Disclaimer: I do not own, nor am I associated with anything to do with Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling, or any of the cast members of the movies.
For the next couple weeks before Bill and Fleur’s wedding, Harry enjoyed his life. He was finally away from the Dursleys, and he was where he wanted to be. Ron and Hermione hardly ever left his side, and the trio’s bond as friends grew even stronger. Although Ginny was distant, her and Harry were able to talk to one another on a different level. It was as if Harry was living in a dream-world that he never wanted to leave. So, naturally, he feared waking up, and each night, he did indeed wake up in cold sweats with nightmares; images he couldn’t get out of his head. He wasn’t sure what to do, or how to overcome this. Was it a weakness? Or was this really what was going to happen? After each time he would wake up, the following day would be just a fraction worse than the previous, and he could feel the darkness slowly creeping back into his mind.
Harry finally thought it best to tell Ron and Hermione what was going on. Not just about his dreams, but about his plans for the summer, and the school year. He knew it wasn’t going to be easy, but it was something he had to do. On the afternoon of the day preceding the wedding, he pulled his two best friends aside. This was unusual, as he almost always spoke to them in front of everyone, telling jokes and having a good time. The difference in Harry’s attitude was certainly enough to scare Hermione.
"Harry, what’s wrong," she asked, looking alarmed.
"Yeah, mate, you seem a little pale," Ron agreed. There was something on his mind that was troubling him.
"Well," Harry began, "I’ve been doing a lot of thinking over the past few weeks on a lot of different things. I mean, you remember how last school year ended, with the funeral and everything. I said then that I wanted to go back to Godric’s Hollow, and I will as soon as the wedding’s over. I feel that this is a trip that I should make alone."
"Harry, we said that we’d go with you, and we aren’t going to let you go by yourself," Hermione said, but not in her usual bossy tone. There was a gentleness and much concern in her voice as she continued.
"I personally don’t want to let you go alone because I feel we’re a family, the three of us. I mean, I don’t want you to continue hurting by yourself. I want to be there for you, in your good times and your bad ones. And besides, what are friends for? Ron and I will always be with you, no matter what."
"Hermione’s right, Harry," Ron continued. "You’re not going without us on this trip. We said we’d go, and so we will. We’re with you ‘til the end."
Harry had never felt so grateful for his friends than he did at this moment. It was one thing for a friend to say they’ll follow you wherever you go, but these two have proven it. And not just once, but on several occasions. Make that several occasions...per year! He knew he could count on them, and so he agreed.
"Alright, alright, I’ll give in. But I’m just not sure what to expect on this trip. I mean, what if something bad happens?"
"Then we’ll be right there beside you, to whatever end," Ron said with a smile.
"That’s not all, though. I also told both of you that I wasn’t sure if I was going back to Hogwarts this next year or not." Judging from the sad look that came across Hermione’s face, Harry thought it best to further explain.
"The thing is...all last year, Dumbledore and I researched into Voldemort’s past, and what I saw was, to say the least, scary. It’s almost as if he was born evil. Even as a small child, he found ways of manipulating others by fear. As it turns out, he found a way to almost make himself invincible: horcruxes. Now, a horcrux is anything you want it to be. After you kill someone, your soul is ripped in two. If you know how, you can put half of your soul into an object. Any object you want. Dumbledore said that Tom Riddle’s diary second year was one of these, and he found and destroyed another. That’s why his hand was black last year."
Both Ron and Hermione caught on rather quick, remembering Dumbledore’s withered looking hand during their sixth year. Harry rather regretted not hearing the whole story of what had happened, as Dumbledore had promised to tell him.
"As it turns out, there are 7 pieces of Voldemort’s soul in existence. Two of which have been destroyed. The night Dumbledore...the night we left, we went to a cave and found a third one. That was the necklace I was holding. In it had a note from someone named R.A.B. I’m not sure who that is, but it seemed as though he was one of Voldemort’s Death Eaters who was turning against him. The necklace I found was a fake, and this Death Eater, whoever he is, has the real one."
"So," Hermione interrupted, "what you’re saying is that, you’ve got to find the other five horcruxes before you can even kill him?"
"Well, four horcruxes. The seventh piece of his soul is still in his body, and that’s the last piece I have to destroy."
"Man, I know this sounds mean, but I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about that," Ron said absentmindedly. He felt guilty after saying it, and put his head down.
"Well, I don’t want to have to worry about it either, Ron, but it’s something that I’ve got to do, whether I like it or not. I mean, I could just walk right up to him and let him kill me-"
"NO," both Ron and Hermione shouted at the same time. Well, at least they don’t want me to do that, Harry thought to himself.
"Just kidding, you two. I have an idea what three of the four remaining horcruxes are, but I’m not sure what the last one could be. That’s why I thought about not going back this year, so that I can actually finish this, and with me away from Hogwarts, I would assume Voldemort would follow me and leave the school alone."
"Yes, but Harry...what if he doesn’t leave the school alone, and attacks when you’re gone?" Hermione asked emphatically.
"That’s why I’m going back; to make sure that doesn’t happen." Harry had made up his mind just then that it was best to be with his friends. He would work something out with whomever the headmaster was this year, and take time off to search for the horcruxes. This way, he had the best of both worlds (if it was to be considered the best of anything at all, for that matter), and judging from the expressions on his friends’ faces, he’d made the right choice.
"Thank you, Harry. It’s not Hogwarts without you," Hermione said, and gave him another hug.
"Dinner time, you three," Mrs. Weasley said in her usual joyful voice. As the trio turned for supper, Ron pulled Harry aside. There was one thing that was bothering him, and he needed to ask Harry about this without anyone else around.
"Say, Harry, what are you planning on doing about Ginny?" Ron asked. This had been bothering him for some time.
"Why do you ask," Harry replied, not wanting to get into this right now.
"Well," Ron said slowly, "she’s been a lot quieter since the end of last year. I asked her about it, and she said you broke up with her at the funeral. I’m worried, as she spends more time in her room than she usually does, and she’s made herself scarce around the three of us all summer. So, I guess I was just wondering why you broke up with her, and what you’re going to do about her this year."
Harry remained silent and looked at the floor as if it were a television show that fascinated him. He did not want to think about his feelings for Ginny, and certainly not aloud. And he never thought about telling Ron about it, either. After all, Ron had been sort of awkward about the whole thing, so why would he want to know? Harry knew that he wanted to be with Ginny, now more than ever before, but he couldn’t risk it. Should he tell her brother this?
"Harry?" Ron interrupted his thoughts.
"Look, Ron," Harry began, knowing he had to choose his words wisely. "I care a lot about Ginny, and I never, ever wanted to hurt her. That’s why I broke up with her: I don’t want Voldemort to go after her to get to me because of my feelings for your sister. As far as this year is concerned, it’ll be hard for both of us, but if we just have some more distance, at least until this thing is over, then I think it’ll be for the best."
Harry wasn’t sure whether he’d said too much or not, but Ron didn’t look as pleased as he’d hoped he would.
"I guess, mate, I guess." Ron didn’t know what else to say. His best friend obviously was also having a hard time with this, but wouldn’t at least give it a chance. After all, if there was ever a time to need love and caring, it was most certainly now. Both boys went to the kitchen to join the family for supper. Neither one spoke about Ginny, and acted as if it was something that was never discussed. Yet both knew that this was a conversation that would definitely be held later on when time permitted.
When they all woke up, reality set in. Today was, after all, a happy day: a wedding day! Fleur had already left to prepare, and Bill was as antsy as ever at breakfast by the time Harry and Ron came downstairs. In his mind, Bill thought that this day would be a great day, no problems. He never expected to be this nervous. His stomach was in knots, and he seemed to be having trouble breathing some of the time. His mind also had a tough time comprehending what people were saying, so he’d give them answers that he thought would work, such as "Yeah, that’s great," or "I know what you mean." When he got a strange look, he knew he got the wrong reply to the wrong comment, but he was too worried to worry about it.
Mrs. Weasley was cleaning up a storm, but she couldn’t help but be amused by her son’s actions this morning. He acted just as her husband did before they were married. He could hardly finish a sentence when they spoke before the wedding, and couldn’t speak at all during it! Oh, how she loved recalling that day. It wasn’t a big wedding by any means. Most of the people who attended were family members, with some friends that finished Hogwarts at around the same time they did. The Potters were there, Sirius Black was there, and a vast majority of the original Order of the Phoenix came as well. Mrs. Weasley chuckled at the thought of her dress. She loved her dress, yet could not find anyone to carry the train, so she had to bewitch it to follow her at an elevated height! It would have been embarrassing had it not been for Arthur’s face. As soon as he saw her, it didn’t matter what she wore, and she knew it. His face looked as if he was seeing her for the first time, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off of her. Their first few years of marriage were great. They had Bill and Charlie almost immediately. Shortly thereafter came Percy, the twins, then Ron, and lastly, Ginny. A large family, but she wouldn’t trade any of them for the world. She always knew this day would come, and what a time for a wedding!
The house was busy and bustling with excitement as the moment drew nearer. Mrs. Weasley had everybody do their fair share of work to prepare the place as best they could. Being a rather violent time in their lives, the wedding had to be held at the Burrow, so she wanted it to be as memorable for her son and her future daughter-in-law as she could. Overseeing all operations, she made all who were helping do twice as good a job as normal. For Ron, this was not a fun task, as he had the job of making sure the gnomes were kept in an enchanted area and wouldn’t make any noises. Hermione couldn’t help but laugh at Ron’s fruitless efforts in trying to catch them. Crookshanks actually took pity on him and chased a few at him. The first actually knocked him off his feet in surprise! Of course, the best at choosing a moment to arrive, Fred and George Weasley Apparated just at that moment to see their beloved brother being toppled over by a gnome, all of ten inches tall. Being the older brothers, they naturally felt the need to fulfill their obligation and insisted on bringing it up the remainder of the day at the most inopportune moments for Ron, making his whole face turn bright shades of red.
Hermione and Ginny worked as a team on the decorations for the outside of the house. Mrs. Weasley taught them how to materialize garland and they were doing a marvelous job. Even Mrs. Weasley complimented, gaining a hard look from Ron, who was exhausted, red, and sweaty after catching only three gnomes out of the group of eight. Harry had the delight of teaching Mr. Weasley how to blow up balloons. Thinking it was an easy task, Harry told Mr. Weasley briefly how to blow them up, demonstrating the techniques. Mr. Weasley, not being sure how to hold it, ended up letting one go, and absolutely loved the sound that it made. He loved it so much, in fact, that he insisted on blowing up every balloon five times, and letting them go! Naturally, doing this activity in such a manner took most of the afternoon. By the time the sun cast an orange glow on the Burrow, everything was prepared. Bill had left some time earlier, per Mrs. Weasley’s orders (so as not to spoil the surprise), and everybody had gotten dressed. Harry and Ron wore their dress-robes from school, Fred and George wore some very fine, deep green suits made from dragon skins, Hermione wore a light blue summer dress, Ginny had on a violet, very formal gown (which made Harry “involuntarily” stare at her several times), and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley had on their best outfits. All was set, except one thing.
It was a tradition with the Weasleys to make a bell that would sound as the marrying couple would share their first kiss in wedlock. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley got everybody in a circle, and started making shapes in the air with their wands. Harry and the rest followed, and soon enough, a bright light formed at the center of the circle. By the combined magic of the family, the light grew, and took shape as a huge bell, then shot up into the sky, and hovered above where the couple would say their vows. It was quite a sight to see, this bell. Completely comprised of enchantment, it glowed brightly, illuminating the entire yard in a dazzling display. The wedding was finally set and ready to take place.
Shortly after making the bell, a friend of the Weasley family, Remus Lupin, came forth in a black suit with a cross necklace. He was to conduct the wedding. The Order arrived after he did, and all made their own seats out of thin air, as the Weasleys weren’t able to supply that many. As they all took their seats, Bill Weasley arrived, and walked down the aisle. His parents stood up and welcomed him with their smiles; their indescribable joy shown in their eyes as their son passed them. After he had taken his place beside Remus, they walked out to the middle, put their wands together, and created a red carpet. It wasn’t the best carpet, but it would do for the ceremony.
Two latecomers arrived just then, apologizing emphatically to all for their lateness: Percy and Charlie Weasley. Charlie went up to his brother and gave him a great hug. Bill tried his best to return the hug, but his stomach’s knots seemed to have bounded his arms to his sides as well. Charlie turned and walked to his brother’s side.
"It is time, everybody," said Remus. He signaled to Charlie, and Charlie pointed his wand at the bell. In an instant, a sweet, gentle melody floated down over the small gathering of friends and family. A small girl, younger than Ginny, walked down the aisle timidly. She held flowers in her hand, and gently placed them on the ground as she passed. The last thing in her basket was a ring, which she kept in there. Turning around, she stood opposite of Charlie and waited. All eyes turned to the back of the aisle, which concealed the last person who would walk down it. Again, Remus signaled to Charlie, who raised his wand again at the bell, and the music stopped. As anticipation grew, Charlie whispered an incantation, and the bell started playing a familiar, joyous march.
Bill couldn’t breathe. This was it! Reminding himself to breathe, he looked on, waiting...waiting...Then there she was. If Bill was having trouble breathing before, he definitely had a problem now, as not only his breath but his words failed him as well. All eyes followed his gaze to his bride. Harry had known that Fleur was beautiful, as she was part veela, but nothing could have prepared him for this. As she came out, she held her head high, and wore a smile that competed with the bell for brilliance. Her hair was pulled up, and all could see it was a flawless job. Her dress, all white, was glittering all over with crystals; the train reached out no more than four feet behind her, yet she seemed to be gliding through the crowd. As she proceeded forward, not a word was spoken as everyone stared in awe at her magnificence and beauty. Gracefully reaching the end of the aisle, Bill was able to start breathing again. Then he pulled her veil back, and again was awestruck. This is my bride, he said to himself with pride, and he could not resist a smile. All eyes turned to the couple, as Remus started to speak.
"Dearly beloved, friends and families from all over, we are gathered here on this blessed day to bear witness to the union of these two young people. In a time when happiness is scarce and high spirits are rare, a joyous event such as this is a most welcome sight. All here have lost much in recent times, but today, we are given the blessing of seeing a new beginning in this marriage. Let us not hope, but have complete confidence that this day is just one of many more that are on their way, and that the darkness that clouds this world now will soon disappear.
"Today, we witness the marriage of Bill Weasley to Fleur Delacour. I will now ask you to recite your wedding vows to one another."
Bill could not take his eyes off of Fleur. He didn’t even reach in his pocket for the vows he had written earlier. He looked at her with all the love and compassion a man is capable of, and said what was in his heart.
"I’ve never known a person like you in my life. I never knew what it was like to be alone until the first time we parted. I never knew what love felt like until your lips met mine. When we touched for the first time, I felt more alive than ever, and when I first saw you smile, my heart stopped beating for a moment. On the day I confessed my love for you, I gave you my heart. Today, I give you my life and my eternal love. Never will I love another as I love you, and I will spend every waking moment of my life from now until time stops showing you how much. You are my heart, my happiness, my life, and I have never been as happy as I am today, to be able to call you my wife. I love you, Fleur and I will always love, protect, honor, and trust you for every day that goes by until my last."
Fleur didn’t know how to respond to that. Never had her heart felt so truly complete. She had spent so many hours working on what she was going to say, and dreaming of what he was going to say. On this day, a day she would never, ever forget, her husband-to-be spoke every word she always wanted to hear. As she looked deeply into his eyes, she spoke, at first barely more than a whisper. Once her voice returned to her, she spoke with more passion than she knew she had.
"Bill, I will never forget ze day we met. Eet was almost by acceedent, yet eet was meant to be. I couldn’t wait unteel ze next time I would see you, and zat feeling grew each time we parted. I now know why zey call eet falling een love. A fall ees a risk, as ees love. But I learned zat eef I fell, you’d be zere to catch me. I 'ave always dreamed of meeting a man such as you. Someone who would take care of me, who would love me, who would look past my faults and see who I really was. You not only did zat, but when I gave you my 'eart, you took eet een your 'ands, kissed eet, and 'eld eet up for all the world to see. I never knew I could love zis much, and yet I feel zat my love will grow stronger with each moment I spend as your wife. I love you more zan life itself, and I will always love, 'onor, and trust you with my life, my 'eart, and my 'appiness."
If the entire audience wasn’t crying after Bill’s vows, they certainly were after Fleur’s. The atmosphere was sacred, as if God himself were personally blessing the ground upon which this celebration of happiness was taking place. The couple locked eyes once more, and whispers of love only audible to each other were passed back and forth to the other. Charlie handed Bill the ring, which he gently placed on Fleur’s finger. Fleur’s younger sister passed her Bill’s ring, and she repeated in kind his movements. Now hand in hand, and only inches apart, they turned to Remus, who smiled and spoke once more.
"Both of you have declared before all present that you will love, honor, protect, and trust the other. You have promised that you will live together for the rest of your days as man and wife, and have passed rings to one another, symbolizing the eternal love shared between the two of you. So, by the authority vested in me, I am pleased to pronounce you husband and wife. Bill, you may kiss your bride."
As Bill placed his hands on Fleur’s face, he was overcome with joy. Fleur, whose radiance was glowing with every movement she made, leaned in to Bill’s kiss. As their lips met softly in their first kiss as husband and wife, there was nothing in the world but love. A love that would never die, and would never be forsaken. After eternity had opened her eyes again to the world, Bill and Fleur parted and turned to face their families.
"May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Bill Weasley, to all in attendance," concluded Remus, in a tone much happier than was usual for him. Everyone stood and applauded as Bill and his bride walked back down the aisle. They stopped at the end, looked at each other, and turned around. Then they both started laughing. They were waiting to see when someone was going to stop them!
"Well, dinner’s more than ready, I’m sure," said Bill jovially, "and this is a celebration! Let’s all eat and enjoy this joyous evening!"
Dinner that night was another joyous event. Laughter was the most common language of the evening, as everyone there was laughing merrily. Even Alastar Moody was enjoying himself, and having a few laughs here and there. Fred and George controlled their immense urges to start a food fight, and instead grabbed two pies, and set them aside for some “innocent” fun later. Harry was having a blast, yet he knew that this was the last time for a long time he would have this much fun. After a very interesting conversation with Charlie about the dragons he was in charge of and their ideas of antics, he quietly slipped outside. As he stood outside the Burrow under the brilliant light of the illuminated bell, he listened to the sounds of happiness coming from behind him, faintly. He also heard the silence surrounding him. Isn’t this ironic, Harry said to himself. No matter where you go, no matter how happy a place can be, there’s always a place that is not so happy. Sensing he was not alone, he quickly turned around and saw Fleur, her radiant smile still glowing on her face.
"Hello, 'Arry. I wanted to talk wit' you, eef zat's alright."
"Yeah, that’s fine, Fleur. Congratulations. I’m so happy for you!"
"Zank you, 'Arry! Zis day would not 'ave 'appened if eet ‘adn’t ‘ave been for you."
"Sure it would have. I mean, you talked about the day you guys met, and all that, so I’m sure this would’ve happened even if you hadn’t met me."
"No, eet wouldn’t. I’ll tell you why. I was wit' a friend of mine from Beauxbatons, talking about ze Tournament. And I told 'er zat I’d met you, and zat you were a very courageous and honorable person. Well, Bill was sitting a few seats away, and 'e 'eard me talking about you, and zat I’d met you. 'E leaned over and asked me a few questions, and before I knew eet, 'is group of friends and mine were at ze same table. 'E walked me 'ome zat night, and eet just worked so well. So, I wanted to say zank you for everything. I owe you my life een more ways zan one, now."
"There’s no need to, err, say that, Fleur. Honestly, I’m really glad I was able to help, and I always will."
With this, a sadness overtook the pair, and both knew the uncertainty of Harry’s last statement. Harry noticed this, and immediately took action.
"Anyways, there’s a party going on, so why don’t we get back to it?'
Fleur’s smile returned, and they walked back to the party. When they entered the door, both almost fell over from laughing: Fred and George had saved the best prank for last, and had used an enchantment to send the pies right into the unsuspecting faces of Ron and Bill! While both were getting cleaned up, the Order began to clear out.
"We’d love to stay, Molly, but unfortunately, Death Eaters don’t sleep or take breaks," growled Mad-Eye. "We’ll see you at the next meeting in a couple days. Take care, and congratulations, you two."
"Yes, indeed," concurred Tonks. "It was the most fun I’ve had since I can remember. Good luck to you!"
As Moody, Tonks, Remus, and the remainder of the Order left, so did Fleur’s family. They had a long return trip home, and had to get started. They revealed one last present to the newlyweds: they had built them a house! It wasn’t the biggest thing, but it was somewhere they could start from. Both Bill and Fleur graciously thanked them as they cleared out.
Bill and Fleur left soon after the rest, taking an enchanted car for a moonlight flight. The Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione watched them go before all went back to the house for a good night’s sleep. All, that is, except for Harry. He looked onward into the sky, knowing what his world had in store for him. Yet his heart was filled with hope of what he may find on the next step in his life’s journey. He now set his mind on a way of getting himself to Godric’s Hollow. He at least needed a picture. It was too bad Mad-Eye Moody had left already, as he seemed to have quite a few pictures from that time. Then it hit him that he, too, had a picture! He decided to grab it after Ron went to sleep, so he returned to the house and went upstairs to bed.
As expected, Ron was out in a matter of minutes, snoring loudly, and every so often mumbling about some bird chasing him through Diagon Alley. Harry chuckled to himself as he went to his trunk. He pulled out an old book, quietly whispered, Lumos!, and started flipping the pages. He knew what he was looking for, and he would find it. Sure enough, his eyes met up with two pairs of eyes that he was most familiar with, yet sadly had never known. Behind his parents was Godric’s Hollow, their home. Harry was not tired in the least bit, so he stared at that picture for hours, studying every detail of the house.
Looking outside the window, he saw the first glimpses of the sun. He told himself now was the time, and his heart jumped with nervous excitement as he carefully walked down the stairs. He walked out the front door, and heard someone behind him. Quickly, he jumped behind the bushes beside the front door and waited. Not a minute later, Mr. Weasley walked out the same door, yawning and stretching. He walked to the middle of the lawn and Apparated out of sight. Harry’s breathing resumed, and he followed the same path. He looked around one last time, taking in all the sights. He would sure miss this place, and he most likely wasn’t going to be back here for a while, at the very least. He turned his back to the house, and closed his eyes, taking in all the smells and sounds of the Burrow. Breathing deeply, Harry opened his eyes, and turned around to view the house one more time. What he saw was indeed the Burrow, but two people walking out of it towards him. As they approached, a knowing smile was present on both faces as Ron and Hermione stepped up to their friend.
"We knew you were going to try to go by yourself, so we went to bed earlier so we’d be able to catch you," Ron said while yawning. "Besides, Hermione said that only you would know how to get to Godric’s Hollow."
"Well, she’s right as always, Ron," Harry said smiling. As much as he may deny it, inside he was grateful for both his best friends and their determination to stand by him.
Ron and Hermione knew what to do, and both grabbed a part of Harry’s clothing. Harry pointed his wand skyward, closed his eyes, focused only on Godric’s Hollow, and secretly prayed he could do it. He stepped forward, twisted, and sure enough, he felt his feet temporarily leave the ground.
The trio hit the ground rather hard. Harry could not wait to open his eyes, yet was afraid to. Slowly, his eyelids lifted, revealing a sight that brought tears to his eyes for a number of reasons. There in front of him was Godric’s Hollow. That alone was enough to bring tears to his eyes. But it was not as it looked in the picture. It was very obvious that the house had not been visited in some time. In addition to the natural wear, there were several black smears on the outside, revealing the struggle that took place on these grounds so many years ago.
Hermione looked at Harry’s face, trying to decipher what was going on in his mind. As she looked at the house, she saw an old home beaten up. It was certainly fixable, but she couldn’t see why anyone would want to. It wasn’t in the best shape. She looked at Ron, and she could see he agreed. I guess I was expecting too much, she said to herself as she, Ron, and Harry walked cautiously up the steps to the front door. Harry timidly touched the doorknob, and turned.
The door creaked open, and Harry pulled out his wand. It was too dark to see, and yet something in his mind told him not to turn on any lights. Death Eaters may very well expect him to come here. Three Lumos! spells were said simultaneously as the friends walked further into Godric’s Hollow. Harry turned to his left, from the main corridor. He lit his wand a little brighter, and he saw a room that he had no memory of, yet strangely felt very comfortable in. It was the den area, the living space of the Potters. There was a television on the floor next to the wall closest the hallway. Two couches were on the opposite side of the room in an “L” shape. A table was on the wall facing the outside with windows, and in the dim light, Harry saw something that made his heart leap. He ran to the table as fast as his legs would carry him, and grabbed the first picture off the frame. He’d longed all his life for more glimpses of his parents, and in his hands and before his eyes were so many memories, captured and preserved with an enchanted camera. He was in a lot of them, and his parents’ smiles were in all of them. Hermione grabbed one with just Harry as a baby, and smiled. He didn’t have the scar, or the worries he has now, she said to herself, gently setting the picture down. As she turned around, she saw Ron looking at the pictures as well. It was hard to say what Harry was feeling, as neither of them could see him very well.
Harry pulled every picture he could from their frames and placed them in a bag he’d brought in case he found something he wanted to keep. Walking back to the main hallway, he turned left to continue further into the house. He saw even more pictures on the wall, many of people he didn’t recognize. To his right was a closet. As he opened the doors, he noticed it was cleared out. Completely. Sadness overtook him as he closed the doors and continued on. Another room on the left didn’t interest Harry as much as it did Ron: the kitchen. Ron was starving, as he’d not eaten breakfast. He was about to look for food when Hermione noticed the wheels turning in his head and kicked him in the shin to bring him back to reality. Harry walked down another hallway to the right. He saw stairs leading upwards and a room on his left. He walked into the room, and froze. There were a couple chairs and a desk in this room, which must’ve been James’ study quarters. What scared Harry was that both chairs were knocked over, and the desk was in disarray. This must’ve been where his father had met his end. Slowly he turned around, and looked at the stairs as though they were a dragon. He knew well what awaited him upstairs, and was dreading it.
Hermione saw Harry’s face, and knew what he must be thinking. She vaguely remembered him saying something about how everything took place on the second level, so she assumed he feared seeing the actual place where his legend started. She grabbed his hand lightly, and smiled as gently as she could to show her support. Ron came to his other side and placed an arm around Harry’s shoulders. Harry’s knees grew weak as he stepped forward. He was so very thankful for his friends now, when words failed him and his own mind was both against and for him. Each step seemed to add ten pounds to his weight as he slowly walked up the staircase. The whole time he couldn’t help but think that the path he was taking was the path that Voldemort had taken that same infamous night. As he finally reached the top of the stairs, he saw that it cornered and wrapped around a banister. He walked forward down the new hallway. Ron and Hermione looked around the place as Harry wandered forward. They’d never known what Harry’s parents were like, and were curious. Hermione stopped by another table with pictures, as Ron looked over her shoulder. There was a Stealthoscope right above the pictures. So Harry’s parents knew he was coming, thought Ron. He lightly put his hand on Hermione’s shoulder, leaning over to see the pictures as well. Suddenly, Hermione jerked and looked around frantically.
"Where’s Harry," she asked with a sense of urgency in her voice.
Both of them immediately turned around and started looking in the other rooms. They saw a room that could only have been Harry’s as a child. Painted light blue, it had the trappings of an infant’s interests around it, and had a comfortable feel. They continued down the hallway past a bathroom. There was only one room left. Hermione and Ron exchanged looks as they entered the room.
Harry was on his knees at the opposite end, crying hard. Both Hermione and Ron rushed forward.
"Harry, are you alright," both asked repeatedly.
Harry did not answer right away. In fact, he didn’t answer at all. He lowered his hands, held one of them out, and revealed a sash. Hermione took the sash from Harry and examined it: flowers and hearts were all over the sash, and a saying that said, "For always, forever I will love you." Harry continued to weep as his friends comforted him. Hermione returned his mother’s sash to his hands, now wet with his tears.
Never had Harry felt so much emotion in such a short amount of time. He’d traced the very steps of his worst enemy, and seen so much of his past and his parent’s lives that it was almost too much. As he walked into this room, he knew what it was. He saw something on the opposite end of the room, and carefully walked over to it. Seeing what it was, he grabbed it and pulled it to his chest. He then remembered something he’d forgotten over all this time. It was a new memory that he would treasure always: His mother singing to him before bedtime, and her playing with him with her sash. The words of the song ended with what was written on the sash, and Harry could see her face. He could see her face. Not knowing what to do or how to react, he sank to the floor and surrendered himself to tears. Having his friends around him now, their arms around him, made him feel comforted. So much history in this house, and he’d only now seen it. As he started to cease crying, he looked up at his friends.
"Thank you for being here with me," he said with a thankful tone, and as much of a smile as he could muster. "I never knew what I would find here."
"I did," said a voice that had not been there before.
All three teens’ hands shot to their wands and were pointed at the door when the figure turned on the lights. Temporarily blinded, all three kept their wands ready.
"It’s alright. I assumed you would come here eventually, Harry. I come here myself, sometimes, when I get lonely."
Harry recognized the voice. It was a friendly voice, not one of anger or hatred. Struggling to adjust to the brightness of the lights, he saw the person he’d thought it was: Remus Lupin.
"I know it’s not the biggest or the best place," said Remus, "but Harry, when Lily and James lived here, there was no place more homely. I truly miss them, and all the good times we had within these walls."
Harry struggled to regain use of his voice, which had left him since he entered the house. He turned his gaze to meet Lupin’s, and he knew he didn’t have to say anything. Remus knew. He had to. He was the last of the group still here. Harry knew that if anyone knew what he was feeling, it had to be this man, who was as alone as he was.
"Let’s talk downstairs. You two come with me," Remus said, motioning to Hermione and Ron. "Harry, I’ll give you a few moments to yourself."
Harry, now alone, looked at the room in the light. It had a completely different atmosphere, and looked much more welcome. He saw that it was his parent’s room. Looking to his left beside the window, there was a dresser with a book on top. He opened it and noticed it was a woman’s writing: his mother’s writing. He wiped the tears away from his eyes and put the book in the bag with the photos and his mother’s sash. He would read it later, but not now.
Retracing his steps, he was amazed at just how friendly the place looked when the lights were on. He was able to see the lively hood of the pictures much better, and the stairs were not nearly as foreboding. He passed the office and the kitchen, passed the wall of pictures, and entered the den. He received quite a shock when he got there, for sitting in the room was not only Remus, Hermione, and Ron, but Mad-Eye, Tonks, and both of Ron’s parents.
"Have a seat, Harry, dear," said Mrs. Weasley.
"How did you all find me," Harry asked, bewildered.
"Ginny admitted to eavesdropping on you and Ron and Hermione, and she told us what you were planning," Tonks replied. "Remus figured it was about time you learned some more about your parents, and we’re all here to tell you the story."
Harry, finally overcoming the shock of seeing a room full of people in his parents’ house, sat down on the floor, opposite the Order of the Phoenix.
"I noticed you took the pictures out of their frames," Remus started. "I assumed you would, as you haven’t known your parents save for the few photographs we’ve shown you. I knew when you were ready you would return here, and see for yourself what your parents were like. As I told you during your fifth year, Harry, James was a thrill-seeker, but he would always clean up his act around Lily. During their seventh year, he was quite a lot more down to earth than you saw in Snape’s memory. That’s when Lily started to see something in him. They spent more and more time alone, and grew quite close by the end of the year. Sirius and I knew it was only a matter of time before we’d have to wear our dress-robes to their wedding, and sure enough, a couple years later, we did."
"It wasn’t like the one you saw, Harry, dear," Mrs. Weasley took over. "It was a big wedding. All of their friends came from all over to see this. Lily’s Muggle family even came to see her. She had the most beautiful dress. I’m sure there’re pictures somewhere around here with them on that wonderful day."
"After the wedding is when things started to get more drastically dark," growled Mad-Eye, following up where Mrs. Weasley stopped. "Voldemort had all of his followers and his full strength. We don’t know how he did it, but he seemed to grow stronger after each killing, and things just got so much worse. Your parents decided it was time to act, and, with Dumbledore, organized the first meeting of the Order of the Phoenix. That was the picture I showed you a while back. We were all so determined to do what was right that we almost forgot what we were up against."
"James had a fighting spirit when it came to defending those he cared about," Remus spoke up. "When he learned Voldemort was coming closer to our direction, he started preparing."
"Yeah, and working on the Unforgivables," Moody added.
"Indeed, yes," continued Remus. "He worked on the Unforgivables in case he had to defend you and Lily. He and Voldemort actually had a duel the night that it all happened. He wasn’t able to handle the strength of Voldemort, and he died saving your life. He lives in you, however, Harry."
At this, Harry looked up at Remus, ever so curious as to see where he was going to go with this.
"Ah, yes, Harry, you remind me more of your father than you may realize. You also have that fighting spirit when it comes to your friends. They are your family, and in your mind, you’ll let nothing and no one take them away from you. You excel at the same subjects James did, and you have the same enemies. You also have Lily’s calmness and degree of logic."
"James was more of a jump-the-gun kinda guy," Tonks added.
"The Order was James, Lily, and Dumbledore’s creation, Harry. They knew they had to do what was right, no matter what the cost."
"Why are you telling me this now," Harry interrupted. "I mean, it’s not like it was back then. Now is so much more different."
"While that is true, Harry, we still look in the same direction for hope and courage."
Lupin let this statement sink in as Harry comprehended what was just said. So his parents were the starters of the Order of the Phoenix?! His father was prepared to do anything to save his family? Yet there was so much happiness here! How did this all work out?
"In case you’re wondering, our meetings were held here every once in a while. Sirius would hold the other ones. We needed at least two places to vary our meetings so the Death Eaters wouldn’t know which place to stake out."
After a long pause, the Order members exchanged looks, and Harry was left wondering what was next. He knew the gaps to end the story, and he’d just learned a great deal more about his parents. He wondered to himself if he should tell the Order what they needed to know about how this story would end. He would have to pick up where his parents left off and finish it.
"I’d say it’s about time we stop with the storytelling and inform the boy what we’re trying to say," Mad-Eye Moody said with a sly grin on his face.
Harry looked up at the Order, not knowing what to expect.
"Come with us, Harry," Remus said. "There’s more to talk about, but in privacy."
"Like what," Harry asked, now more curious than ever.
"It’s about time you became one of us, Potter," Mad-Eye said with an actual smile. "You’re not only old enough, but you’ve got a name to live up to. Let’s get out of here. I’ll lead."
As the group left, Harry’s anticipation grew, and so did Ron’s.
"You’re going to be a member of the Order of the Phoenix!"
Harry Potter & The Silhouette Of Eternal Benevolence by JourneyJosh
Chapter Notes: Harry and his friends prepare and take part in Bill and Fleur's wedding, creating perhaps the last happy memory they'll have for a while. Afterwards, true to his word, Harry goes to Godric's Hollow, seeing the images from his past and stepping in the building that made him famous 16 years ago.