Chapter 25 – Further Instructions

When Harry had recovered enough not to feel like a blubbering idiot he haltingly told Hermione and Ginny what had happened at Gringotts and that Daphne was expected to make a full recovery. They were both relieved that even though a possible disaster had occurred there, the outcome was going to be good. But, at the same time, both knew the traumatic effects of even a little exposure to a soul fragment might bring.

Both girls hoped Daphne was going be totally okay when she woke up but they were more concerned about what the event had done to their husband. Harry was both despondent and angry for placing Daphne in danger. They did know enough to let him to be for the time being and hoped that he would come out of it by himself. Harry dragged a chair over next to the bed. While Ginny climbed in the bed to provide comfort and physical company for their sleeping friend, Hermione insisted on sitting with Harry as they stood guard and watched Daphne.

It seemed to have been only a few minutes before Astoria came rushing into the room to check on her sister. She whispered that Dumbledore had sent Fawkes to her with a message to come home immediately. Seeing the somber faces on Harry and Hermione's face, Astoria demanded some answers. Sparing Harry the pain of recounting the incident, Hermione led Astoria out to the corridor and told her what she knew. Harry sensed Astoria crying on Hermione's shoulder for a while at the news but Daphne's sister was quiet when she came back into the room. Astoria climbed up into Harry's lap without a word and Hermione settled in and leaned into her husband's shoulder while the three maintained their watch over their loved one.

Moring brought a sunrise and some very sore and stiff muscles to the threesome who had settled into a fitful and uneasy sleep in the chair built for one. It was Ginny who woke up the three was some gentle tapping on their knees. Harry's eyes popped open in alarm and he almost threw his wife and almost sister to the floor. The shock on everyone's face was quickly turned to surprise as a low laugh came from the person left in the bed.

"I don't remember any of you being invited here this morning. Don't you have better things to do with your life than watch a lady sleeping?"

Everyone, save Ginny, rushed bedside to check on Daphne's well-being. The older blond was buried in a long hug from her sister first and then had to wipe tears from Astoria's face. "I'm just still a little tired that's all Tori. I will be okay; we haven't done our sewing together for a long time. Would you like to do that for a while this afternoon with me?"

Astoria nodded. "If I can remember where I put it up."

"Ask Keffie to help you look. And don't forget to bring the …"

"…bandages and biscuits" they both said together. Astoria gave her sister's hand a quick squeeze and then retreated to stand by Harry as Hermione's came to lean in and give Daphne a hug.

"Hi Sweetums."

"Good morning. Have I missed much?"

"No we were just totally bored over at the Manor and thought we would come over and start your day off right."

"I'm glad you did. You find any new books we should read before we head back to Hogwarts?"

"There's this treatise I found that Professor Flitwick wrote a long time ago about the effectiveness of household charms in dueling."

Daphne snickered but that caused to her to start coughing. Harry gasped and everyone else clambered up around the bed again in alarm. Daphne held up her hand and finally caught her breath. "Sorry I just swallowed wrong. I was trying to imagine dusting an opponent into submission."

"We'll have to tell everyone about that when we start holding the DA again" Ginny said with a smile.

Daphne seemed to settle back a bit in the covers and started looking around. "So where's my green-eyed boyfriend?"

Everyone moved back toward the door to give Harry and Daphne a little privacy. Harry had his head lowered as he shuffled closer and Daphne shook her head at the other girls in the room. They shrugged their shoulders back at her as to say if they didn't know what to do to help either one of them with this conversation.

"Good morning Harry."

"Hi. How are you really feeling?"

"Like you do after a match against Slytherin I imagine. Terribly tired and sore."

"Wrotkill and Dumbledore said you would be just fine after a little rest."

"That's good to know but I had a lot planned for these days before we go do our school shopping."

"We can all help out with that you know. You can just stay here and rest if you need to."

"Harry! I'll certainly be capable of doing…"

Harry held up his hands to stop the sudden rant he was expecting. "Whatever you want. I'm not arguing with you. Look Daphne – I'm really , really sor…"

Any further part of Harry's upcoming apology was stopped by a couple of knocks at the bedroom door. Ginny who was the closest, opened it to see Madame Pomfrey standing there with her healer's bag in hand.

"Oh good Miss Greengrass. You're awake. The headmaster came and visited me last night and told me what transpired. Although he felt confident about his diagnosis, he thought I might come by and double check."

Daphne looked at everyone before she nodded. "Okay, if I must. I need to make a little trip first though. If that's allowed?"

Madame Pomfrey nodded and Daphne folded back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Harry winced as he saw her waver just a little bit and closed his eyes and bent his head back. He didn't feel any better when he heard Daphne hesitantly ask for help. Astoria and Ginny went quickly to help Daphne stand. Harry turned quickly to exit the door so he wouldn't see how helpless and weak Daphne actually was. Hermione was only a step behind him and caught him by the arm before he got too far away.

Hermione felt helpless as Harry turned and stared at her for a couple of strange seconds and then bent over to lay his head on her shoulder and hug her. Backing up to the nearest wall for support, Hermione just let her husband pour out his grief again for as long as he wanted to. He eventually straightened up and cast a drying charm to her soaked jumper and sniffed. "Sorry, really sorry."

"You're allowed to feel bad. For a while."

"But…"

"But nothing. Do you or do you not remember those vows we just exchanged?"

"Yes love."

"This is not the day or the argument you win."

Harry chuckled and then bent and kissed the brunette tenderly. "Thank you."

Kissing her again, Harry mouthed 'Thanks'. In spite of his relaxed tone, Harry began pacing back and forth in the hallway. Hermione could only stand watching him for a few minutes before she stopped him. "Go take a walk, run, whatever you want to do. I'll let you know when the exam is over and you can come back."

Harry seemed really undecided and torn about the option. Hermione tsked at him twice, spun him around and sent him on his way with a small pop on his bottom. "I. Will. Let. You. Know."

Astoria came out of the bedroom just in time to see Harry go flying down the stairs and disappear down a side hall. "Madame Pomfrey just started her exam. What's with him and where's he going?"

"Nervous energy and guilt. He's gone out to hopefully get rid of them both. So what's say we go see about bringing your sister's favorite breakfast up to her? I'm sure she'll be up and about sooner than later."

"Not much keeps Daph down when she wants something."

Hermione kept the light hearted chatter going even as she felt Harry start being overwhelmed by his emotions again and throwing up his mental shields.

Xxxx xxxx

After an hour the ladies were starting to worry about Harry's absence. He had totally closed himself off from Hermione and Ginny. It took a major effort for Daphne to reach out mentally and 'feel' where he was and she asked her sister to go fetch him. Astoria walked downstream from the manor house and eventually found him sitting on a small flat topped boulder. Harry had two small piles in front of him. One was some bread he was carefully breaking up into small pieces to feed the numerous ducks and geese that were swimming in the creek. The other side was a seemingly endless pile of small pebbles that Harry's other hand occasionally dipped into. When he seemed he had had enough of feeding the fowl, his other hand grabbed one of the pebbles and threw it as far and as hard as he could while seated. Although the coordination in both hands was sort of impressive to watch, the change in Harry's face really mirrored his actions. He seemed torn between a sort of peaceful waiting and a horrible anger. A contradiction if there ever was one but Astoria suspected that Harry's usual easy-goingness was only a cover for the real private individual that only a few people really got to know. Thanking fate for letting her and her sister become some of the really lucky few, Astoria took a deep breath and hoped she could reach out and get through his guilty feelings about himself.

Picking up a few old dry leaves, Astoria sent them flying over Harry's head and into the water with a bit of wand work. Harry had so helped her with her skills that she hoped he might notice her magic and not panic or think he was being attacked. Harry was in the middle of reaching for another small rock to heave when the leaves fell. His hand withdrew and he seemed to sink into himself. Taking it as a sign that he had noticed her Astoria approached slowly and rubbed Harry's back a time or two before coming up beside him.

"As a Slytherin and her sister I should probably hex you into next year for what happened to Daphne. I also know you feel bad enough that you would probably offer me your own wand to do that to you, so I'm not."

"Thank you I guess Tori. How did Madame Pomfrey's diagnosis go?"

"Very well. Bed rest for another day and she left some, not a bunch, of potions for her. Mostly warming and pepper-up potions, although Ginny's in charge of a dreamless sleep potion if my sister wants it."

"Why would she leave…?"

"Daphne said she 'saw' things when the … that.. evilness passed through her."

"Bullocks, bullocks, bullocks! Tori I'm so sorry I let it.."

Harry was startled when Astoria put a closed fist gently against his mouth to stop his talking. "Shhh. So not your fault. You had no idea what was going to happen, right? Oh, sorry you may talk now."

Harry stared down at the fist that had withdrawn about three inches to let him speak. "No, I didn't know what was going to happen. I…"

"Quiet, I'm not done asking questions yet. Daphne insisted on coming? Please short answers only."

Harry didn't want to lose his temper against the young blond and tried to calm down. "Yes."

"You had two of the world's most powerful magic wielder's in the room thinking that they had things under control?"

"Yes but…"

"Short answers only."

"Tori…"

"I'm almost done. Neither you nor Daphne was possessed totally by that thing? YES or NO?"

"NO! But…"

"Buts are immaterial." Astoria bit her lip. "I so did not say that to you just now."

"That spirit went through her."

"Correction – part of that spirit went through her. You chopped it in half with Godric's sword? Answer the question please."

"Yes."

"Think about this Harry. You wielded something nobody else in this world can use and cut a non-corporeal threat into pieces."

"I.."

"And shielded my sister from one of the most destructive spells I've ever heard about with your own body?"

"I …cast a shield."

"Phhht! Wrong answer! You know as well as I do that even if you hadn't had thought of a shield you would have done the same thing. Protecting her with everything you have. Everything you are. Don't you see?"

"See what? How it all went horribly wrong?"

"Why they all love you, you dolt! Ginny, Hermione, Daph – they don't love you for being The Harry Potter – the famous boy who lived all those years ago. They love you for who you are now and how you care and protect and cherish them. You'd do anything for them. You've done everything for me because you just saved my big sister. Again I think."

"You do have to quit channeling Ginny Tori."

"I'm speaking for myself, thank you very much, and if you don't go back there and take the congratulations and love and gratefulness from your wives and my sister, I will send Ginny and Hermione out here to deal with you. I love you too you big dummy!"

Astoria suddenly couldn't stand it anymore and turned away from Harry. She was mad and felt helpless that she might have failed to reach him. She felt more than a little relieved when a couple of arms came around her to hug her carefully. A head came to rest on top of hers and Astoria heard a gentle deep voice speak to her. "One of the first things Sirius and Uncle Remus ever said to me together was some very sound advice. Want to know was it was?"

"No but you're going to tell me anyway."

"Never, ever mess with Slytherin witches."

Tori giggled and was so happy to hear Harry chuckle behind her. She spun in his arms to see him grinning at her. He picked her up in his arms and Astoria breathed a sigh of relief. And felt some pride in herself.

Harry let her down and kissed her forehead. "You're the best sister I've ever had."

"And likely the only sister you'll ever get unless you're adding more mares to your paddock."

"I will so not tell Hermione or your sister you said something that outrageous."

"But I'm simply an innocent little girl Lord Potter. How dare you besmirch my character with such wild accusations?"

"Okay, you win this round Tori. Should I apologize to your sister?"

"Harry have you been hanging round Ginny's brother Ron? Dumb move – just say you are sorry for having to take such a long walk to sort things out." The two started walking back toward the manor house hand in hand but Astoria brought one more thing up just as they got within sight of her home. "Harry?"

"Yes, I know I owe you a pizza night out."

"Well thanks but there's another thing that might have slipped your mind."

Harry stopped so suddenly that Astoria was pulled off balance. "What have I screwed up now?"

Astoria rolled her eyes. "I just wanted to remind you to pass on to Ginny and Hermione that my sister has to go back to 'Ice Princess' mode once we get back to school."

Rubbing his forehead Harry let out a big sigh. "I was trying so hard to forget that. There will a definite lack of contact between us."

"Only in public. I know you have ways to meet each other but you might want to talk to Daphne about how to make up for the lack of attention. She's going to miss the cuddling and etc."

"You don't need to know about any of that etcetera stuff."

"Too late. You wouldn't believe what Gracie and I overheard the night before Hermione's and your marriage."

"Astoria Metrice Greengrass!"

"I'm a Slytherin and if your wives, Madame Bones and Mrs. Granger got a little drunk and spoke out about what happens in the bedroo…"

"Do not continue that Tori."

Astoria laughed and skipped ahead. "I'll go tell Daph you'll be right up."

Harry had the sudden thought that he needed to talk to Ron and the twins about how to watch out for little sisters before they all got back to Hogwarts. Not that he didn't trust Astoria but he was again in unknown territory and didn't want to bollix it up and have her upset with him.

Xxx xxxx

They were led to new and separate quarters and new wardrobes were laid out for them. They were also given an hour to prepare themselves to attend Lord Voldemort again. It was the vampire Thierry that came and brought them to their Master's Chamber. All of the Death Eaters that had been there for their humiliation the week before were now watching with interest as Bellatrix and Lucius came forward and prostrated themselves again. They held that pose for what seemed a long time before they were told to rise. As they climbed to their feet, they were instructed to turn and face the audience. Feeling their Lord's nominal acceptance they turned and stared at the gathered group.

One of the newer members could not contain himself and let out a chortle at them. In the space of a split second a "Crucio!" was screamed out by the construct in the chair and the man fell to the ground screaming. He was held in that tortuous curse until he passed out from the pain.

"Haul that fool away" came the command and no time was wasted as the unconscious man was hauled out to the corridor and dumped against the wall. When the door closed on the chamber again, Lord Voldemort spoke. "Make no mistake about this; Bellatrix and Lucius have been and still are my trusted lieutenants and advisors. They committed an error and have been made to suffer for that choice. Disrespect their power or authority and they will apply any punishment they deem necessary. Displease me at your own peril for even thinking of any of their actions that brought them before me a week ago."

"Jyndrik!"

"Yes, my lord?"

"Twenty lashes apiece for Barnetson, Fawkley and Nurance! They are wondering why I spared Bella and Lucius. They shall pay the price for doubting me!"

The three men cringed and tried to flee but a dozen of the men around them grabbed them and carried them out of the room. Jyndrik von Rausbescu and his two sons bowed to Voldemort and hurried out the door after them with the father reaching into his belt for some heavy leather gloves to don. Bellatrix cackled and more than a few of the remaining men cringed visibly.

"Begone, the rest of you. Lucius, Bellatrix I have new assignments for you."

Both bowed their heads and waited as the room emptied. When they heard the door close behind them Voldemort told them to raise their heads. Both looked up to see that the little body seemed to be in a little bit better shape than a week ago. There was no sign of shaking or weakness and the voice and musculature did not seem quite so exaggeratedly uncertain.

"Bella, once Jyndrik has finished with his 'pleasures' for the afternoon you and he are to prepare to leave for Ireland as soon as possible."

"Yes my Lord. Our mission there?"

"Twofold. Recruitment primarily and monetary support; starting with the Assistant Commissioner of Magical Donegal Township – Garth Brutton. He's been a covert supporter since he attended Hogwarts. He will take you to other men and women that will join our cause. Bellatrix you will return in a week's time even if von Rausbescu needs to stay longer. Our new potion masters will be here by then and you will need to follow their directives."

"Yes, my Lord" Bellatrix responded as she bowed low.

"You are dismissed." Bellatrix backed out of the chamber with her head respectively lowered but risked a glance at Lucius before she turned and disappeared. Lucius did not dare look at her while he was in Lord Voldemort's company.

"And now to you Lucius. I have a few assignments that I feel only you are qualified for."

"Thank you my Lord for your trust."

"See you do not fail me again! I still need to find Snape and I do not understand why he has failed to respond to my mental summons. His house is being watched but you may enter it to see if there are any clues as to his whereabouts."

"I understand."

"Nott and Goyle are upstairs and you may reunite with your 'friends' shortly. I am interested in the children that are returning to Hogwarts from their year's banishment. I also want to learn about the other offspring of our supporters that are still there in school. I have an assignment that only one that could be hidden in plain sight may accomplish."

"Anything else you desire from me?"

"Thierry is overseeing the construction of the potions workrooms in the basement here. Two witches are already starting to supply the potions we require for this campaign against Dumbledore and Potter. We need a substantive amount of Polyjuice for young Crouch. You are to procure additional supplies of that through whatever means you deem necessary; I think Minister Fudge would be more than glad to 'help' you unofficially with either diverted supplies or paying back some of your 'contributions' to his reelection."

"Contacting him may be … difficult."

"He is still foolish and desperate to maintain his position. I have no doubts he can still be manipulated or controlled."

"As you command my Lord."

"Go meet with the others that were your friends and impress upon them that much depends on their actions this year. Rewards for you all will be great once I return to a normal body. There is one other matter you may ponder for this next week."

"Something else you require of me, Lord Voldemort?"

"Bellatrix is confused and unfocussed as the result of what Potter and Sirius Black have cost her. A lack of a last name is distracting her from serving me more completely. If you have succeeded in impregnating her you may wed her as long as your first duties remain totally to me and our cause."

"I… thank you my Lord. We shall not fail you."

"A marriage would produce the first sanctioned pureblood child under my rule. A second child could produce a new heir for the reestablished house of Malfoy."

"Thank you my Lord! I live to obey your wishes."

"You die if they are not satisfied Lucius. You would do well to remember that my indulgence only extends so far. Let us hope that you and Bellatrix have been fruitful. This first child is MINE!"

Lucius Malfoy backed out of the audience chamber as Thierry was called in. The two bumped shoulders in the doorway but Lucius had many more important thoughts swirling through his mind than to pay attention to the glare that the vampire had briefly shot at him.

Xxxx xxx

Harry knocked a little tentatively at the bedroom door and was surprised at how quickly the door opened. Ginny smiled and leaned into a much-needed hug from her husband. "Tori said you would be right up behind her."

"Well, you know I always do what Tori says."

That comment brought a round of chuckles to the people in the room and Harry saw that Tracey Davis had come over to visit while he was out sorting himself out and calming down. Tracey was perched on the side of the bed and holding hands with Daphne. When she saw that the blond's gaze was fixed on the messy haired wizard, she gave Daphne a gentle hug and left her. "I told my parents I'd only come over for a quick visit as we were having my boyfriend over this afternoon."

"So who's the lucky fellow" Harry asked.

"You'll all find out soon enough" Tracey replied mysteriously.

"She won't even tell me Harry" Daphne grumbled from bed.

"And I'm sure she has her own reasons for protecting him from being picked on by the rest of you ladies." Harry was surprised when Tracey came up to stand before him and then give him a hug.

"It sounds like you had a great holiday and congratulations on your recent remarriage to Hermione. I do wish you'd manage a whole month without getting into trouble but I guess that's your lot in life."

"Not my choice I'm afraid."

"So I am led to understand. Good thing you've got these three to look out for you." Tracey stood up on tiptoe to kiss Harry's cheek. "That's for watching out for my best friend."

Tracey looked back to the bed where Hermione was standing. "I promise not to make a habit of that Hermione and Ginny."

"Neither Harry or us mind him getting an occasional kiss from a good friend."

"As long as you giving everything else to your boyfriend that is." Tracey tried to look outraged by Daphne's statement but just giggled and nodded her head. With a last wave to everyone and a promise to Daphne to come back and visit soon Tracey left the bedroom and headed for the floo point downstairs.

That left Harry feeling a little uncomfortable as he tried to meet the gazes of Daphne, Hermione and Ginny. Hermione finally shook her head and came over to kiss her husband. "I'm glad you came back."

"Tori threatened me."

"Good for her" Ginny said as she slipped an arm around the younger blond's waist.

"We'll be heading downstairs now" Tori said as she dragged on Ginny's arm. Hermione nodded and whispered that they would be back after their nap.

"Who's nap?"

"Your's and Daphne's. She's been fighting off getting her beauty rest since Madame Pomfrey left. Wanted to wait for you."

Harry looked at Daphne who was simply smiling at him. The three girls left them to stare at each other and Harry only realized they had left by the click of the door behind him.

"You didn't want to go to sleep without me?"

"Of course not; how could you think otherwise? Ginny pointed out that I'm deserving of a little spoiling due to my encounter."

"Daphne, I am.."

"Don't say how sorry you are. I knew there was a possibility of things going wrong but I chose to come with you anyway. Thank you for defending me so spectacularly. Don't make me hurt you if you are feeling guilty about a thing."

"Okay then. I'll try."

"No trying- just don't think it was your fault. Now shoes and shirt."

"What?"

"Take off your shoes and shirt. I want to sleep on your chest and I suppose you could grope me if you really want to. I'm not going to be awake much longer."

Harry untied and slipped off his shoes and unbuttoned his shirt to take it off. Daphne threw back the covers and moved over slightly so Harry could slip in next to her. Daphne gave him a long kiss and hugged him almost enough to take his breathe away. She then moved slightly to rest her head on his chest and throw one leg over his as she got comfortable.

Harry made sure she was covered up and rubbed her back as he felt Daphne relax next to him. "I should scold you. Hermione told me you were the one to transform my clothes into pajamas. They are comfortable enough but - quaking purple ducks. Really?"

"I silenced them all."

"You missed one on the back of my left leg. It's probably a good thing that Professor McGonagall didn't see you make them."

"I was a little upset at the time."

"You are forgiven then. Thanks for taking care of me Harry."

Daphne's voice seemed very content as she snuggled closer him. "That was a different experience Harry. It was awful when that thing went through me; a hopelessly empty feeling. But seeing you standing guard over me with a flaming sword was inspiring. And quite a bloody turn-on if you don't mind me saying so. So after I've recovered totally I'm going to do something I said I'd never dream of doing."

"Hmm?" Said Harry as he started drifting off himself in Daphne's comforting presence.

"I still want our wedding night to be right Harry. But Nonnie and Ginny said that they would be here and help me for something special. You're going to fill up that hopeless empty feeling I had by having Em take charge of my bum."

Harry's eyes popped open and he tensed up to argue back at his fiancée. It was too late as with a contented sigh, Daphne had drifted away and was fast asleep. Harry tried to get his mind around the statement from the gorgeous blond but soon fell into dreamland himself.

Xxxx xxxx

Ginny could hardly wait to see if Bill or Charlie were going to show up for her Weasley birthday party. The three flooed over to The Burrow just late enough to avoid the lunch that Molly would have wanted to make for them. For once Harry caused a different type of laugh as he emerged from the green flames. Hermione and Ginny were carrying Harry between them and he smirked at the gathered Weasley's. "For once, I'm not going to end up on the floor. I like this way of travelling."

George, Fred and Ron collapsed with laughter as Harry's wives nodded to each other and then let Harry fall. To his credit, Harry only bounced once and he was laughing as hard as everyone else when numerous hands reached out to haul him to his feet. Harry received a lot of pats on the back from everyone there but was surprised when Luna pulled him around into a hug and whispered into his ear. "You've got to help Ron Harry. He's seriously been infected by soodlecurgs and he doesn't know how to fix it."

Harry didn't have time to question Luna as she turned to go hug Hermione and Ginny and welcome them back. Harry was distracted by the usual bear hug from Molly and he finally signaled the twins for help as best he could without being able to talk. The two managed to make their mother realize that Harry was having trouble breathing and she finally relented and let him go. As Hermione and Ginny pulled Molly and Luna deeper into the kitchen to give them the presents they had brought back with them, the twins and Ron pulled Harry toward the front door.

"So where are we going?"

"Progress check Harry or don't you want to see what we've made for you and the ladies?"

"Yes George, of course."

"I'm Fred."

"No I'm Fred."

"No you were Fred yesterday. I'm Fred today."

Deciding not to get involved, Harry threw an arm around Ron's shoulders. "So how's your summer been Ron? You still are Ronald Bilius Weasley right?"

"Despite their best (or is it worse?) efforts – yes I am. We've got some really neat things that we've all created."

"How did Luna work out helping you?"

"Quite an imagination our dear neighbor has. She helped tremendously" Fred said.

"Of course we could have done about twice as much if she didn't insist on snogging breaks every other hour." George winked at Harry as he said this so he wasn't sure if the redhead was kidding or not.

Ron was blushing but fought back as best he could. "You guys didn't seem to mind that 'union perk' when Alicia and Angelina came out here a couple days."

"So you guys unionized? Very progressive of you."

Ron scowled. "Their campaigning for president, vice-president, treasurer, union rep and negotiating agent just about drove me crazy."

Harry couldn't help laughing. "You actually held elections? Who won?"

Gred and Forge bowed rather magnanimously. "We did. We're CO"

"CO?"

"Co-chairs, co-presidents, co- almost everthing!"

"Ron, I know I'm probably going to regret asking this but did you get elected to any 'official' post?"

"Let's just get inside Harry." Ron looking definitely uncomfortable and Harry was about to let the question go.

"He got elected Division Head of Testing and Vice-President of Cleanup" Fred answered.

"Only Vice-president Ron?"

"We all took turns" George said. "Had to; sometimes Ron wasn't quite up to doing the cleanup detail."

Harry made a sympathetic face at his friend. "I believe there's a hazardous pay bonus somewhere in the contract Ron."

Ron chuckled. "I'll have to look over that part of the contract again Lord Potter. Seems my representatives didn't mention that part."

Harry laughed but that stopped once he had a good look at the trailer that he had brought out to the Burrow for the twins and Ron to experiment in. It looked a lot worse for wear. There were fire burns around a few of the edges and Harry saw at least one or two outright holes that went through the side or top of the trailer. It also listed a little bit to one side like it had been rocked badly once or twice and never recovered.

"You guys used safety precautions right?"

"With Daddy and Mommy dearest only a stone throw's away? Of course we did."

"So what have you come up with?" Harry asked as he went up the steps to find a stool to set on.

"There were a lot of things that didn't quite turn out like we planned but we thought you should take a look at anyway. We may take some of the rejects to school."

"Show away" Harry said as he prepared to cast shields to protect himself and others. He trusted that whatever the three Weasley (and Luna) had come up with had all the problems solved but he wanted to remain cautious.

"You're up Ronniekins."

"My name is not… never mind." Ron opened up a side cabinet and brought out a tray of what appeared to be candies and some other discs and small objects.

"This first one was designed to let you escape a lot of situations if you were cornered." Ron dutifully chewed and swallowed one of the yellowish candies and then pop – a giant yellow canary complete with feathers stood in Ron's place. The bird flapped some awfully small looking wings and chirped a few times and Harry had to bite his lip to keep from laughing. George picked something out of his shirt pocket and threw it at the bird (Ron) to grab out of midair. Once the antidote had been swallowed the canary transformed back to Ron. He shook his head and reached for a water to wipe a bad taste out of his mouth.

"That was amazing!"

"Not workable though. We couldn't control the size and the wings aren't big enough to actually let you fly and escape."

"It's a great prank though." "Ginny, Hermione you need to get out here and see what these guys are making up for us."

"I can't get away from Mum Harry but I think Hermione's on her way out."

Before Ron to try the next invention, Harry held up his hand and said that his brainier wife was coming. Fred and George said Harry's statement was way too much personal information. Being a gentleman, Harry took the high road and stuck his tongue out at them. Harry saw Ron smile as Harry took on the target role and threatened his brothers with telling Hermione about their comment.

It was about two minutes before Hermione climbed the rickety stairs and Harry gave up his stool to her. Fred reached into the tray and pulled out a green and grainy lump of something. Fred went to the doorway, tapped the bit with his wand and said 'Demittersuruss' and then tossed the object away. Harry and Hermione watched where it landed and saw that the greenish clay land and expand into a roughly three foot wide mass of shiny sand.

"And that is what?"

"Temporary quicksand spot. Guaranteed to be about six feet deep and uncancellable with a Finite. It disperses after 10 minutes."

"Wicked!" Harry exclaimed.

"Ginny's so going to want a couple of those" Hermione uttered. "What else have you made?"

"Something for the almost omniscient Mrs. Potter I believe." George picked up one item very carefully and handed it to Hermione. "You should appreciate this Hermione. A Memory Mint."

Harry and Hermione looked at a pink lozenge with an hourglass carefully scribed on it. "For or against?" Harry finally asked.

"This one Luna helped us make. Squeeze the ends and pop it into somebody's mouth and they forget the last fifteen minutes they've had. Two will make you forget the last hour."

"And no magical signature of an Obliviate either for anyone to track down" Fred added.

"I don't remember testing those" Ron said as he scratched his head.

"Sounds like an endorsement to me" Hermione smiled as she patted a worried Ron on the arm. "We need to give Ron extra wages for this."

Harry nodded at his wife and pulled up another chair. All in all there were eight new creations that Harry felt either he or his ladies could use if the circumstances warranted. Harry was especially fond of the mini-fanged Frisbees that screamed horribly until they were about five feet from their target. Ron thought the sudden silence would make people look around and stand still to be hit. Hermione liked the white gloves that held a stunning potion that could be controlled by the wearer. "This would be just so perfect for those formal occasions we so have to go to all the time."

Harry snapped his fingers and grinned at his 'employees'. "I have it on good authority that there will be at least one formal ball this year. Since you've all done so well with this stuff, you can charge new robes for the dance to my account at Madame Malkin's."

"Luna too?" Ron inquired quickly.

"Of course Ron" Hermione answered. "But I hope you ask her first just to make sure she wants to put her feet at risk. Ginny told me you're a horrible dancer."

Ron sputtered for a second and then deflated. "She's right. Luna will never go to a dance with me."

"Fear not dear brother." Fred and George came over and threw their arms over their younger brother's shoulders. "We shall teach you all our brilliant moves."

The face Ron made almost made Harry giggle. "Maybe Angelina or Alicia could help you out Ron. If they don't I'm very sure you might be able to hire Daphne or Astoria for a lesson or two?"

"Not Ginny or Hermione?"

"As much as we like you as a brother Ron, neither one of us would really like having you hold us in your arms."

Hermione's bland statement caused the twins to fall apart again and lean against the walls of the trailer laughing helplessly. Ron looked depressed again and Harry told him he would find a competent teacher for him if he wanted to surprise Luna. (Ginny told Harry mentally she would show Ron how to dance if only to get back at the twins for him.)

Ron nodded and swatted the twins who were still laughing. George straightened up and took a step and opened up another cabinet that had a small safe inside. He spun the combination lock seemingly at random and pulled open the door. He reached inside and pulled out a little orange ball about the size of a snitch.

"We're not sure about giving you this or making any more of them. It's potentially very dangerous. We've named it a 'Nova Burst'. Tap it three times with your wand and say the word 'Exoculatus'. Throw it away and cover your eyes."

Hermione whistled. "That means blinding."

"Uh-huh. It should, should give out a really strong burst of light that would at least temporarily blind your opponents. It may however totally burn out their retinas and make them totally blind. For obvious reasons we decided not to test it."

"O-kay; I see the reasons for that. But you guys may want to write a private note to Madame Bones or talk to her the next time you see her. That 'Nova Burst' might be a great weapon for the Aurors or Hit Wizards against Vampires or Inferi."

The twin's faces lit up at the possibility of a Ministry contract or impressing the head of the DMLE. George nodded and carefully put the little ball back in the safe and closed it up. "Well that's our demonstration for today."

"Great work guys. I'll talk to Hermione, Ginny and Daphne and try to figure out how much more to pay you."

"Lady Greengrass a financial advisor now?"

"And a darn good one" Hermione nodded. "You might want to ask her for an hour or two of her time about setting up a business."

George and Fred seemed impressed by the recommendation. "Is she coming over later?"

"For supper at least but she may show up earlier."

"Can you put in a good word for us, dear brother-in-law?" Fred said.

"No. I can't do everything for you."

"We understand. We're done out for today. Ron you're excused from cleaning and locking up. We've got to go pick up our dates for supper."

"Good." Ron threw a glance at Harry and left the trailer. He didn't head back to the house but wandered off toward the pond. George said that was where he waited for Luna to show up from her house or where he went to go to think about things. Harry nodded, understanding the need for a little solitude from time to time.

Hermione and Harry were half-way back to the house when Hermione suddenly pulled on Harry's hand and the two sat down next to the path. "Before I came out, we had a little talk with Luna."

"She whispered something about Ron being overrun with snoodlebugs or something like that."

Hermione lowered her head. "We finally worked out what the problem is. Ron seems to be good kisser…"

"Did so not need to know that" Harry whispered.

"… but he's clueless about almost everything after that. He's got that impression that there's not much between snogging and shagging and Luna's feeling a little underappreciated and frustrated with him."

"So?"

Hermione mumbled something very quickly and Harry caught enough of it to become alarmed. "You want me to talk to …? No!"

"Harry, neither Arthur nor Molly are going to give him hints and he's too embarrassed to ask any of his brothers, especially the twins. They would never let him live it down."

"But.."

"I'm not asking you to go into detail about our love life or activities. Just to help him out a little with some more options and how to be respectful of her. Consider it a favor for Luna or for Ginny and me. Please? They really are very good for each other."

"I can't argue with that. They are a good but weird couple though. Okay, I'll try but this is pushing the buddy-buddy relationship a little."

"Thank you Harry. Ginny and I will make sure to make it up to you." Hermione leaned in to kiss Harry quickly on the lips and then throw her arms around his neck. "Make sure Ron's promises not to tell anyone where he got this advice. I don't want all of the fourth, fifth and sixth year wizards lined up outside the Hearth for love advice when we get back to Hogwarts."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Why do I do things like this?"

"Because you're a decent guy that always wants to help his friends out." Hermione stood up and made a show out of bending over and checking the laces on her trainers. "Tease" Harry said as he gently slapped her bum.

"Only for you Harry. Only for you."

Hermione headed out for the Burrow while Harry stood and looked down the path the other way toward the pond. Ron was sitting on the little dock and dangling his bare feet in the water. Harry sighed and walked toward his friend. This was one of the most awkward requests that his wives had ever given him.

Harry plopped down next to Ron. "Are the grindylows still in there?"

"Yes but not as many as last summer; they avoid Luna for some reason."

"Wise move on their part I think."

Ron laughed but then became quiet. "Wiser than me I suppose. Harry, I've got a problem with Luna… no I have a problem and it concerns Luna. Do you think you can help me?"

"Maybe… Want to talk about it?"

"Not really but if I don't I'm going to mess things up with her. I really don't want to do that. Don't mention any names but how do you…"

…..

Three witches watched the two boys talk for a long time. They were sitting together on the stone wall that ran around the Burrow. Luna's anxious face relaxed a bit as the talk continued on. She finally let go a deep sigh and hugged Ginny and Hermione. "That should do it. With the soodlecurgs gone, Ron and I can talk about doing some more exploring and getting better for each other. And tell Harry to relax about Daphne; she's been wanting to be stuffed like that for a while. She'll enjoy it almost as much as you do Ginny."

Luna hopped off the wall and entered the Burrow while the two wives sat back a little with their mouths open in surprise.