Now and Forever

Chapter 6

Harry walked into St. Mungo's and found the lobby full of reporters all looking toward the corridor that led to the healers' offices. "What's up?" he asked a passing nurse.

"They're waiting for a report on Old Crow."

Harry gasped. "Old Crow? The drummer for Toads in the Loo? I've met him! What happened?"

"He was hurt while setting up for a concert today," she replied.

"Is he going to be OK?"

"Yes, I believe so. Just cuts and bruises, I think. Some equipment fell over or something like that. You're all right, aren't you, Mr. Potter?" she added with a teasing grin. "Haven't ploughed yourself recently or anything?"

"I'm fine. I just wanted to see Healer Pomfrey for a few minutes."

"I'll let him know you're here."

"Thanks."

Harry waited quietly, leaning against the wall, hoping the reporters wouldn't notice him. Unfortunately, not all of the staff was as soft-spoken as the nurse he'd first encountered.

"Mr. Potter!" another nurse cried in greeting. "You look too healthy to be here. Are you all right?"

"Fine. I just wanted to see Marcus Pomfrey for a minute," he replied just as the reporters turned and swarmed around him.

"What's wrong?" "How did you get injured this time?" "Is it an old war wound?" "Were you injured in practice?"

Harry held his hands up, silently requesting quiet. When they stilled, he replied, "Healer Pomfrey is a friend of mine. I just came to say hello and bring him some tickets for a game."

The reporters' quills were flying, taking down every word. Some of them looked at Harry with some disappointment on their faces.

"Nobody's ill or injured then? You're not here to visit a friend?"

"Just Healer Pomfrey, and just to deliver tickets." Harry pulled some tickets from his pocket and held them up.

Marcus walked up just then. "Harry! You remembered! Thanks a lot. Come on, let's have some coffee." He took the tickets with a smile and waved at the reporters as he led Harry away. When they turned the corner and were out of sight of the nosy reporters, Marcus offered the tickets back to Harry.

"Nice diversion. Why are you really here?"

Harry shook his head. "I brought you tickets. They'll get you into the family box whenever you want to attend a game."

Marcus beamed. "Thanks! What a nice surprise."

Harry chuckled. "And a good cover, as you said. Do you have a few minutes? Sorry I didn't make an appointment, but―"

"You having an appointment would result in a crowd of reporters like that. I understand."

"Is Old Crow going to be okay?"

"Yes, he'll be discharged this afternoon, I believe. What can I do for you?" Marcus said as he led Harry into his office.

Harry told him about the continuing nightmares and the episode in class where he'd nearly injured a classmate. "If Ron hadn't stopped me―" He swallowed hard, unable to say anything more.

"You told me before that you don't have the nightmares when Ginny's with you."

"That's right."

Marcus smiled. "Then I'd say you two need to get married as soon as possible."

Harry was startled into a laugh. "Doctor's orders?"

"Sure, you can tell your in-laws that if you want. Seriously, though, if her being there helps you get the rest you need. . . ." Marcus's voice trailed off. He tilted his head as he studied Harry's weary face. "You keep up appearances in public, don't you? You looked a lot better in the lobby."

"It's a disguise spell I've learned. Otherwise, I get too many questions."

"I see." Both men were silent for a few moments. Finally, Marcus cleared his throat. "Let me have a look at you, all right?"

"OK."

A short time later, Marcus sat down behind his desk and scribbled some notes on a parchment.

Harry's anxiety grew as he watched him write. "What did you find?"

"I found a very weary young man who is at the peak of fitness except for exhaustion and depression, both of which are natural given what you've been through. Most people would have taken some time to get past those experiences, but you threw yourself into activity right away. And not just one activity, mind you, but several, all of which require concentration, precision, good judgement. You're simply too tired to manage any of the things you're trying to do, Harry. I'm prescribing a week's worth of Cheering Charms and some Dreamless Sleep Potion. You'll have a break in practice soon for Christmas, won't you?"

"Yes. Auror School will be on holiday during the same period."

"As will Hogwarts, so Ginny will be with you, right?"

Harry smiled. "Yes."

"Good. Start the Cheering Charms now. They're only forbidden on game days, so you should have no trouble from the team. This note will explain things to your coach. The sleep potion can't be used while you're in training. Keep it in case you have bad dreams over your holiday, but I suspect if Ginny's there, you'll sleep well."

Harry felt that sweet lift in his heart that he always experienced when he knew he'd be seeing Ginny soon. "Yeah, I will."

"OK. This note is to your coach," Marcus said, handing over a bit of parchment. "This one's to the Weasleys, in case you need it."

Harry felt his eyebrows fly up behind his fringe. "What's it say?"

"That the wedding should be earlier for the sake of your health. I was serious about that. Use it if you need it, but they might take the news more easily if you and Ginny simply talk to them about it. In the meantime, if you can stay with friends somewhere other than your home, the change might help you."

"Remus and Tonks have invited me to stay with them."

"Then do that, Harry. I think it might help."

"OK." Harry stood up and held out his hand. "Thanks, Marcus."

Marcus shook hands with him and grinned. "My pleasure. And thanks for the tickets!"

* * *

"Thanks for letting me stay with you," Harry told Remus, setting his suitcase on the bed in their guest room.

"I hope it helps, lad. We love having you around, anyway," Remus said, squeezing the younger man's shoulder affectionately.

"And we can practice our parenting skills on you!" Tonks added with a cheeky grin. Her hair was a cheerful bubblegum pink today, standing up all over her head in happy spikes.

Harry grinned. "You're going to be fabulous parents. You don't need to practice on me. How are you feeling?"

"I feel huge!" Tonks's baby was due very soon now.

"Are you sure it won't tire you too much to help Ron and me with our homework?" Harry said. Tonks had made the offer as soon as Harry had contacted them about staying with them.

"I told you, it will be fun!" She bounced a little in excitement as she spoke. "Reading baby magazines and decorating the nursery only takes so much time and energy. It will be good to use my brain again!"

"She's been helping me mark papers, but that hasn't held her interest for long," Remus added. "I expect she'll enjoy helping you two with your homework a lot more than reading first and second year Defence essays."

Tonks clapped her hands with glee. "I can't wait!"

"Great! Ron said he could come over after dinner," Harry replied.

* * *

"Tonks, you're a genius!" Ron gave her an admiring grin. "It would've taken me years to sort out that hex!"

Tonks waved her hand dismissively. "Once you get that kind of spell, you never forget it. Glad I could help!"

"You're brilliant, that's all," Harry added. Tonks not only found ways to help the boys with their homework, but she also made it fun for them. "You'd be a great teacher."

"Me, a teacher? Nah, I don't think so. I'll be a mum for a while, then I'll go back to work as an Auror."

Ron nodded toward Tonks's massive belly. "How much longer?"

Smiling fondly, she gave her belly a gentle pat. "Two weeks, so the midwife tells me." She jumped a bit and laughed. "And he thinks it's about time, too!" She took Harry's hand and placed on the side of her stomach. "He's kicking, right there. Feel it?"

Harry felt a sharp bump against his palm and laughed. "He's a strong little chap, isn't he?"

"Yeah, I think so." Tonks released Harry's hand and turned to Ron. "D'you want to feel him too? He's very active right now."

Ron's face flamed. "Erm, uh, well . . ."

"You don't have to, but if you want to―"

"Go on, Ron, how often do you get the chance?" Harry said.

Ron reached out a hesitant hand, which Tonks grabbed and laid on her side where Harry's hand had been. Ron's eyes widened. "I felt it! Right there! He's dancing or something!"

"Yeah, that's how it feels to me, too," Tonks agreed.

"Wow. That's amazing, Tonks. Thanks." Ron glanced at his watch, then gathered his books, stuffed them in his bag and looked up at Harry. "It's going to be weird for you to not be in the house."

"I expect you and Hermione will enjoy having the place to yourselves," Harry teased, laughing out loud when Ron's face turned beet red again. "Good night."

"G'night," Ron said, waving as he left the house.

Tonks yawned. "I'm off to bed myself. If you want a snack or anything, Harry, the kitchen's always open. Help yourself."

"Thanks. Good night."

* * *

Harry, Ron and a very pregnant Tonks were sitting at the kitchen table. Tonks was coaching the boys as they practiced new hexes amid a good deal of laughter. Suddenly, Remus ran into the room, wild-eyed, his hands trembling.

"They're just outside! Come on, Tonks," he said, pulling his wife to her feet and leading her away as fast as she could manage.

Ron and Harry stared at each other, aghast. "Not again. Not here," Harry said.

Ron nodded, his face white with fear.

The two young men pulled their wands and moved toward the front of the house, trying to avoid the windows as much as possible. Harry stilled near the door. He'd heard the scuff of a shoe against the stones on the garden path. He signalled to Ron that they should separate, then moved away, only lifting his head when he got to the far side of the window by the door. A huge group of Death Eaters was outside, the Dark Mark already in the sky over several other houses. Harry gulped, then aimed his wand at the door as it burst open, Death Eaters pouring in like a flood of evil intentions.

The battle was soon joined. Harry and Ron cast spells so fast, their wands were a blur. Remus joined them, blocking the way to the back of the house, where he'd left Tonks, with his own body. He was soon struck down. A screaming Tonks took his place, throwing hexes as fast as she could.

"Tonks! Get back!" Harry cried. "Let us handle it!"

"But Remus--" Tonks sobbed.

"He'd want you safe! Now go!" Harry said, throwing a Shield Charm in front of Tonks and pushing her back as he ran toward his godfather's still form. "Ron! Hold them off!" Harry threw several jinxes over his shoulder, then tried to Levitate Remus out of the line of fire. A flurry of spells came at him and he had to drop Remus back to the floor. His godfather landed with a resounding thump, but didn't react to it. Was he already dead?

He turned back to face the enemies filling the cottage. He blew two men to bits with powerful jinxes, and melted another to jelly with a well-placed Bone-Removing Curse.

Ron was casting spells as quickly as Harry, but there were so many Death Eaters, and only Harry and Ron to fight them. Ron screamed in agony. He'd been hit with a spell that blew off his one good leg. He lay bleeding copiously on the new carpet Tonks was so happy with.

Harry was alone now, fighting at least a dozen Death Eaters. He did his best to protect Ron and Remus and to keep the enemies from going to the back of the house where Tonks was, but it was so hard to fight so many at once! He glanced at Ron and saw that his best friend was too still, too white―dead. Remus was dead too. They were dead! What was he going to do? He couldn't think about that now. He couldn't think about Hermione as a young widow, or Ginny and the rest of the Weasleys grieving over losing another son.

Harry shook his head, trying to clear it. He had to concentrate. He still had to protect Tonks. He couldn't give in to his grief now. He had to fight, he had to kill all these enemies, he had to win!

Harry was wounded now and barely able to keep fighting, but he had to fight, he had to protect Ginny and their baby! What was wrong with Remus? Why was he here in his, Harry's house? Where was Hermione, if Ron was here? Harry thought of his children in the bedrooms above and knew that he had to kill all of these men to protect his family. He hoped none of the children came down and saw the carnage.

Harry heard a scream that seemed to go on forever. Was Tonks injured? Was she in labour? Harry realized the scream was coming from his own throat. More and more Death Eaters poured through the door, and there was Voldemort, striding directly toward the nursery, where Harry could see Ginny, who had no wand, bent over a crib, trying to shield a dark-haired toddler with her own body. Harry threw himself at Voldemort, but felt a strong pressure holding him back. He fought to escape, fought the strong hands holding him down, fought―that calm voice in his ear was Remus's. But Remus was dead! Harry shook his head in confusion, then found himself enveloped in a dense fog. He felt lost, but he had to find Ginny, he had to! He struggled through the miasma that surrounded him, screaming Ginny's name over and over as he fought the restraints holding him still.

"Harry! Harry, wake up! It's a dream, just a dream! Ginny isn't here. Wake up!"

Finally, Remus's words began to make some kind of sense. Harry opened his eyes and looked up into the face of his godfather.

"You're alive!" Harry cried and wrapped his arms around Remus, holding on to him as tightly as he could for a moment before pulling back to stare at his godfather's face. "Where's Tonks? Is she OK? They killed Ron, Remus! They killed him! They blew off his leg and he bled to death!"

"We're all fine. Tonks and Ron are fine. Nothing happened, Harry. It was a dream. Just a dream, lad, that's all."

"A . . . a d-dream?" Harry shook his head, trying to clear it, trying to make sense of what he was hearing. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, lad, I'm sure." Remus pulled Harry back into his arms and rubbed his back comfortingly until the younger man finally relaxed. "It was a bad one, eh?"

Harry released his godfather and lay down, curled up on his side and scrubbed at his eyes. "Yeah."

Remus smoothed Harry's sweaty fringe off his forehead. "I wish I knew how to help you."

A shudder ran through Harry's body. "You woke me up. That's a help. Thanks."

Tonks came in carrying a bowl of water and a flannel. "Wotcher, Harry!" she said in a cheerful voice. "Good to see you awake."

Relief flooded through him at the sight of her. "You're all right, then?"

Tonks smiled and patted her baby-filled belly. "Yes, love, I am. So's the little one." She sat on the edge of the bed and opened his pyjama top. As she washed the sweat off of his face, neck and chest, she gave him a cheeky grin. "I'd be happy to wash the rest as well, but Remus might object, and I'm certain that Ginny would hex me if I enjoyed it too much―which I would, of course!"

Harry actually laughed, which startled him. "Thanks. I can do the rest myself."

"Feeling better?" Remus said, watching Harry closely.

Harry sighed. They both looked so tired, yet all their concern was for him. "Yeah. Sorry I woke you."

"That's what parents are for, and we're practicing our parenting on you, love," Tonks said, patting his shoulder.

Harry felt the warmth of their love wash over him. He blinked hard, and managed to produce a smile. "That's a lucky baby. You're going to be great parents."

Tonks fussed over Harry some more, then buttoned his pyjama top and tucked him in. She kissed him on the forehead and smoothed his untidy hair. "Sleep well, love."

"Thanks. You too."

"Call us if you need us," Remus added.

Harry nodded, then watched his godparents leave the room, both of them looking back and smiling at him once more before closing the door. Despite all the horrors in his life, through some kind of miracle, he'd ended up with a family. Holding tightly to this sweet thought, he drifted off to sleep.