Chapter thirty nine
The total silence that had fallen on the room was broken by a loud gasp from Richard "Dad!" was all that he said as he stared at the Bishop.
"Colin found him wandering up and down the lane, I wasn't sure about what to do," Dig said as the silence fell again.
"You did the right thing Dig," Hermione said as she shuffled to sit up a little more comfortably. "Hello Grand Father," she said in a rather stiff slightly scared voice.
"I…, he…, er…, the…, I wanted to see my grand daughter," the bishop said haltingly as he approached the bed with his hand held out in a formal way.
Every one stepped aside as they gave him room to reach Hermione, he stood next to the bed his hand still out stretched, his face stiff and his lips held in a tight line. Hermione could see fear behind the mans eyes as he looked down at her, she could almost feel the discomfort he was feeling as he stood there his hand still held out to her. Suddenly Hermione could see regret and pain in the old mans eye and she reached out and took hold of his offered hand with both of hers, she turned his hand over and pulled gently on it forcing him to lean forward over the bed, "I'm glad you came granddad, thank you," she said smiling at him.
She saw him relax just a little as she changed the formal greeting into a friendlier one; he was obviously not expecting a warm welcome, she thought as she held onto him for a few seconds longer. "You should say hello to your great grandson and daughter," she smiled as she nodded to her new borns.
Her words seemed to touch something inside him as his face relaxed into a small smile, without warning he leant even closer and enfolded Hermione in his arms, "I should explain," he said as she returned his embrace.
Harry watched as his family put the babies back into their mothers arms then as one they left the room, leaving just Harry watching as the bishop stared down at his great grandchildren, he mimed to Hermione that he was going to fetch a cup of tea and would return soon, she nodded to him in understanding as he too left the room. Turning to her grandfather Hermione awkwardly patted the bed next to her "We should talk, don't you think," she said as he looked down at her hand.
"I've made some really terrible mistakes," the bishop said as he sat on the bed next to Hermione, "I was overzealous when I was younger, and it led me to making some of the worst mistakes a man could make," the bishop began.
"We should talk of the future granddad and not dwell on past mistakes, if we put the past behind us where it belongs we can enjoy being a family," Hermione told him as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze.
The bishop took a deep breath, then looking at the floor similar to the way Harry did when he was embarrassed, he began to speak.
"I have had two unusual experiences in the past few months, the first one I was told by what sounded like a young mans voice, that I should meet you, the second one I had a visit from… well I'm not sure what he was, he had a long flowing white beard, he told me you would understand, said I was being given a second chance to be with my family thanks to your husband, he told me I should visit you, left me the address, that's how I knew where you live but I couldn't find the house, I should have visited you weeks ago but to be honest I was frightened you might turn me away, I've not exactly been a very nice person that's why I have retired, I wasn't doing a very good job of being a bishop, I was worried you would not want to see me, I hope your father can also find it in him self to forgive me."
Hermione thought instantly of Harry's visit to the bishop, then she thought of Merlin who must have been the second visitor, she wondered briefly why after so many years her family was so suddenly growing, being brought together.
Her thoughts were interrupted when Harry returned bearing a cup of tea for her; he sat on the opposite side of the bed to the bishop and took his son from Hermione, cradling him gently on his lap so that she was able to drink the much needed beverage. Hermione introduced Harry and when Harry said hello, the bishop stared at him for several moments before shaking his head, Harry's voice sounded so much like his first visitor.
"Harry, I, er, how did I get here?" the old man suddenly asked as though he had just realised, "I mean I was looking for your house, when that young man spoke to me, he vanished into thin air and another young man appeared a few minutes later, then I found myself here, where ever here might be, I know they were not supernatural because that last young man said he works for you."
Harry looked from the bishop to Hermione, he had no idea how to tell him he was in a hospital for wizards and witches, or how to tell him that they were magical people, Hermione was just about to speak when the door to the room opened and Marjorie and David Puckle walked in, they both stopped for a second and looked at Bishop Granger before they stepped forward again.
"Hi sweetheart, granddad and I came as soon as we heard, that strange little elf called to tell us you were here, we had a devil of a time getting past that witch on the front desk, kept insisting you had more than enough visitors," granny Puckle said without a pause, "Oh and I got my own wand, I shall be attending your squib school." She reached down and lifted her great grand daughter from Hermione's arm, with a huge smile she asked "And what have you named the little ones, I wonder if they will be as powerful as you and Harry?"
Harry chuckled "I think they are going to be greater than we are, I woke up this morning and found their accidental magic had turned me bright pink, I looked the same colour as Tonk's hair."
"Tonk's isn't she the law officer, Remus's girlfriend?" granddad Puckle asked.
"Yes that's her," Harry replied.
"Yes beautiful young witch she is," granddad Puckle said his eyes shining.
"David Puckle now you behave yourself in front of Mr Granger," Marge said with a chuckle.
"So Harry you're no longer just the greatest wizard who ever lived you're a father now how does that feel?" granddad Puckle asked.
Harry looked at David Puckle and suddenly realised that in just those last few words he had told the bishop exactly what he was wondering how to say.
Granddad Granger was looking at the Puckle's as though all his worst fears about them had been well founded, they were both insane, then he realised that neither his granddaughter or her husband were surprised with the strange questions. It did not take him long to put things together, he turned to look at Hermione his eyes asking for confirmation.
"Yes granddad," she answered his unasked question "the visitor you had was Merlin."
"He didn't know," granddad Puckle said surprised, "would you like me to explain it, you look rather tired love," he added looking at Hermione.
Before any one had a chance to answer him David Puckle caught hold of the bishop's elbow, "You come with me Henry, I have a few things to show you."
Bishop Granger was in no condition to argue, he was feeling confused and unsure, rising from Hermione's bed he allowed David to lead him from the room.
"Wonder where they are going?" Harry thought out loud.
"David will sort it out, it took him a while but he now seems almost as pleased as I am that he has a family of magical people," Marge said as she placed her great grand daughter back in Hermione's arms and moved around to take her great grandson from Harry.
David Puckle did what he thought would be the easiest thing he could to enlighten the straight laced Henry Granger, he took him to the hospital main entrance, together they sat down in the waiting area and watched the steady flow of witches and wizards coming and going, some of the sights they saw had them both chuckling before many minutes had passed.
"So there really are wizards?" Henry asked as he watched a man walk in with a huge book stuck to the side of his face.
"Yes and your great grand daughter is the greatest and most powerful witch there has ever been," David told him
"And her husband?" Henry asked.
"Ah yes Harry, not only the richest but also the greatest, he is far more powerful than even Merlin was, and do you know what is really odd? Despite everything, they are two of the kindest nicest people I ever met, they are both so full of love its hard to believe, Harry, well Harry grew up in a family that hated him…" David Puckle then went on to tell Henry all he knew about Harry and Hermione.
As David finished his story of Harry and Hermione, Henry Granger felt a hand on his shoulder and heard the whispered word "Dad."
Looking up he looked into his son's eyes "I wish your mother was here to see this," was all he said.
Richard Granger stood with his hand on his fathers shoulder and nodded, it was the first time he had ever heard his father mention his mother since he had been a small boy. The three men remained in the entrance hall watching the various strange sights until they were joined by Helen.
"Time we went to say goodbye to our little ones," she said as she placed her arm around her husband's waist.
Harry had been rushing around all morning putting up decorations, flowers, banners, and also ensuring that the marquee in front of the house was ready.
He paused from his tasks to send Peter Creevey off in the new estate car to collect the bishop and the Puckle's, he was still amazed at how well the bishop had taken things when he found out his great grand daughter was a witch married to a wizard, and he was still surprised that the Puckle's reaction to the bishop had been one of forgiveness and friendship.
Checking the time he decided he could afford to spend the next hour with his wife and children, the thought warmed his insides as he pictured his wife as she had fed the two hungry babies that morning, her breast had looked enormous, and to him it looked a rather painful task as the two little Potters clung to them and fed greedily.
'Hermione love, where are you?' he thought as he opened the backdoor and entered the kitchen.
'I'm upstairs sweetheart, feeding our children' she replied with a little humour in her voice.
'I'll be with you in a minute, fancy a cup of tea' Harry said as he checked to see if there was any hot tea in the pot.
'Yes please love, I could murder a cup of tea' Hermione told him as he filled the kettle with fresh water.
Harry thought back over the past month since the twins had been born, neither he nor Hermione had had a full nights sleep but they were so happy he found it hard to believe, his thoughts strayed to his previous life and he wondered how he had made it through all those years without Hermione.
He was snapped out of his thoughts by the whistling of the kettle as the water began to boil, making the tea he placed the pot along with the milk and two mugs on a tray and made his way to the bedroom.
The surprise Harry got when he opened the door was a huge one, Hermione was sitting with his mother, several other people were crowded around the two children all talking at once. Harry's father greeted him as he slowly closed the door and then rubbed his eyes, Merlin and two women stood on one side of the bed while on the other side Godric stood with two men, all of them were talking to the twins.
"Hey folks Harry's here," James called to the others.
Godric was the first of the visitors to reach Harry, having shook Harry's hand Godric then introduced Harry to his grandparents and great grandparents, Harry was finding it all a little hard to believe, his family had all gone awol to be here on the most important day of his children's first year, the naming day, the day when with ceremony and pomp they would be accepted into the wizarding world, and formally given their names and their godparents chosen.
"We decided that as Hermione will be having all her family with her today, that you should have yours here as well," Godric said as Lily waited patiently.
As soon as Godric finished speaking Lily took Harry into a hug, "Hello sweetheart, I'm so proud of you," she said as she shed a tear.
Harry held his mum tight and swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat, "Well mum, what do you think of your grandchildren?" he asked as he let go of her.
"With that mess of black hair they look just like you did on your naming day," Lily said the pride evident in her voice.
Harry and Lily were joined by Hermione and his dad, "I'm so happy you all came, mum, dad," Hermione said as she placed an arm around each of her in laws "So pleased."
Merlin joined them grumbling a little about no one ever naming one of their children after him. Harry chuckled "It would be a hard name to live up to."
Hermione looked at Merlin and smiled "I suppose we could have called them Merlin and Merlinetta, or something but we spent a lot of time deciding on the names, and we are both happy about the names we chose.
"I think the names are perfect," Lily said grinning at her ancestor.
"Yes me too," James said adding to Harry "best if I agree with the boss, don't you think son?"
Harry nodded vigorously he was definitely in agreement with that statement.
Chapter forty
Harry looked over at Hermione as she, helped by his mother who oddly looked about the same age as her daughter in law, put the finishing touches to little Richards miniature wizard robes, some thing about Hermione seemed to glow in some way, it took him a while to figure it out then it dawned on him, it was the pleasure in her eyes when she looked at her children, they seemed to light up her face with joy and pride. As far as he was concerned Hermione had never looked anymore radiant than she did right then as she dressed the twins for the coming celebration.
His eyes roamed over her from her head to her feet, 'heck she's turned into a beautiful woman' he thought even as his gaze stopped at her slightly larger than normal waist line, the memory of the softness of her stomach over the last few weeks flitted through his mind, 'she has just had twins and already her figure is returning' he thought slightly surprised, it wasn't that her figure was returning that had him surprised he already knew it would, it was the speed of it all.
Turning his attention away Harry looked disbelievingly out of the window, the warm sunny weather they had been enjoying had gone, and had been replaced by an extremely heavy rain; he could hear it pounding on the marquee roof even through the closed window. He was just thinking that it might ruin the naming celebrations when a hand was placed on his shoulder, looking to see who it was he found himself looking into the proud eyes of his father.
"You should move every thing into the dinning room, Glanry knows the phrase that will convert it into a ballroom," James said quietly as he looked out into the rain.
Harry checked his watch, he had about half an hour before the guests were due to arrive, if he was quick enough he might just be able to do it. Calling Glanry Harry told him what he was about to do.
"Master Harry should change for the celebration, we elves will arrange everything, sir," Glanry said as he looked at Harry still in his old jeans.
Harry looked down at himself "Sugar I forgot," he gasped before grabbing his fresh clothes from his wardrobe and rushing to the bathroom.
Hermione looked up into the eyes of Lily Potter, "Do all new mums feel this way?" she asked quietly as Lily tied the tiny shoes of Richard.
Lily beamed a smile at her "I was so proud of Harry, so happy and full of love on his naming day, I still am, I'm just sorry we missed so much of his life, we were never there to help him."
"You were always there Lily, every step he took he thought about you and James," Hermione said knowing it to be true.
Lily gave Hermione another smile "I'm so pleased that Harry was given the chance of some happiness, his coming back to put things right, I am so pleased he did the right thing, I'm so happy for him."
"That's all I ever want to do, is to make Harry happy," Hermione told Lily as they checked the twin's clothes for one last time.
"I know sweetheart, it is only through the power of the love you two share that we were able to come back and be here today, my boy loves you so much," Lily said as she cuddled her grand daughter.
"I wish you could join us at the celebration Lily," Hermione said wistfully
"Me too, but it can't be, no one else must know," Lily replied quietly "I mean we are dead remember."
"I know but…" Hermione trailed off she just wished that things could be a little different, she really liked her mother in law, they were so alike.
"I wish it was different too Hermione dear," Lily said as if she had heard Hermione's thought.
"I love you and James Mum," Hermione suddenly said as the two women picked up the babies.
There was a quiet knock on the door, without thinking Hermione called come in; it was a split second to late when she remembered about her guests.
Ginny Weasley dressed ready for the ceremony in a cream coloured dress that was tight fitting at the top but flared at the waist down to just below her knees entered the room and stopped in shock.
"Bloody waving wands, Hermione!" she exclaimed as she saw her tiny name sake floating a few feet from Hermione, "what the heck are you doing?"
Hermione looked at Lily wondering just what Ginny could see, "She can't see me," Lily mouthed smiling.
"Are you crazy, you can't levitate a little one like that," Ginny said sounding a little angry.
"I'm not…" Hermione trailed off.
"Ok Lily you can show yourself," Godric said as he noticed what was happening.
Hermione turned to him and gave him a smile of gratitude; the last thing she wanted was for her best friend thinking she was being reckless with her babies.
Ginny's jaw almost hit the floor as all of Harry's family revealed them selves to her, first Lily then James, followed by the grand parents and great grand parents they all appeared just behind Hermione. Godric and Merlin appeared near to the window, all of them were smiling at the shocked Ginny Weasley.
"This rain, you know I think it's his way of letting us know he's not happy with us," Merlin said as a flash of lightning lit up the room.
"You could be right," Godric nodded looking up at the ceiling.
Hermione had to chuckle at the look Ginny had on her face, "Ginny I would like you to meet Harry's family."
Ginny stared at Lily for a moment or two before she was able to speak "L-, Lily Potter?"
Lily laughed "Yes Miss Weasley and that tall dark haired handsome one is Harry's dad James, then we have the grand parents, those two rogues over by the window are Godric Gryffindor and Emrys Myrddin better known of course as Merlin."
Ginny looked around at the people who had so suddenly appeared, "How? Why? When?" she stammered as she finally collapsed onto a chair.
"They came to bring their heirs their blessings," Hermione said still chuckling at Ginny.
"Bloody hell," Ginny said as she looked from one face to the next "Godric, The Godric?"
"At your service my dear," Godric said with a sweeping bow.
"Bloody hell!" Ginny repeated her self.
Merlin lifted his beard and walked over to Ginny, then taking her hand in his he bowed and kissed her knuckles "Emrys Myrddin at your service M'lady," he said grinning, then he turned to Hermione "funny isn't it the last time a lady looked at me like that her name was Guinevere as well."
"Bloody hell!" Ginny repeated once more as she stared at her hand.
"Language Ginny, don't forget there are children here," both Hermione and Lily said in unison then they burst out laughing in unison.
"Bloody hell!" Ginny gasped again.
Harry walked back into the bedroom to find his family all chuckling at Ginny, "Hi gin," he said as he walked over to James.
"Can you fasten this for me dad," Harry said waving a bow tie.
"What ever do you want to wear one of those things for, isn't the Gryffindor tie good enough," Godric said pulling a funny face at Harry. "It was so much better in my day; none of that fancy stuff bit of a cravat was all we used."
James gave Harry a questioning look "He's right you know, you would look better with a Gryffindor tie instead."
Ginny watched as Harry talked with his dead father as though it was the most normal thing in the world
"Bloody hell!" she exclaimed once more.
Hermione walked over to Ginny and gently placed little Richard in her lap, "Just hold Rich for me Gin," she said as she did so.
Hermione walked over to Harry's wardrobe and grabbed his old school tie, then she offered it to Harry "Don't you dare say a word Mr Potter," she said as Harry took the offered tie.
"I wouldn't dream of it love, but I did say I should wear my Gryffindor tie," Harry chuckled, then he looked at Ginny and noticed the shocked expression on her face "what's wrong with Gin?" he asked.
Lily chuckled "I don't think she expected to see us."
"Ginny, you can't tell anyone what you saw here," Harry said as he looked into her eyes.
Ginny looked up at Harry "Do you think I'm mad Harry, they would have me locked up in the crazy ward at St Mungo's faster than Canis can eat his dinner," Ginny said her face a picture of surprise "can you image it if I walk around telling everyone I just met Godric Gryffindor, and Merlin kissed my hand,"
Harry chuckled "Well when you put it that way," he leant forward and kissed her cheek "wouldn't want our children's godmother locked in St Mungo's now would we."
Another flash of lightning lit up the room "We have to go," James said as he looked up listening to some unheard voice.
Harry and Hermione just had time to say goodbye to every one before they all vanished.
"Are we ready?" Harry asked as he stepped between the two women left in the bedroom.
Hermione carried Guinevere while Harry carried Richard and together the three of them made their way down to the dinning room where they were met by Neville, the room looked enormous it was at least five times its original size and it had been huge to begin with, Glanry and the house elves had re-organised everything and all was ready for when the first guest arrived.
Half an hour later Mr Weasley stood and asked for everyone to be quiet "If you would all take your seats please," He said as he nodded to Harry.
Harry and Hermione stood and together they walked across the room to where Mr Weasley was waiting. Arthur stood and cleared his throat "I have been asked to officiate at today's naming ceremony; it is a task I feel very honoured and privileged to do, for I have known both Harry and Hermione since they first entered the wizarding world. I have for a long time now thought of both Harry and Hermione as two of my own children, that said I now consider the two little ones we are here to name as my first two adopted grandchildren. I have watched this young couple grow up, Harry from a scrawny little fellow who was lost at Kings cross station, to the man he is today, I know he will make an excellent father.
And Hermione once a bushy haired plain little thing who had all the answers, I am sure that if not for her Harry would still be chasing the evil that was Voldemort. I know that future generations will remember the greatest witch of our time and all that she has done. I have watched as she grew into the beautiful young woman she is today, a woman who will be the best mother she can possibly be, a young woman I am very proud to know.
Harry and Hermione are you both agreed on names for these two new members of your family? If you are you both in agreement then let their names be entered in to the register of the magical community."
Harry and Hermione answered together "We are in agreement."
"Then let the names of Richard Neville Potter and Guinevere Helen Potter be entered into the register." Arthur then shook hands with Harry and kissed Hermione on the cheek.
Now who will stand as godparents to these two new members of our community?"
Ron looked just a little miserable as Ginny and Neville walked out to the front to join Harry and Hermione, Harry and Hermione handed their babies over two their two best friends.
Neville was a little nervous but he took a deep breath and proudly held little Richard in his arms, a slightly teary eyed Ginny held the little bundle that was her name sake and looked lovingly at Neville, she hoped that some day in the near future that they could stand together and watch the naming of their first child.
Arthur took a moment to collect him self as he saw the look his little girl gave the man next to her, she was in love and Arthur knew it in that instant.
"Neville Ambrose Longbottom, do you swear to take on the duties of godfather, to protect and take up parentage of these children Guinevere Helen, and Richard Neville Potter, should their parents be unable?" he asked solemnly.
Neville took a deep breath, he was not used to speaking out in public, "I Neville Ambrose Longbottom, do solemnly swear in front of those gathered that I will undertake the care of these children, I shall protect and care for them as their father should the need arise."
One of Neville's knees was shaking but he calmed when Ginny gave him a smile and a look of pride.
Arthur turned to Ginny "Ginevra Molly Weasley, do you swear to take on the duties of godmother, to protect and take up parentage of these children Guinevere Helen, and Richard Neville Potter, should their parents be unable?" he asked.
Ginny drew her self up to her full height "I Ginevra Molly Weasley do solemnly swear in front of those gathered that I will undertake the care of these children, I shall protect and care for them as their mother should the need arise."
The huge cheer that rose from the guests was deafening, but the twins slept through it, the sound of scraping chairs filled the air as everyone rose to congratulate Harry and Hermione before moving on to congratulate Ginny and Neville.
Neville stood surrounded by friends and acquaintances gently rocking his godson as people wished him the best, turning to Ginny he suddenly spoke up right in front of Arthur "I, er, will you marry me one day Ginny?"
Ginny stared at him in surprise barely nodding her head; she could hardly believe what she had heard.
"You really should answer him dear," Arthur whispered into her ear.
Ginny had tears running down her face when she leant forward and kissed Neville, it was an awkward kiss as they still held the babies, "Yes Neville Ambrose Longbottom, Yes."
There was a huge grin on Harry's face when he took up the position that Arthur had been standing in, raising his voice over the noise he called for silence. Everyone in the room fell silent and waited for Harry to speak,
"Friends and family I want to thank you all for coming here today in this atrocious weather, I know you all came to celebrate the naming of the two new Potter's, well tonight we have something else to celebrate as well, Mr Longbottom has just asked our best friend to marry him, and Ginny said yes." Harry finished speaking and went over to an overwhelmed Ginny, kissing her on the cheek for the second time that day he whispered "you take good care of him, you hear," he then chuckled as he watched a surprised Hermione give a red faced Neville a kiss on his cheek.
Harry took their son from Neville while Hermione took their daughter, then with a baby in one arm and holding hands with the other Harry and Hermione walked over to their table and sat down. Neville and Ginny remained where they were it was as though they were both rooted to the spot, that is until the Weasley twins startled them. Harry and Hermione were joined by Hermione's mother and father who were laughing and joking with the Puckle's and Mr Granger senior.
'That's a sight I never imagined the first time I met the bishop' Harry thought to Hermione.
'I'm so happy they all seem to have forgotten their differences, perhaps there is someone we should maybe try to forgive'Hermione replied.
'Sorry love but there are some things that just can't be put right, one of them is the gap between me and Ron, besides Neville is my best friend now, and has been for a long time' Harry said as he took a sip of butterbeer.
"That was an amazing ceremony," the bishop said as he reached over and gently rubbed a finger along his great grand daughters cheek "she is so beautiful."
"You getting soppy in your old age dad?" Richard asked his father a smile breaking on his face.
"No son, not soppy, I just woke up, I think I may finally be getting a little wisdom," the bishop answered.
"Yes well I have to agree with you, our little Ginny is a beauty, maybe she will take after her mother," Richard said as he too stroked her cheek
"Well I hope you are both right, because I should hate her to look like me," Harry laughed.
Hermione sat back listening and stored all they were saying in her memory, she was proud of her husband and she was proud of their children, she was so pleased that they had not waited to have a family and began to think of when she might have the next baby. The party slowly turned into a celebration for Neville and Ginny, as they formally announced that they were now engaged, the party was still going strong when at one in the morning Harry went up to bed to join Hermione who had left early to put the twins to bed.
forty one
Hermione sat in the bedroom, the twins happily sleeping next to her on the bed, they had both been fed and bathed and had fallen asleep together. As she stared down at them she decided to once again try and talk to Harry after breakfast. Today was the fourth day since the naming ceremony and she had hardly seen anything of Harry at all, she found having one month old twins was a rather tiring task, and had taken to going to bed a little early. Before the naming Harry had helped during the day and joined her every night in a nightcap before they both, feeling tired climbed into bed, but for the past few days Harry had gotten up and gone out before she woke and came home well after she had gone to bed, and she was getting worried by this odd behaviour. It seemed he did not wish to speak to her either because each time she tried to talk to him he told her he was just a little busy and would talk when he got home, which he had not done.
'Tonight, I'll wait up for him, I'll make him talk to me' she thought as she placed a bed sheet over her two sleeping children, "sleep well my precious ones," she whispered.
Just a mile away over on the other side of the hill from Potter House, Harry stood in the middle of the lane that ran along the edge of his land, "So Albus just one more thing to do."
Albus Dumbledore looked at the new building in front of him and watched as two workmen took down the sign that read 'Higgins, Higgins and Higgins, Builders to the wizarding world'.
"It was hard work but I think it will be worth it," Albus said cheerfully.
"I hope so, I think Hermione is beginning to suspect something," Harry said sounding just a little worried.
"Well we'll know in the morning if it was all worth it," Dumbledore said smiling, "I have arranged for everyone to be here for nine."
"One fifteen, I'll be able to get home early today," Harry said checking his watch as he watched four men putting up a large wrought iron gate.
Thirty minutes later Harry smiled as the last workman finished polishing the sign above the gate, a rather short stocky man approached him "Well that's it Harry, all done and right on time."
"Yes and thanks Claude, you did a grand job, I'm really pleased with it, I just hope it was worth risking the wife's anger," Harry replied grinning.
"I'll just gather my men up and we'll be off, thanks for the bonus by the way," Claude Higgins said wiping at his bald head with a handkerchief.
"I rather fancy a cup of tea," Albus said as the Higgins vans and trucks all drove off down the lane, "but first," he pulled out his wand and with just a tiny flick the field around the building was transformed in to a beautiful lawn.
"Shall we go," Albus said striding off in the direction of Potter House.
Harry fell in step with his friend and great, great grandfather in law,
"When I arrived this morning, I was remembering all the things that you and Hermione got up to at school," Albus said casually as they walked, "I remember it all, from the first day you arrived, but the part that stands out in my memories is the day you kissed my granddaughter in the great hall."
Harry blushed a little though he had no idea why, "And what bought all this on?" he asked.
"Oh I just wondered how I would have reacted had I known then that Hermione is my great, great granddaughter," Albus chuckled as various scenes of the things that may have happened flitted through his mind.
Harry looked at the headmaster in surprise "You saw that kiss then?"
"Oh indeed Harry, and I can tell you I was so pleased that the rumours of a romance with Mr Weasley were proven false and unfounded."
"Me too," Harry shuddered at the memories of Hermione being married to Ron in his other life.
"What I'm trying to get at Harry is that I am proud of you both, more so than you know," Albus smiled.
Harry had no idea what to say to the older man so he just carried on walking along side him.
Then Albus asked the question he had avoided since Harry had shown him his memories of the battle of Hogwarts.
"If Voldemort died and all three of you survived the battle as in your memory I saw, what was the reason for your being returned to the fourth year?"
Harry stared at Albus knowing if he was not told he would return to the question again and again, he decided he would tell him, but no more than he had told Hermione since the night his mother had returned.
"As you know Hermione and I are soul-mates, well I never knew that in my other time, I was foolish in that life and I believed those rumours of a romance between her and Ron, so I stepped back and buried my feelings for her, I was stupid and stood by while she married him, it was a marriage that led to her death in the end, she died married to the wrong man, and at the wrong time, and that caused some major catastrophe in the time line.
Then you appeared to me that night told me what needed to be done to put things right, you told me nothing specific, just that I had the choice of going back to correct things, and that I would have to face it all again.
You didn't say go back in time and kiss Hermione or anything like that, you just told me that she should have died many years after she did, and that her name should have been Hermione Potter, having the chance to be with the woman I loved was something I could not resist so I took it. You know the rest." Harry finished.
Albus nodded and fell silent, his small worry that had been there from the day he learnt Harry had come back in time, the worry that Harry had maybe returned to save or to prolong his own life left him, and relief filled him instead. Harry had returned prepared to face Voldemort again for love, he was pleased that his belief in Harry was well founded, the boy had a great capacity for love, and all of it was directed at his great, great granddaughter Hermione.
Minutes later they reached Potter House and entered the kitchen of Potter House, 'I'm home love' Harry called to Hermione who was still up in the bedroom. He could feel she was not too happy with him at the moment so he added 'your grandfather is here too'.
'Would you mind coming and collecting your son' Hermione replied not sounding at all happy with him, she was not going to let him get away with his odd out of character behaviour over the past few days.
Harry knew even before he left Albus who was making the tea that he was in for a rough time, Hermione was definitely mad at him for some reason. As soon as he walked in to the bed room Hermione spoke to him rather coldly, "Oh, you remembered where you live then, and I see you haven't changed much since our children last saw you, hopefully they will remember who you are."
Harry surprised at her words didn't have a single clue what to say, he knew an apology right now would not work, not when Hermione was in to a full on lecture mood.
"Don't I get a welcome home kiss?" he asked as he approached the bed.
"I'm not sure I remember how to kiss," Hermione said picking up little Ginny.
"Did I do something wrong, love?" Harry asked and knew instantly he had said the wrong thing, he saw the lecture face instantly vanish to be replaced by the look that told him Hermione would not speak to him. He just hoped all this was worth it.
Hermione just could not believe what he had just asked, 'did he do something wrong, there are times when I would willingly strangle him' she thought as she barged past him and walked out of the door.
Harry shrugged and picked up his son "Come on Rich, your old pop is in trouble again," he sighed.
Hermione sat down at the table after giving Albus a quick hello kiss on his cheek; they were joined just seconds later by Harry who gave Albus a small shrug before he too sat down at the table. They drank their tea without a single word being spoken, Dumbledore could feel the silence it was so strained, but for a while he just could not think what do or to say that would not lead to questions from Hermione, then he had an idea.
"So Harry you were telling me about having to face it all again, how about telling me all about your first Horcrux hunt, and how it led to the last battle, perhaps you could even tell me about that battle."
Harry could see Hermione was purposely ignoring him and would do so for the rest of the day, so he decided now was as good a time as any to satisfy Albus's curiosity. He reached over and picked up the tea pot, having topped up his mug he began to tell all about his, Hermione, and Ron's hunt for the Horcrux's, he did purposefully omit the part where he finished with Ginny, and he began his tale on the morning after they buried Dumbledore. He missed nothing important or significant out from the day after the funeral of the headmaster, he told them in detail about the last battle, some of the memories bringing back a sadness he had forgotten about. It was early evening when he finished the story; Albus had just conjured another pot of tea.
"So you had a small part of Voldemort attached to your own soul, I don't know if I would have been able to just stand there and allow Voldemort to kill me," Albus said quietly.
Harry thought about Albus's sacrifice with Grindelwald, he knew he had already done it all before, that's how he met Fawks his Phoenix. Ignoring this Harry continued with his answer.
"Yes, it was very strange really, when I woke up I knew I had been dead, I didn't know how long for, and I didn't remember what it was like being dead, I remember how hard it was just to lie there while Voldemort kicked me and flung me about, I remember the way Hagrid carried my apparently lifeless body, and I remember the bravery of Neville who stood up and confronted Voldemort, killing the huge snake Nagini with Gryffindor's sword, even though they all thought me dead, they were not going to give in to him," Harry sat back and switched Richard from one side to his other side.
"It's a fascinating story Harry, I'm happy that you were able to prevent all that loss of life this time" Albus said as he finished his tea. "Now I really should get back to Hogwarts, the duty's of a headmaster call."
Harry noticed tears sliding down Hermione's cheeks when she kissed her grandfather goodnight, he rose from his seat and took Richard and placed him in one of the two baby cots they kept in the living room, then he returned to walk to the gate with Albus, once outside the house and on the driveway Albus spoke in a whisper
"If she is still mad at you after that, I'll swim the Atlantic naked."
Harry couldn't help himself and laughed, "You crafty old thing," he said as he hugged the headmaster before he left, "see you in the morning."
Hermione was in the living room when Harry got back, she stood by the fireplace looking down at their children, he walked over to her and without a word they both held out their arms and then hugged, Harry held his wife tight, whispering in her ear, "Hi sweetheart."
They stood there for quite some time just holding each other before Hermione spoke "Would you have done it all again?"
"Whats that love?" he asked in reply.
"Would you have given up your life to save everyone?" she said slowly.
"I didn't do it for everyone, I did it for you, and our friends, I wanted you to have a happy and peaceful world to bring your children into," he answered being honest.
"I love you so much Harry," she said squeezing him hard.
"Yeah well I don't need to give up living now, so can I breathe?" he gasped with a huge grin on his face.
Hermione chuckled and let him go, "Sometimes Harry you can be so, so, ugh," she said.
The next morning Hermione woke to find Harry missing once again, she stroked his still warm pillow and wondered why he was gone this time. It did not take her many seconds to discover that her twins were also missing; reluctantly she pushed herself out of bed and went to shower.
She was still in the shower when she heard Harry calling her, telling her that breakfast was ready and that she should hurry up because he wanted to go out for a walk. Slightly annoyed that he was going to be going out again she finished her shower dressed and went down to the kitchen, she found two hungry babies, and a perplexed Harry who was trying to puzzle out how to work the baffling contraption that was a double baby buggy. It was obvious he had absolutely no clue what so ever of how to set it up.
Harry was in a hurry to go somewhere, Erin and cook were spectators to one of the more unusual breakfasts in the Potter household that morning, as Hermione sat at the table, breast feeding two hungry babies, which was a two handed task, leaving her unable to eat the food Harry had prepared for her, so Harry was feeding her, it all seemed a little silly to Hermione and she kept chuckling as she indicated just what she wanted to eat next.
"Harry why all the rush?" she asked between forkfuls
"We're going for a walk, you me and the babies," he looked at the buggy and growled "You might have to help me with that thing though it seems stuck."
Hermione finished feeding both herself and the twins, then reaching down to the buggy and simply pressing a red button she pulled the buggy handle unfolding it to its full height. With a huge smile at the look of bewilderment on Harry's face she put the twins into the buggy and made sure that they would be well wrapped and warm enough.
Twenty minutes later after a steady walk up the lane, Harry who had volunteered to push the buggy for her, stopped the buggy and looked out over his fields, "This way," he said as he turned and walked straight at the hedgerow.
Hermione panicked as Harry rushed forward a little quickly, she was wondering what he was thinking pushing their twins at a hedge, she watched as Harry and the buggy vanished from view through the hedges, just as they did through the barrier on platform 9 ¾ at Kings cross station. Quickly following she rushed through the hedge just as he had done; she stopped dead in mid stride and nearly fell over as she looked at what appeared to be Hogwarts castle.
Harry had reached the main entrance and was waiting for her, as she looked she realised there was a smaller door set into the huge oak doors, Harry pushed the buggy inside then stood waiting for her.
Hermione was staring at the main gate, or more precisely at the sign above the main gate that read 'The Hermione Potter Academy of Magic'. 'So this is what he was doing' she thought as she let out the breath she had been holding.
Following Harry she found herself in a small version of Hogwarts, there were six classrooms down stairs and accommodation for forty pupils upstairs, which Harry showed her first, "Right now the heads office," Harry said as he led her down a small corridor, Harry opened the door and stood aside for his wife to enter.
A huge cheer broke out as she entered the room followed by a chorus of happy birthday Hermione. The rather large and comfortable office was full of family and friends, along with four people Hermione did not know.
Harry introduced the new people "These dear are your new teachers," he leant over and kissed her cheek "Happy birthday, your ladyship," he chuckled.
Hermione stood speechless, a tear falling down her cheek, having the twins and getting ready for the naming ceremony she had forgotten her own birthday, she felt a swelling in her heart as she thought of the hours Harry had to have put into building her, her own small version of Hogwarts, and she had been ready to yell at him for it.
Everyone she knew as a friend was there, the huge pile of presents sitting on the desk were all piled behind a name plate, that said 'Hermione J Potter, Headmistress'
The birthday party went on all morning, with Harry promising that there would be another more formal party that evening at Potter House.
After most of the people had gone Hermione was left sitting with her family. It was Aberforth who caught her by her elbow, "I think the headmistress should try her desk for size." he said leading her around the large oak desk.
A knock on the door silenced everyone in the room, "Come in," Hermione called.
Remus Lupin entered, "Excuse me Headmistress our first class has arrived, I just wondered if you would like to welcome them," he said casually.
"Remus is deputy head master and has volunteered to stand in for you until you are ready to take up your post," Albus said as the Family friend grinned from the door way.
"No Remus, as headmaster it will be your task to welcome the new pupils," Hermione said smiling at the look he gave her "I have the twins for now." She said answering his unasked questions about his very sudden promotion.
"We should welcome our first pupils, to the first wizard free school," Harry said taking her hand in his "come on, I'm sure mum will watch the children."
"Free school Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Yes love, I set up a trust to run the school, so that squibs like the Creevey's get a chance at changing their future." Harry answered going a little red faced.
Both Harry and Hermione walked with Remus into the first class room to be used and welcomed the ex-squibs to the new school. All the pupils there had been in the class at Hogwarts where their school had begun on a temporary basis.
Chapter forty two
Authors Note, Ok folks even with the dire threat of an enormous ear bashing from my grandchildren looming for ending it here, here we have the last chapter in this tale.
I hope you all enjoyed reading about my version of Harry and Hermione after Voldemort, I offer my thanks to all of you who reviewed these chapters for me, it's the reviews that keep me going, anyway read on and I hope you enjoy the chapter. Merlinsaprentice1.
Hermione Jane Potter sat in the gallery looking down on the scene below with her heart almost bursting with pride as the procession below them entered the huge oak doors of the House of Lords. Her five year old twins sat as good as gold as they watched their father in all his red and gold regalia as he walked for the first time with the other lords of the land as they entered the vast chamber of parliaments upper house.
Hermione straightened out the hair of her youngest daughter three year old Lily, lifting the sleeping girl gently she moved her into a more comfortable position on her lap as the baby in her womb kicked at her insides.
"You'll get your turn to see your father all dressed up, soon enough," she whispered to her unborn child as it gave her another mighty kick.
"Will I be a lord when I grow big, mummy?" asked little Ginny.
"No sweetheart, you will grow to be a lady, just like me," Hermione answered.
"Urgh, that's horrible," Rich said grimacing.
"Why is it so horrible?" Hermione asked her son smiling at his expression.
"You nearly always got a fat tummy," Rich said gazing at her bulging stomach.
Hermione chuckled 'I suppose it would look that way to him' she thought as she looked down and surveyed the results of her third pregnancy.
"I hope your daddy doesn't think the same way," she said chuckling at her son's remark.
"I'm glad I won't have to wear all that silly fur," Ginny announced quietly as the door to the chamber below closed with a loud thump.
Hermione stood, "Come on you two little rogues, aunty Ginny is meeting us outside, then we have to go to Diagon Alley to collect our wedding robes."
"Do I have to get all dressed up," little Ginny asked pouting.
"Guinevere Helen Potter, you really are just like your daddy," Hermione grinned as she placed Lily in her buggy "he's another one who never likes to dress up."
"Aunty Ginny said I have to carry the rings," Rich said sounding proud.
With one twin either side of the buggy, both of them holding on tight, they made their way out to the pavement where Ginny Weasley was waiting, together with Ginny holding the twins hands they walked at a steady pace to Diagon Alley, after Ginny had asked about Harry they spent the rest of the time chatting all the way to the Alley about Ginny's upcoming wedding.
Lord Gryffindor of Hogsmeade took his place in the house of lords, he sat down in the plush leather seat and watched as several newly created peers were introduced to the house, he watched the odd ritual as they bobbed up and down in their seats doffing their hats each time they stood, then replacing them on their heads when they sat down, then after the third time they left the chamber shaking hands with the lord chancellor as they left.
Harry chuckled a little and thanked his lucky stars that he was an hereditary peer and did not have to suffer the bobbing ceremony.
He remained in his seat for two hours or so then quietly he left the chamber, and finding somewhere quiet and with no one around he disapparated to Diagon Alley, entering the Leaky Cauldron he asked Tom the barman if he could use one of the private rooms to change his clothes.
Minutes later Harry was back in the bar dressed in his old blue jeans and white shirt with a black tee shirt showing through the gap caused by having the top three buttons of his shirt open. After drinking a nice cool butterbeer he left the bar in search of his family.
'Hermione love, where are you?' he asked as he approached the book shop.
'Flourish and Blotts, sweetheart, your little tomboy daughter wants a book on quidditch, I don't know what it is that you and Nev have been teaching her, if I didn't know better I would say you have been letting the two little rogues fly that old broom of yours' Hermione said with a hint of humour in her voice.
'Who me? As if I would dare, now if you were to say their aunty Ginny… well I might be tempted to agree, mind you don't you go telling her I told you, I don't fancy that bat bogey jinx she's so good at' Harry said laughing.
Harry entered the shop to find his family, Hermione and Ginny had collected the new robes and they had also done some other shopping as well, little Ginny and Rich rushed their father as he walked toward them, Harry carefully lifted them both, one held firmly in each arm.
"Mummy said I'm going to be a lady when I grow big daddy," Ginny said proudly
"Well I'm not," Rich declared seriously "I want to drive the big red train when I grow big."
Harry gave each of his twins a kiss on their cheeks before he placed them back on their feet. The kisses earned a 'yuck' from Rich while Ginny rubbed at her cheek with her sleeve. Harry stooped down said hi and gave the little three year old Lily a kiss and a gentle hug, then he turned and placed his ear on Hermione's stomach and whispered "Hi in there baby." After a day of shopping and a rather large meal in the Leaky Cauldron they all climbed into their car where a patient Peter Creevey sat waiting to take them home.
Neville and Ginny were having their wedding and celebration party at Potter House because there were to be so many guests neither the Burrow nor Longbottom Manor were thought big enough to hold everyone. Preparations were well underway as Ginny and Hermione left Harry and Neville with the children while they went up stairs to try on their new clothes. On the day of the wedding all the Weasleys men and their wives arrived early to complete all the decorations, Ron arrived with his girlfriend Luna who actually looked wistfully at Ginny's wedding robes.
"You'll be next Ron," Hermione said as she watched Luna looking lovingly at the tall gangly red head.
As usual Ron's face turned bright red, "I can't get any time off," he announced as he always did when ever anyone mentioned getting married.
"Your sister has just given up her career as the Harpies lead chaser to get married, so I think you should be able to take a few days off," Molly Weasley said a slight sound of annoyance in her voice "poor Luna has waited years for you to get your act together, mark my words you leave it much longer and she will be gone."
The guests including Sirius and his fiancé, a healer from St Mungo's began to arrive at around eleven, Remus Lupin arrived at eleven thirty with Tonk's his wife of six months, they brought with them the news that they were to be parents, which called for a lot of congratulations and hand shaking.
Dig arrived with his girlfriend Susan Bones, one of their friends from school.
Albus Dumbledore arrived with Minerva McGonagall, Hermione's grandparents arrived together with the Grangers, once again surprising Harry by how well they got on together after their long years as almost enemies.
Harry was upstairs with Neville as the fingers on the clock pointed to five minutes to two, "Well come on Nev, time to throw you to the wolves," he chuckled as he pulled his nervous friend out of the room.
Down stairs in a room just off the ball room Ginevra Molly Weasley was just as nervous as Neville, she had waited for this day for more than five years and she was praying her crazy twin brothers did nothing to spoil the day for her. Dressed in a white backless dress with a low cut front, gold trimmings all around the edges, and tiny red roses around the hem Ginny watched as her father walked into the room.
"It's time Gin," he said with a tear in his eye, when he walked up to her and held out his arm for her to hold as he took her to her groom, he could not resist saying just how beautiful she looked, he had a tear in his eye as they walked out of the room and down the aisle between the two families, the Longbottoms on one side and the Weasleys on the other.
Neville stood waiting nervously with Harry as his best man as they watched the approach of the beautiful looking Ginny. Their vows were said and the binding charms glowed, spreading a golden light around their hands as they held each others hands then kissed lovingly. The entire ceremony went without any pranks or surprises from the Weasley twins whose only contribution to the entire day apart from a good consumption rate of fire whisky, was an amazing firework display as the sun set in a beautiful swirl of red coloured sky across the horizon. Late that night while the drinking and celebrating continued in the ball room Neville and Ginny left by port key for their month long honeymoon at one of Harry's properties in Portugal.
Three months later on November twenty first, at nine in the evening, after an almost trouble and magic free pregnancy, unusual for a witch, Hermione gave birth to their second son Henry David Potter, Harry cradled his new son and thought that all he had been through he would willingly go through again to see the look of unconditional love on Hermione's face as she watched him. Then with a sudden scary thought he looked up at the ceiling "But not for many, many years yet," he chuckled rocking his new son to sleep in his arms.
The End.
A/Note, have any of you wondered how the strange taboo on the word 'Voldemort' in book seven could possibly work even with magic, I mean some how the wizarding world would need to keep track of over 60 million people and their conversations twenty four seven and be able to instantly inform and despatch a team of wizards to catch the guilty party. Now even with electronics which are practicaly instantanious you still could not inform and dispatch a team of people to any location on the map quick enough to catch the guilty speaker. JKR's idea that Harry spoke the word and the catch team showed up before they could scramble from the tent is just totally impossible, it seems to be yet another huge hole in the series, mind you there are more plot holes in the stories than there are holes in a wagon load of culanders thats my opinion anyway.