A Different Beginning

Chapter LXXIV - Explaining

Harry stepped out of the fireplace into the entrance way of Potter Manor. He still was slightly shell-shocked over all of the information that he had heard. Yet even though the news had been shocking, he wasn't surprised. He supposed that it was natural for Voldemort to try to do anything in his power to escape that fate of death. He dusted himself off before he headed into the kitchen, grinning when he saw Maddy baking treacle tart.

"Yum, my favourite. Did you know I was coming?"

Maddy turned around in surprise and grinned. "Harry! No, I is not knowing. James is wanting some treacle tart too. What is you doing here?"

Harry grinned. "I need to talk to Mum and Da about something. Are they home?"

Maddy nodded. "Yes. Lady Lily is in the living room but James is at the office."

"Thanks Maddy." He reached around her and stole a piece of the dough. "Yum."

"Hands out!" She exclaimed, making him grin as he hurried out of the kitchen, licking his fingers.

He stepped into the living room, still finding it odd to see his Mum curled up in a chair with a book in her hands. "Hey Mum."

Lily glanced up in surprise. "Harry, what are you doing home?"

He walked over to kiss her cheek before he sat down on the chesterfield. "I was sent by Dumbledore actually. I need to talk to you, Da, Sirius, Lexy, Tonks, and Remus about something."

"James went into the office. He and Kingsley wanted to go over the attack about Aberforth." Lily explained.

Harry nodded. "Alright, well, I'll contact him. Everyone should be here for this. It's very important and concerns Aberforth actually."

Lily looked at Harry in alarm. "You're worrying me. Is everything alright?"

He smiled. "It's fine. It's only that some serious discussion about Voldemort needs to take place." He pulled out his mirror and quickly contacted all of the Marauders asking them to come. Once they had confirmed that they would be there soon, he turned back to his mother. "Dumbledore asked Sirius to send Ginny and I to Grimmauld Place for a serious discussion. I'm supposed to go back there for the night but I guess he wouldn't mind much if I spent the night here."

Lily nodded. "No, I suppose not. Are you sure that everything's okay?"

"In the sense of me, yes, but not so much in other things. Ginny's in Tibet right now trying to get some woman to come back for the first part of the project."

"Tibet?" Lily asked in surprise.

"Aye. She should be back later." He looked up when Remus and Tonks walked into the room; Tonks had Daniel in her arms. "Hey! Wow look at this guy." He walked over to Tonks to take the baby from her. "He's gotten so big!"

Daniel had definitely gotten pretty big. His hair was a dark brown and now he looked so much less like a red potato. He was chubby and adorable in his blue overalls and white sweater. Harry planted a small kiss on his cheek as Daniel yawned and cuddled himself contently on his shoulder.

Tonks smiled. "I know! I can't believe how fast he's growing! He's already just over six weeks old."

Harry grinned. "Hey Dan, remember me?" Daniel blinked and his hand grabbed tight to Harry's finger making him grin. "I'll take that as a yes."

Remus smiled. "Now Harry, while we're thrilled that you missed Dan, do you mind telling us what's going on?"

"I can't just yet, not until everyone gets here. I only want to go through it once as it's a very long story."

Tonks nodded. "Understandable. When I answered the mirror you told me that it was about Aberforth. Has there been any news?"

Harry shook his head no as he moved his hand around, grinning when Daniel continued to hold his finger tightly. "No, not in the sense that one would hope. It's about information that he was keeping."

Remus nodded. "I see."

Lexy came in next, holding Sirius' hand. "Hello."

Sirius grinned. "Lily-Love! Moony! Nymph! Well this is a surprise!" He replied in a mockingly sarcastic voice.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Right. Well as soon as Da gets here I'll explain what happened."

Sirius nodded. "Okay, so where's Ginny? I'm pretty sure I sent her with you."

"She's in Tibet apparently," Lily replied.

"Tibet? Is she going to see that Li woman she met?" Sirius asked.

Harry nodded. "Yeah, Dumbledore needs her here and he thinks that Ginny will have better persuasion."

Lexy sighed and sat down, leaning back against her husband when his arm draped comfortably around her. "I suppose she might if she studied with her."

Tonks turned to smile at Lexy. "Well, since we're being kept in the dark until James gets his arse in here, how are you feeling? Still getting sick?"

Lexy shrugged. "Not so much anymore, no. Every once in a while, if I don't give myself enough time to digest I feel a little nauseous but I'm alright."

"Not showing yet?" Tonks asked.

Lexy shook her head. "Not quite yet. I think I gained like two pounds but it's not enough to tell. I'm only thirteen weeks along."

Sirius grinned and turned her head so that he could kiss her deeply. "You're so beautiful."

She smiled mischievously as she stayed cuddled against him. "I know."

Harry was still holding Daniel comfortably, grinning down at him from time to time. Sirius grinned at him wickedly. "Hey Harry, have you seen any dragons lately?"

Harry glanced up at his godfather quizzically. "Um no?"

"Shame." Sirius replied, grinning from ear to ear. "Those horntails, they can be pretty sexy."

"I never knew you liked dragons, Padfoot," Remus replied, glancing at his friend in surprise.

Sirius shrugged. "I don't usually but sometimes they can be pretty ... what's the word I'm thinking of ... interesting? Horntails can be found in some really great places? Ask Ginny, right Harry?"

Harry gave him a puzzled look. "Sure."

James walked in then, looking a bit ragged. "Sorry I'm late, everyone. King thought he may have had a lead on where Aberforth was being kept. But it was a false alarm."

Lily smiled at him as he walked over to kiss her softly. "It's alright. We're all just curious about what our son has to say."

James nodded as he took a seat next to Harry. "So what's going on?"

Harry sighed as he handed Daniel back over to Tonks. "Something huge. Do you guys know what horcruxes are?"

Tonks nodded. "Souls, aren't they?"

James shook his head. "No, their parts of someone's soul. To make one, one must commit murder. What about them?"

"Voldemort has some."

Sirius swore. "Doesn't it just figure? We got any idea where the horcrux is? He probably hid it real good right?"

"Oh, more then good. He made seven."

"SEVEN?" The room exclaimed as a whole.

Harry nodded. "From what Dumbledore told Ginny and I, he believes that Voldemort has made seven and from what I understood is that to destroy Voldemort, one must destroy all of the pieces of his soul first."

"Damn," Sirius muttered. "That could take us fucking years to complete!"

James nodded. "We would have no idea where to look."

"Well, the good news is that some of them have already been destroyed." Harry explained. "We only have three more to go, technically, as Voldemort himself would be the final one."

"What happened to the other three?" Lily asked.

"They've been destroyed. I destroyed the first one in my second year unknowingly. I know now that Dumbledore obviously suspected and understood exactly what it was."

James nodded, his eyes lighting up in understanding. "The diary."

"Aye. Dumbledore thinks that it was probably one of the first if not the first horcrux that Voldemort created. With a part of his soul in it, he was able to control Ginny to a higher degree. When I sank the poisonous basilisk fang through it, the horcrux was destroyed."

Sirius sat up a bit, crossing his ankles in front of him. "So you destroyed the first one? Does Voldemort know this?"

Harry shrugged. "I have no idea. I would assume that he knows about the diary through Lucius, but even if he does I doubt that he would believe that we knew what it was."

James shook his head. "No, I don't think that's right. There's no way that Lucius would have told Voldemort about the diary. He blundered that big time!"

"That makes sense," Remus replied. "He wouldn't want to be held responsible for what happened so as long as Voldemort doesn't know, the secret's safe."

"Well, I don't know, but when I asked Dumbledore he said that because the piece of his soul was literally ripped from his body he wouldn't feel the horcrux being destroyed." He explained.

"So what are the other two?" Lily asked.

"Well, Da, apparently you destroyed one last year."

James glanced at Harry in surprise. "When?"

"I'm not sure exactly when but Dumbledore mentioned that he found Slytherin's ring in the Gaunt House and he asked for your help in destroying it and you did with no questions asked. The ring was a horcrux. Two down."

"Well, I'll be damned! The old man was already hunting them and he didn't ask for help?" Sirius asked.

Harry shook his head. "He said that I have the prophecy hanging over my head and he wanted to be able to help me in some way and by destroying the horcruxes he was doing that."

"What made him change his mind now?" Lexy asked. "I mean, why is he telling you this now and not before when he told you about the prophecy?"

"Aberforth," Tonks replied softly. "It all involves him, doesn't it?"

Harry nodded. "He's been involved since the beginning and I think he had a lead on where to find another one. Dumbledore's afraid that Voldemort will discover that he is searching for them. As long as he doesn't know, we'll be safe."

"And the third?" Lily asked. "That one was destroyed how?"

"Sirius," Harry replied. "Dumbledore found it, the locket of Slytherin. He immediately knew there was a lot of dark magic on it."

"He asked me to take a look at in October," Sirius murmured. "He told me it wasn't only because I was the DADA teacher but because my father had used many dark spells to hide things and to keep people out so I was knowledgeable. He asked me to destroy what was inside of it. I did, no questions asked."

Harry nodded. "That's what he said."

"What about the rest?" Lily asked. "How are we supposed to find them? I assume Albus wants our help if he instructed you to tell us?"

"Aye he does. I don't know where to find the others but Dumbledore has some theories on what they might be which helps narrow it down considerably. The locket of Slytherin was stolen from a woman named Hepzibah along with the cup of Helga Hufflepuff. It's the cup that Aberforth was working on. To follow pattern, he believes that the next one is something of Gryffindor's or something of Ravenclaw's. The final one he says is his snake, Nagini."

"A snake?" Lexy asked. "I wasn't aware that a horcrux could be placed inside of a living thing."

Sirius nodded. "Me neither. Is he sure about that?"

"As positive as Dumbledore can be, yes, he is. He insists that Nagini be the last horcrux to go after before Voldemort himself as if we killed his pet snake I think that that would tip him off for sure."

Remus managed a small chuckle. "And supremely piss him off."

"Aye."

Lily sighed. "So what does he want us to do?"

"Well, first of all, Dumbledore thinks that he knows who knows where the cup can be found other then Aberforth, which is where Ginny comes in."

Lexy glanced at him questioningly. "What do you mean?"

Harry sighed. "Frank Longbottom."

James stared at Harry for a moment, his eyes dark. "She's sure she can do it?"

"Aye. That's the reason she's in Tibet to bring this woman Li Chung back to help her. She needs a lot of support to stay grounded and between Emma and Li she should have it. I'm going to be there too. She's going to do both of them." Harry replied.

"Do what?" Sirius asked.

Remus rolled his eyes. "Sometimes, Padfoot, you are so thick. I hope to Merlin that your daughter has your wife's brains."

Lexy smiled. "Why thank you, Remus! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one praying."

Sirius rolled his eyes. "Ha ha, very funny guys, but really, what's Gorgeous going to do?"

Lily swallowed before she stood up. "She's going to bring them back like she did for me."

Sirius whistled. "That's some serious shit."

"Are you absolutely positive that she can do it, Harry?" James asked. "I mean, Lily was sick, but Frank and Alice ... they're so much worse. And I saw her ... the explosion of power radiating from her ... she was so weak that she could barely stand afterwards."

Harry nodded. "She's not going to be alone."

"Harry, that's going to be hard for you to watch, someone else better be there to hold you back."

"What do you mean, Da?"

Lily sighed. "Ginny never told you exactly how she brought me back, did she?"

Harry shook his head. "No. What happened?"

Lily stood up to sit next to him. "It's very intense magic Harry. She ... how do I put this delicately?"

"You can't," James replied. "Harry, she takes the pain into herself. The horror subjected, the pain, the injuries ... she feels everything."

Harry swallowed. He hadn't expected that. He wasn't sure exactly what he thought she had done to bring his mum back but it wasn't anything that intense. This sounded dangerous. "She believes that she can do it, so I do too. I'm going to be there for her every step of the way and she'll have two people to help her."

Remus nodded. "She'll be alright, Harry, and as long as you keep thinking that you should be alright. Are you going to tell Neville?"

"I haven't really thought about it to be honest. I guess I have to."

Sirius shrugged. "That depends on you though. I mean, to tell him that Ginny can bring his parents back and then if something goes wrong and she doesn't ... it would crush his hopes. Maybe a surprise is the best route."

Lily shook her head. "No! He can't not know! The poor boy would be shocked out of his life if his parents were suddenly there again!"

"I don't know. I think it's best if you tell him about it. Neville can be there to hold Harry back when Ginny goes under," Remus replied.

Harry nodded. "I remember how angry I was when I found out Mum was alive. I know it's different because Nev goes to see his parents, but I think he should know."

"It's up to you, Harry," James replied.

"Aunt Lexy, Aunt Tonks, what do you guys think?" Harry asked.

Tonks shrugged. "I agree with Remus, I think he should know what's going on."

Lexy nodded. "I agree but at the same time, if God forbid something goes wrong ... Sirius is right, he would be devastated."

Harry sighed. "I guess I've got a bit to think about then."

James nodded. "I guess you do. Alright, why don't you tell us everything else Dumbledore said and then I guess we better figure out where the hell to start? He doesn't want the Order in on this, I take it?"

Harry shook his head. "No, only a few select people. Including Ron, Hermione, Draco, Neville, and most likely Luna as she helped in the Department of Mysteries."

"Alright, Harry, why don't you start from the beginning?" Lily replied. "How did Dumbledore find out about the horcruxes?"

Harry sighed. "You guys might want to get something to drink because this could be a long night."

********

Ginny fell on the ground in a heap when the portkey dropped her down. She recognized the room immediately as the place where Li had sat and asked her to review everything that she had learned from Emma. She stood up and placed the tea pot on the table before she wandered into the kitchen. She smiled when she saw Li sitting at the table.

Li Chung had short spiky black hair and big brown eyes. She was small in build and height and very pretty. She turned at the sound and her eyes lit up at the sight of her.

"GINEVRA! Well, this is a surprise!" She hurried over to hug her and Ginny grinned.

"Hey, it's a surprise for me too."

Li sighed. "Dumbledore sent you, didn't he?"

Ginny nodded as she took a seat at the table. "Aye, how did you know?"

"I had a feeling that he was planning something when I mentioned you and he commented on how close I felt and my opinion on your abilities."

"I see. Well, I need your help."

Li stood up and brewed a pot of tea, pouring them each a cup before she nodded. "I'm all ears; tell me what's going on?"

Ginny nodded. "Well, in a nutshell, there's a very serious thing going on in the U.K. with Voldemort, evil wizard guy?"

Li nodded. "I've heard of him. Even here his name is greatly feared."

"Well, we're working on ways to destroy him and one of the things needed is known by a friend of mine's father who's mind is so destroyed that even Legilimency cannot get the memory out."

"Ah," Li said softly. "Dumbledore thinks that you can heal his mind."

"I can." Ginny replied. "Lily Potter had the same problem and she was in a coma. I brought her back."

Li glanced at her in surprise. "Well, I knew you had power but that's impressive. You're positive that you can do this man as well?"

Ginny nodded. "And his wife. I plan to bring them both back in one go. But to do so I need to stay as grounded as possible. I need energy and I need power and I need support. Between both you and Emma, I could handle it."

"So you want me to go back to London with you and help you heal this couple?" Li asked.

Ginny chewed her lip nervously. "Um, yeah?"

Li sighed. "If I wasn't so damn impressed with your powers I'd tell you to get the hell out." She sighed again. "When do you need me to go?"

Ginny jumped up and let out a whoop of joy. "Thanks Li! And well ... now would be good?"

Li laughed. "Alright, just let me pack my bag."

Ginny grinned. "Thank you. We have to go see Emma after this. She's staying at Order headquarters."

Li nodded. "Alright."

Within ten minutes, Li was packed and ready to go. She made a portkey out the tea pot that Dumbledore had used and they landed in the middle of the living room of Grimmauld Place. Ginny wasn't sure who was more surprised, her or the people she had caught snogging and half undressed on the chesterfield.

Emma grinned. "Well, hello Ginevra, darling, and Li too, um, what a surprise?" She fixed her shirt and yanked her skirt down, pushing at the handsome freckle-faced man above her.

Charlie grinned sheepishly. "Always were a pest, Shortstop, can't you see that I was a little busy?"

Ginny goggled at them and then she grinned and threw herself at Charlie and then at Emma. "Oh, this is wonderful! You two would be so perfect for each other!"

Charlie paled. "Uh, yeah, listen I got to ... see you girls later."

Ginny followed him into the kitchen, leaving Emma with Li. "I didn't mean to interrupt, you know?"

Charlie nodded, dragging his fingers through his hair in an attempt to tame it back down from the mess that Emma had made with her hands. "Yeah, I know."

"I'm really glad that you and Emma are together. Charlie, she's like a sister to me, that big sister that I was never able to have growing up. You two are really good together."

Charlie sighed. "Listen, Shortstop, Emma and I, it's just a fling. Don't pin your hopes on this, we're just ... hell you're old enough ... it's just sex."

Ginny smiled. "Whatever you say." She stood on her toes to kiss his cheek. "See you later."

She hurried back into the living room in time to see Emma turn to her. "Both of them?"

Ginny nodded. "You know I can do it, Emma."

Emma sighed. "Knowing is one thing ... Ginevra this is powerfully intense stuff. Are you sure?"

"Will you be there with me?"

"Of course."

Ginny smiled. "Then I'm sure."

*********

Ginny flooed to Potter Manor after settling Li down in a spare room in Grimmauld Place. Dobby and Winky had really made the house presentable in the last year and a half and the guest rooms were truly beautiful and comfortable. They had spent an hour discussing the healing of Frank and Alice Longbottom before Ginny headed to the manor. She was ready to go and she knew that tomorrow she would be nervous but it would have to be done.

She smiled when she stepped into the living room and saw Harry holding Daniel as everyone talked around him. "Hello."

Everyone turned to look at her and Sirius grinned. "Well, hey Gorgeous, what's this I hear about healing the Longbottoms?"

Ginny grinned. "I'm going to try. I believe that I can do it." She took a seat next to Harry who placed the baby in her arms. "Wow, he's getting so big!"

Tonks smiled. "I know."

Conversations erupted around the room again as Harry turned to Ginny. "Well, how did it go?"

"Li agreed. She suspected something from her last talk with Dumbledore and was more then ready to come along. I've got her settled at Grimmauld Place with Emma. Did you know that Emma and Charlie are sleeping together?" She asked.

Harry shrugged. "No, but Charlie couldn't keep his eyes off of her at Christmas."

Ginny laughed. "That's true."

"Gin, question for you?"

She turned to smile at him, taking his bottle of butterbeer from his hand to take a sip. "Sure."

"Sirius told me to ask you, do you think Horntails are sexy?"

Ginny choked and spluttered, swallowing her drink at the last second before she spit it out. "W-w-what?"

He shrugged. "Just wondering. He asked me if I'd seen any good dragons lately and then went on about Horntails being sexy. It was weird, just thought you might know the meaning."

Ginny shook her head no, her face burning. "No, no, I have no idea." She turned to glare at Sirius from across the room. He was a dead man.