Harry Potter and Salazar's Talisman

AN: This chapter is a bit of fun, some reminiscing and some fluff. 10 points and the chapter dedication goes to Jaded Angel for starting to realize how sappy I can be. Yes, Harry's dream from The Trelawney Prophecy is in here. Well spotted!

And thanks to faithful beta, Brenna for her help and for naming the Potter's Residence.

Chapter 15

Family Values

Harry entered Grandma's Trunk (Voldemort was still with him) and looked around. Neville was behind the register. The shop was busy so there was a line, which Harry moved around to lean on the counter.

"Have a good day, Mr. Grason," said Neville to a customer.

"See here," an angry customer had noticed Harry. "There's a line."

Harry looked over at him. "Sorry, sir," said Harry. "I'll only be a-"

"Hey, Harry," said Neville as he continued to ring up the next persons merchandise.

Suddenly Harry was the focus of everyone's attention - again.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Potter," said the now red faced man. "Go right ahead."

Harry sighed. "I'll just be a second." To Neville, he said, "I need a gift for Ginger's parents. Just point me."

Neville thought for a moment. "Look over there," said Neville with a wave of his hand. "I'll be with you in a few minutes."

Harry nodded. "Take your time," said Harry as he moved towards that end of the shop.

He tried to ignore the muttering behind him.

"Was that Harry Potter?"

"I saw the scar."

"I thought he'd be taller."

Harry bristled over that one but heard a snort of laughter from Neville as he called a sales girl over to the counter. Harry was glancing over several shelves when Neville arrived.

"Vertically challenged are we now, Harry?" said Neville.

Harry smirked. "Yeah well I still have death rays that shoot out of my eyes."

"Death rays?"

"Never mind," said Harry as he picked up a bracelet.

"Hey, that's a good idea," said Neville. "Why don't you make it a charm bracelet, with a charm for each of her children."

Harry agreed and they began to search the case for different charms. They found a fang to represent Bill, since it was his most favored earring and a dragon for Charlie. Neville looked puzzled when Harry asked him if he had a cauldron. Harry only grinned as he magically cracked the bottom of the charm.

"Percy," declared Harry and Neville smiled. "Now," said Harry. "Do you have anything resembling a toilet seat?"

Neville blinked. "A what?"

"Forget it." Harry pulled a galleon out of his pocket and transfigured it. Then he engraved Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes into the gold and decided that would do for the twins. "Ok, Ron," said Harry, scanning the case. He smiled somewhat evilly when he spotted the miniature wand.

Neville handed it to him and Harry magically bent it.

Neville laughed. "That's terrible."

"Too bad," muttered Harry then he grinned. "And that's for him putting the shards of my Nimbus in the case in the Common Room."

Neville had to agree. "What about Ginny?"

Harry frowned then as he looked over the charms in the case again. The book kept drawing his eye. It might please Voldemort a little more than he would have liked but it was appropriate.

He pulled it out and initialed it with the letters T.M.R.

"The diary?" said Neville.

"Hmm," said Harry reflectively, staring at the little charm. "It brought us together," he murmured thinking of more than just Ginger.

"Even then you were coming to me," Voldemort had said.

"So what about you, Hermione and Penelope?" Neville's voice brought him out of his reverie.

"What about us?" said Harry.

"Yes," said Neville. "You know Mrs. Weasley will be mad if you don't include you two."

Harry sighed. "You're right." Harry looked around. "Any suggestions?"

"Well Penelope is the heir of Ravenclaw, right?"

"Yes."

"How about a raven," said Neville.

"Perfect."

Neville added it to the bracelet. They decided on a wise looking owl for Hermione and Neville turned to Harry. "Ok, what about you?"

Harry grimaced. "What've you got?"

"A broom?" Neville suggested.

"A little vague," said Harry.

"A sword?"

"I don't think so."

"A cup?"

"NO," said Harry. "Ah, not. Please not that."

"Er."

"What?"

"It's actually a big seller," said Neville.

"What?" echoed Harry.

Neville held up a little gold lightening bolt charm.

Harry blinked at it then had to laugh. "Works for me," said Harry. "Now Mr. Weasley."

"You could get him a box of Muggle plugs and he'd be happy," said Neville.

Harry grinned. "You're right but I'd like to do a little better than that."

Neville sighed. "Ok, let's think. How about a new car," said Neville. "You did help to destroy their old one."

"They have a new car," said Harry.

"No, I mean one he can mess around with," said Neville. Harry looked up at Neville and he grinned mischievously. "He is the Minister of Magic now."

Harry laughed - had to. "That is bloody brilliant."

*************

They all sat around the table at The Burrow. Harry sat between Ginger and Sirius across from Ron and Hermione, listening to the bickering around him. The conversations streamed from Ginger's eminent birth to Charlie's up-coming wedding (his fiancée wasn't able to come today) to Mr. Weasley's headaches at the Ministry.

Harry avoided adding anything to that last conversation and no one mentioned Voldemort who remained close enough to Harry to remind him of his presence but not close enough to give Harry a his own headache, so Harry felt warm and belonged. Especially when Mrs. Weasley began her diatribe on her pet peeves: Bill's earring, the burns on Charlie's arms, the twins' joke shop.

"And Harry," said Mrs. Weasley and Harry slowly looked up from his plate. "When are you going to let me fix your hair?" Harry's hand instinctively went to his head. "I'm really very good at settling untidiness."

Harry combed his fingers through the mess that was his hair. "Aw, mum," said Harry. "Lay off my hair. It will always-"

The clatter of a dropped fork brought Harry's eyes to Mrs. Weasley. Tears welled in her eyes. Harry stared at her a second then recalled his dream. He had written to her about that dream in a letter - a letter he wrote before he went to kill Voldemort, expecting to die.

Mrs. Weasley stood up, sobbing and started out of the room.

"Wait," said Harry, getting up to follow her. "I'm sorry."

She turned to him. "Damn it, Harry," cried Molly Weasley. "Stop apologizing." She rounded the table and pulled Harry into her arms, hugging the stuffing out of him.

"Molly, what is going on?" said Arthur Weasley.

Molly moved to the sideboard, opened a drawer and pulled out an old crumpled piece of parchment. Mr. Weasley took it tentatively and read it.

"You never showed me this," said Arthur.

Molly sniffled. "I know." She was staring at Harry again. "I was too upset." She sniffled, tears streaming down her cheek.

"Oh, Molly, calm down," said Arthur.

Harry cringed as that parchment made it's way around the table.

"I'm sorry," said Harry softly which made Mrs. Weasley burst out crying again. Harry turned away and came face to face with his wife. "Ging-"

"Shh," said Ginny. "You still don't get it, but I will knock it into you if I have to."

"I don't under-"

"I know," said Ginny, resting her palm on his cheek. "It's love, you idiot."

Harry looked at Ron who simply smiled and nodded. Hermione who now held the letter and was crying too, nodded also.

"Don't worry, Harry," said Fred. "We've got something that just might kill you yet."

"Can't disappoint old Trelawney, can we?" said George.

Harry understood and simply nodded at the twins. Speech was impossible.

"I know a Hungarian Horntail that owes you one, Harry," said Charlie. "She'd love to meet you again."

The feelings that converged on Harry were alien to him. He was almost afraid to look at Sirius. But he did and he saw the same expression he'd seen many times on Sirius' face. The one which showed the feelings he had for Harry. The feelings that had brought Sirius out of hiding Harry's forth year, the ones which sent him after Harry when Harry had run away his fifth year. The ones which made him take the Dark Mark.

Harry looked around at his family. He felt Voldemort's fingers run down the side of his face as he stood like a statue.

"You're not alone anymore."

Harry simply couldn't express his own feelings at that point. Stammering didn't work so Harry changed the subject.

"Well since this is a party," said Harry hoarsely.

Ginger tightened her grip on Harry's arm and took his lead. "Yes," said Ginger. "I suggest it's time we let mum and dad open their presents."

The group moved into the living room, leaving the dinner mess for the house elves to clean up. Sunny and Mitsy, gifts from the twins, were quite happy to become a member of the Weasley family and while they would die rather than accept wages, the twins had assured Hermione that they were contributing their wages into a new charity fund for house elves who had been 'shamed.'

Harry and Ron thought the 'orphanage' that the twins had set up for house elves 'with clothes' was hysterical but wisely kept their mirth to themselves.

Harry made himself comfortable on the floor beside Ginger's feet, resting against her legs. Ginger, now almost 5 months along, was granted one of the cushioned chairs as everyone else made their own seating arrangements around Mr. and Mrs. Weasley as they opened the mound of gifts they had received.

Presents ranging from a new Floo powder vase to theatre tickets and a new wizard radio were all ohhed and ahhed over.

Molly looked up from a small wrapped gift. "Harry, dear, you didn't have to."

"'Course I did," said Harry. "Yours is outside, Mr. Weasley."

"Outside?" said Arthur, rising to look out the window.

It had taken most of Saturday for Harry to find it, but out in the yard sat an aged turquoise car very similar to the one he and Ron wreaked.

Mr. Weasley gaped, looking as if he'd just been elected Minister - again.

"Harry, you shouldn't have," said Mr. Weasley but then he sent Harry an enthusiastic grin. "But I'm glad you did."

Harry opened his mouth to retort but Mrs. Weasley had opened her box and started crying again.

Everyone was hovering over Molly.

"A broken wand, Harry?" said Ron with mock horror.

Harry grinned. "Sorry, Ron."

The twins laughed. "Where in Merlin's name did you find a toilet seat?" said Fred.

"Well, I helped a little with that one," said Harry.

"It's perfect," sniffed Mrs. Weasley as the bracelet was passed around.

"Look Perce," said George. "A leaky cauldron."

Percy looked at Harry curiously.

"You were very passionate about those thin bottomed cauldrons," said Harry in defense.

Penelope burst out laughing. "You were, love," said Penelope as she took the jewelry. "Am I on here?"

Percy grinned in embarrassment. "Yeah all right," he agreed.

"Oh, Harry, you made me a raven." Penelope looked up at him, smiling.

Harry nodded. "If you weren't the heir, Penelope," said Harry. "I would have bled to death at your wedding."

George took the bracelet and held it up by one charm. "Who's the bolt of lightening, Harry?"

"Yeah. I don't get it," said Fred.

"Boys," Mrs. Weasley chastised them, but Harry laughed.

"What am I?" said Ginny eagerly.

"You were tough," said Harry.

Ginger flipped through the charms until she came to the miniature diary. She smirked down at Harry. "Oh, very romantic, Harry," said Ginger.

"Isn't it?" said Harry. "Don't you think it's ironic that Malfoy picked you?" He reached up and pulled her head down closer to his mouth to whisper in her ear. "Besides," whispered Harry. "After that I knew you were strong enough to put up with Voldemort's crap."

Ginger laughed and ruffled Harry's hair. "Ok, ok. You win."

As the presents were finished up and Hermione and Penelope began helping Molly with the paper strewn about, Mr. Weasley came to stand over Ginny and Harry.

"Harry," said Arthur. "While the girls are clearing up, would you like to come out and see my shop."

Harry jumped to his feet. "Definitely," said Harry. He looked down at Ginger. "You don't mind, do you, Ging?"

Ginny stood up and kissed him. "No," said Ginger. "Just don't give him any ideas that mum won't like."

"I can't promise you that," said Harry. "I've had a few of my own ideas that I've been dying to bounce off your father."

"Really?" said Arthur with excitement.

"Harry Potter, you be good," said Ginger.

Mr. Weasley pulled him away from his daughter and they went out to his little makeshift shop.

"Whoa," said Harry as he stepped in.

Mr. Weasley beamed. "I knew you, being raised by Muggles, as awful as they were, would appreciate it. My boys just don't get my fascination for gadgets."

"It isn't all that uncommon, Mr. Weasley," said Harry, moving around the room and picking up odd items that Mr. Weasley had applied magic to. "Sirius has some too."

"You know, Harry," said Mr. Weasley. "You are my son-in-law. You can call me dad if you want to."

Harry turned to him in surprise and opened his mouth. Pain stopped him from saying anything. Voldemort ran the back of his hand down his face and kept his fingers under Harry's chin to silence him. The fingers tightened around his jaw as if to say, "You are my son."

Mr. Weasley took the reaction wrong.

"Or since you call Sirius by name, Arthur will do," he offered. "Which ever you prefer."

Harry bristled over Voldemort's possessiveness. He wouldn't let him ruin this for him. Moving away from the invisible hand, he looked at Arthur across the cluttered space. "I like dad," said Harry. "I've never called anyone that."

Arthur smiled at him then frowned. "What's wrong, Harry?"

"Hm?" said Harry, tracking Voldemort's movement around himself. "What?"

"You look a little - well - pained," said Arthur. "What is it?"

Since Voldemort hadn't left the flinch zone since they had entered the shop, Harry sighed. "Just a bit of a headache," he admitted.

"A head-" Arthur cut himself off and looked around. "He's here. Isn't he?"

Harry stared at the ground and nodded. "I'm sorry," said Harry. "There was nothing I could do and I didn't want to miss your anniversary."

"It's ok, Harry," said Arthur. "Come on. We'll go back to the house. If I know Molly, I'll bet she has more food ready."

Harry followed Mr. Weasley out of the shop with a groan. "Not more food, Mr. - er - Dad," said Harry. "I'm stuffed."

Arthur ruffled Harry's hair with a laugh and walked on. Harry stopped. Voldemort was in front of him. He tried to go around but Voldemort kept moving, preventing it.

"What is it?" said Arthur.

"He won't let me pass," said Harry.

"Just walk through him," said Arthur.

"I can't," said Harry. "Not without hitting the ground in pain."

Mr. Weasley sighed and called Ginger who came out in a rush.

"Voldemort, go away," she said with annoyance. She blinked. "Why?" Then she looked suspicious at the spot in front of Harry. "I doubt that." She blinked again and turned to Harry. "Why don't you?"

"Why don't I what?" said Harry.

"Don't you hear him?" said Ginger.

"No."

Ginger turned again. "Why can't he hear you?" There was a moment of silence until Ginger's brows shot up. "Really?" she said with interest.

"What?" said Harry.

"He said that since you feel he has betrayed you, it is in your power to punish him," said Ginger. "He said you told him to leave and you won't see or hear him until you call him or address him directly."

Harry smirked. "Yeah, I figured that much out."

"But he can still touch you."

"Yeah, I know that too," muttered Harry. "What does he want?"

"He wants you to talk to him," said Ginger.

"Too bad," said Harry.

"He says you miss him," said Ginger with a scowl.

Harry sent her a glance. "How can I miss him when he follows me everywhere?"

Voldemort's hand came toward Harry face again then and Harry defiantly endured it as knuckles stroked down his face.

Ginger frowned at Harry's pained expression. "Just Apparate into the house."

"He knows I'm too stubborn to do that."

"Harry," sighed Ginger with frustration.

Harry turned and grinned at her then he took her hand. Looking back at Mr. Weasley, he said, "I'm sorry, Mr.-" he stopped and smiled, "Dad. We have to go. Tell mum everything was great."

"All right, Harry," said Arthur. "See you soon."

Harry took a step back, away from the spot cause his headache. "Focus on me, Ging," said Harry and he Apparated them both to Slythindor, what Harry had named the Potter residence.

Ginger looked around their foyer then up at Harry.

Harry smiled at her. "He can't come here until after you give birth, remember."

Ginger returned his smile and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You mean I have Famous Harry Potter alone, all to myself, for the rest of the day?" said Ginny suggestively.

Harry nodded and gave her his most innocent smile. "Want to play chess?"

Ginger laughed. "I'll give you chess," muttered Ginger as she grabbed his hand and pulled him toward the stairs.