(a Harry Potter fanfiction by Caitlyn)

***The Professors' Bookshelf***

The distribution of this story is for personal use only. Any other form of distribution is prohibited without the consent of the author.

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Chapter Six- Understanding wishes

Ginny turned and looked behind her. Her tracks were the first in the beautiful morning snow. She pushed the hood of her brown cloak back to face the rising sun, before kneeling in front of the partially exposed grave marker.

Neville A. Longbottom

Ginny swiped at the snow, and the next part appeared: his birth date and death date. She felt the hot tears cascade down her numb cheeks as a sob escaped her. She moved some more snow away and read the inscription that she had read a thousand times before.

Loyal Son.

Neville had adored his parents even when they never realized who he was. He made visits nearly every weekend to their home at St. Mungo's. He would bring them a plant for their room, candy, or something he thought they would like. Ginny had hated going to see his parents. It seemed no matter what Neville did, they would never be pulled from their mindless solitude. It just wasn't fair that Voldemort did that to them. She pushed another clump of snow away and read on.

Cherished Grandson.

Neville's Gram had taken the news just as horribly as Ginny had. She lost her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, because of Voldemort and his Death-eaters. Ginny swallowed and pushed back the next part, not really wanting to read it.

Beloved Husband.

She leaned over and fingered the engraved letters with shaking fingers. Husband. Why was she swooning over Harry? Neville would have never dishonored her memory, or his wedding vows. She felt her guilt wrenching the tears from her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Neville," she whispered.

Their life together had been wonderful. He had been a nice stable husband, sweet and completely devoted to her. Ginny knew he wasn't the most elegant of men, but that was really his charm. He liked things to be comfortable and simple. Their marriage was just like that; like a close friendship.

Ginny had only planned to teach her nursery school until they could settle down and start a family. Neville would work long hours at a Herbology research lab, trying to find new uses for plants for the war effort and he and Ginny had precious little time together. Nonetheless, Neville would never fail to come home to her and tell her how much she meant to him.

He had just been promoted for all his hard work, and it looked like things were finally going to get easier for them. They were starting to plan to buy a bigger home and even though it was horrible times, everything seemed to be looking up for them.

Then an evening changed it all. Her world was turned upside down.

~*~

Ginny had just put supper on the table. Neville never liked her to make huge fancy suppers; he said that she was making too much trouble for herself for just him. So, she would make the things he loved the most, simple things. It had been a bowl of minestrone soup and a sandwich. They were just about to sit down, after a welcome home hug and kiss from Ginny.

They had heard footsteps.

Ginny had looked over at Neville he already had his wand out, paler than she had ever seen him.

"Apparate!" he had hissed at her.

Ginny performed the spell almost instantly after he had told her to. She had expected to feel the warm tingle of the spell envelope her body, but a sharp painful jolt racked nearly brought her to her knees. She shook her head wildly at Neville and fought to regain the breath that had been knocked from her lungs.

"They've put a spell on the house," said Neville in a surprisingly calm tone. His hands shook, and Ginny knew he was trying to stay in control. He then looked her straight in the eyes and said softly, "Ginny, it's him."

"Harry," said Ginny desperately, "Neville, we have to get Harry, anyone from the Order!"

The footsteps grew louder.

Neville had stood firmly in front of the door, wand raised. Ginny had shoved the cauldron out of cooking fire, not even feeling the metal or the fire burn into her hand. Hot, boiling soup flooded the kitchen floor. She fumbled with the cork in a bottle filled with crimson powder, given to them by Dumbledore.

The kitchen door exploded into two smoking halves and hit the stone floor with a sickening crunch.

Ginny gave up struggling with the bottle and flung the entire thing into the fire. The flames leapt out at her throwing her backwards into the kitchen table. Ginny knew it was too much powder, but it would work…she prayed it would work.

"Harry Potter!" screamed Ginny.

A mob of Death-eaters had stormed into the room, shouting at them. Ginny screamed as one grabbed Neville and shook him. Neville managed to get a grip on the Death-eaters neck and they crashed to the floor. Spells ricocheted around the room. Ginny dodged a white-hot bolt of light coming at her.

Ginny charged the other Death-eaters, screaming in fury. She wasn't going to die without a fight.

Then all the fighting stopped. Ginny froze on the spot. Why? Why had the Death-eaters stopped?

Then she saw him. Voldemort had entered the room. "How quaint," he hissed. "They're fighting back."

"Harry Potter!" Ginny cried hysterically. "Harry!"

The flames flickered even more violently at the sound of her voice, and Voldemort began to laugh at her.

"Screaming for the ones that are supposed to protect you? What a loyal end."

"Shut up!" she spat, hands shaking as she raised her wand.

Voldemort laughed louder. "You threaten me? You dare stand before Lord Voldemort and challenge him? I'm afraid your time is up, girl."

Voldemort had pointed his wand at Ginny and had begun to scream the curse.

"No!" screamed Neville, throwing his body across the room. He embraced her at the same second she heard the last syllable.

Ginny saw the flash of green light through her closed eyes. She felt Neville slump against her. She knew he was gone.

Ginny fell to the floor, screaming. "Harry Potter!" she had screamed.

Seconds later, Harry had Apparated in the room and shouted spells at all the Death-eaters. It wouldn't do any good; there was no trace of them, or Voldemort.

Ginny remembered lying on the kitchen floor, crying herself hoarse. "Harry, come save us!" she was sobbing, "Harry, come save us!"

Harry knelt, and sobbed with her.

~*~

Ginny felt a tear roll off her cheek and she gave a shuddering sigh as she uncovered the last bit.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. -Matthew 5:9

Peacemaker. That was Neville; he had never hurt anyone in his entire life.

She laid the red roses on the snow next to the tombstone. The sun was getting closer to rising to full daylight and she sat next to his grave waiting for it to be morning.

Why had Harry suddenly been thrown back into her life, more prominent than ever? Her brothers would never stop telling her to move on with her life. It seemed a heartless thing to do, abandoning Neville, letting herself be attracted to Harry.

Harry had been Neville's good friend. They had remained in good contact even throughout the war. That was Neville's whole problem; Ginny thought bitterly, he was too nice. Harry was a dangerous person to know during that time, but Neville would not be unkind to his friend because of a parting of sides. Neville might not have liked confrontations, but he wasn't a coward. He wouldn't stop talking to Harry even if his life was in danger. Neville put everyone before himself. Even to his last breath.

It was no wonder the Sorting Hat had debated which house to place him in. He was more complex than he led people to believe.

He would hate to see her sad like this. Maybe this was planned all along. She shook her head. That was nonsense. Or was it? He had often told her that Harry Potter was the bravest and most noble person he knew. Neville had respected Harry very much. Was Harry coming back into her life a sign? Did he want her to move on?

Ginny picked up one of the roses. Could she move on, even if she wanted to?

"Neville, I'm so confused," she murmured to him. "How could I forget you? I don't know what you'd want me to do!"

She set the rose back down. "Give me a sign! Anything!" she sobbed looking up to the heavens.

When she turned to leave the cemetery she froze in the biggest shock of her life.

Harry Potter was walking towards her, eyes downcast. His footsteps crunched in the morning snow and his cloak billowed behind him lifted by the wind.

"Good morning," said Harry quietly. His voice filled the silence in the cemetery. "I just brought this by for Neville, I thought he would like something for a bit of Christmas decoration." He set a poinsettia down on the grave and bowed his head paying respects. Ginny was absolutely still.

He finished and nodded his head towards her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt you." Then he walked away back in the direction he had come.

Ginny scooped up some snow with her fingers to make sure she hadn't dreamed the whole thing. It was almost as if Harry hadn't been there at all…he had come as quickly as he left.

Ginny pressed her fingers to her lips and touched the name on the gravestone. "Thank you," she whispered, "you've always been there for me. I love you."

She pulled her cloak back over her head and left the opposite direction Harry had come.

~*~

"You know," said Harry leaning back in a chair in Ron's office, "I'm pretty worried about Ginny."

"Worried about her?" frowned Ron. "Whatever for?"

"She seems so… distant," said Harry, knowing this wasn't the correct word he was looking for.

"Distant?"

"No, no," Harry sighed in frustration and rubbed his forehead, "she isn't herself these days."

"These days?" echoed Ron. "Harry, I haven't seen my sister act like herself since...since well, since Neville died. We've tried everything to get her to move on, the whole family has," said Ron hopelessly. Worry lines appeared on his forehead and he looked at Harry seriously. "Mum says that she might not ever let go and we have to begin to accept that ourselves."

"I guess I should have checked up on her more after what happened..." said Harry feeling his stomach knot. "But, I really couldn't bring myself to go back...I'm afraid I remind her of what happened. It was my fault."

Ron looked at him angrily. "Would you STOP blaming yourself!? No matter what you think, Harry, you can't be in two places at once, you can't save every life...and most importantly, I don't care who you are!

Ron's face was now turning pink and he took a breath and rounded on Harry again. "You can't change the past! Ginny knows that. I know that. The ENTIRE world knows that! You don't know what would have happened if you had gotten there five seconds earlier. Maybe you would have died. Maybe Ginny would have died! You don't KNOW and you never will know. Ron slammed his hand on his desk, and a pile of papers cascaded onto Harry's feet. Ron then looked a bit embarrassed at his outburst and continued on in a matter of fact tone. " So stop being a blundering idiot and think about this sensibly!"

Harry stared back at Ron, his mouth slightly open. "You know what, Ron?"

"What?" said Ron calmly, accioing the papers back to his desktop.

"I'm glad I have friends who can scream some sense into me."

Ron looked mildly flattered. "Well, I'm also one of the few people that isn't in awe of the presence of 'The Great Harry Potter.' As if you need any more of that hero crap."

"Well stated," laughed Harry. "Are you going to that Christmas Ball thing?"

"Well, of course!" said Ron looking at him as if he had three heads.

"I wasn't going to go," admitted Harry.

There was a pause. "How can you not go, you dummy?" laughed Ron. "Aren't you some sort of guest of honor?"

"For your information, I didn't know I was one of the guests of honor. Not until Sirius told me, anyway," replied Harry, dryly.

"Oh bravo, Harry, that would have went over well; the guest of honor, or one of them at least, decides not to show," teased Ron.

"I don't exactly have a choice now."

"You better go, I hear these things are pretty awesome. My mum's been pelting Hermione with owls talking about shopping trips and nonesuch. At least I can pick out my own dress robes for this ball, without Mum's say."

"I wouldn't bet on it," grinned Harry. "I'm sure Hermione will have something nice and pressed for you when you get home."

"Oh, ha ha," grumbled Ron, "very funny."

Harry glanced at his watch. He had only meant to step into Ron's office to visit for a moment. It was nearly three o' clock. "I better go pick up Chloe and begin the search for a babysitter," he said getting his wand out. "I have no clue where to start."

"Owl Perce. He and Penny have that part-time Nanny," said Ron. "I'm sure he'll be happy to let Chloe stay the night."

"The night! How long is this thing?" said Harry in surprise.

"I hear they go into the wee hours of the morning," grinned Ron "It's hard to imagine my parents partying until that time."

"Or Snape," snorted Harry.

"Oh, you had to bring him up," groaned Ron. "I haven't heard that name in ages."

"I suppose I'll see you at the ball," said Harry, Apparating out of the room.

~*~

He had arrived at the nursery school early. The room was still filled with kids. He spotted Chloe and a redheaded Meghan Weasley trying on hats and giggling at each other at the dress-up trunk. The other children seemed to be everywhere! Painting, reading books, sliding on slides...it made Harry tired just watching them.

Ginny was in the middle of it all. Her pretty pastel yellow robes drew attention to her immediately. She was talking to a little boy with curly blonde hair. He was nodding quietly. It looked like he had hit the girl with the black pigtails who was standing nearby, looking violated. Harry grinned when he saw the little boy scuff his feet as he muttered an apology and gave the little girl a hug.

Ginny smiled briefly at Harry then clapped her hands twice.

"It's time for clean up!" she called.

The nursery schoolers scurried around putting toys away. When the room looked clean they all sat in the center of the room.

"Oh, the room looks so lovely, you did a great job cleaning up!" praised Ginny. "This weekend, I'd like all of you to have some fun and play in the snow!"

The children squiggled around on the rug and poked each other, anticipating the snow.

"When we come back on Monday, we'll have a special announcement!" Ginny said dramatically. "Class dismissed!" she said gesturing for them to line up by the fireplace.

After the last youngster had been given a pinch of Floo Powder and was gone, Chloe showed Harry her project of the day.

"It's a puppet!" she said proudly.

"And what a nice puppet it is," said Harry sticking his hand in it.

"Have a nice evening," he made the puppet say to Ginny.

Ginny laughed. "Thank you."

"Uncle Harry," said Chloe exasperatedly, "That is a girl puppet. Her name is Bernadette."

Harry glanced at the puppet. "Oh. Right."

"Have a nice evening," said Chloe in an exaggerated feminine voice. She nodded at Harry to try.

"Have a nice ev-," squeaked Harry, spluttering into laughter before he could finish the sentence.

Chloe shook her head sympathetically. "That was bad."

Ginny smiled and tried not to laugh too openly.

Harry handed the puppet back to Chloe and picked her up, about to Apparate.

"Oh!" he remembered suddenly, turning back to Ginny. "Think you'll make an appearance at the ball?"

Ginny shook her head. "I've got work to do," she said quickly. "You have a nice evening too," she said with her back turned, straightening cushions.

~*~

The house looked like something out of a painting. Chloe and Harry admired the on the white pillars wrapped to look like candy canes. Frost made all of the windowpanes sparkle, and icicles hung from the gutters. Strands of lights were magically tacked on every outline of the manor. It was nicely done, down to the very wreath Harry glanced at as they walked through the front door.

"What ball?" Chloe asked as a house elf took her red cloak.

Harry was reading a letter that had been laid on the entryway table. "Mmmm? Oh, there is a Ball get-together tonight, and I have to go since they are going to talk about a few things I've done."

"Good things?" asked Chloe.

"Of course," he said. "I'm sorry, I would love to take you, but they don't let children come. But," he said showing her the letter, "you get to spend the night at Meghan's house and play with all her brothers and sisters."

Chloe brightened. "A REAL slumber party?"

He shrugged. "I guess you could call it that. You're welcome to take any party things you think the Weasley's would like to play with."

"Yay!" shouted Chloe bolting up the stairs. "Meghan and I can play all evening!"

"Fine," said Harry with a sad smile. "I'll miss you too Chlo," he said to the empty space in front of him.

~*~
Harry heard squeals of delight from inside Percy's house, when he arrived to drop Chloe off, later that evening. "Be good, okay?"

"I will." she promised.

"Don't eat all the candy, you brought, at once. "

"Not at once," she nodded.

"Have a good time," he said hugging her.

"Bye, Uncle Harry," she said kissing him on the cheek. "I'll miss you!" she added sweetly.

Well, he thought happily, she was going to miss him after all.

~*~

Harry stared gloomily into his closet. He really didn't want to go to this. Harry closed his eyes and pointed randomly at his rack of dress robes. Green. Okay. That would work.

Harry tried to comb his hair, and gave up a few seconds into it. It would look the same regardless. He found a pair of his best boots and glanced at his watch.

He would be late if he didn't hurry.

Chapter Seven: Once Upon a December

When Harry arrived in front of the town meeting hall, he was greeted with the sight of hundreds upon hundreds of witches and wizards streaming into the entrance. He quietly thanked his blind luck for allowing him to select a set of the more elaborate robes he owned.

“Hullo there!” said Hagrid, surprising Harry by coming up behind him. Hagrid clapped him on the shoulder and steered him into the main room.

Harry had never seen the town meeting hall looking so nice.  Each table was covered in a stiff white tablecloth, with beautiful crystal dinner settings sparkling at each place.  Beneath his feet, the marble floors were polished so that Harry could see his reflection, and the Christmas decorations were the most magnificent that he had ever seen. Holly was hung on everything that wasn’t moving, and Christmas trees were weighted down with glittering gold and silver baubles in every corner.

Hagrid parted the clusters of chattering people easily, and Harry noticed that he was being led to the main table.  Of course he would be seated at the table that everyone could see. Typical.

"I found ‘im," said Hagrid, interrupting Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley.

"Harry!" said Mrs. Weasley leaping to her feet and giving him a hug.

"Hello," said Harry returning the gesture.

"Now, don't you look handsome!” said Mrs. Weasley, holding him by his shoulders and examining his robes. “I hope my children managed to dress themselves appropriately. I have complete faith that Hermione will pick out something splendid for Ron, and Penny has excellent taste when it comes to Percy’s robes. But Fred and George…." She trailed off, glancing around, looking almost afraid of what she might find.

"You look lovely, as usual," Harry told her.

Mrs. Weasley laughed as she straightened her midnight blue robes and patted her hair. "Thank you, dear, that is so sweet of you!"

"How is little Chloe?" Dumbledore asked cheerily.  “Adjusting?”

"She's doing better than I ever could have imagined,” Harry smiled. “She loves the bauble you gave her."

Mrs. Weasley patted Harry’s hand. " It was wonderful of you to take Chloe into your home. She sounds absolutely adorable, and Ginny is so very impressed by the way you are raising her. "

"It’s such a shame that Ginny isn't coming."

Mrs. Weasley suddenly looked very weary as she responded, “I know. She’s so closed off from everything... we get more and more concerned everyday…."

Mr. Weasley had returned to the table. He stuck out his hand and shook Harry's merrily. "Nice to see you again, Harry! I hear you adopted a little girl from those Muggle relatives of yours! Has she got any Muggle habits that you've had difficulty with?"

Harry grinned at Mr. Weasley. Some things never changed. "No, not that I can tell."

“Hello, Ron dear!” Mrs. Weasley embraced Ron, who had just arrived. “You look so nice. Where’s Hermione?”

”She’s coming,” he sighed, “but she's taking her sweet time about it. We would have been here sooner if she hadn't made such a brouhaha over my robes."

Mrs. Weasley scrutinized her son's attire and smiled. “Your robes are very nice. Maroon has always looked so well on you."

"If you say so, Mum." Ron muttered under his breath.

Percy was displaying Penelope very proudly on his arm. They made a very smart couple, with Percy's starched uniform-like black robes, and Penelope's picturesque Muggle ball gown. Many women had gone all out with their choices of eveningwear, even wearing Muggle ball gowns. Penny’s was a floor length rose and cream chiffon evening dress held up by delicate spaghetti straps. The first layer of chiffon was a dark rose, and each of the next layers a lighter pink, until the fifth and final layer was a sheer ivory.

"Oh goodness! You two look so absolutely spectacular!" Mrs. Weasley said bustling over to Penelope. "How on earth do you keep that figure with all those babies?"

Penelope regarded Mrs. Weasley’s compliment politely. "We all keep to a strict diet. Scheduling every meal really helps."

Oh, for heaven’s sake, thought Harry. Only Percy's wife would schedule menus for their house elves.

Hagrid began chuckling into his champagne glass, and it didn't take long to spot what was so funny.

Fred and George had arrived in merry attire, hollering and waving madly as they parted the crowd.

Mrs. Weasley covered her mouth with her hand and Percy had buried his face in his napkin. Mr. Weasley was making an obvious effort to silence his laughter, while Dumbledore wasn’t bothering to hide his.

Ron nudged Harry in the ribs and grinned. "We should've guessed they would have wanted to make an scene."

George had chosen glowing lime green robes (Harry was pretty sure that he could glow in the dark), while Fred’s robes made Harry slightly dizzy. His robes had red, white, and blue stripes curved around them and the stripes were actually moving, like a real barbershop pole.

"Arthur,” said Mrs. Weasley in a dangerously calm voice, “go greet your children."

Fred and George sauntered to the table and whacked both Harry and Ron on the back affectionately. "Jiminy Cricket! It’s Harry Potter!" exclaimed Fred grinning from ear to ear.

George shook his head. “No, Fred, it’s The Great Harry Potter. They had his name changed a while back.”

“The GREAT Harry Potter!”  

“With our brother.”

“Our ickle baby brother!”

"Really, Perce!” Fred interrupted Percy, who had been whispering to Penny, “These are our best evening clothes!"

Mrs. Weasley was not amused. “Really, I think you two would have known to dress properly for such an important occasion. People will wonder how I raised you two!”

"Mum! How was your trip?" asked Fred cheerfully as if they were simply discussing the weather.

"Don't worry, Mum!” added George. “You've got Percy and Ron to behave themselves."

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled at them. "A most useful talent: the ability to capture a crowd upon one's arrival."

"Thank you, sir!" said Fred shaking Dumbledore's hand.

Ron glanced at his watch. He looked worried. "Where is Hermione? She's going to miss the award ceremony and half of dinner if she doesn't hurry up! It isn't like her to be running late."

"What award ceremony?" asked Harry, sitting down next to Sirius, who had arrived earlier with Remus Lupin.

”Oh, I might have forgotten to mention that, sorry.” Sirius smiled at Harry. “You're receiving an award, along with a few other wizards.”

Harry gave Sirius a look. “You really enjoy giving me surprise bits of information, don’t you? I bet I’m going to have to make an acceptance speech," sighed Harry.

"Not if you don't want to, dear," soothed Mrs. Weasley.

Ron was across from Harry saving a seat for Hermione. "Just give a short speech,” he suggested.

"It'll look great in the newspapers if you do. It will really help your public image," said Percy, further down the table.

"As if Harry needs a better public image," Remus commented with a wry smile.

"Here she comes,” Hagrid pointed towards a figure in the back of the room. 

Harry smiled, and noted how nice Hermione looked, as she weaved her way through the maze of tables to the front of the banquet hall. She had on a deep red taffeta gown with a full billowing skirt.

"You look lovely, Hermione, but it's about time you decided to show up," Ron said, as he pulled her chair out for her. 

"I am not late,” said Hermione indignantly. 

"I'm afraid so.” Ron tapped on his watch, obviously relishing the fact that she wasn't on time for something.

"Hello everyone!" Hermione greeted them ignoring Ron's comment."

"What on earth took you so long?" asked Ron.

"I took a slight detour.” Hermione turned in her chair and looked around the meeting hall.

"A detour? What'd you do? Skip backwards the entire way?"

"No, Ron, I didn't. And there's the reason I'm late!" She inclined her head, indicating the crowd near the door.

 "Ginny!"  

Ginny was making her way through the tables with some difficulty due to her dress. Harry couldn't help but notice how lovely she looked. She was wearing an ivory-colored dress made of heavy satin. The gown had a slightly open back leading to a line of satin roses, where the dress began again, followed by a short train. She had to hold her dress up a bit as she walked, so as to move without stepping on it.

 Harry closed his mouth when he realized he was staring.

The last open seat was diagonally across from Harry. Ron stood up and pulled Ginny’s chair out for her.  

Hermione looked immensely proud of herself. "When I heard Ginny wasn't going to come- she was using the excuse of work, on a Friday night mind you-- I had to get her to come."

"Darling, you look precious! I'm glad you decided to come," said Mrs. Weasley nearly beside herself with glee.

"Bravo, Ginny! Way to be social!" Fred shouted.

Ginny’s eyes were downcast and she was blushing. "It's because Hermione talked me into it."

Percy nodded as if he had known she was coming the entire time. "Oh, I knew you'd start to get out and about."

"Nice to see you come to such a marvelous occasion!" said Dumbledore, reaching across the table to squeeze her hand. "You picked out such a lovely dress for the party, don't you think, Harry?"

Harry was still staring. "Yes, it's quite enchanting," he said not taking his eyes from her.

"Oh good," said Hermione, "they're starting the ceremony now!"

 
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen!” Lee Jordan, the Master of Ceremonies, stood on the stage to the right of the head table, and a spotlight beamed on him as the other lights dimmed.  “The last ball held for this occasion was more than two decades ago!"

"What a way to make us feel young,” grumbled Sirius.

Harry wondered how Lee could do things like this for a living. Lee had a late night comedy show that aired on the WWN, with famous wizard guests. Harry was thankful that Lee's producers hadn't recruited him as a guest for the show. He supposed it was only a matter of time, though."

"However,” Lee continued, ”the ministry decided that it was in the best of tastes to honor the two men responsible, for the downfall of You-Know-Who,” the spot light shifted so that it shone in Harry’s eyes, “Misters Albus Dumbledore and Harry Potter.”

Applause and cheers filled the room. Dumbledore stood up and Harry felt Sirius nudge his elbow and he stood up also. He managed a small smile at the crowd.

Lee then continued his presentation, giving awards to various witches and wizards who had supported the war cause during what had been a risky time to outwardly express opposition to Voldemort.

Then came the real surprise: Harry's award.

Lee had gotten serious as he told the familiar story of Harry's parents.  Harry was sure. Then Lee made a speech about how Harry had more than exceeded the expectations of everyone in their world by defeating the Dark Lord for a final and last time.

"It is an honor to present Harry with this plaque and to tell him that from this day forward, this ballroom and town meeting hall in their entirety will be known as Potter Hall.  In memory of Lily and James Potter and recognizing their son's amazing achievements. Our society is forever in his debt," said Lee solemnly.

The applause was thunderous. Harry stood up shakily. He was so astounded that his parents were being honored; he could barely take the plaque from Lee.

"Thank you for doing this in my parents’ memory. That alone is one of the greatest gifts I could ever hope to receive. Thank you so very much for your kindness."

Harry tried to ignore the thunderous applause, and the blinding flashes as he made his way back to his seat.  Audiences would applaud anything....

"A whole building named after you, Harry!"

"Congratulations, Harry, you deserve it!"

"Thanks."

Lee began talking about Dumbledore and told the crowd some of the amusing stories about what Dumbledore had done while Lee was still Hogwarts. He then told how Dumbledore's brilliant thinking and strategies had led to the downfall of Voldemort. "

“What do you give a man who has been named the Greatest Wizard of Modern Times? Albus Dumbledore has probably received many awards in his lifetime, but we are going to give him what he has asked for every year and never received."

The crowd began to mutter to each other and wonder what Dumbledore had wanted.

"Socks," said Lee displaying a box full of hand knitted socks in several different colors, "and this plaque, of course."

Dumbledore took the box from Lee and laughed heartily.  “Thank you kindly!” 
 
Ginny, despite her earlier refusal to come to the party, was enjoying herself. She was clearly happy to be surrounded by her family and friends. Meanwhile, Hermione and Ron were keeping things interesting to her right.

"Ron, for heaven’s sake! Don't mix your stuffing in your mashed potatoes! It's horrible manners," chided Hermione.

"Where did that come from, Hermione?" Ron asked, turning to stare at his wife.

"It isn't proper,” she said, nodding her head primly towards his plate.

"No one cares about what I do to my mashed potatoes, Hermione, these are our friends."

"Well, I do. It's embarrassing," she said.

"You honestly get embarrassed over my mashed potatoes?"

"No. It's the principle of the thing!" she retorted hotly.

"What validity does the argument of principle have in this discussion? Mashed potatoes have principle?" asked Ron, raising an eyebrow.

"I was attempting to make it simplistic, so your mind could grasp the concept of proper dinner behavior," she said without skipping a beat.

"In other words, you couldn't think of how mashed potatoes had principle," he replied with a grin.

"That is absolutely not true!"

"Uh-huh, I won, I can do whatever I want with my mashed potatoes." Ron said triumphantly, taking a bite.

"I'll tell you what to do with your ruddy mashed potatoes," she grumbled.

"I'm sorry, sweetheart? Is that proper dinner language too?" Ron poked at her playfully.

Hermione actually looked up and smiled at him. "You're impossible, Ron Weasley."

Ron laughed and he kissed her on the cheek.

Percy was drawling on to Harry about how he should really consider a career in politics and how Harry was at an optimum age to begin building a good solid public relations background. Harry was nodding and smiling blankly at Percy, only half listening.

"So, you see, it's all how the public eye sees you. You've got an excellent repertoire so far, perfect for a public office. Maybe Governor would be a modest start... you've got a few years to study the credentials."

"Of course Harry's got an excellent repertoire, you twit! He's Harry Potter! Any blockhead can realize that he could run for any office and win. You're lucky your job isn't an elected office,” snorted George.

Percy looked indignant. "Yes I know who he is, George, I was merely pointing out that Harry should open his political options."

"This is neither the time nor the place," warned Mr. Weasley.

Harry interrupted them before they could start up again. "Ah, well actually, Percy, I'm not looking for any new opportunities, right now. I have Chloe to think of, and I like the job I have now. I always wanted to be an Auror anyway."

"An Auror is an admirable job," said Lupin agreeing with Harry.

"I think Percy should run for Governor, he's done so well as Minister that he could probably manage both jobs at the same time," Sirius remarked with a grin on his face.  He winked at George when Percy wasn’t looking. 

"Really? You think I could make a decent candidate? That's very interesting and intriguing to hear," said Percy setting down his fork and turning to Sirius.  

“Politicians are indeed a special breed of their own,” commented Dumbledore, smiling at the ceiling.

"How's the shop coming along these days?" Harry asked the twins.

"Great! By this time next year we can probably start building the new store. We have this idea that the store itself should be a practical joke," said Fred.

"Wouldn't it be great to shop in a store where you would never know what to expect?" added George with enthusiasm.

"Trap doors, moving floors, fake doors, and all sorts of things like that."

"Isn't that grounds for a lot of lawsuits?" laughed Remus.

The dinner and dessert plates were cleared and three pleasant chimes sounded.

"That's to signal that the dance is starting in the other room," explained Mr. Weasley.

The ballroom was even more impressive than the dining hall. It had a gleaming oyster-white marble floor and the room was at least the length of a football field. Chandeliers dripping with crystals were hung on the ceiling from their thick gold chains. Ivory wallpaper was delicately brushed with what looked like gold dust and accented nicely with the crown molding. One of the walls was especially beautiful: It was made entirely of stained glass that had been cut in very intricate and complicated designs. It was lighted from the outside and spilled small shards of soft color onto the floor and their faces.

The orchestra was tuning up and sooner than Harry would have liked, the conductor began a fast waltz. Most all the people with him had disappeared in the sweep of dresses and cloaks.  He probably looked like an idiot, standing there gaping at it all.

"May I have this dance?"

"Parvati Patil? Of course!" said Harry, recognizing her. Parvati was wearing a black dress with a slit that was almost too dramatic.

"So, how have you been doing?"

"I've been doing all right, what are you doing these days?" he said, hoping she could keep up the tempo in her shoes, which looked to have at least a six inch heel.

"I work for Witch Weekly, under the penname of 'Ms. Fashion'."

"Oh, I can't say I've seen your column. I’ll look for it though.”

"I hear you're in the big money now, Harry," she smiled changing the subject quick as a flash.

"Pardon?” stuttered Harry, “Oh, um, I do all right for someone my age I guess." Harry couldn't believe that Parvati would just ram her nose right into his financial status...if he wasn't mistaken; he was getting the impression that she was....

"Any main squeezes in your life?"

...chasing him for his money. They waltzed in silence as Harry looked her straight in the eye and refused to answer.

"Do you mind if I cut in, Harry?"

Justin Finch-Fletchey. Harry had never known him that well, but he was glad to be rid of Parvati.

"Nice to see you, Parvati," he said, nodding his head and backing away.

Hermione and Ron hadn't taken a break from the arguing yet.

"Would you let me lead?" said Ron.

"You are leading," sighed Hermione.

"How could I be, when you are?"

"I can't help it!" laughed Hermione.

Ron twirled her around and then grinned at her.

Harry took a long drink of punch and caught a glimpse of Oliver Wood dancing with Ginny. He caught himself staring again and was shocked out of his trance by a horrible voice.

"What's the matter? No ladies for you, Potter?”

"Step away," said Harry, turning to face Draco Malfoy with narrowed eyes.

"Really? And why is that, Potter? Too afraid to show off your powers? Weren’t they good enough for the Dark Lord and my dad? Or are you just so drained out now that you can’t handle me?"

Harry took a step forward and got right into Malfoy's face. "I'll set this straight one time, and one time only. I didn't kill your father, your beloved Dark Lord did it for me, he killed your father to save himself. Your Dark Lord was a murderer and a coward. Any idiot that supported him... they deserved what they got from him in the end... nothing but a tombstone," hissed Harry, keeping his voice down.

Malfoy was about to take a swing at him but Harry interrupted him.

"I don't think that's a good idea, Malfoy, especially since you claimed in your trial that you never supported Voldemort in the least. It would look awfully funny if you hit me here. People might suspect things. It seems to me when you don't own up to your past and present—and, no doubt, future-- of being a Death-Eater... you're just the same coward that Voldemort was."

Malfoy was turning a deep shade of purple as he stepped back. "You watch your family, Potter. I know about that little Mudblood you adopted. It would be horrible if anything happened to her."

"Don't threaten me, or my family.”

"Ready, Pansy?"

Harry glared at her when she brushed by him in a froth of sickening pink feathers.

"What was that all 'bout?" asked Hagrid coming over.

"Nothing. I can handle it," said Harry shaking his head.

"Don't go being so gutsy with yer life now that you've got that little Chloe," warned Hagrid.

"I know." 

"Ge’ out there and do some dancin’, Harry, half the girls in this place are ready to swamp you as soon as you set a foot on the dance floor." Hagrid gently pushed him in the general direction of the dance floor and grinned.

Harry searched the sea of laughing and rapidly moving faces for someone he wanted to dance with. Hermione was dancing with Fred Weasley, Penelope with Ron, and Percy with his mother, and Ginny with her dad.

"May I cut in?" he asked Percy.

Mrs. Weasley laughed. "Oh how sweet of you, Harry!"

Percy kissed his mum on the cheek and went to go get punch.

"Molly! He's much too young for you and he doesn't even have red hair!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley, stopping to talk to them. "Here, I'll trade my wife for my prettiest daughter," he said to Harry.

"Dad, I'm your only daughter," corrected Ginny.

"Not the point." Mr. Weasley winked as he waltzed off with Molly.
 
"May I have this dance?" he asked.

Ginny nodded and smiled shyly at him. Harry bowed properly and swept her across the dance floor.

"Was Chloe okay with staying the night at Percy's home?" asked Ginny.

"She was very excited about having a sleepover with Meghan. I don't think she'll miss me in the least."

"Oh, yes she will," said Ginny becoming more comfortable with dancing with Harry. They made superb dance partners; all their steps flowed in perfect unison.

The fast waltz ended with a loud flourish from the orchestra. Ginny and Harry bowed and curtsied to each other.

"Would you like to dance with me, Harry?"

Harry turned from Ginny to see who it was. It was Lavender Brown. He glanced from Ginny to Lavender and made up his mind. "Save a dance for me, Lavender. I promised Ginny I'd dance with her for a bit."

After Lavender had left, Ginny looked at Harry in disbelief. "I never made you promise to dance with me, you can certainly dance with Lavender. I hope I'm not stopping you."

" I would like to dance with you," he said simply.

Ginny felt her face grow hot. A new song began and it was much slower. Harry stepped in a bit closer and she found it very hard to concentrate, especially since he was keeping perfect eye contact. 

“You aren’t upset are you?”

“Whatever for?” Ginny asked, looking puzzled.

“For making it sound like I was using you as an excuse…to not dance with Lavender.  I hope you didn’t think otherwise.” Harry extended his arm and spun Ginny gracefully, as he said this.  She laughed as they resumed dancing again and Harry smiled at her. “You are much too beautiful to be used in any way.”

Ginny almost stopped dancing in her surprise. That had seemingly come out of nowhere. Ginny took a slow breath and tried to accept the compliment as if it was something quite normal to come out of Harry Potter’s mouth.  “Thank you.”

Harry wanted to hit himself on the forehead.  Why had he said that? He had meant it, but where had it come from?  Ginny was looking at him if he had suddenly gone mad.  Harry couldn’t decide if he had or not.  With a sudden jolt he realized that he really did think Ginny was beautiful. And she was a wonderfully sweet person, and she was terrific with children, and… where were these thoughts coming from?  He was just realizing this after fourteen years?  He was an idiot. 

“A knut for your thoughts,” Ginny said, striking up conversation again. “You’ve got the most curious expression on your face, and I really must know what’s got you thinking so hard.”

Horror flashed through Harry's mind. To tell her what he was thinking now… that would change everything. It would be nice to tell her, though… but this was too fast, to tell her now would be a bit cheap, really….

“These particular thoughts,” Harry said with an amused smile, “are worth more than a knut. At the very least, one galleon.” 

“My, those are pricey thoughts….”  

“A few are priceless.”

“Any chance of a discount for the teacher of your five-year old?” she said playfully.  “I do after all, make a teacher’s salary.” 

“Maybe someday,” Harry said quietly.  He did want to tell her his thoughts about her…very much so. 

Ginny had stopped the conversation with his answer.  She hadn’t the slightest idea what had caused him to become so distant; yet there was still a lot she really didn’t know about him.  Then…Harry trod on her foot.

“Oh!” Ginny said more in surprise than in pain. 

Harry’s mouth opened. “Oh no! I’m so sorry! I wasn’t thinking…it was my fault.  Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Ginny laughed brightly, “it was just a foot. I’ve still got one good one left.”

Harry was coloring red in the face. “Sorry. I haven’t stepped on someone’s foot in awhile….”

“Well, you’re a very nice dancer otherwise-- I think we can excuse it just this once.” 

Harry squeezed her hand gently and laughed.  “You’re an excellent dancer also, not to mention forgiving.”  Harry loved how Ginny could combine sweetness with just the amount of daunting wit. He found himself looking at her face, memorizing it at this moment, the stained glass casting bits of colored light on it.  She looked so content to be with him…exactly how he felt.     

Harry hadn't wanted to think or feel these things… but he didn't care.

He wanted to say something to her.  Tonight. If he didn’t say anything tonight, he didn’t know if he could work the nerve up anyplace else.  He wanted to tell her how much he loved spending time with her… how much he really did care about her. How he wished they had spoken more after Neville’s death…. He wanted her to agree with him, and tell him that she felt the same. 

Harry was aware that the orchestra had finished the slow waltz, and he froze as he tried to think of the words he was going to say to her.  He began to reconsider saying anything at all, but he knew he didn’t want to do that…this was the perfect time for him to tell her.  But, Harry never found the words… something else happened.  It astounded him how naturally it came to him. 

He leaned over and kissed her.

 
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

A/N: First of all, let me apologize on how long this chapter took to post.  The rewriting of it was quite literally a nightmare. (It’s not exactly my favorite chapter, but I remember other people liking it, so I tried to keep things similar.)

Everyone please give Jilly a huge pat on the back for being patient with this chapter.  She really earned another “great friend award” with this chapter.  I owe her hot chocolates at Starbucks for a good while. ;-)  

After Jilly and I became utterly flustered over this chapter and almost admitted defeat, Dr. Cornelius saved the day.  Dr. C. went above and beyond the call of betaing duty and not only fixed grammatical errors, but also suggested and made changes to ENTIRE paragraphs. He made the chapter 110% of what it originally was.  I can’t thank him enough.

Last, but never least, Carrie.  Carrie helped me remember that I actually can write…. She was also the inspiration for quite a few lines in this!  If it weren’t for her, I’d probably be beating my head on my keyboard a lot more often.     

Thanks to the people that are reviewing this, I’m glad you’ve liked the rewrites so far. I promise I won’t make you wait as long next time. (I’m far too antsy to write Letters from Home than to take too long on Lessons!)  

Cait

Disclaimer: Chapter title is from Anastasia.

Chapter Eight

Hellfire

For the most beautifully indulgent moment, Ginny felt as though the rest of the world had disappeared. She had never been kissed with such fire before.

Harry's hand cradled her face but he let it drop as he stepped back and opened his eyes. Ginny nearly toppled over fighting the urge to kiss him again.

"I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me,” he whispered. “Too much champagne."

Fear gripped Ginny's heart. Had that been nothing more than a semi-intoxicated act?

"I don't think you had champagne tonight at dinner, Harry." Ginny said, noticing how clear and bright his eyes were.

He took her hand and they resumed dancing. "I didn't.”

~*~

"What the bloody hell is that?” swore Ron wheeling Hermione around to see Harry in Ginny directly embraced in a kiss.

Hermione's jaw dropped. "Oh my goodness!"

"Molly! Look at Ginny and Harry!" Mr. Weasley froze and stared.

Percy took off his glasses and cleaned them quickly before putting them back on. "I don't believe it!" he exclaimed, blinking in surprise.

"That ISN'T Ginny and Harry is it?”

Remus slowly put down his drink as he stared along with Sirius. “Well, I certainly didn’t expect to see that this evening….”

Fred nearly knocked over the candy dish he was lacing with canary crèmes and ton-tongue toffees. "Would you take a look at that, George!"

George's jaw dropped. "Is that our baby sister? And… Harry?"

The entire ballroom was whispering and poking each other. The famous Harry Potter, the most eligible bachelor in the wizarding world, and the widowed Ginny Longbottom?

~*~

Harry pretended not to hear all the noise around them. He was embarrassed that he had acted so rashly, but then again he didn't regret doing it. Ginny was holding herself together splendidly; she looked more composed than he could ever pretend to look.

Ginny wanted to stand in the middle of the room and scream at the top of her lungs to try and remind herself that she had at least some control. This was all happening so quickly. She was supposed to turn back now? She was supposed to pretend that she had never had feelings for Harry?

Harry was doing some serious pondering…trying to sort at least on of the million thoughts running through his head into something that made sense. Where was this going? Who had seen it? Oh Lord, why did he have to be such a half-wit? What would Ginny think of him now?

He cleared his throat nervously immediately catching Ginny’s attention. "I...," mumbled Harry trying to form a sentence and failing miserably.

"It's quite all right, you don’t have to say anything,” she whispered, graciously understanding his lack of words.

"I can't just stand here!"

"You're not, you're dancing," she pointed out.

“Oh, that’s right,” he said.

~*~

The Weasleys were huddled together talking quickly and tossing glances in Harry and Ginny's direction.

"Oh, it's positively wonderful," said Mrs. Weasley dabbing away tears.

"I agree! We’ve all been so worried about Ginny without Neville, Harry is the perfect person to bring back our old Ginny!" exclaimed Mr. Weasley joyfully.

"We can't expect them to just run off and tie the knot," sad Percy pointedly.

"Who said anything about them tying the knot?" said Ron indignantly.

"I don’t know, that was quite a kiss..." said George nudging Ron playfully.

"Yeah, Ron, you better keep your best friend in line," said Fred roguishly.

Ron glared at them. This was going to take some getting used to.

~*~

Finally, around one in the morning, Harry bothered to look up. "Ginny?"

"Yes, Harry?"

"We're almost the last people in here," he said stopping for a moment, but not letting go of her.

Ginny lifted her head, dazed. "Yes, I suppose we are."

"Your parents are gone and I think all your brothers are too."

"Are they really?" she said now really paying attention.

"Yes."

"I suppose I should go get some sleep."

"Unless you’d like another dance," Harry offered.

Ginny’s feet said no, but her heart spoke first. "One more dance," she smiled.

"Anything," he said starting to waltz again.

Harry was wondering when he would wake up. This had to be some sort of cruel dream he was having, he was certain he would wake up any second. The past few weeks had been wonderful…he was having a happy life. This wasn't the norm at all….

The song ended and Ginny hugged him tightly. Harry was reluctant to let go.

"Thank you, I had a wonderful evening."

Ginny took a shaky breath; the words didn't do justice to the truth of her feelings. She was in love again.

Harry lightly kissed the top of her hand. "Pleasant dreams,” he said before he Apparated out of the room.

Ginny knew she looked silly smiling at the spot where Harry had been standing, but she couldn’t help it. Still smiling, she took out her wand and Apparated home.

~*~

It was complete stillness, everything shrouded in the inky black night. His cheeks burned painfully at the sudden slap of cold but Harry didn’t care. He needed to clear his head.

Harry looked around. It was completely deserted as he knew it would be. His boots crunched in the snow as he tramped to the edge of Hogwarts Lake. The castle loomed to his right, not a single light glowing in the hundreds of windows.

The lake was so still that the lake almost seemed like glass, reflecting the black sky perfectly. Harry had seen it like this many times before, as he had often come here to think …no matter the time or the weather.

Harry closed his eyes and let his thoughts slowly come to order. That was why he had come here. To think through this bit by bit, literally let the cool face of logic cuff him in the back of the head and start him thinking about his actions again.

First and foremost he would consider Chloe. He was the only constant she had ever had in her life. His choices didn’t just affect him anymore and he wasn’t even sure he could explain his situation with Ginny to even himself quite yet. She was only five, how much could he expect her to take?

The worry lines on Harry’s face deepened as he continued thinking. There were far more important things to factor into this…. No matter how much people in their world did not want to admit it, things still weren't back to normal. Dark wizards, and Muggle-haters were still bloodthirsty. That wasn't even including the revenge starved Death-Eaters. Darkness and hatred was still apparent. Very apparent.

Harry knew they wanted him. His life was the ultimate trophy. But now it was a completely new game now that Chloe had been added to their bounty. That was enough worry to last Harry a lifetime. He had to do everything in his power to protect her…. He didn't doubt for a moment that they would kill her. They would kill an innocent child without the least bit hesitation.

So why was he bringing Ginny into this? What if he and Ginny were to continue with this? If he were to die, he'd put her right back at where she was when Neville died. How could he knowingly do that to her?

There were so many things pulling him away from this…but so many things pulling him towards it…. Harry clenched his fists and gave a strangled cry.

The lake erupted into a hellfire as ice blue flames swept over the mirrored surface and blazed to towering heights. Ice chunks split and hissed into steam. The flames reflected in Harry's eyes and the heat wafted towards him.

Harry's knees buckled and he fell wearily into the snow, his breathing labored. As snow seeped into his robes and he felt began to feel better. Sopping wet from snow and sweat, Harry remembered something that Dumbledore had said to him many years back.

The magnitude of your powers can become a very frightening thing if you let your emotions get the better of you. You are not an ordinary wizard, and you must learn to control yourself and your powers…for your own sake. However, as you know…one cannot always control particularly strong emotions and sometimes a release of powers is the best course of action, in a safe manner of course….

Harry smiled, still panting. He imagined himself strolling up to the castle and reminding Dumbledore of this conversation. Hello, Professor, just wanted to tell you that I toasted your lake. Feel much better now, thanks.

And yet…he actually did feel better. His head felt surprisingly clear, considering the time, and one fact stood out in bold. Despite all of this, he still wanted to love her.

And why couldn’t he? Why couldn’t he try?

~*~

Harry had tried to go to bed, but thoughts of Ginny invaded any hopes for sleep. He honestly didn’t care about losing the sleep since he was still trying to remind himself that this was all very real. He shuffled down to his study and opened a favorite picture album, pictures from his years at Hogwarts.

He searched through the book full of photos of Hermione, Ron, Hagrid, and the Weasleys at Christmas, holidays and birthdays...but there was something missing.

There was not a single photograph of Ginny and himself. It was always the group photos of the Weasley children she was in. It was like she was added in as an afterthought.

This bothered Harry immensely. He knew he had considered Ginny as good as friend as any. She wasn't his best friend as Ron and Hermione were, but still, he had more pictures of Fred and George than her! How could of this had happened?

He got up and pulled another leather-bound book from the case. This book wasn't quite as full, but then again, he hadn't had the time to take pictures in this part of his life. These were photos after Hogwarts and they were still most of the same people with the addition of Sirius’ flames and Percy’s children.

Harry actually enjoyed these pictures a bit more, since they were the Muggle type. Sometimes he liked the people in his pictures to just hold still and smile. He especially enjoyed black and white photos when they were tastefully done. There was a favorite picture of Percy's children all standing on the staircase each to their own step and looking over the banister at the camera. He flipped through the pages once more and glanced at the clock on the mantle above the study fireplace. 4:00 am. He'd been up all night.

Fortunately, tomorrow would be Saturday. Harry replaced the photo book and wandered into the next room. He pulled his cameras out, examined them and blew the dust off. He set them aside to use, as he had no pictures of Chloe yet.

Chloe. He should go get Chloe from Percy's. It was nearly morning anyway. Besides, that threat that Draco had made last night was haunting him. He probably wouldn’t be able to fall asleep unless she was home.

~*~

Disclaim: Chapter title is from Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Harry Potter characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

Note from Cait: Everyone is welcome to join my new Yahoo!Group which can be found at:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ChloesBookshelf/

Come join us for friendly discussion, lovely artwork, and all around good time! See you there!

Chapter Nine: The Circus, an Anteater and a Muggle Postman.

Harry smiled funnily as he reached for Percy’s enormous roaring lion doorknocker. Percy had obviously gone to great lengths to make his door look important. In fact, Harry had always privately imagined two huge English flags unfurling and a loud fanfare of “Rule Britannia” blaring whenever someone used the doorknocker. He didn’t dare suggest this to Percy who would probably take the idea seriously.

The nanny opened the front door in her dressing gown and ruffled nightcap. "My goodness! Mr. Potter, are you all right? It's five in the morning!"

"I'm terribly sorry to wake you up,” Harry apologized, “but I think I'll take Chloe home now."

"But, sir! She's asleep!" the nanny protested.

"Just take me to her, please.” Harry pushed the door open wider and let himself in.

The nanny gave Harry a disgruntled look and grudgingly took him to Meghan's room.

Harry smiled softly at the sight of Chloe sleeping peacefully. Her soft brown hair spilled behind her like a halo and her long dark eyelashes were resting on her cheeks. Another lump in the sheets to the right and a glimpse of red hair was all Harry could see of Meghan. He gently lifted Chloe up, she snuggled against him her dreams undisturbed.

"Thank you," he mouthed silently to the nanny who was standing in the corner with her arms crossed and her nightcap bobbing sleepily.

There, that’s better, thought Harry after he had tucked Chloe into her bed. He would rather have her under his roof with Malfoy tossing around threats. Too exhausted to take another step, he fell asleep on the couch in his study.


~*~

An early morning sunbeam shone right on Chloe’s face and woke her up. She sleepily rubbed her eyes and looked around a moment before realizing she was home again.

Chloe pulled the soft yellow quilt off her bed wrapped it around her like a warm cape. She and Norbert --her stuffed dragon that had been deemed with that name the moment she had heard the story of the real Norbert-- wandered around the house until she found Harry.

Chloe stood on her tiptoes and looked at him curiously. She put her quilt over him and started to leave the room, but turned back.

"Be really really quiet and keep guard!" she whispered to Norbert seriously.

She made Norbert nod his stuffed head and plunked Norbert on Harry's stomach.

"Good dragon. Stay!" She whispered sternly. Chloe watched a moments longer until she was satisfied that Norbert would stay.

Chloe wondered what time it was. She stood in front of the grandfather clock downstairs and studied it. They had just learned this in school. She counted on her hands and then looked back at the clock. 7:25. At least she thought that was what it said. Maybe she and Meghan should have spent a longer time on the clock game. The clock game wasn't as fun as looking at books. Ms. Ginny would probably show her again if she asked. Ms. Ginny always understood. Ms. Ginny knew everything in the entire world.

~*~

Harry opened one eye drowsily. Something was sitting on him. He reached for his glasses and looked at Norbert grinning wildly at him. He looked down and found Chloe’s quilt hanging halfway off his legs. Smiling as he pushed it off he grabbed Norbert by the wing and examined him.

Harry tucked Norbert under his arm and went to go search for Chloe. It actually didn’t turn out to be that difficult, as he followed little trail of stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows. Downstairs, he found her under what looked like strategically placed piles of couch cushions, chairs, covered with a few blankets. He picked up a corner of a blanket and peered under it.

"Morning, Angel.”

"Happy morning!" Chloe said brightly setting down her dolls.

"Happy morning?" he asked knowing she would obligingly explain.

"Uh-huh, we have Happy birthday, Happy Easter, Happy Christmas, and Happy Valentine's Day. Why don’t we have happy mornings? Everyone just says good morning," Chloe seemed glad to spout her thoughts on this.

"Good thinking. Did you learn that at school?"

"Nope, I thought of it. Norbert!" she exclaimed spotting her dragon.

He placed the dragon in her outstretched hands and bent down to sit in her fort. "He was looking at me while I slept this morning."

Chloe nodded. "He must have flown in your room to make sure that the monsters didn't get you," she said with her eyes wide at the mention of the elusive monsters.

"He must have. He is an awfully faithful dragon, Chlo," he said playing along.

She giggled. "I put Norbert there!"

"No way! Are you sure he didn't fly?" Harry looked amazed and was rewarded with her laughter.

The doorbell chimed and Harry looked at the clock. "Now who could that be this early?"

Chloe shrugged and crawled out of her fort to follow him. "Perhaps it's the circus," she suggested.

Harry glanced back at her. "That would be nice. I didn't know they made house calls."

He opened the front door slightly and looked out. He turned and grinned at Chloe. "It is the circus.”

"Really!?" Chloe tried to look around his legs.

"No, you silly goose," Harry grinned and opened the door.

A rather portly postman stood at the door looking around nervously. A pile of packages were stacked behind him and he took a large step back when Harry opened the door.

"Oh, it's a Muggle,” observed Chloe whispering loudly.

Harry thought for sure the postman had heard that.

"Er, hullo there… I had quite a time finding your house...are you a Mr. Harry Patter?" said the Muggle fumbling with a clipboard.

"Potter, Harry Potter," corrected Harry.

"Right-o, Mr. Patter. Could you sign for these?" he said thrusting the clipboard into Harry's hands.

"Sure, but it's Potter. Do you have a qui- er-, ink pen?" Harry stumbled slightly with the word, not having to deal with Muggle commonalities for quite some time.

"Oh bugger. I must have left it in the truck!" The postman looking wistfully at the post truck parked far off from the lengthy walk up to the manor.

"That's all right, I've got one. I'll be right back," he said.

Chloe watched Harry leave the room and then turned to make conversation with the postman. "It's too bad you're a Muggle," she commented to him as if it were a nonchalant thing to say.

"A what? What did you call me, dear?" asked the postman leaning to hear her.

"A Mug-gle. You aren't magic," she said pointedly.

"Oh, you're a cute little thing...tell me then, cupcake, are you a Muggle?" he said thinking she was playing a game.

Chloe gave him a silent stare for a moment. "No, of course not! I'm a witch!" she said sounding offended.

The postman chuckled. "Sure you are! Have you got a black cat too?"

"No, but we've got Hedwig, our owl. She delivers post much faster than you," said Chloe leaning against the door. The Muggle was beginning to bore her.

Harry returned with the clipboard and a quill. The man stared at the quill as it wrote in scarlet ink. "There you are," Harry said.

"Cute kid you got there, Mr. Patter, she's got quite an imagination. Talking on about me being a Muggle and all. Even told me ya got an owl that delivers your post for you,” he chuckled and grinned at Chloe.

Harry gave a short fake laugh for him. "Uh, well, little Chloe is always thinking up new things…."

"Clever little girl! Owls delivering post! Ha! Seems to me I'd be out of a job if that were true," said the postman plunking the packages in the entryway one by one.

"Ah, yes. Wouldn't that be a shame?" Harry replied stepping into the other room for his wand.

"Innieresting house ya got here Mr. Patter. How'd you build it so originally?"

"Pot-ter. Well, it's actually magic,” he said bluntly coming back into the entry hall.

"Is that a new building company?"

"No," said Harry.

"What do you mean no?" said the postman furrowing his brow.

"Look, I'm really sorry about this...Hal," said Harry leaning to read the name embroidered on his uniform.

"Sorry 'bout what?" said Hal taking several steps back.

"Erasing your memory of this entire conversation," apologized Harry.

"What!” said Hal stepping back even further.

"Obliviate!" said Harry pulling out his wand.

Hal's face went blank and happy and he stared at them dreamily.

"Bye!" said Chloe making Norbert wave a dragon wing.

"Have a nice day...uh, what was your name again?" he slurred turning to go to his truck.

"I wonder what's in these boxes?" said Harry making a thin beam of light from his wand slice the top.

"An anteater maybe?" said Chloe helping him pull off the top.

"Where do you come up with this stuff, Chlo? No, I doubt they'd send an anteater by Muggle post. Ugh. That's Dudley's handwriting. Never mind, I doubt it's not even half as exciting as an anteater in a box."

When they had yanked the top free, a shower of papers flew up and scattered in the entryway. Harry picked them up and riffled through them.

"What are those?" asked Chloe trying to read a few words.

"It looks like all of your medical records, your birth certificate...and a few other official things we'll need someday. How kind of your dad to shove them in here all out of order. He was always so thoughtful,” said Harry reading a few things.

"He's not my dad,” Chloe said loudly stomping her foot.

Harry looked up and pushed his glasses up his nose. "Biologically, he is Chlo."

"I don't care. You're my REAL daddy," she said with finality.

He picked up Chloe and hugged her. Chloe kissed him on the cheek.

"Chloe, It would make me the happiest person on earth to be your Daddy,” Harry said speaking from his heart.

"I never-ever have to go live at that house again?" she said double-checking.

"Never-ever, not even for a minute will you live there," he said.

"It's a deal!" she said jubilantly shaking his hand.

Harry laughed and set her down. "Deal," he said shaking her hand and Norbert's wing.

He opened another box. "Pictures! Look, Chloe. They had baby pictures of you!" he said holding some pictures up.

"That's me?" said Chloe not believing him and squinting her bright green eyes at the photograph of an adorable baby girl.

"The very same."

Harry was elated to receive the photographs. They must have taken these before they realized that Chloe was a witch. Well, he would certainly display them around the house proudly if they wouldn't.

The next box had a few clothes, socks and shoes. Chloe wrinkled her nose at them. "I don't have to wear those do I?" Harry picked up a hot pink polka dotted pinafore with an orange shirt to go with it. Obviously Gardenia’s taste….

"No, the clothes that we bought you shall do nicely," Harry said shoving the box into the corner.

Chloe was examining her baby photos. "I didn't smile very much," she observed.

"That's understandable," said Harry looking at the photos.

"I must have been a horrible baby," she said sadly.

"No! You were a beautiful baby even if you didn't smile. These are nice pictures.”

Chloe hung off his robes. “I don’t have to go see them anymore, do I?”

"You don’t have to," said Harry kissing the top of her head.

She didn’t respond, but continued to hang onto Harry’s robes while he sorted through the papers.

"I tell you what,” Harry said cheerfully, “go put on something other than your pajamas and we'll take our first family portrait."

~*~

They put the last picture out of the box on the mantle in the living room, right next to the Weasley's family picture. The pictures they had taken together were still in the camera yet to be developed.

"Can we play now?" Chloe asked hopefully.

"Yes, but I have to ask you a question first."

"What?"

"Would you like to have my last name or would like you to keep Dursley?"

"I want to be a Potter too!" Chloe shouted jumping up and down.

"You know this means you'll be Chloe Grace Potter, right?" he said making sure.

"Yes! I don't like making letter D's anyway!" Chloe said happily.

"Well, you'll have to write them no matter if it's your name or not. But, I'll have your named changed," Harry laughed.

"You can change names?" Chloe was impressed.

"Of course. I'm magic aren't I?"

"Can we play now?" Chloe was not to be swayed away from the idea of playing.

"Yes. What are we playing?" Harry asked crawling into the fort.

"Christmas ball," she said handing him a doll.

"Oh, how exciting," Harry chuckled.

"Did you dance at the ball?" asked Chloe.

"Yes, I did. With Ms. Ginny in fact."

"Really?"

"Yes, for most of the evening actually."

“Look what Meghan gave me yesterday!” Chloe said excitedly. She produced a figurine from under a pile of dolls and thrust it into Harry’s hands. “It’s you!”

Harry shook his head and laughed. “It just looks like me, but it isn’t me.” Wait. He looked at the doll a little closer. It did look like him.

“It’s you!” insisted Chloe, “It came with a storybook they have about you. Meghan’s got two so she gave me that one.”

Harry examined the doll. It was him…complete with Auror robes. When had he become a doll? “Wait a minute, where’s my arm?” Harry exclaimed, noticing that the doll was missing it’s left arm.

“That’s why Meghan’s got two,” explained Chloe. “Hunter broke the other one.”

“Oh,” said Harry, still feeling a bit weird about seeing himself in doll form. Why was Percy purchasing Harry toys for his children?

“It’s okay,” consoled Chloe, “you can just pretend that a dragon chomped it off or something exciting. That makes it more fun. You be him, okay?”

“I am him,” laughed Harry.

~*~

Disclaimer: I don’t own J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter characters.

Join Chloe’s Bookshelf! You can find us here!

Chapter Ten

Happiness is walking hand in hand

"Would you just look at this?" Ron slammed his coffee cup down and slapped Daily Prophet on the table.

"Good morning to you too, Ron.” Hermione smiled as she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

"Trash! I can’t believe they can get away with publishing stuff like that!" Ron sat in his chair fuming and watched the smiled fade from Hermione’s face as she skimmed the article.

"Potter and Weasley-Longbottom: Wedding Bells before the week is over," Hermione yawned and she tossed the paper on the floor. "Ignore it, it’s rubbish.”

"I bet Harry hasn't seen that one yet.”

Hermione shrugged and handed him a plate of pancakes. "Harry is pretty laid back when dealing with the press. I don't know how he'll react about Ginny."

"If I were him, I'd be furious," muttered Ron stabbing a pancake with his fork.

"Harry's used to it by now. Let's just not bring it up when we talk to him. The same goes with Ginny, okay?"

"She’s MY sister. I think I should be down at the newspaper office right now screaming for grounds of validity!" harrumphed Ron, his brow still furrowed.

"My friend and sister-in-law, remember? And you'll do no such thing. It would only make things worse. I can just see the next story.... 'Hothead older brother attacks Daily Prophet employees: Dysfunction is suspected in Weasley family.'"

Ron made a sulky face at his coffee. "I just hope this doesn't upset Ginny to the point of going back to the way she was."

~*~

Ginny was pleased. She set down the article and laughed out loud.

"Ha! We've got the town abuzz, don't we, Webster?"

She patted her owl and broke off a bit of English muffin for him.

"Listen to this, 'Friend of family takes on a new meaning in this latest pursuit by Harry Potter. Ginny Weasley-Longbottom is apparently the newest dame to be wooed by the hero. Other bachelorettes are green with envy with the sight of Potter being snatched up from the courting game.' "

Ginny stretched her arms, still smirking.

"Ginny, you are a latest pursuit,” Ginny said to herself with a giggle. “This will certainly make Christmas interesting. Maybe Fred and George will call me 'Harry's dame' in front of mum.”

~*~

Chloe patiently waited downstairs. She couldn't wait to go Christmas shopping. She wished her Daddy would hurry up. Grown-ups were so slow sometimes!

She sat on the couch her feet dangling off the edge. Chloe couldn't wait until her feet would touch the floor. It was unfair being so little sometimes. She slouched down in the couch and tried to get her feet to touch. If she reached really far she could almost—

"What are you doing, Chlo?" Harry asked as he hurried into the room.

"Practicing being tall," she said slipping down to the floor.

"Oh, okay.” He looked confused, but still smiled at her.

Harry tickled her foot and then handed her the slippers that matched her favorite robes. (Pale pink with ribbon trimming.) Chloe pulled them over her tights.

Harry pulled her up from the floor and awkwardly managed two low pigtails tied off with ribbon. Chloe squirmed as he covered her in a heavy white cloak and mittens.

"It's hot!" she said gasping for air.

"Not for long," said Harry pulling the hood over her head. He then put on his winter cloak and gloves. He took her hand and they Apparated right into the heart of Hogsmeade.

Chloe was grateful for her heavy clothes now. She held out her hand as a few snowflakes dotted her mitten. The street was bustling with holiday shoppers. She clung to her Daddy's hand as they made their way to one side of the street. She tried to read the shop sign as they entered, but they walked by it too fast for her to get a good look. Harry pushed back her hood and she felt the warm air of the shop burn on her icy cheeks and nose.

Chloe looked round and round for a moment. The shop looked just like the pictures of forests that Chloe had seen in her storybooks, although this one was slightly more unusual. Flowers poked proudly out of walls and the more daring ones dangled from the ceiling. Potted plates were lined on shelves made out of tree stumps and flat, bright toadstools.

“Mind the floor,” Harry warned, narrowly avoiding tripping over a moss covered rock.

Chloe liked the floor very much. It was covered in the prettiest green grass she had ever seen.

"Hello and Merry Christmas," said a raspy voice.

A gnarled hand brushed aside long strands of Spanish moss and a wobbly looking old lady appeared from what Harry assumed was a very cleverly concealed backroom.

"Merry Christmas.” Harry nodded towards her politely.

"Merry Christmas," chimed in Chloe.

"What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" She stopped wobbling toward them to yank a dandelion growing on the floor.

"I'd like to send a bouquet of flowers.”

"Good bunch or bad bunch?" The woman blew her nose with a green and pink polka-dotted handkerchief. Chloe thought she sounded like a goose honking.

"Oh—good, of course," Harry said quickly.

The little old woman sneezed loudly, "Pardon. My allergies again."

"God Bless you," said Harry.

Chloe tugged slightly on Harry's robes. "What's a bad bunch?"

The woman gave a noisy hacking cough and answered her. "People send flowers that bite, or cause hives or something outwardly horrible to people they want revenge on. It's a blooming business, believe it or not." The old woman blew her nose again loudly.

"I'll believe it," said Harry shaking his head.

"What sort of flower do you want to send?" She sneezed and the polka-dotted handkerchief appeared once again.

"God Bless you,” said Harry absentmindedly as he looked around. “Something nice.”

"Roses, my boy?"

"That would be splendid, thank you. Two dozen."

The lady sneezed loudly.

"God Bless you," said Chloe looking up from her pursuit of an orange ladybug that she had spotted on a rock.

"Pick your color along that far wall," she said waving her handkerchief.

"I'd like those delivered in that vase over there. Could you wrap up one of those pink roses?"

Harry signed the card to go along with the roses and then gave the flower shop lady an address. He handed the pink rose to Chloe.

Chloe held the flower to her nose and was rewarded with its sweet fragrance. "Thank you Daddy," she said.

~*~

Ginny opened her front door an hour later and a vase full of roses was thrust into her arms.

"’Ave a good day, Miss!" said the deliveryman tipping his hat.

Ginny set the roses on her table and felt a flush creep up her cheeks. The roses were grand. She had never seen any of this color before. She touched a cool petal and inhaled the scent deeply. The outer sides of the petals were a golden buttery color and the inside of the petals were a perfect red. They were very antique looking and quite exquisite.

She knew whom they were from but her hands still shook as she opened the envelope.

There were only a few sentences:

After the air cleared…
I did some serious thinking last night.
Why shouldn’t we give it a try?

Harry


Ginny carefully replaced the card after affectionately reading and re-reading the words. She briefly allowed herself to daydream about Harry while she went to the front closet and got her winter cloak. She shouldn't be sitting at home. She had a million things to do this weekend. She scolded herself as she thought of how much Christmas shopping she had to do. She might as well get most of that done first, since Christmas was right around the corner.

~*~

Harry saved a large stack of books from tumbling onto Chloe. He shakily put them back in line and took her mittened hand. She looked up at him with her bright eyes unaware of what had nearly happened to her.

"Careful, Chloe, the middle book is hard to get to. Ask me next time," he said magically lifting half the stack of books, he handed the book she had been tugging at. The books thudded back into place with a second wave of Harry's hand.

Chloe sat at his feet with all the other parcels they had been shopping for. Harry ran a finger slowly across the titles, searching for a good Christmas gift. Chloe opened the book he had handed her and tossed it up in surprise when loud applause came from its pages. Harry cleared his throat, to mask his chuckle.

Chloe stared warily at the book and decided against opening it again. She turned to the same stack it had came from and waved her hand hopefully. She glared at the stack of books and gave a violent wave of her hand. Still nothing….

Harry couldn't remember which books Hermione had asked for this year. He was seriously considering giving her a copy of....

He didn't get to finish his thought. A stack of books toppled on him, knocking him flat off his feet.

Chloe's green eyes widened and she put her hand to her mouth. So that was what happened if you pulled too hard on the middle book.

Harry groaned as he pushed a book or two off his face and saw Chloe looking very astonished.

"Planning to learn by osmosis, Potter?" said an ugly voice.

Harry's gaze shifted from Chloe to the face of Draco Malfoy. It was a sickening change of scenery. The books flew off of him and stacked themselves neatly in the corner.

"The Megalomaniac help section along with the evil villain autobiographies are at the opposite end of the store." Harry got up, brushed off his robes and pulled Chloe behind him protectively.

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Was that an attempt to be clever I heard?"

"No, it was a polite way of saying, get out of my sight.”

"Oh, really? What would happen if I didn't?" asked Draco crossing his arms.

"Who's that man, Daddy?" asked Chloe tugging on Harry's robes.

"Only the most wealthy wizard in the wor—.”

"That's Draco Malfoy," interrupted Harry.

"Oh," said Chloe.

"Yes, she remembers now...she's heard of me," said Draco smugly.

Chloe nodded and gave Draco a friendly smile. "You're the ferret."

Harry made a noise that sounded something between a laugh and a cough. Chloe hadn’t intended to be rude; she was just rehashing a story that Harry had told her. Of course, that didn’t make it any less funny…. "That's right, Chloe!”

"You better teach your filthy Mudblood child some manners," hissed Malfoy.

"Don't call my daughter that." Harry said harshly. He couldn’t lose his temper… it was too dangerous with Chloe with him. Draco might hit her with a spell.

Malfoy looked pleased. "Did I hit a soft spot, Potter? I wouldn't threaten me...threatening an innocent man would look horrible for your validity as an Auror,” Draco sighed airily. “That is…if I dare call you an Auror."

"If I also dare to call you an innocent man.”

”It would be wise not to provoke me, Potter. I am a powerful man, and things tend to happen to people who provoke me."

"Was that a threat coming from the divinely innocent Draco Malfoy?” said Harry icily. “Seems to me that there are serious punishments for attempted murder of an Auror. Last I heard, it was punishable by death. Isn't that interesting?"

“Your little confederation of Aurors,” sneered Draco, “is a flagrant joke of under-qualified morons, who can’t do anything but tramp around with a handful of worthless spells and a glorified name.”

Harry kept a firm hand on Chloe’s shoulder. “And I believe your pack of cowardly terrorists seem to be going out of their way to run from my Aurors. Dregs of society do tend to go straight to the bottom, don’t they?”

“Watch yourself, Potter,” spat Draco.

"Likewise,” Harry took a step closer to Malfoy. “It really was so smashing to see you again, but I'm afraid you should leave before I decide to arrest you on grounds of suspicious activity." Harry raised his wand at Malfoy and waited.

Malfoy turned sharply on his heel and glared at Harry. "Have a nice evening, Potter, try not to get yourself killed.”

~*~

As Ginny was browsing around Flourish and Blotts, trying to remember what books Hermione had asked for this year, she thought she heard a familiar voice. It sounded an awful lot like Harry. She thought for a moment that she was just hearing things, especially because she really did want to hear Harry’s voice, but then she heard another familiar voice. That was without a doubt Draco Malfoy's voice.

Ginny peeked around the corner and saw them in the middle of an argument. She silently cheered to herself when Harry threatened to arrest him. Ginny waited until Malfoy had stalked off until she made herself seen.

"What on earth was that about?"

"Ginny!" Harry turned around and his face smoothed into an expression of happiness.

"Ms. Ginny!" Chloe jumped up and down.

"Nothing,” said Harry, “just the usual idle threats between Malfoy and myself."

Ginny looked concerned. "You should be careful."

Chloe tugged on Ginny's robes. "Ms. Ginny?"

"Yes?" said Ginny bending to Chloe's level.

“My Daddy says you danced with him, is that true?"

"Completely true," Ginny smiled.

"Ms.Ginny! You and my Daddy are going to get married now!”

"Chloe!" Harry didn’t know where Chloe had gotten that one. That was most definitely not his fault.

"Well you did dance with her. Now you have to get married," said Chloe as if it was supposed to be clear as day to them.

"People don't get married because they dance together," Ginny explained gently.

"They don't?"

"No," said Harry playfully tugging on one of her pigtails. “Where ever did you get that idea?”

"But Cinderella...and the prince….” Chloe looked quite confused now.

"That's just a fairy story, Chloe, it isn't real," said Ginny.

"But fairies are REAL! Why aren't their stories?" Chloe didn’t look like she was going to believe either of them now.

Harry was stumped over this one. "Ah well, let's go get some lunch, shall we? Would you care to join us, Ginny?"

Chloe gave him an exasperated look that was entirely too old for a five-year old. "You're changing the subject, Daddy."

"That's absolutely right, I am changing the subject. I can't think on an empty stomach," he said tickling Chloe's side.

"I'd love to join you two for lunch. The conversation about the fairy tales has me intrigued,” Ginny smiled.

Harry smiled at her fondly. "Right then, let's go. Put your cloak back on, Chloe."

"Can dragons sneeze?"

Harry was certain this was the hundredth question today.

"Yes," confirmed Ginny, fastening Chloe's cloak.

"Do they sneeze fire?" Chloe's voice was slightly more muffled because of the cloak.

Ginny pulled the cloak down so Chloe was free to talk normally. "I'll ask my brother Charlie. We'll write a letter to him during our free time on Monday."

"Really? Could we write it in all capital letters? I like those best."

"On your part, you can write all the capital letters you like," said Ginny nudging Harry and giving him a merry look.

Harry smiled and shook his head. Chloe seemed to have an opinion about everything.

As they walked down the chilly alley Ginny walked on his left and Chloe skipped ahead on the right.

"Thank you for the roses," said Ginny.

"You’re very welcome,” Harry said giving her a small smile and adjusting the bags on his arm. She had liked them…. Harry felt very happy about this.

“They’re the most beautiful I think I've seen.”

"I have more beautiful things to compare to those flowers.” Harry removed his gaze from the street and looked directly at her.

Ginny didn't notice the cold wind after that little comment. She had to tear her eyes away from Harry in order to continue walking without falling over something.

"You should have made your life as a poet. It would have been less dangerous then this whole hero bit you've got," Ginny teased.

"Dangerous? Have you been looking at my insurance bill? They seem to think the same thing, very odd." Harry quipped, clearly amused at her comment.

"You don't have insurance...” Ginny scoffed playfully, “not even the Gringotts goblins would be crazy enough to insure you!"

Harry grinned at her, but it was soon replaced with concern when he saw Chloe take a spill on the road. He immediately started to go to her, but Ginny held him back. Sure enough, Chloe wrinkled her nose in annoyance and got to her feet.

“Are you okay, Chloe?” called Harry.

Chloe nodded, obviously unscathed. “I’m okay, Daddy.” She took to skipping again, the fall the least of her concern.

“You were right, she wasn’t hurt. How did you know?”

Ginny shrugged. “Five-year olds bounce like you wouldn’t believe. And if something does get scraped or bumped, a kiss and a hug usually fixes it.”

Harry raised an eyebrow. “So, if I just happen to bump my head or something, you’ll give me a kiss?”

“And the wheels begin to turn,” laughed Ginny.

Harry grinned at her. “Actually, I’ve got somewhat of a question.”

“Yes?”

“Well, I’m not very good at this…stuff. It actually makes for rather unpleasant morning papers for me, I really didn’t…er…test the waters much.” Harry examined the pavement, his cheeks red from cold and shyness. “What I wanted to know is…,” Harry trailed off with an embarrassed smile.

"What?" she laughed.

"May I hold your hand?"

"Yes you may, Mr. Potter," Ginny said reaching for his hand. Harry was very sweet.

Harry wanted to freeze this moment in time. Walking down the street, hand in hand with Ginny as Chloe scampered ahead and played in the snowdrifts. It was picture-perfect, and for once in his life he could admit that he was doing the right thing.


~*~

Picture-perfect, that is, until the picture was actually taken. They had just walked into the restaurant when half a dozen flashbulbs exploded in their faces.

"Hey! Cut it out!" Harry brusquely pushed a camera that was waggling too close to Chloe’s face. Bloody photographers….

Chloe, who wasn’t sure what to make of all the noise, lights, and purple puffs of smoke, pressed her face into Harry’s robes. "Make them stop, Daddy!"

The Maitre d’, an always well-composed Frenchman, appeared immediately and stepped between them and the photographers. "Monsieur Potter wishes you to leave. Go! Out of my restaurant!"

“Give us a couple of snaps with the new kid and the new girl, Harry!” persisted a photographer, stretching his camera around the Maitre d’.

The Maitre d’ shook a white linen napkin fiercely at them. “I say go! You are upsetting ma clientèle!”

The photographers glanced at each other and collectively decided that the Frenchman was too much of a hassle for a few more pictures of Harry.

“Thanks, Jean," said Harry taking Ginny and Chloe's cloaks and handing them to the valet.


"At your service, Monsieur Potter. You are our favorite invité!

Harry was a regular customer of the restaurant and he was well acquainted with Jean. “I do appreciate it,” he said

"And who is this petite princesse you bring to us?" Jean said, smiling at Chloe.

"Chloe Grace Potter," said Chloe proudly.

"My daughter," said Harry with just as much pride in his voice.

"Your daughter! She is a petite princesse, indeed!" said Jean admiring Chloe.

"Mademoiselle." Jean bowed politely to Ginny.

"Do you have hamburgers here?" piped up Chloe.

"Hamburger!” Jean drew a hand to his chest in horror. “Never! No, no, Jean shall get something much more satisfying for une Princesse stomach."

"Okay, just make sure it doesn't have Brussels sprouts," said Chloe wrinkling her nose.

"The usual table for you, Monsieur Potter?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, thank you."

Lunch was more than enjoyable. Being with Harry and Chloe was delightful and the afternoon couldn't possibly be spoiled while Chloe was chattering away. Ginny found herself imagining what Chloe would be like when she was older. She only had to look at Harry once to know that he was cherishing these moments of Chloe's childhood as he should. It was simply amazing how wonderful a father he had become. As Jean had promised, Chloe had not been disappointed in her meal. The cook had concocted a sort of fish with almonds for them. It was delicious.

Harry would glance up periodically to make sure Ginny was enjoying herself. She seemed to be. There was scarcely time to eat for Chloe kept them on their toes asking questions and telling them all sorts of things she thought about. For example....

Chloe selected a strawberry off of her dessert platter and continued talking at full speed. "I love to sing. It's sad that everyone doesn't know how to sing. Some people know how to sing, but they can't. That's sad. But, I think that's why we can laugh. Everyone can laugh really well. I don't know anyone that is bad at laughing. Do you know anyone that is bad at laughing, Daddy?”

"No, I don’t think I know anyone,” Harry smiled. “Except Professor Snape.”

“Who’s Professor Snake, Daddy?”*

~*~

After lunch they continued Christmas shopping and got a good portion of it done. It was starting to get late and Ginny did have a few things she needed to do for the school.

They stood on a sloppy street corner with melting snow and dripping icicles and said their goodbyes.

"Bye, Ms. Ginny," said Chloe waving.

"Bye, Chloe," smiled Ginny waving back.

"It was wonderful spending the afternoon with you,” Harry said, squeezing her hand.

"Yes, thank you very much for lunch.” Ginny was now feeling quite reluctant to go write out her lesson plans.

“I was hoping I would have the opportunity to do it again.” Harry looked straight in her eyes with a hopeful expression.

Ginny wondered how she was supposed to say no to a look like that. The messy black hair wasn’t helping either; it made him look so harmless and well…so…sincere. “Of course,” she said with a nod.

“We have dinner every day,” added Chloe in the silence. “You can come to that too.”

The adults glanced down at her quickly, looking suddenly embarrassed, as if they had forgotten she was there.

“Uh, yes,” Harry nodded awkwardly at Chloe. “Dinner too.”

Chloe nodded, very pleased with herself. Harry cleared his throat and ran his hand through his hair. Now how was he supposed to do this with his daughter standing there?

"This may come across as juvenile, Gin, but..." blurted Harry.

"You may," said Ginny before Harry could finish his sentence.

Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Enjoy your evening."

Chloe's eyes widened. Her Daddy had kissed Ms. Ginny. They were really WERE going to get married now. Sleeping Beauty did, right after that prince woke her up with a kiss. She wondered if Ms. Ginny had to be asleep for that to work. Before she could comment to either of them about this, her Daddy swung her up in the air and put her on his shoulders. She shrieked with laughter and forgot all about her question.

Ginny turned around to watch them run off together. Their laughter rang out musically in the winter air until Harry performed an Apparation spell. Ginny laughed a bit herself and Apparated home.

~*~

Later at the manor, Chloe came downstairs in her pajamas and leaned on the couch, resting her chin on the arm.

"It's late, Chloe, you should be in bed," Harry said, letting her crawl in his lap anyway.

Chloe set Norbert in the crook of Harry's arm and turned to talk to him.

"I've decided something.” She nodded to let him know she was absolutely sure of herself.

"Oh really? What have you decided?" Harry said letting her lay sleepily on his shoulder.

"It's really quite serious, Daddy," she yawned.

Harry yawned also. "Really? Quite serious...hmmm, let's hear it then."

"I've decided that you should make Ms. Ginny love you so you can get married," Chloe said rubbing her eyes.

"You've decided this?" Harry almost laughed. His five-year old had this figured out better than he had.

"Positively sure, Daddy. You did dance with her after all," Chloe yawned again and closed her eyes.

Harry propped his legs on the coffee table and patted her on the back while he thought of the proper thing to say. "First of all, Chloe, you can't make people fall in love with you. It's not something a person can just make happen. Secondly, even if Ms. Ginny and I ever do get married, it's going to be a long time from now. Getting married is a lot of change. Ms. Ginny would come and live here with us, we'd have new relatives... and all sorts of things…. Do you understand, Chloe?"

No answer.

"Chloe?" He looked down and she was fast asleep. She hadn't heard a word. Oh well, they would probably discuss it in the morning. Chloe wasn't one to forget things.

Make Ginny fall in love with him. Harry gave a short laugh. If it were only that easy. The Daily Prophet was going to have a field day with this. He tucked Chloe in her bed and settled down with the Daily Prophet. He glanced at an article on the front page, gave a great sigh. He sharply ripped the front page off, balled it up and tossed it in the fireplace. Harry then continued to read the paper as if that had been a perfectly normal thing to do.

~*~

"Today is going to be a happy day," Ginny announced to the children on Monday morning.

The nursery schoolers looked hopeful. They sat around the rug watching Ginny intently. A little boy with a mop of blond curls and brown eyes raised his hand. Ginny nodded to him.

"Is that because it's animal cracker day at snack time?" he asked with genuine interest.

"Yes, Isaiah, it is animal cracker day, but that is not the only reason it’s a happy day," smiled Ginny.

The class murmured among themselves about animal cracker day.

"After we have our first thirty minute playtime, we'll change the date on the calendar and then we'll have our special announcement."

"And Show and Tell!" shouted Meghan happily.

"Yes, Show and Tell. Now, class, which number will the big hand on the clock be on after thirty minutes? On the….” Ginny pointed at the big clock and waited.

"SIX!" shouted the class in unison.

They all scattered and went to their favorite centers. Chloe approached Ginny with a sheet of parchment and a quill.

"Ready to write the letter?"

"Yes, please," said Chloe setting the parchment on the table.

"How about I write my part, then you can add yours in right by mine?" asked Ginny taking the quill.

Chloe nodded. "I'll make sure you put the dots underneath your question marks."

"Good deal."

Dear Charlie,

I hope this letter finds you well. It was really too bad you had to miss the Christmas Ball. It was wonderful. You and Bill certainly are avoiding coming home quite a bit lately. (I'm just kidding.) I've been keeping busy with the Nursery School and a number of other things. Harry’s little girl, Chloe Potter, would like to add a small question. She’s terribly interested in the answer. DEAR MR. CHARLIE, DO DRAGONS SNEEZE FIRE? I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW. COULD YOU TELL ME ABOUT DRAGONS? CHLOE GRACE POTTER. Well, Charlie, that's all for now and I’ll see you at Christmas.

Love,
Ginny

“I like the purple!” exclaimed Chloe as she examined the letter. “Are you really sure that’s how you spell sneeze?”

Ginny nodded and folded the letter. “You did very well, you didn’t even need to ask how to spell fire.”

“I hope he sends his answer soon," Chloe said.

"He will." Ginny tied the letter to one of the school owls and they watched him take off out the windows. Chloe ran off to find Meghan to play before playtime was up.

Meghan was playing in the dress-up trunk with a boy named Sullivan. “Can I play too?” Chloe asked eagerly. Playing Pretend was her favorite game.

Meghan lifted her head out of the trunk and she was wearing a safari hat. “Yup! I’m a zoo-lady, Chloe!”

“Neat!” Chloe excitedly rummaged through the trunk. She produced a beekeeper hat and plunked it on her head.

“You’re the elephant,” Meghan informed Sullivan.

Sullivan shook his head. “I’m an Auror!”

“My daddy is an Auror,” said Chloe proudly. “He’s the best one.”

“Wow! What does he do?”

“He has lots of books,” Chloe said thoughtfully, “and he has to look at them before he goes to put the bad people in jail. He also knows a whole bunch of spells. He doesn’t do the bad ones though.”

“What does he eat?” asked Sullivan.

Chloe peeked out of the netting of her hat. “Um. Anything except stewed cabbage. He told me it’s the yuckiest thing invented.”

“May-be,” Meghan said suddenly, “it’s poison to Aurors.”

Chloe’s eyes widened. “I’m never eating it!”

“Me neither!” exclaimed Meghan.

“Aurors are boring,” complained Sullivan. “I thought they blowed up the bad guys.”

Chloe exchanged her hat for a flowery one and shook her head quickly. “Oh no! My daddy wouldn’t blow anyone up! I don’t think he’d want to….”

“Then I’m going to be a broom racer!” said Sullivan.

The children jumped when the door banged open.

“Who are they?” Chloe whispered, backing against the wall.

“Bad guys,” Meghan whimpered, grabbing Chloe’s hand as two fully cloaked figures swooped into the room.

Ginny felt her heart come to a screeching halt when she turned around and witnessed the hooded wizards tramp into her room. Death-Eaters.

"Children, come here!" said Ginny loudly. She sounded braver than she felt. Luckily the children all obeyed and huddled together behind her.

"Get out of my classroom!" Ginny brandished her wand at them and stood her ground.

One of the Death-Eaters muttered an unintelligible curse and Ginny felt pain travel down her spine and spread to every last nerve. It was all she could do to keep from screaming.

The other one swooped over the Nursery Schoolers, hands dangerously close to them.

Ginny managed to fight off the spell in her fury. "Get away from those children!" she screamed.

They didn't resort to magic this time. One of them slapped her sharply across the face, shoving her to the ground. Ginny tasted the blood on the inside of her cheek and struggled to get up. Several of her students had begun sobbing at the sight of their beloved teacher being slapped. The Death Eaters’ backs were turned…this was her chance…. She mustered all her strength and pulled herself up and shouted a curse at them. She managed to get one bound tightly with ropes but the one she missed lunged toward her. Ginny got one good smack to his head before he threw her to the ground again. From there she saw what they were doing….

Chloe felt her hand yanked away from Meghan's and she was lifted violently from the group. Chloe kicked and screamed but he threw her over his shoulder and started running for the door. The other Death Eater had freed himself from the ropes with and followed suit.

The door slammed shut. There was no sound except the shocked whimpers from the children. Ginny wiped the blood from her face and shakily tried to speak to her class from the floor.

"You will all be safe at home soon, I promise….” Ginny winced and gingerly felt one of her ribs.

Harry and a handful of Aurors Apparated into the room. He ran over to the children and frantically searched among their faces.

"Ginny! Where is she?" Harry kneeled at her side, took her hand and panic accented every line of his face. “Oh God, Ginny, you’re hurt! Say something!”

“They took her,” Ginny said closing her eyes painfully. “I tried, Harry…I tried….”

Harry quickly kissed the top of her hand and stood up. “Could you see who they were?”

“How could I, Harry? They were wearing masks.”

Harry gritted his teeth. He knew perfectly well who was behind this.

~*~

Disclaimer- The chapter title is from a song called “Happiness” on the “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown” soundtrack. I don’t own the HP characters and if I did, I probably wouldn’t have Book V out yet either. (Hurry, JKR!!!) *The dialogue with Harry telling Chloe that Snape is bad at laughing, belongs to my beta, Dr. C. It was too funny not to put in. J

Special thanks to the following wonderful people: Jill-y my editor-y, who let me keep the lines about the toadstools and the blooming business. (Minor victory!) Dr. Cornelius, my other awesome beta, who makes sure I don’t post anything too grammatically idiotic. Thank you to Andrea and Anne who took the time to teach me the French words you see in this. And finally, thanks to the people on Chloe’s Bookshelf who made suggestions for the flower note!

Thanks for reading!

Cait

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To be continued...

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Last updated Wednesday, March 20, 2002