Chapter Text
Harry sat at the bar of the Leaky Cauldron, staring morosely into his glass of firewhiskey, wondering when his life had went so horribly wrong. Just a week ago everything had been fine and now it was all crashing down around him. He couldn't help but wonder how long he'd been heading this way, without even realizing it. What had he done wrong?
Okay, so he had made some surprising choices in the past. After finishing what should have been his seventh year at Hogwarts (but was actually his eighth, thanks to the war) he married Ginny pretty quickly. They had originally wanted to wait a few years, but then Ginny had fallen pregnant. Neither of them had planned to have children at such a young age, but it had happened and Harry had been thrilled by the birth of his son James. And marrying Ginny had been the only thing in his future he'd been sure of at that time.
Choosing a career for himself had been a lot more difficult. His dream of becoming an Auror had been quickly buried. After spending pretty much all of his youth fighting Voldemort and his death eaters, he'd had enough of fighting. But what else was he good at? The answer to that was simple – Quidditch.
So he had considered a career at professional Quidditch. It would have been an option. With his reputation as seeker, a lot of teams would have been glad to take him on. But that would have meant a lot of travelling, being away from home for long periods of time and he wanted to be there to see his son grow up.
In the end he had used the fact that Ludo Bagman was still very fond of him to his advantage and secured himself a job at the Department of Magical Games and Sports. That way he was still involved in the British and Irish Quidditch League, but could go home to his little family every evening. He also played Quidditch with a few mates and co-workers on some weekends. For him it was enough.
Ginny however hadn't been too happy about his career choice and kept nagging that he could get a lot further. She felt that he could even become Minister for Magic one day, but Harry had no such ambition. He was happy with his job. It was fun and well paid, the colleagues were great and he even had his own office.
Only two years after James' birth, Ginny was pregnant again and they got another son: Albus. Another year later Lily completed their family and Harry couldn't have been more ecstatic. He had always wanted to be a father and now his world revolved mostly around his children.
He wasn't too thrilled when Ginny insisted on going to work again, instead of staying home and taking care of the kids. But he knew that her job as a reporter for the Daily Prophet meant a lot to her, so he encouraged her. And they really had no shortage of babysitters. Molly was always happy to have her grandchildren at the Burrow. She usually looked after the kids of Ron and Hermione while those two were at work anyway and didn't mind a few more.
Sirius and Remus were always happy to have the little ones over as well. Harry knew that his godfather was still sad that he hadn't been allowed to take him in once his name had been cleared. So taking care of Harry's kids was the next best thing. And he really was great with kids. As was Remus. The two of them had opened a pub after the war, but they weren't needed there all the time, so they were available whenever Harry and Ginny needed a babysitter.
All in all, life was good. At least Harry had thought so. Until a few days ago, when his happy bubble had suddenly burst. His life had been turned upside down in a matter of minutes.
Flashback:
It was early evening when Harry came home from work. He entered their apartment and wondered at the silence that greeted him. Since Ginny had her day off today, he had expected to find her and the kids in the living room. But he only found his wife. She was sitting on the couch, staring off into space.
“Ginny? Is something wrong?” he asked worriedly.
She turned to face him and his worry increased at the strange look on her face. “What happened? Where are the kids?”
“The kids are fine. They're at the Burrow with mum. I asked her to let them stay overnight.” Ginny explained quietly and he breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thank Merlin. You had me worried there for a minute.” Harry joked weakly.
Ginny didn't smile. She looked troubled. “We need to talk, Harry.”
Those four words never boded well, but he nodded and took a seat next to her. “Sure. About what?”
She took a deep breath, almost as if she was gathering her courage. Then she looked at him with a strange kind of determination. “I'm leaving you.”
For a second he could only look at her in shock. “You... what?”
“I'm leaving you, Harry. I want a divorce.”
Her words were like a slap in the face. “But why?” he wanted to know. They had been happy, had they not? They were a family.
Ginny's eyes darted to the floor. “I can't do this any longer. I never wanted any of this.”
“What do you mean, any of this?” Harry asked incredulous. She wasn't making any sense. None of this was making any sense.
“This.” she repeated, gesturing around wildly, her voice taking on a shrill edge. “This life. I'm not happy, Harry. I haven't been for a very long time.”
Again he could only stare at her. She was unhappy? But why hadn't he noticed. “Why didn't you say something?” he whispered.
“I think I was waiting for you to notice. But you never did. You never really notice me any more. I'm just there, but it's like it doesn't even matter to you. I could just as well be a piece of furniture.”
“That's not true. How can you say that? You're my wife.”
“So? When was the last time we went out? Do you even remember?”
The accusation stung. And it wasn't true. “We went to Diagon Alley with the kids just last weekend.” he reminded her.
“With the kids! I meant just the two of us, Harry. Dinner, a date, whatever. We never do anything alone together. Only with the kids. Everything revolves around the kids now.” she shot back angrily. “Do you really think this is how I pictured my life? Taking care of your kids? Did you really expect me to be just like my mother?”
“What's wrong with being like Molly?” Harry asked stupidly. He loved Molly. She was the mother he'd never had.
“Everything! I want more from life than just a bunch of children! I want a career and I want to travel and do exciting things. I never wanted to be like her!” Ginny yelled at him. “Do you have any idea what it was like for me, growing up with six older brothers, never having enough money? Never having enough space. It was always loud and cramped and I hated it! I never wanted that. I never wanted children!”
Harry blinked, shocked at her outburst. He'd never known. For him the Burrow had always been the perfect place and he'd envied the Weasley children. As an orphan he had wanted nothing more than a family.
“But... you never told me.”
“Would it have even mattered to you?” Ginny shot back.
Harry's temper flared. “Of course it would. I love you Ginny and I thought we were happy together. Why did you even marry me, when you didn't want this life? Why did you have my children, if you obviously hate kids so much?” he asked, his voice rising.
He instantly felt bad when he saw tears pooling in her eyes.
“Because it's what everyone expected of me. I was young and foolish. I didn't know what I wanted back then. Everyone kept acting like we were the perfect couple. Like it was already decided that we would marry and start a family. And I loved you. I thought I would get used to this life, as long as I had you. But I was wrong.”
“You said you loved me. Does that mean you don't love me any more?” he asked quietly. Dumb question, really. She wanted a divorce. Of course she didn't love him any more. She couldn't even look at him.
“I fell in love with you when I was just a kid and didn't even really know what love is. You were my fairytale prince. Famous Harry Potter. And at first it was … exciting. Everyone gushing about how lucky I was to have you. Reporters following me around, asking for interviews. It was later, when the rush had died down, that I realized being your wife wasn't as glorious as I had thought it would be.” she admitted.
Finally she looked him in the eyes. A few lone tears were running down her cheeks. “I'm sorry. I really am. But I don't love you any more, Harry. I … I don't even know when I stopped loving you.”
Silence followed her revelation. It stretched, became unbearable.
“What happens now?” Harry asked, when he couldn't stand it any longer.
“We file for divorce. I was hoping you could use your connections to speed up the process. You're still friends with Justin Finch-Fletchley, right? He works in the Marital Law Department. If you ask him, I'm sure he could get it done within a week.”
Harry looked at her in shock. She had it all planned out, obviously. “Sounds like you can't wait to get rid of me.” he commented bitterly.
Ginny at least had the decency to blush. “Do you remember when I did that article on International Magical Cooperation about four month ago? I interviewed Michael Corner. Later we went out for drinks and to catch up. We... we've been seeing each other ever since.”
It took a moment for the implication to sink in. When it did, Harry was once again shocked. “Are you trying to tell me that you've been cheating on me with Michael Corner?” he asked, his voice dangerously low.
Strangely, she had no problem looking at him now. “I didn't sleep with him. But … we talked, went out... The saddest part is that I never really tried to hide it from you. I've actually been pretty obvious about it. I think at first I wanted you to catch me. To get angry at me or scared of losing me or whatever. But you never did. So don't act all self-righteous and say you still love me. Because we both know that it's a lie.”
Harry was once again taken aback by the bitterness in is wife's voice. How could he have missed this? Had he really been so blind that he hadn't noticed them drifting apart? That he hadn't noticed how unhappy Ginny was?
“What about the kids?” he asked and Ginny snorted, like he had just proven her point.
“Don't worry, I'm not taking them away from you. You're getting full custody.” she assured. “Michael has been offered a promotion. British Ambassador for the Ministry of Magic. We're moving to Italy by the end of the month.”
“You have it all planned out.”
“I do.” she agreed. “I've been unhappy for so long, living a life I never wanted. I've been through so much. I want a chance, Harry. I want to start over. Please, don't deny me this.”
Harry knew that it was over. There was nothing he could do or say to change her mind. “What am I supposed to tell the kids?” he wondered. Lily wouldn't understand why her mother was suddenly gone. She was only three. And Albus was only four.
“You'll think of something. You always know what to say. At least when it comes to the kids. And I'll visit. I'll still be writing articles for the Daily Prophet, so I'm going to drop by every now and then.” Ginny promised. “It's better this way. I was never really cut out to be a mother.”
Yes, she always did have her problems and was quick to drop the kids off at the Burrow. It was usually Harry, who took care of them when they were sick. Who read bedtime stories and offered comfort after a nightmare.
“I'll talk to Justin tomorrow.” he finally promised, resigned to his fate. Ginny had made her choice. That much was obvious. He had lost her a long time ago, without even realizing it.
She gave him a sad smile. “Thank you.” Then she got up and left him alone in a too-silent flat.
After that things had progressed quickly. Harry had kept his promise and talked to Justin Finch-Fletchley. Like Ginny had predicted, he'd been able to speed up the process considerably. Only five days later they had signed the divorce papers and Ginny had moved out. Harry knew that when he went home today there would be no trace left of her.
He felt glad now that they hadn't bought that house in the country he'd always wanted. Ginny had insisted on keeping their flat in wizarding London, despite the fact that it really was too small with three kids. It would probably feel empty now, without her there. But at least he still had his children.
Sirius and Remus were looking after them tonight. Harry still didn't know how to break the news to them. So far he'd only told them that Ginny had to go away for a while. Which wasn't that unusual. She had often been gone for a few days because of her job, so the kids didn't think anything by it.
Hermione had bought him a couple of very helpful books on the subject, which he wasn't planning on reading. He knew that she meant well, but she would never understand that books didn't hold the same comfort for him as they did for her.
She and Ron had been shocked at the news. Everyone had been shocked, really. And everyone had sided with Harry. Even Molly and Arthur. He felt bad that Ginny's own family shunned her. They'd had another long talk and he had admitted that Ginny had been right. Their relationship had changed a long time ago. He'd just been too blind to see it. He would always love Ginny in some way. How could he not? She was the mother of his children. But he was no longer in love with her. Probably hadn't been for a while.
He had tried to tell the Weasleys, but they wouldn't believe him. Molly had only hugged him and promised that he would always be part of the family and that he didn't need to act brave in front of her. No-one would understand that it wasn't an act. Except maybe Sirius, who was surprisingly perceptive when it came to feelings.
At least he and Ginny had parted on friendly terms. He was glad about that. Being a single parent would be tough and he was a little scared of messing up, but he had a lot of help. He had the Weasleys, Sirius and Remus and a lot of friends.
Harry only feared what he Daily Prophet would make of the story. The fact that Ginny worked for the paper as well had never stopped them in the past. Especially not Zacharias Smith, who had taken over for Rita Skeeter and proved to be even worse than she'd been. He had written quite a few nasty articles about Harry and his family over the last couple of years.
Taking a sip from his glass, Harry contemplated going home. But there would be no-one waiting for him. The kids had been excited about spending the night at uncle Padfoot and uncle Moony's flat, so he didn't want to pick them up earlier. And Ginny was probably already on her way to Italy. If he went home now, he'd only end up sitting on the couch, watching TV. He didn't even know why that idea seemed so unappealing. He'd spent many evenings like this in the last couple of month, when Ginny had supposedly been working late or meeting friends.
Harry was startled out of his dark thoughts when someone sat down on the barstool next to his. He looked over warily and breathed a sigh of relief when he recognized the man. “Draco.”
“Harry.” the blond acknowledged him with a nod.
For a moment they simply looked at each other and Harry was reminded of their last year at Hogwarts. Things had been really awkward at first. Until Harry had cornered the Slytherin, they had talked things out and agreed to forget about the past. They were actually on friendly terms now. When they ran into each other at the Ministry – which happened quite frequently, since Draco was working for the International Magical Trading Standards Body, two Levels below Harry – they often took a few minutes to chat. Mostly about their kids.
“I was sorry to hear about your divorce.” Draco finally broke the silence.
“Thanks. Though it's for the best, really. We just... we stopped loving each other I guess. I just didn't want to see it.” Harry said honestly.
“So you're not heartbroken, because the love of your life left you for a rich, foreign wizard?” the blond asked jokingly.
Harry groaned. “Is that what people are saying?”
“One of the many things, yes. I've heard the most curious stories. The rumour mill is buzzing, as you can imagine. I really don't envy you. Pansy told me there was a bunch of reporters snooping around your department today.”
Pansy Parkinson was Bagman's private secretary. She knew everything that went on in the department. Or in the whole Ministry really.
“I know. She warned me and caused a distraction, so I could sneak out.” Harry had seldom been so glad that he'd befriended the Slytherin girl. Surprisingly enough, he saw Pansy more often than Ron and Hermione these days.
Hermione was on her way up in the Magical Beasts department, while Ron was now running the Hogsmeade branch of Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. And aside from that they had their own kids, Rose and Hugo, to take care of. Free time was a rare thing.
“Pansy's good at that. She did it for me too, when the reporters were after me two years ago.” Draco let him know. Two years ago his wife Astoria had died, leaving him alone with his now four year old son.
“How is Scorpius?” Harry changed the subject.
Draco's face lit up, like it always did at the mention of his son. “He's good. He's growing so fast. It's unbelievable. I think he'll be taller than me. My mother bought him the fantastic beasts picture book last week. Now he wants a Demiguise as a pet.”
Harry chuckled. “Sounds familiar. Albus keeps begging me for a pet Occamy, since Remus got him that book.”
“That's comforting to hear. I was starting to fear he might turn out like Hagrid, with his strange fascination for beasts.” Draco smiled to soften his words. They both knew that he'd never be a fan of Hagrid, but he had made his peace with the half-giant.
“I think it's normal at that age. James wanted a Phoenix. And Lily wants a Unicorn. I figured I'd start worrying when one of them starts talking about adopting an Acromantula.” the dark-haired wizard joked.
“Sounds like a plan. And you might be right. According to mother I wanted a Dragon when I was that age.” the blond admitted and Harry couldn't help but laugh.
“You've got something in common with Hagrid then.” he teased.
“I was a child, Potter. At least I grew out of that silly notion.” Draco sniffed haughtily. The twinkle in his eyes belied the arrogant tone, so Harry just laughed louder.
He was still amazed at the fact that they could actually joke around with each other now. The days when they'd been at each others throats constantly seemed so far away. They had both grown up, he realized with a smile.
Draco had really changed for the better after the war. His father had fled the country to escape a sentence in Azkaban. Last Harry had heard, Lucius had been seen in America, with some model about half his age. Narcissa didn't seem too disappointed by his leave. She had reconciled with her sister Andromeda (who had lost her husband and daughter in the war) and now spent most of her time doting on her grandson or tending her garden.
Draco had become a lot nicer without his father's oppressing presence looming over him. And ever since Scorpius had been born, he seemed genuinely happy. Which was something Harry could relate to quite well.
They talked some more, until the blond noticed the time and apologized. “Mother took Scorpius to visit her sister Andromeda. But they should be home by now, so I'd better get going.”
“Sure, don't worry. I'm heading home as well.” Harry decided. They said their goodbyes and both men left.