Reunion

Chapter One- Beginnings and Farewells

The phone rang out four times before Harry answered it. He still wasn't used to carrying a phone around with him.

"Hello, this is Hermione Weasley speaking. Is Harry Potter there?" Hermione's clear voice rang out from the speaker.

"Yes, I'm here Hermione. Like always." Harry grumbled into his cellphone.

"Oh, good! Listen, Ernie and I are planning a twenty year reunion for our year at Hogwarts. You have to be there. Hannah and Neville and Dean, and Padma and Parvati, and Seamus, even!"

"Hermione, I'm not really into reunions. Plus, I already see you and Ron every week. Who else would I talk to?"

"Harry, please come! I need people to show up to this, and well..." her voice trailed off.

"Hermione, you think people will come because of me?" Harry replied, bemused. "I'm sorry, but it's not possible with the kids, and Ginny... I'm sure people will show up."

"Harry, please! I talked to Ginny and she said she'd be fine with taking care of Albus and Lily, and James is going over to a friend's house." she pleaded.

"Hermione, your memory never ceases to amaze me," he sighed, fighting a losing battle, "alright, I'll go, but just for you, Hermione."

"Splendid, Harry. Thank you so much!"

"Hermione, where and when is the reunion?" Harry asked her.

"Next weekend, Saturday, two PM sharp, at the Hogwarts lake. I've rented a boat and I think we'll just sail around the lake for awhile, and then have a picnic on the grounds. It's all alright with the Headmaster, the students will all be in class so we won't disturb anyone."

"Okay, glad you've got all the details figured out. Ron will be there, right?"

"Yes," Hermione cheerfully answered.

"You're forcing him to go too, aren't you?" Harry laughed.

"Oh yes. At least you'll both be miserable together," Harry could feel Hermione's smile through the phone, and as he thought of seeing Hermione and Ron again, he started counting down the days until Saturday.

Saturday came quickly, and early in the morning, Harry started the flight to Hogsmaede. He had never liked apparating, and even though it took longer, he liked the joy of flying solo over the Scottish countryside. It was a beautiful day, if not only a bit overcast, and Harry couldn't help congratulating Hermione in his head that she even considered the weather.

He arrived at Hogsmaede at noon, and stopped at the Three Broomsticks. He ignored the stares of customers as the door swung behind him, and went straight to the bar.

"Hello Madame Rosmerta," he said to the elderly lady behind the bar.

"Mr. Potter!" Madame Roserta replied in a tone of pleasant surprise, "We're always honored to have you." "Oh, please," Harry smiled, tolerating the fame that still seemed to follow him everywhere.

"What can I do for you?"

"Some spiced mead?" Harry asked wearily. It had been a long flight from their flat in London, and he felt tired before the celebration had even started. It would be nice, though, to see people who wouldn't run up to him and ask for an autograph. He tried to picture Seamus in the body of the small girl who had asked him to sign her forehead. No, there would be no fangirls at this party. Thank goodness he was married.

"You sure you're of age?" Madame Roserta wheezed, making a joke that only she appreciated.

"I have been," Harry patiently answered, "for sixteen years now."