A/N: The next few chapters will be heavy of explanation, probably some drama and consequences of their links and bonds, the Will and other surprises that I had planned, but came out much sooner than I expected. I hope people don't mind these turns. They wrote themselves, more than 20K words in a week.

A/N 2: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.

Chapter 24

April 20, 1992

Minerva, for the fourth time in a week, sent back a reply to the Headmaster. She would not be meeting with him. She was taking a rare April break to see her new godson settled into his new home, take care of personal matters and see to it that her wards were not blindsided by anything this week.

It was a terse letter letting the man know she was not ready to talk to him yet. She wanted to ensure Harry got his Scion ring before she was cool enough to talk to the Headmaster alone.

After making sure the owl was off, she walked back into the Sylvans'. She had stayed the night after David's show. It wasn't uncommon for a repeat after the first time within the first 24 hours. If Angela and Bill hadn't already been dealing with this for the last ten years, they would not have handled it as well.

It would appear she would have five godchildren now. Later today, she would need to ensure the proper paperwork was filed at the Ministry and Gringotts. She would not let Albus or anyone else get their hands on any of her children.

Truth be told, she really hadn't thought David would have the knack. Until now, he hadn't shown any signs. Falling from a tree, life in danger, were classic scenarios when children would do such accidental magic.

Sighing, she tried to push David out of her head at the moment. She would do what she had to protect David, but she had three older children to focus on today. The Sylvans and Grangers were taking the day off so they could have a discussion with Harry, Edmund and Hermione. As young as they were, it was time for her three wards to understand what was happening to them. She loved the three children she would be talking with today and wished this could have waited until they were older.

As she thought about it, she felt the oaths to the Order weakening. Albus had broken his end of the oaths and soon she would be free of them. She wondered how many more of the Order may find themselves in similar circumstances.

Walking in the door, she was surprised for a moment to see Harry sitting at the table fidgeting.

"Good morning, Harry. Could I interest you in tea or coffee," she asked to see a yawn come from him.

"No thank you, Professor."

She nodded. "Well, I'm making myself some tea. If you change your mind, let me know."

It was still early. The clock over the stove read close to six-thirty. She was up having not slept much of last night, dreading the conversations today. "What are you doing up so early?"

Harry shrugged. "I always get up early. I don't know what to do though. Cousin Angela doesn't want me making breakfast."

She looked at him. "Why would you worry about making breakfast?"

Harry looked down. "It's what I'm supposed to do. Make breakfast, clean the dishes, wash the windows and take out the trash."

She pursed her lips. She knew why he felt that way. Tomorrow she was having a meeting with Magical Child Services at the DMLE and she would need to ask about a mind healer. "You don't have to do anything. Well, maybe some chores, but not like that," she told him.

The kettle went on the stove and she took out some tea bags. She sat down and had a talk with Harry about quidditch and school. Over the next hour, the house woke up. Edmund was down next. He offered Harry some cereal before sitting to eat. Angela and Bill came down with Amelia about seven and by seven thirty, the kitchen was full of people.

"Minerva, do I have time to go out and pick up something from the hardware store," Bill asked finishing his coffee.

"I don't think the Grangers were planning to be over before ten," she answered. She was looking at three of her godchildren there and soon to be fifth. David had taken a liking to Harry and was shadowing him everywhere. Harry looked amused at it. She wondered how long that would last before they started acting like brothers. Though, looking at Amelia and Edmund, she had a feeling Harry may never mind.

As usual, Amelia was not leaving Edmund's side. Angela was reading the paper as she sipped at her coffee. It struck her how nice this was. She had wished years ago that she could have had her own children, but Merlin never gave her the chance. Now, she was happy and proud at the ones she considered her own.

It was a generally quiet morning and Minerva found she liked it compared to the hustle and bustle of Hogwarts during the school year. Around nine, Angela walked Amelia and David over to a neighbor for the day. Minerva knew this was going to be something they should not be involved in, and depending on how everything went, she was hoping to make her appointment at Gringotts at two.

As it approached ten, Edmund settled into the sitting room in his favorite chair with a charms book she was sure Madame Pince would not have let out of Hogwarts if she knew. Harry sat doing an essay for her class. When the Grangers came over, Edmund didn't look up as Hermione came over and sat at his feet.

"Hermy, can I borrow your Magical Theory book, year 2 later," he asked her.

"Didn't you get the same book at Christmas," she asked him. Minerva thought it interesting that Hermione didn't try to call him on calling her that and that her cheeks colored a little. "You still working on those sticking charms?"

"Yeah. I think I'm getting it now, but not enough for a twenty-four inch essay. I left my copy at Hogwarts. Didn't think I needed it," he said as he turned a page and took down notes in a muggle ring bound notebook. She wished that muggle techniques like that worked at Hogwarts.

"You two have second year books already," Harry asked them putting his Transfiguration book and parchment away.

"Auntie Min got them for us at Christmas. We already know all the year 1 books," Hermione said as though it was the most natural thing.

"Harry, would you like me to get you the same copies," she asked him.

Harry looked at her. "Please, Professor. Edmund, I don't remember Flitwick assigning us a twenty-four inch essay on sticking charms," Harry looked at him confused. "Isn't it ten inches on the severing and mending charms?"

Edmund didn't look up. "Flitwick didn't. This is for Madam Hooch. Hermione, what was that theory about magical likeness? You know, the one you were helping me look up."

She got up and moved to the arm of the chair. "Ugluff's Theorem," she asked him.

"That's it. Where did we find that again?"

"In the advanced section. I think it was in Simple Arithmancy for the Simple Minded," she said, starting to read his notes. "Edmund, what is this?" She picked up his notebook, her eyes scanning the page and eyebrows scrunching as she read the page.

"Hey, I was working on that," he told her.

"What are you two talking about? What is Arithmancy," Harry asked confused. "Why are you doing something for Madame Hooch?

"It's like Algebra for magic," Hermione told him distracted. "It's what Magical Theory prepares us for. Ed's been repairing a broom. He started it after you got on the team, Harry." She tried to step away and Edmund wrapped his arms around her, to keep her from getting away. She squirmed, trying to keep the notebook out of his reach. "Edmund, what does this mean? Why would you have something here to test for compatibility? This looks like some advanced stuff."

"I see our bookworms are at it again," Jane said coming into the room with a platter of tea and biscuits.

She snorted. "Like I could stop them if I even wanted too. Did Hermione tell you she's still top of the year," she asked Jane.

"She may have mentioned it, a few dozen times or so," she said.

Hermione huffed. "I'm not that bad. Harry has done the best to increase his rank. He's gone from thirteenth to eight. Ed, how did you get this information?"

Harry looked abashed. "I didn't think you noticed."

"Veronica Turpin. She saw me working on it one day and spent a little time helping me," he said in a shy voice. Hermione gave him a look but didn't say anything before she dove back into the notebook, turning a page, still trying to keep him away as he tried to grab his notebook.

Minerva knew Veronica Turpin. She was a seventh year Hufflepuff Prefect that was exceptionally skilled in charms. She was wondering if Filius or Rolanda send the girl his way.

"Very good, Harry," Jane praised. "I take it you really like school?"

Harry nodded, looking happy. "Yes, Mrs. Granger."

"Do you have a favorite subject?"

"I really like Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. Charms is good too. I'm nothing like Ed though at charms," Harry said.

"Harry is top of class in Defense and he is tied with Hermione and Daphne in Transfiguration. Hermione, I would like my notebook back," he said exasperated.

"No. Edmund, how did you even do this? This isn't mentioned at all in our second year books. Harry, your grade is only four tenths from me and a tenth from Daphne in Charms. Will you stop," Hermione said with a laugh as Edmund tickled her.

"No one is catching you in Charms," Harry said watching them almost wrestle for the notebook.

"Not true. Edmund is top in charms. Ed, how do you not have a 107 percent? I don't understand some of this," she said trying to get away again.

Harry laughed. "I thought you could only get 100."

"If you add up all the extra credit, it is possible to have a 107.2%. Ed only has a 106.4. You have a 102.2," she said matter of fact.

"Hermione, you never mentioned all that. Harry, that is very impressive. I'm sure it's not easy to compete against these two," Jane said looking very impressed with all of them.

Harry looked away, obviously embarrassed by the praise. "I'm not sure anyone could catch Hermione or Edmund."

"I have five Gryffindors in the top ten in their year, and three of them are in this room. I couldn't be prouder," Minerva said, her voice projecting her pride. Harry cast down his eyes, but she thought she saw a smile first.

"Who are the other two?"

"One is Harry's friend, Ms. Parvati Patil, who is sixth, and Neville Longbottom, who is ninth now."

"Oh, Neville. He is a very nice boy. Is he coming over this week," she asked looking at Ed and her daughter.

"Nev stayed at Hogwarts for the week. I'll have to give him a congratulatory punch when we get back," Edmund smirked trying to get his notebook back from Hermione. She wasn't having it and kept turning her back as he tried to reach over her, getting onto his knees in the chair.

"You will do nothing of the sort," Hermione said angrily and Harry laughed. She turned to look at him. "I suppose you agree with him?" She raised her eyebrow in a questioning way.

"Well, it's not like he's going to hug him," Harry snarked.

Hermione eyed him. "Hey," she cried out as Edmund finally managed to get a hand on his notebook and took it back. "I was reading that."

"And I was working on it," he told her. She stuck her tongue out at Edmund.

The other adults came into the room. "Edmund, are you bugging Hermione again," Angela asked putting some napkins on the table and a cup of tea she had already made for herself.

"I didn't do anything," he said at his mum. "She stole my notes."

Hermione sat up tall on the arm of the chair and looked completely innocent. "Yes, Mrs. Sylvan, he's being very mean to me today."

Her father laughed. "I don't think that innocent act works on us anymore, little lady."

"I am not little," she huffed crossing her arms.

"And I think you are a little old to sit on the side of the chair," Mrs. Sylvan said.

Hermione rolled her eyes and sat heavily in front of Edmund on the floor, who laughed at her. "Ha ha," he said in a quiet voice. She turned back and stuck her tongue out at him again.

Harry chuckled. "Busted," he said to her.

She sat up straight against the chair between Edmund's legs and raised her chin, ignoring both boys now. She had noticed Harry relaxing more and acting a little more like she had seen him at Hogwarts before Easter. She was thinking this would work out long term.

"Ok, now, if you children are done, I know Minerva had some stuff she wanted to talk to all of us about today," Bill said at them. Hermione turned her head to the side to ignore Bill too and Edmund shook in silent laughter as Harry put his bag down and sat up in his chair.

"I am not the one being a child," she said quietly. Edmund's laughter broke out now, and was quickly silenced from a look from Bill and Jane.

"So, this is your show, Minerva. You want to tell them what you told us the other night," Angela said sitting on the couch next to Harry and near Edmund and Hermione. She didn't miss that Edmund had moved and offered Hermione a pillow to lean against.

"It is. I just don't know where to start," she said honestly looking at her godchildren.

"Some say the beginning is the best place," Jane said to her. She smiled at Hermione's mother.

"Which beginning?" She took in a breath. "Well, nothing for it. I guess I can start where this whole mess started. Harry and Edmund, do you know why twins are considered special in the wizarding world?"

They both shook their heads but she saw Hermione nod. Of course she would probably have an inkling. This wasn't a day though for her goddaughter to show her intelligence. "Do you understand what a magical or wizarding link or bond is?"

"It's a bond where the magic of two people is linked. It can be as mundane..." Hermione said as though reading out of a book.

"Thank you, Hermione, but I really must ask you to listen right now. I can tell you know the definition in a book, but that does not convey the full impact of a true magical bond," she said kindly to her goddaughter who looked abashed at being rebuffed. "I am not trying to offend you, my brilliant young lady, but you need to listen."

"Yes, Auntie Min," she said shyly.

Minerva didn't often stifle their natural curiosity, but this was important enough they needed to hear it first before asking questions.

"I explained this to your parents and cousins," she added for Harry, "but I need you three to understand as well. Will you be silent until I finish or say you can ask questions?"

All three looked at her. Harry looked trepidatious, Hermione chastised and Edmund upset for that Hermione had been chastised. She recognized that face when he thought one of his friends had been wronged. "Now, just Harry and Edmund for the moment. Do either of you know what a magical or wizarding bond is?"

Harry shook his head, but Edmund looked thoughtful. "It's a sharing or control of another's magic," he said. "I've had to look at some of that for what I am doing with Madam Hooch."

"That is close to what we will be talking about today. So, a link is a connection between two magical beings. They don't have to be a wizard to wizard or witch to wizard or what ever combination. They just have to have a magical core. It usually is just a mingling of your magics on the outskirts of what you are. Like your magics are so similar, you can share things. Sometimes its power, other times it's the basic knowledge that everyone's magic most naturally attunes too," she said looking at them. She held up her hand to stop them from saying anything.

"Links of this sort typically develop between family, extremely close friends, students and trusted mentors, significant others, magical familiars, house elves and the like.

"But I thought house elves were forced to bond themselves to a master," Hermione said in disgust.

"The elf bonds their servitude to a wizard or witch, but the magic shared between a witch and a House Elf is a link. Now, let me finish, Hermione. Children will often make these links before their cores stabilize, recognizing someone of the same magic type and instinctually gaining the traits of what is often known as family magic. Being related by blood helps in this, but anyone, especially children, can form these links, but it takes trust, love and time if done after your core starts to stabilize. Any links made before your core stabilizes are not lasting links unless nurtured and can be broken easily with no harm to either party."

She could see the confusion on all their faces. She had to get the next part out before she allowed them to ask questions.

"Twins, well, they have a link that is formed before birth. The traits or telltale signs are usually enhanced in them, making the link in our world one of the most sacred bonds. A twins' magic is typically stronger, more instinctual between them and is an everlasting bond that cannot be broken once they are born. It is one of only a few links or bonds that will form before your core matures and is inviolate."

"You mean like how Fred and George seem to read each other's thoughts," Hermione asked, unable to control herself anymore.

"Or how Parvati and Padma always know where the other is and what mood they are in," Harry added.

"Tell me that Harry and I won't start to speak like them," Edmund said. She saw a shake pass through all them.

"Curse me before that happens," Harry said and Edmund chuckled.

"Is that an option," Hermione asked expectantly. There were a few chuckles.

"Who are the Weasley twins," Jane asked looking at the children.

"How does this link pass on family magic traits," Hermione was asking. "What does a magic core do? We haven't gone over that yet."

"Hermione, let her speak," Edmund said gently to her as she opened her mouth to ask another question. She leaned back into her pillow, not questioning Edmund and looked at Minerva expectantly. Yes, the bond between them was strong.

"I don't feel like you fully explained that the other night," Angela said looking at her.

"I still don't get all this magic stuff," Dan said from his chair.

"I am not a healer or a magical theoretician, but I know the basics," she said before reaching for some tea. When she put the cup down she continued. "Inside us, muggles, squibs and magic wielders, there is an energy that passes through us. In those with the talent, the energy is different and concentrates in us along our spines and in our heads. Every magic wielder will feel the push of the power differently though. Some say they feel it deep in their stomachs, or as though there is a light coming from their foreheads, or their toes will tingle. That is just the focal point that the brain and body use to gather the magical energy, but your core is the development of how magic moves through your body. Most believe your spine is the focus of what we call a core."

"So you mean all my magic flows from my head to my spine? What happens if I break my spine?" Edmund looked at her concerned.

"I don't know, Edmund. As I said, I am not a healer, but I know it isn't good."

"But what does your core and a link have to do with what you are saying," Harry asked her. "Why is someone younger unstable?"

She looked at him. Harry was just as quick witted as the other two. "It matters a great deal, Harry. Most don't, or can't, develop a link before their magical cores mature and start to become stable. A child to their parents is one of a few exceptions. Even though your bodies are developing and will change quite dramatically over the next few years, your cores start to stabilize some point between eight and ten, that is why magical education starts after your eleventh birthday."

"It's so unstable before then, we can't control our magic," Hermione blurted out. "But if that is the case, how do children form bonds with their parents?"

"They form links, Hermione. There is a large difference between links and bonds. And they form links as a way for their magic to stabilize and grow. It is a natural calling between blood or people they might care about. When it is both, it is stronger and easier to establish, but it will never start to form until you are strong enough to use magic."

"Like accidental magic," Hermione blurted out. "Sorry," the girl said to Minerva's kind stare.

"Yes, like accidental magic, little one."

"I'm not little," she grumbled.

"Let me finish before you get all huffy," she told her goddaughter. "When a child first displays accidental magic, it is a sign their core is strong enough to channel magic. Typically, the younger they are at the first signs, the stronger they are, but not always."

"Edmund was already having burst when he moved here. How strong is he then? Amelia has since she was two," Angela said.

"I never could figure out how Hermione was getting out of her crib at fourteen months until you told us she was a witch," Jane added.

"Yes, quite. Harry and Edmund were about eleven months old the first time they caused their food bowls to fly into James face," she said with a smile. Both boys looked at her wide eyed and Hermione giggled.

"I did what," Harry asked.

"You two hated peas. I was over one day when James was trying to feed you. Harry made his bowl fly right into your father's face. Edmund got his hair as he was trying to clean himself up."

There were chuckles around the room. She really missed James and Lily and was glad she could share this with them. "Now, we have a lot to discuss and I would like to stay on task. Twins have something far more special since their cores comes from the same two people at the same time. This is a bond, a sharing of magic, that exists between all twins, and only grows as they get older. It's not just a mixing of magic. That is important."

She watched the three teens and saw some recognition in Edmunds face, understanding but not true understanding in Hermione and uncertainty in Harry. "You mean Edmund and I have a bond," Harry asked looking at his brother. "I never felt anything."

"But you did," she said gently.

Hermione gasped. "Edmund's eight birthday," she said with wide eyes. That day would forever be etched in her memory, and her skin.

She nodded. Edmund looked like he was going to be sick. "All those times he or Hermione went to St. Mungo's, or had those bruises or Hermione would get sick when something happened to Edmund," Angela said in horror. She looked at Harry a moment later with concerned compassion. "All those years. What did my cousin do to you?"

Harry looked uncomfortable and squirmed in his chair.

"Mum, I went to St. Mungo's once," Edmund said confused. "That time I caught pneumonia."

She closed her eyes before looking at them. "That wasn't pneumonia, Edmund. If I had to guess, I think Harry had an... incident that left him in the cold and severely injured from it."

"That was just before Christmas," Hermione said. "Wait. You said I've been to St. Mungo's too!"

"What is St. Mungo's," Harry asked looking ready to bolt.

"A wizarding hospital, Harry," she said kindly. "Harry, I have an idea of what happened at your Aunt and Uncle's house. My evidence is in the two that sit next to you. And yes, Hermione, you have been to St. Mungo's."

"They beat him," Bill hissed. "They beat a child and Edmund and Hermione somehow shared it through this bond."

Bill got up fast and walked out of the room cursing. Harry shrank back at the reaction and looked scared. Angela saw the reaction and moved towards Harry, her arms ready to wrap Harry in a hug. "No. Please don't hurt me," he said scrambling off his chair and crawling into a corner, looking like a frightened child. "I didn't mean to do it."

She schooled herself to stay still. She had seen this before in other children who had been abused and she knew not to crowd them. "Stay in your seats," she said quietly to Hermione and Edmund.

"Harry, you didn't do anything wrong," Angela said quietly. "No one here is going to hurt you."

He looked at her with fear in his eyes. "I don't want to go back into the closet," he said to Angela. She had to keep her own growl down. Dan and Jane both looked aghast.

"It's all right, Harry. No one is going to put you into a closet," Angela said softly. "You are safe here."

Harry shook his head and it took a while before Angela could get close and finally wrap her arms around Harry. After a few, Harry finally relaxed into her and started to cry. There was anger and concern on most faces. Angela cuddled Harry to him. Hermione clutched Edmund's leg.

"Minerva, what is going on," she asked after a bit and Harry quieted and started to rock in his cousin's arms.

She sighed. "Harry, do you need to take a break for a little bit before we continue," she asked him kindly.

Harry looked up, his eyes bleary and face looking embarrassed. He shook his head but seemed incapable of saying anything else.

"Auntie Min, how many times did we go to the hospital," Hermione asked her looking between her and Harry.

"Edmund has been eight times and you have been five, Hermione" Jane answered.

"How did we not know," her goddaughter asked.

"By the time I was here, you and Edmund were usually out from the pain," she said sadly. "Or the mind healers at the hospital were asked to block the memory because it would protect you."

"And Harry?"

Minerva pinched her lips. "Never," she said quietly.

Bill had come back into the room. He still looked very upset, but calmer. "He was never treated for any of those times?"

"I don't know everything that happened before I took over his Guardianship. The people that do are refusing to tell me, but the evidence is that he was never seen by any medical professional before coming to Hogwarts," she said bitterly.

"Harry somehow used our bond to transfer his wounds to me," Edmund said looking at her. "Didn't he?"

Hermione tightened her grip on Edmund's leg. She had taken the news of her betrayal of them much better than she thought. She looked Edmund straight in the eyes. "Yes," was all she could say to keep herself from crying. She still had more she had to get through today.

Harry looked at his brother. "I hurt Edmund and Hermione," he said fearfully.

Angela beat her to the response. "No. Harry, you didn't do anything. It was my monster of a cousin. Tell me child services has been called," she said fiercely to Minerva.

"The DMLE has presented their findings to the Muggle police. An investigation is ongoing and last I heard, it should be within the next few weeks the police will act," she told Angela.

Harry was shaking. "How did I hurt Edmund. It was me that Uncle Vernon hit," Harry said.

"The bond," Hermione said. "The bond. Harry and Edmund have a bond and I have one with Edmund. The magic is that strong we share each other's pain and wounds?"

"You are brilliant, Hermione," she said sadly.

"This is what you were trying to explain last week," Dan asked Minerva.

"Part of it, yes," she said to him.

"But you said we were too young at eight, to unstable to do something like that? The Weasley or Patil twins don't have a bond like that. Harry lived almost fifty miles away. I didn't think Magic could stretch that far to share things like that," she said in a rush.

"No, the Weasley's and Patil's do not have a bond like this. Normal magic cannot stretch that far nor is typically as strong as you three have experienced," she said to her goddaughter. She knew if Hermione understood, the boys would soon. "This is where I must go back to the beginning of this story. The night Voldemort," she said with a little difficulty, "killed the Potters and left Harry and Edmund orphaned, something happened to enhance their bond. What ever happened, their bond changed and it became more powerful than anything the Healers at St. Mungo's have seen when they finally figured out what was hurting Edmund and you that birthday."

"Something happened. That's why we have our scars," Edmund said rubbing his shoulder.

"You don't have a scar," Harry said, rubbing his forehead.

"He does," Hermione snapped back. "Show him, Ed."

Edmund frowned. "You know I don't like too," he told her.

She looked at him. "Edmund, it's the same thing that Harry has. Show him."

"Hermione Jean Granger, don't force him," Jane said to her daughter.

"Harry has been saying all year he hates that scar. That no one has a scar like his. I have seen them both rub their scars at time. It looks just like Harry's," she said forcibly. Minerva understood some of Hermione's ire, but she was starting to think she was going too far. "Edmund, show him."

"Fine," he huffed and pulled his shirt over his head. "Happy," he said angrily. Minerva frowned and Hermione looked taken aback at his anger. Minerva hated seeing the scars on him. "You once said I was bothering you because I wanted to look at your scar, Harry. I told you I had my own," he pointed to the red and puffy scar on his right shoulder.

His mum took in a sharp breath. "Edmund, that looks infected," she said, torn between holding Harry and getting to her son.

"I'm fine, mum," he said rubbing his scar. As he turned, the lattice work of scarring from other attacks suffered by Harry covered his back and onto his sides. Edmund threw his shirt down at Hermione. "I'm going to my room."

"Edmund, wait," Hermione called after him rushing to her feet.

"Hold on, Ed," Bill said stopping him at the door.

"We aren't done yet and someone needs to look at your scar," Hermione said emotionally.

Edmund yelled at the top of his lungs, "Why! So we can hear how Harry was beat and how we took all the cuts and scars. I have seen his back, Hermione. He has a few scars that look like he just got some bad scrapes and cuts. What about your back? I know why you hate to go swimming and to not wear tank top tops or short sleeve shirts. That bastard killed our parents and now he's the reason Harry has been beat and we have these," he said angrily with tears in his eyes at Hermione as he pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. "I'm glad Harry is here and alive, but why did he have to be beat like that. He's my brother and I was sent here while they beat him, Hermione. My brother was beaten."

"It's okay, Ed," his father said taking Edmund into his arms.

"Let me go," Edmund said trying to get out of Bill's arms. "It's not okay! Hermione has been hurt so many times. Dad, if it wasn't pneumonia, what happened that year! How have I been to St. Mungo's eight times and only remember one?"

Hermione was crying. "Edmund," Hermione squeaked.

"Come here," her mother said and she watched her goddaughter melt into her mother's arms.

"Edmund," Harry said only loud enough for them all to hear. Edmund stopped struggling in Bill's arms and looked towards Harry with tears on his cheeks. "Were you nine and it was close to Christmas?"

Edmund looked at Harry, not saying anything. Tears were leaking down his face. "Yes," Angela said when she saw Edmund wasn't going to say anything. "It wasn't pneumonia. He sat at the dinner table. I never saw anyone go so pale so fast and then he started to wheeze before falling out of his chair. I thought you were going to die in my arms," she said to Edmund in a thick voice. She hugged Harry tighter. "I'm so sorry I wasn't there for you too."

Harry was looking at Edmund. Hermione was crying into Jane's shoulder. "I ran away. A teacher tried to walk me home. I did some magic to teleport out of a sweets shop and ran after Aunt Petunia found me. The last time a teacher reported something I spent a Christmas so beat I couldn't walk for days, had nothing to eat and the teacher was fired. I didn't want that to happen again. I didn't know I was hurting you. I didn't even know you existed," Harry said quietly.

McGonagall couldn't keep the growl from escaping her lips.

"I ran and someone found me half frozen," Harry said. "I don't know who, but I think I was at Hogwarts for a while. I remember a place that looked like the Hospital wing. I didn't know that until we started school though."

"Edmund was at St. Mungo's for three days and it took him a week to get out of bed again," Hermione said. "I was so sick those first few days."

"I know, Hermione. I am just glad the suppression charms held, otherwise you would have been beside Edmund that time in the hospital." She was trying to keep her cool. She was ready to kill Albus the next time she saw him. How could she not know he had been at Hogwarts? That was not supposed to be allowed. "Maybe we should take a break before we talk about the next part. Edmund, here is your shirt." She got up, took up the shirt and walked it over to him.

He took his shirt but didn't move from Bill's arms.

After a few minutes, Hermione looked up from her mother's arms. "Auntie Min, how long did we have suppression charms? I assume they block some or all of our bonds."

"Since that day you did whatever you did with Edmund. That was such a bright light and I was never so scared. You two were screaming and blood started to seep through your shirts," Jane said tearily.

"We agreed to let a Healer from St. Mungo's help you. We couldn't go though. Minerva had to take you," her father said thickly. He flexed his hands a few times, looking upset.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't be there for you," Jane said hugging Hermione closer to her. "You must have been so afraid when you woke up."

Harry was forlorn. "I didn't know I was hurting them."

"You didn't hurt them," Minerva said, her anger finally breaking. "Harry, you were eight. It was the day after your birthday, the day of Edmund's birthday. You are not responsible for what those animals did to you. This bond is also not your fault. Any of yours," she said to her godchildren.

"Auntie Min, how did I make a link with Edmund," Hermione said sitting up and wiping tears from her face after a few minutes. "You said our cores would be too unstable."

Even upset, her little Hermione was curious beyond belief. So far this hadn't gone to plan, and she wasn't sure if they didn't need a break. "Hermione, maybe we should break for a few. I think this next part is more for you and Edmund."

"If Harry wants to be here, I don't want to keep anything from my brother," Edmund said stepping away from Dan and wiping his own tears away. "Is this link going to hurt Harry? I don't want to hurt Hermione."

She sighed. "I really recommend a break for a few," she told them. Edmund put his shirt back on.

"Halloween. The charms were broken Halloween, weren't they," Hermione said. "That was why you needed a Healer from St. Mungo's."

"And the brownie attacks a few weeks ago," Harry said looking at her.

"What attacks," Bill asked. "We weren't told about an attack."

"Yes, you were," Minerva said wearily. "I'm still dealing with angry parents about that night. I sent a letter to you."

Angela pursed her lips. "Minerva, we haven't had a letter from you in over a month. The only time we heard from you was last week when you came to talk about these bonds, but you didn't explain all this. I have always trusted you, but you better not be hiding anything from me about my children. I may not know magic, but I will protect each child in this room as my own in whatever way I need too."

Minerva gave a dark chuckle. "You are so much like Lily, Angela. I have never withheld any information from you that was not under an Oath to prevent me from doing so. Being the godparent of all three now have released me of those bonds and I am trying to explain everything now. And what do you mean you haven't heard from me in over a month? I sent you a letter on February 22nd about the fight they got into in the Great Hall, another on the 24th about the detention that turned into an unsanctioned brownie hunt by first-years and another about two weeks ago to tell you our plans for this week. Jane and Dan, you should have gotten the same letters."

All four of the adults looked at her in confusion and surprise. Minerva pursed her lips. "None of you received those, did you," she asked.

"What the ruddy hell is a Brownie and why was my daughter attacked by them," Dan said angrily.

"Daniel Nathan," Jane admonished her husband.

"I will not apologize. Since they have been there, Hermione has gotten into fights, been attacked by a troll and now she has been attacked by brownies. What kind of school is this," he asked angrily. "You promised us she would be safe, Minerva. That day you took her from us to that place, you promised she would be safe and how many times has she not been!"

It took all her will power not to droop her head. Parents in the magical world were upset at what happened, but they knew the dangers. Apparently, she had not done a good enough job in warning them, but she would not let her godchildren not have their birthrights as magical beings.

"Daniel," Jane said angrily. "None of this is Minerva's fault. Hermione is a witch. Minerva has always told us the magical world is dangerous, but I refuse to have her bound. You saw how much she suffered in our world, and I have never seen her happier than at Christmas or when she came home Saturday."

"You would have my magic bound," Hermione said at her father. She had never seen such a look of betrayal on a young person.

"I would keep you safe," he said angrily to his daughter.

"I will keep her safe," Edmund said moving to Hermione and putting himself between her and her father. "Hermione is the smartest witch at Hogwarts and I will not let her magic be bound."

"You have no say in this, Edmund. You are not my daughter," Dan said stepping up to Edmund, who didn't move aside and looked up to the man.

"But he is our son and you will not yell at him like that," Bill said moving to protect his son.

"Dan, enough," Jane said.

"I am sorry, but Edmund does have some say in this," Minerva said.

Every face in the room turned to her. She met Dan's eyes. "An eleven-year-old boy does not tell me what to do with my daughter."

"Auntie Min, what do you mean?" Hermione was looking at her. She could see the gears turning in her head.

"Hermione is our daughter and we decide what happens to her. Not you, Minerva. We accepted you as her magical guardian, but we are her actual parents."

"Yes, you are Hermione's parents, and that will never change, but the day an eight-year-old girl found a way to make a partner's bond her rights and guardianship are actually shared with her partner. You and I can make decisions for them, but technically, they can make decisions for each other too and you or I can have no say in it. With Edmund being a Scion of an ancient magical line he comes into his majority to claim his families heritage at fifteen, making him her full Guardian at that age, whether he decides to take up his Lordship then or at a later date. We talked about this last week," she almost yelled back at the man. "This is something that you and no one else has any power over. Magic has recognized these bonds since before the druids roamed these Isles and Merlin bound the ancient dragons to the land. They trump any muggle or magical law that the Wizengamot can try to make. I will protect them as I promised, but there are things that no one can protect them from except each other. All I... All we can do, is prepare them for this."

She was on a roll and didn't see the reaction of Edmund, Hermione or Harry. "This is why I asked you and Jane to allow me to accept Hermione in my magical line. It would give her more protections and put her on an equal footing to Edmund. Being an Heiress of a powerful magical House gives her almost the same rights as Edmund. The Ross's are not as old as the Peverells or as powerful as the Potters, but we are not far behind them. There is no way to break this bond, but I will be damned by Morgana before I see them walk blindly into this and not give them both the best chance of making it in the magical or muggle world as I can. I love them as though they were my own children and will do all I can for them."

"You cannot bind this child without binding her partner and I think magic would not allow that," she told him. Her emotions were running high.

Dan stood there, staring at her. His eyes were wide and the room was quiet. She hadn't seen how her power had actually cracked at her fingertips. It took a moment for him to say anything. "You make is sound like they are married or something like that," he said hollowly.

Hermione moved into Edmund's back. She looked frightened. "Are we married," she asked. Edmund's face had paled. "I don't want to be married," Hermione said in a scared voice.

"They are too young," Angela said, a hand on her mouth.

She rubbed her face. She had said to much without explaining what she wanted to first, but she had said what the true truth of the matter was. "No, Hermione and Edmund, you are not married. Not yet anyways. A partner's bond is similar to the twins bond. Your magic is shared and mixed. It will always be that way and you will always find that you two will be drawn to each other because of the shared magic you have now. It is like your cores are intermingled. As you grow, being separated for long periods or long distances may make you feel antsy or sick. Separated by enough time and space, you may actually find that your magic doesn't work quiet the way you know it should."

"Like when I spend time at Grandma's and can't wait to get back," she asked.

"That can be a sign of that, Hermione," she replied sadly.

"So are you saying no matter what, Hermione and I will be together and I have rights over her? That was why you wanted me to claim her as protected by my House, so that it would announce to people we have a bond," Edmund asked her. Edmund and Hermione could act so much older at times, but other times they were typical pre-teens.

"I'm sorry I didn't explain this. I should have, but I wanted you to live as normal children for as long as you could. I failed at that, with all of you," she said looking at Harry too.

Hermione had wrapped her arms around Edmund, but she looked devastated. "You mean this is like some old notion that I have no choice and Edmund can just tell me what to do? Like he owns me?"

"I would never do that," Edmund said.

"You better not," Dan just about barked. "Now, because of magic my daughter is some second class citizen that can't do anything her 'Lord' doesn't allow? We outlawed practices like this. It is barbaric. We should never have let her get into this."

Jane stepped into him. "Stop. You're scaring your daughter. Do you think Edmund would ever do something like that? He has only ever been good to Hermione. He has always tried to protect her. They are best friends, Dan."

Dan ran his hand through his hair. "I did not raise my son to look at a woman that way," Bill said to Dan.

"No, he doesn't own you, Hermione. You are both bonded to each other. You have your independence, and at seventeen, you will be your own full person, but you will always remain bonded to him. You will not be able to make any other bond, Oath or anything that would share your magic with someone or something else without both of you doing the same thing. If you decide to marry, many years from now, neither of you would be able to make a true marriage vow with another person. A partner's bond is one of the most intimate and powerful bonds in our world. It is not a bond many make, and it can almost never be done without a proper ritual," she told her godchildren.

"What does this mean for Harry? Don't Edmund and Harry share a bond? How could I make a partner's bond over that," she asked. She could tell Hermione was looking for all the information she could, looking a little less scared. Edmund was still keeping himself between her and her father.

"They do. It is different though. They have a shared magical start, making their magic shared from the same parents. Their magic will develop in its own way while sharing the same origin. You and Edmund, your magic will always be similar, though you will develop different knacks. They can do as they want, spend any time apart they want," she said.

"But Edmund and Hermione can't, can they," Angela asked.

Harry was still standing back, but she was looking at Edmund and Hermione.

"No," she said looking at her godchildren.

Dan let out a big huff. He ran his hand through his hair a few times. "You know, I need to take a walk. Maybe get a beer," he said to the room.

"I can come with you," Bill said. They had been friends since the day Edmund and Hermione found each other at the local park at two years old or so. Angela and Jane was almost as inseparable as their children.

Dan let out a sigh. "I just need some time to think on my own," Dan said looking at Jane and then Edmund for a long moment before looking at Hermione. After a moment, he opened his arms. "Come here, princess," he said and she rushed into his arms. "I would never hurt you that way."

"I know, daddy," she said to him. After a moment, she stepped back. He kissed his daughter on the forehead before turning to Jane.

"I'll be back in a while," he told her.

"I would rather you stay. Your daughter and Edmund need you," she told him.

He shook his head. "I need to clear my head." Dan turned and walked out of the room. A moment later, the front door opened and close.

Edmund ran his hand through his hair. "Mrs. Granger, I'm sorry. I will never control Hermione that way," he said. He turned to the frizzy hair brunette. "I will never do that," he said with conviction.

"Edmund, you have nothing to apologize for. I know you would never do that to her," Jane said moving in. Hermione was hugging his arm tight and she pulled them both into a hug.

Minerva moved towards Harry. "Harry, are you all right," she asked.

Harry started at her voice. His eyes were unfocused and he looked like a startled deer. "I'm fine," Harry said back to her. "Do you mind if I go up to Edmund's room for a while."

"It's your room too, Harry," Angela told him.

"Yeah," he said.

Edmund sat on the couch as Harry walked out of the room. Bill sat on the couch next to his son. Hermione looked at Edmund and then her. "Auntie Min, did you mean it when you said you wanted to accept me into the House of Ross? What does that mean and will it mean I will be independent?"

She had to smile. Hermione was curious almost to a fault. She could tell the girl was reeling from what they had talked about, but her mind refused to shut down, looking to understand or to answer questions. "I am hoping to name you my heir. I was just waiting for your parents to agree, but technically, I really only need to ask Edmund."

Edmund shook his head. "That is Hermione's and her parents' decision. I will not control her," he said. Angela sat next to him and he leaned into his mum. "I won't control my best friend," he said.

"I know, luv," she said wrapping an arm around her.

"Minerva, I think we need to talk about what this means. Are you up to this, Hermione," Jane asked.

"Jane, there should be a kettle ready to go on the stove, if you want. I'll be in in a bit to get lunch together," Angela told them.

Hermione looked at Edmund. "How could they hurt him like that," Edmund said before burying his face in Angela's shoulder, curling up with her.

Her goddaughter looked close to tears. She looked torn between Minerva and Edmund. After a moment, Hermione stood tall though. "Yes. I want to talk about this, but can we do that here? I don't want to leave Ed."

"Bill, can you go keep Harry company? I don't think he should be alone right now," Angela said to her husband.

"Yeah. I can do that." Bill let out a breath before getting up and heading up the stairs.

"Do you need anything, Angela or Edmund," Jane asked taking her daughter into another hug. "Are you sure you don't want to go into the kitchen? This is something for you, Hermione."

She shook her head, her frizzy hair shaking out of its ponytail. "Ed needs me," she said.

"Let's take a break," Minerva said.