Next day, Harry was in his office rifling through mountains of paperwork when there was a knock on his office door. He was alone, as Daphne had gone out for some files relevant to a case they were on and Ron had been summoned somewhere ten minutes ago. He looked up to see Parker at the door.

"Hey Potter, you're needed in interrogation room one," he said, then left.

Harry was surprised, but headed out. He spied Daphne, seeing her talking with a little girl with her red hair in plaits. 'Cute', he thought, before knocking on the door. When he heard permission to enter, he went inside.

He started. Ginny, Ron and an unknown man were sitting on one side of the table, and Hermione was on the other. A goblin Harry recognised from Gringott's sat too, observing the goings on. The mood in the room was icy.

"Hey, what's going on?" he asked warily, looking at them all slowly. His gaze lingered on Ginny.

"Harry," said Hermione, gesturing for him to come and sit beside her. "I took the liberty of drawing up some papers on your behalf."

"For what?" asked Harry, eyeing the paperwork on the table, then Ginny and Ron. Neither looked at him, and neither looked happy.

"You saw Ginny's memories in the Pensieve," she said. He nodded. The unknown man leaned over and whispered in Ginny's ear. She nodded, looking at Harry. Her gaze softened slightly, but hardened when she looked at Hermione, who continued talking.

"These papers are for both parties to sign, confirming Harry as godfather to the child of Nymphadora Lupin and Remus Lupin, both deceased," she said, sliding a copy to Ginny and a copy to Harry.

"Oh, I didn't realise we had to sign anything. I just thought we had to do something at Gringott's," said Harry, looking confused.

"That is correct, Mr Potter. However, your lawyer demanded this meeting," nodded Grobbik, the Gringott's goblin.

"Miss Weasley intended to arrange a meeting with Mr Potter soon to do exactly this at Gringott's," said the man next to Ginny.

"Who are you?" asked Harry.

"Jules Gustin, family law," introduced the man.

"A lawyer? We don't really need a lawyer, do we?" Harry asked Ginny.

"Apparantly so," said Ginny, nodding at Hermione.

"Harry, as head of the House of Black, you are quite wealthy. It would be foolish not to safeguard your properties, your vaults," protested Hermione.

The goblin nodded in approval.

Hermione continued. "The form I have just given you is to confirm Harry as Cassiopeia's godfather. This form also confirms that she is the daughter of Nymphadora Lupin, nee Tonks. Daughter of Andromeda Tonks, nee Black. A member of the House of Black. This will ensure Cassiopeia falls under Harry's protection."

"We will need the child's blood and yours, Mr Potter, to bind the two of you under the House of Black. Miss Weasley, as you are her adopted mother, and as I understand, completed the blood ties at the time of adoption, you too, will fall under the House of Black's protection," said Grobbik.

"First you'll need to sign these waivers, stating you have no claim on any property shown on this list," said Hermione, sliding more papers over to Ginny. She didn't even look at them, she passed them to her lawyer, her gaze not leaving Harry.

"If I can draw your attention to page one, it is a listing of all Harry's properties and contents he inherited from the Potter family. Page two shows a listing of properties and contents he inherited from the Black family. Page three shows a list of the combined family vaults and their contents. You need to -"

"I have no need to see these," said Ginny, horrified. "They're none of my business." She appealed to Harry.

"Sorry, I- Hermione, is this really necessary?" asked Harry.

Hermione nodded. "Harry, you're one of the wealthiest wizards in England, possibly even Europe. You need to safeguard yourself," she said.

"Of course," mocked Ginny, "because us Weasleys have nothing, so we can't wait to get our hands on your money." Ron crossed his arms but held his tongue. This was Ginny's battle but she had asked him to accompany her. He didn't like where this was heading.

Hermione flushed, knowing how sensitive the Weasley family were about their lack of money. "I know this may seem uncomfortable, but -"

"Uncomfortable? It's bloody ridiculous. Here, give me a damn quill," cried Ginny. She hurriedly signed Hermione's paperwork. "I don't want your properties, your contents, your vaults. I never did," she said, looking sadly at Harry. He opened his mouth to reply but then shut it.

Hermione looked everything over. "It's best to get these things out of the way early. I'll get these filed straight away." She rose to leave.

"Wait. Miss Weasley has paperwork of her own for Mr Potter," said Jules, opening his briefcase.

Hermione sat down. "Indeed?" she asked interestedly. She grabbed the paper before Harry could, when Jules slid it over, pointing out a highlighted part. She nodded approvingly after reading it. "You can sign it," she told Harry.

Harry never signed anything without reading it. "Last will and ...this is your will?" he asked Ginny, aghast. She nodded. He read further. "If you die–" he could barely say it – " you want me to become Cassie's parent?"

Ginny nodded. "It's what Remus and Tonks would want. I'd like you to get to know her, to know your goddaughter," she said.

"I draw your attention to the date these papers were drawn up," mocked Jules, making Hermione flush. "Miss Weasley always intended for Mr Potter to enjoy a relationship with his god daughter. As you can see, she is leaving her daughter financially sound, with solid investments and property of her own, as willed to her from her birth parents. She asked me to draw these papers up three days ago. Gringott's already has a copy," said Jules.

"Checkmate," said Ron, softly.

Hermione turned her gaze to him. "I'm sorry...I was just looking out for Harry's best interests," she said.

Ron ignored her. "We done here?" he asked tersely. At Jules' nod, he left the office.

"Next time you might want to ask me first if I want you to do this kind of thing for me," growled Harry. He hadn't liked being made to look like a fool.

"I did it to protect you, Harry," protested Hermione.

"Protect him from me?" They had both forgotten Ginny was still there. "I don't want or need anything from Harry for myself, but I will fight to make sure my daughter is protected," she said to both of them.

"Ginny -" began Harry.

"Once she has provided a blood sample, confirming who she is, she will be under Harry's protection as the head of the House of Black," reminded Hermione.

"Yeah, and I've got the paperwork to prove it," said Ginny sarcastically, waving the papers. Her lawyer quickly took them from her.

"I'll get them filed," said Jules, putting them in his briefcase. He spoke softly to her and she nodded, then he left.

"How did you mange to get Jules Gustin as your lawyer?" asked Hermione, impressed despite herself. "He's one of the top lawyers in his field."

"He was recommended to me by Draco and Astoria. I had my Paris lawyer confirm he would be perfect for this situation," said Ginny.

There was an uncomfortable silence. "Ginny, I'm sorry," said Hermione.

"For what, exactly?" asked Ginny.

"If I've upset you with all...this," she said, gesturing to her paperwork.

"Hermione, just go, all right?" asked Harry, pinching the bridge of his nose. He didn't see her nod, just pick up her briefcase, smile apologetically at a stone faced Ginny, then left.

Harry and Ginny were alone for the first time in many years. "Hi," said Harry stupidly.

"Hi," said Ginny softly. She hesitated. "Would you like to meet Cassie?"

"Yeah, I would," said Harry. "Should I come over after work or something?" he asked.

Ginny smiled and shook her head. "No need, she's just out here."

Harry followed her out and over to where the little girl he'd seen earlier was with Daphne, now sitting on Ron's knee as she talked to both he and Daphne. Her face lit up when she saw Ginny and she ran to her.

"Mummy, you were soooooo long," she said.

Ginny leant down to pick her up. "Were you good for Auror Daphne?" she asked.

The little girl nodded, eyeing Harry curiously. "Who's he?" she asked.

"This is Harry, remember I told you about him? It was his owl that brought the letter to us this morning," said Ginny gently.

"Hello," said Harry, feeling shy.

"Hello. I like your owl. Is she a girl owl or a boy owl?" asked Cassie.

"Hedwig is a girl owl, and she's my very best friend," said Harry.

Ron sighed. "Go to Paris for three years and you get demoted by an owl," he muttered, shaking his head. He winked at Harry to let him know there were no hard feelings.

"I like Hedwig, she's a pretty owl. She let me touch her feathers," said Cassie.

"She must like you too, she doesn't let everyone pat her," said Harry.

"Cassie love, remember the other night, when you met all your new uncles and aunties, and your grandma and grandpa?" asked Ginny.

"And Vicki," reminded Cassie. "She's my cousin," she told Harry, "only she's just two. I'm bigger, I'm four," she said. Harry looked impressed.

"Well, Harry is another part of your family," said Ginny.

She looked at Harry thoughtfully. "But he doesn't had red hair, Mummy."

Harry and Ron chuckled. "Smart girl," said Daphne.

"Harry's not my brother, sweetheart. He's not your uncle, he's your godfather," said Ginny.

Cassie wrinkled her nose in confusion. "What does that mean?"

Harry was a bit at a loss at how to explain. Even Ron looked unsure.

"It just means that Harry is someone special in your life, and if you ever need help for something, then he will be there for you," said Ginny.

"Where will you be, Mummy?" asked Cassie. "Or Uncle Ron, or Grandma or Grandpa?"

"We'll always be here for you, sweetheart, but sometimes, especially when you get older, you'll find it's nice to have one special person, just for you. Harry will be that person for you," said Ginny, in a way she hoped Cassie understood, even at this age.

"And Hedwig too?" asked Cassie, hopefully.

"Hedwig too," agreed Harry laughing.

"Potter, Weasley, Greengrass. If the mother's meeting is over, can we actually get some work done today?" It was their boss, Carlisle.

"Sure, Boss. Seeya later, Ginny, Cassie," said Daphne.

"Bye, Daffy," called Cassie.

Ron snickered. Daphne shot him a dirty look as she left.

"I'll firecall you later, sis," said Ron, and he followed after Daphne.

Harry hesitated. "Sometime today, Potter," said Carlisle, walking past him, Ginny and Cassie.

"We should go," shrugged Ginny.

"But I want to play with Harry...and Hedwig," protested Cassie.

"Harry has to go to work, sweetheart. Someone has to keep an eye on Uncle Ron," she joked.

Cassie giggled. "Uncle Ron eats all our biscuits," she told Harry. "He says he doesn't, but me and Mummy know."

He saluted her. "Good to know, I'll keep a close eye on him." She giggled again.

"Harry, I...I'll be in touch, okay? I'm going to Gringott's now, to sort things out over there," she told him.

"Ginny, about Hermione. I really had no idea, I'm sorry," said Harry.

"I could tell when you walked into the room," she said, sighing.

"Potter!" called his boss.

"He sounds mad," said Cassie.

"I should go. Ladies, have a fun day. Gin, we'll get together again soon," he said, falling into his old nickname for her unconsciously.

Ginny noticed and nodded. "Bye Harry," she said.

"Bye Harry. Tell Hedwig I said bye," called Cassie.

"I will," called Harry, and he waved to her as she walked down the hall, and until she was out of sight.

He went back to his office, unaware he was smiling. He sat at his desk and drew out some parchment, writing quickly.

"Cute kid," said Daphne. "What are you writing?"

"Just a note to Cassie for Hedwig to deliver to her later," said Harry. He'd call for Hedwig on his lunch break.

"So she's your goddaughter," noted Daphne.

"Yeah," said Harry, re-reading what he'd written, hoping it wasn't too grown up for her to understand.

"Ron was pretty pissed with Hermione," noted Daphne. "Didn't they used to date?"

"They were a couple after the battle, till Ron left to find Ginny," said Harry, adding a couple of lines. He decided to end the note simply with 'Your friend and godfather, Harry'.

Daphne watched Harry. "You're smitten already," she realised.

Harry looked up and grinned sheepishly. "Yeah," he admitted.

"The question is...are you smitten with your goddaughter or her mother, who just happens to be your ex?"

Harry stilled, feeling his face flush. He bent his head back over his letter, not replying to Daphne.

Daphne just smiled knowingly.

/*/*/*/*

After their visit to Gringott's, where a simple prick of her finger fulfilled all the requirements for Cassie to be acknowledged as under the protection of the House of Black, and then checking on her own vaults, Ginny and Cassie did some quick essential shopping in Diagon Alley. Ginny really needed to shop some more, but it was getting close to lunchtime and Cassie would need a nap after'still getting used to the changes in her life. Also, it was still strange and new to be able to walk freely again in London. She found herself looking over her shoulder all the time, and feeling smothered when the shop was busy with a lot of people. She sighed in relief when they arrived home.

While the little girl napped, Ginny used the time to unbox more of their personal items they'd brought with them from Paris. As she was placing a few knicknacks around the house, there was a tapping at the window.

Ginny smiled to see Hedwig. "Hey, girl," she crooned, letting the owl soar in and around the lounge. She came to rest on the back of a kitchen chair, holding out her leg with a letter attached.

Ginny took it, recognising Harry's handwriting and smiling to see it was addressed to Cassie. "She's asleep at the moment, but I know she would love to see you again. Can you stay?"

Hedwig hooted her agreement, so Ginny transfigured a broom into an owl stand, and gave her a small bowl of water and a couple of owl treats. "Cassie will want to give you some more, I'm sure," she told the owl. "It's good to see you again, Miss Hedwig," she added softly.

Hedwig hooted again, and settled in for a nap on her own.

Cassie emerged from her bedroom, still rubbing her eyes. Ginny gave her time to wake up properly, knowing she liked some quiet time. Hedwig had other ideas. "Hoot," she said.

Cassie stopped and looked, her eyes wide. "Hedwig," she cried, running over to the owl. Ginny reminded her to be gentle and to wait for Hedwig to show her it was okay to pat her. Immediately, Hedwig bobbed her head in agreement.

Cassie gently patted her. "She's so soft, Mummy," she said in delight.

"Hedwig brought you a letter too," said Ginny.

"For me?" asked Cassie in amazement. Both Ginny and Hedwig nodded.

Ginny helped her undo the letter. She looked at the writing. " Mummy, read it to me, please," she begged, thrusting it up to Ginny.

Ginny pulled Cassie onto her lap as they sat on the sofa. Hedwig flew over to rest behind them. "To Cassie," read Ginny. "It was so great to meet you today. I am proud ( he'd crossed out honoured, feeling it was too grown up for her) your parents chose me to be your godfather. I will always be there for you. Your friend and godfather, Harry. PS May Hedwig stay the night? She has had a busy day. HP."

"Harry knew my Tonks and Remus?" asked Cassie, surprised. Ginny

Ginny nodded. "Harry's dad had two best friends, one was your Remus. That's why Harry was important to your Remus, and why you are important to Harry," explained Ginny. She picked up the letter again. "This is a very special letter," she said, reading it. And so very Harry!

"So it belongs in my treasure box," said Cassie excitedly. She ran into her bedroom and returned with a pretty little box that Ron had given her. Inside was all the treasures she'd found. A photo of Tonks and Remus, laughing at Grimmauld Place. A small purple plastic unicorn. A shiny crystal. And now, a precious letter.

"So will it be all right if Hedwig stays?" asked Ginny in amusement.

"Oh yes, Mummy," cried Cassie. She ran to get some owl treats and offered them to Hedwig. "Please stay, Hedwig?"

Hedwig happily accepted the owl treats and ruffled her feathers to settle down for the afternoon.

"How about you draw a picture for Harry, to say thank you for his nice letter," suggested Ginny. "Hedwig can take it back to him tomorrow."

Cassie loved that idea so she ran to get her pencils and crayons and paper. "What shall I draw, Mummy?"

"Hmmm. You could draw a picture of our new house. Or the Burrow. Or-"

"I'll draw Hedwig," decided Cassie. Hedwig hooted and preened.

"That's a great idea, sweetheart. Harry will really like that," said Ginny.

Cassie drew a cute picture of Hedwig, and Ginny had to find the absolute best envelope to put it in. Cassie carefully wrote Harry's name on the outside, with prompting from Ginny on the spelling, and it sat on the kitchen counter, waiting for the morning.

The little girl chatted to the owl as if she were a real person. The owl enjoyed some of the little girl's dinner, watched her take a bath, and slept in Cassie's bedroom. "Just this once," warned Ginny.

And in the morning, after some tasty bacon, Hedwig took flight, carrying Cassie's reply to a delighted Harry, who immediately attached it to his refrigerater with a sticking charm. Hedwig watched him, hooting at him till he got it straight.

A/N Thats it till Thurs, peeps. Pottermum, out!