Livia woke up fairly early on Friday. Just as she contemplated visiting Uncle Jack before going to the bank in London, he tried out her chimney. He came through perfectly. She could go directly anywhere from her own place – if she had the needed powder. She lacked that, of course. Uncle Jack remedied the problem, having brought a bag of it himself. He would let the ministry know Livia's home now connected to the widest network. She could receive officials for meetings or plans herself. Uncle Jack made a brief visit to see Alice, Tom, Adelaide and Abby before heading home. They quickly arranged for him to return that Sunday, whilst Livia dined with Ben Spence. He seemed unconcerned that Ben would upset Livia and decided to give him time to talk to her with no potential for his interference. Meantime, he would enjoy the evening with his grandniece, her husband and great-grandniece. Since Livia still kept the stone she found in Uncle Jack's home and they might have need to revisit the grounds, Livia decided not to change her meeting with Harry Potter. He might want to see someone there before or afterward, anyway.

Livia dressed in something black she thought appropriate to claim whatever the wizarding bank had forwarded to her as her bequest. When she arrived, she wondered about stipulations regarding withdrawal or use of the funds, since she was her children's trustee. She did not know if the money remained separate or how they divided it. Livia had not dwelled on the details up to that point, given that she did not really want the money.

Since she already had a vault and they established her identity through it, she merely had to meet with a goblin bank manager in a side desk to sign papers and learn what they wanted of her. Surprisingly, she saw few obstacles to moving money from between the vault established for her unborn children and her personal account. They merely wanted a sworn statement as to the appropriate use of the money and took her at her word. The deceased had chosen this option. The officer found her ring curious and wanted to study it, more out of interest in its craftsmanship and unique quality. He could not believe one of his own kind had not made it. He was impressed.

Livia's account had increased nearly tenfold to over 100,000 in wizarding currency, from the decedent's liquid assets – totaling nearly half a million in British sterling. Livia had no issue withdrawing any amount from this but no current design to take a huge amount. She mainly insured that she got enough to pay her brother and had money for food, including Sunday's dinner. She did verify that the ministry could directly make deposits there as well. The trustee account totaled over 600,000. Since she did not have a great obstacle in moving money, she and the bank agreed not to separate her share of the insurance money from what went to her children. To see it all gathered in one spot truly stunned and humbled her; the vault seemed filled to its limit in gold. In terms of British sterling, Livia had become a multi-millionaire. She knew the grantor had lived way below his means, but this level shook Livia hard. She tried to do the arithmetic, but she saw the breakdown of the funeral costs and what Harry Potter received. Livia wound up opting for a fairly inexpensive funeral, given the pre-purchased plot, green burial using perishable materials and that she cleaned and dressed the body herself. She didn't intend to be cheap; she would have elected those things up to her, anyway. The headstone represented the most significant expenditure. What the bank once called his vault became hers as trustee for her unnamed children. They would rename it as soon as she registered names and divide it when her kids grew up.

Livia and Uncle Jack had lunch at his sizable kitchen table. He said he would keep his house as is, imagining its suitability for babysitting. He got used to the spacious, open floorplan, too. Tutors had used his house for some students, and he liked being reminded of providing something that helpful. He liked that many parents associated him with their children's safety. The man who once possessed no family had become a beloved uncle to much of the school, which he relished.

Livia then showed him the receipt of what she found set aside in her name. That she inherited a substantial sum did not surprise him, yet the total stunned him, too. He imagined a vault almost choking in gold. Of course, money could not buy Livia's children a father, but they would have so many other things. He appreciated even more how accurately Livia described the man at his funeral. Uncle Jack took it upon himself to ensure that they would value him and his sacrifice, even if he would not have made for a cuddly, kindly relative.

Livia went to fetch the stone from a room that temporarily held most of her belongings from the room she had at school. She hoped she found the right thing, and it would work again, if so recently after its prior use. She had no idea if that mattered. She decided she wanted to hear "Just a Girl" again, since that would be the furthest thing Harry Potter would call Livia if they succeeded. Of course, she still lamented not having "Tiny Dancer" to play. Someday she would – she knew she had to have it. She also had found information waiting for her there about the upcoming raid as well as the group "Sons of Slytherin." The latter amounted to alumni supporters of the defeated wizard. She figured that she'd know at least one member among those too timid to become actual Death Eaters. That element alone assured her that she would.

Not long before he came, Livia went outside to check on her avian friends. Everyone seemed content and well, though Sevy seemed rather too excited. Between impending fatherhood and Livia's possible success that could lead to him seeing his namesake, he had much to anticipate. Livia liked it. Sometimes Livia wondered if she let what she wanted to be true get in the way of actual truth, but she had a hard time believing Sevy would do that.

Promptly at three o'clock, Harry Potter arrived. He looked content and spoke with Uncle Jack for several minutes. His life had revolved around things bigger than himself. In a way, he only began to live, too. The idea of touching those who died for him would give him further peace of mind. He possessed no memory of any physical contact with his parents. Livia showed him the stone she and her avian friends had located. He confirmed that she possessed what he had dropped. Livia asked him where he would like to try it. He told her how it worked and that any isolated area should serve them. Livia also asked about the advanced potions book. He said he feared a fire where he had last seen it may have destroyed it, but Livia and he could search for it then or later. Livia did not care which. He thought they could walk to the school grounds, use the edge of the forest to try the Resurrection Stone, then search for the book. Livia agreed.

They both bid Uncle Jack farewell for the moment and headed towards the grounds, first greeting and chatting with Hagrid, then finding an isolated spot where Harry might contact the loved ones who tended to follow him. Livia stood behind him as he evoked their visual, quasi-physical presences. Livia soon perceived four figures: Remus, the former instructor and Order member who died the previous week, his mother, his father and his godfather, Sirius. From Harry's prior description, Livia hoped all four would return. Interestingly, to Livia, they looked a little more solid than Helena did, if perhaps an optical illusion. Livia put her hands on Harry's shoulders and congratulated him. He told her that she should greet each of the four first.

A few had quizzical looks as Livia stepped forward though she thought Remus's seemed the least puzzled. She went to him. "I think you know why I'm here, whereas your friends do not," Livia said. "You should tell them, then I'll show them."

"Livia Woodcock has a few unusual talents," Remus Lupin stated. "Harry wants to benefit, if not learn, from one of them."

Livia took his hands. "I promise you that, as long and as far as I'm able, your son will know what you did and will understand your sacrifice." He nodded. She hugged him and whispered, "I trust that you now have a peace denied to you in life about once a month." He nodded again and thanked her for providing this link for Harry.

Livia moved on to Harry's mother, the woman whose voice she had mimicked for years. Livia revealed to her that she had done this, particularly in singing like she did as a girl. Lily Potter seemed to know something about it and told Livia that she should let the rest hear her. Livia did as she asked. Harry was shocked; he had no idea, much less that his mother had known. No one else realized this, either. Livia took her hands. The woman still held much sympathy for the man transfixed by her, but she never regretted her choice. She innately understood the point Livia had made to him about an ideal versus a reality. Livia repeated the question she had asked Harry, asking if Lily Potter objected. She did not, though she wondered if Livia would or should change her mind. Lily Potter told Livia that, in a very real way, the honor should be Livia's alone. Livia smiled but said she knew better as to who would never agree with that sentiment.

Livia next stood before Harry's father, James. At first, she had no idea what to make of him, given all that she knew from a chief object of his derision and bullying. To say Livia felt conflicted would constitute a gross understatement. Yet Harry, his son, had found her. Moreover, he died so young. Was his behavior on some level "as it should be"? To hold him wholly responsible seemed untenable. She took his hands and thanked him for giving his life to defend his family, especially Harry. He did not know what to make of her either, though she became calm after taking his hands. He did regret things he did during his life, and he admitted that his rival had protected and promoted his son's wellbeing and ultimate victory. He appreciated Livia's gesture in giving him the opportunity to touch his child once more. He almost wanted to say something more, but he refrained. Livia learned a few things that made James more familiar to her than she previously had imagined. Perhaps had the stakes of what happened not become so high, Severus Snape would have reinvented himself, and James Potter would have shown that he had grown sizably from his past. Livia just became more generous from seeing all sides of what took place.

Lastly, Livia went over to Harry Potter's godfather. She remembered well the two times she had met Sirius Black previously. Despite his continuing role in antagonizing Severus Snape, she thought he had paid far more than his due. She related to his wrongful imprisonment and that he had experienced so little personal joy owing to it. Livia had only a taste of that whereas he dealt with it much of his life. He had shown blind spots but possessed some sense to transcend them, including afterward. She understood his sense of loyalty and the effects of being misjudged. He embodied the concept of the broken pillar even more than Cathy Davies had. She told him that, whilst being exonerated must please him, she knew what cold comfort it offered.

He asked Livia to embrace him. The other men seemed bemused as if Sirius wanted a romantic interest though he had died. They teased him just a little about this, as in "so now you want a girlfriend, Sirius." Nonetheless, he whispered in Livia's ear that she would have made an excellent mistress for the house of Black – even his house elf would have concurred.

"You know who my father actually is?" Livia asked, rather softly.

"I have some idea," he replied. "But tell me quietly." Livia opted to do so, not seeing the harm. His eyes widened just briefly. "I'm not totally surprised."

"Sirius, she may or may not be spoken for," Lily Potter told him. To Livia she inquired: "Which is it?"

"Can't say I know," Livia answered. "I somehow doubt it, but in any case I think I'd flatter myself to say that I am – and I refuse to flatter myself."

"Now there's something to taunt about," Lily Potter insisted. "If you really need more."

Sirius grasped what Lily meant but said nothing. He again spoke just to Livia: "Well, if you come to this side and still don't know or an answer comes in the negative, you find me."

Livia gently kissed him on his cheek. He told her that he might want to hold her to that, regardless of her present situation. He seemed to know somehow, which intrigued and confused her simultaneously. He also conveyed his gratitude that he could again embrace his godson. With that, Livia turned to Harry and she shepherded him to each of the four. With Remus, Livia had to concentrate hard to position Harry well. She told him he had to open himself to feeling an energetic presence. He had to let her knew how much he felt and when. She held his hands as she directed them. Livia found that she had to modulate herself and partly try to detect when Harry had established a connection. Finally, he said that he felt it. She did, also. Harry felt a rush of sentiment, tangible and yet elusive. Yes, Livia agreed. You have it, she said, but you must open yourself more to access it. She took Harry's hands and placed them on Lupin's back. This took a little less time. Livia asked both to hold still and she released Harry. She wanted to know if Harry still felt him. He could, if more faintly. Harry expressed happiness at the connection and also pledged to help the man's son as if his own.

They moved on to Harry's mother, the figure Harry told her he had several times tried to touch. Livia steadied him and asked him again to feel her presence. Sight mattered less than a tactile, vibratory sense. This concept seemed to resonate well with him. Livia had to ensure he stayed calm enough to not lose contact. The others smiled to see Harry finally feel something of his mother that he could remember. Livia repositioned him to go from holding her hands to hugging her. He made a small stride in being able to become more sensitive, though possibly her contact with him had remained the strongest, allowing him to feel more. Nonetheless, he did learn from what took place. Practice showed some modest gain.

Harry felt extremely reluctant to let go of her. He asked a question about how Livia had been able to lightly kiss Sirius, since he wanted to try it himself. Livia thought he needed to use his hands as a guide to how to find her. Livia move one of hands to a cheek. He said he did it and felt amazed by doing so. Only then did he release her and desire to connect with his father.

Harry could nearly establish the tie himself. He needed a minimum of assistance. He expressed great happiness, given his desire to see them and touch them had existed for years. He almost became overwhelmed. Livia warned him to re-channel that in focused sensitivity because excessive emotion might complicate what he wanted to do. Livia had to vent some sentiment away from him in order to keep him on task. Harry told the group how badly he wanted to feel something and recognized that desire helped and hurt him, depending on how well he directed it.

Finally, he released his father and moved to reconnect with his godfather. Again, Harry needed only minimal assistance to start. His tie in life to the man may have assisted him as well as practice. Livia could not be sure which helped more. Harry said he felt Sirius's energy better. He could hug Sirius even more strongly than his parents. Livia offered both theories as to why. Practice could help but a bond he had established in his own memory assisted, too. After a few minutes talking and embracing the man, Harry let him go, thanked them all for sacrifices he hoped he would honor for years to come and then let them all go. The session ended.

Harry returned the stone to Livia. "You hold on to that until we can agree upon a time that George can try to manifest Fred."

"No problem," Livia stated. "Will you be keeping the stone afterward?"

"I think not," Harry answered. "You may know the legend behind this stone. I have the cloak mentioned in that tale already but have surrendered Professor Dumbledore's wand. I don't want to have the three. To me, no one person really should. I don't want the temptation, even. You should keep it, since you found it. As far as I'm concerned, I lost it in the forest on 2 May, and it got trampled into the ground."

"Okay," Livia responded. "I understand. Your clear vision speaks well of you. I'm glad you got the chance to make contact with those you love." Livia had recalled something regarding what he said – when the former headmaster had discussed his will with her, though Livia had not thought it worth remembering then since it had not applied to her. It explained much about the stone, however, to recall then.

"Do you think the book I want is retrievable?" Livia wondered.

"I have no idea," Harry replied. "There was a great fire in that room that you didn't see. Those in the room with me were lucky to escape and the doors ultimately closed behind us. The book, if it survived, may simply be beyond locating. Of course, surviving that fire itself would be remarkable. I don't know what happened."

"Fire needs oxygen to continue," Livia said. "Could closing the doors have put the fire out, either as a shift in air pressure or just once the air in the room got used?"

"Either are possible, but I have no idea how long the fire lasted," Harry surmised.

The halls of Hogwarts were empty and the Room of Requirement familiar to both and thus easy to find. Livia went in first, as her need to locate the book guided what would take place. The space seemed vast, with debris everywhere. No one could repair it quickly; priorities had devoted resources elsewhere. Indeed, the building's exterior, colonnade and bridge looked great.

Harry wondered where Livia should start. She thought to herself how much help Sevy would be if there. Both produced light from their wands to counter the room's charred darkness. Livia and Harry discussed the situation logically. If the book survived, they needed first to search the part of the room least damaged by the fire. So they went to a corner on the left side of the door where stacks of objects seemed less smoky or only a little blackened but otherwise solid. Harry began going through things, but he remarked that much about the room seemed random and even challenging to traverse.

That some kind of creatures seemed to hiss upon disturbance verified for them that the fire did go out not long after the door closed. Livia knocked down a few piles and almost waded in various objects. She closed her eyes and visualized the handwriting she wished to see and focused on her connection to the person who wielded the writing utensil. Livia knew every particularity of that book, since she could remember it in her mind. Harry gazed at her, puzzled about her quiet search in her own brain, but said told him what she tried to access. Livia opened her eyes and looked about. She had to feel her way through a pile she seemed to randomly select. She pulled out various objects, like chairs or shelves. After about 10 minutes had passed and they cleared much in the area, Livia got her hands on a book. It was not what she sought but looked readable, which gave her hope. Another minute or so later, she pulled out a more dilapidated book that possessed only a little smoke and soot damage. The title indicated it to be an advanced potions textbook. She opened it. The pages she could read. She found his book. She sighed, almost equating it with the last time she cradled him. She felt very thankful to have located it.

"I'm awestruck," Harry stated. "I never thought for sure it survived or could be found. This must be meant to be."

"I'm very happy to have it," Livia declared. "It almost seems protected. The damage looks superficial and can be corrected, since the book remains legible."

"Congratulations," he asserted. "Professor Dumbledore once told me that help will always be given here to those who ask for it, specifically for those who deserve it. You surely have earned this, if not today, at some point."

"I didn't need the substance of what he wrote – I just wanted this as a keepsake. This means a great deal to me. I'm sure you can guess why, though I doubt he ever fully understood."

Livia and Harry exited the room and made their way out of the building. Harry found her very unusual. She came across as a warm, kind-hearted person, smart and most talented. He had no idea how she had developed a loyalty towards a man everyone found so cold and difficult. She exuded quite an opposite character. That she felt more than simple fidelity knocked him sideways.

"Forgive me for asking," Harry began, "but I can't say I understand how you managed to feel as you must. It seems strange." They had entered the grounds on their way back to town.

"I know," Livia responded. "Having any sentiment towards Severus Snape is like trying to love a brick wall. I guess it begins by the fact that I never saw him as others did. I knew from the second I met him that the surface did not tell the story at all. Of course, I was merely a curious child then, looking for an intellectual challenge after two years of having to test myself through books I read. He sure laid down a mental obstacle course for me – many times over."

"But you devoted yourself to him – why?"

"I guess part of that comes from the fact that, as I was bound to silence, I became bound to him. Not in the servile sense, but that circumstances compelled me to become familiar with him and to protect him. Befriending him, I think, became a byproduct. He could not fully alienate me, either. I think the fact that I could mimic your mother's voice gave him a reason to treat me differently, even as I argued with him about the masochism of his requests to hear her."

"When did you begin to hear her?" Harry asked.

"I did first in sessions where I successfully recovered his memories. I never spoke her name, but I knew it. I eventually saw your mother singing 'Happy Birthday' to him and I could do it, too. I think the first time I intentionally ever used something signifying his first name related to that. I wrestled with the issue a little then but opted to go with the authenticity of what she sang."

"But how and when –" he began.

"I think I know where you're going. I think I first became attached to him owing to Christopher – even after I knew who that really was. I have often stared at photographs of attending my brother's wedding with him, which is quite a story in itself as far as how that happened. He didn't volunteer to go exactly. Of course, I recognized how ridiculous it was, too. He didn't have to tell me. The fact that no one wanted me to stray too far from here threw me into some very bizarre situations. These likely were rather uncomfortable for him as well. I needed to lean on him a few times and he, well, I guess, tolerated it. No one action seemed hugely farfetched in itself but the whole of them seems quite incredible – I have no idea what term he might have used."

"How did you first meet the figure you and he call his nephew?"

"I was weeks shy of 17," Livia disclosed. "It seemed that he wanted a neutral way to evaluate how my behavior and skills related to how I controlled my emotions. He knew I had uncommonly strong skills, given my emotional sensitivity, but he believed his position impeded independently assessing them. He didn't count on how I responded that night to someone I accepted as being what he appeared to be. He tried to maintain a distinctiveness until I found a way to confess to him that I knew. And really I wanted him to have an outlet to experience something other than holding on to a bitter reality from sad outcomes from his past. I suppose that was very selfish on my part, since I benefited. I don't know what was worse to him – letting the deception continue or confessing I knew as I still encouraged him to show that side of himself."

"I don't know," he mused. "Seems to me there is some unselfishness, also. He hid himself so well, it became like breathing. Other than the constancy of his love for my mother, I can't say much, like tell you how deeply he regarded you – he must have, though, no?"

"I can't answer that honestly," Livia replied. "I figured that I need some sort of narrative I can live by and that I can repeat, as the most loyal thing I can do. In fact, I could have asked you about his view of me, except I thought you might tell me something that I dread hearing."

"No, I wouldn't do that – I frankly think that is a question only he can answer fully, and he took his answer with him," Harry maintained. "I believe the fact that he never made himself clear to you means he did regard you very highly, at the very least. Did he love you? Perhaps he couldn't admit it to himself. I've wondered why, if he so ardently loved my mother, he became swept up in a cause that denigrated her. It made sense in terms of his own family – he hated his father and wanted to distinguish himself as important. I don't think he did it because he resented my mother over what happened here. I think he did it from his own ambitions but also in part to cover up his true feelings. So I see a pattern of him concealing his deepest emotions."

"That's very perceptive, as perhaps only someone on the outside looking in can see," Livia asserted. "I don't know what I should think. I believe he knows how I felt – and still feel. But I never learned a lot. If he said anything in January, I don't recall, which bothers me a lot. In any case, we should give the Weasleys a chance to say goodbye to Fred. When's a good time?"

"How about Sunday, maybe early in the afternoon," Harry replied. "What do you think?"

"That would be fine," Livia stated. "I'm helping with that event on Saturday. You are too, right? At least the information I've been given suggests that."

"Yes, I'll be there," Harry affirmed. "I understand you know some of the principals."

"Indeed," Livia agreed. "This will be fun for me. Stephanie and Rhonda Wayne helped to bully a friend of mine. The latter became part of Rodrick Spence's scheme to unite his family with the Waynes through his son. I have a history with Rodrick Spence. I dated his son, Ben, during 1989-90. He essentially broke us up. You will see a very different side of me tomorrow. They all hate me, and I'll be returning the favor." They had just paused in front of Uncle Jack's residence.

"I'll see who can assemble Sunday – probably at the Weasley family home."

"Just confirm it. Fred was lovely. I can't imagine how badly George feels."

"We all cope somehow, but this gift will give George some peace – and everyone else. I know it helped me. I look forward to seeing him. Until then, thank you." Soon after, Harry left.

Livia paused by Uncle Jack's door to learn how the owls and crows got on. The crows liked some extra food now and again and loved the attention. They greatly loved hearing they had participated in finding the right stone and that it had worked, though they had less of a stake in the outcome than Sevy. Sevy still was ready to dance at hearing the news. He just wanted to know when Livia planned to use it. Livia didn't give an immediate date. She wanted Sevy to concentrate on his coming owlets. She could wait. They had to come first. He accepted this, though he wanted one to carry her name. He also considered Sevia and Sevte, for his two best girls. Livia smiled. She would accept and rejoice at whatever he liked, so long as he had healthy owlets. He twittered in agreement. Mel and Sydney also celebrated with Brontë and him.

Livia entered and told Uncle Jack everything about her excursion with Harry and showed him the book she obtained. He found the marginalia impressive, though Livia said she knew everything that he had inked – she merely wanted it to have something more with his writing. Uncle Jack found that curious but did not know what to say about it. She never revealed that she kept his academic robe and resized it for herself. That she might meet Renee pleased him greatly. He could not wait to tell Anne, who had gone to visit her children. He told her a ministry official wanted to see her to go over their activity tomorrow. Livia opted to meet Hadrian Stone in her own residence. Percy as well as Ron Weasley would participate along with Harry Potter. Stone would attend and pair with Livia. She told him to hang back, hidden, and let her take the primary role, whilst he looked for a chance to disarm someone. He agreed, since he did not think raids were his strongest suit. Livia told them she looked forward to seeing whoever attempted to get by her.

Livia told him that they shouldn't go easy on her. She needed to get her hands dirty, especially given she knew many of the people holed up. Livia gave what information she knew about each's skills. Both Rhonda and Stephanie Wayne would be there, along with their father, Wallace. Percy best knew Wallace, a balding light brown-haired, though still-vigorous man of some skill. Also in residence were Rodrick and Aldrick Spence. The dwelling, looking like a grey and white, country barn, had a large, singular entrance in front and a smaller one in back.

The group assembled in outside the barn in a wooded area around 08:00 on Saturday, 9 May. Livia activated her necklace and took up a position in back with Hadrian Stone. The three young men blasted the front door away and entered. It looked like a typical, modest home on the inside. Aldrick did not fight and Stephanie easily was outmatched by Ron, leaving the three to subdue a cagey, desperate Wallace. Rhonda and Rodrick fled to the back exit. With Hadrian behind her, Livia met both – and started singing the chorus to "The Bitch is Back" right after she disarmed Rhonda. In time with the tune, Livia put Rhonda into a type of burrito that might have made Persephone Rodriguez jealous – or so Livia thought. She smiled. Rhonda fell to the ground, harmless. Hadrian seized her wand whilst Livia eyed up how to duel Rodrick. Overconfident, he found some nails near the barn that he transfigured into sharp razor blades that he sent to her.

Livia, still singing the chorus repetitively and infuriating him, immediately created a type of magnet that attracted every object and harmlessly gathered them near her knees. She lifted it up and fired them back at him as the magnet became a type of flare gun. A few hit flesh and caused Rodrick bleeding and immense pain though he conjured a fire to melt most into blobs that dropped to the ground. He then tried to direct the fire towards her. He then started to utter the killing curse, but Livia put a bar over his mouth stifling his voice before he finished the first word. She wondered whose life she spared, though she had acted reflexively to stop him.

Livia also blew the flame back at him, burning his mouth as the metal melted, then sealed him in with a massive waterspout. The water essentially weakened his grip on his wand. Hadrian disarmed him just before Livia rendered the water into a massive cloth that wrapped him up the same way Rhonda had been rendered helpless. Livia supposed she thought about food as she finished her fourth month. She chuckled as she stopped singing and called out to those inside. She gave each burrito a handle and wheels, and she and Hadrian dragged each back into the barn.

Percy, Harry and Ron had affixed their disarmed three to chairs, even if Aldrick froze at the sight of Harry. Rhonda and Rodrick got chairs, too. Percy, who said her singing and a surprisingly evasive Wallace kept them from checking on her, read the charges. Rodrick and Rhonda faced accusations of facilitating various raids and supporting the Death Eaters. Stephanie and Wallace Wayne faced the material support charge. Wallace faced one about persecuting muggles, too. Livia had Percy add an attempt by Rodrick to use the killing curse on her. Hadrian added that he had heard it. The others were stunned to hear her say this so casually.

"If I seem blasé, it's because I don't know whose life I spared in blocking that curse," Livia stated. "I didn't give my necklace a chance to rebound it. I just reacted as if it's not there."

Rodrick Spence made a dismissive snort. "Another lie from you, no doubt," he responded.

"No, it isn't," Harry answered, incensed at his gall. "That was a protective gift from a deceased man who still defends her, like my mother shielded me. Given what I know, I believe she spared you, and she is being modest about the father of her children, as well as herself." Ron, Percy and Hadrian found his claim shocking.

"And your son made it, Rodrick, as a custom order. He's become very successful without you." Livia added.

Aldrick faced none of the charges Percy announced, having mostly aided the fugitives. He then admitted to being suspected of fathering Livia and asked if he could look at her better. Rodrick expressed shock. He never had suspected his brother possibly could have fathered Livia.

"Aldrick is not my father, Rodrick – no, my father happens to be a pureblood wizard, unlike either of you," Livia taunted with venom. "That makes me a full-blooded witch, Rodrick, and you are going to have a nice long stay in prison, you miserable piece of excrement. I'd call my favorite crow, Alastair, to defecate on you right now, but it'd be redundant."

Everyone else looked at each other. Harry gave them a sense that he expected Livia to unload on Rodrick Spence in a way Severus Snape would have prized. To the rest, this Livia seemed quite unknown, by reputation or experience, though Spence had tried to kill her. Harry whispered something to the Weasley brothers. They realized how personal subduing him was.

"I doubt you are," Rodrick retorted, trying to act proud in his embarrassing state. "You have lied about your background for years, I'm sure. Someday everyone will know."

"It's true," Aldrick revealed. "Severus Snape visited me. I found a way to look at his list and saw the other names: Blake Hall, Lucius Malfoy and Paul Marlborough. I know it could not have been Paul. He went home. Given what I remember, I would guess Lucius before Blake."

"Seen Ben Spence lately, either you or Rhonda?" Livia continued to Rodrick Spence. "Well, I have. He does not send his regards. I'm having dinner with him tomorrow, too. In fact, Harry and Ron met him last Sunday."

"We did," Ron said. Ron saw the picture even more clearly with her last remark.

"Right, that's who your Uncle Jack stood by during the service," Harry stated.

"And, to clarify your confusion, no, I am not carrying his child," Livia spat at him. "The last thing I want is to have any sort of biological tie to you. You're a monster. My brother, Tom, is at least twice the man you could ever be, regardless of your disdain. I don't care whether you think my father is Blake Hall or Lucius Malfoy; either would represent a significant step up for you in status. Choke on it." Livia understood him, and they all knew that she had accessed exactly what ran through his mind. She had impressive skills even when lacing into someone she despised.

All got conveyed to the Azkaban prison by officials who arrived at Percy's request except for Aldrick. Aldrick Spence had the chance to bargain for a house arrest and fine with his information on the Sons of Slytherin group's activities. He reunited with survivors in his family and had a friend stay with him during his confinement. He never saw his brother again and lived quietly thereafter. He wanted a relationship with his nephew, Ben, instead. Ben saw him only sporadically, however – often alone.

Before separating, Ron, Percy and Harry lingered outside the farmhouse and confirmed the time when they expected Livia at the Weasley family home. Percy expressed great horror yet also confusion about why Livia had snapped at Rodrick Spence beyond his attempted curse, though she clearly performed well. He didn't recall why she loathed him. He vaguely recalled it involved school.

"Percy, remember how my roommates nearly came to blows with both Ben Spence and Rhonda Wayne during the spring of 1990? Rodrick Spence had demanded his son break up with me and date – with an eye to marrying – Rhonda. Rodrick Spence treated my family badly early that spring and gave me the third degree over my parentage, which he ironically found unsuitable for his son. I think he eyed a ministry post and a Wayne family alliance for some time before then. As you know, Ben Spence played along but ultimately broke the engagement, resigned and fled from all of them."

"I remember now," Percy Weasley said. "Your friends went after the Head Boy and Head Girl of their own house for trying to degrade you at that dance. Who broke up the fights?"

"I think Harry and Ron know," Livia stated. "I carry his legacy."

"You told that story last Sunday," Ron Weasley recounted. "Professor Snape got his nephew to show up. Outdueling and arresting Rodrick Spence must be very satisfying for you."

"As fun as taunting him," Livia admitted. "That's why I sang a song I knew he'd hate. Turning him into a dumbass would have worked as well but may have been too personal, I think."

"I remember that story, but given what he tried, I doubt it," Percy Weasley asserted. The others nodded, too. All but Hadrian wondered how she stopped him. "So is Blake Hall or Lucius Malfoy your father, Livia?"

"I rather not answer that for too many people," Livia replied. "I hope you don't mind. Only a few know, like my Uncle Jack. He told Ben Spence, since he was potentially my cousin. Harry may know. You hearing two remaining names is very exclusive company. I don't want this to become public, though. I did inform the prime minister, on condition that he tell no one. I have no claim to make, so it doesn't matter to me. I stand on my own merit, not a bloodline."

"I see what you mean," Percy stated. "It also could get messy for you. You already dealt with one. The other participated in the Sons of Slytherin. You will likely encounter him soon. If you treat Blake Hall the same way as the Malfoys, I can't even guess, which speaks well of you."

"I did see Professor Snape working on that list," Harry pronounced. "I think I know, but I won't say more. In any case, see you tomorrow, Livia. Glad we took them all down."

"Yes, see everyone then," Livia responded.

Livia later spent a quiet night in her cottage. A lot had occurred that week. It remained difficult for her to process. Sure, she did as expected – and beyond. She decided to tell Tom and Alice she had helped capture Rodrick Spence but would avoid mentioning his attempt on her life. No need to upset them. She would tell them about her inheritance, to minimize how much she said about trying to comfort the Weasleys over Fred, too. She hoped to see him and be helpful, but she still felt guilty that she had failed Cathy. At least, she had a formula to try. She wondered who all would participate.

The next morning, Livia quietly went about her business, taking some time to tell Tom and Alice where she would go. She did not fill them in precisely about her role, given her lingering feelings of inadequacy. She doubted she could produce Cathy herself for Tom or Doc; she had no idea what either would or wouldn't see. So Livia told them it was a memorial service arranged by friends of a deceased young man who had enjoyed a great deal of popularity. To avoid saying too much more, Livia then disclosed the inheritance waiting for her in London, which stood at about £3.5 million. Both were shocked.

"How does a schoolteacher leave that much?" Alice asked. "Even college professors are rarely paid well, unless one has achieved senior status and probably an international reputation."

"Tom?" Livia began. "Looking at how the man lived, I think you know the answer. Much of this money also came from a sizable insurance policy."

"Livia makes a fair point," Tom admitted. "He lived modestly to the point of asceticism. Did he ever spend much of anything on himself?"

"I don't think so," Livia responded. "Maybe on books. I never saw any variety in his wardrobe or any great amount of personal belongings. Compared to him, my musical expenditures were extravagant, and you know I could save very well."

"It still sounds astounding," Alice maintained. "Did you see a statement or the assets?"

"I saw both," Livia replied. "The former included the deductions for various things, such as his funeral. To see the account where I am the trustee shocked me – not the amount exactly but the physical presence of the total. I try to block it out, since I'd rather not have it."

"We understand, Livia," Tom reassured. "The man died only about a week ago. I still can't believe you prepared him. Sure, Dad would respect it, but you must have ice water in your veins."

"No," Livia began, "I just had a sense of duty and focused on that. Today will be about duty, also, though not the same caliber. I'll see you after my dinner with Ben. Should be interesting to tell him I helped capture his father and ex-fiancée. They're both jailed now."

"I like hearing that, I must say," Alice stated. "Meeting that man was brief, but his scorn seemed just way too obvious. You tried to give him a graceful exit, but he was not remotely civil. The meal is a good way to see if Ben sincerely has broken with them." Tom nodded his assent.

"I agree, also," Livia affirmed. "In fact, I suspect this will become obvious to me."

Livia said goodbye to Adelaide and Abby then returned to her cottage to retrieve the stone and travel to the Weasley family home. The matriarch, Molly, greeted her first, very interested in Livia's progress carrying twins. She fussed some, expressing horror at what Ron told her about the raid. She offered herself to be available for any advice in terms of having or raising twins, since having two children at once with wizardry skills could be challenging. She liked thinking about them as a future, since she had lost one of hers. Talking to Livia about them as babies made both seem alive again. Livia appreciated her knowledge, given Livia knew neither what to expect nor how having such children would differ from her sister's or sister-in-law's experiences.

"Oh, that's right," Molly Weasley said. "You were raised with muggles."

The patriarch, Arthur Weasley, found this conversation fascinating. He wanted to know all about the differences himself. The fact that Livia spent time being raised by a clergyman also piqued his interest. Livia knew a lot about church history, too, and Arthur could have spoken to her for hours about that. The idea that a bishop of Durham had his own army and flag amused him greatly, since it showed how locally muggles had lived. Still, he found ample time to thank Livia for lending her abilities to what all hoped would occur. Just then several other members of the family entered the kitchen to greet Livia and thank her for coming, including George, Ron and Ginny. All wanted to hear why Rodrick Spence tried to kill her, which Livia quickly dismissed. They had gathered for Fred, not for anything or anyone else.

Everyone gathered outside in a clearing not far from the house. Ten people stood in a long row two feet behind George, the surviving twin. The only sibling unavailable was Charlie, who sent a letter. He watched a sick baby dragon, who he had named Fred. Livia and Harry spoke to George, with Harry providing some directions and Livia ready to emerge from behind him. George posited that he might get business ideas or that Fred might be too busy telling stories to show up. Yet Fred did find time to see his brother. Emotions remained high among everyone even as Fred smiled and kidded George that he should know better than have anyone feel sorry for him. He suggested that his family had taken him away from a great party, too.

Livia smiled and stepped forward. She expressed happiness at seeing him and sorrow that he could not stay longer to amuse everyone. He eyed her curiously but only asked if she had come to sing for him. She laughed, then took his hands and told him she would do her best to eradicate every vestige of the evil that took his life. In the meantime, his family had assembled to say farewell to him as best they could. He understood that the living benefited from this more than he would. She hugged him, told him that she would miss him, though she only served to help everyone there reach him. He nodded, if slightly taken aback.

One by one various people approached. Harry went first, to set an example for any feeling self-conscious about approaching Fred. He required only minimal help; he continued to improve with just a little guidance. Fred seemed startled again at this type of contact. Ginny went next and ably studied what both Harry and Livia did. She held a fairly tight bond with Fred, which aided her. She called the experience intense. Ron followed and also proved a good study, if not quite fully as successful as Harry or Ginny. He became helpful to Hermione Granger by telling her to close her eyes to feel something before she looked at him. She seemed taken aback. Her immense logical skills often dominated her outlook, and she expanded her mind to succeed thanks to both Livia and Ron. Next came a distraught Percy, who needed the most help because he had seen Fred last before his death. Fred told him that he still laughed thinking about the last thing Percy said – a resignation to the corrupt ministry head he dueled. Livia tried to get Percy to put his emotions aside long enough to focus on feeling Fred's vibratory presence. Then came Bill and his wife. Bill first read a letter from his brother Charlie. Fred liked the idea of being a dragon. Livia then helped Bill grasp his brother. Bill proved quite capable of understanding what he needed to do. Whether he had studied the others or had an innate focus, he became accomplished at reaching his brother. He even gave some advice to his wife as Livia connected her with her brother-in-law. She did not need too much help, either. She definitely had an innate understanding of feeling for Fred's presence.

Fred's parents both preceded George in saying goodbye to their son. They both experienced a cathartic release, though Fred whispered something to make each laugh, so as not to get swallowed up by their bereavement. Livia thought it had something to do with knowing one son from the other first or that they could look at George and think of him being there, too.

Finally, George walked up to his brother. He almost needed no help whatsoever. The bond they shared nearly transcended death. Fred gave George some ideas of things their shop could do or some feedback regarding recent decisions George had made. He even told George he should get a new partner, perhaps a brother. George pledged to live for both of them, which Fred appreciated. A few words only they understood, a kind of twin-speak. They both could find something to laugh about, too. Fred said he did not missing living as much as he missed his twin brother, especially, and the rest of his family. That constituted the only wholly serious thing he said. He may have said this to prod his brother to finish the meeting, as George did not wish to dwell on the remark. Everyone said a final goodbye and the session ended.

The group then went inside to chat over some tea and discuss what they saw and felt. Each person went up to Harry, then Livia, to thank them for making what happened possible. Harry said he did it for his own benefit, also, a point to which Livia agreed. Livia wanted to see Fred as well as assist them with this closure. She did not purely act altruistically, given her additional survivor's guilt. They deserved some gesture, and Livia only too happily supported the effort.

Bill, like Fred, had that afternoon noted Livia's condition but opted to say nothing. He sensed others already knew and only later heard about the raid. Fleur asked her about the unusual ring she wore, and Livia let her examine it. She told Bill and Fleur that the bank manager could not believe a goblin hadn't created it. Livia told her exactly who made the ring, a one-of-a-kind item. Bill whispered that he knew what he had to do for Fleur's next birthday. He asked if Ben Spence ever did a fleur-de-lys. Livia thought it well within his ability and a great idea for a custom-made piece. She thought it could make a great hair accessory, pendant or brooch. She told Bill she would see Ben later and give him time to brainstorm ideas, though he liked the customer to choose ultimately what he created. Bill hugged her before she left, thanking her for helping them and for giving him the idea. He also whispered that he hoped she had found happiness akin to himself.

"It can't quite be all that right now, but it will suffice," Livia stated.

Livia then took her leave and returned to Cambridge. She had a little time before she met Ben. She felt relieved that she had something to discuss besides participating in capturing and hauling his father and ex-fiancée to prison. Livia had no idea what they would talk about otherwise. She could not help but think of the last time they had gone to that tavern alone. He remembered. Only then did she contemplate that he knew about her broken engagement, but she could not figure out off-hand as to why. Did he know Nils? Did he make her engagement ring? Livia did not recall how Nils had obtained it. She only had it about a month, after all. How long had he made jewelry there? For that matter, when and how did he find out about Christopher? Fortunately, before she got too involved thinking about him, Uncle Jack showed up and they switched residences. He would dine in Cambridge whilst she headed to Hogsmeade's inn.