An Unusual Last Request by csunsure

Chapter 1: Prologue - An introduction
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Chapter 2: The awful Truth
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Chapter 3: The request
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The request

 

Suddenly the door opens with a bang causing Harry to jumped to attention from the armchair he’d nestled himself into, scattering the numerous parchments he’d acquired in the last 10 minutes across the office floor. Wand tightly gripped in his hand facing the sole entry point he was ready to fight. Even knowing his fate he wanted to die on his terms by Volemort’s hand.

 

 In front of him stood a bloodied, battered and bedraggled collection of wizards and witches all familiar faces to Harry but he couldn’t relax yet. Almost silently, he performed Petrificus Totalus on each of the seven witches and wizards in front of him it didn’t surprise Harry that the three at the front of the group were Neville, Colin and Ginny. Still in combat mode, Harry emotionlessly stated that he would ask them each a question only they would know. He started with Ron and work his way through to Remus when each person’s identity was confirmed he asked Remus, Tonks, Ginny and Hermione to wait in the anteroom.

 

 

 Colin, Neville and Ron looked at Harry expectantly.

 

“Hi guys sorry to pull up here but I need something doing before I hand myself over to Voldemort ...”

 

At this all three young men in front of him interrupted loudly asking him what the hell he was thinking Harry didn’t have time for this so casted a Silencing Charm at them and continued.

 

 “Voldemort is using items to prevent death and Hermione, Ron and myself have destroyed all but two” at the last remark Ron looked confused but was still unable to speak so had to let it go. “The last thing that needs to be destroyed before I face Voldemort is his snake Nagini. I was wondering if you three could hunt her down and kill her before the deadline, unfortunately several things have come up which only I can do that are going to take up the time I have left . I trust you three with my life I know it’s a lot to ask but would you be able to this for me.”

 

The three young men in front of Harry nodded. “Ok Ron do you have or know where the Basilisk Fangs are?” Ron nodded and pulled two from his pocket Harry indicated Ron to hand the spare to Colin.

 

 On instinct Harry suddenly spun on the spot pick the Sorting Hat off of a nearby shelf and handed it to Neville telling him to think of killing the snake suddenly the sword of Godric Gryffindor appeared in a shocked Neville’s hands seeing this Harry smiled.

 

“See Neville I always knew you were a true Gryffindor Dumbledore once said to me ONLY a true Gryffindor could pull that sword from the Sorting Hat” at this Neville seemed to grow and radiate the same confidence Harry had seen when entering the Room of Requirement earlier that evening.

 

 

“Right I need to deal with other things the sword and the fangs are the only way to kill the snake please be very careful Nagini is deadly and I could not stand it if any of you got killed doing something at the direct request of me.”

 

 

With that Harry hugged each of the young men in front of him asked them to stay safe, thanked them for their support and asked them show the others waiting outside in. The three men exited the office abet Ron hesitantly.

 

 

Harry looked at his watch as a group of four entered the room and saw an hour and 30 minutes left. Looking at the faces of those now in front of him he could see the apprehensiveness, uncertainty, fear and in Ginny’s case a little bit (or maybe a lot) of anger. Rather than focus on that he knew he needed to push on and unfortunately that meant pissing off Ginny more for the next ten minutes or so. He looked at Ginny in the eye and casted Petrificus Totalus at Ginny for the second time in 15 minutes hoping that she could see the love in his gaze. Tonks, Remus and Hermione eyed Harry curiously but did not comment. Harry looked at the prone figure of Ginny and spoke for the first time since the foursome re-entered the office.

 

 

“Sorry Ginny but I need to speak to these 3” motioning to Tonks, Remus and Hermione “privately before we talk forgive me but I didn’t want you to be outside alone and this way I get to spend a little more precious time in your presence.” He then asked Tonks to conjure a bed for Ginny to lay on and proceeded levitate Ginny onto the bed.

 

Then Harry cast a Muffliato charm over the small group around him and proceeded to tell them his undeniably fate. Shortly after starting his tale the three people around him were in tears and Harry was only just mastering his own emotions but he knew he couldn’t afford to lose control yet.

 

Ginny was watching from the corner of the room still seething at Harry for his actions towards her since his abrupt arrival in the castle after months of her waiting for sight or sound of him. Her heart had leapt at the sight of him but had shattered all over again at his dismissal in the room of requirement. Now she didn’t know what to think but one thing she was certain of based on the expressions of those across the room, was that when Harry finally did speak to her it was not going to be the happy reunion she had been imagining for the last 9 months.

 

Across the room Harry was starting on the more difficult part of the discussion “... obviously I wanted to tell you 3 before it happen as you’re the closest thing I’ve got to family. Hermione I choose not to tell Ron coz I honestly didn’t think I could handle his reaction he’d make it about he and that’s not what I need right now. I also I think he will react very badly to something I need to say in a bit and I needed somebody out with Neville and Colin who definitely knew how to destroy a Horcrux.” Hermione relaxed slightly as she was not comfortable with Ron’s exclusion after what they had been through the last few months but she knew Harry would not do anything without good reason

 

 

Hesitantly Harry began “one of the reasons I bought you here looking at Tonks and Remus was to ask for your agreement to name Teddy the receiver of the Lord Potter title on my death obviously that will mean Tonks acting on his behalf until he reaches majority due to the anti werewolf legislation currently in operation.” Tonks and Remus look slightly taken back that their 3 month old son will become a lord in a few hours but they gave their support. “This brings me to another other problem Hermione do you remember our chat by the lake at The Burrow in the summer of our 5th year?” Hermione’s eyes widen and mouth dropped open Harry could have sworn he heard her uncharacteristically say bloody hell under her breath. Tonks and Remus looked on confused waiting for one of the two to enlighten them.

 

 

Neither Remus nor Tonks had had much of an upbringing in pureblood traditions Remus because of his werewolf status and Tonks because of her mother’s expulsion from the house of Black when she married Tonks’s father. Although both of their thoughts were heading in the right direction.

 

While not moving his eyes from Hermione Harry start to speak again “Since the end of my 5th year I have been Lord Black and since I came of age I am now Lord Potter too although I have not acted on it due to the situation of the last year I am now Lord Potter-Black. However due to the discriminatory laws still prevalent in the wizarding world I can only give Teddy the rights to 1 title and 1 Wizengamot seat meaning I need a blood heir if I don’t want the house of Black to end up under the control of Malfoy’s or Lestrange’s.” Comprehension dawned on Remus and Tonks’s faces but they stay silent wondering where this emotionally draining conversation was going next.

 

“Firstly before I do anything major apart from to ask about Teddy one of the reasons I asked you here Tonks was to ask you and Hermione to support myself and Ginny while I tell her my fate. I love her more than life itself and it’s knowing that my death will allow her to live and love in peace that’s keeping me going at the moment. It’s her that’s giving me the strength to sacrifice myself right now and I’m not sure what her reaction will do to me ironically it’s my love for her that is the biggest threat to achieving peace right now, she is the only person who could get close to talking me out of this now”. Both Tonks and Hermione could feel the pain and fear radiating off the young man and both silently vowed to themselves to do whatever they could to ease the burden of Harry in any way they could.

 

 

“Hermione this is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to ask anyone but based on what you told me two summers ago would you possibly be willing to have my child?” Hermione was shell-shocked she had been expecting something like this since the conversation started in this direction but thinking it a possibility and being directly asked were two very different things.

 

 

Tonks and Remus moved away slightly feeling they were intruding on something incredibly personal regardless of the answer.

 

 

Meanwhile Hermione mind was going a mile a minute; could she do this for Harry? Did she want to do this for Harry? What would it mean for her future? What would happen if she said no? Why wasn’t Harry asking Ginny? No wonder Harry didn’t want Ron here. Merlin if she said yes what would that mean for her and Ron? Was she willing to risk that for Harry? Could she handle having ‘Harry Potter’s’ child? It’s bound to be a nightmare regardless of the war’s outcome. If she said yes would she and Harry have to sleep together could she do that to herself, Ginny or Ron? Does she love Harry enough to sacrifice so much more for him?

 

Finally, she organised her thoughts and narrowed the thoughts into two questions.

 

“Harry, why aren’t you asking Ginny first? Surely given your love for each other she would be a better choice.”

 

 

Harry replied instantly like he was expecting the question “I’m asking you first because you are the closest thing I have to a sister, you have been with me through thick and thin from the beginning. at this point after all the time in the tent you know me better than anyone, I trust you, you’ve always been loyal to me regardless of what anyone else has said about me and I know that you would be able to raise my child with the belief I would wish them to have. I would have given you a title if I could but there is no way given the time-frame and the ministry we currently have, if you agreed to this providing we win you would have a powerful position of influence for the future where you could use that brain to transform our society.”

 

 

Harry pauses as if uncertain whether he should say what on the tip of his tongue but he’s Gryffindor bravery seems to power through.

 

“I intend to ask Ginny as well although she has no reason to say yes; after all I’ve put her through. Even if she did, I’d still ask you, I need to do this to protect my house and you are one of the few people who I trust enough to ask. Although I am doing this because of circumstances, I want any children that may emerge from this awful situation to have as normal and as good childhood and life as possible and I know you would try to give them that to the best of your ability. You are one of the strongest witches I know and I that if this was successful the burden I would be giving you, Ginny and possibility a child is a heavy and one, which is truly unfair, but you could handle it. “

 

Hermione considered this for a second and concluded that given the circumstances asking both of them was a very sensible idea chance of pregnancy even with magic aren’t 100% certainties.

 

Putting her concerns about Ron aside, she decided she had to at least try. She needed to do this for her best friend, as she was not sure she could live with herself if she didn’t. If nothing else if it work she would always have a part of Harry. Yes, she might be giving up a lot but Harry was giving up sooo much more. She loved Harry maybe not in the same way she loved Ron but her love for Harry was just as strong Harry was her Brother in all but blood, her best friend and he brought out the best part of her. There may not be the passion of romantic love but in some ways the love she felt for Harry was stronger she knew it would never break her and it gave her strength and comfort always. Still the idea of having a child with and for Harry was odd. She thought Harry would always be in her life just not like that. She had until a few minutes ago had this image in her mind of an older version herself and Ron and Ginny and Harry standing on platform 9 and ¾’s waving off a gaggle of red, brown and black haired children as they boarded the Hogwarts Express. Regardless of her decision, she now knew that that image would only ever occur in her mind. 

 

Tonks and Remus had been bystanders in this part of conversation so far but felt as if they are intruding on an intimate moment between the two young people in front of them both of whom they considered family. Although shocked and sadden by the nature and necessity of Harry’s request they couldn’t help but respect the two. Both Harry and Hermione had always done what was right their family, friends and unfortunately for them the wizarding world at large even if it was at the detriment of themselves. Deciding they should give the two some space they back away for the pair into an uninhabited corner of the office.

 

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Meanwhile Ginny still frozen on the bed was watching the scene unfold was great interest trying to piece together what on earth was happening on the other side of the room. Watching Harry even this battered and world-weary version of him in front of her now was making her heart jump out of her chest she wondered how she had managed all these months without his presence she never wanted to let him go ever again. Even if he didn’t want to be with her anymore she knew at that moment she would always need to be a part of his life even if it was from the sidelines. She saw the look of horror appear on Hermione’s face and imagined it was mirrored on the faces of Remus and Tonks whose backs were facing her. Harry continued talking with that serious look on his face that she had seen enough times before to know even in the context of this war she should be very worried, she could see as always he was trying to mask his emotions but it was taking a lot of effort. Suddenly he looked directly at Hermione with was that nervousness?

 

 

 

Suddenly Tonks and Remus moved away from her love and her best friend they went to the opposite side of room, raised their wands in a movement which looked like another a Muffliato charm and entered into work appeared to be an argument at furious speed. Ginny turned her attention back to Harry and Hermione Tears were now streaming down Hermione’s face, Hermione open her mouth to respond to an unnoticed question. Then a slight nod of head Harry closed the space between himself and Hermione taking her hand in his and hugging Hermione lightly. At this Ginny could not help the jealousy that rose up inside she wanted to rip them apart and hex them both to oblivion it was a good job for them she was frozen in place. She tried to rationalised what she was seeing but struggled they only thing that was keeping her in one piece was the knowledge that neither Harry nor Hermione would ever be that cruel but then she started to wonder if they even remembered she was in the room.

 

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Harry barely noticed Tonks and Remus’s departure from the small group his eyes were firmly fixed on the young women in front of him, he could hardly believe that she hadn’t run away or slapped him yet. This was the biggest thing he’d ever asked of anyone and he hated that Voldemort had yet again dictated his actions and caused him the once again to drag his friends into the shit that his life had tended to be. He’s feeling were not help by the years neglect and abuse at the hands of Dursley’s who had instilled in him from as long as he could remember that he wasn’t worth a minute of anyone’s time and here was someone he loved considering giving him a lot more. After a minute of silence and by the look on Hermione’s face deep compilation.  Hermione quietly but confidently said “Harry I love you like a brother, I hate that this is happening to you and this isn’t how I imagined having a family but I would be honoured to have your child”. Hearing this Harry couldn’t believe his ears Hermione had agreed he stood a chance of protecting his name and insuring a legacy. He didn’t know how to express his gratitude to the amazing women in front of him he tentatively grasped for her hand. Harry wasn’t often one to initiate physical contact courtesy again of life at the Dursley’s but he couldn’t think of how to show Hermione how much this meant to him but he soon realised holding her hand wasn’t enough he cautiously entered into a hug. Taken back by Harry’s actions but liking them Hermione happily returned the hug then a thought hit her that she just couldn’t keep in “Harry we’re going to have to sleep together, aren’t we?”.

 

Now before Harry had asked Hermione to carry his child he had thought through thoroughly just what that request would entail including the conception and as much as Harry did not want to die a virgin he didn’t want to force his friend into something that she deserved it to be something special not something rushed out of necessity. Over the last year he had imagined his first time 100s of times, it had always been Ginny with him, and he wasn’t sure he was ready to give that up. So Harry had been trying to think of a way round the problem he had a few ideas but he wasn’t sure if they’d work.

 

 

“I don’t know Hermione but I need to talk to Ginny first either way.”

 

They parted and Harry looked for Tonks he knew Ginny would need her for the conversation they were about to start and time was ticking away quickly 15 minutes had passed since the quartet entered the room. He noticed that Tonks and Remus had moved to the side and looked like they had just finished an argument Tonks looked determined and Remus looked unhappily resigned. As Harry and Hermione approached Remus waved his wand removing the invisible barriers between the two couples.

 

 

Before Harry or Hermione could say a word Tonks spoke “Harry I want to offer to carry a child for you” Harry and Hermione’s mouths hit the floor , Harry couldn’t believe what he was hearing and all he could was stare dumbfounded at the couple in front of him. “I know this is a shock and you would never ask me out of respect for Remus but this is something I feel I need to offer you. Since I met you all those summers ago I have been astounded by your ability to handle what life has thrown at you the fact that you are still such a loving, selfless young man is frankly astounding. I want to do this for you because I know the more chances you have for an heir the better for our whole future and myself and Remus” she shoots a look at her slightly uncomfortable husband a look almost daring him to contradict “would happily raise our child with the love and security we wish we could have given you and hope we provide for Teddy”

 

 

“Nymphadora” earning a glare from the witch in question “I can’t let you...” Harry begins only Remus interrupts before he can finish.

 

 

 ”Harry I love you like a son and I wish more than anything I could have saved you from the hard life you’ve had but alas my furry little problem has kept me at arm’s length for too much of your life., I’m Proud of you and I know your parents and Sirius would be too. I trust you with my life and I can’t think of anyone better to be my son’s godfather if though you won’t be around. Tonks and I have been briefly talking over what you’ve just told us and although I’m not thrilled with what my wife is suggesting because it’s so soon after Teddy as well as the obvious reasons please hear us out. I’m supporting Nymph in this offer not just because it’s the right thing to do, as it will give the future you plan on sacrificing yourself for, a chance but because this is for once something we can do this for you for once. Also because of mine and Tonks’s marriage if necessary we can hide the child’s true paternity from most of the wizarding world if needed” pausing for breath Remus continued,

 

 

“Harry I know you well enough to know you are noble enough to still refuse but there is another more selfish reason for the offer, Nymph wants another child and although teddy’s fine I don’t want to chance having another child with the risk of them inheriting it too. As much as I love teddy he wasn’t planned and I would never deliberately take the risk to have a child. By doing this for you it would solve that issue and I promise you I would love any child of yours as my own.” Remus stated sincerely.

 

 

Resigned Harry decides it’s their decision to make and he should accept their offer but he double checks with Hermione non-verbally before agreeing as this now affects her too. At Hermione’s slight nod and smile he accepts the Lupin’s offer providing a way can be found to impregnate Tonks that doesn’t involve intercourse as he refuses to sleep with his father figures wife, the Lupin’s accept this condition and Remus looks noticeably relived.

 

 

Just as Harry is about to suggest they go and talk to Ginny Hermione’s eyes light up like when she knows an answer in class at the look Remus is compelled to ask “what is it Hermione?” an excited Hermione answers energetically “a turkey baster”. At the utterly bemused look of the three around she proceeds to explain the muggle home conception method but she suggests that it would be better to use a needleless syringe. This gives Remus an idea and he suggest a number of spells that could improve the success rate of the method.

 

Remus asks if they can do this method to Tonks right away as he wants to check the post break plan with the rest of the order and he knows he isn’t required for the conversation with Ginny. Remus also requests that he is the one to inseminate Harry’s sperm. Harry happily agrees to both suggestions and Hermione transfigures a syringe, two pots and a screen divider. Tonks smirked while asking harry if he needed any more materials or assistance causing both himself and Hermione to blush furiously Harry unable to meet anyone’s eyes. While Remus looking on chuckled at his wife’s antics.

 

Hermione, Tonks and Remus quickly headed to the far side of the room and cast several muting charms in Harry’s direction and proceeded to became instantaneously engrossed in a very engaging conversation between the 3 of them in order to give Harry some privacy to perform the required act. Completely forgetting about the fifth very confused person in the room who currently had a very good view of a screen...

Chapter 4: Actions of love
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But that didn’t explain the pots or the syringe, why would they need muggle equipment? Then what happened next did not aid her understanding, why were Harry and Hermione blushing? How could Tonks and Remus laugh at a time like this? She watched Hermione and the Lupin’s exited her field of vision she wanted to scream WHAT IN MERLIN’S BAGGY BREACHES IS GOING ON? However, being in a forced paralysis meant that her only option was to watch and wait she noticed Harry behind the screen with the two pots. she had a prefect view of the screen and Harry silhouette the months of the run had done no favours to her skinny now positively emaciated ex-boyfriend she noticed Harry reach do to his mid section. “MERLIN he’s not doing what I think he’s doing, surely enough within seconds her guess had but confirmed. On the one hand, Ginny wanted to close her eyes and pretend it was happening, on the other she wanted to take it all in and enjoy the image even from behind a screen it invoked so many questions. Why was Harry doing this now? And with an audience? Why was in so clinical? Why were there pots? Had he picked up something from a veela? What was he thinking about now then again the experience of having six older brothers told her she didn’t want to know.  She couldn’t get the image or the questions out of her head so she opted to wait and see what happened next.

 

 

 

“Harry I’m ready” Hermione said nervously. He turned round to see his best friend in a position he had never expected he would ever see her in, a position he’d only imagined seeing Ginny in, he tired hard not to stare this situation was hard enough already without him making it even more uncomfortable for them both. Although Hermione was uncomfortable, part of her was turned on by the fact that a boy, even if it was Harry, was seeing her in this position. Unfortunately this was not a situation she could afford to enjoy there was an import task to complete. Hermione’s way of dealing with the strange predicament was to launch into lecture mode giving him step-by-step instructions that Harry nervously followed. 

 

 

 

“Harry I know what we are about to do won’t be prefect but I want to do this because I love you and want to share this with you. I wish the circumstances were different and we had years to get good at this but we don’t. I know this is going to hurt me but I want you to keep going I love you” with that Ginny leans in kisses him and pulls him down into the bed.

 

 

Chapter 5: The promise
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Chapter 6: Until death do us part
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AN I do not own harry potter. sorry for the delay. In addition, as I write the content a few more chapters have appeared current estimate is about 50.  AN

Chapter 5– Until death do us part

Walking out of the office purposely Harry was overcome by the eerie silence seemed to be bouncing of the walls. Looking around the first place he called home it hurt him that he had brought the battle here. that this battle had caused his home to be disseminated there were broken windows slashed tapestries, chunks of wall missing but the worst by far for Harry were the pools and the intermittent splatters of blood lining the walls and floors. The lower in the castle harry got the worst the devastation got and knowing the number of people who must have been killed or injured for there to be this much damage hurt harry. He wanted to mourn the damage but he knew he didn't have time especially if he wanted this to end without more bloodshed than absolutely necessary. He needed to be strong and end this madness once and for all. Harry speeded up knowing dwelling on the devastation around him or what was coming was not helping.

He was at the main doors of the castle it appeared the whole castle light and dark had exited to witness his battle against Tom Riddle. Suddenly he remembered the snitch that Dumbledore had left him and in a moment of realisation, he understood now was his close he was actively going to his own certain death. This was the moment Dumbledore had left him the snitch for but what help could this small winged gold ball give him now. Harry knew he needed to find out. He tried pulling it apart in his hands but that clearly was working desperately trying to think of anything to open it harry grabbed his wand and whispered Alohomora nothing happened. Although disappointed harry suspected that Dumbledore would not have made it that easy. He didn't have time for this in desperation he tried Parseltongue "open up" nothing. Giving up he raised the snitch to his lips and kissed it for luck although knowing what awaited him he the grounds even that action felt stupid he's luck had finally come to an end, there would be no walking away from this one... Harry's thoughts were broken by a small hiss of a canister, opening his eyes harry saw the now opened snitch but his attention was grabbed by a small smooth oval stone. Months spent in a tent with Hermione and the tales of the beadle and the bard combined with his knowledge of cloak and the elder wand meant that harry had a pretty good idea what the unassuming stone before him was ... Resurrection Stone.

Turning the stone over 3 times a blue shimmer surrounded harry unafraid and if fact slightly excited harry awaited the sprits presence suddenly some blurry shapes started to appear in the mist surrounding harry. Harry was starting to get anxious about time he knew he needed to be with riddle in a moment and he feared if he was late even more innocent people would die needlessly and that would definitely be his fault. Panic rising within him and he decided despite the comfort that would come from speaking to his loved ones he need to face riddle NOW harry gripped the stone and moved forward trying to exit the mist.

Unfortunately every time harry moved forward so did the blue mist and the mist had become opaque. Harry then tried going left, right and backwards but every way he moved the mist followed harry growled his frustration growing didn't the fates get that he was on a tight deadline. It then occurred to him that he was still holding the stone he dropped the stone but the mist didn't disappear harry decided to try running forward to see if that would break the mist but it didn't so he decided to give up and wait for whatever was happening to happen he'd done his best lowering himself on to the floor harry suddenly heard a barking laugh to his left. Harry looked up to see the laughing figure of his late godfather Sirius Black. harry studied Sirius he definitely wasn't alive but he didn't look like a ghost either he's image was more solid somehow harry reached out to touch Sirius but Sirius moved out of reach and looked solemnly at his god son "sorry harry you can't touch us in this state." Us thought harry and he looked around again and noticed a man and women to his right they looked familiar suddenly it clicked they were his mum and dad although he'd seen them come out of Voldemort's wand three years ago. Seeing them this time it affected him more knowing what laid ahead and knowing that this time they were here for him deliberately rather than as an unexpected consequence of Voldemort's actions.

Voldemort's name brought him back to he's current situation and as much as he would like almost nothing more than to take in the images of Sirius and he's parents he knew he had to leave them and face his fate before anyone else got hurt even the idea was unbearable.

"Sorry guys I need you to go so that I meet tom on time I don't want to give him any reason to hurt anyone else I care about." To this comment lily moved towards him "it's ok harry nothing bad will happen to anyone while we visit, time at Hogwarts has frozen for 15 minutes so that you could access our plain." Harry relaxed slightly although not completely.

"We are so proud of you son, we know what is asked of you is a burden nobody should bare but we wanted you to know we that we will be waiting for you. Your mother and I, while we wish you could have had a long a happy life are glad you will be spending the next one with us." James finished and at that moment harry wanted nothing more than to join them.

Tears welling up Sirius came up and whispered something in Harry's ear. Nodding harry looked to he's parents and back to Sirius but before he could open his mouth lily spoke "we know what you've done to try and ensure the family names harry." harry blushed" and while I am not happy about the idea a grandchild will be born out of wedlock and without a father I know this is not a situation you wanted or choose. I am sorry you had so little experience of true uninhibited love but I know that any of the women you choose could be a wonderful mother to my grandchild." at this James couldn't resist a joke at harry and Sirius expense "padfoot it's clear that you didn't teach him the ways of a marauder properly if that had been you, would have shagged all of them, reactions be dammed!" this earnt James a slap round the back of the head from lily. "Harry I'm happy you have more common sense than your father and James you know what I would've done if his attitude to women had rubbed off on our son." James swallowed hard.

"Mum, dad, Sirius my times running out is there anything I should know before I face tom?" all the adults went back into serious mode.

"Harry use Malfoy's wand Riddle won't be expecting it even if it doesn't work well it won't matter much" Sirius started.

"You are a sign of hope to the wizarding world use your last words to make sure the witnesses to the duel know that you want them to use your sacrifice for good and if you can take tom down with you harry," said James.

"He will underestimate you harry use it and remember love is more powerful than hate, we will be waiting for you son" added lily. With this statement James, Lily and Sirius's images started to dissipate leaving harry alone again in the entry hall. It took a lot of will power not to grab the stone and join them again delay the inevitable some more. Harry picked up the stone and enters the Hogwarts grounds. The chill of the summer breeze hit harry immediately, despite the obvious signs of battle surrounding harry there was nobody in the immediate area although he could see a large number of people a few hundred gathering by the lake. Harry could see the dark lord and his followers moving out of the forbidden forest towards the lake. Harry speed up in the direction of the lake not wanting an opportunity for the two sides to start fighting again until he had confronted riddle. He stopped suddenly a short distance from the lake gathering and reached into his pocket grabbed the stone and threw it as far as he physically could.

Seconds later Voldemort's voice boomed, "The Great Harry Potter has finally decided to grace us with his presence and he I was thinking that his mudblood side had come out and he'd left you all here to die in his name. At least now I get to show you all what happens to those who are stupid enough to stand in my way." Harry let tom's words wash over him they were unimportant he just need to make sure people understood the need for tolerance in the future and that tom understood that his secrets had been discovered. Harry took one last look around noticing Ginny and his friends in the crowd he found the courage to move forward he was doing this for Ginny, for his friends, for their future, for his potential children. Harry's thoughts focused "This reign of terror by tom riddle needs to be ended once and for all and I am the only one who can. I can't knowingly let a child of mine grow up in a world of hate and fear.". "Mr. Potter let's do this the proper way now we can't disappoint our audience now can we? Drawled Riddle. "Is weeee little potter scared of the big bad wizard" cackled Bellatrix.

Harry stepped forward and he and Voldemort began circling "I am not afraid of you Tom." Voldemort was taken aback by this almost flinching at the use of his given name, "yes I know all about you history, you and I aren't so different tom we both orphaned boys living in the muggle world with no knowledge of magic until Hogwarts, we both see Hogwarts as our first real home but I have one thing you'll never understand tom ... LOVE. It's because of love I survived your attack all those years ago, it's because of love you couldn't touch me in my 1st year and it's because of my love for others that I'm standing here now." Harry glances in the direction of Ginny, which doesn't go unnoticed by her or those nearby. " you stupid boy you think your precious love will save you now" Voldemort growled firing off a couple of spells which harry easily dodged " no but I know that love will beat hate that the future of our world is dependent on us embracing love and shunning hate and prejudice. All magical beings are equal I am only alive now because centaurs, goblins and house elves have been willing to risk and sacrifice their lives for me. Many faces in the crowd looked surprised by this admission but stood hooked on the pair's words. "Well isn't that nice a cuddly but you forget magic is might Crucio" the spell hit harry and he crumpled into a heap on the floor writhing in pain.

Voldemort turned to the crowd "look at your hero now not so impressive is he follow me now and I will spare you" " wait tom I'm not dealt with yet" screamed a now upright Harry Potter Voldemort turned his attention back to the boy " right I've had enough fun any last words potter?" "yes notice any different tom or have you done so much damaged to your soul you can't tell I've destroyed your anchors to this world, you are not immortal Tom!" a slight look of horror passed across Voldemort's snake like face before he schooled it to the standard hate filled leer. "You are playing with me boy no one could have done that I'd have felt it." Voldemort raised his wand Harry shouted " love trumps hate" and grabbed both wands in his pockets his own and Malfoy's and milliseconds after Voldemort's Avada Kedavra was performed harry released two Avada Kedavra of his own the green streaks passed each other in the duelling space as the audience looked on in awe filled horror. Half the crowd wondering if the-boy-who-lived could do the impossible and survive twice in a lifetime.

There was a small group of women to the side of the duel who already knew the outcome they clung to one another trying to draw a small amount of comfort from the others presence but Ginny was already collapsing before either spell was cast unable to keep the facade of strength up any longer. None of the women wanted to watch the scene unfolding in front of them but they couldn't not. Time seemed to slow done as the curses reached their targets the those who could see Voldemort's face saw it change quickly from smug satisfaction to fear as he avoided one green streak only to be hit by the other. His followers looked on in horror and shock as there master fell. Those paying attention to harry a second before the dark lord's spell hit would say he almost looked at peace maybe even with a slight smile an image why would be a subject of discussions for decades to come. However, if you had a window into his mind at that moment you would have seen a red head young woman with a baby in her arms...

Chapter 7: battle worn
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AN I do not own Harry potter AN

Chapter 6 battle worn

As the two bodies hit the floor a moment of utter stillness descends as both sides try to comprehend what they had just witness. Many contemplating what they were meant to do now as so much of the war had focused on the two lifeless figures on the ground. Could either side end the battle of the century without the main players on both sides? The outcome of the next few hours would determine the future of the muggle and magical worlds for centuries to come. The light side had the advantage that they had fought out of love and a belief in what was right and although Harry potter gave them a focus point for their actions he was not the reason they fought they fought for their lives and their futures. The side of the dark lord fought out of hatred and fear and relied on Voldemort to lead and direct them without him they were a snake without a head, the years between 1981 and 1995 had shown that. It was clear that the audience were waiting for either Harry or the dark lord to stir and tell the surround crowd their apparent death was a feign to trick their opponent. The stretching silence made it seem as if somebody had cast Petrificus Totalus on the area.

The odd silence was broken by a heart breaking scream and sob, which focused everyone's attention on the circle in front of them, where they saw a young ginger-haired girl clinging to the dead body of Harry Potter trying shake then kiss the departed hero as if trying to revive him. The crowd watched a group of six witches and wizards rushed towards the scene wands out the witches immediately trying and failing to remove the girl from the corpse of the boy who died. There was clearly a frantic whispered conversation going on between the groups that the crowd could not hear.

---

"Ginny" cooed Hermione struggling with her own emotions of seeing her first and best friend lying dead straight ahead of her. But Hermione knew now was not mourn or lose control of her emotions that could wait until there weren't a herd of death eater 10 feet away, when this was totally over. Right now, they needed to get Ginny, Tonks and herself to safety and to keep their promise to Harry to stay out of the battle. Right now, they were too exposed and after Harry, she and Ron were prime targets for death eater revenge.

"Ginny" Hermione tried once again to separate the distraught Ginny from Harry's body this time trying to gain the girls attention by gently rubbing her back but Ginny didn't react at all she was too consumed with grief. Hermione realised they were not going to get Ginny to move away from Harry willingly. Hermione looked to Tonks and Remus for guidance seeing the lost marked on their faces and she guessed her face looked similar.

Remus took charge "Right guys I think we need to get Ginny away from here ASAP before the death eaters start up again we've already lost too many young lives this evening. Colin, Neville, I think we are going to have to carry Ginny, can you manage that?" both young men nodded" do not immobilise her unless necessary in her current state who knows what the long-term effects might be. In addition, we don't want to be the first to draw our wands, right now it's bound to draw a lot of unwanted attention from our marked friends over there. Hermione I want you and Tonks to try to keep Ginny as calm as possible under the circumstances have a hand on your wand in case but only use it in an emergency. Ron you and I are going to take protective stances around the group. We need to get back to the castle ideally the hospital wing but we should contact with the rest of the Weasley's on the way. If we come under attack Neville and Tonks will join Ron and myself and Hermione and Colin will take charge of Ginny." a sombre Remus stated. "Ready ..."

---

Meanwhile Bellatrix lestrange had used the girls scream and the distraction that had created to check on the dark lord. As she approached, she hoped that this was just another ploy by her lord to lull the light into a force sense of security before coming down hard on the mudblood loving fools. Where were her lords other supporters why weren't they coming to assist their lord. Why were they just standing there! As she reached her lord, she could see this was no trick but she reasoned this was not the first time her lord had survived death. Having that thought, her mind went back to her lord and his chat with the brat during the duel. She remembered that the brat saying he was no longer immortal whether or not that was true she needed to carry on her lords' work and if no other follower was going to step forward she would just have to lead the way and ensure victory to continue to please her lord.

Looking around she knew immediately where she wanted to continue the lords' work and it was personal...

---

The group had successfully separated Ginny from both her wand and Harry and despite her struggles against Neville and Colin; the small group had almost reached the large group of red heads known as the Weasley's. Hermione looked at the group and saw the looks of utter devastation across their faces she also noticed the absence of one of the twins she wondered where Fred could be but her musings were broken by a sudden flash of light to her right. Hermione turned to the source to see her recent tormenter Bellatrix advancing on their group with an even more crazed look than normal on her face.

"Well, well, well if it isn't my itty bitty niece Nymphadora and her beast of a husband. I thought my dear sister had desecrated the family name enough by marry that bloody mudblood then having you but then you had to mar the noble house of black further by marrying this creature. Well at least now, I have a chance to cleanse the family of all this dirty blood once and for all. After all, we already got your magic stealing father and boy did we have fun with him by the end he was begging for death just like the pitiful muggle he was. It's a shame you didn't bring your spawn along to this party I'll just have to find him later." Drawled Bellatrix. Remus and Tonks sent Neville, Ron and Hermione a look that said keep moving before turning to their deranged aunt.

The volley of spells was fast and deadly no minor charms and hexes were exchanged although you would be forgiven for thinking by the speed and ease that Bellatrix was releasing unforgivables that they were minor household spells. Tonks and Remus were both working hard as a team but even though it was two against one they were struggling to avoid Bellatrix's efforts. Interestingly exhibiting true Slytherin characteristics many of the death eaters around were not engaging in battle but looking for escape routes. Thankfully the order members minus the Weasley's had snapped out of their trances and were rounding up all the death eaters they could.

Hermione looked at Neville, Ginny, Ron and Colin a silent agreement passed between them they would ignore the requests of the elders and Harry to get to safety and help their friends none of them could stand the thought of losing anymore friends tonight. Thankfully, Bellatrix's rant seemed to have broken though Ginny's hysteria and she was no longer fighting her defenders and appeared to have gained control of her emotions for the time being. Although Hermione noticed something in Ginny's eyes that was not there, earlier she couldn't quite place what it was but it unsettled Hermione. Armed with wands in the youngsters headed towards Tonks and Lupin unfortunately their assistance came too late to stop the horror they were about to witness.

"I've had enough games, it time this was over so I can move onto the mudblood and blood traitors over there" screeched Bella while looking at the Weasley's. With that she fired three simultaneous Avada Kedavra straight at Tonks there was no time for Tonks to avoid all three. The youngsters looked on with horror as Tonks considered the poetry of it all. Tonks closed her eyes and waited for the inevitable collision her last thoughts wishing she had more time with teddy and hoping the light would prevail. Suddenly she felt movement in front of her, her eyes shot open to see Remus jump in front of her taking the green curses to save her. The pleasure on Bellatrix face was clear "looks like you trained the dog well, never mind you'll be joining him shortly" Tonks ignored her aunts barbs her attention focused solely on her dead husband she wanted to die and join him she didn't care anymore what else was going on she just wanted to be with her love. Then reason struck she couldn't actively let herself die she couldn't do that to Teddy there was no way she'd choose for him to be an orphan and she couldn't waste Harry's sacrifice.

Meanwhile the group of young witches and wizards had surrounded Tonks with all their wands all trailing Bellatrix. The order members had all been drawn into battles now but they appeared to have the upper hand.

"Oh goody the kiddies have come out to play this will be fun! "Bellatrix said in her fake sweet voice, you could see this rise the hackles of Neville, Ron and Hermione in particular "Didn't you get enough last time mudblood" she drooled looking straight Hermione "at least I'll get to finish you off this time".

With that, the battle began considering she now had five opponents Bellatrix was still holding her own and enjoying it taunting them at every opportunity and it worked as both Ron and Neville lost concentration at particular digs. Watching the battle was like watching an intricate dance and the wand flourishes were quick and bright. If you did not know magic, you might think it was a gymnastic dance display with pyrotechnics rather than a life or death battle.

Suddenly a green flash of light shot past Ginny missing Ginny by a millimetre what scared Hermione was the look on Ginny's face she looked disappointed that it missed. Out of nowhere came a cry of "NOT MY DAUGHER, YOU BITCH!"*. the group parted to allow the irate Molly Weasley access Hermione and Neville helped the despondent Tonks up and moved to join the audience watching the two formidable women do battle to the surprise of many Molly was more than a match in skill for the demented death eater. Only Arthur looked unsurprised by his wife's skill he knew nobody should ever threaten their children, as Molly wrath had no bounds when defending her young.

"Your master and his crazy ideas has already cost me two children, this will stop NOW!" screamed Molly followed by Avada Kedavra Bellatrix didn't believe the matriarch had it in her as the green light slammed into Bellatrix she fell with an uncharacteristic look of shock on her face.

Bellatrix death at the hands of Molly Weasley established a real change in the balance of the battle. With their two main leaders dead and defeated the remaining death eaters could not compete with the side of the light a few of the remaining devoted supporters of lord Voldemort took Bella's defeat as a sign to retreat and escape notably among them Lucius Malfoy, Yaxley and Crabbe senior.

The battle continued for another hour or so by which time the majority of the remaining death eaters were captured or killed. Thankfully Bill battled Greyback for the 2nd time but this time he won striking the werewolf down with a nasty cutting curse followed by strong Expulso spell.

As the battle drew to a close, many of those on the side of the light went into the great hall and began to celebrate. There was no such release for the order or Harry's closes friends there was too much to do.

The captured death eaters were placed in an empty classroom under an order-guard. The dead death eaters were placed and locked in the anteroom along with their lords body wards were set up so only Arthur Weasley, Kingsley Shacklebolt and Minerva McGonagall could gain access. The giants and dark creatures had been contained outside the castle with the assistance of Hagrid and two heavily warded marquees had been erected in the grounds one for minor injuries staffed by cleared st Mungo's and bolstered thanks to Fleur's family connections by staff from St. Raphael's in Paris.

What to do with Harry's body was troubling many of the order members, they didn't want Harry's body defiled or stolen by anyone nor did they want an impromptu shrine to be created. They were also worried about the press reaction to the news of the battle and Harry's death. It was decided Harry needed to be placed away from prying eyes. Hermione suggested Harry be placed in the headmaster's office until they had time to come up with a better plan Kingsley and McGonagall agreed and bill and Charlie were tasked with moving Harry's body.

Ginny insisted despite many protests for the adults on accompanying Harry's body to the office. Once there Ginny refused to leave not wanting Harry to be alone after 30 minutes of trying to persuade Ginny to leave and getting nowhere Hermione was struck by an idea. Hermione went to talk to a few people leaving Ginny with Neville, Bill and Charlie all but Ginny avoiding looking at Harry's slight body for fear that it would break the little remaining strength they possessed.

Hermione returned 10 minutes later with Arthur and Tonks by her side both of whom looking exhausted and devastated in equal measure. Arthur took one look at his daughter and knew that this was going to be heartbreaking and it was going to take all of his little remaining strength to get through this discussion but he knew for the time being he had to be strong for his family, there would be time to mourn today's events later.

Although none of the Weasley, children could ever be described as, spoilt Arthur very rarely said no to his daughter. When Ginny did need disciplining he normally deferred that duty to Molly but that wasn't an option right now. Molly was with George and Percy in her own vigil to their son Fred stuck down by masonry early on in the battle. He was going to have to handle his headstrong daughter in a circumstance every parent prayed their child wouldn't have to handle. He couldn't imagine how he would feel if Molly was taken from him he suspected even at Ginny's age he would have been destroyed as the future he'd imagined would be forever a dream. How was he meant to help his only daughter deal with this? At this moment, Arthur doubted his family would ever recover from this but right now he needed to get Ginny away from Harry's body and into a bath or bed.

Arthur slid next to his daughter, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder and started tentatively "Ginny, princess I know you don't want Harry to be alone, but you can't stay here tonight ..."

Ginny looked ready to hex him right then and there but he persevered. "The castle isn't secured yet nobody is allowed to be in groups less than three for most of the castle, we don't know if there are death eaters still hiding in the castle... "Ginny interrupted

"I can help with that H-Harry gave me something that can help, if I do that can I stay with him here?" Looking hopefully at her father.

"sorry honey but we need to lock down this office to make sure Harry's safe and I know you would happily stay here but you need to eat and sleep and if you think for one second your mother would allow me to let you stay here alone... . Besides Hermione's had an idea, none of us want Harry to be alone, he spent far too much of his life alone so how would you feel if we brought Fffffred and Remus up here to keep Harry company? Hermione's spoken to your mum and George and they like the idea" at this point Tonks broke in "and I know Remus would want to be Harry". Ginny considered this she still didn't want to leave Harry but she knew if she didn't her mum would drag her, this way she'd be in control and she wouldn't stress mum out further.

"Ok but I'm not leaving until Fred and Remus get here" responded Ginny while still clutching Harry's hand. With that Arthur, Neville, Bill and Charlie exited the office leaving the women to each other's company once again. This time there was no distracting chitchat acting on need Hermione and Tonks place themselves either side of Ginny facing the body of the young man whose child they may or may not be carrying and hugged one another and let the tears finally flow.

This was how the Weasley's and Neville found them 10 minutes later tears still stream done their faces in an almost silent vigil for a boy who never really lived, for a brother who's time was cruelly cut short and a future husband who was never allowed fulfil his potential.

It loathed the observers to disrupt the private moment between the three women in front of them but it was almost 3 am and they all desperately sleep. Leaving his brothers and Neville with the bodies Ron moved forward slowly as he reached Harry he quietly cleared his throat aware that everyone was still in battle mode and that loud noises and sudden movements would lead to pain. Ron moved next to Hermione and whispered in her ear she turned to see their audience and nodded her acknowledgement to the crowd. Hermione then caught Ginny and Tonks attention and the trio proceeded to have a whispered conversation inaudible to the rest in the room. All three young women then stood Tonks was first to move drawing Harry's eyes to a close before she moved away next was Hermione who whispered something in Harry's ear then sought out the comfort of Ron. Finally Ginny prepared to leave her love still grasping his hand she moved to his head then she released his hand to stroke his hair before leaning in for one last kiss Ginny then turned to her family she hesitated a little turned back to Harry's body whispered "I love you Harry, always". Everybody in the room was well aware of what she said and Bill and Charlie looked a little shocked. Ginny took one last look at Harry before running into her father's arms.

The Weasley boys took this as a sign that it was ok to start moving Fred and Remus into the office. Once both bodies had been laid down each brother said goodnight to Fred until only Molly and George were left the approached together. At the same time, Tonks was saying goodbye and goodnight to Remus Ginny remained wielded to Arthur's chest unable to handle any more grief. The group moved out of the office while bill created some high level wards.

Now all the urgent issues had been handled the Weasley's, with Neville, Hermione and Tonks headed to the Gryffindor tower where two dorms had been put aside for them. Everything else could wait until morning. Unbeknownst to the group the rest of the order and the army geared up to a night of security rotation.

*From Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

Chapter 8: Home
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Chapter 9: Beginning a new reality
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Chapter 8 beginning a new reality

 

Yet again Tonks was the first up although this time it was courtesy of her infant son. Teddy had been restless all night not settling for very long at all, Teddy had not been like this since about a month old. It was almost as if the boy sensed something was missing, although Tonks knew it was more likely that he was feeling that atmosphere around him. Regardless of the reason, she knew her son would be testy all day thanks to his lack of sleep, today was going to be a very long day.

Giving up on trying to settle him for any longer Tonks got up picked up Teddy and headed down to the Gryffindor common room as it had been decided that the group including Tonks and her family would reside in Gryffindor until they left the castle at 9 pm this evening. The first meeting was scheduled for 9.30 to discuss what to do with the death eaters and Voldemort's bodies followed by a discussion of what was going to happen to harry. Following this there would be an order meeting to discuss what they need to do to ensure that the stability in wizarding world would be restored in light followed by a late lunch. 

 

After lunch, McGonagall and Shacklebolt had requested that Ron and Hermione share with a small group including the elder Weasley's and Tonks the activities of the trio over the last year. Interestingly Hermione had requested that all the Weasley's including Ginny be present surprisingly Hermione also requested Neville be included. Despite Molly's protests and Minerva's concerns, Hermione's requests were agreed to eventually.

Nothing was due to happen for another 3 hours and Tonks wasn't ready for breakfast so opted to sit in an armchair facing the long extinguished fire within the red and gold room. Since first arriving in the Gryffindor tower the former Hufflepuff had not really had an opportunity to take in her surroundings. Even when she was dating Charlie Weasley in 6th year, she'd never entered the inner sanctum of Gryffindor they much preferred to spend their time astronomy tower away from the prying eyes and ears of 3 of Charlie's brothers. 

What surprised Tonks as she took in the room around her was how similar the room was to the common room of her former house yes the colours and paintings were different but it had that same homely feel that she associated with her house common room. Suddenly Tonks heard a stair creak behind her still on high alert she whipped her wand to face the source of the noise. The identity of the surprised her slightly there on the stairs was a very tired looking Charlie Weasley Tonks felt her muscles relax as Charlie gave her a slight smile "Hey Dora" Charlie said as he plonked himself on a sofa opposite.

"How come you're up and about so early C?"

"Couldn't sleep anymore, I feel like I've let my family down all these years I've been chasing after dragons while my family have been at the centre of this war fighting. My baby sister who isn't even old enough to legally use magic has done more to fight and protect my family than I have. Ron, the twins and Ginny have been fighting these bastards for years. IT'S NOT RIGHT!"

Unfortunately, the raising of Charlie's voice scared the now cranky Teddy.

"Thanks C" Tonks sarcastically as she set about comforting Teddy.

"Sorry, I forget you have him, it seems so grown up."

Tonks chuckled "We are grownups Charlie we can't all run off to Romania to chase dragons"

"I just can't imagine having a kid, I don't think I'll ever feel ready for the responsibility of a child but at least having 6 ... sorry 5 siblings means there won't be too much pressure to provide grandchildren and don't get me wrong I like kids but I definitely like handing them back at the end of the day."

"Well, Teddy here wasn't exactly planned, the idea of having kids terrified Remus he didn't want a child to live with the stigma of a werewolf for a father. He worked on the deluded idea that he could always leave me if people persecuted us for his condition if it meant I could have a 'normal' life but he couldn't do that to a child not really. Although when he found out I was pregnant with munchkin here he did do a runner but Harry talked some sense into him, thank Merlin. That boy was wise beyond his years" Tonks's thoughts drifted off in the direction of Harry. 

Looking down at Teddy she was hit by a wave of sadness, her son had lost his father and godfather in one night. Who would be a male role model now ..." although I would have waited a bit longer to have this one " indicating to the babe in her arms "I wouldn't change it for the world now, as exhausting as he is , the moment I held him for the first time I felt something click. Anyway enough about me and this one, how have you been and what next for the amazing Charlie Weasley?"

 

"Well ... I'm not sure I feel like I've missed so much right now and I think mum and dad could do with me around for a bit, I want do my bit I feel like I haven't pulled my weight in this battle and now my family needs me and I can help, so I will. I spoke to the reserve yesterday and they've permitted me to have 6 months leave under the circumstances. After that I think I'll probably ..."

Whatever Charlie was about to say was cut off by a wail emanating from Tonks arms.

Shouting over her son "C can you hold him for me while I go sort out his changing kit?" nodding his assent Tonks handed him a wriggling Teddy and disappeared up the dorm stairs.

Charlie was currently holding the infant as if it was an incendiary device due to go off any second.

He mentally scolded himself he'd helped out with Ron and Ginny when they were little it wasn't that difficult, it was a baby not a baby dragon. Deciding he should man up he brought Teddy closer to his body, at this his nose involuntary scrunching at the smell coming from the boys' nappy.

"What's Nym been feeding you buddy; smell that strong can't just come from milk." He looked down at the wailing infant to see his hair had turned a brilliant shade a Weasley red "does that me you like me little one?"

When Tonks reappeared, she found big butch dragon hunting Charlie Weasley deep in conversation with her infant son, she couldn't help thinking despite his protests he would make a good father if he ever chose to have a child, it must be the Weasley genes.

"And then your mum and I ..." said Charlie

"Oi, Charlie I think it's a bit early to be corrupting my son just yet!"

 

"We were just having a man to man chat weren't we Teddy"

"Well chat over" stated Tonks as she took Teddy from Charlie "time from a new nappy"

 

Tonks placed Teddy on the changing mat she'd set up and proceeded to change him. Charlie looked on wondering if Tonks would be changing their child now if he hadn't decided to chase dragons over his relationship with her. He shook those thoughts from his head her husband had just died, they were in the aftermath of the war of a generation and he didn't really want a family life anyway dragons would always be his number one priority and nobody especially Tonks deserved to be second to a dragon. He decided these thoughts were a result of trauma he'd seen in the last few days.

Tonks had finished sorting Teddy out and the pair joined Charlie on the sofa the 3 sat in comfortable silence for about 20 minutes before Teddy was off again.

"Merlin! That kid's got some lung on him Nym."

"Tell me about it," said a smiling but already weary Tonks.

"Um C do you think you could look the other way for a bit this one's hungry"

"Why Nym it's nothing I haven't seen before, "said a winking Charlie this earned him a light slap on the back of the head.

"Well if you insist" with that Charlie looked away.

Tonks set about feeding her son after about a minute the crying stopped.

 

"Charlie you can look back now there's not much to see and knowing Teddy he'll be there a little while"

Charlie turned to see Tonks with her shirt a little open and her son suckling at her breast.

"That's one lucky kid" earning him another slap.

20 minutes later they heard the stairs creak again this time it was Charlie who stood and took the defensive stance.

This time it was Hermione and his sister descended the stairs Charlie was consumed in this thoughts when did his gangly little sister become this beautiful young women in front of him.

It made Charlie realise just how much he'd missed being in Romania. He didn't really know anything about his youngest siblings anymore having only received 1 line updates about his siblings from mum every couple of months. Now it was obvious how much he had missed.

 

The last time he spent any real with Ron or Ginny was during the tri-wizard tournament and clearly, a lot had changed, they'd grown up. The last couple of days had made him realise he really knew nothing about the depth of his family's connection to Harry Potter. Yes, he knew Harry visited and was friends with Ron but it was clear his parents and sibling truly considered him family.

While the whole wizarding world was mourning the passing of harry potter 'the-boy-who-lived', his family was mourning harry potter the son, brother and friend. Charlie could shake the feeling that Ginny's relationship with harry was more than that of friend or sibling before he had anytime to process this he thoughts were interrupted.

"Earth to Charlie, anyone home?" Ginny said while waving straight in front of this face.

"Huh ... oh sorry I was lost in my thoughts" replied a dazed Charlie.

 

Ginny and Hermione took seats either side of Tonks.

"Morning girls" chirped Tonks

"How long have you lot been down here this morning?" asked Hermione

 

"About 90 minutes Mr. Lupin here decided last night was not for sleeping."

Ever since Tonks arrived back in the castle both Ginny and Hermione had gravitated towards Tonks they shared knowledge and an experience that few would understand the openness that created provided comfort for all 3 women.

From the moment Ginny, set eyes on Teddy she had become enthralled the infant the only thing or person that wasn't Harry that seemed to get her attention. Teddy clearly enjoyed the attention Ginny lavished on him in the last 24 hours if his hair colour was anything to go by.

"Tonks can I hold him?" Hermione asked so quietly it was almost lost.

Since Tonks had brought Teddy to the castle although Hermione sat with them she seemed to actively avoid any contact with Teddy. Tonks suspected Hermione was scared of the baby so hadn't mentioned it .she appreciated that for someone like Hermione who was an only child and liked to rely on books an unpredictable infant was incredibly unnerving.

 

Tonks reasoned if Hermione was going to have a child Teddy would be a good test run.

"Of course you can, I warn you Teddy is cranky this morning"

"Ok" replied a nervous looking Hermione.

Tonks passed Teddy to Hermione saying, "While my little tyke is in safe hands, I'm going to grab a shower and get ready for the day." Tonks proceeded to leave in the direction of the showers.

The great hall was much quieter than the day before as worried parents had retrieved most of the students. With breakfast over it was time for the first of many meetings all of which Hermione was dreading for the pain and sorrow they knew these meetings would inevitably bring but more selfishly for the attention these meeting would bring to her and Ron.

 

Over the last 7 years, yes, Hermione had gained attention for being the brightest witch of her generation and one of Harry Potter's best friends but being Harry's friend had always given her someone to hide behind she wasn't a coward but she never wanted the kind of attention Harry received. Since his death Hermione had noticed the increased pressure and intrusion, she and Ron seemed to be subjected to. Almost as soon as the battle had ended people had be putting them on a pedestal as leaders of the light by virtue of being Harry's companions. While she could see the befit for herself in the long term if she wanted to change the wizarding world right now her and Ron just wanted some time to mourn and process the horrors of the last year.

The rational side of her brain knew that wasn't going to happen the wizarding world was lost after the events of the last few days and if the light side weren't careful, the chaos would just facilitate the rise of a new dark. The wizarding world needed hope and direction. Ron and herself had had a couple of conversations over the last 48 hours and had decided they needed to do whatever they could to ensure the sacrifices of the last year were not in vain, they owed it to Harry and themselves.

Harry she still hadn't allowed he heart to process he was gone whenever a door opened for a split second she expected to see him to find the last two days were a nightmare that she would wake up from but it didn't happen. She wasn't sure what Harry's death would mean for her future. How would her and Ron's friendship, relationship or whatever it was survive without harry he was always the one to sort them out, reunite them after arguments without Harry could they even make friendship work?

Yes, she was attracted to Ron, she my even love him and as little as 3 days ago she had images of marrying him and having his children. Now it was possible her first child would be Harry's , she knew deep down that Ron would not be able to live with that even if love making was not involved, it would be too much of a kick to he's pride to know harry got there first on some level. She was not sure she could inflict that feeling on Ron nor Ron's jealous on a child while he would never be violent she could easily imagine living in the shadow of his dead best friend and that friend's child would make Ron resent harry and the child. Part of her hoped she was not carrying Harry's child as that would mean she live the life she'd planned out. That made her feel very guilty, as she knew from the age of 15, Harry had found out that a future might not be a long-term reality for him.

When she'd agreed to try and carry harry child she agreed without fully thinking it though a very unnerving thing for somebody as analytical as Hermione. Although Harry and her had a purely brother sister relationship by now it hadn't always been quite that clear cut when she was younger there was a little while when she fancied Harry but she never acted on it because she also fancied Ron and she didn't want to lead either on or muck up their friendship. She knew they needed each other, they were a team and there was already so much pressure on Harry, potential relationships could leave harry alone to face whatever burden was coming . Over the years, they had settled comfortably into a sibling relationship but one thing Hermione knew was that she and Harry loved each other even if it no long had any promise of romance.

Now she was without Harry who was always her source of reassurance and security and she was potentially carrying his child that terrified her. She wasn't good enough, knowledgeable enough or old enough to raise a child what an earth had they, had she been thinking. Could she really do this, she wasn't sure she saw Tonks and Ginny with Teddy and she didn't think she had the mothering instinct in her, yes holding Teddy this morning hadn't been as bad as she thought but could she do it full time she just didn't know.

Harry had chosen her and trusted her with this and if the fates decided that a baby was on the cards she would dealt with it like every challenge she had up until now head on!

They had reached the empty charms classroom that had been designated the meeting place for most of the days meetings. It had been chosen in preference to the heads office due to both its size and the fact the office still contained Remus, Fred and Harry bodies, information that it had been decided would be restricted to the headmistress, the minter and the love ones affected.

Kingsley had made it clear to both Hermione and Ron that their presence would be required all day at all meetings Hermione suspected that this also applied to the elder Weasley and Tonks.

Soon the room began to fill the Weasley's minus Ginny and George entered followed by Tonks, the surviving Hogwarts staff who were not under suspicion of supporting the dark lord and then a couple of order members Hermione recognised but couldn't name lastly Kingsley entered casting charm after charm over the room and its inhabitants.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me today, I apologise for taking you away from your mourning, your celebrating and your families. Before I start you will have seen me cast several charms over the room what I am about to say and our decisions are strictly confidential if you do not feel inclined towards confidentially please leave now." No one moved. I have asked each of you hear personally because I value and trust your opinions and I believe that your expertise and knowledge will be required in the coming days, weeks and months. Before I begin the business of the meeting I just wanted update everyone on known information. It is with greatest regret that to inform you 130 people are known to have perished in the battle 58 on the side of light including 6 order member and 3 DA members including Harry Potter" there was a sob at Harry's name by a number of those in the room. 21 students were killed in addition the DA members. However Voldemort and 71 of his followers also died. Currently 68 death eaters and dark lord sympathisers are being held in magic proof rooms at a secure location awaiting transfer to Azkaban when order has been restored.

The ministry is currently in disarray and as soon as we have finished here, I will be starting the clean up there. Those of you who work for the ministry in this room can expect to hear from me in the next couple of days as I need to build a strong team around me to straighten out the mess the death eaters have created. We have an amazing opportunity to rectify the inequalities and bigotry in our world and I want us to make the most of it."

"This is the first meeting of many for most of us and it is to address what to do with the bodies of Voldemort and his followers" many shivered at the use of Voldemort's name. Discussions broke out around the room each person having very strong opinions most people seemed to be of the opinion that they had committed so many atrocities between them that their bodies should be burned and left unmarked many were worried that Voldemort wasn't really dead and he or one of his followers may use his corpse to revive him. After listening for a few minutes Hermione decided enough was enough.

"Minister may make some suggestions?" Hermione's voice rose above the masses effectively silencing the surrounding conversations Shacklebolt nodded. "The best way to ensure Voldemort is gone and his body can't be use by others is to use a known method of dark magic purging and although these methods are rare we have 3 options available to us in the castle at present. The most appropriate I believe would be to place his body in the room of requirement and casting the Fiendfyre Curse. It has already been used once in the room in the last 3 days and the room seemed to contain it. That method would leave nothing that could be used by his followers. Dumbledore's wand that Voldemort used in the final duel should be returned to Dumbledore's tomb. As for the bodies of the dead death eaters I think you should treat them like the dead on the side of light." Anguished cries broke out at this but the minister motioned for Hermione to continue."I am not suggesting we have memorial to them or bury them with the fatalities from the light side merely that we should allow their family members retrieve their bodies so that they can give their kin whatever burial they wish. Obviously, the family member would have to prove they weren't a carrier of the dark mark and did not partake in murder, rape or torture. Dumbledore believed in not judging a family by one individuals actions and I fear we risk creating a new threat if we are too heavy handed in retribution we need to be building a strong cohesive society not a reversal version of discrimination. For the death eater bodies unclaimed after 3 weeks I believe should organise a well recorded mass grave at Azkaban prison."

"I know what Miss Granger is suggesting is unorthodox and may upset people but I think she is right we need to prove to those who are uncertain what this new equilibrium stands for that we are just and better beings than those we have conquered." McGonagall added her support. 

"I agree, thank you Hermione for your wise suggestion and I think this is the approach the ministry needs to take for long term stability of our society, it will set the tone for the future." The minister stated and although there many unconvinced looks, nobody challenged the new minister.

" thank you everyone, Bowman and Shaw can you organise the separation of the death eaters bodies from Voldemort's, Mitchell , Smith, Ward and Richards can you secure and guard Voldemort's body I with a select few will meet you before lunch to deal with it, Jones and Frasier can you sort out the logistics on the family pick-ups. Singh can you inform the media and ask them to spread information across their networks. For those attending the next meeting we will now take a 10-minute break.

Tonks look at her watch thanks to Hermione this meeting had been surprisingly short. She headed towards McGonagall "would I be able to use a school house elf during the break, I want to fetch Teddy" "yes of course, call for assistance," replied McGonagall. Tonks did just that she was surprised when 2 elves appeared in front of her one looked very familiar. "You called mistress Lupin the two elves stated in sync. Please bring my son to me, he's with my mother Andromeda Tonks, please inform her I will keep Teddy for the duration of the next meeting." "As you wish mistress" and with a pop they disappeared, a few minutes later they returned with infant and his changing bag. "Do you require anything else mistress?" "No thanks" said Tonks retrieving Teddy and the bag with that the elves bowed and disappeared.

Tonks sat herself and Teddy down in-between molly and Hermione the room's occupants had shrunk by about 50% in the last few minutes the Weasley's including George and Ginny, Tonks and Hermione made up over half the group.

 

In a softer tone than in the previous meeting, Kingsley spoke "Right, it appears we are all here."

Over the next 2 and half hours, the group discussed burial and memorial arrangements.

It was decided that Fred would be buried in Ottery St. Catchpole. Surprising many people it was decided during this meeting that Harry Potter and Remus Lupin would be buried in the graveyard in Godric's hollow with Harry's parents.

At the outset Kingsley had suggested that at the outset of the meeting had argued that harry should either be buried next to Dumbledore at Hogwarts or in a personal memorial, those who knew harry well knew he would hate being the centre of attention. McGonagall was concerned that Hogwarts could not handle the volume of visitors who would want to pay without disrupting the school schedule. Again, it was Hermione's logic that had won out. Godric's was already a focal point for memorial to the wizarding world, Harry would have wanted to be near his parents and the village was containable if needed on security grounds. Much against Kingsley's judgement and wishes, it was agreed that Harry and Remus would have a small secret burial on Wednesday 6th may in the evening then there would be a public memorial service on the 7th at Hogwarts for all the victims of the war. The service would be followed by a press conference on the 8th where Harry's burial would be announced as well as a brief description of Harry, Ron and Hermione's activities in the last year. Until the funerals, the bodies of Harry, Fred and Remus would be stored in a secure room in Hogwarts.

Kingsley decided that now was the time to sort out tom riddles body as it had been long enough for the order members to carry out his earlier directions and he was concerned that the longer has left tom's body in one piece the more likely they were to enter into a battle with some of his deluded followers.

Decisions about the future would have to wait until later.

Chapter 10: Letters
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Chapter 11: the otherside
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Chapter 10 The other side

After a week containing far too many funerals as well as the memorial service the Weasleys were exhausted. Arthur and Percy had been working 17-hour days apart from the day of Harry, Remus and Fred's funerals. Nobody knew what to do with their emotions so the normal bustle of burrow was replaced by an eerie silence.

Life in the recently repaired burrow was difficult for everyone but Hermione found it particularly difficult on the one hand she felt like a stranger trespassing on another families grief and at the same time watching the family dynamics was a constant painful reminder of her own parents and her predicament.

To further complicate matters on the day of the official memorial service Ron had asked Hermione out. Despite her concerns regarding the timing and her future she accepted knowing that this was likely to be Ron's sole attempt. She had liked Ron so long she wanted and needed to know what a relationship with him was like. Unfortunately living with your new boyfriend's family while they are mourning is not a comfortable no matter how much Ron's parents insisted she was part of the family, her relationship with Ron also changed her status in the family making her feel like more of an outsider.

Her relationship with Ron so far wasn't what she she'd imagined it would be for all those year but in none of her daydreams had Harry or Fred died. After that meal in the hall and Harry's message Hermione had hoped Ron had become more considerate and aware of others needs but it didn't seem to apply to her. His current behaviour kept reminding her of 4th year Ron and that was not a good thing. Hermione was hoping that when things calmed down and began to return to normal the Ron's approach to their relationship would improve.

They were still fighting a lot but now Ron ended most arguments by instating a kiss. Kissing was all they seemed to do previously when Ron had been dating lavender Hermione had assumed that the majority of the snogging she stumbled upon was the result of lavender's action and clingy persona but now she wasn't so sure. Ron also seemed to see their newly defined relationship as ownership and a free pass to explore her body without her permission in the first week she had already slapped him away about 5 times when his exploration went too far. Victor had been nothing like this and she was already finding her self feeling rushed and pressured into things she didn't feel ready for and she wasn't sure what to do she didn't want to set Ron off on a rant but she wasn't sure how much longer she could allow his actions to progress.

Ron seemed to enjoy skin contact with her particularly her chest but she found his heavy touch increasing painful.

Even worse she was beginning to reminisce back to the night of the battle and Harry's touch and kisses she knew she wasn't attracted to harry like that but it was the best experience she'd had with a boy so far and that depressed her. She had tried asking Ginny for advise and information as she had dated several boys including harry to get some kind of comparison to see whether what she was feeling emotionally and physically was normal or not. However it was difficult because Ron was Ginny's brother and Ginny was currently a shadow of her normal self since returning to the burrow everybody was and it was completely understandable but Ginny more so she'd put up walls and was keeping an air of detachment with everyone.

One silver lining for Hermione to the current despair was due to the high number of funeral and memorials Hermione had seen Tonks a lot and Tonks always made an effort to check in with Ginny and Hermione but funerals and memorials were not the place for the kind of discussions Hermione wanted and needed.

Both Winky and Kreacher had been to see if Ginny or Hermione needed their services, which they didn't, but Hermione suggested that the elves might start preparing potter mansion.

A week later things had calmed down and settled into a routine of sorts Hermione was getting restless though and although her and Ron's relationship had calmed down she still did not feel comfortable with the it. Now they no longer had funerals to go to Hermione had not left the burrow and with the current atmosphere, Ginny as a room-mate and Ron not wanting to do anything other than kiss she was feeling increasingly trapped. Thankfully Ron had taken Harry's advice and asked George for job the shop wasn't open yet but Ron and George had spent 3 days cleaning up the number the death eaters had done on it. When they'd completed the clean up they planned to start the restocking process.

Tonks had come to the burrow for the 1st time post battle on Sunday 17th of May at the request of molly. The morning before Tonks arrived the prophet carrier the ministry announcement that all of the DA and all of the order would receive the order of Merlin of course the order and DA weren't not identified it just referred to the individuals as the leaders of the resistance. Harry, Colin and Snape (still controversial despite the press campaign showing him as a hero since the end of the battle) would be awarded 1st class posthumously. Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, Ginny and McGonagall would get second class orders with the remaining getting 3rd class. Hermione was impress Kingsley had managed to get Dobby and bane 3rd class honours and they were 1st non-humans to receive the honour.

Tonks brought teddy and he was an ideal distraction for both Ginny and molly after a full Weasley Sunday lunch the boys and Ginny and Fleur decided to play 3 on 3 Quidditch while Percy, Arthur, molly, Tonks, Hermione and Teddy watched.

---

Tonks could feel the change in atmosphere change in the burrow in was no longer the light-hearted place of welcome that it had been even during the war. The weight of Fred and Harry's deaths were almost visible in the atmosphere everyone looked like they were putting a brave face on it except Ginny Tonks had seen the young redhead several times since they had left Hogwarts and each time she was a little more withdrawn it looked like Ginny had given up and was just going through the motions. Tonks understood she would be the same if it weren't for teddy but what worried Tonks was that nobody really seemed to have tried to help Ginny handle what had happened, the poor girl had never really had to deal with death before and to loose the man you love in such a public way only an hour after making love with them for the time. Ginny and harry hadn't had a chance to properly explore or develop their relationship and now all Ginny had were dreams that would never be reality. Tonks decided to leave Ginny for today and try to visit the burrow when most of the boys were at work.

Settling herself and Teddy on a knoll overlooking the burrows meadow come Quidditch pitch Tonks noticed Hermione was uncharacteristically fidgety. Remembering Harry's words she knew what she need to do.

"Wotcher, Hermione how's this week been?"

Hermione paused 'erm ok I guess considering' Tonks didn't look convinced she wasn't an auror for nowt.

'Molly can you keep an eye on master Lupin-black here while I stretch my legs and work off lunch a bit' Tonks asked

'Of course dearie I'd love to' looking at molly's reaction it was clear how she'd ended up with 7 kids, she loved babies and children you could see her eyes light up at the prospect.

'Hermione, feel like keeping me company?'

With a nod Hermione got up and joined Tonks. After wondering for a bit Tonks started 'so miss granger how are you really? Coz what you said earlier was mainly bullshit'

'Erm its been better I'm worried about Ginny, I feel like I'm intruding, I miss my parents, I'm bored, I don't know what to do and Ron and mine relationship I don't understand'

'Breath there girly, that's better at less that's closer to the truth. Do you remember what I said to you in that office a few weeks ago? And have repeated it nearly every time I've seen you since. I'm here for you and Ginny for the long haul regardless of what happens, as it is you need to keep me company on the Wizengamot.' Tonks chuckled but noticed Hermione looked nervous.

'Granger what's wrong?

'Nothing' said Hermione a little too quickly.

'Don't believe you, try again'

'Erm Tonks you know I'm an only child and my parents are half way round the world and well asking molly would be weird and Ginny is in her own little world… it's a very personal but …'

30 minutes of frank conversation later Hermione felt better and Tonks felt close to the young witch.

'Thanks Tonks, I feel better and it's just good to get another perspective.'

'Ah, its nothing, I enjoy chatting with you I didn't really have any female friends at school to gossip with, you know Hermione I'd be really happy of you came to stay with me for a while, it might help with Ron and it would give me a reason to visit here more often which would help with Ginny. We could tell the Weasley's it's because I need help with the munchkin.'

'I think I might if that's ok I just really need some space, to get my head straight,

but you're telling molly she scares me I've never really got past an incident when I was 17 and she found me in a state of undress in Charlie's bed'.

They unlikely pair spent a little longer chatting about this and that before heading back to the group. ' Just before reaching the group, Tonks stopped.

'What's the matter ' said a concerned Hermione.

' Oh, I just had a thought when are you due your next monthly, Hermione?'

'Today's the 17th so' she does mental maths on her fingers ' ohhhhhh 3 days ago… do think I might be …'

With a smirk Tonks replied 'yes Hermione I do it would explain your sensitivity to touch and your lack of patience … ouch and the violent outbursts. Although by the sounds of it young master Weasley is heavy handed which doesn't help and I don't won't to test that experience'.

Hermione grimaced.

'Lets go tell molly your moving in with me.'

Molly's protests were short lived when Hermione explained it was to help Tonks with Teddy.

Ron was less understanding he couldn't understand why this girlfriend was voluntarily moving away from him. His voice echoed around the burrow 'why don't I have a say in this I'm your boyfriend shouldn't you check with me first' the other inhabitants cringed for Ron but the lack of sound suggested a very strong silencing charm.

30 minutes letter a dishevelled Hermione appeared in the kitchen 'Molly is ok if I come back for lunch on Tuesday and dinner on Friday?' 'Of course dear you can come whenever you don't need to ask.'

---

While Hermione packed and told Ron Tonks admired the meadow and watched the remaining brothers and Ginny much around on their brooms. Remembering the summers of her school years spent watching bill and Charlie show off.

She noticed Fleur Delacour-Weasley approaching her, she didn't know much about the Francophone witch other than her being married to bill, working for Gringotts, being an order member, tri wizard competitor and finally her being French.

''Ello Nymphadora' Tonks held her normal retort to her given name.

'How are you doing?'

'Well considering everything, what about yourself, are you back at Gringotts yet?

'I am also okay considering, harry was a good friend and oui, I am back at work, 'hat iz why I have come over actually, you may remember I also received a letter from harry…' Tonks signalled for quiet a flick of her wand and a moment later a Muffliato charm securely in place 'you can never be too careful.

'Oui, as I was saying Harry sent me a letter … he's told me everything including what you 'ermione and Ginevra have offered to do for him' Tonks stayed quiet waiting for Fleur's reaction 'I am bounded by the goblins not to say anything and I weel keep this from bill as long as required, harry as asked me to make sure all of you and teddy are looked after and comfortable financially until hees will is read. He also wishes for me to deal with the red tape that is likely to come given his status and the complicated situation. When I first I was trés surprised especially by your involvement but I feel now dzis is best for everyone. My sister-in-law need help with tiz whatever the outcome and I can see you are already supporting them; if you eeva need someone to talk to I am here. I know we do not really know each other well but I would like to be there for you and I feel that we weel be spending a lot of time sorting out Harry's wishes as teddy will but part of them regardless of baby or not. I also do not think either Ginny or Hermione understand how big these iz going to be when it comes out.

'Thank you fleur, I'd like that I don't have many female friends and I can't share this anyway, although it was agreed with harry and Remus beforehand that if I end up pregnant the child will acknowledged as being Remus's for as long as possible, for security reason as much as anything but also harry potter's child or not the wizarding world is not ready for the 'married women having another man's child openly story', it would end any chance I have as being taken seriously I'd be branded a whore forever. If I am pregnant I want the child to know exactly whom their father was as harry would definitely a father to be proud of but I doubt many people would ever understand my decision. If Remus hadn't of loved Harry so much there is no way he would have agreed … how do you think the weasleys will take this?'

'That iz one ting I am very worried about, they are a very traditional family and Ginny iz their little girl they will not handle this well at all. It has taken this war for molly not to think I'm a harlot and there was on baby out of wedlock. I hope for Ginny's sake that she izn't pregnant and I thin wee should set up a plan for if she is. I think they will come round eventually but they all have rot tempers and they action before thinking so there first reaction will not be preety. They loved harry so it will be ok in the end but it will be orrible to start with. I also think Hermione will need protecting the family all seem adamant that she will end up with Ron but there is no way Ron could handle raising another man's child especially Harry's. I don't think she and Ron will last anyway.'

'Me neither and I'm pretty sure she's pregnant but we are going to wait till next week to run the spell, she's moving in with me today and I'm guessing she's going to stay and by the sound of it Ron wasn't very impressed.

'I tink I heard that'.

'Better go and see if Hermione's ready to go, thanks Fleur.'