Merope blearily awoke to the soft sound of scratching in their room. Turning over, her eyes blinking furiously at the sight that greeted her. Glancing over at the antique timepiece she'd nicked from her father, during one of his many stints at Azkaban; she saw it was only half past five. The ornate silver object was one of the last remaining pieces of their family's legacy. She'd carefully wrapped each aged relic in articles of clothing, and stowed them away under a loose floorboard in the kitchen. Safe from her father's drunken wrath and her brother's gambling habit. Brows lowering, she turned back to her travelling companion; whom had been furiously pouring over a large roll of parchment while drinking whisky of some sort.

Shea, who had been shaken awake from vicious night terrors, quickly banished the thought of sleep entirely. Focusing instead on sketching out a few of her ideas, concerning their next place of residence. She had scrawled through too many designs to keep starting fresh, so once more she turned to her magic. Vanishing ink from the parchment much in the same way The Marauders designed their map of Hogwarts. In fact, you could say she was a second generation architect herself, she mused.

Her ruminations were diverted only once, when she headed downstairs to the closed bar. Spotting an aged bottle of some of the finest scotch she'd ever laid eyes on. Second only to Sirius's special stash, which he'd thought no one had discovered. Grabbing a glass, she threw down more than enough payment for the bottle. Spending the next few minutes slowly relishing the flavors, sizzling to life across her taste buds.

She began with what she already knew. Drawing on ideas she had seen thriving generations later in Black Manor and Hogwarts. Not to say if you looked hard enough, you couldn't spy conceptual designs from her time spent in The Ministry of Magic. Finally glad to be able to make use of those long hours she'd spent flipping through that art history reference book; she found hidden in the Dursley's attic. She'd never uncovered how such a controversial book had made it's way into the hands of a family, who turned their nose up at the vaguest whiff of nonconformity. Perhaps it had belonged to her mother, she mused.

Back arched over the worn desk, she dipped her quill back into the ink pot, sloshing the liquid inside a bit at her jerky motions. Simultaneously planning schematic ideas, while she thought over her next moves. She needed to disclose with Merope what their next stage would be. That ceiling should be vaulted. Location would be a thing to think over, certainly; but also discussing what sort of household she planned to keep. Windows, to let in more light here, here, and there. Stretching across that wall there, in it's entirety. Perfect.

In fact, until Merope cleared her throat, Shea hadn't even heard her shuffling. Finally looking up past the candlelight, she pushed a stray curl out of her eyes. "What are you working on?" Merope queried, eyeing a somewhat askew version of her new friend warily.

"I have something to confess. Yesterday, while you spoke with Tom, I ran a few errands of my own." Green eyes cast themselves downward at her admission of guilt. "I didn't tell you about it, since I knew you plenty on your mind already." Softly asking: "How did it go, by the way? I didn't want to pry so soon after..." Shea drifted off midway through her explanation.

"It didn't go half a bad as I expected it would. It still hurt me though." She lowly spoke. Taking a deep breath she reiterated what she'd told Shea on the front steps leaving the Riddle House. "But it's done. We don't have to worry about him interfering and endangering my son's future." She placed her palm across her new reason for existing, while smiling softly. "What kind of errands?"

"I've inquired as to the whereabouts of an architect, whom I think will be a fine choice in moving forward." Shea divulged. "His ancestor was famed for using quite an unheard of method of home security. Something I think we both should weigh heavily, when building a home fit for your son." Taking a swig from her glass, she settled back in. "Mr. Yaxley has been highly recommended by an esteemed friend of mine in the future. His discreet abilities become quite sought after in the next few years, when he reaches the pinnacle of his career."

Unfolding some of the more pertinent details concerning her more recent visit to Diagon Alley, Shea waved her friend over to the blueprints to which Merope gasped when she laid her eyes upon them. "It's a bit of a rough sketch really, I know. But I was thinking of ways to collaborate all the different elements I could see you valuing in your dream home. That's what this is Merope. It's the home you'll raise him in; grow old in. So feel free to tell me any thought or concerns you might have about any of this."

Taking a deep breath before Shea finally lunged onto her next train of thought, "..But if you think for one second, that I'll sit here and listen to you tell me some bollocks about it being too much, you've got another thing coming." The redhead eyed Merope sternly, informing the other woman that should she attempt it, Shea was not above rolling this parchment up and bopping her overtop the head in matronly scorn.

Merope, who'd finally been allowed to speak; could scarcely think of two words to put together from shock. Not believing her eyes at the sheer size of the home. Home! Piffle. Small town, more like she thought. "Have you any ideas where to begin looking for this architect?"

"Not to worry. By tomorrow, we'll have our answer. What we need now is to start scouting locations." Shea paused momentarily to take another drink before continuing, "Do you like the idea of these front facing walls, leading into a cavernous interior?"

"I do." Merope gazed longingly as the floor plan leading into the nursery. "It sounds perfect." She smiled beatifically at Shea. Thinking to herself how far she would go to ensure this young woman received every bit of thanks she deserved. "Almost like you've already got some place in mind. Am I correct?"

A smile just curved upon Shea's lips as she stared back at the darker haired woman knowingly. "Perhaps.."

...

Shea took full advantage of their travels up the countryside. Giving Merope as much practical knowledge as possible. Teaching her of spells to counter weather, everyday mishaps, and a number of other scenarios. Mundane spells that she had to learn herself at one point, having not been raised in the Magical World.

They spent a short while at a local diner, assimilating back into the Muggle World. Discussing matters featured in the local papers, and such. Shea remembered her history lessons well though; the Roaring Twenties were coming to an end and the Great Depression was just about to rear it's head. Mindful to never take advantage of the Muggles they came into contact with, the two politely greeted anyone curious as to their mysterious arrival. They were quite a sight too, for Shea spared no expense. Allowing Merope to experience the finer things in life for once.

While The Leaky Cauldron didn't offer much of a morning feast, the mere idea of coffee and tea had the duo rising far earlier than their bodies wanted. They took their morning meal in their rooms, while they readied for the day. Merope nursed a small cup of green tea with lemon, while Shea doused her morning coffee with cream and few hearty teaspoons of sugar. Shortly after, they both headed out to get fitted for a few new sets of robes; as well as a few Muggle-style dresses and such.

Madame Delphine's humble shop sat right off the beaten path, settled in a nook between two bookstores. The shopkeeper understanding immediately after speaking with Merope, what Shea meant about needing to treat her friend to a little luxury. The blond woman held a sort of gentile French elegance to her every movement, reminding Shea a bit of her Triwizard competitor, Fleur Delacour.

The soft-spoken seamstress worked fast and efficiently. Sending them off with enough robes to fill a trunk. The rest of their order, she assured, would be ready before the end of the week. In fact, Merope's humble disposition had endeared the woman so profoundly, she insisted them take her calling card. Allowing them to send for Val, as she told them to call her; whenever the need arose. A positively surprising turn of events, as soon Merope's pregnancy would begin to make her current wardrobe unsuitable.

Hiring a driver to carry them up along the coastline, they each got a taste of their new life. Merope stepped carefully up the hillside in her mid-calf length satin dress, a beautifully complimenting shade of violet. Shea herself wore a crisp cream blouse, with a long navy silk skirt that hugged her every curve. The fresh air seemed to make Merope's eyes light up with a new gleam. Her long nearly black locks, whipping free from their confines, giving her an exhilarated look that Shea couldn't help but to marvel. As well as their young driver. Subtly, of course. Shea wondered how

long it would take before she could convince her cherished friend exactly how beautiful she was. Especially after receiving such mental abuse, for so long; as Merope had. A fine challenge , she told herself.

Alas finally, after travelling all day from sun up to sun down, they decided upon a fitting site for their future home.

...

Returning back in London was a fair bit less strenuous, as they could simply apparate back to their room in The Leaky Cauldron. Both were eager to get back, thoroughly exhausted from their long day estate hunting in the countryside. Of course, London being hit with a series of violent storms led the night to seemingly pass incredibly slow. Settling in by the fire, they stretched out blankets and pillows. Merope had travelled down to the kitchens, ordering a pair of hot chocolates to be brought up.

In the meantime they sat around the blueprints, each adding a few finishing touches on rooms. Merope thinking over where she wanted rooms to connect, as well as if she wanted to include many guest rooms. Instinctively, she'd far preferred a more intimate home. So, Shea left the floor plans simple, in that area. Already planning a few defining features to add to the home's grandeur. Shea wanted this home to be perfect, and built for many generations to come. As she added another parchment to the collection, she began to ruminate over the library. There had to be a library. No respectable heir of Salazar Slytherin would not own an ungodly amount of books. As she began sketching the concept running behind her eyelids, she didn't see the cogs churning in Meropes eyes.

Merope herself, actually hadn't given much thought to the extra guest rooms at the time; thinking only of the now. But as she savored her hot cocoa, she began to think of other generations who would inherit the home. More so, children. Yes, the thought of grandchildren filling the home with life would be something most pleasing, she thought. Gazing pensively in her flame-haired friend's direction, she thought over her future. Perhaps, a little subtlety would be required here. As the home could very well house Shea's children, as well as her son's. Smiling pleasantly as the image whirred through her mind. Motherhood was getting to her, she was sure of it.

These were the beginnings of some devious grandmotherly machinations, on her part. Chuckling quietly to herself, she sipped her drink appreciatively. "Two guest rooms, please." Grinning slyly as Shea added the two rooms accordingly without a second thought.

As the storm raged on, sleep finally overtook them. After waking the next morning, the two dressed; strolling casually down the cobblestoned streets of Diagon Alley. They stopped by a few shops to browse, purchasing a few instructive books and tools for Merope. While wishing farewell to one of the shopkeepers, Shea mentioned that they were about to search for a diner and asked if they had any recommendations. Quickly the older wizard advised them to try the new cafe that had opened up around the corner. 'The Can-Can Brasserie,' had quite a few patrons scattered about it's booths, for so early.

Tucking into the rich and buttery beignets, the waitress had set down between them; powdered sugar coated their lips and fingers alike. Sipping their pumpkin juice relaxedly, they began to chat quietly about where they hoped their search would take them. Stopping quickly off at Gringotts, Shea made her rather large contribution to Mr. Yaxley's vaults. Merope eyed the coin leaving Shea's russack, with only a raise of brow.

Not long after, Shea spoke quietly of their need to return to the bank, once business was sorted. It was high time Merope had a blood test done to see if she had any family ties with anyone or any access to abandoned vaults. There was no quicker way. It was an ancient ritual, that only the goblins still practiced. It would be prudent to keep an eye on any greedy relatives, seeking to maneuver themselves into a better standing. Shea would not have strays showing up at their doorstep Slytherin vaults would need to be reassessed as well, and safe guarded against anyone other than Merope and her son.

Promptly arriving without further adieu, they proceeded to walk through the halls leading to his office. Yaxley was quick to introduce himself to Merope and show them to their seats. His eyes alight with discovery. He spoke quickly of his means of which he had cracked the runes spelled overtop the document, should they have need to reassess it's contents. Swiftly moving on to mention all remaining members of the DiMarco line. Two lived off the continent and go by different surnames, but the third stayed close to his ancestor's home. Living in a little Italian town called Terracina, in between Rome and Naples.

"His name is Giovanni DiMarco. Named after his ancestor, I'd imagine. An older fellow. He keeps to himself mostly, I'd asked around to see if anyone knew of him. Did a little digging into the estate market; both Magical and Muggle and came up empty." Pausing for dramatic effect, he continued.

"Then I remembered his ancestor dealt with Dark families, like the Blacks. Returning to Strada D'oro , Italy's version of Diagon alley, I was directed to one of their darker off shoots. There I found someone who knew who I spoke of. Though, he said he hadn't seen the man in years. He's retired, it seems."

Shea digested where they'd be headed next. Italy was her first guess, what with an extensive name like Vincent Gianni DiMarco. Hearing that he'd retired was a bit disappointing, but Shea was anything if not adamant that this man could do what she needed done.

Merope sighed disappointedly at hearing he was out of business, as it were."That's unfortunate."Looking over at her friend, she noticed a vague lack of dismay. Letting out her breath, she murmured the next six words with dry amusement tainting her tone, having acknowledging within these few months that Shea Potter seemed to have a solution for every situation, no matter what it was. Her intelligent mind seemed to create plans for every letter of the alphabet with ease..

"We're going to Terracina, aren't we?" Her companion simply quirked her lips at the deduction, confirming without words being spoken that Merope was on the same train of thought as she was.

Yaxley, who'd yet to understand the full extent of their efforts, furrowed his brow. "Would you be interested in me initiating contact with him? He could be dangerous." Looking between the two young women, before settling his gaze on the red-haired vixen who'd hired him to begin with.

"That won't be necessary." Shea's voice was what some may have considered to be low, however it was still firm and strong as it seemingly echoed through the silence that shrouded around them after Yaxley was done speaking. A smirk curved upon her lips for what may have been the hundredth time today, yet it concealed secrets hidden within it that made the wizard before her resist the urge to shift from within his seat. The way she had spoken was in such a way that the redhead had no doubt plaguing her mind that she could defend herself, even against an unknown wizard that he had sutley warned both females about.. and not for the first time since meeting this woman did Yaxley feel that there was indeed something unworldly about her. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on to pinpoint.

With a downturn of his lips in such an emotion that he couldn't quite name, Yaxley raised an eyebrow at the bold statement that the redhead had given him - in addition to the unsurprised, and seemingly relaxed expression etched upon Merope's face - before allowing his magic to sutley sceep within the room. Bouncing off of the walls in an eager attempt to assist him in assessing both of the beautiful females before him, he had begun first with Merope.

There was something about this woman that he couldn't understand, that twisted something within his stomach at the sight of her. It was more than the last name that she possessed, it was more than the charming attitude and her pose that she regarded him with - it was something that of which ached within his very soul. While not an unworldly beauty like the woman that sat beside her, Merope was attractive to him in ways that were of him recognizing her as a survivor - in a similar regard that he himself was. Struggling through circumstances and living to tell the tale, Merope still perched herself in the plush seat as if she were a queen upon a throne that was beloved by her people. Her magic was strong, even if it was still in the beginning stages of it's development and if it was powerful now then Yaxley could barely hide his anticipation of what Merope would become when the dark haired witch was fully trained. Even now, Merope shivered at the warmth that engulfed her form as his magic did.

He shifted his gaze upon Shea, and was shortly taken aback when the redhead's bright green eyes narrowed with conflicting mischief and that of an unspoken challenge. It was a way that wasn't to be regarded in a move that the redhead was irate, as opposed to that of a humorously spoken dare. As if this whole thing in itself amused her in a way that he could hardly attempt to acknowledge. A warrior like her companion, Shea's body was coiled in a way that was in a defensive state.. as a snake ready to strike it's target at a moment's notice to protect itself, or as Yaxley imposed it was to protect her dark haired companion. If it wasn't enough of her outer appearance to be that of a combat trained warrior at the age of seventeen, Shea Potter's magic was the sharpened sword in which would strike ten thousand enemies down if it need be. Endless as it was, it seemed that after finding it Yaxley couldn't see the bottom in which it stopped.

A throat cleared and as soon as Yaxley's eyebrows furrowed together in awe at the redhead's unbelievably power that was tinted dark gray, it was suspiciously cut off from his sensors only to abruptly leave him wide eyed at the raised eyebrow that Shea aimed in his direction. These two females, whatever the magnificent tale was behind their friendship, were powerful within their own right.

A light reflected within his orbs as they snapped from one to the other and back again, before Yaxley's lips curved upward into an almost smile at the thought of just what the future held for these two before him. He hesitated only momentarily before nodding his head a fraction in agreement, "..So be it."

...

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AvalonTheLadyKiller and I hope that you like this as much as we enjoyed writing it. Please feel free to review and let us know what you think. :) Thank you very much for reading. We hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year.