One shots pt 13

by phoenixgirl26

Another set of one shots.

7. Chapter 7

Slash:

The marriage law:

Now that the wizarding war was over, Harry Potter thought he could finally work on what he wanted out of life and what he wanted to do with his life. The first thing he did was repair his parent's home in Godric's Hollow. When he first saw inside he had been surprised at the size. He realised it was like Mr Weasley's old car, some type of expansion charm. It looked like a normal cottage on the outside but it was huge on the inside. It wasn't like Malfoy manor huge but a really big house.

During the time Harry fixed the house, he stayed at Hogwarts to help anywhere he could. But he did help Minerva McGonagall as she ended up with a damaged back when Voldemort flung her into the wall. She did say when she was released from Poppy's care that she had a few things she needed to pass on. So Harry figured he had time to rest, help and just work out what he wanted to do. He never thought he would survive, so he never had any real type of plans for the future.

Harry had a feeling that something would disrupt his plans, whenever he made them, but something always seemed to happen. He just kept hoping now Voldemort was dead, nothing bad would happen. When he was called into the new minister's office, he realised he was right. Harry sat in shock at what the new minister had told him. He understood why this was being implemented but it was the fact they were making it mandatory.

'I know you're shocked Harry, we all were, but it seems after two wars that was caused by pure-blood supremacist, no one wants pure-bloods living in our world at the moment. I was able to convince them that the half-bloods and muggleborns should have the right to choose. I used you for example, thousands of people would be vying for you to marry them or for you to marry their children.'

'So unless I leave and go overseas or live as a muggle, I have to marry a pure-blood?'

'Yes, but you wouldn't leave, would you Harry?'

'I don't want to, but since you said I can choose, I'll stay. If I didn't get to choose, yes, I would leave straight away. Okay, fine I have to do this, but,' Harry sighed, 'can I choose a pure-blood man?'

'So you swing both ways or do you prefer men?'

'I'm gay, Dumbledore told me to date girls, he wanted any extra attention taken off me. Since there wasn't many same sex couples at Hogwarts, people would have been talking about me more than they already were. I would rather no one knows about that though.'

'No problem. I do understand, first the-boy-who-lived then the chosen one. Yes, you can choose a man, as long as he's gay or swings both ways.'

'I know he's gay but he's kept it hidden, telling everyone he has a lot of girlfriends. I'm not sure if he'll admit it or not, so if he turns around and says his not that way inclined, what happens?'

'He will be questioned under veritaserum in case there are couples already serious that aren't both pure-bloods. But we're also going to use the truth potion to determined his sexual orientation, we do that first so if the pure-blood gay man that was chosen by a girl then we can let her know she would need to choose someone else. It's the same if say, Hermione chooses a girl, then the girl will be made to prove her orientation one way or another.'

'Okay, so when does this have to happen?'

'In a few weeks, we're interviewing all the half-bloods and muggleborns very soon, I told them you should know first as you will be the one most will seek out. It has not stopped the letters from pure-bloods saying they should choose, not the other way around. We basically ignore them as there are only about a dozen pure-blood families left with maybe one or two in each family that are single, apart from the Weasley family.'

'What about you, does this affect you?'

'Yes, as a half-blood I will have to marry. Because of my age we are expected to have children or be pregnant within two years. I've been dating a pure-blood for a couple of years so it works out for us.'

'What happens if two people love each other and there they're both pure-bloods?'

'Since they aren't a lot of pure-bloods left then we'd probably make them exempt. But again they get questioned to see if they are telling the truth in case they are trying to keep the line pure.'

'Okay, you mentioned kids, how can I have kids with a man? We're both men, it doesn't work that way, or do we have to adopt?'

Kingsley sighed, 'I still forget how little you know about our world Harry, something I blame Albus for.'

'I blame him for a lot as well, but what don't I know now?'

'With a special potion a man can get pregnant. This potion was derived from polyjuice potion,' Kingsley chuckled as Harry sat there with his mouth hanging open. He couldn't resist so he reached across the desk and pushed his jaw up, 'Yes, men can get pregnant.'

'Fucking hell,' Harry shouted, 'Sorry.'

'Don't be, I can see this shocked you. Now as I was saying the potion is similar to polyjuice potion but it does not turn you into someone else, it just transforms your insides so you can conceive and carry a child. It was a man who was gay that invented this potion, around fifty or sixty years ago if I remember correctly.'

'Okay,' Harry ran his hand through his hair, 'So the baby will be mine and the man's, not some unidentified woman?'

'No, it's made to just change your insides. The one who is to become pregnant needs to drink a very disgusting potion which will allow him to fall. The potion will last a month.'

Harry grimaced, 'Okay, I am not looking forward to that, unless I can talk him into being the one. I'm only eighteen, too young to be a parent. Okay, another question, we're both men, we both want to work, what are we supposed to do with a baby, take it to work with us?'

'If neither of you wish to give up work then you will need to work on a nanny.'

'Then the child will hardly spend time with it's parents,' Harry sighed, 'Can't we delay this for a few years especially since I am young?'

'Anyone under the age of twenty five will get five years to be pregnant. How old is this man you've chosen?'

'Twenty six or twenty seven, I'm not sure exactly.'

'Since you are only eighteen then you'll still get the five years. Do I get to know who it is?'

'Um,' Harry sighed, 'since you're given me the heads up, I'll tell you. It's Charlie Weasley. Sirius said Potter men have a thing for red heads,' Harry shrugged.

'I had a feeling he was gay, but I only met him once before the fighting so I didn't have time to really suss him out. Well, you have a bit of time until both of you will be called in. Are you going to tell Hermione and Ron?'

'No, they keep trying to get me together with Ginny. I couldn't tell them that it was Dumbledore's idea for me to date her.'

'I don't think Molly and Arthur would appreciate their daughter being used like that.'

'That's why I refused to go further, Ginny tried, often. I'm just going to say I realise I prefer men but I might say that she never turned me on, but a bloke did which is when I figured it out. I don't like lying but I've learned over the years that sometimes you have no choice. Anyway, I should get a few things organised before I end up a married man.'

'I'm sure it will work out, at least you got to pick a man you like.'

'I've had a crush on Charlie for a while, since I was fourteen, but I think he only sees me as his little brother's friend. Hopefully with a few things I want to do will make him see me differently.'

'Am I going to be shocked?'

Harry shrugged, 'Probably, like with my hair, it's already getting long but I want it a lot longer. Hermione keeps telling me to cut it, she even threatened to use her wand on me. I told her if she did I will never speak to her again until my hair is as long as Dumbledore's was. But I said I would send her bald and it would stay that way until I got my long hair back. She realised I was serious so she backed off. Ginny kept saying she doesn't like my hair long, I ignore her hoping she will get the message.'

'She'll find out soon enough. I'll let you know when you have to come back in. Oh did you decide what you want to do now you don't want to be an auror?'

'I haven't really decided yet, but one idea I had was an obliviator. I know the muggle world, I could help talk to the muggles before removing their memory. I'm still thinking about it but so far it's one that sounds interesting.'

'Actually, that's a damn good idea Harry, you could also speak with them which will distract them while your partner does the deed. Right now they are so busy, there are only three left who are trained.'

'I won't make any decisions until after this marriage so we can get used to each other,' Harry stood, 'I really wanted to take a few years since I never had time to myself.'

'I get that, you were always guarded, at Hogwarts or with the order. I bet these last few months has been a revelation for you.'

'It has but it's also been great. Hey, my house, can I protect that if the marriage doesn't work?'

'There will be a discussion about that, but since it was your parents place and what took place, I doubt anyone would allow your partner to take it if the marriage didn't work. Oh by the way, if it doesn't, you can't divorce for five years, they really want these to work so making you stay married will give you time. That's what everyone believes anyway.'

'So five years to see if he will see me as a man and not as his younger brother's friend,' Harry sighed, 'I might just leave.'

'Harry.'

'I'm not going to, probably,' Harry smiled, 'It's true about what I said, if I couldn't choose, I would leave, with no hesitation and no one would see me about. But it's fine Kingsley, since I get to choose, so I'll get used to it. I better go, have things to do before you call me back in.'

'Talk to you later Harry,' Kingsley waited until Harry left then started to work on a few others he knew that he wanted to inform about what was going to happen and how this world was going to change. No more pure-blood families, so hopefully no one can ever start a war just so the pure-bloods can take over. Even though he didn't like the fact that they were making everyone do this, he did believe it would be the only way to prevent any more blood wars. He hoped it would help. Now everyone over the age of seventeen would be married and there would be no more pure-bloods left.

Harry worked on an appointment to get his eyes done, after they assessed them they booked him in for the following week to have the laser surgery done. Harry headed straight to get his ear pierced, then he booked himself in to have a tattoo, the first of few he wanted done. He had been working out since the end of the war, now he felt he wouldn't look terrible with tattoos. It was something he always wanted but he always figured his body didn't look good enough, now it does.

It was a week later that Arthur arrived home for dinner. He waited until after everyone had eaten before he said he needed to speak with everyone.

'Is there a problem at the ministry Arthur?'

'No, but there is a major change about to happen. It's already been implemented and anyone that isn't a pure-blood is about to be notified.'

'So it's to do with people like me, muggleborns?' Hermione asked.

'And half-bloods. This might shock all of you but after three wars, two with Voldemort and one with Grindelwald, everyone decided to make sure the pure-blood supremacist can't go on about them running our world.'

'What are they doing dad, not giving pure-blood high up jobs or something?' Ron asked.

'No, they are making all pure-bloods marry a half-blood or muggleborn, but the pure-blood does not get to choose. It was said that since Harry is so important, that he would have half the world wanting to marry him. It's going to be mandatory for all over seventeen to marry.'

'So Ginny might get to marry Harry earlier than we thought?' Molly smiled.

'It will be up to Harry, he gets to choose. Hermione will receive a letter soon asking who she wants to marry. They will speak with the one she chooses but since she's dating Ron and will probably choose him, Ron will be questioned under veritaserum to make sure they are serious. There are a lot of rules going into this, a lot of thought as well.'

'How long before we'd have to marry?' Ron asked.

'Straight away but because of your age then you get five years before you must be pregnant and if the marriage doesn't work then you get five years before you can divorce.'

'But I was going to work for at least ten years before having kids. Ron and I spoke about that, we want a family but not for a while, we want to get settled into jobs and buy a house.'

'Then you will either have to give up work or hire a nanny to look after the baby.'

'So Angelina could choose me since she's a half-blood and we're dating?' Fred asked.

'Yes, but that is why they are using the truth serum, to make sure they are real feelings and they aren't trying to trick the committee. Once word is out, which it will from tomorrow, then there could be a lot of people who will say they are already dating. Anyway, it's late, I'm going to shower and head to bed.'

Charlie had listened to his father, now he wasn't sure what he was going to do. If he left then maybe it might cause problems for his family. If he stayed he would need to marry someone he didn't know and probably a woman. He knew he couldn't be with a woman which meant telling the truth, something he didn't want to do.

It was a week later that Charlie received his letter from the ministry. He had an appointment with the committee in two days, he had been chosen.

'Is that from the ministry Charlie?' Molly asked as she cleared the table.

'Yeah, I've been chosen, my appointment is in two days. Looks like I won't be a bachelor for much longer. I'm heading out, it might be my last time to shag someone I choose.'

'I'm sure it won't be that bad Charlie, there were a lot of arranged marriages that worked well. Your father and I were bonded as babies and we have a wonderful marriage.'

'True, but both of you wanted to settle down, I don't, I never did.'

Molly watched her son as he left the house. She knew he didn't want to settle, now he had no choice. But she did wonder what type of girl chose her son and if she will fit into their family. She still believed Fleur wasn't right for Bill, but she did prove she loved him so Molly decided to give the girl a chance. Hopefully whoever this girl is that marries Charlie is someone her son can relate too and get on with his family.

Two days later, Harry was sitting in a small room waiting to be called. Since he was well known they decided to keep his appearance secret or every paper would be here trying to find out who he chose to marry. So, the minister allowed Harry to come through his secret entrance. There were many rumours going around, some say Harry would choose his ex girlfriend Ginny Weasley, some say he would choose Susan Bones, some mentioned Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger. Harry knew it would be a shock when everyone found out who he had married.

Charlie arrived for his appointment, he was shown into a room with a healer but he had been surprised to see the ministry.

'How are you Charlie?'

'Not looking forward to this, but I'm okay. I decided to go out shagging over the last couple of days since I'll probably end up celibate.'

'I doubt that. Now we need to administer veritaserum. Have you ever had this potion before?'

'Never, mum threatened to use it on all of us, but no, I haven't.'

'I could believe that of Molly,' Kingsley nodded to the healer who administered three drops of the potion into Charlie's mouth.

'He's under sir.'

'State your full name?'

'Charles Walden Weasley.

'What is the age you turned or about to turn this year?'

'Twenty six.'

'Are you in a serious relationship at this time?'

'No.'

'Are you homosexual?'

Charlie squirmed in his seat, he opened his mouth, shut it then opened it again. The healer and Kingsley could see he was trying to fight the potion, they knew it was useless to try.

'Yes,' he grunted.

'Give him the antidote.'

Charlie shook his head, 'Shit, why did you ask that blasted question?'

'Because a man chose you. He knew you were gay, he also knew you hide the truth. He has liked you for a while, but he only figured out about himself after the war. He did have a suspicion when he was sixteen, but with what was going on he couldn't take time to sort out his feelings.'

'So my family is finally going to know the truth, shit.'

'So none of them know?'

'Bill and Fleur do, I think the twins suspect, but no one else does. I doubt mum will be thrilled to hear that she has a son who bats for his own team.'

'Probably, but until you tell her you won't know how she will react. I did get a suspicion you were gay, but we never spent much time together.'

'No, you were guarding Harry or doing work for the order. So when do I meet this man?'

'I'll bring him in, I think you'll be surprised.'

'A good surprise or a bad surprise?'

'Depends on how you look at it. From what I can tell and heard, he's a good looking bloke. But he has a new look that will shock a lot of people.'

Charlie sighed as he watched the minister leave, 'So you do this all day, stand here and give the potion?'

'Yes, a healer must be present in case someone has an allergic reaction.'

'What if they do, how do you question them?'

'Then we will bring in a legilimense who can break through anyone's barriers.'

'Then I'd rather have the potion,' Charlie stood and paced the room. He wasn't ready to see who came through the door, 'Married, damn.'

'Maybe I won't be a bad husband Charlie.'

Charlie froze, he knew that voice, 'Oh we're going to be hexed so bad,' Charlie heard Kingsley laugh, 'You met my sister, right Kingsley?' Charlie turned around, 'Shit, we're going to lose our privates.'

'I'll protect them,' Harry said, 'So are you upset that it's me or because of your sister?'

'My sister is in love with you, they all hope you two will get married. When dad explained about this, that was one of the first things mum said, that you two will marry sooner than they thought. Hey, why did you date her when you're gay?'

'I didn't realise Charlie, so much going on at the time. I dated Cho Chang before that, but Umbridge and Fudge made it impossible to think. Plus I had Voldemort out there trying to kill me. Then Sirius died and I wasn't really thinking of anything. With Ginny, I never actually asked her out, we won the quidditch cup and ended up lip locked, next thing I know we're dating. It was during those months that I got suspicious about my orientation. But because I heard the prophecy, I had my private lessons with Dumbledore, training for the fight of my life and I just lost Sirius, I didn't really have time to think about my sexuality. So truth, are you really upset about this?'

'No, it's my sister and what my parent's are going to say when they find out I've been lying to them for the last twelve years. But Kingsley is right, you do look different, it's hard to believe it's the same boy I met when you were fourteen, my little brother's mate.'

'I am still his mate, but I'm not so young anymore, in fact I was never young,' Harry sighed then turned to Kingsley, 'So what happens now?'

'You get married.'

Harry looked back at Charlie who was staring at him, he could tell the dragon handler was checking him out. He did look different, no glasses, earring and leather jeans with boots. Charlie was so used to see Harry in old oversized clothes or a uniform, thin, usually hurt, now he wasn't. Harry hoped he liked what he saw. He had heard many say that he was good looking. Harry never saw that in himself and he wasn't sure he could believe the ones he heard. Many wanted his attention or to date him just because he was the vanquisher of Voldemort. With the way Charlie was looking at him, maybe he wasn't bad looking.

Like the first lot of these ceremonies, there was no declaration of love, no kiss at the end, just two people signing their marriage certificate.

'I'll let you out through the minister's exit. But we will have to let it be known that Harry's married.'

'Can you keep my name out of it, just for now? I need to work on telling my family.'

'Actually, that might be a good idea, let them get used to knowing Harry is already married. Your sister and Ron are due in today, Hermione chose Ron like we all thought. I can show them the statement I will need to release tomorrow about Harry.'

'Who chose my sister?'

'Seamus Finnegan, there were fifteen that chose your sister. So after a questionnaire, Seamus was the bloke that had the most in common with Ginny.'

'If I was one of them then I wouldn't have been the one, Ginny and I are very different. The only thing we do have in common is quidditch, nothing else, well and Voldemort. But Seamus always made Ginny laugh, he made all of us laugh, especially when he kept losing his eyebrows.'

'That's Seamus, the one that got spells wrong or blew up his cauldron?'

Harry laughed, 'Did the twins tell you that or Ron?'

'All three, I saw him the night of the fighting, but I've never spoken to him.'

'He kept pronouncing things wrong which made him stuff up his spells. Seamus is a good bloke Charlie and I know for a fact he's liked Ginny for a long time, ever since she dated Michael Corner, which was before Dean Thomas. I think there was another boy in there somewhere, apart from me.'

'My sister got around.'

'Not that way, but yeah, she did. She's a great girl, funny, pretty and good at quidditch, you just don't want to get her angry.'

'That's for sure, bat bogeys.'

'You're fault, the twins told me you taught her that.'

'I did for protection, now she uses it on all of us.'

'You two can talk family all you want later, now you are family.'

'Shit,' Harry sat down, 'I just realise, I'm part of a family.'

Kingsley sighed, 'Yes, you are mate, but at least it's a family you already like.'

'Yeah, you're right. But I wonder what my parents would think about having a bent son,' Harry sighed then stood up, 'That's the past, I have to think about the future.'

'Yes, you do and if this works then you can always have another ceremony with family and friends.'

'I suppose we can talk about that. But you were right Kingsley, he has changed, he is good looking, not to mention, hot.'

Kingsley and Charlie laughed as Harry blushed, 'I think you're getting a virgin for your wedding night.'

'Kingsley,' Harry glared as he fingered his wand.

'Keep that tucked away saviour.'

Kingsley and Charlie heard Harry mumbling something that sounded like you'll get yours, which made them both chuckle, but they did keep their distance. Even though they didn't believe Harry would do anything, they did know this young man was very powerful.

Harry and Charlie left the ministry, then stood on the street, 'Um, I have my house, our house now I suppose.'

'I'm still at the Burrow since I lost my flat from being here for so long. I will need to get my stuff, I'm sure they will question me.'

'What are you going to say?'

'That they can meet you soon, first I have to explain that I'm gay.'

'Well, let me get you spelled into the house that way you can come and go whenever you want.'

'So you're place is warded?'

'Yeah, I have no choice. I can take you into an unwarded section in the back garden but you won't get any further until I spell you in.'

'Then take me home…husband.'

Harry saw Charlie's grin which made him smile. He took Charlie's arm, then turned on the spot. They arrived a few seconds later in a beautiful, large garden.

'So where are we?'

'Godric's Hollow,' Harry took his wand out but the moment he looked up at Charlie he saw the shock, 'Yeah, that house.'

'But your parents…'

'Yeah, it was hard but I'm glad I came here, I've been learning a lot about them. I never knew anything about my family until I moved in. Are you going to be okay living here?'

'Yeah, I suppose, I never knew them just heard about it like everyone else.'

'It's all fixed so you can't tell anything happened here. But now you know why I warded the place.'

'Yeah, I do, okay, spell me in.'

Harry cast his spell, touching his wand to Charlie's chest, 'Welcome to…our home Charlie.'

'Show me around…our home Harry.'

'Expect a surprise, I got one when I first came here,' Harry opened the door then allowed Charlie to go in before him.

'Blimey, it's huge, so a space expansion charm like on dad's car?'

'I thought that at first, but no, the opposite. This is how they had it built, they just made it look smaller on the outside so the muggles wouldn't notice, that was changed so no one, muggle or wizard would notice how it truly is. It has a third story that no one sees, but there's seven bedrooms, an indoor pool, library, three living area's, an office, potions room, training room, the conservatory and a games room, not to mention the formal dining room. There is a small dining room in the kitchen. Come on, I'll show you around.'

Charlie followed Harry through the huge house but when they came to the master bedroom Charlie realised he would need to ask.

'I need the truth Harry.'

'Truth about what?'

'Are you a virgin?'

Harry turned his back on Charlie as he stepped into his bedroom, 'Yes, I haven't really had time to think about sex.'

'Have you done anything with a bloke?'

'No, you know what my life has been like.'

'Then how do you know you're gay?'

Harry sighed but turned and sat on the bed, 'The date I had with Cho was disastrous. Okay, I had a good time with your sister and sorry to say this to you but she tried turning me on and it didn't work. Every time we were alone, she tried and nothing, no movement at all. I have only been turned on by one person, a bloke,' Harry sighed again, 'That was you when I was fourteen. After the war was when I had dreams of being with…men, um you. Before the war all my dreams were of death.'

'Okay, you're gay, but it's me I don't get. We hardly saw each other.'

'The moment I laid eyes on you was the first time I suspected but so much was going on that I just forgot about what I felt. It was at the order meetings when you were there I would watch you, a lot but again, things were happening so I couldn't really concentrate on what I was feeling. It wasn't long after I moved in here that I worked it out then I did a lot of thinking about you. At Bill's wedding was when I realised you were gay but no one knew but I kept thinking about you when I was away,' Harry looked up to see Charlie leaning against the door with his arms folded, 'I'm sorry for forcing this, but it's not like any of us had a choice, not really.'

'I get that, once dad explained I realise my life was going to be different, that's why I went out shagging all last week.'

'You're life doesn't have to be different, I won't stop you shagging others but if I was going to marry then I figured I could at least choose the one I dreamt about.'

'I'm not the type to cheat, I doubt you are either,' Charlie moved into the room and sat beside Harry, 'Let's try getting to know each other, date, if you will, but I'll take one of the other rooms to give us time.'

'We don't have to take time Charlie, we're married, it's expected. It would be hard on you, from what I've heard of your life.'

'If you mean all the shagging I'm supposed to do, my family exaggerates. I can handle not getting any for a while, like most men we can take care of ourselves,' Charlie noticed Harry blushed again, 'You have, right?'

Harry shook his head, 'Again, my life. Danger or death was all I thought about, not that. It's been three months since the war ended and ever since I could do that I've been involved in stuff or busy. Then this marriage thing came up, so no.'

'I would say you might now though. We're going to take this slow, we'll get to know each other that has nothing to do with Ron. We will snog and depending on how that goes you might end up in the bathroom. We're a lot different Harry, I've been told I'm more like the twins than Bill even if Bill and I are close. As you've said, you were part of the war so you've ended up a serious…man.'

Harry heard the hesitation on the word man, 'I am a man, not just your little brother's friend. Okay, yes, I am more serious but the few times I was able to relax and let go with Sirius, he said I had some of my dad's more playful traits, that I will bring them out if the war was ever over. There were times I wanted to prank the Slytherin's, even the teachers.'

'Why didn't you?'

'I was usually involved with something, plus I was struggling with my magic. It took until after the war until I worked out why. I had a few ideas about pranks but I knew I would need help to pull them off, then things would go pear shaped so my thoughts ended up on death again.'

'I suppose we'll talk and I'll get to hear a lot about what you went through. But since we're married and sitting here together, let's try this,' Charlie pushed Harry back then lent over him. As he moved closer he could see Harry's lips open in anticipation, his eyes were dilating and he began breathing heavily. Harry wanted to kiss him, so Charlie decided it was time they did. He had no idea if this marriage to Harry would work but he could at least teach Harry what kissing and shagging a man is like.

In the room at the ministry, the healer was sitting patiently. Kingsley, who had brought Gawain in to oversee the next two marriages were talking quietly. Once the head auror heard why he was asked to join the minister, he knew it was a good idea that he be in the room in case any spells start flying. Kingsley didn't oversee all the marriages, but he was involved with the people he knew.

Hermione, Ron and Ginny stepped into the room, 'Minister,' Hermione smiled.

'Hi you three.'

'So how does this work?' Ron asked.

'We do the ceremony and you leave, that's basically it. But you have to be questioned first, you and Ginny since Hermione already has. But you first Ron as you and Hermione will be married first.'

'What type of questions are they?' Ginny asked.

'Similar to what we asked Hermione. Are you ready Ron?'

'Yep,' Ron watched as the healer moved towards him, so he opened his mouth.

'What is your full name?'

'Ronald Bilius Weasley.'

'State the age you turned or about to turn this year?'

'Eighteen.'

'Are you homosexual?'

'No.'

'Have you been dating Hermione Granger before you found out about the mandatory marriages?'

'Yes.'

'Do you have romantic feelings for Hermione Granger?'

'Yes.'

Kingsley nodded to the healer who administered the antidote, 'Okay, let's get you two married then it will be Ginny's turn.'

Again Kingsley officiated a marriage but this time there was a declaration of love and a kiss at the end which made Hermione and Ron grin as they blushed.

'So Hermione Weasley, how does it feel to be a married woman?' Ginny smirked.

'You're about to find out…sister.'

'That's right, we're sister's now, I always wanted a sister, especially after six brothers,' Ginny turned excitedly to Kingsley, 'So it's my turn, right?'

'Yes, but I figured I should explain something first. I have a statement that is going to be published in the Daily Prophet tomorrow,' Kingsley glanced at Gawain who nodded then the minister handed Ginny a copy of the statement.

Ginny furrowed her brow but looked down, "Harry Potter marries. At ten yesterday morning our saviour married. We at the ministry kept it a secret as so many are trying to get to the young hero to talk him into choosing them or someone from their family. We snuck Mr. Potter in then he left with his spouse half an hour later." Ginny looked up, 'Is this some type of joke, did Fred and George put you up to this?'

'It's no joke, I performed the ceremony this morning. Ginny, Harry told me weeks ago who he would choose and it wasn't you, I'm sorry.'

'No, no, I love Harry, we dated before Dumbledore died, that's the only reason we broke up. Harry said he was worried that the death eaters would take me if they knew.'

'I know you dated, but as Harry said to me, he never had a chance to think about himself, what type of person he was. Only when the war ended did he see who he was and what he wanted.'

'This is real, isn't it Kingsley?' Ron asked as he put his arm around his little sister.

'Yes, Harry is already married, now I should bring in who chose Ginny. I will say that fifteen different young men chose you, so we had to question them to figure out which one would suit you most.'

'No, I'm not marrying anyone, I was supposed to marry Harry, then have his kids.'

'You don't have a choice Ginny, you would have read the booklet that went out to everyone. But I was told that this young man has liked you for a few years and you two get on well,' Kingsley could see that Ginny was not going to cooperate, he knew she didn't have to, so he just decided to bring in the man.

'Seamus,' Ron said staring at his friend.

'Hi,' Seamus half smiled half shrugged, 'Hi Ginny.'

Ginny growled then turned around as if to leave, the door was sealed, 'Ginny, I'm sorry, but you know this will happen.'

'How can I marry someone else when I love Harry?'

'Still Harry,' Seamus sighed, 'I heard he's married already?'

'He is, so Ginny, we will do this whether you want to or not. But Seamus knows that this will take time since he knew you probably still had feelings for Harry. But he's out of the running, taken, you have to forget about him.'

The healer, Kingsley, Gawain, Ron, Hermione and Seamus all saw how furious Ginny Weasley was. The three men could tell that Ron and Hermione were trying to calm her down so her famous Weasley temper didn't let loose. Gawain already had his wand in hand, just in case it was needed. The healer already had a calming draught ready in case that was needed. Kingsley just hoped they could get through this wedding without incident.

Charlie headed to the Burrow to pick up his things. When he was notified he'd been picked he decided to pack as he knew he would be leaving the Burrow. He wasn't sure where they would be living but he figured he should pack just in case.

'So who is it Charlie?' Molly asked anxiously as her son stepped into the house.

Charlie who knew this was going to be awkward so he already asked Bill, Fleur and the twins to be at the Burrow.

'Um, I won't tell you yet, you can meet soon. I have something else to tell you first.'

'What is it son?' Arthur asked.

'I never told you years ago as I wasn't sure how you would take it. Only Bill and Fleur know the truth.'

'We know,' Fred said.

'We guessed,' George said.

'I thought you did,' Charlie sighed then faced his parent's, 'I've never had any girlfriends, I've had a lot of…boyfriends. I'm gay and married to a man.'

'Charlie,' Molly sighed, 'you should have told us.'

'You're okay with this, that you have a bent son?'

'Of course we are son,' Arthur said.

'My brother Fabian was a homosexual. I met his partner not long before he died.'

'You see Charlie, I always said mum and dad would be fine when you told them,' Bill said.

'We are, but how did the ministry find out?'

'The truth potion, that's one of the questions, are you homosexual. I tried to fight it,' Charlie sat down, 'I was worried you would kick me out of the family.'

'That will never happen Charlie. So when are we going to meet your husband?'

'Soon, we're giving ourselves a bit of time to get to know each other first. He has a beautiful big house, it's warded so he spelled me in then I thought I'd come get my stuff.'

Just then Ginny stormed into the house with Hermione and Ron hurrying after her. Ginny never stopped just headed upstairs, Ron and Hermione sighed.

'What happened?' Arthur asked.

'Harry was married earlier today. It was Seamus that chose Ginny.'

'Harry married someone else,' Molly said as she sat down, 'Oh my poor baby, she's loved him for so long.'

'Harry did say that he didn't want them to get back together, we just figured he wanted some time to himself,' Hermione said.

Just then the house shook, 'I best try to calm her down,' Arthur hurried up the stairs.

'I'll let you sort this out. Oh Ron, I just told the family I'm gay, I married a bloke, we'll get together soon,' Charlie hurried upstairs, he wanted to be away before his sister decided to hex all of them.

Charlie stepped into the house to find Kreacher in the kitchen, 'Dinner will be ready in half an hour master Charlie.'

'Oh, um, okay, thanks Kreacher. Do you know where Harry is?'

'In his office sir.'

Charlie nodded but he couldn't hide his surprise at how the elf spoke to him. Last time he had seen Kreacher the elf had been calling all of the Weasley's blood traitors and Hermione a mudblood. Now he was friendly and cooking, willingly.

'What is it with you Harry?'

Harry looked up, 'What do you mean?'

'Kreacher, he went from a right little shit to being nice and calling me master Charlie.'

'Oh, long story, we can get to that later. So how did it go?'

'Fine, mum and dad were fine, mum's brother Fabian was gay, she met his partner before he died. Oh but Ginny is furious, the house was shaking as I left, dad is trying to calm her down.'

'I did tell her we wouldn't be getting back together. That's why I haven't visited much, to give her time to get used to not seeing me.'

'Hermione mentioned that you told her you weren't interested but they figured you just wanted some time to yourself. How long are we going to keep this a secret?'

'Well, like you said, we get to know each other a bit first. I know we can't take long, they would get suspicious. I'm bound to hear from Ron and Hermione soon, asking who I married. I never planned on marry at all, then all this, I realise I had no choice unless I left.'

'So we're alike in that way, neither of us was going to marry,' Charlie sat down on the leather couch, 'What if Ron and Hermione turn up before we decide to tell them?'

'They don't know where I'm living, only Kingsley and Minerva know I'm living here.'

Charlie realised why Harry kept his whereabouts a secret, apart from being Harry Potter, the-boy-who-lived he was also the saviour. Charlie knew it would take him a while to get used to being married to such an important person in the magical world and a very good looking and famous person as well.

'Why Kingsley and Minerva?'

'Well, I needed this place warded and Kingsley is someone I trust within the ministry, so he helped me set the wards and I knew he wouldn't tell anyone. Remember the way Hogwarts has been over the years I've been there, we didn't learn everything we needed then I missed my last year completely.'

'Right, so you're not up on all the enchantments you can use to protect your home. Okay, so why Minerva?'

'We became close during those first few weeks after the fighting, I helped her while she was healing. But Dumbledore had papers for me, he left them with her to pass onto me, the deed to this house for one, things like my birth certificate and some other personal papers. I…um, got really emotional so she held me then told me she used to hold me when I was a baby, at order meetings. She said she had to fight with others just to get some time with me, especially with Sirius. That set me off again. We both also had a bitch about some of Dumbledore's decisions about me, so we sort of bonded and now I think of her as family, like an aunt.'

'From what I heard, you never got on with your family,' Charlie's eyes widened as Harry's face changed, to Charlie, Harry looked hard, cold, furious, 'I take that as a yes.'

'They hated me, hated my mother and father, they hated us freaks.'

'Then why did you live with them when I heard that hundreds of families wanted to take you?'

'I asked Dumbledore the same thing, well, yelled at him is more like it. But blood wards was the main reason and the other was safety, they had no idea who might have supported Voldemort in secret. Dumbledore knew any one of them would try to kill me if they could so he made sure the ministry couldn't give me to one of them, not if I had blood family.'

'I never thought of that, but yeah, there were a lot of supporters, like Malfoy and that Umbridge woman. If they got hold of you they would have killed you because you killed Voldemort. I can't imagine growing up knowing you could be killed at any time.'

'I had no idea about any of that, not even the fact I was a wizard, not until I was eleven. I had no idea why I had to stay with them, not until I was thirteen and everyone believed Sirius was after me, that's when I found out.'

'You mean you didn't know what you were until you turned eleven?'

Harry shook his head but he heard the disbelief in Charlie's voice, 'They told me my parents were drunks who died in a car crash and that's how I got my scar. They never spoke about my parents apart from saying they were drunks and my mother was a whore and I wasn't allowed to ask questions.'

'Then why didn't Dumbledore keep you with him? Everyone says that Hogwarts is the safest place in Britain.'

'He was too busy, chief warlock, supreme mugwump, headmaster and he ran the order of the phoenix.'

'Okay, but when you came to our world, why didn't he give you to a family he trusted even if it wasn't official, like my family?'

'The blood wards, he always knew Voldemort would return, they are the strongest wards in our world. As long as I remained with my mother's blood, he could never touch me. So many times I wanted to run away, I even planned to when I was seven, but I couldn't get out. When I heard everything, I was so angry with Dumbledore, he never bothered checking on me or tell them to make sure I was treated okay. What if I did run, what if someone found me? But what he didn't realise was I had to walk to school which was outside the area the blood wards covered. When I found out exactly who Sirius was, I told the Dursley's that the mass murderer they had seen on their news was in fact my godfather who would be checking up on me to make sure I was happy, they finally stopped locking me up. I would walk to the park just to get away from them and sometimes they made me leave the house when they had visitors, so again I was outside the wards.'

'Did Dumbledore know this?'

'I wasn't going to say anything or he'd make sure I couldn't leave the house. He might have been trying to stop Voldemort but he didn't give a shit about me or how I was treated. I was his weapon, that's all I was to him.'

'I'm sure he really cared Harry.'

Harry scoffed, 'He didn't, even though I will always hate Snape, when he found out he had a go at Dumbledore, saying, you've been raising him like a pig for slaughter. All those dangerous things I got up to at Hogwarts, from my first year, they were tests, he wanted to see how I would handle myself. In his words when he was explaining to Snape, he said it was to try his strengths. Ron and Hermione could have been killed yet he needed to see what his weapon could do.'

'Did he tell you that?'

'No, Snape's memory did. At first I figured he wanted me to understand why he had been secretly helping, because of how he loved my mother. But he added more, about his conversations with Dumbledore. I get some of them, it was so I would know Dumbledore asked Snape to kill him since he was dying anyway. Then I had to know about something or this war would never end.'

'Something, do I get to know what this something is?'

'I will tell you if you give me some time, I try not to think about it or I just might get drunk again.'

'Fair enough, but you don't have to tell me if you don't want to.'

'To me Charlie, a couple in a relationship shouldn't keep secrets. I'm big on honesty and trust, so if this is going to work we have to be honest with each other.'

'I can see that about you. So what about past relationships and what went on, do you want to know about that?'

'No, that's personal and it's the past, it has nothing to do with me or how it could affect us as a couple. But this…something, well, it's the reason behind a lot of my life and if you are to understand me and what was going on, then you will need to know.'

'Dinner is ready master Harry, master Charlie.'

'Great, thanks Kreacher.'

Harry and Charlie headed into the small dining room, 'You're curious about him aren't you?'

'Yes, but you said it's a long story, so I can wait.'

'Part of it is simple, Kreacher, show Charlie your locket.'

Kreacher hurried to Charlie's side and held out the locket, 'It has an s on it.'

'Thanks Kreacher,' Harry waited until he went back to dishing up dinner, 'It belonged to Regulus Black who Kreacher loved. He had that made to look exactly like the original which belonged to Salazar Slytherin. When I discovered the one we had wasn't the one we needed, I gave it to Kreacher if he would tell me the story of what happened to Regulus. I wish Sirius knew how his brother tried to help, in the end.'

'But I thought he was a death eater.'

'He was, joined when he was still a student, but he found out what Voldemort had done, how far he was willing to go. He decided then and there that he would try to stop him, he died trying to help. That's why Kreacher said on the night of the fighting, fight, fight for master Regulus and master Harry. He realised that if his old and favourite master was willing to die to stop Voldemort then everyone should.'

'You know what Harry?'

Harry smirked, 'No, not unless you tell me Charlie.'

'I think living with you is going to be very interesting, not to mention, educational.'

'More than you know…red.'

'Hey, I like that, I've never had a nickname before.'

'I've had too many that I never wanted, so Harry is just fine.'

'But what about…babe, baby, love or even lover?'

Harry blushed, 'Well, I suppose those are okay, if you want.'

'Before when you were filling me in you sounded older than I am, but now you seem so young and innocent.'

'I've never been young, but I am innocent, only in one way.'

'I say again, this is going to be very interesting. Now tell me about some of these pranks you wanted to do?'

'Turn all the Slytherin's skin green and make their skin snake scales. Stick the chairs and tables to the roof of Snape's classroom. But I wanted to do something that he couldn't just break easily, so I planned to use a strong muggle glue. I wanted to charm all the seats that the Slytherin's and Snape sit on. It was so they would slip off. I wanted to switch Snape's hair with Malfoy.'

'If you gave Snape clean hair I think he would have ran out of the hall crying and screaming like a girl.'

Harry burst out laughing, 'I like that Charlie, yeah, Snape and his greasy hair. I know there are people that just don't think about their appearance but he was the worst.'

'It's the amount of potions he brewed, plays havoc on his hair.'

'I get that, Hermione hated it, but surely he could have used something while he brewed, not in class, but when he brewed all the other potions for the hospital. In muggle labs and even in muggle hospitals, like surgeons, they were these caps on their heads, he could have done the same. But I suppose when you have to live with that grotesque nose, dirty hair isn't something you think about.'

'You would think that being a half-blood he would get a nose job.'

'How do you know about plastic surgery?'

'I have a muggleborn friend, she used to tell me all about muggle stuff. It's no wonder dad is fascinated, some sounds great, not all though.'

'No, not all, but if you look on my desk you will see I use muggle pens, not quills or ink. That is one thing I can't understand, why use those when they are messier and it needs to dry. Muggle pens are a lot neater and dry instantly, not to mentioned, cheaper.'

'I'll get you to show me, I never saw muggle writing implements before.'

'I can do that, I can even show you the movies are like so you can see what all the fuss is about.'

'That will be our first official date then.'

'Deal,' Harry grinned, he couldn't believe how well they were getting on. He had been worried that Charlie wouldn't even want to, because he was his little brothers friend, now Harry knew they had a chance.

After dinner Harry and Charlie kept talking, both men looked up as Pig flew into the house. Harry snatched the little owl out of the air then took the note. He gave the tiny owl a bit of food then set him on the back of the chair.

'I could never catch that owl, now I know why Ron said you were a great seeker.'

'I did okay,' Harry looked down at the note, 'How did Ron take the news you were gay?'

'I mentioned it as I was leaving, so I have no idea. Did he say something?'

'This is Hermione's writing but it's from both of them. All they said is they want to visit. I want to get an idea how he feels before they see us together.'

'Then have them meet you somewhere tomorrow?'

'Good idea,' Harry replied then tied it back to Pig's leg, then watched as the owl flew away, 'Well, I'm going for a swim, just know that you can use any thing in the house, this is your home now.'

'Then I might join you in a swim.'

'If you want,' Harry lead Charlie through the house then summoned his swim short, 'There are a couple of changing rooms,' Harry shrugged then stepped into one to change.

'I might swim naked.'

Harry gulped loudly, 'Are you serious?' He yelled from inside the changing room.

'Maybe, why don't you come out and see for yourself,' Charlie dove into the water then looked towards the room Harry was in. He waited for ten minutes, 'Harry, I was kidding, I have shorts on,' he called.

Harry stepped out, 'Bastard,' he murmured then stepped carefully into the pool.

'Did he give you all those scars?'

'Most of them,' Harry moved cautiously to the side then kept his hand on it as he moved into deeper water.

'What are you doing?'

'I can't swim, so I hold on and just move along.'

Charlie sighed then swan over to Harry, 'Do you trust me?'

'Yes, but why?'

Charlie gently touched Harry's back, 'Let go and allow me to support you.'

'Um, okay,' Harry nervously let go, he gasped then felt Charlie holding him.

'Bill and I taught Ron and Ginny how to swim, we used to start this way so they would get used to floating. Once you get used to moving your arms and legs, slowly, gently, then you will realise how easy your body will float and not sink. But you swam during the second task.'

'Dobby got me gillyweed, it gave me gills and webbed feet and hands. I knew I would be okay.'

'Okay, it worked then, maybe we could get some then I could show you how to swim properly. For now though just gently wave your arms back and forth,' Charlie watched Harry, 'Slower, not so hard, that's better, now slowly again kick your feet and I'll keep my hands under you but you'll feel yourself move.'

Harry was a little embarrassed but he did what he was told, 'Hey, that feels good.'

'It does and when you get used to it, those movements will keep you afloat. So these tattoo's, when did you get them?'

'A couple of weeks ago. I've always wanted some, but I used to be too skinny. When I realised my body was building up due to the work at Hogwarts and here, I realised I wouldn't look ridiculous now.'

'So Prongs, Padfoot and Moony, along with a doe. Was that for your mum?'

'Yeah, her patronus was a doe.'

'So she didn't learn to change?'

'No, she was never interested in becoming an animagus.'

'And your dad ended up as a mate to the doe, that's nice,' Charlie slowly removed one hand, 'Don't panic, just keep the same movements, I've still got you, but even if you sink I'll pull you back up.'

'Okay, I've just always been scared of water, of drowning.'

'I've heard that from people who have had near death experience with drowning.'

'My…uncle held me under when I was little,' Harry shook his head then concentrated on what he was supposed to do.

'No wonder you don't like them. But before, you said most, where did the other scars come from?'

'Him, my uncle. But how will this help with swimming when I'm on my back?'

Charlie realised Harry didn't want to talk about his scars so he dropped it, for now.

'This just gives you a bit of confidence. Once you can do this without help then you will always know you can get out of trouble and float. But keep this thought in your mind, you're in a pool with a bottom, if you get into trouble, know you will touch the bottom then just push with your legs which will bring you up to the surface.'

'I know it's just I usually panic.'

'You know what else we could try until you get the idea of how to swim?'

'What?'

'A bubblehead charm. Do that which will allow you to breathe until you can push yourself back to the surface.'

'Why didn't I think of that? Cedric used that during the second task. I had no idea what it was when I saw him, I explained to Hermione, she then read up on it and told me and Ron.'

'Is that how you normally learned charms?'

'Sometimes, unless it was part of our lessons. Hermione would always finish her work so early and always read up on more spells. She was the one that researched a lot of spells I could use in the third task and for the D A. With the D A, the room of requirement supplied heaps of books that we would need. So Hermione would read up on different defensive spells before and sometimes after meetings.'

'I've never seen the come and go room, the twins mentioned it a few times, during order meetings,' Charlie smiled, he had removed his hands but Harry had no idea, not while he was concentrating on what they were talking about. He kept his hands near Harry just in case but so far his young husband was doing okay.

'Dobby showed me the room, when we were trying to find a secure place to train, without Umbridge finding out. Then Neville, he really gets how that room worked, which saved a lot of lives when the Carrow's were there.'

'Heard about that as well, not a lot, but I did hear you cursed one of the Carrow's.'

'He spat at Minerva, I just lost it.'

'So which curse did you use?'

'Cruciatus curse, Minerva stopped me then called me gallant.'

'You used an unforgivable?'

'I've used two unforgivables, but I used the cruciatus curse on Bellatrix after she killed Sirius. It didn't work fully, not how it was supposed to. She kept taunting me, saying you have to mean it, Harry, mean to cause pain. I was so angry, so hurt I just wasn't focusing, then Voldemort turned up.'

'You said two unforgivables, what was the other, the killing curse?'

'No, I will never use that curse. It was the imperius curse, on a death eater and a goblin, it was so we could get into Gringotts. I meant to ask what that dragon was.'

'A Norwegian ridge-back, Ron described it, nasty buggers. But when he described its size I realise that being changed up like that and never having any sun that stunted its growth. They do have a strong survival instinct, so even though it might have known you were on its back, all it cared about was being free. Sooner or later it would have tried to eat you.'

'We figured it was just happy to be free. But we weren't going to stay on it long, we just had to wait until it flew low enough, lucky it did and it was over a lake. Now that scared me, but then I was in Voldemort's mind, I didn't even realise I was bringing myself to the surface.'

'Ron mentioned you could see into his mind, so what was he thinking about?'

'His horcruxes, he realised we were hunting them, he found one gone, he was so pissed off. He started to think about them, ready to go check. I saw him flash on Hogwarts and Ravenclaw, but not what the item was.'

'So that's when you headed to Hogsmeade, almost getting caught?'

'Yeah, Aberforth rescued us, then had a go at us. He told me to leave, to go far away, but I couldn't, even when he told us about his brother and sister. I knew by then what Albus Dumbledore was like, it didn't mean I would stop or give up, I wouldn't. Dumbledore might have been a bastard but it was up to me, I knew that. Even if it wasn't it wouldn't have mattered, he wanted me dead and would never stop until I was.'

'You never thought you would survive, did you?'

'Nope, I figured he would be the one left standing. But if I could get rid of his pieces of soul then he was mortal and hopefully someone could kill him. The prophecy had to play out, once he killed me by his hand then it was up to anyone to finish him.'

'And you lived with that knowledge, even from first year at Hogwarts. Damn Harry, that's a lot to put on someone, but for an eleven year old.'

'Apart from the shit life I had with the muggles, I started to make myself believe that I was only here to stop him. When he used the killing curse on me in the forbidden forest, I felt so calm, at peace, I never felt that before. I kept thinking that I was about to join my family, where I belonged.'

'You belong with the living, you deserve to live after your life.'

'I was angry I was alive. That's taken me a while to get over the fact I'm still here.'

'Then tell yourself now that you do deserve it. Now I don't want you to panic but I haven't been holding you for a while,' Charlie quickly put his hands under Harry as he started to sink, 'You were doing it yourself without realising it.'

Once Harry was back on his feet he turned to Charlie, 'Yeah, I just have to stop myself panicking. But thanks Charlie. I might go shower and head to bed. I'll see you in the morning.'

'I'll be here,' Charlie watched Harry climb out of the pool, grab a towel then leave the room, 'Maybe I can help you Harry, show you that it's time to live, to have a life that isn't about death,' Charlie turned and dove under the water, he figured he would do a couple of laps before going to bed. He had some thinking to do, he wanted to show Harry life was worth living, he just had to work out how. They were married and would be tied together, maybe for five years, maybe forever. But since they were together, Charlie decided to show Harry just what a good life he could have instead of thinking about death and dying all the time. It's time for Charlie to help the hero of the wizarding world.

The following morning Harry kept his head lowered as he stepped into the Leaky Cauldron and through the back to the archway. Even though he needed to meet Hermione and Ron, he also thought it was time to get another owl, which was the reason he decided to meet in Diagon alley. So after picking out a new owl, a tawny, he sat outside Castings coffee shop. He gave his order then he would glance around at all the shops and people.

Harry's thoughts drifted to how Diagon alley looked before his sixth year, how half the shops were boarded up, how scared and tense the people were. Now though, it was full of happy shoppers going about their business, even new businesses had opened. They placed looked so different now, it looked like how Harry thought it looked the first time he saw it, like a fantasy or a place from the past. One thing Harry loved about Diagon alley, was when it snowed. He thought it looked like a winter wonderland.

'Harry,' Hermione raced up to him with Ron hurrying behind.

'Hi, do you want a coffee or some scones?'

'No, we're good,' Ron said as he sat down, 'Why didn't you tell us mate?'

'Because you two kept trying to get me with Ginny. I tried to tell you that I just didn't think of her that way. But before we get to that, I got word that your brother's gay, that he was worried how the family would take the news.'

'Yeah, shocked the hell out of me, but it seems uncle Fabian was gay. Bill and he twins have known about Charlie for years, now he's married to some bloke.'

'How do you feel about that, you know two blokes?'

'I wasn't sure until I spoke with Bill and dad. It's just how they were born, they can't control who they have feelings towards. It's like us, we think of girls, Charlie thinks of boys.'

'Okay, it's time to explain something,' Harry took a sip of his coffee.

'Explain what?' Hermione asked.

'It's about when I dated Ginny, you know what was going on…with me. Sirius had just died, I found out about the prophecy, I was having those lessons with Dumbledore. It was all leading up to a fight. I never had my head into school work or lessons, I tried, it was always just Voldemort and hoping it would one day be over. Well, the truth is, I was just hoping to die and die quickly, I had enough, I just didn't want to go on anymore.'

'We thought you felt like that after Sirius died, but we didn't know you were still feeling like that the following year,' Hermione said sadly.

'Three times I actually went into the forbidden forest to end it. Twice Luna found me, the third time I kept getting this feeling that Sirius was with me, telling me not to give up,' Harry pulled out a men's bracelet from his pocket, stared at it, 'This belonged to Sirius, I found it in his room during the holidays after he died. I've kept it with me ever since. I don't wear it, I just keep it in my pocket. I was sitting on the forest floor staring at it, running my thumb over it, just kept rubbing it, over and over.'

'Oh Harry,' Hermione reached across and placed her hand over his arm, 'You snuck back to headquarters?'

Harry nodded, 'I caught the Night bus. I know at one time Dumbledore turned up, he had no idea I was there. I just stayed sitting on the floor in Sirius's room. I know you're going to say that it was dangerous and reckless, but if I didn't go there, into that house and into that room, I doubt I would be alive. I needed to feel Sirius, I needed something,' Harry took a couple of deep breaths then put the bracelet back in his pocket, 'Back to what I was saying, what was going on, not just in sixth year but basically from the time I stepped into Hogwarts. You two were with me, you know what I'm talking about.'

'Yeah, we do mate, but I'm not sure what all that has got to do with anything now.'

'Seeing Voldemort's spirit in first year, then knowing he would return one day, that he would keep trying to kill me, it was hard. It's hard to live with and it was hard to concentrate on anything. Apart from lessons and quidditch, my mind was always on him and the fact he would probably kill me but he would torture me first just because he could. Every year it was the same. When I was at the Dursley's that is all I thought about, death, torture then I would think of just ending it so I wouldn't have to keep waiting to be tortured,' Harry shrugged, 'Even though I thought Cho was pretty, but all I could think about was Umbridge and Fudge, then what Voldemort was up to. So, I basically didn't concentrate on Cho, you know how that ended.'

'Badly,' Hermione said.

'Right, then my worst year. I was known as the chosen one and the one person who gave me what I needed was gone. When Sirius died I basically lost hope, lost the will to live, the will to go on. I tried, I played quidditch, I acted like I was having fun, I never did, I just couldn't enjoy anything. Then we won the cup, I was numb, I really didn't care. Ginny kissed me, I was still numb, I just went with it hoping to feel something. Before I knew it, we were dating, but I still couldn't really care. Again, all I could think about was Voldemort, death and Sirius. Then Dumbledore died, I knew what I had to do but I still didn't feel anything. All those months in the tent, I tried, I figured if I could just get rid of his…items then maybe it would give me something. When I walked up to him that night, I was relieved, I thought finally, it will be over and I'll be with Sirius again.'

'Oh Harry, no,' Hermione squeezed Harry's arm, 'No, don't say that.'

'It's true, but all that is leading up to what I have to tell you. Okay, I lived and he was gone, I still felt numb for a while, but I figured I would try to live. So, I started to make plans. The first was fixing my parents home, which I did and live there now. It's nice, it's a good feeling being surrounded by my parents things. But it was during those first few weeks when I was still at Hogwarts that I could finally think about everything. I had a suspicion when I was fourteen but again with everything that was going on, I just pushed those thoughts away and stopped thinking about it. Now though, I could think about that, what I was suspicious about.'

Harry looked from Ron to Hermione, 'I realised I was gay, that I got turned on by a bloke and why Ginny never made me feel anything. So when Kingsley told me about these marriages, I knew straight away I would choose a man, I did. It's someone I know but never spent a lot of time with, but it's someone I did dream about without realising what those dreams meant.'

'So you really didn't know you want to shag blokes?' Ron asked.

'Nope, not until those first couple of weeks after, then I kept having more dreams, fantasies, actually, about…him. I figured if I have to get married then I will chose him and hope we can make it work. We're talking, getting to know each other and we do seem to get on really well. I needed to see you two first to explain I was gay before you find out who I married.'

'I never had anything against gay people. I just feel sorry for Ginny, she's so angry right now.'

'She is, hopefully she will realise she's with Seamus now. But back to you, once dad explained about Charlie, I realise he's no different, neither are you.'

'I was hoping you would be okay. But Ginny, if she was heartbroken as you would think she is then why is she angry and not crying? To me that doesn't make sense. I was heartbroken when Sirius died, I cried so much, which was why I kept saying I needed to be alone. I didn't want you to see me in tears. I don't want her upset or angry, I just can't understand.'

'Everyone is different Harry, Ginny isn't the typical girl, she fights, not cries.' Hermione said.

'I don't think I ever saw Ginny cry, she always yells when she's upset. She lashes out when she's hurt. Hermione's right, she will fight, not cry,' Ron said.

'I'm the same, but I suppose your right, she grew up tough because of six older brothers. Anyway, if you want to you can come to my place and meet my husband. I'll have to spell you in though.'

'We would like to know who you're married too. We will probably see him a lot.'

'Do we know him and if we do, will we get on?' Ron asked.

'Yes to both,' Harry thought of what he needed to say then cast Prongs. He saw everyone in Diagon alley stop and stare at the patronus then at him, 'I let him know we'll be there very soon, he's a bit nervous about you two as well.'

'Everyone knows we're friends mate, he's probably just worried that we won't like him.'

'That's not it, but let's go, then you'll understand.'

Harry, carrying his owl, Hermione and Ron headed to the apparition point in Diagon alley.

'Take my arm,' Harry waited until Hermione joined hands with Harry then Ron held Hermione's hands, just as they had done many times before. Harry turned on the spot, disapparating from Diagon alley.

'This is as far as you can go, it locks you into this section until I either release you or spell you into the wards.'

'So no one has been bothering you?' Ron asked looking around, he couldn't see much apart from a really nice garden, very large as well. He wasn't sure about going into the house that Lily and James Potter were murdered in but this was his best friends home, he would pull it together for Harry.

Hermione also stared around, she knew she couldn't see the house, not until Harry spelled them into the wards. But one thing she knew, Harry had spent a lot of time in the garden, there were all types of lilies, his tribute to his mother.

Harry watched his two best friends, even though he hid his real feelings from them, he could still read them very well. Ron was nervous, but Harry knew it had nothing to do with who he married, it was the history of the house. Hermione wasn't nervous, she looked saddened and Harry knew why, she was thinking about the home Harry should have lived in with his parents if they hadn't died. Now though it was time to reveal who his husband was, a man they both knew very well which will shock them. Harry was a little nervous, more about Ron's reaction to Charlie being married to him. Ron said he was like family, well now Harry was family.

Harry spelled his two friends into the wards to his home, 'You can see a basic cottage, but that's not how the house is. I found out that it was built bigger but had enchantments to make anyone, magical or muggle see a cottage. There's actually a third story.'

'So, it's like a manor house, like Malfoy's?' Ron asked.

'Not that big, but big, seven bedrooms so when you two want to stay over there's plenty of room.'

'What would your husband say about that?' Hermione asked.

'He wouldn't mind, trust me, so let's get in,' Harry opened the large glass door to allow Ron and Hermione to go in before him.

'I see what you mean mate,' Ron said looking around.

'There's more to see, including an indoor swimming pool. Come on,' Harry smiled at his two friends, he pointed out different rooms or things in the house, 'As you can see, a lot of my pictures of my parent's, a lot of me as well.'

'You were a fat baby Harry,' Hermione smirked.

'I know, look at my cheeks, like a little sumo.'

'What's a sumo?' Ron asked.

Harry and Hermione chuckled, 'They are Japanese wrestlers, huge men, really fat and wear something like a baby's nappy when they wrestle, disgusting,' Hermione grimaced, 'But every culture have things many wouldn't like.'

'You really wouldn't want to see it Ron.'

'No, Ron would probably throw up or run in the opposite direction.'

Ron and Hermione whirled around, 'Charlie…but…you…really?'

Harry laughed then stood beside Charlie, 'Really little bro. You actually looked like I did when Harry walked into the room. I had no idea he was gay until we talked.'

'Oh my,' Hermione whispered.

'What?' Harry asked.

'Ginny, she hexes before she thinks.'

'I already promised Charlie I would protect his privates, he was worried Ginny would hex them off.'

'She probably would so Charlie couldn't shag you.'

'We're thinking of keeping us a secret for a while. We're hoping if Ginny takes her time and spends time with Seamus, she might get used to how our lives are now. She is married to him, she will have to get with him eventually,' Charlie said.

'Kingsley told me what Seamus said, how he knows it will take a while before Ginny will accept him. It's been months now with me practically ignoring her, I only did that in the hope she would realise I was serious. If she didn't give up then I would have explained I was gay.'

'We thought you just needed some time to yourself, that you would come around, eventually,' Ron shrugged.

'I did need time, but not for that.'

'You said before that you were suspicious when you were fourteen, can you explain?' Hermione asked.

'I saw Charlie,' Harry shrugged, 'from then on I could hardly look away. When I stepped out of the fireplace, my eyes landed on him and almost the whole time I was at the Burrow, I couldn't stop watching him. But then the world cup, the death eaters, the dark mark, my wand, I really didn't have time to analyse what I was thinking, why I kept staring at him.'

'I noticed you watching Charlie at Bill's wedding, I wasn't sure why,' Hermione said.

'I worked out he was gay, but I still wasn't thinking about me. I was worried that something might happen and it did.'

'Let's go get some lunch,' Charlie suggested.

'Good idea, come on you two, then I'll show you around the rest of the house.'

'Yes, but that picture, it's beautiful,' Hermione stared up at the picture of baby Harry lying across Padfoot's back, cuddling him.

'It's cute and probably why I was never scared of large dogs. But there is another picture in my office, it's the same but I'm on my dad's back. I'm cuddling Prongs.'

'With Lily hovering beside him, Prongs was a bloody big stag,' Charlie said.

'This is the type of magic I would love to show my parents. Since they've been back they have seen me do some but I have to keep it limited or I'll blow the electrical power.'

'Then we might work on them coming for a visit, we'll get them over for dinner. I'm sure they would like to know more about one of the boys their daughter spent nine months in a tent with.'

'They are curious about you Harry, they only saw you once but because of Lockhart then the fight Mr Weasley and Malfoy had, they never got a chance to meet you.'

'Are they angry with me for dragging their daughter into a war?'

'At first they were until I explained I was involved anyway and it had nothing to do with you. Being a muggleborn meant I was in just as much danger as everyone else, more in some cases.'

'Like I said to you mate, it might have started because of you being the-boy-who-lived but it moved past you so we were all involved. Unless we wanted to serve him, which none of us would, we all had to fight.'

'When did my little brother get so smart,' Charlie smirked making Harry laugh, Ron scowl and Hermione just shook her head.

'From hanging around Hermione, he was bound to pick up a thing or two, eventually.'

'Alright, knock it off, the both of you.'

'I believe Harry and Charlie will make it, don't you Ron?' Hermione grinned.

'Maybe, but if Harry is around Charlie a lot then I can see some of my brother rubbing off on my mate.'

'Sirius said I had a bit of a playful side, I just couldn't bring it out. But you Ron, you're so easy to wind up.'

'So are you Harry,' Hermione smirked, 'The-boy-who-lived, the chosen one, the saviour of the wizarding world.'

'Alright, knock it off…miss-know-it-all.'

Ron and Charlie laughed, 'We can all be wound up by something, well, not me as nothing really bothers me. But Harry gave me a name, I like it actually.'

'Oh, what are you calling my brother?'

'Red,' Harry shrugged.

'Very original,' Hermione shook her head again, 'I think that's why Ginny got her hopes up.'

'What do you mean?' Harry asked.

'We were all sitting around the table when Sirius said all Potter men are attracted to red heads.'

'Oh right, I forgot who was there when he told me that. I met Charlie before Sirius said that so it must be true since I liked him then, I just didn't realise it. I wish there was something I could say or do to help Ginny, but I think I would just make it worse.'

'Ginny and I always got on, maybe she will listen to me. If I explain what you told me, why you never realised, she might understand. It just depends on if she will listen.' Charlie said.

'Then let Ron and me tell her why Harry never realised he was gay. That way she won't know it's you Harry's married to, but it will give her time to understand.'

'I like it, it will give her time, hopefully then she won't hex my parts off.'

Harry, Hermione and Ron laughed, 'That's all he's worried about, losing the chance to shag. I don't want to think about that now, especially since my brother is shagging my best mate.'

Hermione noticed Harry blushed but looked down, Charlie never answered, 'Harry.'

Harry sighed, 'We haven't.'

'I thought we should get to know each other first. You two know more than most that Harry never had a typical teenage life.'

'I…um, never thought of…sex, too much going on.'

'So, you're married but haven't had sex?' Ron asked.

'No, there's no hurry and what you've heard about me Ron is not true. I don't shag a dozen times a day. I've gone months without having sex. I can wait until we get to know each other.'

'You two are married which means you've had sex,' Harry smirked making Ron's ears go red, Hermione blushed, 'They can't hide the truth, especially Ron and his ears.'

'That's how mum always catches him when his lying. It's only been over the last year we notice Ron could lie to mum.'

'Only about what Harry, Hermione and I were doing. We made a promise to Harry we would never tell anyone and Dumbledore made Harry promise.'

'I don't get that, others could have helped.'

'It was because of my parents Charlie. Peter Pettigrew was their friend, he was a Gryffindor, yet he was a death eater, a spy. He said it to me, you just can't take the chance, not with the fate of the magical world. He knew Ron and Hermione were trustworthy so he said I could fill them in. At first I though great, I could talk to them but then I wondered how he knew they were trustworthy. If Dumbledore could be fooled by Pettigrew and the fake Mad-eye Moody, then he could be fooled by Hermione and Ron.'

'Did you ask him?' Hermione asked.

'Yes, he said he went into your minds, without you realising it. He saw how angry I was, then he said it again, the fate of our world is at stake, he had to use illegal or unconventional means to get to the truth.'

'Okay, I get that there could be spies but I don't like the fact he went into our minds without asking. If he did ask, we would have let him so he knew we were okay. If we refused then that would look suspicious.'

'I said that, he said he didn't have time to dally,' Harry shrugged, 'I told you he was a bastard. All he cared about was for the greater good and he would use anything or anyone to achieve that. If he did trust me which he said he did, he should have trusted me with the knowledge of the prophecy, then Sirius would not have died. I was stupid I know that but I blame him for what happened. If I knew Voldemort would want the prophecy then I would have known he would try to trick me into getting it. He should have trusted me, he should have trusted people like Minerva. She stuck by his decisions, stuck by him even when she argued against me being left with Petunia. I believe he liked to control everything and everyone, he didn't like to share.'

Charlie, Ron and Hermione listened to Harry's rant. Charlie was just starting to understand why Harry was angry, especially at Albus Dumbledore. Hermione and Ron had heard Harry go off about Dumbledore a few times, now they were seeing just how angry he was with the man.

When Ron and Hermione headed back to the Burrow they found out that Ginny had gone out shopping. Her parents wanted her to calm down a bit and thought she could meet Seamus and talk.

'Since she's not here we figured we could explain something. Harry said we could, but not Ginny until we explain to her first.'

'Ron, you're babbling,' Arthur smiled.

'Okay, Harry's life, you know some but you don't know all of it. He basically told us that all he ever thought about was Voldemort and dying. When Sirius died, he wanted to die as well, he went to, three times.'

'Oh, that poor boy,' Molly said.

'Well, because of what was going on, especially from fourth year, Harry couldn't think about certain things like a normal teenage boy would,' Hermione said.

'You know, the dark mark at the quidditch world cup. Then there was the triwizard tournament, Voldemort being reborn and Cedric being killed. Next year was Snape, Umbridge and Fudge, the Daily Prophet making him out to be a liar and wanted attention. Then Sirius dies, Harry hears the prophecy, has those lessons with Dumbledore, then he dies. All that time, the last thing Harry thought about was girls, or dating,' Ron said.

'It was after the war ended that Harry finally sat back and thought about himself, what he wanted to do and who he really was,' Hermione looked at Ron.

'Harry's gay, he just didn't figure it out until a few months ago.'

'That's why he hasn't been coming around, he figured if he stayed away Ginny would get sick of waiting,' Arthur said.

'He would tell her if he had to, he just figured he would try this first. We're going to sit Ginny down and hope she listens.'

'I thought I could write it down as well, everything Harry went through from the time he was eleven, but more from fourth year. If we tell her and she still doesn't listen maybe leaving her to read the words might make her understand.'

'You have time now, why don't you write everything down. The main part of this is trying to get Ginny to listen,' Arthur said.

'Yeah, that's what we're hoping. Um, but there's more and they said we can mention it after we spoke with Ginny but since she's not here we might as well tell you.'

'Tell us what?' Molly asked.

'Who Harry's husband is,' Ron glanced at Hermione who raised her eyebrows, he turned back to his parents, 'He was going to tell you himself but it was mainly Ginny.'

'Ron, just tell us who Harry married.' Arthur said.

'Charlie.'

'Harry realised he fancied Charlie when he was fourteen but with everything that happened, he couldn't take the time to analyse his feelings or why he kept staring at Charlie,' Hermione said.

'Was his red hair a contributing factor?' Arthur sighed.

'Yep, Harry even calls Charlie red.'

'We heard Sirius tell Harry how all Potter men marry red heads, Ginny heard that as well.'

'Yeah, we mentioned it to Harry before, he forgot all of us were there, listening.'

'They're very different, Charlie is a lot like the twins,' Molly said.

'True, but Harry was a little different while we were there, having fun, teasing Ron and me, even Charlie. Sirius did say if the war was ever over Harry will find himself and it might be like his dad. I think he's right.'

'Go write everything down, at least it will be ready for Ginny.'

Arthur and Molly watched as Hermione and Ron headed upstairs, 'Ginny was always close to Charlie, this might cause a rift.'

'It might, but she has to remember that Charlie did not choose, Harry did. We always wanted Harry to be part of this family, now he is Molly, his our son-in-law.'

'Yes, he is, just not the way we thought it would happen. He's married to one of our sons and not our daughter.'

Later that afternoon Harry looked up as Pig flew into the room. Harry laughed as Charlie tried to catch the little owl. After four tries the red head gave up. Harry stood and watched, then reached out, snatching the little owl out of the air making Charlie huff.

'Smart arse Potter.'

Harry laughed then took the note, 'I've had plenty of practice catching Pig. Anyway, your mum and dad realise why I didn't work it out, they're fine though. Ginny wasn't home so the conversation will have to wait. Hermione wrote down everything about me from the time I was eleven. They are going to have Ginny read it in the hope she would understand why I never figured out my sexual orientation.'

'It won't be a nice read but it could help.'

'It'll be like the muggle horror novels, or suspense with a lot of horror thrown in.'

'Even I don't know much Harry, but from what I've heard, how you are, the way you talk, what you talk about, I know already that you really had a fucked up life.'

'Yeah, but since I did survive all that, I might finally get a decent life. I'm starting to believe I will.'

'Good, because you are. Now though, I wanted to ask you something.'

'Okay.'

'Well, these marriages happened and we all just had to go through with them. But now we're getting to know each other and so far, we get on. Why don't we throw a party, since we didn't really have a reception?'

'Yeah, I don't mind. It might be good to have some fun with everyone we like. Would your friends come from Romania?'

'If I give them enough notice and if they find somewhere to stay.'

'There's seven bedrooms here Charlie not to mention two other living rooms, so they can stay here. This is your home now, so invite your friends and tell them they have a place to stay.'

'I know we're married and I live here with you, it's just the fact it was your parents house.'

'True, but think of it this way, a lot of kids are willed their parents homes when they die, this is not really that much difference.'

'True, it's just…well, what happened here.'

'Does living here make you uncomfortable?'

'The first day, yeah, but I'm fine now.'

'That's good, but if you were uncomfortable living here, we could have bought another place, something just as big.'

'No, I'm fine, but it was only when I saw inside here that I realise you had money.'

'Um, well, to tell you the truth, I'm really rich. The Potter's always had money but my grandfather invested a lot. He bought shares in big wizarding companies, but he also did the same in the muggle world. He realised he could make a lot of money buying into muggle companies.'

'So did your grandfather know any muggles or muggleborns?'

'No, not until he met my mother, but he was good friends with a few goblins. My grandfather loved to go exploring, he would find unusual things. When he was young, just married, he found a big bag full of stuff buried under an old building. When he realised what he found, he just gave it to the goblins, yet it was worth a fortune. The bag was full of stuff that someone had stolen from the goblins. Not the vaults or anything, just out of Gringotts offices, homes, places like that. My grandfather remembered reading about it and how some of those things had been in their families for thousands of years. They were so grateful they said they would help triple his money in a few months, they did by investing in muggle companies.'

'I remember reading in history about those items going missing, but they never said who stole it.'

'They never got proof but they believed it was a goblin. No one else could have gotten into all the places where the items went missing. My grandfather who owned the land under Diagon alley was digging through some old ruins ready to clear it up for other shops to be built. The bag was there, only about a hundred feet behind Gringotts. It had been there for more then seventy years and so, close but no one knew.'

'You own the land under Diagon alley?'

'Um, yeah.'

'Now I know why you're not working.'

'I want to work, I'm still trying to figure out what I want to do, haven't had time to figure it out. But I finally had an idea, I'm still thinking about it. I have been reading through all the portfolios, I wanted to see which muggle companies I owned as I know of a few that would be great to invest in. But there was another reason why I started to look through that. I figured I should tell you what I organised, especially since we're married.'

'Okay, but as I said, you don't have to tell me anything.'

'I know and this isn't really about us, it's just something I need to do. Okay, I bought a company called Grunnings, my bastard of an uncle manages the place. But I know my uncle, they took money for my care but never used any on me, they used it on Dudley and their holidays. If he could do that, steal from a child then he might be the type to steal from work. I've had people investigating the company, but mainly him. I got a letter a few days ago saying they found a lot of unexplained expenditure. Once they've finished, I'm going to make sure this information gets out, it will destroy his reputation but I want to go further and ruin his life. Anyway, let's get back to the party, we can invite Hermione's parents. They will finally get to see a lot of different magic. We can invite your family, your friends and you'll need to write to your friends in Romania.'

Charlie saw a very vindictive side to Harry. He knew only a small bit about how he had been treated, but to hear him say he was going to ruin a man's life surprised him. It was then that he realised that when he did hear about how Harry was treated by those muggles, it would probably shock him. Now more than ever Charlie wanted to show Harry a good life and wondered if he was ready for a bit of intimacy, without going all the way. He liked Harry and right now he wanted to do anything he could to give Harry a better life. Maybe starting off with a little bit of intimacy, will help.

Harry and Charlie spent a lot of time working on the details for the party, especially the guest list which seemed to grow and grow.

'You really have a lot of friends Harry.'

'I suppose I do. I'm really close to Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna but I do get on great with all the others.'

'I've met Luna's father, never really spoke with Luna though.'

'She's…unique, but a great friend and someone I owe my life to.'

'When did she save you?'

'After Sirius died, she stopped me killing myself, twice,' Harry stared down at the parchment then watched as Charlie's hand lifted his, entwining their fingers, 'I miss him but it's getting easier to deal with. I was beginning to think of him as a father. I didn't get to spend a lot of time with him but we connected straight away. I used to imagine him raising me and me calling him dad.'

'We all saw how you felt about him, how he felt about you. I think if you did spend more time together he would have treated you like a son. It's sort of is and isn't a shock to hear that you wanted to take your own life. Not just because of Sirius but because of everything that's happened to you from the time your parents died. Anyway, onto something different, again, do you trust me?'

'Yeah, what are you going to do now?'

'Just trust me,' Charlie pulled Harry to his feet then up the stairs and into his bedroom, 'No sex, not yet, but it doesn't mean we can't share a few other things.'

'Um…okay, but I've got no experience. I'm not even sure what to do, I've just heard things.'

'None of us know what to do when we start off and most of us begin with others who don't have any experience. At least I can help you through it.'

'Okay,' Harry said nervously as he stared at the bed. He gasped and jumped as he felt Charlie holding him through his jeans, 'Fuck, um, Charlie.'

'It's fine, just let yourself do whatever you want, you're body will tell you,' Charlie began moving them slowly back then unbuttoned Harry's jeans, 'Trust me.'

'I do,' Harry panted but he kept taking shallow breaths trying to control his body, trying to control his throbbing cock. Now he knew why the boys kept groaning in their beds of a night. He heard them say they would wank but he never believed it. He never had any type of sexual education from the Dursley's and Hogwarts is still so old fashioned that it just doesn't get talked about, let alone taught.

Harry looked down as Charlie pushed his jeans and underwear over his hips. Within seconds he was naked from the waist down, but Charlie was completely naked. Harry decided he should participate, so he pulled his shirt over his head.

'When we do have sex, it's going to hurt isn't it?'

'It will be uncomfortable, but the more prepared you are the better it gets. Being wizards we can use magic to lube up and stretch each other. But to start with it's good to feel a finger or two.'

Harry gulped then squeaked as he felt a finger there, near his hole, 'Shit.'

'I can stop if you want.'

Harry shook his head, 'No, I want this. I want you to show me, to teach me.' He did want to do this, he wanted to experience normal things and sex, all parts of sex was normal.

'Then I will, start with a bit of touching, but I will be making you come, probably a few times.'

'Oh god,' Harry blushed beet red then he was lying across the bed with Charlie beside him. He wasn't sure what to do, if he touched Charlie how would he know if he was holding him too tight.

Harry gulped again when Charlie took his hand and wrapped it around his cock. Harry wasn't holding him tight but firm.

'Can I hurt you?'

'Not really, you can feel it, feel how I'm about to touch you so you do the same,' Charlie wrapped his large scarred hand around Harry's cock, 'Just do what I do, it's the best way to start.'

'Okay,' Harry stared down at his own cock in Charlie's hand then his hand around Charlie's. He moved his hand up and down, slowly, trying to keep his grip firm but not tight. He finally got into a rhythm and didn't even realise his hips were thrusting, he was too engrossed in what his hand was doing to Charlie and how good it felt, how good he felt. He never imagined that anything could feel this good.

'Oh god,' Harry's eyes closed, he felt it, he was building.

'Just let it happen,' Charlie kept his hand moving but he moved until he was able to kiss Harry, which he did and Harry responded. As their kiss heated up Harry's groans became louder and his hips thrust faster, until he finally released. One thing that did surprise Charlie was Harry's hand never stopped until he finally let go. The few blokes he had done this with usually slowed or stopped when they came. Harry didn't, he just kept his hand going until Charlie finally let go.

'Blimey,' Harry slowly opened his eyes, he could tell he was blushing again then he saw the mess over both of them, 'Is this normal?'

Charlie chuckled, 'Very normal,' he reached for his wand, flicked it and the come from both of them disappeared, 'It's so easy for us boys to get some relief then clean up. Most of us never wanted the house elves at Hogwarts to find out what we did and hoped they wouldn't tell a teacher if they did find out. So a flick of our wands and it's all clean.'

'Yeah, it is. So using our hands is one way, I know the mouth comes into it, or so I've heard.'

'It will, for both of us, but going all the way with your mouth is up to you, some can some can't, some just take a while to get used to it.'

'I want to try, I want to try everything.'

'Then you can, decide after. I love blowing men,' Charlie grinned wickedly as Harry went red again, 'One minute you sound older and wise, powerful, the next you're like an innocent teenager.'

'I'm both, confusing isn't it,' Harry turned on his side to face Charlie, 'I was beaten, often. They liked to cause me pain,' he rolled over, 'You can see the scars.'

Charlie gaped at Harry's back which was littered with white lines, going from his shoulders down his back, over his backside and down his legs. He reached out and ran the tips of his finger over the faint line.

'Dad told me what he was like, how big he was. When did this start?'

'Five, I was five, I dropped the fry-pan with the bacon in it. He dragged me into the garage, took my clothes off and just kept hitting me with this strap. It happened all the time after that. It might have happened before, but I don't remember much from before I turned five,' Harry rolled back over until he was staring at the roof, 'I told Dumbledore they hit me,' Harry shrugged.

'And that bastard left you there, now I know why you don't like him or them and why you want to ruin them. It won't affect us in anyway but I need to know, did they do more than hit?'

'They didn't rape me. There was one time I thought he was going to but I did accidental magic. His balls swelled until they were about half the size of a quaffle. He was in pain, shoved me out of the bathroom and I wasn't made to go into the bathroom with him again.'

'Did you know what he was going to do?'

'I wasn't sure until I caught my cousin with these porn movies, I saw these men with younger boys, not the age I was, they were teenagers. It was then that I realised why he was naked and why I was. The harsher treatment stopped once I began at Hogwarts. He knew I was learning magic and knew I had a wand. Petunia probably told him about some of the magic my mother knew which would have scared him. I would have used my wand on him even with the underage restrictions. I wasn't going to allow him to touch me like that.'

'You know you should have spoken with a specialist healer about this.'

'I couldn't, anything about me ended up in the papers, I couldn't trust anyone.'

'What about Poppy, she might not be a specialist but she was a medi-witch who probably dealt with her fair share of abused kids.'

'She would tell Dumbledore, she always did.'

'I take it you never told Ron or Hermione either?'

Harry shook his head, 'I was embarrassed. There I was, seeing your family home feeling like I was still a freak. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was and it's why I was kept in a cupboard,' Harry sat up.

Charlie sat up but wrapped his arms around Harry, 'You can talk to me about any of this and I'll keep it to myself. But I'm not really experienced with this type of thing.'

'I just wanted you to know, I…I was worried I wouldn't be able to do anything. I think that's why I never…you know.'

'I would say that's the reason more than what you were going through. Having a wank when you're stressed actually helps, well, it helped me and a lot of my male friends.'

'I never thought it about it, now that I've experienced a bit of what it's about, I get how it might help. So you're job with dragons would make you…um…wank?'

Charlie chuckled as Harry blushed again, 'All the time, unless I got sex. By the way, some men will not bottom it, some will. I go either way, but I love being fucked.'

'Charlie,' Harry blushed but he noticed Charlie's grin, 'Prat,' he sighed, 'I probably won't at first, I don't know, I want to, but…'

'You don't have to explain, not after hearing the little you have told me. But now, how about we go do some shopping. If we're having a party soon we're going to need new clothes.'

'I just bought a heap of clothes.'

'I know and they look good on you, but a bit more won't hurt. I want some new stuff, you can help me pick out some stuff.'

'Alright, you've got a nice body so some tighter clothes might look good on you.'

Harry blushed again making Charlie laugh, but they pulled their clothes on before heading out.

Right at the same time that Harry and Charlie were shopping, Ginny was sitting on her bed reading the pages that Hermione had left, all on Harry's life. She wasn't a girl that cried, but she had to keep wiping the tears from her face as she read about what Harry had been through from the time he started at Hogwarts. She always knew he looked stressed, or hurt, she just never realised just how bad his life really was, now she did. She knew this was on what Harry went through at Hogwarts, which was terrible, yet there was nothing about his life before he went to Hogwarts. Ginny knew the muggles did not like Harry so it made her wonder about what type of life he had with them. She also realised why he wanted time alone and why he never seemed to enjoy being with her. So much was finally making sense. Even though it will take her a while to get over Harry, she at least understood more now and she knew why he never worked out he was gay.

Over the next couple of weeks, Charlie kept teaching Harry about sex. They still had not actually penetrated each other, but they had progressed to blow jobs. Charlie had been surprised when Harry didn't pull back the first time, he continued until Charlie had let go. From then on, they both gave each other pleasure using their mouths.

No one apart from Hermione, Ron, Molly and Arthur knew that Charlie was married to Harry. The papers kept trying to find out but so far, they weren't having much luck. Tonight, there was a family dinner at the Burrow to let everyone know. The only reason it was being held there was because Ginny had finally realised why Harry never figured out his sexuality before. She still loved him but she understood that he would never want her in the same way she wanted him. She had begun to spend more time with Seamus, her husband, so they were now becoming closer. Seamus knew it would take a while before his wife would get over Harry, so he was patient. They had five years so Seamus was hoping that since they did have time, Ginny's feelings would change so she ended up in love with him. All he could do is wait and hope.

'Do you really think some of them haven't worked it out yet?' Harry asked as he slipped on his dragon hide jeans.

'How would they work it out?'

'You haven't told anyone who you're married to and you're not seen with anyone. Then you look at me, everyone is trying to find out who I chose and when I am seen, in the magical world, I'm alone.'

'I see what you mean, then some might have put two and two together. Do you know if the twins were suspicious of you, in any way?'

'Well, Fred did kiss me once, I was too shocked and embarrassed to think of anything.'

'Did he say why he kissed you?'

'Because their shop was a huge success,' Harry could tell Charlie was confused, 'I gave them the money to start the shop. I gave them the triwizard money, well, I forced them to take it. They forced me to become a silent partner. What I haven't told them is when my percentage of the money from the shop goes into my account, I have it transferred back into the shop's account. I don't know if they've figured it out, if they did, they never mentioned it. Anyway, it was Fred's way of showing his gratitude. I think I stood there in shock for about ten minutes. We were in the back of the shop, this was before my sixth year. It was you're families first visit and it was my first visit to the shop. While your mum was occupied, the twins pulled me into the back room.'

'At least it makes sense now, Fred was always the one that couldn't stop himself showing how he felt. They might be identical, can speak for each other and seem to know what the other is thinking. But George is more for grinning, the odd hug, but Fred will really show his emotions, he just doesn't think when he does.'

'George did hug me, I thought Fred was going to do the same then his lips were on mine. My eyes were as wide as plates and I could feel how red I was. I never thought of it before, I just see them as identical in every way, but you're right. George will hold back, Fred doesn't seem to know how. But I can't tell you if they are suspicious now. I have no idea if they thought or knew I was gay back then.'

'No, me either, so are you ready to meet the in-laws.'

'Blimey, I have a mother-in-law a father-in-law, I have brother-in-laws and two sister-in-laws, no three, Hermione, Fleur and Ginny, no, four, Angelina is now part of the family. Oh, five, Percy married Audrey.'

'You're used to being with the family so it's not like all of them are being thrust upon you for the first time.'

'True, but that first day at the Burrow, there was Ron, the twins, Percy, your mum and me, that shocked me a little, then Ginny came in. She was shocked to see me, then ran out of the room. Your mum got her later. Then your dad came home. I was nervous at first, I wasn't sure if your dad would be like…him. All your dad did was sit beside me and ask me about muggle things. The first thing he said to me was "What is the use of a rubber duck" Harry grinned as Charlie laughed, 'Yeah, I knew nothing about your dad's fascination with muggle things and he asks me about a rubber duck. I thought he might have been a bit…well, insane.'

'No, not insane just crazy about muggle stuff. Now come on, it's time for you to official meet your family.'

Harry and Charlie headed outside, the apparated within seconds of each other, 'Should we walk in together or should you go first?'

'No, we go together,' Charlie took hold of Harry's hand then kissed it, 'There's no reason to be nervous, even though I get why. Are you ready?'

'Yes, let's go.'

Charlie and Harry headed towards the house, they saw Molly glance out the window then the door was opened. She pulled Harry into a rib cracking Harry, all Charlie could do was stand by and smile.

'Welcome to the family Harry.'

'Thanks Mrs Weasley.'

'From now on it's Molly, I would say you can call me mum, but I figured you might not be ready for that.'

'I want to, now you are my mother-in-law, I just need to get used to it.'

'I know, so Molly it is,' she hugged Charlie then pulled the two men into the house, to shocked gasps, 'Yes, Charlie and Harry are married.'

'Harry picked you, blimey,' Bill said.

'You could have anyone in the world Harry and you pick Charlie,' George said.

'I happen to think Charlie is gorgeous and have since I was fourteen, I just didn't work it out.'

'You have now, so welcome…son,' Arthur hugged Harry, Charlie was grinning.

'Thanks Mr Weasley,' Harry grinned.

'Charlie seems happy, he must have helped Harry…work it out,' George smirked.

'They said they haven't George, this is new for Harry, he's trying to get used to everything,' Hermione said.

'We've moved past nothing to something but that's all I'm saying,' Charlie moved around the table, 'So, are you going to hex me or what sis?'

'No, I'm not,' Ginny hugged Charlie, 'I wanted to even when I didn't know it was you, but I understand more now,' Ginny let Charlie go but noticed Harry looked nervous so she went and hugged him as well, 'It's okay, I get why, but I would still like to hex you for making me cry. When I read what Hermione wrote, I could hardly see through all the tears.'

'I'm sorry, for making you cry and not realising sooner. I hope we can still be friends though.'

'No, not friends, family.'

'Thanks Ginny,' Harry smiled then turned to Seamus, 'but now I have to put up with more things blowing up around me.'

'Hey, I haven't blown anything up since the fighting and McGonagall gave me permission to do that.'

'So, it was you that blew up the bridges?' Charlie sat down then pulled Harry beside him.

'Yep, I don't understand half of what McGonagall said, she used all these big words. But I got the meaning, big boom, she even said, boom.'

'Well Seamus, welcome to the family, I hope the other boys have given you a warning.' Charlie said.

Ginny huffed, Seamus grinned, 'Yes, from the boys, your parent's, Hermione, Fleur and Angelina.'

'Then add Harry and me to that. She's still the youngest even if she is an adult.'

'Who knows how to hex, so back off…red.'

Harry chuckled, 'You're all red so that doesn't really work for you Ginny.'

'True, but Hermione told me you call him red. I didn't think you'd go with a nickname since you hate all yours.'

'Oh yes, first is the-boy-who-lived, then pup, cub, Prongslet, the chosen one, undesirable number one and now the saviour,' Hermione smirked.

'You're get yours miss bookworm.'

'What is pup, cub and Prongslet?' Angelina asked.

'Sirius called me pup, he did from the time I was born, because his animagus was a dog and I was his pup. Remus was the same but called me cub, since wolves have cubs. Prongslet was the name my father called me because he was called Prongs.'

'So that's why you called your patronus Prongs, I always wondered where the name came from,' Seamus said.

'Remus told me my dad's animagus was a stag named Prongs so when my patronus ended up a stag, I decided to keep the name, as a tribute to my father.'

'That's nice Harry, I'm sure your father would like that,' Molly said.

'Sirius said he would.'

'Do you want to change Harry?' Arthur asked.

'I…I can, I found my father's notes when I moved into the house, only took me two weeks.'

'Did you have anyone there with you?' Hermione asked.

'No and I know I should have but it was something I didn't want to share with anyone.'

'So, tell us what you change into,' Ron said.

'I'll show you,' Harry grinned down at Charlie as he stood but he moved further back away from everyone. Then within seconds there was a huge black dragon standing in the room.

'This is what got him suspicious. It was only a few weeks after the fighting when he changed the first time. He figured he might be a dog like Sirius or a stag, maybe even a doe for his mum. But he turned to look around he saw his dragon self in the reflection from one of the pictures.'

Harry turned back then sat down, 'It's a strange feeling when you change. Oh, I can shoot fire as well, but I love flying as a dragon.'

'Harry took me for a ride, I happen to mention that I never been on the back of a dragon even though I work with them. I knew Harry, Ron and Hermione rode that Norwegian ridgeback which made me jealous. Now I can ride a dragon any time I want, it's soooo cool.'

Everyone around the table laughed, they knew Charlie would ask Harry often to ride his dragon self, maybe it was time some others got to ride a dragon as well.

'I thought you couldn't become a magical animal, like a dragon or unicorn,' Hermione said.

'It's rare but not impossible. Only powerful witches and wizards can change into a magical animal,' Arthur said.

'Dumbledore could change into a phoenix, then he explained how only about a dozen magicals had become magical animals. He wanted me to know since he believed I would want to learn and he thought I would end up being a magical animal. He would have lost the bet on which animal I changed into if he was still alive,' Harry said.

'Which animal did he pick for you?' Ron asked.

'A phoenix, he figured since Fawkes liked me and I liked him, it would be one of them. I said I didn't care, as long as I could fly,' Harry grinned making everyone laugh. It was like Charlie and his dragons. Harry loved to fly, now he could without having to use a broom, unless he wanted to.

Since the Weasley family finally knew that Charlie was married to Harry, he sent a statement to the Quibbler, he asked Xenophilius if he would publish it.

When Harry got the next copy of the Quibbler, he saw a picture of himself on the cover, one taken during the fighting. There was also a picture of Charlie, he was also fighting. It was probably the only picture that Xenophilius could find of both of them.

'Everyone knows now babe.'

Harry looked up at Charlie, 'Yep, they do, you know what it means though, don't you?'

'That we'll probably get a lot of mail and some howlers.'

Harry chuckled, 'The wards around the house stop howlers and all my mail goes to the ministry, Kingsley organised that. Once it's checked for curses then it gets sent on. Only Kingsley, Minerva, your family, Neville and Luna can send mail directly to me. No, what I meant was you, when you get seen.'

'So, I'll get a bit more attention.'

'Um, Charlie, it might be a bit more. I'm not actually sure what will happen, but me, Ron, Hermione, Neville, all the ones that fought get a lot, we were known as the D A. You're already known because it was you that brought all the others which turned the fight our way. Now your married to me, it just might mean you'll get photographed, a lot and questioned, a lot, about me,' Harry shrugged.

'I'll deal with it…if it happens. But anything about us will remain private. Anyway, everything is set, my friends from Romania will be here tomorrow then the next day we party.'

'Yeah and at least you showed me how to lower the wards, I didn't really want to stand there to spell everyone in.'

'This way when they leave you can put your wards back up and it's still private here. But we know it'll be safe, I mean some of the order will be there, most of the D A then add Kingsley and his auror guards.'

'I know, that's not really why I wanted the wards, it's just so people wouldn't stand at the windows hoping to see me. Whenever I went down to the town, I had strangers following me. They would watch me while I sat at my parent's graves. I wanted to work on the front garden without people watching me. I just want my home to be private and away from the public's curiosity.'

'I get that, now come to bed, I want to have some more fun.'

Harry stood up and walked over to Charlie, 'I want to do more, I'm still not ready to…um, take it, but I can do you.'

'Great, I've been wanting you to fuck me for ages,' Charlie grabbed Harry's hand and dragged him upstairs. Harry kept laughing until they got to their bedroom. It was only a few days ago they decided to share since they were becoming intimate. They found that when they slept in the same bed, their hands wandered more so they would usually give each other some release before going to sleep. Harry was finally feeling that his life was looking up. At least it was heading in the right direction.

Harry lowered the wards around his property ready for Charlie's friends to arrive. They were due in two minutes, by port key, a group of twenty, men and women. Charlie stayed in the back garden which was where the portkey would drop off their guests. Charlie had to go to Romania, just for a day so he could organise the portkey. He had to get the person from the ministry to charm it to Harry's place. One thing with the Romanian ministry, the workers were all under oaths so the one who charmed the portkey could not tell anyone or create another portkey directly to Harry Potter's property.

Harry decided to wait inside until Charlie brought them all in. He didn't admit it to Charlie but he was a bit nervous, he always was when meeting new people. Charlie had been telling him about his friends, so he knew they all sounded like good people. But Harry also knew he was cautious with everyone, until he got to know them.

When he heard voices and laughter he smiled and looked towards the back of the house. It was only a couple of minutes later that Charlie lead his friends inside. He left the group so he could stand beside Harry, his arm slipped around Harry's waist.

'Everyone, this is my husband, Harry. I will get you all to introduce yourselves.'

'You said you were married mate, but you didn't say you were married to the-boy-who-lived.'

'Charlie said he wanted to shock you. But it's all cool, I'm just Harry,' he moved away from Charlie and held out his hand. One by one Charlie's friends introduced themselves as they shook his hand. Harry was ready for the looks, which he got, especially the glances at his scar.

'Let's show you the rooms you will be staying in then we can have lunch.'

'And please feel free to make yourselves at home,' Harry said.

'The only room Harry wants kept private is his office, but every other room is fair game,' Charlie grinned, grabbed Harry's hand then lead the way upstairs to the bedroom.

It was only a ten minutes later that the very large group were sitting around the expanded table. Kreacher and Winky were loading up the table with food.

'I um, noticed a lot of pictures of you and your parent's, when you were a baby.' Gary said.

Harry smiled, 'This is my parent's house. I repaired it after the fighting.'

'It's a wonder a lot of their stuff wasn't stolen.'

'Albus Dumbledore sealed the house using my blood. He said if I survive then I may want to visit. I knew the moment Voldemort,' Harry waited until everyone settled down. He still found it strange that people hated hearing the name Voldemort, 'when I knew…he was finally gone I wanted to live in my family's home. I didn't know a lot about my parent's and nothing about my grandparent's. Being here has taught me a lot.'

'Harry keeps this place warded since everyone in the magical world knows this house. He dropped the wards to allow all of you to portkey in, then reset them. Tomorrow he will do the same when the rest of the guests arrive. Normally Harry would just spell in his guests, one at a time, but there are going to be around one hundred guests. Oh, just so you know, the minister for magic happens to be a good friend, so he'll be here with his auror guards.'

'Kingsley's a good bloke, he promised me he will drop his professional side and just enjoy the party. But there will be some of the teachers from Hogwarts here as well. You'll meet Hagrid and Grawp, they might look intimidating but they are very friendly.'

'Who are Hagrid and Grawp?' Samantha asked.

'Hagrid is the care of magical creatures teacher at Hogwarts and a half giant. Grawp is his half brother and a full giant. They both helped during the fighting. Hagrid was the first magical person I ever met. He was the one to pick me up and take me shopping for my Hogwarts stuff. His big and hairy, but his basically a kitten.'

'With you Harry, he can get very dangerous if he thinks someone is causing you problems.'

'As if I don't have enough people trying to protect me, even your family red.'

'True and you might not need protecting but that's how everyone feels. You've gone through enough, it's time to let others deal with all the other shit. So, let them deal with it.'

'I'll try, it's just I'm usually right in the thick of things. But let's get off all the serious discussions. How about we finish lunch then have a fly,' Harry winked at Charlie.

'Oh, you lot are going to love this.'

'What's so impressive about flying, we do it all the time.'

'Oh, you won't be flying using brooms. But let's just wait until after we finish eating,' Charlie smirked, 'You're going to be amazed.'

All the friends had no idea what Charlie and Harry were on about. They decided to just eat so they could find out.

After everyone finished lunch and a trip to one of the many bathrooms. Charlie and Harry lead the group outside and down through the back of the garden.

'Since this town is combined magical and muggle, the ministry has warded the whole area so the muggles don't see anything they shouldn't. This house attracts attention so they figured it would be safer.'

'Just show them Harry,' Charlie said excitedly.

'Alright,' Harry moved back then changed.

A few of Charlie's friends jumped in fright at the sight of the large black dragon, 'Harry takes me for a ride whenever I want. I told him that even though I work with dragons, I could never hope to ride one. Harry, Ron and Hermione broke out of Gringotts they flew a Norwegian ridgeback who had been guarding the lower vaults. It made me so jealous, Harry offered and I wasn't going to say no. So, who want's to go first?'

Charlie laughed as all of them moved forward. Harry/dragon lowered it's head so they could all pat him, then he crouched down to allow the first to climb onto his back. Charlie explained that Harry's flying is very smooth so they only had to just hold on when he takes off and lands.

Harry stood waited until Charlie nodded to let him know his passenger was ready. His wings came out and he took to the sky to shouting and laughter. Harry loved flying as a dragon, but it seems his guest was having a great time as well. Over the next hour, every one of Charlie's friends had a fly on the dragon and all of them couldn't stop talking about how it felt.

For the rest of the day, the group mainly relaxed around the house. They all spoke with Harry and got to know just who the-boy-who-lived is. They had heard the stories and read about Harry Potter. Now they were finally seeing who the real man was. They realised half of what they had read or heard about, wasn't true at all. He was quiet and never tried to get attention. He seemed happy to just sit and listen to everyone.

It took Harry a while, but he finally relaxed and got to know Charlie's friends a bit more. He thought they all seemed like nice people.

Voldemort and the Battle of Hogwarts was brought up once. Some of Charlie's friends had seen his picture leading the large group of people onto the grounds of Hogwarts. Charlie told them what he had been doing, but since he knew Harry didn't really want to talk about it, he never mentioned what Harry had been doing.

They all did go for a swim. Harry could swim now and he did every night. He found it good exercise but he also found it relaxing. Now Charlie and his friends were just having fun in the pool.

Because the party was the following day, all Charlie's friends went to bed at a normal time instead of staying up later. They knew they would be up late the next night and none of them wanted to be too tired to enjoy themselves.

Just before the guests were due to arrive, Harry again lowered the wards around the property. Harry kept his wand in his hand while he waited for the guests to arrive.

'No one would be foolish to try and get in here Harry. You took out Voldemort, it's known you survived the killing curse for a second time. I doubt anyone would be stupid enough to try anything.'

'Probably not, it's just the first time anyone can see the place since I moved in. Yesterday I only had the wards lowered for a few minutes.'

Charlie slipped his arms around Harry, 'It'll be fine, our guests will begin to arrive any time. Winky and Kreacher has all the food ready, along with everything else. And you babe, look hot.'

Harry blushed as he smiled. He still couldn't help himself when Charlie said things like that. Just as he was about to kiss his husband, they both heard the tell-tale sound of apparition, not just one but four people arrived.

Hermione, Ron arrived with Hermione's parents, but Neville and Hannah arrived at the same time. Before Harry and Charlie could greet their first guests properly, more people arrived.

Over the next half an hour, people kept appearing in the back garden of the house in Godric's hollow. Harry would remain to greet the guests, while Charlie would introduce his friends to his family and all the guests that had arrived.

When the last guests arrived, which was the minister and his auror guards, Harry showed them around before finding Charlie, who was telling everyone about Harry taking his friends for a fly.

'After the dragon we were on, I never want to see another dragon again,' Hermione said.

'I wouldn't mind if it was Harry, I know he wouldn't try to eat me,' Ron said.

'So, you are one of the few that can change into a magical animal,' Kingsley said.

'Yeah, I was surprised. Dumbledore did tell me there was a chance I could, but I figured I would be Padfoot or Prongs. I ended up a big black Hungarian horntail.'

'When Harry first took me for a ride, it gave me an idea. Kids could be taught about dragons in a safe way since we know Harry keeps his mind when he transforms,' Charlie said.

'That's not a bad idea Charlie. Most aren't even lucky to see a dragon, yet Harry could visit Hogwarts or other dragon reserves when they allow visitors,' Bill said.

'It's something to think about. I might mention it to Minerva.' Charlie said.

Some of the adults were standing together, talking but also watching Harry and his friends.

'How has he been?' Minerva asked.

'There are times when he has trouble hiding his depression. I spoke with Charlie so he would keep an eye on him. He already worked it out and has been able to get Harry's mind off what he went through,' Arthur said.

'When I received this invitation, I was surprised. He's been basically hiding here at the house. Apart from when he's at the Burrow, has he been anywhere else?'

'He went to Diagon alley once, to meet Ron and Hermione so he could tell them about Charlie. He did say he'd been into town a few times and to the graveyard, but that's eased because people keep following him,' Molly sighed.

'He can't get any privacy at the moment unless he's here or at the Burrow. That is not helping his depression,' Kingsley said.

'I still blame Albus for all this. He made so many mistakes in regard to Harry, especially hiding the prophecy from him,' Minerva said.

'Harry blames himself for Sirius dying, but he also blames Albus and Severus,' Arthur said.

'If Harry had known about the prophecy, he might have realised it was a trap,' Minerva said.

'It's not just that, we talked and worked something out,' Arthur said.

'Worked what out?' Kingsley asked.

'From the time Harry told Snape that he had padfoot in the place it was hidden, to when the order turned up to help, it was nearly two hours.'

'We left the moment Albus informed us Harry and his friends went to the ministry. We gathered at Grimmauld place then took the floo. We were at the house for no longer than fifteen minutes,' Kingsley said.

'That's what we worked out. Either Albus delayed telling you, or Snape delayed telling Albus. Harry and Charlie both believe Snape delayed telling Albus because he really was working for both sides and he just couldn't let go of his hate for James Potter. He also knew Sirius would not sit in that house if Harry was in danger. He wanted Sirius caught and kissed, or killed,' Arthur said, 'He could have wanted Harry killed because he just couldn't get past the fact that he was James Potter's son. It's the main reason why he hates Albus just as much as he hated Snape. Albus trusted Snape, where Harry never did. I hate to admit it, but I didn't trust him, I just never told Albus.'

'Severus was working both sides, so it would not matter which side won, he would come out on the winning side,' Minerva said, 'But I agree with you Arthur, Severus could not let go of his hate and was convinced Harry was like James. No matter how many times we said that Harry was more like Lily, he refused to see it. Let's just hope Harry has time now, with your family and with Charlie, it will help him put all that to rest.'

'It's the main reason I've decided that neither Snape nor Albus will be recognised when it comes to ending the war. They do not deserve it. Everyone here that fought will be recognised, Harry more than anyone else, which is expected. They all could have ran or left the country like many did, but they stayed, risking their lives. Harry might not like how he is thought of but he either accepts it or ignores it. It will be almost impossible for Harry to ignore the attention due to how recognisable he is.' Kingsley said.

Arthur, Kingsley and Minerva turned to watch Harry who was surrounded by his friends. They also noticed that Charlie kept his arm around Harry and it looked like Harry enjoyed being held by his husband. They decided to leave all the serious discussion and join in the fun.

Hermione's parent's got to see a lot of magic, but when they saw their daughter's friend change right in front of them into a large fire breathing dragon, they finally realised just what type of magic and magical creatures there were in their daughter's life. They also saw two house elves and saw the food magically appear on the large table.

Harry watched some of his friends enjoying themselves, he also saw that Ginny and Seamus seemed to stay together, even when talking with others.

'What are you thinking about babe?'

'Just that everyone is happy and they can finally let their hair down and not worry about any danger. Even Ginny and Seamus are having fun.'

'This is the first time the ones that were most involved have been able to get together and enjoy themselves and not have to worry about anything. Even though everyone here thinks of you as just Harry, seeing this, I understand more why people look at you with such admiration. Even though we all helped, it was you that gave them the chance to do things like this, have fun and enjoy life,' Charlie put his arm around his young husband, 'It does make me feel good about myself, knowing I helped.'

'I do as well and the couple of times I've been out, I watch people. It's so different, before they were all tense, scared, hurried about so they could get what they needed and get home, now everyone seems relaxed. So yeah, I do feel good about myself for helping. Even though I do hate the attention I get, I do understand why I am treated that way. If he won, if he was still here, I doubt anyone would be having parties and laughing.'

'No, only the death eaters. But let's forget all the serious talk and join in with all the fun,' Charlie surprised Harry when he picked him up and swung him around until he was riding on Charlie's back. Everyone couldn't help laugh as they watched Harry and Charlie together. But one thing many of the people at the party noticed, they got to see Harry smiling and laughing, that hardly happened before.

'Charlie's good for Harry,' Kingsley said as he watched how Harry and Charlie interacted.

'They are. Even though Harry is the powerful one and well, the saviour, Charlie basically decides what they do and Harry is happy to go along with anything he suggests,' Arthur said.

'He never had anyone to count on before and the ones he did, like Albus, let him down. Now he knows Charlie is with him one hundred percent, he can let someone else take control. He doesn't have to do anything or decide anything, just enjoy his life,' Kingsley said.

The ones watching Harry realised Kingsley was right. He was finally allowing someone to help him and take some of the decisions out of his hands. They could tell that Harry and Charlie would talk things over, but in the end, Harry had finally let go and he was finally asking for help, when he needed it.

During the party, Charlie left Harry with his friends and spoke with Minerva more about Harry being a dragon and how it could just help the students of Hogwarts. His idea was for Harry to go to Hogwarts occasionally so the students can see a dragon up close in a safe environment. Charlie did plan to speak with many of the managers of the dragon reserves to see if they would be interested in having Harry visit on the days that they have visitors. Visitors could get to see and touch a dragon. They would be up close and personal. Charlie thought if it went well at Hogwarts, then maybe other magical schools would like Harry to visit to show the students a dragon that would not hurt them.

Minerva, Kingsley and Hagrid listened to the idea Charlie had, 'I believe it's a good idea. Charlie, you could come with Harry and pass on some of your knowledge to the students. Hagrid might be the teacher, but you are a dragon handler,' Kingsley said.

'I also believe it is a good idea. What say you, Hagrid?' Minerva asked.

Hagrid grinned, hugely, 'It'll be brilliant.'

'Then I will work on a schedule, but you need to speak with Harry so he will know what days he will need to be at Hogwarts.'

'Since Harry really isn't doing anything at the moment, his days are free. He works on his business portfolios, the ones his grandfather began, but he can do that any time.'

'Then we'll speak further on this once we get closer to opening. But Harry keeps looking at you,' Minerva gestured with her head.

Charlie grinned, got up and hurried over to his husband, who happened to be the man he was falling in love with. Charlie knew Harry cared about him, he also knew Harry was good at hiding how he was really feeling. Harry was still so unsure of himself that Charlie knew that Harry could be wary about admitting how he feels. Harry has been rejected by his muggle relatives and hurt by so many that he never believed he was good enough for anyone. Charlie had slowly been showing Harry that he was good enough and soon Charlie would tell him how he felt so Harry would finally know that he was good enough to love.

Harry woke late the next day but since the party didn't finish until around four in the morning, it was expected. Harry didn't think many that had been at the party would be awake yet. He turned his head to see Charlie, smiling at him. Harry could help smiling back.

'How long have you been awake?' Harry asked as he turned on his side.

'About an hour. Apart from watching you sleep, I've been working some things out.'

'Is something wrong?'

Charlie gave Harry a smile but he felt sad for his husband. Harry always expects something to happen and usually it's something bad.

'No, it's an idea I had. I spoke with Minerva and Kingsley, both thought it was brilliant. But I'll explain it all later. Let's get up and have some breakfast. I'm starving.'

Harry chuckled. He was so used to how all the Weasley's ate and Charlie was no different.

'When aren't you hungry,' Harry grinned.

After everyone had a late breakfast, Charlie's friends decided to go out for the day. Since Harry had spelled all of Charlie's friends into the wards, it meant they could come and go when they wanted. It wasn't often they got back to England so they were going to visit family or just visit places they wanted to see while they were here.

Harry and Charlie sat outside in the sun and just relaxed, 'So this idea I had, it involves you. Well, it involves both of us but more you.'

'Since I've gotten to know you Charlie, I know it's not a bad thing. So, what this about?'

'Your animagus. I thought it would be a good idea if you visited Hogwarts occasionally and showed the students the dragon. Most people never see a dragon and if they do, they would never be able to get near one. Minerva suggested that I talk about dragons while you were in your dragon form. I could start with the breed you turn into before talking about what differences dragons have to other dragons. I also thought, if you wanted, but do the same with the dragon reserves. We get many visitors who come to see a dragon, yet because they have to remain back a fair distance, they never really get to see what a dragon really looks like. Everyone see's the scales but they believe its hard and rough, or sharp. It's not, they are scales but they are soft scales. They harden after they come off the dragon. Like most animals, they will lose a hair or shed some part of them, dragons do as well.'

Harry stared at Charlie while he spoke. When he mentioned Hogwarts and the students, he thought it could work. Having the students learn about dragons from Charlie while being able to see one up close and touch one would help the students and the dragons. He wasn't keen on people touching him but when he was a dragon, he could shoot fire or just heat his breath up. If people got too rough or anything, he could do that to tell them to back off. When Charlie mentioned the visitors at the dragon reserves, at first he thought no, he wouldn't do that. But the more he thought about it, the more he realised it could help all dragons. It would teach people that dragons are not just wild dangerous creatures. It could also bring in more visitors which means more money. That money could help protect the dragons but also help in their breeding.

'I'll do it. The students would learn a lot from you, but to be able to actually see one up close is something they would normally never do. Even though I was scared to death during the first task, when I first stepped into the arena, I was so stunned by the sheer size and power of that dragon. It took me a long time to admit it, but dragons really are amazing and in a way, beautiful.'

Charlie grinned hugely then kissed Harry, hard, 'You are wonderful Harry. I wasn't sure you would go with the idea.'

'I did straight away, with the students. I wasn't sure about the reserves. Then I realised that people pay money to the reserves to see a dragon. If they could see one up close, they might come back or tell their friends which could bring in more money.'

'You're right. I wasn't even thinking of the money. I just thought most people would love to see a dragon up close. The only time I ever did was when we had to put the dragon to sleep to check it's health and check it's teeth. A dragon with a tooth ache can be dangerous.'

'I wondered what would happen if a dragon got sick or had something like an earache or toothache. So, you put them to sleep so you can check.'

'Yeah, were disillusioned and mask our scent, then we'll have a few of the workers distract them while we cast the sleeping spells. It takes around eight of us to cast the spell to put one to sleep. It takes four to put a baby to sleep. Once they are asleep, our dragon healer comes in and deals with whatever is wrong.'

'See, that's fascinating and something a lot of students will like to hear. You're going to have the students eating out of your hand.'

'Hopefully, but that just got me curious. When you're a dragon, do you want food we normally eat or what a dragon would eat?'

'I've never thought about it. Maybe I should test that, in case I don't want dragon food and someone tries to give it to me. I don't think it would look very good if I threw up on the students or paying visitors.'

Charlie laughed then pulled Harry on top of him. He wanted to feel Harry and just giving his husband that look, Harry knew what Charlie wanted. Since they had the house to themselves, they raced up the stairs and into their room. They did remember to cast a silencing charm in case Charlie's friends arrived back.

Charlie talked Harry into going out after his friends left. Harry admitted that he had never been anywhere, so Charlie figured it was time Harry saw some of the country he helped save. Due to how Harry was thought of, they mainly stuck to muggle area's and just did what a lot of muggles do and saw the sights.

'Even though we will be visiting different dragon reserves, occasionally, is there any other country you want to visit?' Charlie asked.

'Um, yeah, I want to see a lot of different countries. Hermione explained a lot about Australia and that sounded beautiful, especially their beaches. I heard a lot about America on the television at the Dursley's, so that's another. I wouldn't mind visiting Greece and Rome. We had to do some studying on their history during primary school and it sounded fascinating. Since we've worked out to use my dragon form to help educate people, that's sort of like a part time job. I still work on the business portfolios. Now though, maybe we should think about places to visit. It's not like either of us have to work, we just need things to do.'

'Even though I figured I would always work, you do make sense. When couples marry, they share everything. I still expected to work but after the idea about using your dragon form to show students just what a dragon is like, I figured, well, we could do that for a job, in a way, then work on what we want to do with the rest of our time. So yeah, we could go visit different countries. Think of this Harry, people won't stare at you all the time in other countries since they weren't involved. They might know about the-boy-who-lived but it was just a news story they read about, they weren't involved.'

'I hope your right because I would just like to have a holiday and see things I always hoped to see without having people following me or taking my picture.'

'You'll see when we finally go. We will visit muggle and magical areas so there will be times when no one will know who you are. Now, we just have to figure out where to go first. I know we can't leave until after the memorial ball and probably do our first visit to Hogwarts. So we've got time now to research all the information we can on different places.'

'It's a good idea, while we have time. Okay, so we need to go into the muggle world and find some information on different countries. Is there somewhere like the ministry that has information on other countries, like apparition spots or where you can use portkeys?'

'Yep, so it will mean a visit to the ministry. Maybe I should do that since we know we wouldn't get anything done if you were seen.'

'But everyone knows we're married so you'll get the attention once you're seen.'

'Fine, we'll ask dad if he can get the information for us.'

Harry grinned, 'Sorry, I knew eventually this would happen. We've been lucky, mainly sticking to muggle areas, apart from the town here.'

'And just those couple of visits into town showed me just how people are when they see you and now me. Alright, I get it and I'm sure I'll get used to it. So I'll get dad to get the information for us but we'll have to get the portkeys when we're ready to go. We've got the start of some plans.'

'You also have to work on which places you want to see. These trips will be...our...holiday's, not just mind.'

'True, so it seems more researching. As you know, we never had a lot growing up, so we never got many proper holidays. We'll get some maps first, work on which countries we want to start with first. We could take a month at a time then we won't have to rush to see everything in a few days.'

'Well, this is going to be our lives now. Apart from showing people at the reserves my dragon, then the students, we'll basically be doing whatever we want.'

'We can, so it's research while we have time. It's still another month away before the memorial ball. We could visit some places that's close.'

'As I've said before, I've never seen anything. I wouldn't mind visiting Stonehenge and that's in this country. Then there's France, it's not far away.'

'Both are just apparating, which means we can do a different place every day. How about we go down to the shops and get some maps, of everywhere, but we start with Great Britain and France.'

'That sounds good.'

It didn't take long for them to get the maps they wanted. When they arrived back to the house, most of Charlie's friends had return and we're ready to head home.

The friends all gathered around the length of rope. Charlie grinned as he watched his friends but he laughed when Harry changed into his dragon and gave the people a dragon send off with a loud roar and fire shooting into the sky.

That night, Charlie watched Harry as he studied the maps. He could see it already, Harry was healing. He was beginning to look to what type of life he can have along with what his future will be like. Charlie could also see that Harry was finally comfortable with himself and the new life he had made. No matter what, Charlie will continue to show Harry that he was worth living but he was also the type of person that many would like to know for real and not the-boy-who-lived. It still might take a while but Charlie knew eventually Harry will get to be just Harry and not the saviour of the wizarding world.

The end: