Bill's returning letter after the attack reiterated the point he had made previously. They were not in a position to attack. Ron had calmed down since then and accepted it, though he'd be the first to volunteer if there was another war to start.

There was no other attack after that and the weeks came and went easily. There were rumours about an upcoming Harpian wedding, but Ginny awaited an official invite from the King. Until then, it was business as usual.

She sat at the table, her head leaning on her hand as she stared down her breakfast. Harry asked her silently what was going on.

She shook her head. "I have a gut feeling."

"Good, bad, or like a baby pressing onto your gut?" he asked.

That provoked a smile from her. "I don't know." Her fingers tapped on the table. " It is Gorphine's day, maybe I should go to the temple and ask Tassia ."

"Eat something before you go, please," Harry said with a kiss to her cheek. "I know you are hungry."

"How does my gut feeling feel to you?" she tried then.

He put down his knife. He stared at her for a moment. "Like you haven't eaten in a while and you should eat something."

"That is entirely unhelpful!" she let out and then lowered her voice. "Fine. I am eating." She looked over to Luna. "Are you joining?"

"Where?" Luna asked. "I think you forgot to say that part out loud."

Ginny exchanged a look with Harry. "Sorry. I am going to Tassia, I think."

Luna perked up. "Oh, I'd love to! She said I have a gift. Maybe I can become a priestess one day."

"That would be perfect for you," Ginny agreed. "We can finish breakfast and leave after."

They didn't get very far as two people were waiting at the entrance. They paused and looked at them. Harry had met the man before, tall with dark hair and a beard, and next to him stood a beautiful woman with golden eyes and long brown hair.

Luna stopped in her tracks too. "Is that who I think it is?"

"Yes," Ginny confirmed blankly.

"Xydite, and Gorphine," Harry muttered. "On Gorphine's day."

"Ginevra!" the Goddess said and walked up to her and wrapped her in a hug. She released Ginny. "I have something for you."

Gorphine grabbed her hand and with a pop they disappeared. Harry looked at the spot.

"Don't worry," Xydite assured. "They'll be right back." He turned to Harry. "I'd love to see the grounds while we wait."

"Of course," Harry told him, certain he'd have to oblige. "This way," he stepped aside and pointed towards the back of the castle.

Luna looked on and he shrugged. She bowed her head and left them to be.

Xydite took a deep breath in as they stepped into the garden. "Ah, it is lovely to finally be back."

Then the whole world seemed to shake. Harry braced himself but the God next to him stood still calmly. When the ground stopped shaking, he looked up to see, but the castle was still whole. The animals seemed a little startled but otherwise fine.

"It is all okay," Xydite said. "It's just part of Gorphine's gift to your wife."

Harry's eyes widened. "Was the gift an earthquake?!"

"No." He smiled. "You will see when they return. It is not harmful, these quakes. Everyone should be fine."

Ernest walked out, looked at the other guards and then at Harry. "Sir, are you okay?"

"Fine. Thank you, Ernest," he replied. "Is everyone inside alright?"

Ernest nodded. "At first glance, yes. Seamus is checking all floors."

"Report back if anything is out of order," Harry told him.

"Will do." Ernest walked back inside and closed the door.

When Harry looked back at Xydite, he had made his way towards the pen where the doe Dorothy and little Doxie stood, who had grown well and was ready to rejoin the herd.

Xydite bent down and Doxie walked right up to him and snuggled her head against the God's shoulder.

"Ah, dear Doxie. You are growing so well." He looked into the fawn's eyes and seemed to be communicating with her silently.

Harry wondered if this was how his son would be able to communicate, but he didn't dare ask. Xydite stood up and bowed his head to Dorothy, who bowed back.

Then they walked to the pasture with the horses. Harry clapped his hands and Red came running right up to him with Lightning not far behind.

"They are wonderful," Xydite said, stroking both their heads. He walked up closer to Red. "If I may?"

Red nodded and Xydite touched Red's belly.

"As expected, you are doing magnificent, Red." Xydite petted her again. "Being a royal horse is very becoming, don't you think?" Xydite looked at Harry.

"Quite," Harry agreed. "She's doing marvellously. Although Lightning has gotten a bit overprotective of her."

Xydite threw him a meaningful look, but didn't say anything. He walked towards the rest of the horses and petted them too, Harry looked on from the side.

They ended up with the cats and Xydite seemed to be having a whole conversation with Ce about the cat colony, but Harry was left to guess what they were saying. Summer and Winter still spent a lot of time indoors, but they were running through there too and greeted Xydite with excited meows.

"Can I interest you in some food?" Harry asked. He suddenly wondered if Xydite was a vegetarian, considering he created all animals, but then he also created all other things they ate.

Xydite looked up and smiled. "Why don't we wait for Gorph and Ginevra to come back?"

"I'll ask the kitchen to prepare some food in the meantime," Harry responded. "Is there a reason why you're here?"

"My wife needed to talk to yours, and I thought a visit to Ignotia would be nice after so many centuries… being here is just different than following along, do you know what I mean?" Xydite asked him as they walked back towards the castle.

Harry nodded in response, though he had no clue what the God meant.

Ginny wasn't sure what was happening, but it was dizzying. A moment later she dropped back into existence by the Ignotian coast, overlooking the sea from the cliffs. She looked down at her belly as if to see if her baby had made it there too, safely.

"He's fine," Gorphine reassured her.

Ginny pulled her arm loose from the Goddess's grip. "A little warning would have been nice!"

Gorphine boldly looked back at her. "You're fine, he's fine." She turned to the sea. "I have a gift for you."

"Oh, great. And you couldn't tell me that in Ignotia?" Ginny said. Having the Goddess so tangible in front of her made her seem less otherworldly, and her anger flared up.

"Because you wouldn't be able to see it." Gorphine clasped both her hands. "I am sorry if it was abrupt, okay?"

Ginny breathed in slowly. "This better be a good gift."

Gorphine immediately smiled excitedly. "It is." She turned to the sea. "Hold tight to my hand, it's about to get rumbly."

"Rumbly?" Ginny asked worriedly.

Gorphine nodded and grasped her hand. Her other hand raised high towards the sea. Immediately it felt like the ground was shaking under them and land erupted from the sea, the water flowing out further in big waves as it made way for more land as far as Ginny could see. Seaweed turned to grass, fish seemed to grow legs and turned into other animals entirely as they leapt up on the land.

Ginny looked at all the land that stretched out before her, with vivid colours and alive with animals, critters and others. The trees had leaves from purple to red all the way to yellow and mint green. It looked whimsical. There were plenty of bushes and grasses and there were ponds of water galore.

It looked beautiful, but it was starting to dawn on Ginny what it meant. "A gift?"

Gorphine nodded excitedly, looking from the land back to her. "Do you like it?"

Ginny pressed her lips together, her stomach trying to decide if it was going to turn or not. She let out a breath. "You're giving me land?"

"Every God or Goddess can only gift land once, so I bid my time, waiting for the perfect candidate." Gorphine nodded to herself. "I learned from Xy's mistakes… I did a lot of thinking… and of course Xy helped me invent, or rather convert, these animals to land ones, isn't that neat?" She clapped her hands eagerly. "This is the most fertile land in the world, with the sweetest, juiciest fruits and all kinds of new animals mixed with some old ones. It has a lot of wetlands like marshes and swamps, alternated with fields where crops can grow on and woods for more animals…" Her eyes were wide as they landed on Ginny again. "Oh, please tell me that you like it?"

"It looks wonderful," Ginny admitted, pushing back her negative thoughts as she considered the gravity of the gift.

Gorphine grasped her hand again and then they were in the middle of this new land. The Goddess bent down. "This was a salmon, now it's… well it has four legs and can bark."

"Right," Ginny let out.

Gorphine's gaze danced over her face. "You can name them if you want." She pointed further away. "That's a panther… kind of."

"It has gills," Ginny nodded.

Gorphine nodded as if that was a normal thing for a panther to have. "They may lose those after a few generations."

Ginny looked down. "These are pretty." She pointed at the flowers in different hues of blue.

"I think they're neat," Gorphine said.

They moved to a new spot again, by a lake surrounded by marshes. Something resembling a large seahorse stuck his head out of the water.

A herd of a type of deer ran through the ponds by the lake, chasing after each other in excitement.

"The nature is almost overwhelming," Ginny said. "And it's mine?"

Gorphine nodded. "I know you are up for the challenge, and I thought since it was next to Ignotia so it's rather convenient, you have your husband who has experience." She smiled. "It works out nicely."

"Right." Ginny shook her head in disbelief.

Gorphine called Ginny's attention back to her. "I know you'll do right by the animals and nature, and you have the ability to rule. I have full faith in you."

Xydite stopped by Hagrid's office as if he knew. He knocked on the door.

Hagrid opened and looked from Harry to Xydite. He gaped at the God. "Mr Xydite!"

"Hagrid, I wanted to thank you for all the work you do here, truly remarkable," Xydite told him. "The animals really thrive under your care."

Hagrid smiled widely. "Thank you, really. I do my best to take care of all these lovely creatures."

"He harbours a desire to raise a dragon," Harry commented.

Xydite chuckled lightly. "I understand the appeal. Who knows, maybe a dragon will come onto your path soon."

"I am sure you have experience with more formidable beasts…" Hagrid said.

"A few," Xydite admitted. "But then I do create them. I admire your love for them. I adore humans who love animals as much as I do. Take care."

"Thank you, Sir," Hagrid said.

When they arrived at the dining hall, they found Tassia waiting. She bowed deeply to Xydite.

"Tassia." Xydite wrapped her in a hug. "It's an honour to meet you."

"It's an honour to meet you," Tassia said. "I heard reports… and then the ground started to shake." She offered Xydite a telling look.

He nodded. "Gorphine's doing."

"I assumed as much, your gift has been given," Tassia told him.

Harry stepped a little closer to them. "Do you know the gift?"

"I believe so." She eyed Xydite but then turned to Harry. "I believe Gorphine is giving land to your wife."

"Land," he repeated. "Like Ignotia was given…?" His gaze shifted to the God.

Xydite nodded once in confirmation, but did not speak.

"Well," Harry said. "That'll be interesting, I'm sure."

Luna walked in, and a few servants started placing food on the table.

Tassia gestured for her to come closer. "I think Luna has great potential as priestess; what do you think?"

Xydite stepped a little closer, sliding a scrutinising look over Luna. "Yes. You seem to be in tune with the divine."

Luna beamed at him. "So I've heard." She glanced at Tassia. "Does that mean you'll take me on?"

"I'd love to," Tassia agreed.

Xydite walked to the table and picked up an Ignotian apple. He bit into it, closing his eyes for a moment while chewing slowly. "These have been my favourite. And they don't grow anywhere else quite like they do here."

"I agree," Harry said. "They're exceptional. Some of your best work."

Xydite smiled at him.

Gorphine walked in, holding hands with Ginny and they were both chatting animatedly.

Harry was relieved he could finally hear her thoughts again. The moment she had disappeared, his mind had gone silent and he was no longer used to that.

"She glows nicely," Xydite commented.

Harry's eyebrows rose. "You can see it?"

"Of course," Xydite said while smiling at his wife in greeting.

Ginny walked up to Harry. He couldn't help but wrap his arm around her.

" I heard you were gifted land ," he noted.

Her eyes darted up to him. " So I was. "

Then she focused harder and he could see how the land rose from the sea. He saw colourful plants and strange animals.

"Wow," he said out loud.

She smiled. "Yeah."

Gorphine walked up to her again and handed her a scroll. "Before I forget."

Harry looked over Ginny's shoulder as she opened the scroll. It declared that the land had been gifted from Gorphine to her.

"We have one of those from Xydite," Harry told her. "It's locked away somewhere."

Neville walked in, slightly out of breath. "It appears at first glance everyone is okay after the earthquake. What did I miss?"

Ginny offered the scroll to Neville.

He read over it, eyes wide. "Holy crap."

"Excuse me!" Gorphine said.

Neville looked up and paled as he noticed the Goddess. "I didn't mean it like that! … I was in disbelief." His eyes flitted helplessly to Ginny.

"Gorph, you can't play with humans like that," Xydite muttered in amusement.

Neville's gaze now slipped to Xydite. Luna walked up to him and patted his shoulder.

"Yes, they are both here," she told him casually. "Isn't that fun?"

Neville's gaze dropped to the scroll and then darted back up. "Very."

"Let's all have some food," Harry suggested.

Everyone present settled down on a chair and started putting food on their plates. Xydite cut up an Ignotian apple and added it to Gorphine's plate.

"Gorphine," Harry started. "I have to ask you."

"Please don't," Ginny insisted, having already caught onto his thought.

"Go ahead," Gorphine told him with a wide smile.

"Does it matter how we do the ritual?" he asked. "Because my wife and I—"

Gorphine laughed. "It does and it doesn't. Marriage is a very human thing. Consummating a marriage is more important to humans than it is to us. But all rituals you do during a wedding help in invoking the good graces of the Gods and Goddesses of the ceremonies you chose."

" That was surprisingly clarifying coming from her, " Ginny commented.

Hermione walked in and joined the table silently, though as her eyes fell on the Gods she stilled. Gorphine smiled at her.

Harry stood up. "It is Gorphine's day, so it feels only right to raise a toast to you and celebrate." He took up and raised his glass. "To Gorphine."

The others raised their glasses too. "To Gorphine!" they said.

"Thank you, Henry. I appreciate it," Gorphine told him.

"Do you celebrate it amongst yourselves?" Luna asked curiously.

Gorphine looked at her husband. "We certainly still have some festivities planned; don't we, Xy?"

The God's cheeks tinted pink. "Yes, we do, darling." He squeezed her hand and turned to Luna. "A nice dinner or small gifts are often customary among gods."

Ron walked in too and looked across the table. He shot a glance at Ginny who smiled and then he took his seat beside Hermione. Gorphine focused her golden eyes on Ron and then raised a teasing eyebrow.

Ron cleared his throat. "Everyone okay from the earthquake?"

Gorphine hadn't shifted her gaze to anyone else. "It wasn't an earthquake."

"Sure felt like one," he mumbled. He focused more persistently on Ginny. "What's up?"

Ginny glanced at the Goddess. "I have been gifted land."

"It is so beautiful," Gorphine told him excitedly. "It is going to thrive."

Xydite looked at her fondly.

Harry and Ginny walked the two Gods back to the entrance, though Harry wasn't quite sure if they had come through the entrance at all.

Gorphine pulled Ginny in a tight hug. "Take good care of the little one. I am so excited for him! And don't ever doubt yourself." She released the Queen and locked her gaze with Ginny's. "You have an excellent mind and a brave heart. Like I told you a few years ago, you can achieve whatever you wish. You just have to try."

"Okay," Ginny said softly. "Thank you for the land, I suppose. Though I am still in shock, I understand what an honour this is."

The bold look Gorphine wore reminded Harry of Ginny's. Gorphine stepped back and smiled at both of them.

"I have full faith that both of you will take good care of your Kingdoms," Xydite said confidently as Gorphine joined his side. "It was a pleasure."

And then the Gods popped out of existence.

"That was interesting," Harry commented.

Ginny nodded slowly. Neville walked up to them.

"This is going to be a lot of paperwork, isn't it?" Neville asked. "I called for a council meeting. We should be ready to start in an hour.

"Thanks," Ginny told him. "We better get right to it."

Harry noticed Hermione going to the library. He excused himself, kissed Ginny shortly and then followed his friend.

Hermione had just picked up a book and walked to the couch. She smiled at him.

"Hey."

She placed the book in her lap as she sat down. "Hi."

"I have to ask," Harry started, "why Gorphine was looking at you like that. Did you and Ron…?" He didn't want to finish that question.

"That's not why," Hermione said. She beamed as she looked down at her book. "He asked me to marry him."

Harry knew better than to assume his friend would simply say yes. "Oh, and?"

Hermione looked up at him, cheeks red. "I am engaged."

"That is great news!" he told her, wrapping her in his arms. "Congratulations."

"We were going to announce it when the time was right." She looked towards the door. "And it isn't right today. I guess Gorphine somehow knew."

"She does simply know things," Harry agreed. "Suppose that will make us in-laws. You'll be like an aunt to my kid!" he said excitedly. "Not that you weren't going to be an auntie… but then it'll be for real."

Hermione smiled.

"I am happy for you." He squeezed her hand.

"You know I would not just marry any man," Hermione continued. "But he's special."

"Good." He moved to stand up.

"I'm sure you have more country to rule or something," Hermione told him. "Go on."

"Ha. We'll see about that." He stood up. "Thank you for telling me."

He walked out again and caught up with Ginny as they walked down the corridor.

"Why is your mind closed?" she asked him.

He shook his head. "I am trying so hard not to tell you."

"Tell me what?" she teased as she hooked her arm into his.

He shook his head. "Don't make me."

"You are going to give yourself a headache, but be my guest."

He kept it up about five more steps and then he caved. He looked if no one was nearby. "Hermione told me she is engaged."

Ginny's eyes widened and she bit back a smile. "Oh. That is interesting."

"Indeed, it is," he muttered with a smile. "And it is a secret."

"Of course," she agreed.

He kissed her and then they continued down the corridor.

"What an exciting day," she whispered loudly.

A/N: If you like Xydite and Gorphine's dynamic, please be reminded there is a oneshot dedicated to them called God meets Goddess that's posted on AO3.

I've been building up to the gifting of the country for a long time so I'm glad this part of the story is finally appearing and I can tell you about it!
The updated map is updated on AO3 and if I don't forget I'll post it on tumblr as well.