Chapter 2

"Do you have everything?" Harry asked Ginny as he put his shrunken trunk into his pocket. It was a new model with multiple compartments; Ginny had a matching one after another shopping trip yesterday.

"I do," she told him with a hint of excitement. "Are you ready to go?"

"Almost. Kreacher!" he called and the elf popped in.

"Master," the elf said quietly and unenthusiastically.

Harry knelt down on one knee and looked at the elf, who looked away after a moment. Harry had had a long talk with him last night - not only had they cleared the air between them, but there was a hint of respect in each direction now. Harry had also learned a few interesting things about the Black family.

"Kreacher, the rules we talked about last night go into effect now." Kreacher looked back at him and nodded. "Take care of yourself."

"Yes, Master, and…" the elf paused and looked at Harry, "Master must take care himself and Mistress. The house needs children for it to continue and at least Mistress is a Pureblood."

Harry was both surprised and mostly pleased with the acceptance, while he ignored the attitude. "We will," he said as he rose. "Let's go." He held his hand out for Ginny to take; they walked downstairs together and waited with Hermione. She was a little early while the rest of the family was running on "Weasley Time" - late.

"I assume the rest of your clothes are packed?" Hermione asked.

"They are, and thank you for helping me with finding the dress. It was perfect; Mum barely had to alter it." Ginny smiled brightly. "She cried as she helped me with it. It gave us time to talk a few things out."

"I'm glad," Hermione told her before looking at Harry. "What about you?"

"Since Ginny was busy all evening, I spent the time with Ron, Fred, George, and Bill. We had a fun evening even if we didn't go out." Harry smiled a little more. "Bill and I became better friends too."

Hermione smiled. "I'm happy for both of you then."

Remus and Tonks walked in the front door as steps were heard on the stairs. The pair stopped and all but gaped at the new couple. "Your … time really changed your looks," Remus said. "It looks good on you. You still look a lot like your father, but I can see a bit more of your mother in you now."

"I agree he looks good," Tonks said, "but I'd like to know what happened you, Ginny."

"Magic," Ginny answered as her family joined them. "It a longer story that we'll have to tell you later since Harry views the two of you as extended family." The older couple smiled.

"Shall we?" Arthur held out a Muggle yardstick - their Portkey. It was time to go to France.

— — —

Harry sat in the audience with the Weasleys and watched the ceremony. Fleur was beautiful and Gabrielle was turning into a beauty as well, but Harry still paid more attention to Ginny. He had to agree with her that this shade of gold on the bridesmaid dress she was wearing wasn't her best color, but damn she looked hot in that tight dress … especially since he knew what was underneath it.

During the reception, Ginny almost never left him, normally with a hand on his arm or holding his hand. She smiled and was polite the entire time to everyone, though he could tell it was forced once or twice. While she wouldn't admit to it, Harry was reasonably sure she was doing that to protect him from Fleur's Veela cousins. He found it amusing but ignored this issue of hers.

Two hours into the reception, Harry noticed Fleur's father walking towards him alone. He made sure he was smiling as the man walked up. "Monsieur Delacour" with a nod of the head.

The man smiled easily and spoke English with only a touch of accent; he also nodded his head. "Mr Potter. Thank you for the attempt."

Harry winced internally; he'd hoped for a good first impression but had apparently messed up the pronunciation.

"Come, let us walk to the edge of the garden where it will be a little more private." Delacour gestured to the side and then started to walk slowly with Harry beside him and Ginny on the other side of Harry, still holding his arm. "I was surprised when Fleur handed me your letter. The contents surprised me even more."

Delacour stopped as they reached the edge and stood by the hedge with no one nearby. "May I see the rings?"

Harry was surprised by the request as he had not mentioned the rings in the letter, but he held up his left hand and Ginny let go of his arm so she could do the same. He wondered why Fleur had mentioned the rings.

"Magnificent," the man said softly. "Congratulations on being so blessed by Magic."

"Thank you, sir," Harry replied. Ginny nodded her thanks before she reattached herself to her husband.

Delacour looked out over the reception with many people for a short moment as if looking for someone before turning back. "You did a great service to my family two and half years ago, even if you think it was small." He smiled benevolently. "No, do not protest, Mr Potter. Saving my youngest daughter was a great service to us. Despite what was claimed, she was in great danger as Veela and water do not mix well." He chuckled at his own statement.

Harry just smiled. The man was not as he expected; he was very soft spoken and friendly.

"You could have asked for a great deal. I would have gladly let you date my youngest daughter and perhaps even marry her if she had wanted that; but you ask for so little so how could I not grant it." He smiled. "While I know the Weasleys have planned to return late this evening, I would be honored if the both of you stayed with us for a few days. I will even provide you with a separate Portkey when you're ready to leave."

Harry looked at Ginny and saw surprise and a little hope. "It would make our plans a little easier," she said quietly.

With a nod for acknowledgement to his wife, he looked at his host and said, "We would love to as long as it wouldn't be an imposition."

Jean Delacour smile. "Nonsense, it will be no trouble at all. Tomorrow might be a better time for us to talk anyway. I'm very curious as to what advice you seek from me, but I can restrain myself that long."

He glanced at his watch. "I believe it is almost time for your special event. Let us head towards the house." Delacour led the way towards the large manor house at a brisker pace than before.

"I hope you and your family will join us?" Harry asked.

"We will, thank you for asking now and in the letter." Delacour raised his voice and his hand to get her attention, "Gabrielle!"

Harry knew from Fleur that the girl had just finished her second year at Beauxbatons, but she looked like a fourth year.

"Gabrielle, please take Ms Weasley into the house to the room prepared for her, the yellow one," her father directed. "Do not worry, Ms Weasley, my wife will take get care of your betrothed until it is time."

As Ginny was led away to get Hermione and then towards the house, Harry was led over to a woman who looked more than ten years younger than her husband.

"My wife, Apolline; dear, this is Mr Potter. His intended is already headed inside. I promised you would guard him," he said with a chuckle and his wife gave a captivating laugh. "If you'll excuse me, Mr Potter, I'll rejoin you soon," Jean Delacour said before he walked away.

Harry noticed several heads turn to look at him as his name was mentioned. He forced himself to continue smiling.

"Mr Potter, it is very good to meet you," she said as she guided him away from the other ladies she had been talking to. "While I'm sure my husband has already said it, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for saving our little Gabrielle. When I found out what had been done, I nearly came to England to light your Headmaster on fire for putting my daughter in the lake."

Harry blinked in surprise, not only at her words, but at the contrast of her soft spoken words to the viciousness of her expression, which didn't last long - fortunately. "Err, I think you could have sold tickets to an event like that."

Apolline stopped her slow walk with him and looked at him carefully before her captivating laughter returned for a brief moment. "Ah, English humor; you do have a way with words at times. Tell me honestly, while I would love to keep you company and have more conversation, would you prefer to continue or would you like to go inside for a few moments of peace before your ceremony?"

"I think inside might be better. Something to drink would be good too," he told her, suddenly feeling parched.

"Of course," she said and led him to the house. "Are you staying with us, I hope? My husband was supposed to ask."

"Yes, a day or so if you don't mind," he answered.

She waved her hand as if to brush his answer away. "No, you shall stay as long as you like. We have a big house and it feels so empty now that Fleur has left and Gabrielle is at school for most of the year. Ah, here we go," she said as they walked through the door. "I can not stay long but, Georgio!"

An elf popped in. "Mistress?"

"Please take Mr Potter to the ballroom and get Mr Potter whatever he wants to drink." She looked back at Harry. "You will do well, do not worry. We also have a small surprise; you can think of it as a wedding present." With that, she turned and hurried back to the reception.

Harry ordered some water and then walked into the room he had been led to and stopped, mouth open wide for a moment before he snapped it shut. It wasn't just a bare ballroom, it was completely decorated for a wedding, with flowers, candles, a wooden arch with vines and more flowers. There were also twenty chairs. It was simple yet elegant. He found it hard to breathe for a minute he was so touched at the gesture they'd made.

As he sipped on the water the house-elf had brought him, the enormity of life, their plans, just … everything … hit him and he had to close his eyes and take slow deep breaths to search for his composure. He'd barely managed when he heard a noise from the doorway.

"Wow, this is beautiful. Does this give you any ideas Remus?" Tonks said with a hint in her tone.

Harry heard the man chuckle. "Ideas, sure, but I don't believe this is for us. Oh, Harry, do you know why we were sent here?"

"I do, there's going to be another wedding shortly, a much more private one." Harry paused, "Err, do you know if Dumbledore came here? I haven't seen him but there are a lot of people."

"No," Tonks answered, "he stayed in England as there's concern over Death Eater attacks. Why?"

Harry breathed a sigh of relief. That was the only potential way he had foreseen to stop this. He had no idea what Dumbledore would have tried, but he couldn't help but feel Dumbledore would have tried to stop this wedding.

The other Weasleys started to enter, saving him from having to answer Tonks's question.

"Remus, Tonks, please take the front row on the right," Harry told them. "Fred, George, Charlie, you guys on the left." Harry looked up to see a beaming Fleur and a happy looking Bill. "Hey, glad you could make it, you two on the left also. Mr Delacour, I guess you and your family can take whichever side you like."

"I believe my family will sit on the right to even things out, but it will be a moment," Jean Delacour said before he turned and quietly said something to the Ministry official who nodded and walked to the front.

"Ron, you're with me," Harry said, doing his best to push his nervousness away. This was like a Quidditch game, right? His nerves would be fine once he started.

"Uh, Harry?" Remus said, not haven't moved when told. "What is going on?"

He grinned at the family friend. "I'm getting married." He saw Jean point to the front and nodded. "Places everyone," he called out and started walking to the front with Ron following him. Remus and Tonks had no choice but to take a seat, despite their surprise.

The three Delacours came in and took a seat followed by Molly Weasley who gasped and stopped to look at the room as she entered. She conjured a handkerchief before heading for her seat on the front row with a very happy look.

Harry had no idea where it came from, but music started to play and Hermione walked in, stumbling for a couple of steps in amazement as she took in the beautiful room. It didn't take long for her to arrive at the front and stand on the other side.

Then Arthur with Ginny on his arm appeared at the doorway. He drank her look in. She seemed more beautiful than ever before in an amazing white dress with her red hair flowing down. She even had a bouquet of flowers in her hand, almost certainly from the Delacours also. He was really going to have to do something very special for them.

It was strange, Ginny looked very happy yet she was crying. He supposed he could understand as he remembered his first reaction to seeing this room. When she joined him, Arthur placed her hand in his and then gave him a quick hug before sitting down.

When the ceremony was over, Harry realize he sort of missed it all as he'd been staring at Ginny. He resolved to buy a Pensive so he could watch this later.

Afterwards, they signed the marriage license that Jean Delacour had also arranged and it was done. They were Mr and Mrs Potter legally.

Drinks were brought in as they stayed in the ballroom; although Bill and Fleur returned to the reception for their wedding. They talked and joked, just the family (real and honorary); Harry could tell Ginny was enjoying it as much as he was. He could also tell she was on edge about the ending like he was.

When the time came to leave, Harry pulled Arthur to the side. "Mr Delacour invited us to stay for a few days and he offered us a Portkey to get home; Ginny and I have accepted."

Arthur smiled at him. "I'm sure it's safer here, but please keep both of yourselves safe."

"We will." Harry reached into an inside pocket and pulled out an envelope. "I need a small favor if you don't mind."

"Of course."

"When you get back, if there's not an Order meeting within the next day or two, please have one and then read this to them. I've had a few thoughts on the war and I think this will help," Harry told him as he handed the letter over. "I will also ask you to not read it until then also, if you don't mind."

"If it's that important, I'm sure I can get Albus to let you in long enough to speak. You are seventeen now," the father pointed out.

"I'm sure you could," Harry said kindly, "but it'll be easier this way as your wife won't be upset when Ginny tries to come too."

Arthur chuckled. "You would be correct there. I'll do as you wish. Have a good time here." He gave his new "son" a full hug.

"Also, I forgot to leave time to tell Remus and Tonks about Ginny and myself. If you could explain what happened like you did for your sons when you get back, I'd appreciate it," Harry requested. "They need to promise to keep it secret too."

"I can do that," Arthur agreed.

Ginny was already giving hugs to everyone, having already explained they were staying. Harry joined in. Harry also told Remus and Tonks that Arthur would give them the news about why he and Ginny had married tonight.

Soon, it was just the Potters and the Delacours. "If you will follow me, I'll show you to your room." Apolline added a large smile. "Feel free to sleep as late as you want. An elf will have brunch for you whenever you want."

They were shown to the room Ginny had dressed in; it was large and luxurious. They were both tired, but stayed up a little longer and didn't come out of their room until nearly noon the next day.

— — —

The next day they didn't get out of bed until morning was almost gone. The elf, Georgio, served them brunch in their room and passed the message that Jean Delacour was available in an hour for them. They took their time, since this was like a honeymoon for them, enjoying time to themselves without any family around.

When they came down, the elf guided them to a where they found the adult Delacours. "Thank you for allowing us to stay," Harry told them. "You have an amazing home."

Jean Delacour smiled. "It's been in the family for centuries. Please have a seat. May we get you something to drink?"

"Tea please," Ginny said and Harry requested the same. The elf brought it out almost instantly, probably having expected it.

"We want to thank you again for everything you've done for us," Harry said.

"Yes, we owe you so much," Ginny added. "I didn't expect the decorations and they were so beautiful."

"It was nothing compared to saving our daughter, and," Apolline smiled broadly, "Gabrielle and I enjoyed it."

"So, what can we help you with?" Jean said curiously. Apolline sat in her chair with a cup in hand and looking comfortable.

"Fleur told me you work for the French Ministry, though she didn't say in what position," Harry said.

Jean stiffened a little. "I do."

"I, err, I have a letter I need to give to someone at the ICW and I don't know who would be a good person. I was hoping you could tell me who I need send it to," Harry said before he reached into a pocket and pulled out the letter.

Delacour relaxed again. "I see. You could have asked someone at the English Ministry, or even your Headmaster," he remarked simply while looking at Harry with a hint of curiosity.

"I can understand why you'd say that, but I don't believe that's possible as they wouldn't help me." Harry felt uncomfortable with this, even Ginny's presence didn't help. "You see, well, they're part of the problem and why I'm trying to get this information to the ICW."

"Hmm," Jean said and looked at his wife who just looked back at him with her own hint of curiosity. "Perhaps if I read the letter, if you don't mind?"

Harry looked at the man and tried to judge him, but he didn't feel like he came up with an answer. He would not have been surprised if told Jean knew Occlumency and he was also a career politician if he'd understood Fleur correctly. "You will please keep this to yourself?" He glanced over at the man's wife. "It might be best if you didn't tell her to protect her, but you can share it with her if she'll promise to keep it private too."

"That's fair," Delacour responded. "I do promise to keep this matter private until it needs to be shared with the ICW."

Harry nodded and stood and walked over to hand the letter to the man, before returning to the couch and joining Ginny. All he could do was wait.

It wasn't long before Jean was swearing loudly and viciously in French, or his tone and expression suggested that.

"Jean-Aimé Delacour!" Apolline shouted in reprimand.

The man stopped and took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. "My pardon," he said to his wife and then looked at the two visitors, "I am very sorry for using such language and I am sorry for doubting you, but this information … is it really true?"

"I am sorry to have to tell you yes," Harry said while Ginny nodded, as she had help him write it.

Jean looked disturbed but returned to the letter and finished it, a distasteful look on his face as he refolded it. Looking at his wife, "I'm sorry, but I will take Mr Potter's advice. You do not want to know this and it would be safer if you didn't. I am glad we've sent Gabrielle away to her cousin's for the day.

"Mr Potter, I know who to give this to," Jean held up the letter. "You must be absolutely sure it is all true as it will start a fiery storm that can not be stopped easily and you will not want it focused on you if it is false."

"It is all true," Harry replied, "or if not than Albus Dumbledore has been lying to me and I don't believe he has any reason to. Parts of it are easily proved, like where was Voldemort for thirteen years and why does he look so different now? Why are his followers in positions at the Ministry or advisors to the Minister for Magic - although this one is now not true, but it was for many years."

Harry shrugged and explained quietly. "We're British and we're proud of that, but it will be our downfall if we continue on as we have been."

Jean put the letter in a pocket and stood. "In some ways, it is worse than you were aware. This was in the newspaper this morning." He picked up an article and walked it over and handed it to Harry before returning to his seat.

The young couple looked at the article. Ginny gasped after a moment while Harry looked up. "What happened after the attack? It just says details weren't available."

Jean nodded. "I received a report this morning from a friend. It seems that while your Ministry was attacked, the defenders led by Albus Dumbledore rallied and pushed the Death Eaters back. There was significant loss of life among your Aurors and even Dumbledore was injured. Some Death Eaters were killed as well, but not as many as from the Aurors. It is believed the Ministry building itself will be closed for some time for repairs, and only the absolutely necessary parts will continue until it reopens. I don't know more than that."

"Dad," Ginny said worriedly.

"Your father is perfectly safe," Jean told her. "It all happened while he was here so it was over before he returned home."

"Thank you," she told him gratefully.

"If you will allow, I will take your letter to those who can do something about it first thing tomorrow morning. Of course," Jean said with a smile, "it's unknown what they can do and action they may take time. Politics slows things down most of the time."

"Anything is better than nothing," Harry returned.

"So it is," Jean said congenially. "While don't you two enjoy some time outdoors and see our back garden in the daylight. As I said last night, you're welcome to stay as long as you like and then I shall help you return home."

"Thank you for having us and for your help," Harry told them. "I think we'll leave tomorrow, perhaps after lunch. You don't need to get us Portkey, we're not heading straight home," he said with a grin. "We going to take a honeymoon."

The Delacours smiled at each other and then at the teens. "We understand."

Apolline added. "Your timing is good as the photographs of your wedding that our elf took should be available tomorrow morning."

Ginny beamed at that news.

It was Monday evening after the Wedding and after an exhausting day at work. Arthur dropped into a chair in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place, very thankful he could do that. He felt his wife put an arm around him as she leaned down and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Rough today?" she asked with caring and a hint of worry.

"Yes," he replied. "All sub-departments of the DMLE have been told to suspend their normal duties and we're now temporary Aurors. Personnel from the other departments have been conscripted to help out in an administrative way to allow the normal desk jockeys in the DMLE to assume Auror positions. Even the lightly injured are on duty, as guards if nothing else. The only ones who are normal are the full-time Aurors and those in the Department of Transportation, and they have Aurors assigned full time in the control room for the Floo Network and on the Knight Bus. It's very definitely a war now."

"Are you going to have to go out after the Death Eaters?" Molly asked a little fearfully.

"Possibly," he answered, "but probably not often. I spent most of the day guarding the main entrance."

"What about our home?" she asked as she sat down next to him and grabbed his hands, looking hopeful.

"Parts of it survived, but most of it is burnt down," he answered with resignation and his wife dropped her head to his shoulder. "We weren't the only ones. Other homes who belonged to department heads or sub-heads were attacked too … a few of them were killed also. It was fortunate we didn't have the wedding at The Burrow."

"To think I tried so hard to convince Bill and Fleur to do just that," she said with a sniffle.

"But we didn't, so we're safe even if we lost a few things."

Molly nodded and took a deep breath to return to the practical. "We need to eat; the Order members will be here soon for the meeting."

"I'll tell Ron…" Arthur stood and walked out of the kitchen to find his son. He was glad Harry and Ginny were safe.

— — —

Arthur watched Albus Dumbledore enter and sit down slowly; he was healed but not recovered. Several others who worked at the Ministry looked to be the same way.

Dumbledore looked around. "I received a message from Mundungus Fletcher just before I arrived. He said he was unable to enter the house. Does anyone know why?"

No one said anything until Alastor Moody commented, "I don't see an issue; I don't trust him all that much. I hope Snape wouldn't be able to enter either if he tried."

Dumbledore shot him a disapproving look, which Moody ignored with ease. "Let's start with a report on what happened this weekend." He looked over. "Kingsley?"

The bald Auror straightened slightly in his chair. "The short version is that we won, but the margin of victory was very close. We killed nine of the Death Eaters who attacked plus an unknown number of injuries. However, with the help of You-Know-Who, they killed twenty-six of ours, with another five who were injured critically and who will probably survive now although we weren't sure at first. Addtionally, more than thirty were injured, most of those from the reinforcements who were called in and didn't have good cover. Twelve of our deaths were caused by five Death Eater traitors in our ranks, who usually killed two or three before they were caught doing it and were killed. For example, I killed Walden McNair, who was a department sub-head and should have been sacked long ago even if he was pardoned years ago." He shook his in frustration.

"It's unfortunate they were killed because we have so little Wizarding blood to continue the families," Dumbledore said to several glares, "but this happens in war at times. We must be extra vigilant now as we're out and about. Does anyone else have something to add?"

Moody snorted. "No mercy from me if they attack."

"They could be under the Imperious and not real Death Eaters," replied Dumbledore.

"Not if they're using an Unforgivable," Moody retorted. "You can't cast one of those while under the Imperious. If someone doesn't believe me, say so and I'll put you under and then order you to cast one … you won't be able to."

Not even Dumbledore said more on the topic after that. "Arthur, you contacted me and said you had something important."

"Yes, yes I did," the man said as he reached into an inside pocket and pulled out a letter. As he opened it, he explained, "Harry gave me a letter to read to everyone here before we left the wedding to come back."

He reached into the envelope and pulled out several things. As he sorted through them, the door opened and Bill and Fleur walked in, looking like they had been running. "Sorry we're late, but we lost track of time." That caused several chuckles.

Arthur saw a letter addressed to Alastor Moody, so he passed it in the man's direction. Those between the two passed it along.

"I didn't expect to see either of you for at least a week," Arthur said as he put a letter to Hermione and a picture face down on the table in front of him and picked up the letter addressed to him.

"Received a letter from Harry this morning," Bill said as he and his new wife sat down. "He apologized for the request, but asked we come to the next Order meeting if we were in the country and able to. I expected to see him here."

"He and Ginny stayed in France for an extra couple of days," Molly answered, causing several heads to swivel her way.

"What?!" Dumbledore queried very surprised. "You let him stay on his own?"

"We left the two with the Delacours," Molly said. "It wasn't my first choice but it's not like they're unchaperoned any more than here. It is sort of their honeymoon too."

That started even more questions that only stopped when Dumbledore set off a Noise Charm. "What do you mean Harry and Ginny are married? They broke up at the end of school, or so I was led to believe."

Arthur wasn't sure why the Headmaster was so concerned about Harry's and his daughter's dating life, but he knew what to say. "If I can read the letter, your questions will be answered. I've only skimmed the first few paragraphs, but Harry will talk about that."

Dumbledore didn't look happy, but said, "Continue on."

Moody shot a Vanishing spell at his letter and grinned.

Several looked at him strangely for his action, having forgotten he'd received a letter. "What did it say?" Dumbledore asked.

"He told me that Snape and Fletcher have been banned from the house by family magic. One for being a traitor and the other for trying to steal. He also said," Moody didn't raise his voice for once but added in a predatory grin, "constant vigilance. He's got his problems, but I like the kid's daring."

Dumbledore shook his head before looking back at Arthur. "If you would, for I would like to know why he's not safely in this house tonight."

This first part was going to be good, Arthur thought with amusement, already knowing the story. "Harry writes…

"Dear Order Members,

"I know that I'm now old enough to ask for membership to the Order, but I shall not at this time for reasons which will soon be clear as I have other duties which have a higher priority. Let me start by explaining some very recent events.

"I know it's not talked about much, so I shall not go into details, but as I recently turned seventeen, my Magical Maturity came upon me. At first glance, I look a little older now. That's not much of a change, but as it happened in a single afternoon, I think that's proof it happened.

"There were a few more results of that afternoon, nearly a week ago."

Arthur glanced up quickly and was amused at the alarmed look on Albus's face as the older man realized this had been hidden from him. He was all but certain Harry was doing this as a prank on some level. A glance at his twin boys showed they held the same guess.

"For reasons we can only guess at, Ginny went through her Magical Maturity shortly after her sixteenth birthday. We believe it was because of what happened in her first year at Hogwarts, ending at the time when I had to slay the Basilisk, but we'll never know."

"Wait!" Kingsley interrupted. "There was a Basilisk at the school and we weren't told?" He looked at the Headmaster who had a modicum of grace to look at least a little guilty.

"Minister Fudge knew," Dumbledore said quietly. "We didn't feel it needed to be spread around."

"We should have been called in at the first sign," Kingsley protested angrily. "How many died that we didn't know about?"

"None," Dumbledore answered. "A few were petrified and were restored before the end of the year. Arthur, if you'll continue please?"

Arthur noted Head Auror Shacklebolt didn't look pleased and guessed there would be more conversation on that topic later, which Arthur supported given that it was his daughter that had been victimized. He cleared his throat. "Harry continues with…"

"In addition to that, three more unexpected events happened, though the last will have to wait until later. Ginny and I are both unaware of how it happened as we were unconscious, but Magic chose to wed us and Ginny is pregnant. (Arthur please pass the picture around.)"

Arthur did as asked and he also frowned at some of the twittering whispers he heard. He was prevented from expressing his annoyance that threatened to turn into anger when he saw the look of what might be considered horror on the face of Albus Dumbledore. Sure, this wasn't how couples normally got together and were wed, but he couldn't see what was so wrong about it either, for Dumbledore looked like the end of the world was about to happen.

"Arthur," McGonagall spoke up and held the picture up, "why are we being shown this picture?"

"I assume," he replied, "that Harry wanted you to see the rings Magic gave them."

"They could have been purchased," she replied.

"They didn't have them that morning," Molly said a little wary of the subject, "and I watched Ginny try to take the ring off at my request and she couldn't. They both have said they've never seen them before and I don't believe they're lying."

"It's true," Arthur added.

"I thought it a myth," McGonagall said, "though it does raise another question." She looked at him pointedly.

"We found several of the myths to be true, but no one - not even Ginny and Harry - can tell you why," he said. "If I may continue…"

"Now, dear Order, we come to the heart of this letter. I ask you to listen carefully and think deeply on what Ginny and I have come to know. Some of this may be difficult, but as always you must maintain constant vigilance."

He was completely surprised by it, as was everyone else, but a small noise caused Arthur to look up just in time to see Alastor Moody pull his wand from under the table and cast a spell right at Dumbledore, who turned bluish before a second spell wrapped him in ropes so he was tied to the back of his chair, and then a third spell transfigured the Headmaster's robes to something else … perhaps black iron.

It was only then that two other wands came out, one from Kingsley Shacklebolt and one from Minerva McGonagall.

"Why did you just do that?" McGonagall challenged him, her Scottish baroque coming out strongly.

"Potter asked me to if I wanted to hear the real truth, and I do," Moody replied, his wand not pointing at the witch but still at Dumbledore. "I may be told more than some, but I know for a fact that I haven't been told everything. If this keeps him from 'interfering' as Potter said, than he can sit like that for the next twenty minutes or so. If it turns out not to have been necessary, then no harm done other than me feeling foolish for believing Potter. However, did you see him a few a few minutes ago when Weasley said Potter was married? Dumbledore looked like he needed to change his underpants and that means something."

Shacklebolt nodded. "I have seen a few things that make no sense," he finally said as he lowered his wand.

"Albus has always played his cards very close to his vest and I very much disagreed a time or two," McGonagall said as she lowered her wand. "We'll let it stand for the moment."

Arthur was surprised at how that had played out until he looked back at the letter and then chuckled. "He says Moody should have just stopped some interference or I should stop reading."

"He's good," George said with a smile.

"Never bet against Harry," Fred smiled too.

"So now that I can speak more freely, here's my advice for dealing with this war … and it is a war."

Arthur stopped and looked at them. "Please remember this was written last week, so what happened this last weekend was unknown to him." Several heads nodded in understanding.

"Dumbledore has known this since I was a baby, but he heard a prophecy about me, which some of you guarded. I won't say it all, but it starts off saying that the one who can vanquish the Dark Lord comes, born at the end of July, born to parents who defied said Dark Lord three times. There's more, but that's all Voldemort knows so we can stop there."

Arthur looked up and saw Dumbledore's eyes didn't look happy, but he had to hand it to Moody for his good spell work.

"While the prophecy said a thing or two more about identifying the person as me, it otherwise doesn't say much else that's useful. Honestly, it's a pretty worthless prophecy. It became more worthless last week. You see, it probably did apply to me before, but so far, only Ginny has noticed that one other thing my Magical Maturity did was it removed some bit of Magic that I've carried since I was a baby and my curse scar is almost invisible now. So with that cursed magic that was in me gone, we believe the prophecy no longer applies to me. That means anyone can kill him now."

There were several murmurings and Arthur considered what he had just read. It explained a few things he'd wondered about.

"Now, I know what you're thinking, killing him is going to be hard. Voldemort is a good fighter and he's done a few things to make killing him difficult. The first question you should really be asking yourself though, and I've never heard any adult ask this other than Dumbledore, why was he able to come back to get a body a couple of years ago when he'd been supposedly killed when I was a baby? (Arthur, please stop and see if anyone has an answer.)"

"Damn, that's a good question," Moody said. "I think I wondered about it once, but then never did again."

"I really hope this isn't going where I think it is," Bill said suddenly.

Arthur noticed Dumbledore's eyes looked even more frantic than before. "Going on…"

"I don't know why Dumbledore has never told anyone other than me. I mean, what happens if he has a heart attack tomorrow; he's not young anymore."

Several chuckled and most smiled in amusement. Dumbledore still was frozen.

"He finally told me last year that Voldemort split his soul into several parts and that's what stops his complete death, though it is hard for him to get a new body."

"Damn it! I was right," Bill said angrily. "Those pieces could be anywhere and we've lost years we could have been looking for them, other than the one we already know about." He glared at the Headmaster.

"You've already seen one?" Moody asked curiously and amazed.

Bill nodded and looked at his father. "One was let into the school and possessed my sister. It's what brought out the Basilisk - without her knowledge. It used her like a puppet. Harry destroyed it though. Hmm, if Harry destroyed that one, and there are multiple pieces, I wonder how many? I'd guess three, with the final part being You-Know-Who himself. So we only have to find one more."

"I now see why you were asked for. If I may?" Arthur queried and received a nod.

"We've learned that there should be seven pieces." Arthur glanced over and saw a shocked look on Bill before he went on. "I've destroyed one in a diary. If you've not noticed, Professor Dumbledore's hand has been cursed by a ring. That's two down. The Professor believes Voldemort's snake is one, as well as Hufflepuff's Cup and Slytherin's Locket, plus one more unknown one. These must be destroyed first before killing him for good.

"I can help you a little more. Bill, if you're here, or if not Arthur in his place, you must make a promise to the servant of the House of Black. (Please call for Kreacher.)"

Not sure what else to do, Arthur did as asked and the elf popped in with a small wooden box, held just out of Bill's reach. "Do you as a Curse Breaker solemnly swear that you will destroy this as my most favorite master asked me to do?"

Bill looked in wonder for a moment before he looked at Fleur and then back at the elf. "Will you show me what's inside that I'm being asked to destroy?"

Kreacher took the top of the box off and showed a heavy gold locket with a snake on it.

"Merde! He has one!" Fleur gasped and leaned back in horror. "It is the locket with a snake on it."

Bill swallowed thickly. "I will destroy it, on my honor and the honor of my family."

The elf put the top back on the box before setting it on the corner of the table near Bill; then he faded out of sight.

"That's three," Remus said not much above a whisper. "We're half-way there."

Arthur shook himself before he continued.

"So let me give some ideas on how I'd run things if I were in charge. This advice is freely given and, as they say, it can be freely ignored.

"I'd put Bill in charge of finding and destroying the trinkets that are preventing Tom from being fully killed. By the way, if you didn't know, his real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. Bill, have a conversation about Tom's background with Dumbledore, then recruit Remus to help you as I think you two would make a good team.

"I'd next put Moody in charge of going after the Death Eaters. You know who many of them are, since they pleaded the Imperious and then bribed their way out of prison. If you can do it without getting hurt, take them alive and then use a little Truth Potion and you'll have more names. If they fight back, kill them so you don't put you and your team at risk - you're more important than they are. I know Dumbledore won't like that, but he's had his chances to do something about them and hasn't such that they keep coming back. It's time to end that."

"I like his ideas," Moody said with relish, getting smiles and nods back from the other Aurors there.

"Dumbledore, you need to stop trying to do so many things and focus. What's really important to you? I mean that, what's important? Do you really want to win the war? You have three jobs, pick one and drop the rest. I'll help you a little.

"You can forget about being Supreme Mugwump of the ICW. I've sent them enough information that they know there is a dark wizard problem here that is not easily solved and you can expect they'll tell you to take care of business here at home, or at least I hope they will. If we're lucky, they'll also send some help.

"I'd suggest dropping the Headmaster role. Live at Hogwarts if you think it needs protecting, but don't be Headmaster. Professor McGonagall is a very capable administrator and can handle it."

Arthur glance up to see Minerva look surprised and then pleased.

"Be Chief Warlock and hit the Death Eaters where they've traditionally taken advantage of those who wish to do good. Remove bad laws and pass good ones. Help steer the Minister and the Ministry. Stop accepting the way things have always been done and make a difference. If you can't do that, then help Moody fight and fight to really win.

"I have one more bit of news and then I'm done. The changes that Ginny and I have gone through has done one more thing to me. I feel much closer to my parents as I'm forced to consider the same question they did. The circumstances are different, so the result is different; plus our decision is colored by what I lived through growing up.

"If it was just me, I'd fight him. However, I have a family to protect and live for now. You've seen the last of us for at least a few months and probably longer." Arthur choked up and looked at his wife as she gasped at the news. He had to swallow before he could continue. "Unlike my parents, I don't feel we're able to fight a war and protect our family, and I've always wanted a family. You see, I've never really had a true family; where I grew up was not a family and I never considered it my real home.

"We'll stay in touch, Arthur; give Hermione her letter and she'll help you get a Muggle device called a mobile phone and we'll talk occasionally. We'll even show up for a surprise visit from time to time. Again, I must protect my family.

"I know that Professor Dumbledore will be upset with this. He'll claim I must be here to fulfill the prophecy and to hunt for the soul pieces. Bill is far more qualified than I am to deal with those horrible things. As for fighting Voldemort, I'm but a student, so what can I really do? It's been luck I've lived through my other encounters with him.

"No, it shouldn't be me or Ginny. This is a war between two old men who are trying to put me in the middle. The prophecy might have once referred to me, but no longer. When his magic was forced out of me, that was it. There is a line in the prophecy about 'by my hand'. I think we could easily say that my writing this letter telling you information you need to know and how I'd fight the war if allowed could be considered 'by my hand'.

"Dumbledore, you allowed Tom to rise up and become what he is, I leave it to you to clean up the mess. I hope the other adults will help you, but I don't believe it is the responsibility of those of us who haven't even finished school yet.

Weasleys, we'll miss you for a time, but we'll return one day. Until then, you may stay in this house for as long as you want. Kreacher has orders to allow that.

"Oh, I'll ask all of you to keep the changes to Ginny and myself private, please.

"Best regards, Harry and Ginny Potter

"P.S. Please share this with Ron and Hermione. They already know about most of it. I'm sure I'll get an earful about taking an extended honeymoon and not telling them beforehand, but the surprise was required."

"P.P.S. Someone can release Dumbledore now, if you think it safe - grin."

Arthur smiled at the last part as he set the letter down on the table before looking at Moody. With a shrug, Moody pulled his wand back out and reversed his spell work on Dumbledore.

"How could you, Alastor?" the old wizard glared at the ex-Auror. "I thought you of all people would understand needing to keep secret matters secret so the enemy doesn't learn of them."

"I do, Dumbledore, but as I said, I wanted to know information more. Now that I've heard it, I don't regret my actions at all." Moody shook his head. "No, not at all. In fact, I'd be willing to carry out his plan. I'll make a motion, who's for Potter's plan beside me?"

"I am," Bill said and Fleur agreeing quickly. "I want to finish my honeymoon, but I'll track down those soul parts. I know how to destroy them too."

"I'll follow his plan," Remus chimed in. "I'm in," Tonks said at almost the same time.

"Of course we're in," Fred and George said together.

"As am I," Arthur said looking at his wife.

"I agree, it's not their war," Molly added.

One by one, the rest agreed until it was just Dumbledore who was left to answer. "I don't have much of a choice, do I?" he said with a hint of mirth. "Well played, Harry, well played."

Epilogue…

"We need to find another beach," Harry said as he eyed his wife. "They should have read the letter by now."

"You just want to ogle me some more," Ginny quipped teasingly.

"You weren't complaining when I put suntan lotion on you earlier," he returned also teasing.

"A more private beach, or at least with a lot less people, especially girls in the skimpy bikinis." She gave him a look and he looked down, causing her to laugh. "I know you're going to see some, but as long as you don't ogle them I won't get upset. Let's go find dinner then we can figure out our next place to stay."

"I was thinking an out of the way place where we could stay by ourselves for a month," he suggested as he started picking up his beach towel. "We could work on our school work too."

"Yes, the practical portion would be good while I still can. I'll probably have to give that up the last few months," she told him as they headed for their hotel room.

— — —

"I didn't think my cooking was that bad," Harry said as Ginny threw up her breakfast into the kitchen sink because it was the first place she could get to.

After she washed her mouth out, she also threw a quick hex at him, but he dodged. "Don't make fun of the lady with the morning sickness," she growled as she slowly rubbed her beginning baby bump.

Harry walked over cautiously before putting his arms around her. "I'm sorry. I love you and I love that you're giving us a baby." He kissed the side of her head.

"Thank you, Harry, I love you too." She kissed him gently before laying her head on his shoulder and enjoying the moment. "Some teasing is all right, just not when I'm sick."

"I understand now…"

— — —

"This is amazing," Harry said after he swallowed a bite.

"I know," Ginny agreed after she swallowed her food and she eyed her dinner. "I think even my Mum could learn something from here.

"I'd like to meet the cook," Harry said as he looked to the back of the restaurant and the kitchen.

"You like a lot?" the waitress asked with amusement.

"Yes," the young couple said together, which made the waitress chuckle before she hurried on to do her duty.

As they finished dinner, a heavy-set woman who looked about sixty walked up to their table. "You a like my cookin'?"

"Very much," Harry said slowly. "I wished I could cook like that."

"Yes, I'd love to learn to cook as well as you do," an obviously pregnant Ginny agreed.

The woman looked at them for a moment before she smiled. "Wife should always know how to cook. Husband should cook when wife has baby. How about a deal? Hmm?"

— — —

"Ginny," Harry called, "we have to get going or we'll miss the train again like yesterday."

"You put a baby whale in your stomach and then let's see how fast you move," Ginny retorted.

"I've got our trunks shrunken down in my pocket and your big purse for your immediate needs," he said as he helped her out of the house and down the steps. "I wished we could take one of our ways," he said, not wanting to use the word "magical".

Ginny tried to get comfortable by shifting from foot to foot as Harry hailed a taxi. "Unless you can get a phoenix, I don't think those ways would work too well for me right now."

"I tried, but Fawkes didn't come," Harry said as the taxi pulled up and he helped her into the car. "To the train station," he told the driver.

"Seriously?" She looked at him. "You tried to call Fawkes?"

"Why not?" Harry didn't worry about the driver as it would have sounded like he had tried to make a phone call.

"I'm impressed you thought of that for me." She beamed at him.

He smiled at her and grabbed her hand. "Just trying to take care of you. I do hope we make our train though."

— — —

Ron hurried through the back door of Grimmauld place, as The Burrow had yet to be rebuilt after nine months. Hermione was close on his heels. Practically running into the parlor he asked, "What's wrong? Why did we need to skip our Hogsmeade weekend?" he asked in a rush.

"Dad thought you might want to see your nephew," a dark haired girl of about twenty said as she sat cuddled into the side of a man about the same age with sandy colored hair.

Ron looked at them and wondered who they were. They looked familiar but he couldn't quite place them.

"Ginny! Harry!" Hermione said and raced past him to give each of the visitors a hug.

Ron blinked at that before looking to see his parents grinning at him. He only now noticed that his mother was holding a very small baby and paying very close attention to the bundle in her arms.

"Really?" He walked over as the woman let go of Hermione and who had to be his sister gave him a hug. The man did too when he was able and Ron finally found his voice. "Harry, it's really good to see you again. The visit after Christmas seems so long ago and it was too short."

"Sorry about that, but Dumbledore was being a nuisance after he found out we were here. Your dad told me a month or so ago that's no longer an issue," Harry said before sitting down.

"It sucks Snape killed him, but at least he killed Snape too," Ron said a little bitterly.

Harry nodded but said nothing.

"Why do you two look like that?" Ron asked, really looking at them and now "seeing" them for who they truly were.

"It's how we've look whenever we've been in public so we can avoid people knowing it was really us," Harry explained. "No one had a real photo after we changed, so changing our hair color was good enough, especially since I don't need my glasses anymore."

"And," Ginny added, "no one was expecting to find us traveling around the continent. Dad told us the Daily Prophet said we were hiding in England like Harry's parents."

"What's his name?" Hermione said as she leaned over and looked at the baby, touching a finger to the baby's hand so the baby would grab it.

"Elijah James Potter," Harry said proudly.

"But we'll call him Eli," Ginny added.

"How old is he?" Ron asked. "I'm surprised we didn't hear about his birth at St Mungo's."

"He was born two weeks ago on May 14th," Ginny said. "We were trying to make it back here but we took too long to start traveling and had a few delays on the way. We were in Paris when I went into labor so we had to stay there. If Eli had waited just one more day, we would have made it back to London."

"After Ginny was released from the Muggle hospital," Harry took up the story, "we stayed in Paris for the next couple of weeks until she felt like traveling. We just arrived here this morning. We'll stay for a least a few days. Arthur says it's a lot safer now."

Ron nodded. "It is with the ICW Aurors patrolling Hogsmeade and the Ministry Aurors patrolling Diagon Alley. With all the arrests and captures, there aren't too many Death Eater attacks anymore. The Potter Plan has worked well."

Harry coughed and choked for a moment. "Wait, the Potter Plan?" he asked in surprise.

"What else were we going to call it since it was your idea," Ron replied casually as he looked at his nephew. "He sure is little."

"Why didn't I hear about this during our visit at Christmas?" Harry asked a little put out.

"You didn't stay long enough," Ron teased him.

"What about all the phone calls we had?" Harry looked at his father-in-law.

Arthur shrugged and then smiled. "Didn't seem important when we wanted to find out how you two were doing."

Hermione fixed Harry with a pointed look. "Are you going to be taking your NEWTs this year? Please tell me you prepared for them."

Harry folded Ginny into an embrace and pulled her into his lap, something she didn't seem to mind based on her happy expression. He whispered into her ear which made her laugh.

"No, don't tease her like that," Ginny admonished him with a grin. "Just answer the question."

"Very well," he sighed. "Yes, we'll both be taking three NEWTs: Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense. We'll do those and be done with school."

"You too, Ginny?" Hermione asked surprised.

"I've learned enough by concentrating only on those three," Ginny told her. "I can pick more up later if I need, but I don't think I will."

"What do you plan to do after that?" Hermione asked.

When Harry was quiet, Ginny encouraged him quietly, "Go on, you can tell them."

"Err, we'll continue to travel until the war is over, but after that," Harry paused, "I think I'd like to open a restaurant."

"You, mate?" Ron asked in surprised. "Why?"

"Well, not long after we left here after Christmas, we were in Italy and decided to visit Sicily next," Harry explained. "We found that staying in houses that Muggles rented was cheaper and a better way to hide. A lot of them were carriage houses, think of it like a little flat above the cart shed.

"Anyway, we had just found one of those in Sicily, and even though it had a small kitchen, we didn't feel like cooking that evening. So we asked our hosts where to find a good place to eat and they told us about a small place around the corner. I think it had only ten tables - maybe."

"I counted fifty people in there once," Ginny added, "but only because they were really friendly and sitting close." The others chuckled.

"We'd ordered a plate with a little bit of everything," Harry continued, "and it was amazing, totally brilliant. I said something like 'I'd like to meet the cook'."

"I said," Ginny added on, "that it was better than Mum's cooking". She stopped herself and looked horrified. "I'm sorry, Mum!"

Molly laughed lightly. "It's all right, my dear, I know there are other good cooks in the world." Ginny smiled at her and mouthed, "Thanks."

"Yes, well, it so happened the waitress was walking by and heard us," Harry said. "Then before we left this older woman walked up to us and asked about us liking her cooking. We said yes and Ginny said she'd like to learn, then before we knew it she asked about making a deal with us. We'd come in everyday and help Maria cook - that was her name - and she'd teach us her secrets, and she did."

Ginny took up the story. "I think Harry had it worst as he was worked harder. She mostly had me sitting at a table and preparing the ingredients; I think it was because I was obviously pregnant by that point."

"No the worst," Harry took over, "was on Sunday after we'd been there a week. She's a Catholic so she went to Mass in the morning and didn't open the restaurant until five for only dinner, though we had to be there at three to start preparing. She came in at three, looked us over, and said the kitchen was ours and she was taking the day off before she walked out."

"I panicked," Ginny said with wide eyes as if reliving the moment, "but we started working on the food. That waitress we mentioned was the woman's daughter and she pitched in before the place opened and then she had to go run the front. We used a little magic when we could get away with it to help out."

"Yeah, but when it was over and the place closed for the night," Harry took up, "Maria walked back in and gave us a big hug. She told us she hadn't gone far and her daughter laughed at our expressions so she'd known. Maria also said she talked to a few of the customers who told her they were surprised to see her outside because the food was as good as it normally was.

"Then Maria made us promise we wouldn't open a restaurant in Sicily or Italy before she gave us a book with all of her recipes in it." Harry beamed at the accomplishment. "We've been collecting recipes of foods we like ever since.

"So yeah," Harry looked Ron, "I'd like to open a restaurant. Have to get some people to help out because it's a lot of work, but a place in Hogsmeade I think. Some place better than a pub but not too fancy.

"Maybe also have a small display box with something magical in it for the children to look at or even interact with. I was thinking about something like a forest scene with little animals walking around and a waterfall where the water flows up. Or a miniature Quidditch stadium with toy players playing a game. Things to keep the kids a little entertained while waiting on the food. We could change it every week or maybe two."

"Hey! I just had an idea." Ginny spoke up suddenly. "We should ask Fred and George if they'd like to do that part - the display for the kids. They could have a little sign advertising their shop and show what they can do."

"That's a lovely idea," Harry agreed enthusiastically.

Arthur looked at him. "If you can create a restaurant like that, you'll do well, lad. There aren't places like that in the Wizarding World. In fact, I can't think of one."

"If you're that good at cooking, you can cook dinner tonight," Molly said teasingly.

"If you'll watch Eli, we will," Ginny shot back.

"Deal," Molly said, looking like she thought she had the better bargain. Ginny looked like she'd won.

"Could we get a few of your recipes too?" Harry begged

Molly looked very pleased. "Of course you can, dear."

"We should probably be returning," Hermione said while sounding like she'd rather not. "We're supposed to be helping to protect the younger students, and we need to be revising for our NEWTs".

They all heard a voice shouting from the other room. "Mum! Dad!"

"In the parlor," Arthur shouted back.

A moment later, one of the twins ran into the room. "They did it," he gasped out as he tried to get his breath back. "Wait? Who are they?"

"I don't think we should tell him," Ginny said with a smirk.

"Ginny? Harry?" he rushed forward and pulled her up for a hug. "Wait until George hears." He grabbed Harry and hugged him too.

"What were you talking about, son?" his father asked.

"A baby!" Fred said pointing.

"Well spotted! We can't get anything past him," Ginny exclaimed seriously … for all of about three seconds before everyone else started to laugh and Fred looked up in embarrassment for having stepped into that joke.

"What happened, Fred?" his father repeated.

"Remus and Tonks were escorting Neville to Diagon Alley for something. We were talking to them outside our shop," Fred told them. "Then they started walking away and were almost to the Apparation area when three people arrived right in front of them.

"All three acted at almost the same time, but Neville was a little faster and took a large step forward and punched Bellatrix Lastrange in the nose, knocking her backwards and stumbling. Tonks cast some Cutting Curse at the one in the middle who had a snake around his body and neck, except she tripped and missed the man and hit the snake."

"Voldemort was out with his snake?" Harry was surprised. "That was an idiot move."

"Probably thought he was keeping it safe with him," Ginny tried, "but I agree only an idiot would do that after what he's done."

"Anyway," Fred said to wrestle control back, "Remus also cast at the man in the middle and literally took his head off.

"Then Neville managed to get a Cutting Curse off at Bella as did Tonks at the third person, who turned out to be Peter Pettigrew." Fred grinned, "Nearly-Headless Nick will be jealous as all three now qualify for the Headless Hunt Club, at least if they become ghosts."

"The newspapers will have a fun time trying to spin a werewolf killing the Dark Lord and becoming our hero," Harry said with mirth.

"It's over?" Hermione asked in whispered awe as if not able to believe it.

"Other than a few missing Death Eaters," Arthur said thoughtfully, "I would think, so. Bill finished his part a month ago." He looked at the young couple. "That means you don't have to leave." He gave them a hopeful look.

"Please?" Molly almost begged. "I'd love to babysit when you need time off."

Ginny looked at her husband. "It would be nice to go out again just as the two of us now that I don't feel so huge and tired all the time. We could also see our friends again."

Harry looked around and saw expressions of anticipation on the others. "The house does look better now, although we could help it out a little more. Maybe we could try to make the neighborhood better, you know, work with the neighbors to clean it up so it's a nicer place to live," he suggested.

She hugged him and then kissed him soundly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Harry placed a hand on her head and then his, each of their hair returning to its normal color with the one of the few spells he could do without a wand. "I guess we're home then." Everyone else cheered, causing the baby to cry out in surprise at the loud noise. The young couple pressed their foreheads together and smiled promises at the other.

(A/N: I hope you enjoyed the story. An amusing thing to me is that I have a longer story written except for the epilogue, but this story grabbed me and since it was shorter it came out first. Hopefully I can get the next one out soonish. - Kevin)