At The Heart Of The Matter

A/N: Thanks to all the review that you’ve so generously given. It has made writing this story worth while. I still own nothing in the Potter Universe. Well, folks….we are coming to the end of this story, and I have a couple of idea’s for the next. #1: A disappearing Harry story, where he chooses to go away, coming back with a serious don’t fuck with me attitude and the skills to back it up, or, #2: A truly dark/semi evil Harry…where he is possibly either allied with Tom, or he takes the Dark Lords place as the next one….also, he might be a vampire in one or both of these stories….by birth or by choice? Let me know what you think, or if you have any story ideas that would be interesting, drop me a note.

New Beginnings

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Harry slept the entire next day, under the watchful eyes of his wife, Poppy, and Sirius. Harry awoke very early the morning of March 25th, coming out of his semi-comatose sleep. Feeling very refreshed, he untangled himself gently from Alicia’s embrace, and made his way to the bathroom. After relieving himself, he was leaning over the sink, brushing his teeth, when he pulled up some to look at his reflection…and screamed.

“ALICIA….ALICIA!” Harry yelled.

“WHAT! What is it!” cried Alicia, still groggy with sleep.

“My scar….it’s GONE!” he said, still staring at his empty forehead in the mirror.

Suddenly, their bedroom door slam open, and Sirius yelled, “Harry? Harry, what’s wrong? You sound completely panicked.”

Once in the bathroom, Harry turned to his godfather and still looking on in disbelief, he pointed at his forehead and said, “It’s gone….my scar has vanished.”

Alicia and Sirius exchanged worried glances, not knowing if he had lost some of his memory due to the seizures. Alicia asked, “Harry? Do you remember what happened the other night?”

“Huh?” he said, then it hit him like a ton of bricks, all the memories of the final battle came flooding back to him, and as the reality of the situation hit him, he crumpled to the floor, Sirius catching him before he could hurt himself.

“Oh…My…God.” he breathed out, then continued, “Riddle’s dead….he’s really dead this time. That’s why my scar is gone, there’s no more connection to him…”

“That’s right, Harry. Tom’s gone for good. Are you sure you’re okay?” asked Sirius, looking up to a tearful Alicia.
“Yeah, I’m good. I just woke up, and my brain hadn’t kicked in yet…so I was just shocked. What time is it? I thought Poppy said I be out for a while, but it looks like the sun is just peeking out of the horizon, so I couldn’t have been out for more than 6-7 hours.” said Harry, still wrapping his mind around the whole situation.

Chuckling through her tears, Alicia said, “Harry, it’s 5:30 in the morning….Monday morning. You’ve been sleeping for the better part of 30 hours. I’d have to say Poppy was right once again.”

Looking up at his wife, and noticing she’d been crying, Harry stood, and giving her a hug he said, “Oh….I guess I was pretty out of it the other night. No wonder my brain wasn’t working this morning. I’m sorry I woke you both up.”

“It’s fine Harry. Why don’t we take advantage of the hour, and go out by the lake and watch the sunrise from there?” said Alicia to the two men standing with her in bathroom.

“You know, that’s sounds like a really good idea. It’s been awhile since we’ve done that, hasn’t it.” asked Harry.

“Yeah, it has….it’s one of the things I miss most about our time in the warp.” she answered.

“Okay, I’ll meet you two out in the reception room in 10 minutes.” said Sirius.

“Sounds good.” said Harry.

It was the most peaceful couple of hours Harry had ever spent, with Sirius, the one man who was like a father to him, his beloved wife, carrying his two future children, and all of them surround by Hogwarts, the place he once again considered home. As he looked up to the heavens, for the first time in many years, Harry realized that he had a future to look forward to, and he whispered his thought out loud, “Future…now there’s a word that has a completely new meaning to me…I’m looking forward to it.”

“I couldn’t agree more, Harry. This sunrise marks the beginning of a whole new life for us all. Riddle’s dead, I’m ten years younger and free to enjoy my life again, and then there’s you two, married with two wonderful kids on the way, that I intend on spoiling rotten. What more could a man ask for?”

Laughing at Sirius, Alicia and Harry could only nod their heads in agreement, continuing to enjoy the peaceful morning. As the time neared 8:15am, they all stood up and headed back to the castle, answering the call of their empty stomachs. Little did they know that Poppy, Minerva, and Remus had gone to check on them earlier, and spying them out by the lake, they started informing people that Harry was up and apparently doing fine. So, when they made their way to the Great Hall, the three almost fell over in shock at the amount of people present at this early hour. There had to be over 500 people present. Tears sprang to Harry’s eyes, when at once, the whole hall stood up and gave him a loud ovation, and started chanting his name over and over.

Finally at the podium, after receiving many hugs along the way, Harry said, “Thank you, everyone. You don’t know how much this means to me. I would like for everyone to know that I didn’t defeat Voldemort be myself…that I couldn’t have…without the help of some of the most dedicated and wonderful people that I have ever known. If you’ll bear with me, I’d like to take this time to honor those that are here, and ask that you all stand to be recognized.”

Harry was shocked when he realized everyone that had, in some way, been involved were all here, even the Aurors, and he gave a watery smile. After everyone was standing, except a few, Harry continued, “Minister Fudge, Manuel Zabini, Minerva McGonagall, Amelia Bones, and Alicia Potter, please also stand. You may not have gone to the battle, but with out you, none of us would have either. Ladies and Gentlemen, please join me in another round of applause for all these exceptional people…they are all heroes and champions.”

The roar was deafening, but heartening at the same time. Flash bulbs were going off around the room, and for the first time, Harry noticed there was a large contingency of press people there, but he didn’t mind. The defeat of Riddle was big news, and he was more than willing to share the hard work of all those standing with the world.

Once the crowd quieted again, a chuckling Harry continued, “I’m sure I speak for everyone when I say…Wow! That was incredible! Thank you. I would like to personally thank each and every one of you who are standing, you are all truly special people, and I am honored to call each of you friend. If you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to point out a few people who went above and beyond what was expected of them. First, Luna Lovegood, who gave her life protecting her friends and several innocent people during a raid just before Christmas. She is desperately missed by all of us.” said Harry, letting a few tears roll down his face.

A few moments later, taking several deep breaths, Harry continued on, “Justin Finch-Fletchley, Bianca Zabini, Lisa Turpin, Padma Patil, Katie Bell, Blaise Zabini, and Hermione Granger, these are the masterminds behind the victory, coming up with the easiest and safest plan of attack. Also, I’d like to thank Paole Constantine and again, Blaise Zabini, if it hadn’t been for your direct involvement in the ritual the other night, we wouldn’t be standing here today. To Minister Fudge, Manuel Zabini, Tony Rooks, and Amelia Bones, your support through all this, is what made the near impossible, possible, and what can I say to all of you who trained me…us….except, thank you.” Harry said, smiling at each of his instructors in turn.

Barely holding his emotions together at this point, he continued, “There are a few more people I’d like to thank specifically; I know I mentioned her a moment ago, but Hermione Granger has stood by me through everything since the day we met and has been the sister I never had…I love you, ‘Mione. Neville Longbottom, my brother, who without your quiet, unassuming friendship, I wouldn’t here, standing before everyone today…you literally saved me from myself at the end of 5th year. To my godparents, Sirius Black, Poppy Pomphrey…and to you, Remus Lupin, who I consider an honorary godparent….you all mean the world to me, and I’m so blessed to have you in my life.”

“We love you too, kiddo!” yelled out Sirius and Remus, both with proud smiles on their faces.

Smiling at his nickname, he looked over to his wife and said, “Now, last but never least, my wife, Alicia….” here Harry choked up, and continued in a voice that carried all his emotions, “I couldn’t face anything without you. You are the reason I get out of bed every morning, and very air I breathe each and every day. I love you, forever.”

As he left the podium, he was engulfed by Alicia, and there were very few dry eyes in the room as another round of applause was heard. Whispering to Alicia he asked, “Should we make the announcement now?”

“Yes! Voldemort’s dead, and that’s what we were waiting for.” said an excited Alicia, who couldn’t wait to tell the world that she was pregnant.

Taking her hand in his, they went back to the podium where Harry said, “Sorry, everyone, I’d almost forgot to tell you the best news….I’m going to be a father, twice!”

Cries of “Oh My God” and “How Wonderful” rang out amongst the shouts of “Congratulations” and “Way to go Harry and Alicia”. This went on for several minutes before the press was allowed to ask a few questions, and take several pictures.

“Mrs. Potter, when are you due?” asked one reporter.

“I’m due late September, but with twins, you never know.” Alicia said, beaming at the crowd.

“Have you found out what your having yet?” asked a different reporter.

Looking up at her husband, and nudging him, Harry gave a smirk and responded, “Yes.”

“Harry! Don’t tease us…what are you having!?” Hermione yelled out.

“Well, if you really want to know, were having one of each…a boy and a girl.” said Harry, waiting for the information to sink in.

Sure enough, it was Molly Weasley who broke the silence by squealing and running up to her surrogate son, giving him one of her famous, air defying hugs. After almost 30 minutes of questions, ranging anywhere from the battle to the pregnancy, Harry and several of the others were left alone to enjoy the celebration with friends and family. It was almost lunch time when the three sunrise watchers finally managed to eat a meal, not just a few snacks, but they couldn’t be upset at the impromptu party that lasted the entire morning, and looked like it would be continuing well into the night.

It was indeed a time to celebrate, and over the next few weeks, Harry, Alicia and all the ‘First Strike Team’ attended many parties and balls, most in their honor. Eventually, towards the end of April, life returned to a somewhat normal existence. Sirius decided to move out of Hogwarts, into Grimmauld Place, after giving it a major overhaul and some serious redecorating. By the time it was done, Harry couldn’t get over the splendor the home now exuded.

The first weekend in May, in honor of Luna, everyone met up at the club, Dragon’s Fire, in Diagon Alley for their first clubbing night since her death. They wanted to honor her free spirit by holding their private celebration in the place she had loved, even though she had lost her life there. It started slow, most having a difficult time being there, until Mr. Lovegood showed up, lifting everyone’s spirits when he said, “Its only fitting that you all should be here, and Luna would’ve loved to see you all have a good time. By doing so, you could not honor her memory in any better way.” After hearing this, the group began to party in earnest, having a true celebration. It was well after 2am before the owner of the club finally kicked them all out.

Due to Alicia’s growing size, Harry was not only teaching his classes, but was also helping with all her classes. He didn’t mind, considering the many hours spent at Quidditch practice lately, they got to spend more time together this way. It was Monday, May 13th, and Alicia was just entering the classroom, when Ron’s personality reared its ugly head. Little did he know that both Harry and Chen were already inside the room, disillusioned for a surprise attack on the unsuspecting class.

Leaning over to Zachary Moon, Ron sarcastically said, “Wow…she showed up with out her all powerful and wonderful husband. Maybe he’s sick of looking at his fat wife. Guess she’s not the air he’s breathing anymore…he’s probably out banging some other bimbo he keeps on the side.”

“What did you just say, Mr. Weasley?” asked Alicia in a cold, angry voice.

“Oh, nothing Professor Potter. Zach and I were just talking about guy things.” said Ron, feeling over confident because he thought she was alone.

“Since when is making derogatory comments about your Professor considered ‘guy things’, Mr. Weasley?” she said back, getting more angry by his smugness.

“Well, if you knew the answer to your own question, why did bother asking it? I thought you were suppose to be smarter than that?” he retorted with a smirk.

“Mr. Weasley, you will serve two weeks detention with Mr. Filch, starting tonight, and 50 points from Gryffindor for you blatant disrespect. I will be bringing this to the attention of Professor Granger, your Head of House.” replied Alicia.

“Yeah, go ahead. She’ll only reverse what you’ve taken away…we’re friends, remember? Maybe being pregnant is making you stupid or something….you did live in the same house with all of us for a number of years.” Ron said snidely back.

“Mr. Weasley? What has gotten into you today? How dare you insult me like this!” said a completely frustrated Alicia.

Jumping to his feet, Ron started to yell, “I’ll tell you what’s gotten into me today….you! You and that bloody husband of yours! Once again, Saint Potter makes the headlines…taking all the glory of the victory, by getting the Order of Merlin, First Class! What about everyone else that was there! Like my father, sister, and brothers….where are the Weasley’s medals! It’s always the perfect Potters that steal the lime light. I’m sick of it!”

“Is that so, Mr. Weasley…and this gives you the right to accuse me of cheating on my wife, and disrespecting her by calling her fat and stupid? Considering she aced her OWL’s and NEWT’s, I’d say she was damn smart, and she isn‘t fat, you idiot…she‘s pregnant!” said a now visible Harry who was barely holding his temper in check. With a couple of deep breaths, he continued in a cold voice, “As usual, you don’t have all the facts, so you need to shut my mouth, and retake your seat before I throw you out of this class.”

“I do have all the facts! The Daily Prophet didn’t mention anyone else getting a medal, so of course, you’re the only one…the oh so great and wonderful Harry Potter! And as for you throwing me out of class, my parents are teachers here, so you can’t do anything to me!” retorted Ron, glaring up at his ex-best friend.

“It’s amazing how much you forgot in a relative short time. I own this castle, and that gives me all the authority I need, plus I know for a fact that even if I didn’t, your parents would back me up. You’ve disappointed them immensely, and from several conversations with a few members of your family, you could be disowned for the way you’ve been acting these last several years. Bill and Charlie told me all about your family’s motto…‘Decoris Apprime Alioqui’…Honor above all else. You broke their hearts when you betrayed not only my friendship, but your own family’s code.” stated Harry.

Boiling in anger, Ron yelled, “No way did they tell you that! Only a Weasley knows the code….what did you do, break into their minds or something! I always knew you’d turn dark, You Bastard!”

“THAT’S ENOUGH RON!” yelled Arthur, entering with Molly and Chen, who had gone to get them when things first started.

“How DARE you accuse Harry of going dark! What has he ever done to make you say such things or act as you have? What’s worse, is you attacked Alicia, who has never done anything to you! Where did we go wrong with you?” cried Molly, her anger rolling off of her in waves.

“He’s got you all fooled, hasn’t he! I’m your son, yet you stand up for this….this….for HIM! You’ve chosen a non-Weasley over a Weasley…who’s breaking the code now!” Ron yelled back to his parents.

“He’s more a Weasley than you’ve ever been. As a matter of fact…” Arthur stalled, looking over to his wife, where she nodded her approval, knowing what he was going to do, and then continued, “I, Arthur William Weasley, being Head of House Weasley, do declare, from this day forward, that Ronald Bilius Weasley and Percy Ignatius Weasley are officially disowned from my family. So mote it be! I should’ve done that months ago, but what should have been is now done.”

When Arthur finished, a visible link of magic appeared between Ron and his father, and another link stretched out the door, obviously seeking out Percy. About a minute later, both lines severed themselves, causing Ron to fall to the floor in obvious pain. The tail that was still attached to Ron’s heart, detached itself then form a round glowing ball that shattered into seven smaller balls, shooting off in all directions, one each entering Molly, then Arthur, and the remaining five seeking out their other children. About a minute later, two more balls came flying into the room, and entered the elder Weasley’s. The thirty or so students in the room just stared on in complete disbelief…none had ever witnessed someone being disowned.

Molly, with tears in her eyes, looked down at her ex-son and said, “You brought this upon yourself, young man. Maybe now you’ll learn there are severe consequences when you tamper with a family’s code and honor. I love you, Ron, but this is goodbye. I hope you have a good life.”

When she turned to leave, she saw Harry looking extremely sad by the events, so Molly walked over to her surrogate son, and while giving him a hug, she said, “Harry, don’t you blame yourself for this as Arthur and I have been discussing this for a while. No one made him do the things he’s done, so he has only himself to blame. What ever happens, just remember that we all love you.”

“I love you, too, Molly. I’m just sad that it actually came to this…I really hoped he would grow up, and leave behind his petty jealousy….I guess I still held out hope for the person I used to consider a friend and brother. I’m sorry for your lose.” Harry said, giving Molly a hug back.

When she and Arthur left, Harry said, “I’m going to take Ron to the infirmary…he’ll need some potions to help with the pain.”

“I don’t want your help…you stole my family from me!” Growled out Ron, obviously in pain.

“I didn’t steal anything from you. You lost everything by your own actions, nothing more and nothing less caused the mess you find yourself in. Now, since you obviously can’t walk at the moment, I’m offering you help to the infirmary. Will you take it?” asked Harry.

“Take your help and shove it up you ass….I HATE YOU!” Ron bellowed.

“I will remind you, Ron, that I am still your Professor, and you will watch what you say, is that clear?” said Harry back, is anger on the rise again.

“Fuck you, you ass hole, and fuck your stupid fat wife who’s carrying your vile spawn! I hope you both rot for all eternity for what you’ve done to me!” Ron said angrily, much to the surprise and disgust of those in the room.

“Chen, could you please go get Neville along with Minerva and Filius….I have to do this officially.” Harry said, both Chen and Alicia knowing exactly what was coming. Harry dismissed the class, then walked over to his wife, who was now sitting behind her desk, lifted her up, and taking her seat, sat her back in his lap, relishing in the tender embrace she wrapped him in. For all the wrongs Ron had done, Harry still thought eventually he would really and truly change, but that just wasn’t going to happen.

Some ten minutes later, all the requested parties were present, including Hermione, who Chen felt should be there, not only because she was his Head of House, but also because of their past friendship. After explaining everything that had taken place, with a nod of agreement from the others, Harry and Neville walked over to where Ron was sitting.

Giving Ron one last look, Harry started, “I, Harry James Thurox Gryffindor Potter, do hereby banish Ron Bilius from Hogwarts for all eternity. You will never enter this school or be on its grounds again. So mote it be!”

Neville spoke next, “I, Neville Franklin Ravenclaw Longbottom, do hereby banish Ron Bilius from Hogwarts for all eternity. You will never enter this school or be on its grounds again. So mote it be!” As soon as Neville finished, Ron was gone in a flash of brilliant light, dumped just outside the gates of the school.

“I hate to say this, but he’s had it coming all year.” said Filius.

“What do you think he will do know? He has no money, no education, and no where to live.” asked Hermione.

“I don’t know….but I’m not going to feel sorry for him. We’ve all tried to get through to him, and he never listened, so what ever happens, happens.” said Neville.

“I agree. How about we head down to lunch, and deal with the rumor mill that I’m sure is running rampant right about now.” said Harry. And with that, they all left the class, and headed to the Great Hall. The rumor mill was in fact working overtime, and by the end of the week, everything seemed back to normal, most students not giving the hot tempered red head another thought.

As the school year drew to a close, the last new they had about Ron Bilius, was that he’d been arrested for stealing, and was now awaiting trial. It had gotten back to them that not once did Ron actually try to find a job, figuring he deserved a free ride for a while, he took advantage of the few friends he had left, until they all finally threw him out. Despite everything, they had hoped Ron would make his way in this life, but that just wasn’t meant to be.