Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, JK Rowling does. I've taken some direct quotes from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, from chapter 16 Godric's Hollow and chapter 17, Bathilda's secret , as they are relevant to this chapter. I've not referenced them, but once you read the chapter it'll be obvious to you which parts are the quotes. Also, Dudley and Harry meet in this chapter. I went deliberately off cannon a little bit. I read on Pottermore that Harry and Dudley remained on each other's Christmas card list, but I've embellished the story a little more, just because I wanted to.

Rated M for some mature sexual content between Harry and Ginny.

Note: Huge apologies for the very long delay in writing this 9th chapter, it has been just over 2 years since my last update, and I feel bad that I promised I would write a happier chapter soon after. I have unfortunately been unwell for sometime but I am thankfully well again and finally able to get back to writing this story. I have had a lot of time to think of ideas and I hope you all like this next instalment. Thank you all for your patience and understanding, and thank you to the readers who have continued to review my story and ask for another chapter. You are what kept me going and inspired me to continue writing.

Chapter 9

The week that followed the Death Eater ambush was a quieter affair for Harry. He had a report to write at Auror Department the following day after he helped capture the Death Eaters. Upon entering the Ministry, Harry had many handshakes, pats of the backs from other Ministry workers, and there was a round of applause for Harry, Shaun, Sharon and Ryan when they first entered the Auror Department. Once Harry's report one it was finished and submitted, his boss and head of the Auror Department Shaun Whitehead gave Harry a few days off to unwind and get his strength up again before returning to work. Shaun also decided that, given that no other Trainee Auror had defeated Voldemort and subsequently taken down two more highly dangerous Death Eaters on their first mission, Harry had earned his way up the ranks and was no longer a Trainee Auror. Instead, he was given a Junior Auror badge.

'Carry on like this, Potter, and you'll be a Senior Auror in a year!', said Shaun. 'But you need to earn it though! There have been calls to make you a Senior Auror already, and I almost did mind, but I want you to experience the career the same as everyone else does. For now though, what you achieved yesterday far surpasses any training we could give. You showed real courage and determination and if it wasn't for your determination of going through that cave wall we wouldn't have caught Dolohov and Micnair.'

Harry shook Shaun's hand in thanks, 'Ah that's great Shaun, thank you!', he replied. 'I agree though, like I said I don't want any special favours. I'm just grateful to actually be here doing the job I've dreamed of for ages!'

Harry awoke on the first morning of his time off cuddled into Ginny in her bedroom. Her arm was wrapped around his chest and her beautiful flaming red hair was draped around her in long tendrils. Harry kissed her on the forehead and on the tip of her nose, and smiled when he saw her lips curve into a grin, although her eyes were still closed. Harry continued to kiss her forehead, nose and cheeks very softly until Ginny sleepily opened her eyes.

'Morning', Ginny said as she looked up at Harry. Harry was pleased to see that Ginny looked much better. She had a lot more colour in her face now and seemed much happier and relieved knowing that the Death Eaters who attacked her were locked away.

'Morning, Gin,' said Harry, this time giving her a chaste kiss on the lips. The kiss soon turned slower but with more pressure. Harry felt summersaults happen in his tummy and he suddenly found himself pinned down under Ginny. She climbed on top of him, kissing him with deeper and faster, and with more longing.

'Gin, are you sure you're ok with this? You've been through a lot recently,' Harry said between kisses, yet he couldn't help his hands wandering up and down Ginny's hips and waist, sending shivers down her spine.

'hmm hmm', said Ginny longingly. 'I want to enjoy this while I can Harry. You're here at home for a few days and I want to thank you for everything you've done.' She said this with evident lust in her voice and sat up to look at Harry. Her eyes were darker with lust.

'What did you have in mind then?', asked Harry. His voice was hoarse as he looked up at Ginny longingly, his hands still placed on her hips. His mind was racing, thinking how lucky he was to be with Ginny right now. Ginny grinned at Harry as she bent down to kiss him again, this time even deeper and faster. Harry returned the kisses with urgency. Ginny sat up again, reached for her wand on her bedside table, pointed at her bedroom door and said, 'muffliato'. She then put her wand back and looked at Harry again. Her expression was one of desire. Very slowly, she placed her hands over Harry's were still placed on her hips. She took his hands and slowly moved them up towards her chest. Harry's eyes widened as Ginny placed his hands directly on top of her breasts, which were concealed under her pyjama top. She kept her hands on top of Harry's as she guided his palms in circular motions to massage her. Her breasts felt full, soft and supple. Harry relished in giving Ginny this pleasure. He was also aware that they had never gone this far before.

'Are you are you're ok with this Gin,' he asked her.

'Hmmm yes,' Ginny replied hoarsely, as she bend down to kiss Harry again very deeply. 'Keep on going, aahh'. She had moved her hands to proper herself up above Harry. He didn't need to be told twice. He cupped her breasts with more pressure and squeezed her nipples between his thumbs and index fingers.

'Ohh,' cried Ginny as she arched her back and kissed his neck. Harry felt himself grow and he knew Ginny felt it too as she began to grind against him over his pyjama bottoms.

'Aah Gin, mmm', Harry groaned as Ginny continued to grind against him. She sat up again, her want evident in her face as she slowly lifted up her pyjama top over her head and threw it to the floor, revealing her two bulging breasts. Harry couldn't take being underneath her anymore, it was his turn to be on top. He quickly rolled over so that he was finally on top, and with a glance at Ginny seeking her approval, he began to kiss her neck deeply and worked his way down to her breasts. Using his hands and mouth, he kissed, nibbled, pressed, nipped and sucked her breasts until her nipples were enlarged. Ginny's breathe was deeper and her back arched in pleasure as Harry continued his ministrations. Her hands were caught in his untidy hair and she pulled him back up towards her, where they kissed deeply again.

Harry's heart was pounding in his chest as they both pulled away eventually, breathing deeply.

'Gin, that was-'

'Amazing', Ginny finished for him. She lay back down next to Harry's side as they both lay in each other's arms. Harry stroked her waist up and down.

'Gin, are you sure you were ok with that? Its further than we've gone before', said Harry as his free hand stroked the top of her head.

'Hmm it was more than ok, Harry. I loved it. I've never gone that far with anyone before and I'm glad it was with you.'

'Me too,' replied Harry. 'I love you Ginny, you're the only one for me.'

Ginny smiled and kissed him, this time softly. 'I love you too,' she said. She sat up and made very slow work of putting her pyjama top back on, enjoying watching Harry stare at her.

'Right, breakfast time I think!', said Ginny as she kissed Harry once more and made her way to her bedroom door.

'I think I need a cold shower first, Gin,' replied Harry. Ginny took one look at one specific area of Harry's pyjama bottoms, winked and said, 'Glad to see I have that effect on you, Mr Potter!', before leaving the bedroom to head down to the kitchen.

Once Harry was showered and dressed in a blue t shirt, jeans and trainers he headed down to the kitchen. Ginny was sitting at the kitchen table next to Hermione and upon catching Harry's gaze she grinned a knowing grin and winked at him. Harry felt himself go slightly pink in the cheeks as he sat down at the table. Mr Weasley was sat at the end of the table reading The Daily Prophet.

'Morning, dear!', said Mrs Weasley, who was busy preparing a fully cooked breakfast of bacon, sausage, scrambled eggs and toast.

'Morning, Harry replied. 'Where's Ron?' Harry asked Hermione who was reading Tales of Beedle the Bard. 'He's away to the joke shop with George. They wanted an early start to get things organised for the reopening.'

'Cool,' said Harry, who couldn't wait to see it reopen and give everyone a bit of humour and happiness again.

'Breakfast is ready!', Mrs Weasley said. as she laid out a mountain of food at the kitchen table. Everyone thanked her and Harry grabbed some bacon and eggs and tucked into his breakfast, feeling very grateful for Mrs Weasley's amazing cooking.

Everyone ate in a comfortable silence and once finished, Mr Weasley handed the newspaper over to Harry.

'The news of the Auror mission has reached The Daily Prophet, Harry,' said Mr Weasley. 'You've made the front page again, along with the rest of your team' he added with a chuckle, 'although it's good news and its all factual again. Good to see The Prophet is back in full swing reporting the truth again!'

'And so it should!', added Mrs Weasley. 'Goodness knows the amount of rubbish that has been written about Harry the past few years! It's about time The Ministry had a Minister who knows what he's doing!'. She summoned the dishes with her wand to the sink and the sponge began to create a soapy lather on its own to wash them. 'We're all so proud of you, Harry!', she added. 'Not many people can say they've captured 3 Death Eaters when they've just joined the Auror Department! I'll be putting on a special dinner for you tonight, and I've took the liberty of inviting some of your friends, too!'

'Ah thanks, Mrs Weasley!', said Harry, gratefully.

'It's nothing, dear,' replied Mrs Weasley.

Harry turned his attention back to the newspaper and saw that Rockwood, Dolohov and Micnair's capture made the front pages of The Daily Prophet. The photo them being taken to Azkaban prison to await their trial. Their faces were contorted with evil expressions, yet they had a look of fear in their eyes, as they knew what awaited them in Azkaban. The Demtentors, hooded and cloaked monsters with skeletal scabbed arms and hands guarded the prison, and they trapped all the prisoners at Azkaban inside their own heads, filled with nothing but their worst memories, fears and dreads. Many of the prisoners at Azkaban were driven insane during their time there. Harry saw that the article was written by the same journalist who broke the story of Voldemort's downfall.

Double Death Eater Capture

By Victoria Mason

The Daily Prophet brings the news of a great development in the fight against restoring order and peace in our society. On July 4th, a sting operation was conducted by the Auror Department, headed Minister of Magic Kingsley Shaklebolt and Head of the Auror Department Shaun Whitehead. They were accompanied by Junior Auror Harry Potter (see a full biography of The Boy Who Lived/The Chosen One on page 12), and Senior Aurors Ryan Thompson and Sharon Nisbet. The result of this sting operation was the capture of three of You Know Who's most loyal and evil Death Eaters, Augustus Rockwood, Walden Macnair and Antonin Dolohov. These three Death Eaters attacked Harry Potter and his girlfriend Ginny Weasley in Devon, in the quiet village of Ottery St Catchpole a few nights ago. Mr Potter and Miss Weasley escaped, although Ginny suffered serious injuries after being tortured and cursed. She is now stable and well again, I am happy to report. Mr Potter successfully apprehended Rockwood, and he was given veritaserum which led the Ministry straight to Macnair and Dolohov's lair in which the Death Eater Capture took place.

Minister of Magic Kingsley Shaklebolt gave a brief statement last night.

'I am happy to announce the capture of known Death Eaters Rockwood, Macnair and Dolohov. I thank Harry Potter for his strong nerve and outstanding courage in facing them when they attacked him. It is Harry's efforts and capture of Rockwood that led us to capturing the other two. Rockwood told us under veritaserum that they were hiding out in the west coast of Devon, inside a large cave. They had a few hostages, all of which were saved ad are being treated at St Mungos. My huge thanks go to the amazing Auror Department we have at the Ministry. This breakthrough is everything we could have hoped for in the early days after Voldemort's defeat - yes I will say his name! The thee Death Eaters are now each in maximum security cells at Azkaban prison awaiting trial at the Wizengamot. We already have loads of evidence that proves their guilt, but we must question them first to see what other secrets they are holding that could result in restoring more order and peace in our society. There is still great difficulty in sorting out the witches and wizards who acted under the Imperious Curse, and those Dark witches and wizards who acted upon their own free will. For now, rest assured that we are doing all we can at the Ministry to restore peace and to make our society a safe one for everyone'.

The date for the trial is yet to be announced, however The Daily Prophet will keep our readers informed of every development as it happens. For more details on this story, please turn to page 3 for a full briefing on the details of the capture.

Harry folded the newspaper and placed it on the kitchen table. 'I agree,' he said. 'The Daily Prophet has quoted Kingsley exactly as he said his statement'.

'When is the trial going to be?', asked Mr Weasley as he sipped his coffee.

'Ryan is working with the Wizengamot regarding it, and they're thinking it'll be July 18th but it's not been fully confirmed yet,' replied Harry. 'As soon as I hear anything I'll let you know, although I'm sure Kingsley will keep us all in the loop together,' he finished.

'Yes you're right, Harry,' replied Mr Weasley. 'Anyway, enough of work!', he added. 'You've earned a few days off! What do you have planned?'

Harry had already given his first day off a great deal of thought. 'I'm was wondering if Ginny would like to go out with me for the day,' said Harry. He then looked across at Ginny and said, 'I've met all your family, but you've never met mine. I'd love you to meet my parents at Godric's Hollow.' Ginny walked over to Harry and hugged him tightly.

'Aww I'd love to meet your parents, Harry!', she cried.

Mrs Weasley, Mr Weasley and Hermione looked at Harry and Ginny with a happy expressions, but equally with a pang of emotion. 'That's a lovely idea, Harry,' said Mrs Weasley as she dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief. 'Your parents would be so proud of you!'

'Thank you,' said Harry, not knowing what else to say, and so he just fiddled with the left over crumbs on the table. Mrs Weasley seemed to pick up on Harry's awkwardness as she said to him, 'I'll make you a nice packed lunch, shall I?'

'Actually,' said Harry. 'I was hoping to combine the Ginny meeting my parents alongside going out for lunch, a sort of Muggle date,' he finished. Ginny squealed with delight and ran upstairs to get ready.

'Aww how lovely,' replied Mrs Weasley happily. 'Can I ask that you're back for seven-thirty however? I don't want to spoil your fun, it's just I've already made arrangements for dinner tonight'.

One hour later, at ten am, both Harry and Ginny were ready to leave The Burrow. Ginny opted to wear a floaty gold shaded summer dress and the same shade of sandals. Harry decided to use side along apparition to help Ginny get to Godric's Hollow as she had not yet passed her test. With a loud CRACK sound they both appeared in Godric's Hollow, near the church. Harry saw the graveyard in the distance and took Ginny's hand in his to guide her towards it.

'Aww it's a beautiful village!', cried Ginny. 'It looks so peaceful and welcoming.' Harry smiled at Ginny as they walked further along the path towards the village square, where the war memorial was, but that he knew would change in front of wizards and witches into a statue of his parents holding him as a baby. Harry felt his emotions rise as they walked further towards it. He felt a deep sadness within him, but equally a happiness in knowing that Ginny was finally going to meet his parents.

'Ohh!', exclaimed Ginny as she eventually saw the war memorial obelisk change into the statue. She gripped Harry's hand tighter. 'That's beautiful, Harry.' Her voice was tight and Harry knew this meant a lot to her, being welcomed into this part of Harry's life. He smiled up at his parents and looked at himself as a baby once more, and finally squeezed Ginny's hand as he guided her to the kissing gate entrance to the graveyard.

They passed the many ancient wizarding gravestones, and Harry stopped to show her Kendra and Ariana Dumbledore's final resting place. 'Dumbledore's mum and little sister,' Harry murmured to Ginny. He fashioned a reef of red roses and placed them atop the grave. 'C'mon, this way,' he said gently, as he guided her to where his parent's rested peacefully. Together they read his parent's gravestone.

James Potter, born 27 March 1960, died 31 October 1981

Lilly Potter, born 30 January 1960, died 31 October 1981

The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

Ginny read the gravestone, drinking in its words, her eyes welling up as she paid her respects.

'Hi Mum. Hi Dad,' Harry said sadly. 'Sorry it's been a while. I've been busy defeating Voldemort and finally avenging your deaths.' He smiled sadly at the gravestone, and after glancing at Ginny, he looked back at the gravestone and said, ' I'd like you to meet Ginny Weasley, my girlfriend. Her family have been amazing, they took me in and have cared for me for years. I owe them everything for their generosity.'

Ginny smiled at Harry and placed her hand on the top of the gravestone. 'Hi Mr and Mrs Potter, it's an honour to meet you. I know you're looking down on Harry, I know you're so proud of him. He's amazing and it's because of your son that Voldemort was defeated. It's because of your son that we're all safe.'

Harry pulled Ginny into a hug and they stood there for what felt like an eternity. The last time Harry came here, he felt like he needed to leave very quickly as it was too upsetting and overwhelming. It was still upsetting, but Harry's mind drifted to when he used the Resurrection Stone, and his whole perspective changed. Yes, his parents were dead and yes their decaying bones and dust lay under him, but he now knew, after seeing his parents in the Enchanted Forest and talking to them, that they were always with him wherever he went in spirit, and he could talk to them freely. This revelation told him that his parents would know that he was bringing Ginny to meet them and that they were delighted to see them both happy and in love.

'Dad's laughing and saying I've got the Potter genes,' chuckled Harry as he hugged Ginny tighter.

'What does he mean?' asked Ginny as she looked up at Harry, interest evident on her face.

'He's laughing because like my Mum, you're also a red head,' said Harry, as he ran his fingers through her flaming red hair. Ginny laughed and kissed Harry chastely on the lips.

'Mum is saying you're beautiful, and she's not wrong there,' added Harry. Ginny's eyes twinkled and she kissed Harry Chastely again.

Harry fashioned another reef of roses with his wand and placed it down to rest on his parent's grave. 'I've been made an Auror, Dad. Thanks for the Cloak by the way, it's amazing on missions!-

'And for sneaking around Hogwarts late at night!', added Ginny as she laughed feely.

'Well yeah, that too,' said Harry. 'Also come to think of it Dad, thank you for the Marauders Map, I had so many adventures at Hogwarts thanks to it!' He looked at Ginny and added, 'Dad's now saying he's happy his only son broke a few rules and had adventures.'

'Just a few?', added Ginny, eye eyebrows raised in a Mrs Weasley-ish stare.

'Ok, just about all of them', replied Harry, laughing. He hugged Ginny tightly and then pulled away, taking her by the hand and guiding her away from his parent's grave, saying goodbye as he did so.

'Where are we going now?', asked Ginny, as they exited the graveyard and were back at the town square. Harry walked down a familiar street opposite the church.

'I'm taking you to see my old house where I lived as a baby,' he replied.

'Ohh!', said Ginny, 'I've heard people from all across the country have visited over the years to add little notes and signs.'

'Yeah, they have, its brilliant, I'm glad they did it.'

'Cool!', exclaimed Ginny, 'Oh I can't wait to see it!'.

After walking down the street a little further, Harry saw the beginnings of the old cottage. In daylight Harry saw the devastation more clearly than shrouded in darkness when he first saw it. The broken Fidelius Charm revealed rubble scattered around the tall grass, and the impact of the right side of the top floor could be seen more prominently. The ivy had grown into the gaping hole of the cottage, and tangled its way through anywhere it could find.

Harry knowingly placed his hand on the gate to reveal the sign that rose out of the ground amongst the many weeds. He stood aside to give Ginny space to read the golden letters upon the wood:

On this spot, on the night of 31 October 1981,

Lilly and James Potter lost their lives.

Their son, Harry, remains the only wizard ever

to have survived the Killing Curse.

This house, invisible to Muggles, has been left

in its ruined state as a momentum to the Potters

and as a reminder of the violence

that tore apart their family.

Harry stared at the wooden sign and the familiar scribbles in Everlasting Ink and initials carved into the wood, but he also noticed newer signs, signs where the Everlasting Ink looked fresher. They all said similar things. 'Thank you Harry Potter, for finally ridding us of You Know Who forever!' 'Thank you again, Harry Potter!' 'Thank you the Boy Who Lived and The Chosen One!'

'This is amazing!', said Ginny as she clung onto Harry, drinking in the site before her. 'I love how the cottage has been left in its original state as a memorial to your parents, and to you! And I love how there's messages written all around the sign too. It's great to see the happiness everyone is feeling right now, the freedom to live freely and happily, and that's all down to you, Harry!'

Harry kissed the top of her head. 'I can't take all the credit Ginny,' he said. 'I had lots of help from so many people, and a lot of it was blind luck. I honestly couldn't have done this on my own.'

'True, but you and you alone defeated Voldemort in a duel, Harry. You can't deny that.'

Harry looked longingly at the cottage and he wondered if it would be stable enough to take their weight inside. Ginny seemed to be thinking the same thing, because she tapped her wand on herself and Harry and muttered an incantation. Harry immediately felt himself feel weightless, light as a feather, as if every atom in his body was reduced to tiny microscopic fragments, yet he remained the same size.

'Weightless charm', Ginny said to Harry, 'I know how much you want to explore the inside of the cottage, and now we can safely without risking it caving in.'

'You're amazing Gin!', said Harry as he pushed open the gate and made his way to through the garden, meandering his way through the thick grass, weeds and nettles, Ginny slowly walking behind him. He finally reached the front door and saw that it was covered in dust from the rubble. He flicked his wand to remove the dust, and saw an elegant looking white door with a large brass knocker in the shape and form of a lion.

'Gryffindor', murmured Harry as he wrapped his hand around the door handle. His stomach did back flips when he realised it was unlocked. He pushed it open and walked inside with Ginny.

Although the floor and walls were covered in thick ivy and many years of dust, Harry could still appreciate its beauty. He had walked into a small parlour. Above them were great dark wooden beams that supported the ceiling. They too were covered in dust and tangled ivy. A coat rack stood just inside the house near the entrance, and Harry saw there were still cloaks and Muggle jackets hanging on it. Without thinking, he conjured a backpack out of thin air with his wand. 'Capacious extremis', he murmured. 'Undetectable extension charm', he added to Ginny's curious gaze. 'It's what Hermione used on her beaded bag at Bill and Fleur's wedding so she could pack all our supplies.' He carefully took his parents travelling cloaks and Muggle jackets, removed the dust with his wand and placed them in the rucksack. 'I want to take as much of them as I can back to the Burrow.'

'I'll help you', said Ginny.

Harry walked further across the parlour and opened a white wooden door to reveal the lounge. It was a reasonably sized square room. 'Scourgify maxima!', said Harry, as he waved his wand around the room. Ginny did the same. Together, their incantations cleared off most of the dust that was scattered over the furnishings, although the room was still covered in weeds and ivy. Harry walked over the sofa and saw it was made of beige tartan fabric. He rubbed his fingers along it and relished in the feel of the rough fabric. As he touched it, he imagined what it must have been like, all the nights where he and his parents cuddled up on the sofa together as a family. He smiled fondly at the thought of it.

'Oh Harry, come and see!'. Ginny had walked over to a wooden sideboard on the far side of the lounge. On top of the sideboard were a bunch of family photos encased in pretty golden frames. There were photos of Harry's parents on their wedding day, and photos of Harry with his parents. These photos reminded Harry of the ones Hagrid gave him in his first year at Hogwarts. There were also other photos that Harry had never seen before. Harry picked up a photo of him being held by his Godfather Sirius. Sirius's face was young, handsome and carefree. He had a boyish, mischievous look about him and waved up at Harry and Ginny as he held Harry. Another photo was a similar one, only this time it as Remus who held Harry and smiled and waved happily. He looked less Shabby than Harry remembered him, but Harry thought that was down the amazing support he had from his best friends. More photos revealed Harry alongside his parents, Sirius and Remus. There were also photos of the original Order of the Phoenix. Harry recognised a younger Dumbledore, Neville's parents Alice and Frank Longbottom. They looked so different in the photo to how they did in St Mungos, Harry thought. Mad-Eye Moody stood next to them, his face still as scarred as ever and his magical eye whizzing about everywhere. Harry was amazed to find photos of his dad James standing happily next to his parents, Harry's grandparents, and even more amazed to see a photo of his Mum Lilly, standing next to her parents at what was unmistakably Kings Cross Station. Harry noticed Lily had a trolley with her full of luggage and knew that his maternal grandparents must have been dropping her off at the station. His grandmother, Harry saw had his eyes, and his granddad had flaming red hair the same as his Mum's. They look happy and proud of their daughter, and he also acknowledged that his Aunt Petunia wasn't in the photo. On and on Harry looked through photos, until eventually he stopped with a jolt in his stomach, at a photo of Peter Pettigrew smiling and joking with his parents, Sirius and Remus. Instant rage and hatred engulfed Harry, but was quickly replaced with pity. His mind wandered back to his last encounter with Wormtail, how his enchanted hand wrapped around his throat like a vice grip and strangled him.

'Dumbledore was right,' Harry said out loud, more to himself than to anyone else.

'What's that?' asked Ginny.

'In my third year after Wormtail escaped, Dumbledore told me that Pettigrew owed his life to me. He said that I sent a deputy to Voldemort who was in my debt and that when one wizard saves another it creates a magical bond between them. It was that bond that led Pettigrew to taking his own life rather than keep Ron, Hermione and I trapped at the Malfoy Manor.'

Harry put all the photos in the rucksack, including the one of Pettigrew with his family. He turned his head to scan the rest of the living room and saw something which made his heart sore. 'My first broomstick!', he cried out in excitement as he raced towards it. 'Sirius gave this to me as a gift! I found a letter from my Mum at Grimmauld Place to Sirius where she thanked him for giving me the broom and included a photo too. Just as he said this, he opened the moleskin pouch which he still wore and took out his Mum's letter to Sirius along with the photo.

'Aww, look at you! You looked so Happy!', smiled Ginny. She gave Harry the letter and photo back and he secured them inside the moleskin pouch again. He looked longingly at his tiny broomstick again. 'I'm gonna give this to Teddy', he said, as he carefully put it inside the rucksack. 'It's perfect symmetry. My godfather Sirius gave it to me, it's only right I pass it onto my godson Teddy. Andromeda will appreciate its sentimental value and take good care of it, I'm sure.'

'Aww, that's so thoughtful, Harry. Teddy will love it!'.

Happy that he had taken everything of important sentimental value from the lounge, Harry left the room with Ginny and closed the door. They walked along to the only remaining room along from the parlour and opened the same styled white door to reveal a spacious kitchen. Using the same scurgify charm, Harry and Ginny removed what dust and grime they could. There wasn't much to be seen in the kitchen. His parents had a similar style scrubbed kitchen table that the Weasley's had in their kitchen. Harry's attention however was brought to a small whiteboard where little scraps of paper and a calendar were placed. The little scraps of paper said things like, 'Gringotts Appointment, 2pm Wednesday.' 'James late home from work on Friday. 'Sirius, Remus and Peter around for tea on Sunday.' The calendar dated 1981 Harry saw was still on October, the month his parents died. He scrolled through the months and saw on July, the 31st had been circled with a love heart and a message said, 'Harry's first birthday tea party.' Harry wasn't aware he had ever had a tea party for his first birthday, but now come to think of it, his parents were so loving it was obvious that they wanted to celebrate his birthday. He smiled fondly as he put the little paper notes and calendar into his rucksack too.

Harry and Ginny left the kitchen and began the careful climb up the stairs. They had to use extra caution as a couple of the stairs were missing due to the rubble that had fell though the ceiling. Upon walking to the top of the stairs, Harry saw the devastation further still. One chunk of the cottage was completely blown apart, which Harry knew would have been his bedroom. There was extensive damage to the bathroom which was right next door to his bedroom. Half the sink and bath had been blown apart and the toilet seemed to have been blown apart completely. The ivy had grown freely in the gaping hole and the paint peeled of the walls as the dust and grime had years to multiply.

Harry turned his attention to the only remaining room and pushed the door open to reveal what could only have been his parent's bedroom. Upon using the cleaning charm, Harry saw that his parent's room had a tranquillity about it. It was a peaceful room, with what was once cream and golden walls. The ivy had twisted its way through the window and ceiling and covered large patches of the room, but it still somehow kept its charm. His parents bed was freshly made, as if ready to welcome them back in the evening for a full night's sleep. The bed itself was king size, and made up of solid oak. The feet of the bed, Harry noticed amongst the remaining dust and rubble, were fashioned into the shape of clawed feet, a sort of historical gothic style which kept in theme with the age of the old cottage. There wasn't any furniture, no bedside drawers or dressing tables, but there was a large walk in wardrobe, shaped as an alcove at the far side of the bedroom. Harry walked inside it with Ginny, and was amazed to find that this part of the cottage was the only part that had escaped the ivy and any lasting damage of dust and debris. Harry found lots of his Mum and Dad's clothes, both wizardry and Muggle clothing.

'Ah this is beautiful Your Mum had excellent taste!,' cried Ginny as she pulled out a beautiful, elegant green lace maxi dress encrusted with little green jewels that that were sewn into the lace. Next to it were a matching set of jewellery, a green necklace and tear drop earrings in the same jewels as the dress.

'Put it in the rucksack, Gin. You can wear it.' He held the rucksack open for her.

'Oh I couldn't possibly!', said Ginny, looking uncomfortable. 'This was your Mum's dress, Harry. I don't feel worthy of wearing it.'

'But you are worthy of it. Gin,' said Harry, kissing her forehead. I love you, and I know my Mum would love you. In fact, I know she does love you because she's here with us now. She's in the air that we breathe, the beats of our hearts. I saw her when I used the Resurrection Stone and I know in my heart she's standing right next to us now, and I know she would be honoured to see you wear her dress. Please Ginny, wear it, you'll look beautiful.'

'Ok, as long as you're sure Harry,' replied Ginny happily as she placed the dress and jewellery in the rucksack carefully.

'Honestly Gin, whatever you find here that you like, it's yours. My Mum and Dad's belongings have stayed here unused for so long. It's about time they had some use to them. I mean it, you're welcome to any of it.' Harry left Ginny to wander freely in the walk in wardrobe after that, often hearing, 'ooh that's gorgeous,' and 'oh I love that!', and he was happy to see her listening to him and putting different items of clothing and jewellery in the rucksack. Harry continued to walk through the walk in wardrobe, which seemed to go on and on. Harry assumed it maybe had an extension charm placed on it.

On he went, his shoulders and arms brushing off different garments of clothing, some of which he put into the rucksack himself, until his shoulder eventually brushed past something harder than clothing. Upon his inspection, he found it was a large ornate oak cabinet, with little doors and windows. The doors and windows were laced with a fancy gold trim. Harry's curiosity grew and he hungrily opened the top left cabinet door. In it he found a small red jewellery box. He picked it up and opened it and his breath caught in his throat with what he saw. In this jewellery box, lay the most beautiful rose gold ring Harry had ever seen. It was sumptuous and ornate. The top of the ring boasted a magnificent cluster of three green emerald stones. They twinkled and glowed beautifully as the light from Harry's wand examined it. He turned the ring over in his hand and saw there was an engraving on the inside of the ring in tiny fancy writing that filled the whole inside of the ring which said:

To the future Mrs Potter, I loved you yesterday, I loved you still, I always have and I always will.

With the ring still in his hand, Harry looked towards Ginny who was still looking though his Mum's many dresses. His heart swelled with emotion as he gripped the ring even tighter in his hand. He always knew, but right now in that moment, it was crystal clear to him. He knew that Ginny was the one for him, and with that in mind, he carefully put his Mum's ring back in its box, but rather than put it back in the cabinet, or put it in the rucksack, he hid it away secretively in his pocket, for when he would be ready to give it to Ginny.

He looked further through the cabinet and found some of the little doors revealed empty shelves. The last one he opened however, on the bottom right, revealed a very old wooden chest. Harry picked up the chest and conjured a small stand to place it on. He opened the chest and found a large scroll of old parchment and a big ornate golden key. He opened it and upon reading through it he called for Ginny. 'Hey come and see this, look what I found!', he shouted, excitement evident in his voice. Ginny was soon by his side and Harry passed the parchment to her, and saw the wonder evident on her face too. The parchment, quite old and faded, yet still clear enough to read, said:

The Last Will and Testament of Fleamont and Euphemia Potter

Deed to Potter Mansion

I Fleamont Potter and my wife Euphemia Potter, do hereby leave our home situated in Dorset, Potter Mansion and all its contents to our only son, James Potter, and any subsequent heirs that we come to have.

Harry read the will over and over again. He had a second property, besides his godfather Sirius's childhood home in Grimmauld Place. Harry looked at Ginny, joy evident in his face. He knew his Dad's parents adored their son, and he knew they loved comfortably, owing to the fact his grandfather Fleamont created the magical Sleekeazy's Hair Potion and sold the company to earn a large profit. Maybe, just maybe, he could build a home for himself there. After all, he knew he wouldn't be staying at Mr and Mrs Weasley's indefinitely and he didn't much fancy staying in Grimmauld Place. Even though Kreacher had fixed the place up during his stay with Ron and Hermione when they were on the run, it still didn't feel like home, owing to the amount of Dark magic that had taken place inside its walls.

'What do you think?', asked Harry.

'I think its brilliant, Harry!', replied Ginny. 'You've found more of your family history here, who knows what you'll find at your grandparent's house!'.

'I'll need to take the will to Gringotts to be checked over first and get more details on it. I wonder why my Mum and Dad never put this in their vault...but once I get more info on it, I'd like to consider moving into it eventually. Maybe one day we could live there together, Gin.'

'Oh that sounds amazing, Harry! I need to finish Hogwarts first, but after that sure, I'd love to move in with you!'

'That's it settled then', said Harry. 'We won't find out anything else about it until we go to Gringotts, but for now I'll keep the parchment safe. I'll make an appointment one day this week when I'm still off work.' He put the parchment away in his pocket. He looked back at Ginny and, glancing at his watch which was now at one-thirty pm and said, 'Right, I think we've seen and done all we can do here, Gin. Time to call it a day I think and continue with our day out. I promised you a Muggle lunch date and that's exactly what you're gonna get!'

A short while after, Harry and Ginny Apparated into a secluded, side street of London, near Covent Garden. Ginny, of course, was guided again by Harry.

'Where are we going?', asked Ginny excitedly as she happily walked alongside Harry, their hands entwined as they walked.

'Well, there's a restaurant that's well known for Muggles to go for lunch and dinner dates. It's called Nandos. They cook mainly chicken dishes and they are made in varying spices depending on how mild or hot you want it. The Dursley's often went and either left me at their house or with Mrs Figg, their neighbour who happens to be a Squib, although the Dursley's never knew that, I doubt they even know what a Squib is come to think of it. Anyway, I've always wanted to go as I've heard it's great.'

'Sounds cool!', replied Ginny, merrily.

Their date at Nandos was as good as Harry expected it to be. Ginny was fascinated with the Muggle money when Harry paid for their food at the counter (two lots of medium spice chicken pitas with a side of piri-piri fries each).

'Oh is that one a ten pound note? Ah yes I see the Muggle Queen's face and the number ten!', said Ginny excitedly as harry fished through his Muggle money to pay the female cashier. She gave Ginny a curious look, for her over excitement over a ten pound note and for the use of the word Muggle. Harry guided them back to their table and chuckled. 'You're more like your dad than I realised Gin, just don't start asking me the function of electricity or rubber ducks!'

Ginny stuck her tongue out cheekily at Harry in reply. They chatted about Quidditch and Hogwarts whilst waiting for their food. 'Yeah I recon the Holyhead Harpies have a good chance this sea-'

'Two chicken pitas, 2 piri-piri fries!', called the waiter as he arrived at their table. Harry looked up to greet the waiter and just about fell off his chair. Their waiter was none other than Dudley Dursley! He looked different, Harry noticed. His blonde hair still stuck to his head, but he had lost a lot of weight. Harry thought that the year in hiding and lack of his Mummy's over the top servings of food for her Diddy-kins was largely the cause of it.

'Dudley?!', said Harry in a high pitched, shocked voice. 'What are you doing here?'

Upon seeing Harry, Dudley just about dropped the plates of food, but quickly recovered himself and placed their plates on the table. 'Harry! Wow I can't believe it's you! I never thought I'd see you again! I work here now, been here just over a month. Your Ministry lot helped me get a job once we were allowed to leave where we were in hiding.'

Harry knew that by 'your lot', Dudley meant wizards. 'How have you all been? Are your Mum and Dad alright?' Harry, despite being badly mistreated by the Dursleys, still wanted to be polite.

'Yeah they're ok, I suppose. They're back in the old house at Privet Drive.'

Upon hearing Privet Drive, Ginny put two and two together and frowned. 'Hold on, Privet Drive?', she said. 'That must make you-'

'My cousin, Dudley, yep,' finished Harry. He saw the frown further on Ginny's face and knew she was using all her will power not to do her famous Bat Bogey Hex in the middle of the restaurant.

'This is my girlfriend, Ginny Weasley', said Harry, introducing them both. To Harry's surprise, and to Ginny's, Dudley held out his hand and shook Ginny's.

'Pleased to meet you, Ginny!', he said, smiling.

'Er, not to be rude or anything, Dud,' Harry said with an air of confusion, 'but what's got into you? I'd half expected you to run a mile off from 'my lot'. He finished.

'Ah things have changed, Harry,' said Dudley. ' I realised how much if a prat and a bully I'd been to you over the years, Harry, and I'm sorry. I know it's no excuse, but I was brainwashed by my parents into thinking that all magical people were dangerous and scum. I learnt a great deal when I was in hiding. That Dedalus Diggle and Hestia Jones explained a great deal to me about you, much to the dislike of my Dad. Mum wasn't as bad, she seemed to accept that things were as they were. It took Dad ages to come round to the idea of hiding though. He hated being in close proximity to many other witches and wizards. Mum still had her views, but she wasn't as rude. I actually made friends with a few others like you in hiding, one of them is my girlfriend now, she's called Rosalie Brown. We got close during our time in hiding and she explained everything there is to know about your kind, and especially what you have done for us all, magical and Muggle alike. We live together now in a little flat here in London.'

'Wow!', cried Harry in surprise. 'How did your parents react to you dating a witch? The name Rosalie Brown rings a bell too, I'm sure she was a couple years above me in Gryffindor.' He looked at Ginny who nodded in agreement. Harry began nibbling his fries as they spoke, far too interested in what Dudley had to say than his meal. Ginny, Harry noticed, felt exactly the same.

'Dad went mental,' Dudley said darkly. 'He started pulling out his moustache and said, "no son of mine is going to date one of those freaks of nature!" I stood up to him and told him if it wasn't for those freaks as he so often calls them, he wouldn't have his life or his freedom because it was down to his nephew, you, who was responsible for saving his life and everyone else's from You Know Who.

He refuses to speak to Rosalie or even acknowledge she exists. That's why I moved out, I couldn't stand to be around him anymore. He's so bigoted and ignorant to the very people who are responsible for making the world safe again. Mum still visits me and Rosalie though, but I'm not sure Dad knows about it. She's not 100% happy for me and Rosalie, but she accepts it and deep down I know she's happy for us. '

Harry and Ginny stared at each other in amazement. It was like looking a completely different Dudley Dursley. If Harry didn't know any better, he'd think he was talking to someone completely different!

'Wow, Dud, that's quite a revelation!', said Harry, completely forgetting his lunch now. 'As much as I dislike your Dad, I'm sorry you fell out with him and moved out. That must be hard for you.'

'It was at first,' replied Dudley. 'But I learned so much during that year, and I realised I no longer believed my Dad's rubbish. I have Rosalie and our friends. And we all owe you our thanks, Harry.' To Harry's sheer amazement, Dudley held out his hand to shake Harry's. Harry stood up out of his chair to shake his cousin's hand. Neither of them knew who made the first move, but a few seconds later, they embraced in a hug, slapping each other on the back. A few diners glanced at them with mild interest before returning to their own lunches.

'Well, I've kept you long enough, Harry. I best get back to work before my manager notices how long I've been away. It was really good to see you both, enjoy your lunch!'

He turned to walk away, but Ginny stopped him, 'Wait!', she called after him. 'We're having a family dinner at seven-thirty tonight at my parent's place to celebrate Harry becoming an Auror and capturing three Death Eaters. Why don't you and Rosalie join us? It's a magical dwelling, but Rosalie will be able to find it when I give you the address.' She looked at Harry encouragingly who nodded in agreement. 'Yeah,' agreed Harry. 'I think we can all agree that enough has happened this past year. It would be good to see Rosalie again, too.'

Dudley pondered at the thought of having dinner with Harry and the Weasleys. After a moment's pause he said, 'Yeah alright then! I'd love to! See ya later then!'.

'YOU WHAT?' Shouted Ron in amazement later that afternoon when Harry and Ginny returned to the Burrow earlier than planned to tell everyone what they found at Godric's Hollow and how they bumped into Dudley. 'Your cousin is coming here?' Ron looked like he'd been hit over the head with a mountain troll club. Ginny giggled at his confusion.

'Isn't he that blonde boy who we gave the Ton Tongue Toffee to? The one who waddled about with his hands on his buttocks?' Asked George in amusement.

'The very same!' Said Harry, and they all fell about the kitchen table laughing.

'But Harry, he was a slimy git to you!', cried Ron. 'After everything he's done to you, why would you want anything to do with him?'

'People are allowed to change, Ron,' said Hermione gently. 'This past year has been a huge experience for everyone, both in our world and the Muggle world alike. It sounds like Dudley has finally grown out of his Dad's shadow and saw the world for how it really is, and I think we all need to respect his awakening and welcome him in, it's the decent thing to do.'

'I agree,' said Mr Weasley, who was following the conversation with huge interest. 'It'll reinforce the notion of our wizarding kind living in peace with the Muggles. We should be grateful that we're finally at a place where things such as a family dinner among wizards, witches and Muggles alike are all joined as one again. It's been far too long since we've been able to enjoy such freedom'.

Ron seemed to accept this with a grunt and nod, although Harry couldn't help notice Ron exchange a crafty look with George, and he wondered what they were planning to get up to. Meanwhile, Mrs Weasley, Ginny, Hermione and Fleur were looking over the jewellery and dresses that Ginny had in the rucksack. She showed the beautiful dress and matching jewellery that Harry gifted to her. There were lots of 'aww's'.

'Aww these are wonderful!', cried Mrs Weasley as she pulled out the old photos. She dabbed her eyes as she looked through them, with lots of 'awws' at the ones of Harry as a baby. 'We'll have to put some of these on display in the house, Harry. This is your home too, you ought to see your family in these photos.' Harry's heart panged at Mrs Weasley's comments. He felt so humbled that she included him as a member of her household, and sure enough, his face was now part of her magical clock on the kitchen wall. But he couldn't help his mind wander to the deed written on the parchment that was enclosed in his pocket, and the thought of living in his own house independently. He wanted to keep that to himself and Ginny for now, and he wanted to keep the ring a secret too.

'Look at these too, Mum', Ginny said, as she laid out the vast amounts of jewellery on the kitchen table. 'Oh wow! They are beautiful!', said Mrs Weasley, as she picked up jewellery box with a full matching set of jewellery, comprised of a simple gold necklace, bracelet and earrings. Harry saw Mrs Weasley's expression as she looked adoringly at the jewellery.

'They're yours, Mrs Weasley.' Said Harry.

'Wh-What dear?', Mrs Weasley replied in confusion.

'The jewellery, I want you to have it, I know my Mum would love you to wear them.'

'Oh, Harry, dear, that's very sweet of you but I couldn't poss-'

'Please, Mrs Weasley,' implored Harry. You've the closest thing to a Mother that I have. You've taken me in, treated me as one of your own and gave me a home. Please accept this as my way of saying thank you.'

Mrs Weasley burst into tears and she quickly made her way around the kitchen table towards Harry, where she engulfed him in a huge bone crushing hug. 'Of course I'll wear them, Harry. Thank you so much, such a sweet boy you are. They really are beautiful.' Harry returned the hug and said to the room at large. 'I mean it guys, help yourselves to this stuff. You're all my family and I know my parents would want this stuff to go to good use. Honestly, if there's anything you'd like just take it.'

They didn't need telling twice, knowing just how serious he was. Ron found some travelling boots and a matching cloak. 'Cool! Thanks, Harry!', he exclaimed as he tried them on. Hermione found a charming purple dress and matching necklace, 'thanks Harry, they're lovely!', she called out to him. Mr Weasley found a book about Muggles which he was fascinated with. 'Oh look, it has a chapter all about ecklecticity!' Percy opted for a fancy watch that, instead of just telling the time like an ordinary watch, it also reminded you of important errands by shouting things like 'Cauldron Thickness Report due on July 15th, 9am sharp!' Percy looked very impressed. 'This will serve me very well at work, Harry. Thank you.' Charlie found a large pair of dragon hide gloves. 'Ah these are excellent, Harry!' Bill took a book all about the history of Gringotts and its secrets. 'The Goblins would go mental if they found out I had this!', he chuckled. Fleur set her eyes on a beautiful tiara. 'Mercy, Harry, eet is beuteeful. Finally, George got his hands on a box of filled with jokes and tricks thanks to The Marauders. 'Ah Harry this is amazing, I can't wait to experiment with this and get some of your Dad's joke stuff in the shop!'

Harry revelled in seeing his closest and friends and who he regarded as family each taking a treasured item. It felt amazing to share in his discoveries, amazing to share what he had with them, because they had shared their home and their love openly with him. It was a great feeling to be able to give something back as a way of saying thank you. His attention turned to the travelling cloak he initially found hanging on the coat rack, which would have been his Dad's. Harry fumbled through the pockets and felt something inside. He pulled it out and realised he was looking at his Dad's wallet. Inside was a small photo of James and Lilly holding Harry. He immediately took out his usual wallet from his pocket, and swapped the money he had in that one into his Dad's wallet, and pocketed it.

Dinner was a chaotic affair at The Burrow that night, as were all Weasley dinners, especially celebration dinners. The dining table had been placed out in the garden and Mr Weasley had extended it with magic to make room for everyone. Mrs Weasley had outdone herself yet again, thought Harry. She created an enormous cake in the shape of an Auror badge. It seemed she'd invited a fair few people. Amongst them were Kingsley, Hagrid, Minerva McGonagall, Andromeda Tonks and his godson Teddy Lupin, Neville Longbottom, Xenophilius and Luna Lovegood, and Harry's colleagues, Shaun, Ryan and Sharon. They had already all arrived by the time Harry's cousin Dudley and his girlfriend Rosalie turned up. Rosalie had shoulder length soft mousy brown hair and kind, hazel eyes. She was dressed in Muggle clothing, a Foo Fighters t shirt and pair of light blue denim jeans and trainers. Dudley looked a little nervous at first, but settled down quickly enough. It was a big thing for him being around Harry and his friends and family so freely, but his time spent among magical people put him at ease quickly enough. Harry instantly recognised Rosalie, as did Ron, Hermione, Neville, Ginny, George and Percy. She waved at them all and exchanged hugs, they spent the next little while reminiscing about Hogwarts, and her time in hiding where she met Dudley. Harry shook Dudley's hand again and introduced him to everyone, who all welcomed him. Ron, admittedly, looked like he was chewing a wasp when he greeted Dudley, but for Harry's sake he remained polite. Dudley was surprised to hear that Hermione was a Muggle born the same as Harry's mum. 'I doubt even my Dad would be able to notice you're a witch,' he said as he shook her hand and noticed her perfectly normal Muggle attire and the way she composed herself like an ordinary Muggle. 'Honestly he's so ignorant to what's under his nose, but anyway enough of that, it's a celebration!'. He clapped Harry's shoulder and smiled. Harry still couldn't quite believe the change in his cousin, it was like he had a personality transplant. He had to hide his laugher however when Dudley clapped eyes on George and Hagrid. He didn't know whether to place his hands protectively around his mouth or his bottom, given that the last time he met Hagrid he ended up with a tail, and the last time he met George he ended up with a humungous tongue. George seemed to pick up on Dudley's nervousness and, whilst clapping him on the back, he said, 'no hard feelings about the Ton Tongue Toffee mate, just banter and joking around!' Dudley seemed to calm down after a little while once he realised both his bottom and his tongue were totally safe, and he settled down at the large dining table with his girlfriend Rosalie and listened with interest about her stories of Hogwarts and what it was like to be in the same House as Harry, albeit a couple years above.

Everyone settled around the enormous dinner table awaiting dinner. Minerva and Kingsley were chatting about the reopening of Hogwarts, in which Hermione was listening intently. Luna and her Father were talking about Crumpled Horned Snorlacks to Neville and Ginny. George filled Rosalie in about all the adventures and pranks he got up to with Fred at Hogwarts. Dudley was explaining the purpose of electricity of Mr Weasley who was overcome with excitement. Hagrid and Charlie spoke about dragons, Bill Fleur and Percy were enjoying a game of exploding snap and Ron and Hermione were enjoying each other's company, laughing and joking with each other. Harry, despite being off work, spoke about tactics with Shaun, Ryan and Sharon. The whole atmosphere around the dinner table was one of friends enjoying a happy reunion.

Dinner was magnificent. Harry had three helpings of roast beef with all the trimmings. Harry was stuffed but he still had room for cake. Mrs Weasley came through to the garden, carefully levitating the cake with her wand to the middle of the dining table. It was designed to look like a gigantic Auror badge, and written in icing along the bottom was,

Congratulations Harry, Junior Auror.

'Ah wow, thanks Mrs Weasley, that looks incredible!', cried Harry.

'Oh it was nothing, dear,' replied Harry.

The remainder of the evening was a very happy occasion. Harry introduced Dudley and Rosalie to his godson Teddy. 'That reminds me!', said Harry, as he raced inside to the rucksack still lying on the scrubbed kitchen table and came out moments later carrying a tiny broomstick. 'Andromeda, my godfather Sirius gave me this broom as my first gift. I found it today amongst my parent's things. I've checked it over and it's still perfectly safe. I'd love for Teddy to have it. Seems right, me passing it on to my godson.'

'I will treasure it Harry, thank you,' said Andromeda. 'I'm sure Teddy will love it when he's old enough to use it.

Harry's attention turned to Hagrid and he realised he hadn't given him anything of his parents yet. He looked back in his rucksack and came out with something he knew Hagrid would love. It was a miniature ornamental dragon that looked similar to Norbert. Hagrid alarmed a few people in the garden when he blew his nose which sounded like a mini explosion as he pulled Harry into a bone crushing hug, 'Thank you, Harry, yer a goodin'', he howled, as Harry massaged his ribs.

On the celebrations went, and somehow the celebration party for Harry becoming a Junior Auror became a celebration party in general for winning the wizarding war. George set off a huge collection of fireworks which fizzed, popped and banged and Mrs Weasley turned up the Wireless so they could enjoy the music better. After a few Sherry's professor McGonagall approached Harry with a proposition. Potter, how do you feel about coming to Hogwarts once a month for a weekend, to continue with Dumbledore's Army? Voldemort has been defeated but there will always be other Dark wizards who are youngsters need to be protected from! As long as it's ok with your boss, of course! And I understand there will be times when you'll be on missions and can't attend!' Shaun, who overheard the conversation, nodded his approval. Harry was delighted, he was going back to Hogwarts once a month! 'Yes! That sounds fantastic professor, I'd be honoured! We could get Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Neville too to help out and make it a proper Defence club. Plus that way, on the weekends that I'm away on missions, there'll still be ways of teaching the students!'.

'Excellent, I'll make the arrangements, Potter!', replied professor McGonagall.

Harry felt elated at how well the day had gone. It was well past midnight before the party came to an end. Harry, the Weasleys and Hermione hugged all their friends goodbye. Harry shook Dudley's hand. 'See ya, big D. Next time I'm in London we'll have to catch up.'

Once everyone had left and the Weasleys and Hermione were heading to bed, Harry took the red box out of his pocket and examined the ring inside it again. Good times were on the horizon, he thought, as he put the box containing the ring back in his pocket and headed to bed with Ginny, excited at how happy and free his future was looking.

Wow! I have been sitting on my sofa with my laptop since 10.30am writing this chapter, with a few breaks here and there to tidy up and make dinner. It is now 1.30am and this chapter is finally finished at a staggering 10,572 words! I am so happy with how it turned out! I hope you all enjoy it, and again, thank you all for your patience x