13th May 1997
HARRY
"You can't just leave like that!" shouted Padfoot.
"And why is that?" asked irritated Harry.
"Because!"
"Very strong arguments you have I see."
"I won't let you leave!" Sirius protested "This isn't right!"
"Well, you don't have much choice in that matter."
"I'm your guardian!"
"Not anymore. For your information, I'm off-age." Harry deadpanned, "Your only chance at stopping me is to tie me up and lock me in the basement."
"Then I will!"
"I would like to see that." Hissed Harry slowly glaring at his godfather.
After spending a few minutes in a glaring match, Sirius turned to Remus who was watching them silently "You could help me, Moony! Don't sit there doing nothing!"
"Padfoot," started Remus carefully, "trust me, I don't like it either, but it's cub's choice. We really can do nothing about it. You know him, when Harry wants something, he won't stop until he gets it." He earned a grateful look from Harry.
"We can stun him, tie him up, and hold him in the basement!" Harry just raised an eyebrow challengingly at his words.
"And that would end up well," Remus said sarcastically shaking his head, "really Padfoot, he can take care of himself. We both made sure of that."
"So, you're just going to watch him leave us?!"
"No Sirius, I'm not leaving you" Harry interjected "I'm just leaving this rotten world. I'm not going to cut contact with you, and I will be still visiting. I just need to get away from this whole mess."
"Pup, you just need to find a nice, proper witch and everything will be just fine."
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yes, especially with my non -existent social skills"
"There is nothing wrong with your social skills Prongslet! I was teaching you after all!"
"Exactly" Harry replied and Sirius for a few seconds wore a triumphant expression before the meaning of his godson's words came down on him. Harry just turned back to packing his things while Sirius sulked.
"Hey!" Sirius cried indignantly while Remus just snickered. "My social skills are just fine. In fact, they were never better."
Harry turned back to him with an expression one would use to deal with a naïve, little child, and patted him on the cheek "I'm sure they are." He said in mock seriousness.
"Besides," Harry continued "How do you exactly imagine me finding myself a, how did you put it? 'A nice, proper witch'?
"You're Harry Potter! They will fight for your attention!"
"And that's bothering me, Sirius! Do you really think that someone will believe me when I introduce myself? Merlin, everyone thinks I'm just a myth, some fairy tale superhero defeating Dark Lords, slaying basilisks, and riding dragons on a daily basis. And even if someone would believe me, no one would like or love me for me! I'm just a synonym for fame and money. And say that someone likes me for me, this won't last long when they discover that their beloved pure-blooded, perfect hero from the light side in shiny golden armour is, in fact, a half-blood who uses dark magic and killed more people than he can count!"
"You can just change your name!"
"No Sirius, the problem lies way deeper than just in a name." He sighed, "It's also about this world. It is corrupted, prejudiced and rotten. This world made me fight and kill since I was eleven, for Merlin's sake! Eleven-year-old is supposed to worry about quidditch, exams, and grades, not if they will be killed the next day!" Harry was seething. This anger, after all those years, has finally found a way out of him. Lowering his voice he said, "I have dedicated all my bloody life to fighting this war, and in the end I have died." His voice was slowly raising again, "And after all of this, some people still think that I'm supposed to help them clean this mess, that I OWE it to them! I'm done Padfoot. I'm tired and I feel even older than Dumbledore. I need to clear my mind and find who I really am. And I have to do it alone, without the two of you by my side."
Sirius's face softened while Harry was talking. He could understand Harry's need of leaving, but it certainly would be easier with him and Remus by his side, right? This boy is too stubborn for his own good, Sirius thought, just like his parents. Now, he was left with his last desperate attempt of stopping Harry. He knew he was hitting low, but couldn't really help it.
"You know that Dora and Andi won't let you leave, don't you?
Harry rolled his eyes but his face lost a little colour, "That's why I'm leaving right now before they even know I was planning something like that."
"If you leave without telling them goodbye, you will not know their mercy," Remus said grimly causing Harry and Sirius to flinch.
"Well, I prefer to handle their wrath from a safe distance," Harry replied and walked to where Teddy was playing. When the little boy saw him, his eyes lit up and raised his arms in demand of being picked up. Harry of course complied being unable to say 'no' to his little godson.
"I'm going to miss you, little man. Take good care of grandma, mummy, daddy, and this stupid mutt" said Harry pointing at Sirius causing Teddy to giggle.
Then, he walked to Remus and gave him Teddy. Harry retreated to where his trunk was and picked it up.
"I will see you later, I promise" And with that, Harry apparated from Grimmauld Place leaving the wizarding world behind, to begin his new life and find his true self.
Sirius and Remus were staring at the place where Harry was standing just moments before for a few minutes until Sirius broke the silence with a cracking voice, "When did our little puppy grow up so much?" he choked.
"I don't know, Padfoot. I really don't know." Replied Remus looking sadly at little Teddy.
.
19th July 1999
GINNY
Molly Weasley experienced a difficult day today as her precious baby girl was leaving their family home. Although she knew this day would eventually arrive, she had hoped it wouldn't be for several more years. Molly had always envisioned Ginny following in her footsteps and becoming a traditional household wife and proper lady, but she had to accept that her daughter was not cut out for that lifestyle, which pained her deeply. Ginny was more of a tomboy, disliking things typically associated with femininity such as cosmetics, dresses, and jewelry. She was content with just a broomstick, even if it was a worn-out, old cleansweeper. What troubled Molly the most was that Ginny had never shown any interest in dating. It appeared that she still harbored a crush on Harry Potter from her childhood, which Molly found concerning.
It is with a heavy heart that she acknowledges the fact that she cannot keep all of her babies at the burrow forever. As much as she wishes it were possible, she understands that her children have their own lives to lead and must leave the nest someday. It brings her great sadness to think about her youngest son, Ronald, leaving on his own. She simply cannot imagine him surviving without her constant care and attention. The thought of it breaks her heart. Thankfully, it seems that he will be staying put at the Weasley family home for the foreseeable future.
Molly spent the last two weeks sobbing, fussing over Ginny, cooking, and making sure her baby girl knows how to take care of herself. Of course, Molly Weasley being her usual self hasn't accepted that her daughter wanted to leave. They had many fights over it, but in the end, Arthur managed to convince her, that Ginny was already of age, and even though she was her mother, she couldn't do much. Not to mention that all those fights were slowly destroying her relationship with her only daughter.
Right now, Molly Weasley was occupied with getting ready a farewell dinner for Ginny. All of her sons have come, even Charlie. Most of them even brought their significant others. So, as always when the whole family gathered with their significant others, it had been chaos. Bill and Charlie discuss rather loudly and harshly with Percy, sometimes even over-shouting each other, Ronald and Ginny arguing for Merlin's know-what, not to mention the twins on the loose. Yes, it was chaos indeed. A chaos her husband was watching with amused eyes. Sometimes Molly was wondering if she is the only serious person in the Weasley family. Taking some plates from the counter, she and Fleur started serving a table.
"I just don't understand why you won't go out with him!" shouted Ron to Ginny.
"Hmm, I don't know," Ginny answered sarcastically, "maybe because he is bloody git, not to mention he's so ugly that he only could have a chance with you!"
"You say this every time I ask you!"
"Maybe because-" Ginny started saying, but was quickly interrupted by Percy.
"Yes Ginevra, I noticed the exact same thing. I get the impression that you are rejecting all those boys just to spite us."
Ginny made sure to send him her most scathing glare.
"I think brother dearest," interjected one of the twins,
"That the answer to this question is much simpler," the other one supplied his counterpart,
"Our little ickle Gin-Gin,"
"Is clearly still head over heels in love,"
"With one Harry Potter!" They ended together.
"Ginevra! It's certainly not the thing is it?" Percy asked a very flushed Ginny. "I've already told you numerous times not to believe in those ridiculous fairytales! You're too mature to still cling to them! Now, I happen to have a friend in the minist-…Ugh!" He was cut off by bats made by his own boogies.
Molly decided to intervene. Was it to save her daughter from further embarrassment, or to save her sons from harm, which she was sure Ginny would certainly do, she didn't know.
"Really boys, give a break to your sister," The Weasley matriarch said with a wink to Ginny, causing the girl to smile slightly.
"But Mum…"
"No buts Ronald! And you Ginny, please take off the spell."
After her children calmed down, it was time for a goodbye dinner. It took some time to take off the tension but with the twins' easygoingness and jokes, it wasn't a hard job. They spent a great time together, joking, laughing, and teasing each other. The food made by the Weasley matriarch was delicious as always and with Fleur's assistance she added new tastes. The two of them had difficult beginnings in their relationship, but after some time they managed to find a common language. It, of course, happened when Fleur impressed Molly with her cooking skills.
"Have you already seen today's Daily Prophet?" Bill asked the rest of his family, but his question was intended for Ginny.
"I haven't had time with today's preparations for this dinner" Molly replied.
"Apparently, some reporters managed to hunt down Harry's Potter birth certificate!" These words perked Ginny's attention.
"As far we know, it can be any Harry Potter," Arthur told his eldest son.
"I know Dad, but the whole world only talks about this today. I wouldn't be surprised to see some fraud admit that he is Harry Potter to get all this fame."
"Our ickle, little Gin-Gin," One of the twins started,
"Would certainly make sure, that this fraud wouldn't live to see another day!" The other one finished.
"Boys! Stop teasing your sister!" Their mother reprimanded
"Thanks, Mum" Ginny sent an appreciating smile to her mother, before returning to glaring at her brothers murderously. "Bill, do you think, that what the Prophet is saying about Harry Potter is true?" Her brothers snickered at her question.
"I truly don't know firefly," Bill looked at her sadly. He knew how much she wanted it to be true, "I would say that chances are fifty-fifty. But even if it is true, I doubt that a little child would survive a killing course. Even Dumbledore hadn't managed that." After that, the mood was more grim, but the twins gave their best to improve it.
When everything was eaten, Ginny and the rest of her family made their way to the improvised quidditch peach. After making a team of which captains were Ginny and Charlie, they played a memorable match having great fun.
When Molly called them they knew that it was the time to say goodbye to their little sister. First, she hugged Fleur and the rest of her brother's girlfriends. Next, it was time for her brothers.
"Be careful Ginevra, do not do anything stupid, and work hard," said Percy as he gave her a hug.
"Errr, carry on Ginny" Ron patted her awkwardly on the shoulder, on which she rolled her eyes.
"Now our dearest little sister," Started Fred, giving her a one-armed hug,
"Continue our legacy in the muggle world," George completed as he gave the same hug as his brother, just on the other side
"And never forget to pursue your dreams,"
"Because who knows, maybe you will manage to find your very own Harry Potter!" They finished the sentence together.
"Ginny, I know that you are an adult now, but please be careful, and please, please don't get pregnant!" Charlie said hugging his sister tight.
Ginny managed to get away from his hug, and hit him hard on his chest crying indignantly "Charlie!"
"Do not fret our brother, as for this to happen she has to meet Harry Potter!" The twins joked. Seconds after that they heard an annoyed shout "Boys!"
Bill managed to save his siblings from their sister's wrath by taking her away. When their parents joined them, the four of them apparated to Ginny's new flat.
With tears in his eyes, Bill embraced her tightly. "I hope you can finally have the peaceful life you've been longing for, firefly. Please know that we're here for you, always. If anyone is troubling you, just let me know and I'll take care of it. You can always floo call or apparate to us, no matter what time it is." His sister chuckled at his words.
"I know Bill, thank you. Although I don't think that you would appreciate me apparating to your bedroom in the middle of the night, especially if you and Fleur will be doing me a niece!" she teased causing Bill to blush a little, but he still wore a bright smile.
Ginny then turned to her parents. Or tried at least, because even before she did a full turn, her mother caught her in an incredibly strong, bone-crushing hug, wailing her eyes out.
"Oh my baby, my poor little girl! You still have time to think it all over again!"
"I know Mum, but I made this decision a long time ago"
"Remember, that any time you will want to come back, you are always welcome."
"I know Mum"
"And remem-" She was cut off by Arthur, "Molly, I think that's enough, you are strangling her!"
"OH! I am so sorry!"
"It's okay Mum," said Ginny as her mother moved to where Bill was standing.
"Ginny, I want you to know, that I trust you fully. You are a capable adult who will conquer anything standing in your way. But please do not forget to learn everything about those fascinating things muggles use!" Ginny simply couldn't help but laugh through her tears. Trust her dad to be excited about muggles, even in such moments.
Ginny watched her dad join his son and wife. She waved to them and with her other hand wiped off the moisture in her eyes. There was an excited smile on her lips, but with a hint of nervousness when they disapparated.
In this world, there was no Ginny Weasley. She was now Guinevere Williams.
1st September 1999
Harry Evans was fuming. It was 6 AM, raining and the meat supplies for the restaurant he was working in hadn't arrived yet. Even though he wasn't a manager, he had to get all things done, because the real manager had everything in his arse. At this moment he was driving through the city arguing on the phone with the supplier. He knew that it was illegal but couldn't really help it. Sometimes, like in this moment, he wanted nothing more than to flick his wand and wiped those wankers from the earth's surface. That was exactly the reason why he had left the wizarding world and magic behind. When he was younger he really couldn't understand why Voldemort was so obsessed about power. But now he understood. Power was addicting, and slowly maddening. Yes, that's right. Harry Potter left the wizarding world to keep his own sanity. He could only bitterly imagine, how the Daily Prophet would entertain this idea.
Harry slowed his car significantly and turned right. "I don't really care about this! These supplies were meant to be here two bloody days ago! Send them right now and refund!"
"Your problems are non of my concern! Do not have a good day!" Said Harry as he hung up.
He put away his phone and looked up to see if he had a green light on traffic lights. Then leaned over a little to turn the radio on. Just as he looked back on the road, he only managed to see a red blur running down a pedestrian crossing. Harry barely managed to slam on the brakes and met the blur with a loud THUMP.
"FUCK!" Shouted Harry.