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Author: OHGinnyfan Story: The Homecoming Rating: Teens Setting: Pre-HBP Status: WIP Reviews: 1 Words: 52,764
A/N: Again, the characters are not mine, they belong to JK Rowling. The setting is my creation. Advisory: this chapter includes mild sexual content Chapter 3 Letters Draco Malfoy stood at the fireplace in the drawing room of Malfoy Manor. A complete bunch of morons-he thought to himself-that's what I'm working with. He couldn't believe it when he'd lost contact with one of his best group of Death Eaters who were detaining Potter. He sent out his top men, Crabbe and Goyle, to check on what the missing group was doing with their prisoner. He was utterly disgusted with the report the two men brought back. * * * * * "My Lord," Crabbe began, "there was nobody at the shack- no Potter, no Zabini, no Baddock, no one. The wards were broken around the shack, and there was a bit of evidence that there was a struggle, but nothing else. It's like they all just disappeared." "Disappeared, Crabbe?" Draco spat. "How could they have just disappeared?" "I don't know, my Lord, but when we ran a check of the magic used in that area, there were definite hints of residual magic from Aurors. And one Auror in particular- Potter." * * * * * Potter. That name brought out such hatred in Draco. He absolutely despised this man. And his best men had let him get away. Draco began pacing as he finished his brandy. He didn't have many details as to what went wrong-he had found out the Death Eaters who had been holding Potter captive had been arrested and were now in Azkaban awaiting trial. He knew Potter had escaped, and had his wand back. Who had breeched his security and helped him? Draco was livid that Potter had got away before he had a chance to finish him off. Draco sighed. It was taking him much longer to become the most powerful dark wizard ever than he thought it would. He was still researching-sure he'd find a way to become immortal-something that Voldemort thought he had accomplished, but really hadn't. Potter and Dumbledore, the old fool, were able to destroy him in the end. But Draco had bigger plans for himself. He planned on not being destroyed by anyone. He was researching everything carefully-very carefully. He wasn't about to make the same mistakes that Voldemort made. Draco knew that Riddle's big weakness was the lack of love in his early life. Draco didn't have to worry about that-his mother, Narcissa, had lavished him with love as a child. And now, he had the love of his wife and children. Yes, love was the one thing that ultimately destroyed Voldemort, but it wouldn't happen with Draco. He was quite sure of that. Draco's abilities with wandless magic were coming along nicely. He knew, in a short time, he'd be able to defeat Potter in a wandless duel, hands down. He hadn't faced Potter in the four months they had held him captive, because Draco knew he wasn't fully developed yet. He knew that with all the power Potter held, he would have to be equally as powerful. And he knew that he wasn't-yet. He would be though, shortly, and Potter would be destroyed. He would finally be rid of him, once and for all. And he might just get rid of Potter's wife and baby, too. A Weasley and a Potter together-should have known he'd go for trash like her. After all, Potter was always friends with that sorry excuse of a wizarding family. Made perfect sense he'd marry one. Draco wanted to be sure that everything was falling into place before challenging Potter. He was quite surprised when his Death Eaters had taken him captive so easily. Draco wasn't ready to face him, but figured his Death Eaters could have a little fun torturing him until Draco's skills had been honed and powers had been fulfilled. But that plan was ruined with Potter's escape-Potter always seems to have luck on his side. Draco's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door of the drawing room. He looked up to find his wife of five years looking in, wearing a very revealing light blue negligee. "Draco, darling, are you coming to bed yet?" "In a minute, Stacia, I want to finish my brandy." "The children are in bed and the house-elves have retired for the night. It's just you and me, Love. I'll be waiting for you upstairs," Stacia said, huskily, as she turned and left his sight. Draco drained his glass, sat it on his desk, and shook his head. Anastacia Bucher had actually made the perfect trophy wife. She was a transfer student to Hogwarts from Beauxbatons during his sixth year. She was originally from England, but her parents had sent her abroad for schooling. Stacia had transferred to Hogwarts after her father died-so she could be closer to her mother. She was two years younger than Draco, and quite a beauty. Long, flowing blond hair and ice blue eyes; she had captivated Draco the minute he saw her, much to Pansy Parkinson's dismay. Draco immediately began courting her, and they married as soon as she finished at Hogwarts. She had been a Slytherin, and her father had been a Death Eater with Draco's father, Lucius. Both of their fathers had died at the hands of the Order of the Phoenix; Stacia's during her third year at Beauxbatons and Draco's during the final battle his seventh year. Both of their mothers readily approved of their marriage-after all, they both came from pure wizarding blood lines and they both were Slytherins. Ah, yes, the perfect trophy wife, Draco thought. Stacia didn't question anything he did or said; she just did what she was told. And she bore him two heirs. Draco had been quite upset when their first child had been a girl; he felt he needed a male heir to the Malfoy name and fortune. Stacia had been more than willing to do what it took to produce a son for Draco. She was not only easy to look at; she was also a willing bed partner. And it certainly helped that she was good in bed too-Draco was thankful for that. Turning down the lights, he left the room to join his wife in their bedroom. Although he didn't want any more children running around his Manor, he was definitely planning on continuing to have intimate relations with Stacia. Why give up something so good when it's presented to you so willingly? *********************************************** My house is being overrun by Weasleys, Harry thought as he looked at the chaos that ensued at his home. Although Harry had been an official part of the Weasley family for almost six years, (and an unofficial part for many years before that) there were still times that the chaos of it all got to him. This was one of those times. Since Harry had been gone for seven months, and secluded from others for most of that time, he had really lost touch with what it was like to be in a large family. He loved the Weasleys-no doubt about that-but the noisiness when they all got together was a bit grandiose at times. Harry surveyed the room for signs of his wife and son. His son was currently being held by one of the twins. Harry wasn't sure how he felt about that. Even though Ginny had assured him that the twins were huge pushovers with Jamie, Harry wondered if it was safe to leave his son in their care. Continuing to look about the parlour, Harry's eyes finally rested upon his wife. She was actually watching him and how he was reacting to the madness. Ginny pushed her way through her family to get to Harry. "Is it too much for you?" "No, no…it's just a bit noisy in here, don't you think?" Ginny laughed. "Harry, I grew up in this chaos. Of course it's noisy, but it doesn't faze me anymore. Do you need to go have a lie in for a bit to escape and rest? You look awfully tired; maybe we should have held off having this party until you had got back some of your strength." Harry smiled, "No, Love, I'm fine. Just taking it all in and trying to get use to it again." The family members that had not seen Harry since September were anxious to arrive at the house for the evening. Most had arrived well before dinner, so that they could visit a bit with him. Once dinner was over and dessert was served, the family retreated to the parlour to continue talking. Bill and Percy's children played on the floor with Fred, while George cooed over Jamie. The twins' dates, Angelina and Katie, were chatting together by the fireplace. Ron and Hermione were visiting with Bill and Fleur, and Percy and Penelope were talking with Arthur and Molly. Charlie was still working in Romania, and was unable to attend with his wife, Anne. Harry turned to Ginny, and tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear. He said, "I need to talk to Ron and Bill for a bit about the wards here. Want to join us?" Ginny nodded and Harry grasped her hand and headed toward the two brothers and their spouses. As they approached, Fleur and Hermione wandered over to George, who was holding Jamie, leaving Bill and Ron talking. "Do you think you lot could help me tomorrow with resetting the wards for the house?" Harry asked as he walked up to Bill and Ron. "Sure. I think I'm free all day. What about you Bill?" asked Ron. "Should be okay with me too," Bill answered. "Great. I don't think Gin and I have any plans for tomorrow, do we Hon?" "None that I can think of. I'm glad you're able to get to this so quickly; it will make it so much easier once Harry is able Apparate and Disapparate from here again." Harry chuckled, "Yes, it has been a pain to go down the street to leave. You lot did a really wonderful job on these wards. It would really take a lot of magic to break any of them down." "Thanks, Harry. You know we wanted to make sure that Ginny and the baby were well protected, especially when one of us couldn't be here," Ron replied. "We guarded her like a hawk while you were gone, Harry. There was no way anyone was going to get to her or Jamie," Bill said, smiling broadly at his sister. "Thanks. You don't know how much I appreciate it. I worried so much about her while I was gone. And I really worried for her safety after I was captured. I didn't know what the Death Eaters might try." "Not a problem, Harry. We were glad to do it, you know." Bill paused and looked at his watch, "Well, I think it is time that Fleur and I take the kids and head home. Thanks for having us over tonight. We're so glad you are home and safe. I'll be by about nine tomorrow morning. Is that all right?" "See you then, Bill, and thanks for coming. It's good seeing you and your family." "Good to see you, too. Ginny, is the floo open for us to use?" "I think so, Bill; let me go double check." Ginny turned and headed to the fireplace, while Bill went to collect his wife and children. Ron turned to Harry and asked, "Alright there, Harry?" Harry looked at Ron and smiled. "Yeah, Ron, I'm fine. A bit tired, but other than that, I'm fine. Just really thankful to be home." "So are we, Mate. You gave us all quite a shock last night when you came wandering in. I don't think the shock wore off Hermione until this morning. Your appearance actually rendered her speechless, and you know, that doesn't happen too often." Harry chuckled as he noticed the twinkle in his best friend's eyes. "Left her speechless, huh? That is quite an accomplishment!" "Ron, I think it's time we head home. I'm sure Harry is exhausted, since he's been home all of about twenty-four hours," Hermione said, as she walked up to the men. "You're right, we need to get home. I'll be back in the morning, Harry, around nine. The three of us will get the wards reset in no time." "Thanks Ron. You two be careful going home, alright?" Hermione stepped up and hugged Harry. "It's so good to have you home, Harry. If you and Ginny need anything, let us know, okay?" "Of course, Hermione, we will. You two take care." When Ron and Hermione walked off to finish saying their good-byes, Harry was left alone once again. Harry watched Molly and Arthur help Percy and Penny with their children. After they were finished, Percy walked over, shook Harry's hand, and told him goodbye. Harry strolled over to where George was sitting, holding Jamie. "Harry! What a good little boy you have here!" George said, as Harry sat down next to him. "Well, I'm quite partial to him myself, thanks." "And I can see why. He's such a wonderful boy, aren't you, Jamie-Wamie," George cooed to the baby. Jamie looked up at his uncle and giggled at the baby talk. "So, how's business at the shop, George?" "Great, Harry; really great. You need to come by and go over the books with Angelina, so she can show you what your portion of the profits is. We've come up with some new items that are selling like crazy, so business has been really good. Why don't you stop around in the next few days? Check with Angie as to when she's going to be in." "I'll do that. Any wedding date set for Fred and Angie yet?" "Nah. You know those two; they'll probably just go off one day and elope. That'll certainly set Mum on her ear, won't it?" "Ah, yes. Molly will certainly not be happy about that. What about you and Katie?" "What about me and Katie?" George asked trying to sound innocent. "Any future plans from you two?" "Katie and I are quite happy with the way our arrangement is right now. Her schedule is so busy with professional Quidditch, and she is on the road so much with away games, that we are quite content to leave things as is. But I would say that sometime in the future, there may be another Mrs. Weasley," George answered with a slight twinkle in his eye. "I always knew you two were more serious than you led us to believe!" laughed Harry, as he slapped George on the back. "Even I could tell by the look in both of your eyes, and I'm as thick as they come." George laughed. "Ginny always said you were a bit thick! But yes, Katie and I have a unique relationship. We really do care and love each other a lot. But right now, with her schedule and the joke shop, we have a hard time working in time for each other. We decided to wait a bit before doing anything official. Now don't go breathing that to your mother-in-law or she'll be all over our case!" "I'll not say a word to Molly, I promise. As for Ginny though, I'm not making any guarantees." "Well, you just be sure to tell that sister of mine not to breathe a word to our mother, or I'll hex her to kingdom come." "That is, if she doesn't hex you first; you know she's always much faster on the draw when it comes to hexing." "Ah, yes, so true, so true. You definitely don't want to be on the receiving end of one of her hexes!" George paused, looking down at Jamie. "Well, I'm going to give you your son back, round up Katie, and head home for the night. It has been a long day for us, and I'm sure for you." George handed Jamie to Harry, and got up to leave. Harry stopped him a moment, and said, "Thanks, George, for everything while I was gone. I appreciate you helping out here with Ginny and the baby." "No problem, Harry. It was my pleasure. I always worry about my little sister. She means the world to our family, and we're not about to let anything happen to her." George shook Harry's hand, smiled and walked over to Katie and Angelina. Snaking his arms around Katie's waist from behind, and leaning his head over her shoulder, he listened intently to their conversation. A short time later, everyone remaining had left the house, and Harry and Ginny got Jamie ready for the night, and finished straightening things up from the party. Harry grabbed Ginny by the arm and twirled her toward him. She laughed as she landed in his embrace. "Gin," Harry whispered, "let's go to bed". She smiled at him and hugged him tightly. The next thing she knew, she was in his arms, being carried up their stairs. Harry's green eyes were dancing with delight, and a large grin broke out across his face. Ginny laughed and batted at him playfully as he carried her to their room. *************************************** At nine o'clock Saturday morning, Ron and Bill were at the house to help set the wards. A couple of hours later, the job was done and the wards were secure. Harry and Ginny could now both Apparate and Disapparate from their house and property. After lunch was finished, Ron and Bill said their goodbyes, and Ginny settled down to ready Jamie for his afternoon nap. Harry finished straightening up the kitchen, and waited for Ginny to come back downstairs. It was a beautiful spring day. The sun was shining and the weather was warm. Ginny came downstairs after putting a monitoring charm on Jamie's room, carrying a stack of parchment. She grabbed Harry's hand and led him out into their garden, where they sat on the bench under their favourite oak tree. "Harry, remember I told you before you left that I'd write letters while you were gone?" Harry nodded. "Well..." Ginny paused, "here they are. These are what I wrote to you and James. I also have a few of my favourite pictures of James in here too. I thought you'd like to read them and see what went on during my pregnancy." Ginny handed Harry the stack of parchment that was tied with a ribbon. Harry took the stack and took a deep breath. He wanted to see these-he really did. But was he ready to see them now? Carefully he untied the ribbon binding them together, and pulled out the top one. Before he began to read, he said, "Oh, wait! I have the letters I wrote to you, too. They are up in the table by the bed. I'll be right back!" Harry ran back into the house and into their bedroom. He pulled out the small stack of parchment that he had collected. His stack of letters to Ginny was considerably smaller, but he hadn't been able to write at all during his four months of captivity. Arriving back in the garden, Harry handed Ginny his stack. She took it from him and smiled. She pulled the top letter off the pile and began reading it to herself. Harry picked up the one he had started to read and began it again. They each worked their way through their stack. As Ginny neared the end of her stack, she cried out, "Oh my goodness, Harry!" "What is it?" Harry asked as he looked over her shoulder to see what letter she was reading. When he saw it was the one he had only half-written, he said, "Oh...I meant to remove that one, so you wouldn't see it." "I ca...can't believe it, Harry. What did they do to you when they came in and found you writing this?" "You don't want to know, Hon, you really don't want to know." "Harry," Ginny began, pausing to collect her thoughts, "I do want to know. You and I share everything, Love; we promised each other we'd share everything. As painful as this may be for both of us, I need to know. What did they do to you?" Harry took a deep breath. How was he going to tell the woman he loved about this? He began, "Well...when they walked in unexpectedly, they realized I wasn't bound anymore-that I had escaped their spells. That in itself didn't make them very happy at all. In addition to that, they found me writing a letter, which they thought I was trying to send out to signal help. I was immediately put under the Cruciatus curse, and then Petrificus Totalis. The Death Eaters alternated between the two curses for what seemed like hours. Eventually, they hit me with the Confundus charm, and put back into the full body bind. They completely forgot about the letter in all the fun of cursing me. After they left, and I threw off their curses, I collected it back up and put it back in my pack. From there on out, I was very careful as to what I tried to do. I didn't want to be surprised by them again, so I didn't write to you anymore. I didn't want them to get any ideas to come after you." "My God, Harry," Ginny cringed as she listened to his story. "How did you do it? How did you survive everything they did to you?" "Sometimes, I don't know, Love. I look back on it and wonder that myself. But I can tell you that I thought about you and the baby all the time. My focus was you, and getting home to you." Ginny shook her head and put her arms around Harry's neck. "I still can't believe you're home. I'm just so thankful you made it. I was so worried." "I know. I can tell from these letters," Harry said, as he held up the stack of parchment that Ginny had written. Laying them down, he wrapped his arms around her waist. "I'm so sorry I worried you like that. Reading these just makes me realize everything you went through here and how much stress I caused you...." Pulling away from Harry and taking his face in her hands, she levelled it so he was looking her in the eye. Shaking her head, she said, "Then don't read them right now. You have nothing to be sorry for-nothing. You couldn't change your situation; otherwise, you would have, right? I don't want you reading these if they are going to make you feel bad. You have nothing to feel bad about. You were doing your job. Malfoy had you kidnapped. It isn't like you left me willingly or anything." Ginny made to grab the remainder of the letters from Harry's hand, but Harry pulled them away. "No, Gin, I want to read these-I need to read these. And I want to read them now. I just feel awful for what I put you through, that's all. And I feel horrible about missing Jamie's birth, too." Ginny sighed. "That nobility complex of yours is getting in the way, again. You have nothing to feel bad about-nothing. Do you understand? What's done is done. You could do nothing about it. Don't waste your time feeling bad. Spend your time enjoying what we have." Harry drew his wife into his arms. The hug was long and tight, and the kiss that followed was deep and passionate. They broke apart and touched their foreheads together. Looking up into her deep chocolate eyes, Harry said, "Gin, I know what you're saying, and I understand. But something deep inside has me feeling guilty. I know I couldn't change the situation, but I would have liked to. I would have done anything to have got away sooner." "Harry, I know this, I really do. You have got to forgive yourself. I don't blame you for anything that happened. You shouldn't either. Forgive yourself, Harry. You need to in order to get past this ordeal." Harry smiled at Ginny, "You're right, of course." "I know I'm right; I'm always right, Love," Ginny answered, grinning impishly. Harry laughed and kissed her again. "Yes, Sweetheart, you always are!" ***************************************** Harry was amazed as to how fast time was passing. It had been two weeks since he'd come home, and he couldn't believe all that had gone on. He was adjusting to his new life at home-life with a new baby. Harry marvelled daily at Jamie and would just sit and watch him. Whether Jamie was awake or asleep, Harry could be found just watching and studying his son. Harry had never seen anything more beautiful than that little boy, with the exception of his wife. He was not only amazed at Jamie, but also at Ginny. She was a wonderful mother, and was very patient with him as he learned the tricks of being a new father. The time that Harry enjoyed most was sitting with Ginny and Jamie, as Ginny nursed Jamie. He had started getting up with her at the two A.M. feeding, just to sit with his wife and son. The house was always extremely quiet, with only the sounds of a hungry baby nursing. Many times, he and Ginny would just sit together, side by side, during the time and silently enjoy each other's company. It was sort of a nice relaxing time after a long day-to just sit there, holding Ginny's hand, as she nursed their son. Some nights, they would quietly talk about their day. Sometimes they would talk about what was going on in their lives. It was their time, and their time alone-no one to disturb the new family. They could just be together, which was what they desperately needed after seven months apart. Since Harry was off work on holiday, he began looking into what he wanted to do, once his contract was up with the Aurors. It was mid-May already, and his contract was up at the end of July. He had received an owl from Headmistress McGonagall (Headmaster Dumbledore had retired from Hogwarts as headmaster, but was still there assisting with classes), asking him to consider a teaching position within Hogwarts. As much as Harry loved Hogwarts and would love to return there, he wasn't sure he wanted to teach-at least not yet. What Harry really wanted to pursue was Quidditch. Quidditch had become a love of Harry's since he was first introduced to it as an eleven year old at Hogwarts. He had been one of the best Seekers that Hogwarts had ever had, and he loved the exhilarating feeling he got flying around the pitch and chasing after the snitch. Harry lost very few matches in his years at Hogwarts, and for good reason. Harry was definitely a top class Seeker. He hoped that his skills would still be good enough to land him a reserve position on one of the League teams. Harry had read in the Daily Prophet that try outs for League teams would begin the second week in August, with practices starting shortly after the teams were announced and games starting around the first of October. Harry wasn't too concerned with which team to try out for; he just wanted at least a reserve position with one of them, but he knew that Ron would kill him if he didn't try out for the Chudley Cannons. He figured he'd try to make the Cannons' team, and if that didn't happen, maybe the Montrose Magpies or Puddlemere United. Daily, Harry would go out and fly around their property hidden by the grove of trees. Some days, Ginny would come out and join him, sitting on the ground with Jamie, watching him fly. He loved the free feeling he got from flying. All his troubles would disappear, at least for an instant. He didn't have to think about going back to the Aurors, or the possibility of going back out on assignment before his contract was up. He could just fly and think of Quidditch and Ginny and Jamie. A couple of days a week, the Potters would floo over to the Burrow, so that Harry could practice on the makeshift Quidditch pitch that the boys had created. On weekends, Ginny's brothers would meet Harry there, and they would play matches. Ginny and Jamie would come along to visit with her mum or sisters-in-law or just to watch Harry fly. Ginny loved seeing how relaxed Harry was when he was on his beloved Firebolt, a gift from his late godfather. Ginny could easily see that his skills as a Seeker were improving again, and that he'd be ready in no time for try-outs. Everything seemed to be falling in place for their family. She hoped that their future would be more peaceful than their past had been. She knew that the threat of Death Eaters and Draco Malfoy was still there, but she hoped that Harry could at least begin enjoying a more peaceful existence. She hoped that the Aurors would finish off Draco and his followers - and that they'd do it soon. Nobody deserved to have a bit of peace and quiet in their lives more than her husband did, and Ginny was determined to ensure that he had it. ********************** Draco stood naked at the French doors of his bedroom balcony, gazing out the window. He had come upstairs and had sex with his wife, who had fallen asleep afterwards in his arms. He had eased his way out of their bed, and was now smoking a cigarette and drinking another brandy. The moonlight shone on his long, white-blond hair, giving it the appearance of silver. Draco couldn't sleep-not right now, at least. He had too many things on his mind - too many things to plan. He needed to step up his efforts in researching immortality, and he needed to plan how he was going to get Potter once and for all. Ever since his men had bungled Potter's captivity, Draco hadn't been able to sleep. The question that laid heaviest on his mind was who had betrayed him, and given Potter back his wand? He would have to find the answer to that question, and be sure to get rid of them. But how was he going to find out? Draco was startled out of his thoughts by a sudden noise in his bedroom. Turning around quickly, he realized it was only Stacia shifting in their bed, talking in her sleep. She was mumbling about one of the house-elves. Draco couldn't figure out what that was about. Content that he was indeed still alone in his bedroom with his sleeping wife, Draco turned back around, and continued his brooding. Maybe I don't have to kill Potter to do him in, Draco thought. Maybe there's another way.… Draco's mouth curled up in a vicious grin and his grey eyes flashed at the thought of things he could do to Potter. Draining his brandy and finishing his cigarette, Draco went back to join his wife in bed. He snuggled in close to her, in order to wake and arouse her again for more sex. Draco was feeling particularly good at the moment. Even though he didn't know who had betrayed him yet, he knew he could get to Potter, without being more powerful. He should have thought of this earlier; he could do Potter in now, and then turn his full attention to his research. Once Potter was out of the way, no one would be able to stop him from becoming the most powerful Dark Wizard ever. Ever. He'd be more powerful than Grindelwald; and certainly more powerful than Voldemort. Yes, Draco was feeling very good, and he wanted to share that good feeling with his wife. Draco continued to snuggle close to his wife, whispering in her ear, "Stacia, wake up, Love. I want to show you again how much I love you." Stacia rolled over, and mumbled a bit incoherently. Draco placed his hands on her breasts and began massaging them, while kissing the hollow of her neck. Stacia slowly woke, wrapped her arms around his neck, and whispered back in a very sleepy, but aroused, voice, "Oh Draco, Darling that feels so good." Using his hand, Draco took her hands from around his neck, and pinned them down against their bed so that they were positioned above her head. He laid on top of her, so that her body was pinned underneath his. He smiled a feral smile and began to conquer his wife for the second time that night. A/N: I continue to thank Jen and Julie for all their help with this monster of a story. This chapter was a bit difficult for me to write, and their continued encouragement kept me at it until I had it finally hammered out. I greatly appreciate all their guidance and punctuation corrections.
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