working towards them for the last decade and seeing some of them come into play, it's amazing. Jones is doing a great job as Minister of Magic," Sirius said.

"He is," Apollo greeted. "As good as the job offer was, if the war had still been going on here… I don't think we would have come. My girls come first."

"I understand," Sirius told him. "But I'm sure glad to have you back."

Apollo smiled. "Thank you. So, how have you been? How's Harry?"

"Engaged," Sirius said with a chuckle. "He proposed in June and Zee's already happily helping plan their wedding for next July."

"Engaged?" Apollo repeated, his eyes widening. "I swear he was just six and hugging the puppy you got from me! Marauder, right?"

Sirius chuckled. "You and me both, mate. Yeah, it was Marauder. He was a good pup. We cried buckets when we lost him. He's buried over there under the big tree. Harry's an A2 in the Dark Arts Unit at the Ministry."

"An Auror? Wow. Good for him. You must be proud."

"Incredibly," Sirius said. "Being back… I mean, I missed a lot when I was… in America."

Apollo nodded. "I imagine you did. Faking your own death was obviously beneficial to the war effort though?"

"Yeah," Sirius said. He hated lying to his friend, but this was definitely something that he couldn't share. "But I'm glad to be home and I'm happy you're back in England. Other than Zee, no one really appreciates my bikes. Harry likes them and Zee says he takes them for a ride every now and again, but he doesn't appreciate them like I do; the way he should."

Apollo chuckled. "I'd love to see what you've done with them, Sirius."

Sirius grinned as he led Apollo to the shed and thought it was great to have another friend close by. Things had definitely changed for the better over the last few months and Sirius was proud to be a part of it and excited to see where life took him next.

~ TTTC ~

Remus felt like life had finally for the first time, given him something good. Meeting Sirius, James, Peter, and Lily had been his first real boost, but the darkness of the impending war that followed all of them had made it bittersweet. He'd lost all of them, but gained Sirius back along with the opportunity to raise the son of an old friend. Those early years, raising Harry… Remus wouldn't change a thing about them.

Then there was his Nymphadora. He still sometimes goggled at the fact that she loved him. That she would choose him over any of the younger, healthier men in her life. But she'd chosen him in every way possible and together they had a beautiful son who lit up his life like he couldn't explain.

Now, Sirius was back for good. Zee was back. All of the Death Eaters had been captured and the war was finally over. He had nothing to worry about except normal responsibilities for once and it was wonderful.

He was lying on his back now, his arms tucked behind his head, a soft smile on his face as his very naked and gorgeous wife kissed his shoulders. Teddy was asleep and they'd just had rather spectacular sex if he did say so himself. Tonks' lips brushed over the hair on his chest and she grinned.

"It's all silver and white."

"It's not," Remus insisted. "It's just a very, very light blond."

Tonks smirked. "White and silver."

She planted kisses through his white and silver chest hair (Remus was ignoring the fact that she was right) and down over his flat stomach, following the light trail of hair down between his legs. Her hand gripped him, shifting him over so that she could kiss his balls.

"Mmm, still a few browns mixed in down here."

"You're a minx, Nymphadora."

Tonks' lips twitched. "You are still the sexiest man I have ever seen in my life. I like the silver and white hairs. It makes you look distinguished."

"It makes me look bloody old," he muttered.

He was thirty-nine years old and his beautiful wife of four years was twenty-six. Sometimes, he still had no idea what she saw in him, but she made him ridiculously happy. He shifted and grabbed her arms, rolling her over and pinning her to the bed. Her grey eyes lit up and she bit her bottom lip.

Remus took in her bright pink hair with purple on the ends as he kissed her softly. Then he let his lips move down her throat, focusing on her small breasts that he loved to give complete attention to. His fingers traced the scars on her stomach and side while he suckled her, grateful as always that she was here with him; that he hadn't lost her. Then he moved lower, kissing each scar tenderly until he was settled between her thighs. The moment his tongue swiped over her, she whimpered.

"Yes… gods, Rem. You're too good at that."

He smiled and kept it up until she was crying his name as she came. He kissed his way up her stomach, planting his arms on either side of her head and kissing her lips.

"I will never stop loving you, Nymphadora."

Tonks' eyes softened as she slid her hands up his chest. "I'll never stop loving you, Remus Lupin."

When he slid into her, they both gasped. It was slow and perfect and then they cradled each other close, Tonks fingers running through his brownish gold and silver hair. She kissed the top of his head.

"I love you. When you turn forty next year, you're going to be a total silver fox."

"I'm a wolf," he grunted.

She grinned. "A silver wolf then, but all mine."

She slapped his arse and he grunted again.

"I still have brown hair."

"Barely. It's more silver with brownish gold highlights."

"It's been a stressful few years," Remus insisted.

Tonks kissed his forehead. "Yes, it has. But now, everything is finally over. The war is done. No more rogue Death Eaters on the run. Sirius and Zee are both miraculously alive and well. We witnessed them get married and they have their little family. Harry and Ginny are engaged. Rem… life is good."

Remus could hardly argue with that.

Life was good. The Hogwarts Board of Governors had spoken to him about holding onto the Headmaster position at Hogwarts, but Remus loved teaching. He loved seeing the joy in his students' eyes when he taught them something and when they figured it out themselves. It was a beautiful sight and he wasn't quite ready to let that go.

But finding someone to replace Minerva McGonagall was proving to be an impossible task. She had stepped into Dumbledore's shoes seamlessly, but no one could quite live up to either of them in reputation.

Flitwick had brought it up at the staff meeting they'd held last week. "I think you should consider it, Remus. You're a wonderful teacher, but you're also very good at being the Deputy Headmaster. We need someone strong to lead this school; someone we can trust and count on to help us rebuild."

"What about you, Fil?" Remus asked. "You've been teaching here for almost thirty years. You'd be an asset at that desk."

Flitwick shook his head. "Nah, that's not for me."

"It's not that I wouldn't like the job," Remus said carefully. "It's just… I love teaching. We'd have to find someone new to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts and I don't want to give that up. Plus… a werewolf Headmaster? No one is going to support that."

"Who says you have to give it up? Minerva kept teaching for a bit after taking the position. You could too. Whoever you choose as Deputy could help split the responsibilities more. It could be possible," Flitwick insisted. "And times are changing, Remus. No one cares a flying fig that you're a werewolf. You're an incredible educator and that's what we're looking for here."

Remus promised to consider it, but he still wasn't sure it was something he wanted just yet. He spoke more to the other professors about what they were to expect in the coming school year and worked tirelessly to organize everything so that Hogwarts would be ready for their students' return in September.

Then when August struck, the Hogwarts Board of Governors had asked to meet with him and told him that he was their first choice to be appointed as Headmaster.

"I'm flattered," Remus began. "Honoured, truly, but —"

"No, buts," Julius Abbott declared. "You're the best wizard for the job, Lupin. You've proven that with what you've been doing this summer. We need someone strong who knows how to lead and a fine educator on top of it."

"I want to keep teaching," Remus said.

"We don't see an issue with that," Abbott said. "You're one of the best Defence Against the Dark Arts teachers we've seen go through Hogwarts in decades. The students love you and so do the other teachers. You can keep teaching."

"Being headmaster is a full time position," Remus began. "It will be impossible for me to do all of my required duties and teach. Minerva tried and it was too much."

"No, it won't be," Sirius said, making Remus turn to him. Remus was happy to see his friend back on the Hogwarts Board of Governors, it was a good place for him.

"Who will be Deputy?" Remus asked.

"That's what we're trying to tell you if you'd shut up for a minute," Sirius teased. "We've established here that you are an incredible teacher whom we don't want to lose, but we also want to see you as Headmaster, so we've proposed a change. You will continue to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts and take on the post of Headmaster of Hogwarts. To assist in this job, we've asked Gideon Birmingham to take on the post of Deputy Headmaster along with his teaching duties. Payton MacGregor will take over as Head of Gryffindor House and Aurora Sinistra will take on the new title of Deputy Assistant Headmistress along with her teaching duties. This will allow the three of you to work as a team and continue as professors for as long as you choose to do so."

Remus stared at his friend for a long moment, surprised at how much he loved that idea. He looked around the room before he spoke. "Gideon and Aurora have already agreed?"

"As long as you say yes, Lupin," Abbott said.

Remus let out a slow breath before he found himself nodding. "All right. Yes. I'll take the job."

He'd never imagined that one day he would become the Headmaster of the very school that had changed his life, but life had a way of surprising him. He shook the thoughts from his head and kissed his wife's cheek.

It was the start of a new beginning and one that he couldn't wait to explore.

~ TTTC ~

Ginny knew that planning a wedding was going to be a lot and she also knew that being the only daughter was going to make Molly go a bit overboard with everything. It had been one week since she and Harry had announced their engagement to their friends and families and Molly and Zee were already working together to put ideas forward on the how, when, why, what, and where of the Weasley/Potter wedding.

Molly had calmed down somewhat after the announcement and Ginny had been pleased when they'd gone home and all her mother had said was that they would chat later about ideas. What she hadn't expected was to be halfway to orgasm the very next morning, Harry's tongue doing delicious things to her, only to be interrupted by a loud knock on their bedroom door.

"Ginny, dear? Are you awake? I brought the wedding scrapbook I made."

Harry groaned into her thigh. "It's half past six, Gin."

"Ginny? Dear, are you awake?"

"I'll be right down, Mum!" Ginny called out, burying her face in her hands. "Harry, it's barely been twelve hours since we told her. She's going to drive me to drink."

"I'll be in the kitchen," Molly called out. "I'll make you both breakfast."

They heard her move away from the door and Harry kissed her thigh.

"She's excited. She wants to plan things."

"It's our wedding."

"Yes, and we'll have final say," he assured her. Then he ducked his head down and used his tongue again.

"Mmm, better be quick down there before she comes looking for us again," Ginny warned.

His tongue circled her clit, flicking and twirling as his fingers joined in and she moaned. She could feel it building, the pleasure coiling inside of her. She was close enough to taste it and she reached down to grip Harry's hair tighter, urging him forward just as Molly's voice came through the door again.

"Ginny!"

"Bloody hell!" Ginny groaned, shoving Harry away.

He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "You were close, I could feel it."

"Breakfast is ready," Molly called through the door. "Are you coming?"

"Not anymore," she grumbled making Harry laugh.

"We'll be right down, Molly," Harry called out.

They heard her disappear again and Ginny rolled over, letting out a small scream into the pillow. Harry kissed his way up her spine.

"I'll make it up to you later. Come on, we better get downstairs before she sends out a search party."

A moment later, Harry was in the shower and Ginny had reluctantly pulled on an old worn pair of cotton shorts and one of Harry's tee shirts before heading downstairs. She found Molly sitting at the kitchen table with three plates of breakfast out and a huge scrapbook wrapped in white lace.

"Good morning, Ginny!"

Ginny gave her mum a small smile, kissing her cheek before she sat down. "Morning, Mum. This was nice of you."

"Oh, it was nothing," Molly said, waving her off. "I wanted to catch you early."

Ginny let out a slow breath. "Mum, I love how excited you are. Truly. I'm excited too, but you really can't just pop by at barely half past six. I don't live at home anymore, Mum. I live here — with Harry. Harry and I are working out a routine. We like to get up and have a run in the morning. It's not that I don't appreciate the breakfast, but as I said we're getting into our own routine and a huge full breakfast isn't part of that and… Mum, you can't just show up bright and early," she finished lamely.

Molly's brown eyes widened. "Oh! Of course, I didn't even… I won't pop by so early next time. I just… I'm sorry, dear, I'm just so excited! I barely slept a wink after you lot left last night. I have so many ideas! I know that you're not living at home anymore and I have to respect that. Things are different. I promise not to impose on you and Harry like this so early next time."

"All right," Ginny agreed. "That would be appreciated and maybe you know, ask first."

Molly chuckled. "I'll try, but that's not the Weasley way, is it?"

Ginny shrugged. No, it definitely wasn't. "Well, maybe not, but Harry and I would like some privacy. You um… interrupted."

"Oh!" Molly exclaimed, her cheeks heating. "I didn't even think about that. Merlin, Ginny! You two snuck off last night to have sex during our family dinner and now you're telling me that you were still at it this morning?"

"We're engaged and we're celebrating," Ginny said, her lips twitching. "And someone interrupted us this morning."

Molly shook her head before her eyes twinkled. "Yes, you're engaged. My baby girl is going to marry the man of her dreams." She tapped her hand on the large lace scrapbook. "Does that mean we can chat about the wedding now?"

Ginny sighed. "I'm going to regret saying yes, aren't I?"

Molly waved her off and opened a small planner that she had stacked on top before pulling out a pair or reading glasses from her purse.

"All right, so if we're looking at July of 2000, we definitely want to do a weekend. Obviously Harry's birthday is out, but what about the first week of July?"

"Mum, if we make it to the finals next year, I could be playing Quidditch up to the first week of July depending how the matches fall."

Molly pursed her lips. "Well, that just won't do. We can't have you jumping off of your broom and getting married the next day, you'll need time to decompress and get the last minute things organized. When do you start up again?"

"August twenty-first for training."

Molly nodded, examining the calendar. "So July twenty-third is a week before Harry's birthday, almost three weeks before yours which would give you four weeks between marrying Harry and returning to Quidditch giving you time for a honeymoon as well. Do you know where you'd like to go? Paris would be lovely. Or have you thought about some warm island? You could go back to Antigua or go to Greece? Maybe Rome?"

"Mum, let's figure out the wedding first," Ginny said, eating her bacon. "The twenty-third sounds great."

Molly beamed. "All right. The twenty-third of July, two thousand, the day my baby marries Harry Potter," she exclaimed, tears glistening in her eyes. "All right, I've written it down. Godric, you're going to be a beautiful bride. Now, onto the venue. I do think having it here at Clevedon Court or at Norfolk is the best option unless you want to find an outside source somewhere but that makes privacy from reporters a bit harder to hold into play. You'll need a large venue as once we invite family and friends and plus ones, why just your cousins alone are going to be a big gathering and you and Harry are both becoming rather famous in your own right. We're probably looking at a few hundred people."

"A few hundred?" Ginny gasped. "Who are we inviting? All of Wizarding Britain?"

Molly scoffed. "Well, your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, husbands and wives or plus ones, then children. You have your brothers and nieces and your friends, your teammates, then we'll have Harry's family and Zee's side is a bit large, isn't it? That's not including Harry's friends and colleagues."

Listening to her mother list them off, she realized Molly was right. There was definitely no way that this was going to be small wedding, not unless they eloped.

"Then you'll need to think of how many bridesmaids you want and Harry will have to coordinate with groomsmen as we can't have an uneven number. Plus you'll want a flower girl and a ring-bearer. And of course we'll have to find someone respectable to perform the ceremony. The minister who did for Bill and Fleur was an old friend of the Delacour family."

Ginny's eyes were wide when Harry came into the kitchen. She watched him peck her mum's cheek and thank her for breakfast before he sat next to her in his full Auror uniform. She grabbed his hand and mouthed, "save me."

Harry chuckled as he dug into his breakfast. "So, how's the planning going so far?"

By the time they finished breakfast, Ginny was already feeling overwhelmed. Harry stood up to leave for work and Ginny grabbed his arm.

"You can't leave me!" she hissed.

He grinned and kissed her. "You'll be fine, Gin."

"You don't know that. I could have you wearing something atrocious by the time you come home and we could be getting married by a troll."

"Don't care," he said against her lips. "As long as you say 'I do,' I'll be there. Love you. See you tonight."

She watched him leave, softening at his words, but still feeling a bit of betrayal from him for doing so. She turned back to her mum with a sigh and thought it was going to be a long day.

It turned out to be a rather long week.

When Molly wasn't popping by, Zee was sending owls. Questions about bridesmaids and groomsmen, wedding colours, wedding themes, lilies or roses or orchids or daisies, music and food… it never seemed to end. The only reprieve was the Tuesday Ginny spent with Angelina, Katie, and Alicia for a bridesmaid fitting. She did let herself look at a few wedding dresses but nothing caught her eye and if she was honest, she had no idea what she really wanted.

She was two weeks into being engaged and already felt like her head was going to explode with all of the wedding details her mum was throwing her way. She told Theo as much that morning as they headed into hot yoga. The hot yoga classes were three times a week and Ginny and Theo both loved them. They spent an hour in class and then would shower and get breakfast together, catching up before Theo headed to work. He was interning at St Mungo's now, working alongside of a mind healer named Ethan Harrison from ten to six five days a week and he loved it.

Theo gave her a sympathetic look as she told him about her mother's endless questions.

"I know it blows, chick, but these are all important questions. Let's break it down to make it easier, all right? I planned most of the Kanes' anniversary party and second wedding, let me help. I know people."

Ginny brushed her red hair behind her ear. "How do you choose a colour scheme? I don't know what I want, Theo. I've never been that kind of girl. I just knew that I wanted to marry Harry. Everything else was just… background. I never really pictured my dress or any of this."

"That's because you're such a romantic," Theo teased, picking up her hand to examine her engagement ring for the umpteenth time. "This ring is seriously stunning, Ginny. It suits you and gives off a Gryffindor vibe."

Ginny's eyes softened as she looked down at the ring. "I know. It's gorgeous, isn't it? I can't stop looking at it. It's from the seventeenth century and was designed by one of his ancestors. It just has so much meaning, you know?"

Theo smiled. "I know. What's Harry's favourite colour?"

"Red. Like my hair," she said.

"Of course it is," Theo said with a chuckle. "That's it, chick. Red and gold. Match it to your ring. That should be the wedding colours. Like you said, it has a lot of meaning. This is a Potter heirloom, is it not?"

"Yes."

"Somerset coat of arms is red and gold and so is the Potter one. Marquess traditional colours bleed into the engagement ring therefore you should use the colours in your wedding. You're both Gryffindors which also has red and gold colours and you'd rock it," Theo said simply. "Ginny, this is going to be the wedding of the century and you two are getting married in the new millennium, it's a big bloody deal. You're going to be a stunning bride and with your hair, that ring… go with red and gold."

Ginny bit her lip, but the more she thought about it, the more she wanted it. It really did sound perfect. "And you?"

"What about me?"

"What will you be wearing to this wedding of the century? I need my Man of Honour to look incredible by my side."

Theo's eyes widened in surprise. "Man of Honour? Me?"

Ginny squeezed his hand. "Absolutely. I need my best friend by my side, Theo. Will you stand up there with me?"

Theo beamed at her, tears in his eyes. "Yes. I would be honoured!"

"Good," Ginny said. "That's one thing off of my never ending to-do list."

"Who else will be with you?"

"Luna, obviously. Then Colin and Hermione and maybe Angelina. She's done so much for me with my career and she's always been supportive of me playing Quidditch and I'm standing in her wedding in the fall. So, five."

"Perfect," Theo said. "I have the perfect idea for the bridesmen and groomsmen to wear."

Ginny smiled, feeling a bit lighter. "Talking to you is definitely less stressful than my mum."

Theo laughed. "You'll get there, chick. One thing at a time. I promise I'll help with everything."

By August, Ginny had asked her bridesmen and bridesmaids to stand with her and was happy that they all said yes, but when she told Molly who her five choices were, her mum frowned.

"Ginny, now I know that Theo and Colin are close friends, but it's really not traditional to have men in the bridal party. Surely they can stand on Harry's side instead?"

"They can," Ginny replied, "but they won't. I need Theo as my Man of Honour and it won't feel right without him."

"But who will he walk down the aisle with? It will be all disproportionate for the photos."

Ginny rolled her eyes. "Mum, just because it's a tradition doesn't make it the only way. Theo will walk the aisle with Harry's Best Man, Ron."

Harry, after learning that Ginny had five in her party, asked Ron to be his best man and then asked Neville, Dean, and Seamus to stand with him. Missing one body, he decided to ask George since Angelina was standing with Ginny.

They'd asked Ron and Hermione together and Ron had stared at Harry when he stumbled through the words.

"Mate, if you asked anyone else I would kill you. Where else would I be?"

Molly eventually agreed that some traditions were meant to be broken, but she did gasp in surprise when Ginny told her who was going to marry them.

"Charlie! He's not even qualified!"

"He will be," Ginny said. "Anyone can get properly ordained and he's going to do it. I want Charlie to marry us, Mum."

When it came to the flower girl and ring-bearer, they had gotten into an argument again. Mina and Aydin were both going to be flower girls and Leo and Teddy were both going be the ring-bearers.

"You only need one of each, Ginny," Molly said.

"I want two of each," she insisted.

Fred volunteered to help and claimed the kids would be remembered. Molly had then proceeded to lecture Fred for twenty minutes straight over the importance of not making a spectacle of himself in his sister's wedding. Ginny exchanged a look with her brother and grinned. Mina, Aydin, and Leo would be three and a half when they married and Teddy would be two. It was going to be adorable.

Molly was worried about Fred causing a ruckus, but Zee thought it sounded fun and helped calm Molly down, claiming that Fred would be the one responsible for getting the kids down the aisle.

When it came to the actual wedding planning, Zee was much calmer than Molly, but her ideas were just as big. Once Ginny announced that they were going with red and gold, Zee immediately jumped on board.

"Red velvet bridesmaid dresses. I know it sounds strange for July, but trust me. There's this amazing little boutique in Luminescent Walk that has the best wedding attire!" Zee exclaimed. "Then we'll have to talk flowers. I assume you'll bring Neville in for that?"

Neville had already been more than happy to help. He suggested red calla lilies with white roses for her bouquet claiming they symbolized courage, youthfulness, young love, eternal loyalty, and new beginnings. He promised to draw up some drafts on what it would look like.

Then it came down to planning the actual ceremony.

Zee had this idea that they needed to share their first dance while the sun was setting.

"With red and gold as your theme and the sun setting behind you…. It will be breathtaking," Zee exclaimed. "There's no other option."

Ginny frowned. "Well, that does sound lovely, but wouldn't that put the wedding rather late in the evening?"

"Not at all!" Zee insisted. "It'll be between three and four; then you'll have photos and cocktails, then dinner will be for seven by the time speeches are done it will be perfect!"

It did sound rather beautiful, Ginny agreed. When she agreed to that, it seemed more plans took over. She got a small reprieve when she took off for two weeks in July and August to travel with Luna and Colin.

She met Luna in New Zealand who told her all about how amazing it was and they spent a week exploring the different islands in the area. When Luna was working on the reserve, Ginny went out and explored a bit on her own. It was beautiful and incredible and she took hundreds of photos. She spoke to Harry on the mirror every day, showing him glimpses of where she was.

Spending time with just Luna was something she needed for herself. Seeing Luna being a Naturalist was wonderful. The job fit her so well. She was happiest diving deep into the wild life from algae found in the ocean to volcanic rock found on the top of Mount Ruapehu, she was in her element and it showed. Luna, despite often being dreamy and a little strange, was extremely intelligent and Ginny knew that this was the job for her friend without question.

She met some of the other magizoologists, dragonologists, and naturalists working on the reserve and was disappointed when it was time to leave the country.

But she met Colin as he came back to England for a few days and asked him to take engagement photos for Harry and Ginny. The photos turned out amazing. They were simple: The two of them walking outside in Clevedon Court, on the front steps and holding hands while Ginny's hand pressed against Harry's heart, showcasing her ring.

The one she loved best was the one of her hand resting on Harry's heart, her ring sparkling in the setting sun behind them. Her head was thrown back slightly in laughter, her long red hair blowing in the wind. Harry was holding her other hand in his as if he was about to sweep her into a dance, but in reality, he'd been moving in to tickle her. His eye were bright as he stared at her in happiness. She wore a sundress in red and gold to match her ring and Harry was dressed in black trousers with a red shirt unbuttoned at the neck. It was simple and it was them.

It was this photo that they agreed to release to the press to announce their engagement to the world. Then Ginny kissed Harry goodbye and took off with Colin to spend some time with him at the beginning of August.

Colin had stayed in Italy for a week, taking photos of everything in between shagging Blaise Zabini, despite Theo's warning. Colin swore it was nothing more than a hookup and when Blaise left Italy, Colin headed for Spain. He spent two weeks travelling to different cities and villages before returning to England to take Harry and Ginny's engagement photos. When he left again, Ginny went with him and he told her that they were going to Portugal.

Colin wanted to travel and take photos and he led her around the city of Lisbon as they experienced fun tourist things. Ginny felt like she was smiling the whole time, laughing when Colin snapped photos of her along the way.

It was on her second day in Lisbon when she saw the dress.

It was in a window of a tiny little shop off of the beaten path of a magical village called Encantador Beco. She stopped Colin in his tracks and tugged on his hand.

"We need to go in here."

Colin glanced in the window before he followed her inside. A tiny old wizard with long white hair in a braid smiled warmly at them.

"Bem-vindo," he proclaimed joyfully.

Colin's translation charm did enough to help them get by, but it wasn't perfect. However when Ginny turned towards the gown in the window, a big smile broke out across his face.

The gown, he said in broken English, was handmade by elves and spun from the silken webs of an acromantula. It was tulle with tiny pearls sewn into embroidered silk and lace flowers. Silk buttons tied between the breasts of the strapless flowing long half sleeved gown. It was form fitting at the waist, tapering off into a ballgown that flowed to the ground in a long beautiful train.

"The pearls are the best in the world. They come from Australia, given by the Merpeople from the Coral Sea. It's one of a kind. Would you like to try it on, a senhorita?"

Ginny nodded, half in a daze as she stared at the dress. The tiny wizard led her to the back where she could change behind a screen and she carefully pulled the gown over her head and worked the buttons. It fit like a glove.

Her breasts were nestled above the gown like an offering, the translucent tulle dipped between her breasts, leaving a small gap of skin showing about two centimetres wide. The sleeves had silk cufflinks to keep them closed, flowing in an almost puffy way around her arm. The material seemed to be made of something softer and lighter than anything she'd ever worn and when she stepped out from the screen, Colin gasped.

The old wizard's eyes brightened and he began to babble in rapid Portuguese, but Ginny's eyes met Colin's.

"I think this is it, Colin. Is that not ridiculous? I've barely even looked at dresses. Shouldn't it take months for me to find the perfect one?"

"No," Colin breathed, taking her in. "No. Sometimes Ginny, it just takes one. That's it. I know nothing about fashion and Merlin knows if Theo or Luna were here you'd have way better advice, but you look bloody incredible. That dress was made for you."

Ginny glanced at herself in the mirror, taking in the creamed ivory. "I never planned on sleeves. I mean, the wedding's in July."

"But it's not a real sleeve," Colin said. "It starts halfway above your elbow. And it's light."

"Very light," the wizard said. "Made for a summer wedding."

Ginny bit her lip. "I…"

The wizard came up next to her in the mirror and picked up her hand with the engagement ring on it. He placed it over her stomach, making the ring glint in the light. She stared at it and she knew.

This was the dress.

Colin snapped a photo of her staring at herself in the mirror and when she turned to look at him, he smiled. "Yes."

"How much?" Ginny asked, turning to look at the old wizard.

The wizard beamed. "For you, I make deal."

Ten minutes later, Ginny and Colin were walking out of the shop with the gown draped over her arm.

"Bloody hell. You've got a wedding dress, Ginny," Colin said, a huge smile on his face.

Ginny grinned back at him. She had a wedding dress.

And in exactly eleven months, she was going to marry Harry James Potter.

She couldn't wait.

---

End Author's Notes:

(Portuguese) Encantador Beco = Bewitching Alley
(Portuguese) Bem-vindo = welcome
(Portuguese) a senhorita = miss

You're Cordially Invited To
The Wedding of
Harry James Potter
and
Ginevra Molly Weasley
On the 23rd of July 2000
At Clevedon Court in Somerset.
The ceremony will be held at 3:30PM.
Cocktails will be served at 5PM.
Dinner will be served at 7PM.

RSVP next week for the wedding.

Thanks for reading and please review!