Behind Emerald Eyes

"You must have heard of all the rules. Thick and thin teaches you hard. And all the tricks come back on you. Leave them behind. There's a better way. A better way. All along, you must have known. Where your life was leading. The good and bad times. Where your life was leading. And I know you've been through hell Yes I know all about it. And I've seen your cool white face. But I can't seem to care about it. Care about it..." Good and Bad Times by INXS

Under the Moon-Lit Sky

"What-where-how-?" Harry spluttered gaining a few chuckles of laughter. Composing himself, Harry asked, "When did you do this?" Ginny just smiled and pointed to her mum.

"Just blame her. She was in the fire the moment she got up this morning and again when we left for London. She contacted everyone, and I mean everyone! Almost every person she talked to agreed to come. And this is only half of the people coming. The others couldn't make it til a bit later!" she said, laughing at the shocked expression on Harry's face. A second passed when it happened. All the people in front of him made to move forward at once, to either shake his hand, hug him or attempt to talk to him. In result, Harry was almost suffocated by Hagrid, who stepped back to avoid being trampled a feat almost impossible. Harry had to be rescued from Hagrid's mouldy over-coat by Ginny who quickly pulled him clear of the rampaging order members and old friends.

Once out of the way, the two watched the crowd look for the emerald eyed boy. Harry was still in shock and he had to close his mouth on more than one occasion when it opened on its own accord. Suddenly, through the top of the mob, Charlie Weasley stuck his head up.

"Hey, where'd Harry go?" he said. The crowd stopped walking in circles and separated, revealing Ron who was sitting on the floor looking very scared. He looked up to see everyone staring at him so he quickly stood up, his face flaming red.

"What? You lot almost squashed me to death! I had to sit on the floor to stay alive!" Harry laughed and almost regretted it as soon as he did. All the eyes turned to him and all the feet made a step forward.

"Wait!" He began before the crowd swarmed in. Someone was gripping his shoulders while something wet was touching his hand. Another hand was stroking his hair. He couldn't move from all the bodies pressed against him. He was scared he was to be suffocated by all his friends when he finally returned. Then it became much clearer. He could see all the people below him and count the many Weasley's by their hair. His own head was brushing the ceiling. He gripped Hagrid's shoulder a little tighter. The half-giant was trying to push through the milling people but had only gone a step when someone yelped from beneath the trampling footsteps. Hagrid bent down, placed his hand between Bill Weasley and Nymphadora Tonks, and pulled Ron up by the scruff of his collar. The redhead was looking quite ruffled but thanked Hagrid immensely.

Just when Harry was enjoying the show, someone looked up and shouted when they spotted Harry. All the heads turned up to look at him on Hagrid's shoulder. He waved nervously and held his hand up to stop them pulling the half-giant down.

"Stop!" he said loudly, gaining silence. "How about we do this civilly?"

"I agree!" shouted a familiar voice from beneath the crowd of magical people. So began the parting of the witches and wizards. They allowed Hagrid, Harry and Ron path to the half-squashed sofa. Once Harry was on the ground, he pulled out his wand. Many people gasped and moved back a few steps. This only added to Harry's confusion. He pointed his and at himself and said a few choice words.

"There," he said. "Now no one can touch me without being shocked!" There were many anguished looks but more humorous ones. So Harry sank down into the sofa and grinned. "Now, one at a time," As expected, all of them wanted to talk first. Ron, Ginny and Hermione sat down next to him, with Ron on the floor, leaning against the armrest. Hermione whistled loudly, getting silence.

"Don't you people now what 'one at a time' means?" she said shaking her head. "Tonks, you go first," Nymphadora Tonks stepped forward, her hair a short pink with bright green eyes like Harry's.

"Wotcher, Harry!" She said grinning. "Hey, Tonks," Harry said.

"So, where the hell have you been?" There were many shouts of agreement at this. Harry just smiled. "I was staying in an apartment in London!"

"But we looked in London, in every building and even did a magic search!" said Elphias Doge loudly. Harry just shook his head. I didn't use magic at all in the last five years; I've been living with a muggle as a muggle." There were cries of surprise and shock.

"You didn't use magic?"

"How did you survive?"

"How did you do everything?"

Harry held up his hand, laughing. "I said one at a time!"

"Why did you leave?" asked a small voice in the back. He had feared this question. He glanced quickly at Hermione and Ron but they were looking at the floor. He turned back to face the crowd.

"I left because-I felt I needed to..." he trailed off, hanging his head. He couldn't blame his leaving on Hermione and Ron. It was his own fault for locking them away, even though in doing it, it kept them safe. They seemed to sense his distress as another person asked him what he was going to do now he was back.

"I'm not sure. The only reason I'm back even now is Ginny, and I'm still not sure why I'm here exactly." Harry said. Many people shared glances at this.

"You mean, no one has told you?" said Tonks softly even though it seemed so loud in the room. Harry shook his head slowly. "I've heard about the Death Eaters stirring things up again, if that's what you mean?"

"The Death Eaters are the least of our troubles now," said a deep voice in the middle of the crowd. People parted to allow a scarred, grey haired old man through. The clunk of his wooden leg brought more memories to Harry's mind.

"Hi, Moody," Harry said to the ex-Auror. Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody looked across to Harry with his eyes; the magical and normal. "Potter," he said in greeting. "What do you mean, why aren't the Death Eaters the worst of our troubles?"

"This isn't the time or place for talk like this," said Molly Weasley from the entrance to the kitchen. "I have made everyone a late lunch; you can all eat it outside!" There were many replies of "Yes, Molly!" and soon the Lounge Room was bare except for Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny. The four were caught in silence only interrupted by Tonks' ringing voice of, "Where's the Golden Boy?" Harry sighed and looked to his friends. They all truly smiled, the first time, being together. Ron's stomach growled loudly making them all laugh.

"How about we get some food?" asked Hermione. "You took the words right out of my mouth!" said Ron, springing to his feet and quickly disappearing from the room. The angry cries of, "Ron, you don't need that many bread rolls!" came ringing through the house. Hermione smiled and stood as well.

"I better go sort that out," she said, following Ron's example. That left only Harry and Ginny alone in the room, sitting side by side on the sofa. Ginny was watching Harry from the corner of her eye, as Harry was from his position. The silence was comfortable, shared by two people lost in their own thoughts. Harry was remembering all the faces of people who came to see him home. Those who were connected to him in some way, through the passed War or through a friendship and family. Harry treasured that sort of thing. It was too precious a thing to loose again; he had learnt that through his mistakes. At the same instant, both Harry and Ginny turned to each other. Harry stood and lowered his hand for Ginny. She smiled radiantly and took it allowing him to pull her up.

"Shall we go get something to eat?" Harry said to her. She nodded and clung tighter to his hand. "Yes, lets." So the two of them strolled through the house, not once speaking a word, afraid to loose what they had gained.

...................

"So, Harry, are you planning on visiting some of your old friends?" asked Hestia Jones during lunch. Mrs Weasley had gone overboard with all the food. She had made a wide range of dishes, ranging from chicken wings to sausages, potato chips to even a few mint humbugs. At the sight of these small treats, an image of Albus Dumbledore popped into his mind, but Harry banished it away, wanting to remember this day as one full of fun and laughter.

"I'm not sure. I'm going looking for Remus tomorrow; I don't care how long it takes. Then I might go see Luna and Neville, depends," he said, chewing on a strip of roast chicken. "There's no need to go see Luna, as she's here to see you," said Ginny. Harry turned around quickly and stood up. Luna Lovegood was standing at the end of the table, smiling broadly, her bright blue eyes glittering in the sunlight.

"Luna!" Harry said, walking quickly to her and wrapping her in a tight hug. He felt the blond-haired witch return his embrace. When he pulled away, her eyes were shining with unshed tears.

"Hello, Harry, I expected you back," she said in her dreamy voice. "How did you know I was here?" Harry said amazed. She smiled, pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Ginny called me this morning and said to come here at this time. She mentioned something about a surprise and I figured it must be you!" Harry was shocked that Luna was here to see him, as much as he was to see all the others. "Then come eat something and tell me what you've been up to since I last saw you!" Harry said, directing her to an empty chair beside his own. Once they were comfortable, Luna begun to tell Harry how she had inherited her father's newspaper and now ran that and an animal shelter down in the village. She explained how her last year at Hogwarts had been without him there, and what it felt like for her in the final battle. When Voldemort had attacked the school, she had been in Divination with the NEWT level class. She told of Professor Trelawney's warning before the attack had started, that alerted them to the danger so they were able to set thew alarm in the castle.

She had been one of the ones allowed to fight outside of the castle, as Harry was not able to place the Boundary Charm on the castle before she was already in the grounds, fighting.

In the battle, she had used her Duelling skills to incapacitate many Death Eater's and Dark Creatures before she was almost killed by a fatal spell by Bellatrix Lestrange. The thought of that particular woman still made Harry's blood boil. She had been one of the few Death Eaters to escape the clutches of the Minister. She was still on the loose to this day, but no one knew where she was.

"I'm just glad you back now, Harry," said Luna, picking at one of the mint humbugs.

"So am I, Luna. So am I" Harry answered, feeling the happiest he had felt in many years.

"Hey, stop hogging Harry!" shouted someone from the other end of the table causing an outbreak of laughter. "So what have you been doing with yourself?" Luna asked him. He filled her in on his life as a muggle for the past five years, making her smile broadly.

"To live a life from magic and the ones you love is not a life worth living," she said dreamily. Harry just nodded slowly, having forgotten how 'loony' Luna was. The afternoon soon progressed to night and with it came the arrival of many old and familiar faces. The swarm of people piled into the backyard and sort Harry out beneath a tall tree chatting to Mr Weasley.

Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan both had changed immensely. Dean was working in the Magical Games and Sports Department in the Ministry while Seamus was in the Magical Law Enforcement as a Field Worker. Neville Longbottom came as well and surprised Harry with a small gift. The boy was no longer short and chubby. He was a tall, well-built man and had really come into himself. With him, he brought his grandmother, looking as old as ever, and a couple being pushed in wheelchairs; Alice and Frank Longbottom; his parents. Both were looking better than the last time Harry had seen them, more than better actually. They now could talk quite clearly but had trouble remembering some things and speaking many syllable words.

Harry took the small box with shaking hands. "Mate, what's this for?" Harry asked, looking into Neville's changed face. Harry's old friend just smiled and ran a hand through his short brown hair. "I bought it ages ago as a thank you present for saving me on that day and I was going to send it to you. But each time I sent it off with an owl, it returned almost immediately. It's been sitting in my room for years and now I've finally given it to you. Go on, open it!" Neville said, egging him on. Harry smiled and looked down to the small bow. He took of the lid and pulled out a silver chain with a pendant hanging on the end.

"It's meant to be the symbol for a defender or hero," said the boy. Harry took the chain in his hands and admired the ruby encrusted silver winged lion with awe. "It's brilliant, Neville, thanks!" Harry said, clipping the chain around his neck. Neville blushed slightly but overcame it quickly as he introduced his parents.

"Mum, dad, this is Harry Potter, do you remember me telling you about him?" Neville said, indicating to Harry. Both his parents looked up at Harry, and he stared back into their eyes. They had been tortured to insanity almost twenty-one years ago just after Harry had defeated Voldemort for the first time. Death Eaters had tried to gain information from them, about the where-abouts of the Dark Lord after he had lost his powers. They had been placed on the Cruciatus Curse for a large amount of time and suffered through endless pain. As Harry looked at them, he felt a strange feeling grow inside him. One of pride and joy. Alice and Frank Longbottom should never have had to suffer through that torture and Neville should not have had to live without his parents for so long. In Harry's eyes, they were the heroes. The true heroes from the first war.

"Nice to meet you, Mr and Mrs Longbottom," Harry said, bowing slightly. Instead of a welcoming hello, both Neville's parents were staring at him. Alice Longbottom suddenly shot out with her hands and clasped Harry's own. Tears were shining in her eyes and a smile was gracing her young face.

"You look just like you father!" she whispered. Then there was silence. Both Neville and his grandmother were still and Harry was speechless. She had remembered what James Potter looked like after so many years without her proper mind. But that was not all. She spoke again. "But you have Lily's eyes. Such beautiful eyes..."

Neville's mouth was hanging open and his eyes wide. His grandmother rushed forward and knelt down beside Harry, her old eyes full of amazement.

"Alice, honey, do you remember anything else?" she asked, her voice a soft croak and her eyes shining with glistening tears. Alice Longbottom looked deeply into Harry's eyes and smiled. "And you are her son, Harry, how she loved you. And James, James would love to see you now..." she said.

Harry did not know what to say. "I-thank you!" he stammered, letting go of her warm hand and letting Neville take his place. Their eyes remained connected as Harry backed away. When he finally looked away, an odd feeling was pulling at his heart.

"Harry!" a female voice squealed. He turned in time to see a head of raven hair before the girl was hugging him around the middle. When she pulled away, Harry recognised the beautiful face of Cho Chang.

"Hi, Cho, I didn't know you would be here!" Harry said amazed.

"I wouldn't miss seeing you again for the world!" she said, her voice as sweet as honey. Harry grinned and was about to ask how her life had turned out when he felt something tugging at his hand. He looked down into the face of a small girl. She had long, dark hair and a pair of deep brown eyes. She reminded Harry of someone but he couldn't think of whom.

"Are you really Harry Potter? Mummy has told me lots and lots of stories about you!" she said in a small voice. Harry knelt down to her level and smiled.

"Has she? And who would your mummy be?" he asked. The small girl pointed over his shoulder. Harry turned to see only Cho. He picked the small girl up and went back to Cho.

"Does this little one belong to you?" he asked her. Cho smiled radiantly and took the small girl from him. "She sure does. This is Melody, Melody, this is Harry,"

"Hello, Melody!" Harry said to his old crush's daughter. Melody waved at him before wriggling out of her mother's arms and disappearing back into the crowd of people.

"She's a gorgeous little girl," Harry said truthfully.

"I know," Cho said, smiling again. "Just like her father," she said.

"And may I ask who that would be?" Harry asked. Cho pointed through the crowd to a tall man, now holding Melody. "That's Eddie Wilson, my husband of three years." Cho answered softly.

"Congratulations!" Harry said. "Well, I better let you get back to your other guests, so I will see you later, okay?" she said, looking into his eyes with her dark pools. Harry nodded. "Definitely!"

The night progressed a little too quickly for Harry's tastes. Through the night, he met up with many of his old friends, including Fleur and Bill who told him they were going to have a girl and name her Lily if it was all right with him. Harry was speechless but they understood all the same. He met up with Madam Maxime and talked to Hagrid some more. They told him that their children were back at the castle being babysat by Minerva McGonagall who was still as strict as ever and was sure to put the two half-giants in line. Harry chatted to Padma and Parvarti Patil, who were still pretty as ever. Padma now worked as a Journalist for the Daily Prophet while Parvarti was currently working in the Ministry in the Department of Mysteries. They both welcomed him back with glittering smiles and tight hugs. Harry also met with Lavender who had opened her own Divination shop in Hogsmeade called Tealeaves and Talons.

Fred and George made their appearance known at around nine o'clock by sending off a variety of their fireworks. The night sky was lit up with brilliant colours and patterns. The twins greeted Harry like long-lost brothers, by faking a full-out teary session in the middle of the crowd and bawling their eyes out at Harry's feet.

By the time midnight arrived, everyone had left, promising to keep in touch. It was only the Weasley Family, Hermione, Harry and a couple of order members left. Mr and Mrs Weasley were talking to Tonks and Kingsley Shacklebolt in the Lounge Room. The twins had left moments before to go back to their apartment saying they would be back the next day with more surprises. Bill and Fleur had travelled back to their home in Scotland while Charlie's snores could be heard form the upstairs window. Hermione and Ron were sitting beneath an old oak tree on a swinging bench, just talking.

Meanwhile, Harry was walking under the stars along the well-known path in the woods. He was just listening to the owls hooting in the night and the sound of the wind rustling the leaves in the trees above his head. The water in the stream could be heard in the clearing up ahead. Harry was just reaching the trickling river when he caught the soft footsteps of someone following him. He flipped his wand out into his hand while whipping around to face his follower. He came face to face with a very startled Ginny Weasley. Harry lowered his wand and watched as Ginny smiled. The moonlight caught her frame as she moved with him to the tree on the shore. There, the two sat like old friends.

"You looked like you had a good time tonight, Harry," she said, her voice carrying on the soft breeze.

"I did. I can't thank you enough for doing this for me. It is so great to see and talk to everyone again. Just being back here makes me feel alive again. I can practically feel the magic wavering in the air. It's just so welcoming and makes me feel home!" Harry said grinning. He felt Ginny shift closer to him with their backs against the tree trunk.

"You will always have a home here, Harry," she said, her beautiful voice making butterflies flutter in his stomach. He could feel the heat from her body radiate onto his skin. He twitched his hand slightly to feel the skin of her knee beneath his fingertips. He turned his head and looked at Ginny beside him. The moonlight was playing across her hair make it seem like a majestic halo framing the face of an angel. He sat enchanted by her eyes as she stared up at the sky above them. Then she turned her gaze to him and their eyes caught. And as the moonlight played across their forms and the running water played the soundtrack of the night, the two leant in at the same moment.

Their lips touched and they shared their first kiss; with the moon the witness and the stars the many eyes of those passed, smiling down upon the couple caught in an enchantment of love.

............................

How was that one? I wanted to make Harry and Ginny's first kiss romantic but not overly so. I didn't want to ruin the moment. I have tried to get this chapter out as soon as I could because I promised you all that when I reached one hundred reviews I would post two chapters. Therefore, here is the second one and I'm not sure, when the next chapter will be out because I have exams this week and have to work. I hate year ten!

Peace Out

DW