Authors' note: Hi everyone. We're sorry for not updating last night. For those of you who were wanting to see more of the "next generation" you get your wish in this chapter with more Ethan and you see what Jon/Allie and Josh/Lizzy have been up to at Hogwarts while all this is going on. Thank you for reading and reviewing.
A few hours later Ron tumbled through the fireplace at the Burrow with a sleepy Maddie, Luna following behind them. "Hi Mum," he said to Molly, who was knitting in her rocking chair.
"How was London?" Molly asked, setting her knitting aside. "Did you find the boys a place?"
"Aye," Ron replied, showing his mother the papers. "They're going to be so surprised."
"I imagine so," Molly said with a laugh. "R.J. is out like a light upstairs. And look at my sweet girl! She looks as if she's about to drift off as well."
"I'm sleepy Nana," Maddie answered, ambling over to her grandmother.
"You had a big day," Molly said scooping Maddie up in her arms. "And you're little pixie behaved herself. She was a complete angel while you were away."
"Dolly's really very good," Maddie hugged her grandmother extra tightly as she recalled the dream she'd had where Nana was crying. "I told her to be good for you."
Molly hugged her back. "My Maddie always gives the best hugs."
"I give extra hugs when you're sad Nana," Maddie said.
Molly looked at her granddaughter. "I'm not sad, Maddie."
"I saw you and you were sad," Maddie hung onto her grandmother. "So I wanted to make you feel happy again."
Molly exchanged a look with Ron who looked just as confused as she was. "When did you see me sad, Maddie? When you dropped off your brother and Dolly this morning, I was very happy to see you. You remember, don't you? In fact, this is one of the happiest days I've had in a long, long time."
"Okay Nana," Maddie was too tired to pursue the subject. "I want to go to sleep."
"You might want to take this little one with you," Arthur said coming out of the kitchen carrying Dolly's cage. The Cornish pixie was fast asleep covered up with an old pink tea cosy.
"Thank you Grandpa," Maddie gave him a smile and unsteadily gave him a hug. "She looks so comfortable under there."
Luna came back downstairs with R.J., who was yawning. When he saw his sister, he pointed. "Mah-ee!"
"Hi RJ," Maddie gave her brother a sleepy smile.
"We'd better get them home," Luna said to Ron.
"Right," Ron said. "Thanks again for watching them today, Mum."
"Anytime Ronald," Molly said, gazing at her grandchildren fondly. "I love having them here."
Maddie took Dolly's cage from her grandfather. "Be extra nice to Nana, Grandpa. Okay?"
"Maddie," Ron said, shaking his head. "Grandpa treats Nana just fine sweetheart."
"She's just tired, Ronald," Molly said pecking the little girl on the cheek. "Sleep well, Madeline."
"Okay Nana. I love you," Maddie said, resting her little head on her father's shoulder.
"I love you too sweetheart," Molly said leaning against Arthur. "You be a good girl for your mum and dad, okay?"
"Okay," Maddie agreed.
Maddie was already fast asleep by the time they finally made it back to their home in Ireland. The vision she'd had about her aunt and grandmother forgotten for the moment.
*** *** ***
In the Hogwarts library, Allison looked across the table at Jon who had his nose buried in his History of Magic text book. What a difference a year makes, she thought to herself. Last year at this time, he was filling the Gryffindor Common Room with silly string trying to get her attention. Now, he was studying as if his life depended on it.
In some ways, Allison supposed it did. He wasn't just taking his finals, he was taking his N.E.W.T.s.
He'd come so far this year and Allison had no doubt he'd pass them with flying colours.
Allison tore off a piece of parchment and balled it up in her fist. With a mischievous gleam in her eyes, she threw the paper at him and quickly tried to pretend as if she'd been reading the entire time.
"I saw that you know," Jon said to his girlfriend.
"Saw what?" she asked innocently, looking up from her book.
Jon held the ball of paper in his hand. "You're talking to the king of innocent looks while being guilty here Al," he said with a grin.
"You'd think I'd have picked up a thing or two," Allison said with a laugh. "I didn't mean to interrupt your serious studying, Jon."
"I think I've absorbed about as much of this as I'm going to," Jon shut his book. "It's been bloody branded on my brain."
"That's a good thing," Allison said smiling at him. "Last night in your sleep, you were muttering something about the Goblin Rebellion in 1847."
"Was I now?" Jon moved into the chair next to hers. "I don't know what I'm going to do without you next year while you're here and I'm not."
"I don't even want to think about that," Allison said frowning.
Jon slid an arm around her. "I'll come to Hogsmeade and we can spend the days together when you get to come down." he promised.
"I'd love that," Allison said leaning in for a kiss.
"Mr. Weasley and Ms. Longbottom," Madam Pince said sternly. "This is not the place for that sort of thing."
"You're absolutely right, Madam Pince," Jon said cheekily. "I tried to tell Allison that, but you know how she gets."
"I beg your pardon," Allison glared at Jon.
"Only kidding Al," Jon said smiling sweetly at her.
"I'll keep him in line, Madam Pince," Josh said coming over to them with Lizzy in tow. "I'm the GOOD twin."
"That you are Mr. Weasley," Madam Pince agreed with a glare at Jon.
Jon watched as the librarian walked away and just shook his head. "You know she's crazy about me, don't you?"
"Right," Allison rolled her eyes.
"Sorry we're late," Lizzy said. "I had to stop the GOOD twin here from punching some sixth-year Slytherin's lights out."
"Why?" Jon asked incredulously.
"He was making some cracks about Uncle Harry," Josh said with a shrug.
"Like what?" Allison asked with narrowed eyes. "That rubbish in the paper?"
Josh nodded. "And he said some horrible things about Hermione as well."
"Which Slytherin was it?" Jon asked.
"Steven Flint," Josh said.
"That's the wanker that tried to knock Allie off her broom during our last match," Jon said his own eyes darkening.
"Right," Josh replied. "And I would have decked him if it wasn't for Lizzy stopping me. As it was I think I made him piss his trousers."
"Did you really?" Jon asked impressed.
Josh smirked. "Bloody wanker."
"It was really funny," Lizzy said. "You guys should have seen it."
"Wish I had," Jon replied. "Way to go mate."
Josh shrugged. "I'm just glad Ethan's not here. Could you imagine if he had to hear all of this rubbish?"
"I don't even want to think of it." Allison said.
"I hope he's doing okay," Lizzy said softly. "This can't be easy for any of them."
"Probably not but I'm sure they'll get through it," Josh said. "Uncle Harry and Aunt Hermione have a tight relationship- they aren't going to let something like this tear them apart."
"Right," Lizzy agreed. "And I bet by the time we get home, this will have all blown over. And we'll have Chiaki's wedding to worry about."
"Right," Allison said. "I still can't believe my sister is getting married. I can't wait for you all to see me and Frankie's bridesmaid dresses- they're gorgeous."
"Not orange, right?" Lizzy asked. "You did manage to talk her out of that, right?"
"Pink," Allison said. "All thanks to one Maddie Weasley."
"I imagine Maddie could talk old Severus Snape into wearing pink," Jon mused.
All four teenagers burst into laughter but hushed quickly at the stern glare from Madam Pince. "Come on," Jon said. "Let's all get out of here."
"We just got here," Josh protested.
"Al and I have been studying for hours," Jon said. "My eyes are about to start crossing."
Josh couldn't help laughing. "Okay, Jon. Where did you want to go? Dinner?"
"Dinner sounds great," Jon's eyes brightened.
"Okay," Josh relented. "But Lizzy and I are coming back here afterwards.'
Jon slung an arm around his girlfriend as they left the library. "I'm starving," he said.
Josh laughed. "You're about as bad as Dad, Jon."
"And you never gain a stone," Allison scowled at him.
"That's because I'm very active," Jon explained.
"I don't want to know," Josh replied immediately.
"You automatically think the worst," Jon said pretending to be affronted. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Josh. You are the good twin after all."
"If that was the case then I'd never gain weight either," Allison mused.
"Al," Jon said picking her up. "You are as light as a feather."
"Jon!" she squealed with laughter. "What are you doing?"
"I don't know," Jon said laughing. "What am I doing?"
"Jon everyone's staring!" Allison hissed as Jon and Lizzy rolled their eyes at each other.
"Want me to put you down?" he asked her.
"Maybe," she teased.
"How about we ditch the good twin and sneak off to the kitchens and nick some food," Jon whispered in her ear. "And go down by the lake for our own little picnic?"
"That sounds just... fantastic," Allison gave him a quick kiss.
Lizzy laughed as she watched her best friend be carried off by Jon. "Allison that behaviour isn't becoming of a prefect!" she called out to her.
"What?" Allison teased. "I can't hear you!" she laughed again as she and Jon disappeared.
"The more things change," Josh said shaking his head as he and Lizzy made their way to the Great Hall. "The more things stay the same."
*** *** ***
Ethan was sitting at his desk, completely bored. His half term week was over and he was back at school. He had worked ahead with his mother before she'd had to go back to work and this was more like a review for him at this point.
He was very much looking forward to having a recess where he could go out and run around with his mates.
Ethan's best mate Trevor Stevens pumped his fist when their teacher finally dismissed class for recess.
"You want to try and play football?" Trevor asked.
"Sure," Ethan agreed eagerly.
"Great," Trevor said volunteering to go and get a ball. "You're going down, Potter!"
"You wish," Ethan scoffed. "I'm so much better than you at this game!"
Trevor laughed. "See if you can round up some more people so we can have a proper game. I'll meet you outside."
"Right," Ethan agreed. "Hey Tom," he hollered. "Want to play football with me and Trevor?"
"Sure," Tom said walking over to join his friend.
A couple of older boys Ethan knew by their faces, but not by their names, were snickering about something.
"You're Potter, aren't you?" one of the boys called out to him.
"Yeah," Ethan answered.
"When your parents get divorced which one are you going to stay with?" the boy asked him, causing his friend to chuckle. "Your mum or your dad and your hot new step mum?"
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "That's a load of rubbish," he said, remembering what his parents told him to say.
"That's probably what they tell you," the boy continued. "They probably put on this big act for you, but they're really already planning to get divorced."
"No they're not," Ethan told himself to stay calm. "You don't know what you're talking about."
"My dad says that yours is nothing but a fake and a phoney," the boy said. "He reckons it was Albus Dumbledore who really defeated You-Know-Who."
Ethan glared at the boy. "My dad did too defeat Voldemort," he boldly used the name.
The boys snickered. "Yeah, right."
"He did!" Ethan's hands clenched into fists.
"What's wrong, Baby Potter?" the taller boy asked. "Gonna go spare on me?"
"I could," Ethan's face was red with anger.
"Ethan," Tom said. "Just let it go. Look, Trev's coming back with the ball."
Ethan's shoulders were hunched up but he let them relax. "Fine," he muttered, still glaring at the older boy who smirked and elbowed his friend.
"My father reckons his parents are just staying together for show," Ethan heard one of the boys say.
"You mean because she's the Minister?" the other boy said. "My dad said that we have only ourselves to blame for having a Mud-"
Ethan turned as the boy started to say the word and rushed back. Before the other two had a chance to react, he'd hit one of them in the stomach and belted the other across the nose.
"Go Ethan!" Tom and Trevor shouted out encouragingly to him. A crowd of students gathered around Ethan and the two older boys, cheering and yelling.
"You're going to pay for that!" one of the boys said struggling to get to his feet.
"I'm really scared," Ethan sneered. "You're saying bad things about my mum and dad!"
Before the older boys could retaliate, two teachers broke through the crowd to break up the melee.
"Ethan?" Mrs. Grey asked, looking at him. She'd never known him to be involved in fights. "What on earth is going on here?"
Ethan was breathing too hard to answer at first. "They were saying bad things about my mum and dad," he finally replied. "He called my mother a Mudblood!"
Mrs. Grey turned her attention to the older boys. "Steven? Richard? Is that true?"
"We were just minding our own business," Steven lied. "Potter here just went crazy like his dad and attacked us!"
"That's not true," Tom said in his friend's defence. "They started it Mrs. Grey." Trevor also nodded.
Ethan crossed his arms. "My dad isn't crazy!" he said angrily.
"You boys come with me," Mrs. Grey said. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to owl your parents."
"Mine too?" Ethan asked.
"I'm afraid so, Ethan," Mrs. Grey said. "No matter what was said, that is no excuse for fighting. You know better than that."
"Fine," Ethan muttered. Steven's nose was bleeding and Richard was clutching his stomach as the three of them and Mrs. Grey went back to the classroom.
Nearly a half-hour later, Hermione arrived at the school. She'd been in a meeting when she'd received the owl and she'd had to read over the note two or three times to see if it made sense. Her son had apparently been involved in some sort of fight and both she and Harry were to come to the school immediately. When she walked into the school's main office, she saw her husband waiting outside.
"What's going on?" Hermione asked. "Have you seen Ethan?"
"Not yet," Harry replied. "I was waiting for you- I just got here a minute ago."
"Fighting," Hermione said sitting down beside him. She shook her head. "This isn't like him!"
"I know," Harry replied. "I had to read the note about four times."
"I just hope this isn't about the stories in the paper," Hermione said, but having a bad feeling that it was.
"Guess we're about to find out," Harry said as Ethan's teacher came down the corridor towards them.
Mrs. Grey gave them a weak smile. "Good afternoon, Mr. Potter, Minister."
"Afternoon," Harry shook her hand. "So Ethan was involved in a fight?" he got right to the point.
"Yes," Mrs. Grey said nodding. "Apparently, two of our older students were taunting him about those articles in the paper. They went a little too far, but luckily we were able to stop it before things became worse."
Hermione sighed and rubbed her temples. "I knew it," she said.
"Was he hurt?" Harry asked.
"No," Mrs. Grey said. "But you can see for yourself."
She let them into the office, where Ethan was sitting glumly in a chair.
"Ethan James Potter," Hermione said kneeling down in front of him. "What on earth were you thinking?"
"They were saying bad things about you!" Ethan's eyebrows were creased- he was obviously still smarting over the comments.
"What did they say?" Harry asked.
"They said that Dumbledore was the one who defeated Voldemort," Ethan said. "And they called Mum a... they called her a Mudblood."
Hermione was touched that her son had felt the need to defend his parents' honour, but she certainly didn't want him to think that fighting was the only answer.
"Oh, Ethan," she said quietly.
"Did you win?" Harry couldn't help asking.
"HARRY!" Hermione exclaimed, glaring at him.
"I got them real good, Dad!" Ethan said triumphantly.
"That's good," Harry said. "I mean... Ethan fighting isn't good- you know that." he coughed to hide his smile.
"Harry," Hermione said trying to remain calm in the presence of Ethan's teacher. "If you could stop patting him on the back, you would realise the seriousness of what happened. Ethan could have been seriously hurt!"
"I know," Harry replied. "Ethan what possessed you to hit someone else?"
"You did it too Dad," Ethan said. "In the papers you had that guy by the collar."
Hermione shot Harry an 'I told you so' look.
"Those were reporters who were trying to take pictures and provoke me, Ethan," Harry tried to explain.
"Those boys were provoking me too, Dad."
"But Ethan," Harry looked to his wife for help.
"Ethan," Hermione said. "If your father could go back and change what happened the other day in the park, he would. I know you get upset when you hear bad things about your father and me. We get upset about them too. But we can't go around hitting or hexing people because we don't like what they say or what they think."
"Yeah but they wouldn't stop," Ethan said, his brown eyes dark.
"They wanted you to do that, Ethan," Hermione said softly. "They wanted you to get angry. You would have gotten back at them more if you'd just ignored it."
Ethan shook his head and stared out the window.
"Ethan and the other two boys will both have to serve detentions starting tomorrow," Mrs. Grey explained.
Hermione nodded. "Of course," she replied.
"Ethan," Mrs. Grey said quietly. "I'll give you a few moments with your parents and then you'll have to get back to class."
"Thank you," Hermione said to her.
Harry nodded his thanks as well as the teacher left the room. "Well Ethan," he began. "I know you meant well... but--"
"We're going to have to extend your punishment." Hermione finished. "Two weeks with no flying."
"That's not fair!" Ethan erupted. "I was trying to protect you Mum. Just like Dad!"
"We know," Hermione said. "But you didn't go about it the right way."
"But if Dad did it why is it bad when I do?" Ethan protested.
"It was bad when I did it too, Ethan," Harry said taking a seat beside his son. "You saw the papers the next day. Believe me, Ethan. I'm paying for it."
"Whatever," Ethan said huffily.
Hermione was at a loss as to what to say to get through to her son to make him see that what he'd done was wrong. In Ethan's mind, he'd done what his father would have done. And as Ethan believed, Harry could do no wrong.
"How about we talk about this tonight at dinner?" Harry suggested. "I have to get back to the office and you have to get back to class young man."
"Nothing's going to change," Ethan said getting to his feet. "Why can't we just be..."
"Be what?" Hermione asked him.
"Normal," Ethan said looking at his mother. "Just normal, Mum."
"I ask myself that every day," Harry replied. "But we'll never be normal Ethan. I've lived my life in the spotlight since I was eleven years old. Your mum is the Minister for Magic. You're going to have to get used to things like this happening and you won't always be able to hit someone to make it go away."
Ethan was silent for a few moments thinking about what his father had just said.
"I'm going to go back to class," he finally said.
"Right," Hermione said. "We'll see you at home tonight and we'll talk more Ethan."
Ethan just shrugged his shoulders before walking out of the office.
"He doesn't get it," Hermione said. "He doesn't understand that violence isn't the answer."
"I am proud of him though, Hermione," Harry said, preparing himself for her anger at his statement.
"Harry," Hermione said sharply.
"He stood up for himself," Harry explained. "Look, I don't like him fighting anymore than you do, but look at the circumstances. You know it hasn't been an easy past couple of days for him."
"I know but we can't go on letting him think that he can just pummel anyone who says something bad about us." Hermione replied as they left the school.
"He'd be taking on a lot of people," Harry joked, trying to lighten the mood.
"Don't joke Harry," Hermione frowned at her husband.
"Sorry," Harry said sheepishly. "I don't know what to say, Hermione. We never had this problem with Jules. And Saffy's not going to be getting into any fights in the near future."
"No," Hermione shook her head. "But he needs to know that fighting isn't right. And for him to see you doing it in the papers certainly isn't helping matters."
Harry stopped walking and looked at her. "So you think this is my fault?"
"I didn't say that," Hermione replied calmly. "But you know how much he thinks of you."
"I do," Harry said. "Did you hear him in there? He wants us to be normal. I'd do anything I could to make that happen for him. You know that, right?"
"I know that," Hermione nodded.
"He shouldn't have to grow up like this," Harry said quietly.
"Harry," Hermione put a hand on his arm. "You know we're doing the best we can to shield him from all this."
"Aye," Harry said giving her a hollow smile.
Hermione stopped and gave him a kiss, right there in the middle of the pavement. "We'll talk to him about this tonight," she said softly, ignoring the stares of the passers-by. "I do hate punishing him for this when he's only doing what he thought was right."
"I know," he said hugging her tightly. "I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you."
"Same here," she grinned. "Well on cue, there are the photographers. And I'm rather in the mood to give a little show..."
"What did you have in mind?" he asked her.
"You tell me," Hermione said with a sly grin.
"I would have you know," Harry whispered in her ear. "That I am a married man. I wouldn't be seen doing things like...this..."
"You're married to me," Hermione said in a husky tone. "You're allowed."
"Oh," he whispered with a grin. "I guess its okay then." He pressed his lips to hers just as the photographers started snapping away.
"Minister!" the reporters had already started falling all over themselves to get the first quote. "Does this mean you and Harry are back together?"
"What about your younger girlfriend Harry?" Another thrust some sort of recording device at him.
Hermione looped her arms around Harry's neck and just smiled sweetly at the reporters. "No comment."
"But Minister," the reporter looked frustrated. "You owe your public an explanation!"
"My husband and I are happily married," Hermione said leaning against him. "And we intend to stay that way for a very, very long time."
"But..." yet another reporter struggled forward. "What about the rumours of you and your Auror trainee Mr. Potter?"
"What rumours?" Harry asked him pulling a confused face.
"You and one... Natalie Worthington," the man looked at his parchments. "Seen just a few days ago having an intimate dinner together."
"An intimate dinner?" Harry asked him. "In a pub? I can do better than that, can't I, Hermione?"
"Mmm yes you can," Hermione said with a smile. "Much, much better..."
Harry kissed her forehead. "Now, I hope that you'll excuse my wife and me. We must be getting back to work."
A barrage of questions followed them as Harry and Hermione set back off towards the Ministry. Once they'd managed to lose the reporters they both turned to each other and laughed. "Let them eat that for dinner," Hermione grinned.
"That was the most fun I've had with reporters since that night you and I went dancing with Luna for the Quibbler."
"I know," Hermione laughed. "It's nice to see them so..."
"Disappointed?" Harry suggested. "Lost?"
"Exactly," Hermione laughed. "Well at least I'll go back to work in a better mood than I thought I would."
"Me too," Harry said chuckling.
"We'll figure out what to do about Ethan when I get home later on," Hermione said. "Like I said before- I don't like punishing him but he's got to know what's right and wrong."
"Right," Harry said sombrely. "I should be home around five."
"I'll get home as soon as I can," Hermione replied. "I have a meeting at four with the Italian Minister for Magic but he's usually quite quick about things."
"I'll give Greta the night off," Harry said. "We can have a nice family dinner. Just you, me, Ethan and Queen Saffron."
"That sounds fabulous," Hermione said. "I'll see you as soon as I can get home then."
"I'm not letting you get away that easily," he said pulling her to him for one last kiss.
"Mmmm Harry," Hermione pressed her lips to his quite hard. "I love you."
"I love you," he whispered. "See you at home."
"Right," Hermione stole one last kiss before they parted ways in the lobby.
As Harry walked back toward his office, Ethan's words echoed over and over in his head.
"Is everything all right?" Natalie asked as Harry came back in. "Is your son okay?"
"Depends on your definition of 'okay'," Harry said dryly. "He got into a fight with some older boys."
"He did?" Natalie's eyes grew wide. "Did he win at least?"
Harry nodded. "Yes, he did. Apparently these two boys were saying some bad things about Hermione and me. Ethan let them have it." He shook his head. "You know as a dad, I'm supposed to tell him that what he did was wrong. But, I'm still proud of him for defending himself like that."
Natalie smiled. "I can see that," she said. "You told me he was a lot like you."
"Too much apparently," Harry said with a laugh. "I tried to tell him that it was wrong, but he kept arguing with us that he couldn't understand how it was wrong when he fought, but okay when I did. He's a lot like his mum in that respect, too."
"I hope he doesn't get into too much trouble, if I may say so," Natalie said gingerly as she handed him some reports that had come in while he was gone.
"He's going to have to serve detention at school," Harry said taking the reports. "And we've added a week to his grounding."
"Ouch," Natalie said. "Well I'm sure you have to do what you have to do, as parents. I'd probably be the same way."
Harry smiled at her. "How are things with Tristan?"
"Going slowly but surely," Natalie said, blushing a little. "I didn't want to take things too fast after... you know."
"He seems like a good kid," Harry said. "He's still not scared of Neville, is he?"
Natalie laughed. "Not really, no."
"Good," Harry said with a laugh. "He's really harmless."
"You're sort of harmless too," Natalie said. "Not in a bad way," she added quickly. "But you were so gruff that first day that I was afraid to even breathe."
"I was taking out my bad mood on you," he said apologetically. "We were having all that trouble with Saffy and then Lupin announces the change in partners. I shouldn't have taken it out on you, Natalie. You didn't deserve it."
"It's okay," Natalie smiled at him. "You're a really great mentor. I'll be sorry when we're done with this final bit of the training."
"Well I'll always be around if you need someone to talk to or ask questions," Harry said. "You're going to be a great Auror, Natalie."
She blushed again. "You really think so?"
"I do," he said smiling at her.
"Wait until I tell my friend Kate you said that," Natalie laughed. "She always takes the Mickey out of me for going into the Auror business."
"And what does Kate do?" Harry asked.
"She's trying to model," Natalie rolled her eyes.
"You should meet my wife's cousin then," Harry said. "She's always trying to take the Mickey out of me for pretty much everything."
"Is she a model too?" Natalie asked curiously.
"No," Harry said. "She's a fashion designer. You ever hear of Lavender Brown?"
Natalie's eyes widened. "You're related to Lavender Brown? I'm not a fashion guru but I LOVE her designer robes!"
"She's Hermione's cousin," Harry replied. "And I love her to death, but she drives me mad sometimes."
Natalie smiled. "She's very talented. And she married that Muggle director didn't she?"
"Seamus," Harry said. "They live in California, but she's going to be staying with us the next couple of weeks while he's away filming."
"You mean she's here in London?" Natalie's eyes widened again.
"Not yet," Harry said. "She's going to be here in a couple of days time."
"That's really cool though," Natalie said. "Kate would die if she knew about this."
Harry remembered Hermione mentioning something about having Natalie over for dinner some night. "How would you like to come over for dinner this weekend? You could meet Lavender and really make Kate see green."
"Are you serious?" Natalie squeaked.
"Completely," Harry said laughing at her enthusiasm. "You can meet Lavender and my son will want you to see the fort he built in the nursery."
"Your son built a fort in the nursery?" Natalie laughed. "What for?"
"Long story short---he wanted to protect his little sister from the monsters that used to live under his bed," Harry explained. "But if you ask me, he wanted something constructive to do while he was grounded."
"I see," Natalie grinned. "At least he's making the best of his time."
"Well, if you'd like to come, we'd be happy to have you," Harry said.
"I'll be there with bells on," Natalie said as a stack of new reports appeared in her box.
Harry smiled and looked at his watch. "Do you think you could handle those by yourself? I need to meet with Lupin."
"Sure," Natalie said. "There aren't too many of them and I need the practise with processing them through."
"Thanks, Natalie," Harry said. "I'll see you in a bit."
"No problem," Natalie said, setting to work.
Later that evening, Harry returned home to find Greta helping Ethan with his homework. Ethan didn't even look up as Harry walked into the kitchen. "Hello, Harry," Greta said warmly.
"Evening Greta," Harry smiled at her. "Hi Ethan." he tousled his son's hair.
Ethan mumbled something in response, but didn't look up and meet his father's gaze.
"I was just about to start dinner," Greta said. "But Ethan wanted some help with his maths."
"I can do that," Harry replied.
"Start dinner or help Ethan with his maths?" Greta asked teasingly.
"I can do the maths bit," Harry laughed. "Or try to at least."
"That would be great," Greta said. "Were you in the mood for anything in particular?"
"Anything you make is fine with me," Harry replied.
"I'll just get started then," Greta said with a smile.
"What seems to be the trouble with your maths?" Harry asked once Greta was in the kitchen.
"Greta was just checking behind me," Ethan replied.
"How was the rest of your day?" Harry asked.
Ethan shrugged. "It was okay."
"Did those blokes bug you any more?" Harry asked, sliding into the seat next to his son.
"No," Ethan said shaking his head.
"Well that's good," Harry said. "I'd check that one over again." he pointed to one of the equations. "Your mum would probably do a better job than me."
Ethan nodded. "I'm glad that they don't have maths at Hogwarts. They don't, right?"
"They have Arithmancy but that's an elective course," Harry replied.
"Mum took that," Ethan said. "And something called Ancient Runes. She said it was fascinating. But that was at Beauxbatons. I'm so glad I don't have to go there. I only want to go to Hogwarts."
"Why's that?" Harry asked curiously.
"Because it's where you went Dad," Ethan said simply. "I'm going to be just like you. I'm going to be a Seeker for my house team and I'm going to be Head Boy. And I'm going to be an Auror..."
"Are you now?" Harry asked. "Being an Auror is hard work."
"I can do it," Ethan said. "Maybe someday, you and I could work together!"
Harry smiled at his son. "Sure," he chuckled.
Ethan beamed at his father. "And we'll make sure nothing bad ever happens to Mum or Saffy or Julie."
"That's right," Harry agreed.
"I wish you could have seen me today, Dad," Ethan said. "Those boys were older and taller, but I let them have it."
"So I heard." Harry replied. "You gave one a bloody nose and the other you got him in the gut."
"I did," Ethan said nodding. "They deserved it, too. Mrs. Grey had me apologise but I didn't mean it."
"Your mum really wants to talk about this when she gets home." Harry said.
"She's really mad at me," Ethan said frowning.
"Nah," Harry said. "She just doesn't want you to think violence is the answer for everything."
"You'd have fought them too, Dad," Ethan argued. "If they'd said those things about Mum in front of you."
Harry couldn't deny this. "I know Ethan- but there also might come a time when you'll be out of your league."
"Were you?" Ethan asked. "Ever out of your league?"
"Oh sure," Harry said. "Back when I was younger, before I knew about magic- my cousin Dudley used to beat me up all the time."
"But you got him back when you set that snake on him," Ethan said laughing as he remembered the story. He'd never met his dad's cousin, but he could just picture it perfectly his head.
"Yes," Harry grinned at the memory. "But you can't use magic yet, and you're not exactly the biggest guy around. And even though you had a lucky break today there might come a time when you'll be up against someone even bigger and more powerful." he ruffled Ethan's messy hair. "Your mum and I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"What should I do next time something like that happens though?" Ethan asked. "When someone says something bad about Mum or you. What do you do?"
"Ignore them," Harry said. "Once the fuss dies down and you don't react, people will grow bored with teasing you."
"Easier said than done," Ethan muttered.
"Don't I know it," Harry said. "But you have to ignore them Ethan. You can't go around hitting everyone."
"Neither can you," Ethan pointed out with a sly grin.
"Smart arse," Harry replied.
"Just like you," Ethan said laughing.
"A chip off the old block," Harry said in satisfaction.
"I didn't mean what I said at school," Ethan said. "About being normal. I mean, I'd like it if we didn't show up in the papers all the time, but I like being in our family, Dad."
"We like having you in the family," Harry teased.
Ethan grinned. "I should finish with my homework. I wanted to work on my fort some more before dinner."
"What else could you possibly do to that thing?" Harry asked.
"I'm adding a moat," Ethan said. When he saw the look on his father's face, he laughed. "I'm not using real water."
"He was," Greta said as she cut up some vegetables. "I nearly drowned when I went to change Saffy."
"Ethan James," Harry began.
"I cleaned it up," Ethan said sheepishly.
"How did you get real water in your sister's room?" Harry asked confusedly.
"It was brilliant, Dad," Ethan said. "I took out some of the wood on the floor and cut up some of my old buckets to make this really amazing...what? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"You did WHAT to the floor?" Harry asked sharply.
"Nothing," Ethan said quickly. "And Greta made me clean everything up, Dad. You can't even tell I did anything. Honest!"
"I'd better go take a look," Harry drew out his wand.
"I'll come with," Ethan said crossing his fingers.
"Good idea," Harry said grimly.
Upstairs in her nursery, Saffron was looking up at her mobile, oblivious to massive fort her older brother had built around her crib. She was cooing as her father and Ethan came into the nursery.
"See," Ethan said. "Saffy likes it!"
"Ethan," Harry shook his head and peered down at the floor. Other than a few cracks in the wood, it didn't appear to have been moved around at all.
"I told you," Ethan said walking over to the crib and looking at his sister. "Tell Dad how much you like it, Saf."
"That's not the point here." Harry said. "If I catch you tearing anything else up--"
"I know," Ethan said frowning. "At this rate, I won't get to fly until after I graduate from Hogwarts."
"Relax," Harry said. "I'm not going to ground you any more."
"Can I get that in writing?"
"Don't' get smart," Harry warned.
"I think I'll just go and finish my homework," Ethan said, making a hasty retreat out of the nursery. The music on Saffron's mobile stopped playing and she started to cry.
"Come here baby girl," Harry lifted his daughter out of the crib. He wrinkled his nose. "Well I know why you're crying this time..." he carried her over to the changing table and soon had a new diaper on her.
"MUM'S HOME!" Harry heard Ethan call out downstairs.
"Shall we go see Mummy?" Harry asked, making a goofy face at his daughter.
Hermione smiled when they came into the kitchen. "I thought you were cooking tonight?" she asked Harry.
"She wanted to start dinner while I was trying to help Ethan with his maths assignment." Harry replied, bouncing Saffron gently in his arms.
"You?" Hermione asked. "You hate maths."
"I know," Harry replied. "But I tried to help him. You might want to check over his answers," he said sheepishly.
"How about we go over it after dinner?" Hermione asked her son.
"Okay," Ethan said. "I think it's all right."
"I'm sure you did fine," Hermione said. "Your father and I wanted to ---"
"It's okay Mum," Ethan cut her off. "Dad and I already talked about it."
"Oh you did?" Hermione raised an eyebrow at her husband. "Without me?"
"I was going to wait," Harry tried to explain.
"We just sort of talked Mum," Ethan said. "I know I can't go around hitting people. Dad told me to just ignore if people say bad things about you, even though I don't want to."
"He did, did he?" Hermione asked. She smiled at Harry.
"Yeah," Ethan replied.
"I had a good dad talk," Harry grinned back.
"Good," Hermione said kissing the top of Ethan's head.
"So I'm still grounded?" Ethan asked, crossing his fingers.
"You're still grounded," Hermione said. "But you might get time off for good behaviour. If you play your cards right..."
"Really?" Ethan brightened.
"If you play your cards right," Hermione reminded him.
"What do I have to do?" Ethan asked excitedly.
"Be a good boy," Hermione said. "Not get into anymore fights. Not go tearing things up..."
Ethan paled and whispered a silent prayer that his dad wouldn't say anything about the moat.
Harry nodded. "I agree with your mum."
Ethan grinned. "Okay, Mum. I promise." He gathered up his books and parchment and mouthed the words "thank you" to his father.
Harry smiled at his son and hoped his wife wouldn't notice the cracked boards upstairs. He made a mental note to blend them in with his wand later. "Your daughter wants to say hello to you," he said, passing Saffron over to Hermione.
"Hello baby," Hermione kissed Saffy's soft little head. "She's just what I needed."
"Me too," Harry agreed with a smile.