The War of Shades

Chapter 63 The Man in the Mirror

Before they could go, an enormous shout was heard echoing throughout the entry hall. At first it sounded like Molly Weasley in a towering fit, but then they realized it was Ginny shouting "GRANGER!!!!!"

Ron quickly grabbed Harry, Lupin and Tonks and shoved them away toward the wall. "Duck," he hissed at them, pulling them down behind a bench.

"Ron, how can you just abandon Hermione out there like that?" asked Remus.

"Because I know what Ginny's like when she's angry. They had her in mind when they made up the phrase 'Hell hath no fury like a woman!'"

"I believe that's '... a woman scorned,' Ron," corrected Tonks.

"I know what I'm talking about!"

"Granger!!!" shouted Ginny again, red-faced. She had her wand aimed right at Hermione. "What were you thinking telling Harry I didn't care for him!"

"I didn't say that!" said Hermione, shaking in the face of Ginny's obvious rage. "I told him how hard you worked at the plan and volunteered to pose as his girlfriend, and, oh, erm, ..." She turned toward Harry to explain. "Harry, I didn't mean, ... that is, what I was saying is she volunteered because, ... You know, she worked at it, ... and ..." Hermione sounded ever more panicky as she realized how she had misled Harry, though unintentionally.

"Not only did you come near to screwing up our relationship, but you almost ruined the plan - Harry felt like he wasn't worth loving because of what you said!"

"Really?" said Ron with a bemused smile quietly to Harry.

"I had kind of a self-image problem," admitted Harry, taking up the joke.

"Probably explains why you were handing out signed photos in second-year."

"Would you two shut up," said Tonks. "This is serious. There aren't many things more dangerous than a woman when another woman has threatened her relationship with her boyfriend - especially when that woman's as powerful as Ginny. Harry, go take her wand from her."

"No, thanks. I've done my fighting for a while," said Harry. "You're the auror - you do it."

"Granger, draw your wand," dared Ginny.

"You aren't really going to let them hurt each other, are you, Harry?" whsipered Tonks.

"I'm afraid anything I do might make things worse. Since Voldemort's gone, I have undiluted control of the power we had shared, so I really don't know my own strength. The only magic I've done since then is healing, flying, a bit of conjuring, and that duel at Hagrid's when I was holding back. You go stop them."

Hermione tried to calm the situation. "Now, Ginny, you know I'm sorry about that. I get overexcited at times. You see, that's why you were so much better for it, erm, not that you weren't the best anyway, because, ..., I mean, I certainly didn't want to pose as ..., I mean,..."

"Ron, that's your sister and your girlfriend. Go stop them," said Tonks.

"Pft! Yeah, right!"

"Granger, draw your wand," growled Ginny.

"Remus, you stop them."

"Harry's right - you're the auror."

"Yeah, but I've seen what those two can do - I'm not going out there."

"But you'd send me!?"

Hermione stared at Ginny. She started to crouch like she was about to fight, and then she straightened up.

"No, Ginny, I won't." She gingerly pulled her wand out with two fingers and dropped it. "There's been enough fighting. You're angry and I understand that. You have a right to be. I made a terrible mistake - but that's all it was, a mistake. I was very excited with the battle beginning and I wasn't clear about what I was telling Harry. Sometimes when I get wound up, I don't express myself so well. So if you're going to hex me, go on and do it. In fact, you choose the hex, and I'll bear with it until it wears off - anything you want to do to punish me for my mistake."

"Whoa, that's brave," whispered Ron, "but then she didn't grow up with Ginny."

"Do you think she'll hex her?" asked Remus quietly.

"No doubt," said Ron. "She's just trying to choose one."

The seconds ticked by and the Hall was silent. Suddenly Ginny flicked her wand and shouted "DEPILLIATE!" The red and white spell flew at Hermione and wound around her.

"Huh!?" said Ron, "Never heard of that one."

"I have," said Harry. "It removes all hair from a person. Tonks is great at it."

"Ooh, thanks, Harry," said Tonks.

"But it didn't do anything," said Ron aloud, as they all stood up.

Hermione turned her head and glared at him, and Ron gave a shocked 'Eep!' as her head turned independently of her big bushy hair. Then the hair lost balance and fell down the back of her robes, all as one, showing that she was as bald as a dragon's egg. Ron came walking up slowly and looked closely at her.

"Whoa, got your eyebrows and eyelashes, too," said Ron. "That's freaky."

Hermione grimaced and glared at him. Then she turned to Ginny, "Are we even now?"

"You're not going to do anything to hide it or make it grow back, are you?"

"No, Ginny, I made the offer and I accept it. I was hoping it would just be the bat-wing bogey hex, but at least it wasn't something that causes permanent harm. Thank you for that."

"Alright then," said Ginny, "next time think before you speak!"

"Yes, Ginny, you're right."

Ron was gently tugging at Hermione's arm to talk to her.

"What IS it, Ron?"

He whispered a bit in her ear.

"Yes, Ron, ALL," she said peevishly.

He whispered some more.

"Really, Ron?" she said quietly.

He whispered more.

"Really, Ron?" she said breathily.

He whispered again.

"Really, Ron?" she purred. Then she said hurriedly, "Um, Ginny, you certainly have taught me a hard, er, stern, lesson and I'll never forget it. Got to go now!"

With that, Hermione snatched up her wand and grabbed Ron's hand as they went running up the stairs.

Ginny began to laugh uproariously.

"What?" asked Harry, "What was all that about?"

"Oh, gosh, Harry, you really have missed out on a lot of things, haven't you? I'll explain it later," said Ginny with a relaxed smile.

Then Ginny started to squint and glower at Harry. "You know, Potter, I just realized that you thought I was selling my affections to make a battle plan work. Just what kind of a girl do you think I am!?"

"Ginny," gently interrupted Tonks. "Let me tell you what kind of a girl - Harry told me last night about it, or I guess it's two night now. He has Voldemort's memories of Harry's mother willing, begging, to do anything and everything for Voldemort to save one life - Harry's. If he thought you were willing to give a bit of affection to save thousands of lives, I'd say he's putting you in pretty good company."

Ginny looked at him and he nodded. "Oh, well, when you put it like that..." said Ginny.

"Besides," said Tonks boisterously, "he's pretty good to lay some affection on - I know!"

Harry, Ginny and Remus all glared at Tonks. Remus spoke first, "You just had to add that one last bit too much, didn't you? We'd better get out of here while the getting's good. Help me find that boggart - maybe we'll both get good and scared and have to comfort each other."

"Ooh, that sounds like a plan," giggled Tonks, "but who needs the boggart?"

After they left, Harry and Ginny were about to go get a butterbeer when they heard Arthur Weasley's voice. "Aah, you two were able to evade the crowd quicker than I was."

"Hi, Mr. Weasley."

"Hi, Dad," added Ginny, giving him a hug. "Harry and I were about to have a butterbeer. Shall I get you one, too?"

"Yes, dear, that would be very nice. I'm parched. It's been a very long couple of days."

After she left, Arthur continued. "Dumbledore's filled us all in on your escapade this past morning. When we heard that so many of you had gone missing after the battle, Molly and I were worried sick. We're so relieved that everyone came back safely."

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley. I'm thrilled too, perhaps most because it's all over. Although I had really hoped I could heal him."

"I suppose it's proper that you feel that way, but I hope you understand that none of us are too fussed that he's dead. We've most all suffered terrible losses because of him. Erm, he is truly, finally dead, isn't he?"

Harry nodded.

"Good. I'll trust that you're certain about that. After what happened with him returning after the last time his body was destroyed, I'd like to be sure." said Arthur.

"I'm sure the aurors should be searching the Death Eaters' homes for objects like the Riddle diary to be extra sure of no unpleasant accidents. I'll be checking out the Chamber of Secrets for interesting magic and I'll watch for that sort of hazard."

"Hopefully you'll be better prepared for resisting it that you and Ginny were before. By the way, Harry, if there's any way I can help you out, let me know. It wouldn't even be pulling strings to get you a job in the Ministry. Every department wants you."

"Well, maybe in a few years I'll be ready to try for auror. I have a little experience in the field. Or maybe the Department of Mysteries, if I don't feel like fighting. For right now, I'm going to work here and get some additional training. Dumbledore wants to teach me some things. I'd be a fool to turn that down." Then Harry looked at him craftily and said, "By the way, now that you're officially the Minister of Magic, what should I call you - Lord Minister?"

Arthur laughed. "Oh, you know you can call me anything you like, Harry."

"Really?" said Harry, very earnestly, "because for some time now, I've been thinking how much I'd like to call Mrs. Weasley and you Mum and Dad - if you

wouldn't mind. I've always wanted to be able to call someone that and, well, that's rather much how I've come to think of you. Ron and Ginny said they thought it was okay."

Arthur pursed his lips. "Harry, being called Dad has always meant far more to me than any other title I could have. To think that such a fine young man as yourself would choose to call me that - well, I'm overwhelmed - but of course, please do. Molly would be tickled by it as well."

"When I met my parents last night, ..." Harry began.

Arthur gasped. "Harry, you don't mean to say that you actually met your parents, do you?"

Harry nodded. "It was while I was healing Madame Maxime. There was a lot of injury. I was very near to death myself. I have, erm, reasons to be confident I actually met them. For one thing they gave me advice that helped me figure out how to defeat Voldemort. Anyway, my Mum told me that there are people willing to love me like a son. And I thought of you and Mrs. Weasley. My Dad told me to let the people who love me do so. I haven't been doing that very well. I'd like to set things right."

"There's nothing to fix, Harry. For several years now, you've been like a son to us. You're welcome to call us parents. Come stay with us anytime - it's not a visit,

it's coming home," said Arthur, giving Harry a hug.

"I like the sound of that," said Harry, " - 'coming home'."

Suddenly they were interrupted by Molly Weasley. "Harry Potter!!! You've been leading my little lambs into danger again!?" She was storming toward them with an expression Harry could not read.

Then she threw her arms around him and hugged with all her strength. "Aah, Harry, I'm so proud of you and all of you who've ended this once and for all. And you've found a power beyond anything any of us ever imagined - healing! Now, that is indeed special. Thank you so much for what you did for Ron I don't know if I could bear to lose him."

"Molly, dear, Harry here was just asking if he could call us Mum and Dad. I said you'd be tickled," said Arthur.

"Oh. Oh, of course!" Molly began to tear up and hugged Harry once again. "I'd been hoping for some time that you would. I knew though that you had a lot on your mind."

"It's more than I could tell you," said Harry. "I really thought that to destroy Voldemort's power, I would have to get myself killed. I was really rather disappointed when Mr. Wea, uh, er, Dad, refused to do it."

"What!! Arthur, I didn't hear about this!"

"Oh, well, Molly, we might have discussed that in the Order meeting in August whilst you were making coffee."

"Well, why didn't you let me know? You certainly didn't give the notion any consideration, did you?"

"Um, well, er, Molly, I had the whole wizarding world to think about, and ..."

"Mum," said Harry, gently, "I made a very good case for it. Even Dumbledore was ready to let Dad do it - at least I think he was. There were a lot of lives at stake. By the way, the offer's off, Dad."

"I already figured that out, Harry," said Arthur with a smile.

Ginny came up handing Harry and her father each one of the butterbeers she was carrying.

Molly took the other one from her, "Thank you, dear." When Ginny started to open her mouth in protest, Molly stopped her and said, "Didn't I already see you with a butterbeer earlier - you're too young to be drinking more."

Harry winked and smiled at her. "I'll share, Ginny." He took a swig and handed the bottle to her. She sneered at her mother and pointedly took a large swallow, but it bubbled up into her nose, making her choke and sneeze. The others covered their mouths as they laughed.

"Mum, Dad," said Harry, "there is something I would like to talk with you about. I'm concerned about the responsibilities of this new power to heal I have."

"What do you mean, dear?" asked Mrs. Weasley.

"Well, how much do you know about how the healing works?" responded Harry.

"Well, I saw you in the Hospital Wing last night, but you were so focused, we weren't even sure if you noticed us - oh, we all understood, don't worry. We saw you with Minerva McGonagall, but all we could really tell is that you concentrated very hard, then there was that green glow all over her, and your body got very tense, and after the longest 2 or 3 minutes ever, she was okay. Later last night, Ron said that you have to think very intensely about removing the person's injury to get the green glow in your eyes. Oh, he also said it seems to tire you out while it happens and if you need more strength, you draw it from others nearby," explained Mrs. Weasley.

And Arthur Weasley added, "Dumbledore was just telling me this evening it involves caring very deeply for the person you're healing, and taking the injury away, but then he got choked up and couldn't finish. Very odd that; he's usually so completely self-composed."

"That's mostly it. I have to find it in myself to love that person enough to desire that the injury become mine instead of the other person's, and that's what actually happens. When Tonks' leg and abdomen were being healed, my leg broke and my abdomen tore open. When I healed Ron, my chest was sliced and my skull split open, and with Professor McGonagall, I felt every stunner that hit her, every bit of the cruciatus curse inflicted. When I was healing Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, the pain was so intense I think I would have killed anyone if I thought it would make the pain stop: the only thing that got me through it without going insane as they did was the knowledge that it would soon end. Well, that and knowing I was bearing it for an excellent reason. I even felt the emotions each felt as they watched the other being tortured alternately." Harry closed his eyes and shuddered at the memory of that.

"If I hadn't been able to draw strength from others, I would have died when I tried to heal Madame Maxime from the killing curse. That ability to draw on others also saved me, of course, when Voldemort tried to kill me this morning. What I'm afraid of now is this: that some day my body will overrule my mind and I'll say 'no, I know this person is hurting terribly and will die, but I just don't want to hurt like that anymore, even for a little while. Let someone else hurt, not me.' My mind might say one thing, but the body could say the other, and someone could die because of that. I would be very sad and ashamed of myself if that happened."

Arthur shook his head sympathetically. "I hadn't realized what a precious price you were paying for what you did, Harry. You've done an awful lot already. Don't worry about the future. I'm sure that when you see a person in need, you won't have any hesitation. You never have before. Most people have no problem refusing to help. Muggles die every day because too few of them will bear the pain of a pinprick to donate a pint of blood - they don't have blood restorer potion, so they depend on the care of their neighbor to donate needed blood, and too often it's just not available. You already know that you would feel shame over acting like that. You just care too much to do otherwise. You'll find the strength and it'll see you through."

"You know, Harry," added Molly, "in some ways that's not so different from what women go through. Look at me - after every baby, I swore I'd never have another. But then, I'd forget the pain, remember the joy of each new person I had given life to, and, well, I just found it in me to keep going." She grabbed Ginny by the shoulders: "And aren't you glad I persisted! So you give life in your way, I gave life in mine. The pains you've had have been more intense, but trust me - the memory will fade soon enough, and when you're asked to give someone a chance to live, you'll rise to the occasion."

"I guess you're right. The memory of the pain is already getting a little dull. And one of the things I learned last night was the importance of mixing plenty of fun and joy in with the pain. One problem though is that I've spent so long obsessing about fighting, I'm rather rusty at knowing how to have fun - I think I'm going to see about finding someone who can be my happiness coach, someone to teach me to enjoy living."

Ginny responded immediately, squaring toward him, with feet set at shoulder width and fists on her hips. "Well, if you don't have me in mind for that job, Harry Potter, you're going to be reminded what pain is like!"

Harry laughed; he held her head with both hands and kissed her on the forehead. "Don't worry, you fiery redhead - you're exactly who I had in mind."

"Good choice, Harry," said Arthur, with an arm around Molly. "She's very much her mother's daughter, and Molly's never failed to bring joy into my life, not once."

Molly giggled and hugged Arthur back.

Harry smiled. "Mmm. I wish we had some music: I'd really like to dance with you, Ginny. It's time to start enjoying."

"Oh, Harry, I'd love that. Dad, can you conjure something?" Ginny asked.

Before Arthur could answer, music filled the entry hall - it was haunting, tender, joyous, calming and invigorating at the same time.

"What is that music?" said Ginny. "It makes me feel almost as good as Harry's kisses."

"Almost!?" asked Molly. "This is heavenly, and if it's only second-best, then you really are in trouble, sweetheart. But it's wonderful trouble to be in with the right man." Then she added, "I know," and hugged up again to Arthur.

"This is phoenixsong," said Harry. "Fawkes must have heard my wish for music. Dumbledore always says that music is one of the most wondrous and powerful forms of magic. I can't tell you how phoenixsong has carried me over the worst of times." He breathed deep, like he was smelling the first warm day of spring. "It's just as magical in happy times. Ginny, let's dance."

"Well, if we don't dance together, I'll be dancing all alone. I wouldn't be able to stop myself."

Harry took her by the hand and they stepped out to an open area. Then they held each other, with Ginny's head against Harry's chest, and his cheek against the top of her head, and they began dancing closely and tenderly. After watching for a minute, Arthur and Molly too began to dance. Other couples soon joined them; then others and still others.

At some point Harry became aware of Professor Dumbledore trying to catch his attention. Harry glanced up and saw that Dumbledore had brought the Mirror of Erised into the Hall and was nodding his head sideways toward it. Harry didn't want to interrupt his dance with Ginny, so he very gradually led that direction. As he looked at first, at an angle, all he could see is the reflection of the others dancing in the Hall. Then as he got closer, he saw his mother and father dancing just as he and Ginny were.

"That's nice," thought Harry, "but was that really that important? The only real surprise there is that I don't feel so fascinated at seeing my parents as I used to."

Then Harry looked in the mirror again, and the light was now right for him to notice that the man in the mirror had green eyes. It wasn't James Potter: it was Harry. And the witch in the mirror had red hair that was too bright to be Lily Potter: it was Ginny. He saw nothing that wasn't in the Hall.

"Harry?" said Ginny, "You seem distracted. Is something wrong?"

"Nothing at all, Ginny. I was just realizing that right now, being in this place, with the war finally over, surrounded by all these good people, and most importantly, holding you close in my arms, there is not a happier man in the entire world."

"Oh, well, you just keep holding that thought."

"And you?"

"What?"

"I told you how I was feeling. How about you?"

She smiled and nuzzled her face even closer to his chest. "I feel the same, and I'm thinking of ways we can be happier still."

"Right, then. You're the coach."

"And don't you forget it."

Harry thought about things and realized that he didn't need to be so intense, the habit of years under attack. Without the war, there really shouldn't be that many times when he would be called on to heal someone injured beyond the healers' abilities. He'd take it as it came. For now, there was no mad sociopath trying to murder him, he had people that loved him and that he loved, he had interesting and fun work to do for several years at least, and right this moment he had in his arms a beautiful and delightful witch, whose hair smelled of - he sniffed, okay, well, battle sweat and lake water - but she was holding him and he was holding her, and they both cared very much for each other. For right now there was nothing to worry about. It was time to really start living.