Harry and Minerva stood quietly. The only sounds that of the Goblin's at work for the longest of times. Each lost in their own thoughts. When a perky chirpy voice interrupted them.

"Oh wow. That was a big fella. Oh Harry there you are. Oh my gawd. You killed this?"

Harry turned to see Professor Kingsleigh walking across the Chamber in a set of coveralls and high boots with a bubble head charm around her.

Minerva sighed and turned around, "Is there a problem Professor Kingsleigh?"

"Oh no Minerva no problem at all. I just heard about the Goblins and the Chamber being open. Its all over the school and so I thought I'd come take a look. So is that big stain on the floor something important?"

"Uh yeah. That's where I destroyed a shade of Voldemort."
"Oh my you brave boy. You are really something. Between your wife's brains and your power your kids are going to be something else." She said pinching his cheek.

"Uh yeah." Harry said blushing as that brought up thoughts he wasn't sure he was ready for and that Hermione had pointedly made clear she was unready for.

"What do you mean it is all over the school?" Minerva growled.

"Well apparently Myrtle told one of the other ghosts and they told a ghost who told the portraits as well as several of them saw the Goblins coming in the side entrance. And its all over the place. Malachi and Stephan are upstairs trying to control the crowds and get people to back off.

Harry looked around and saw Colin had somehow managed to get down here and was taking pictures. The flash from his camera barely noticeable in the size of the Chamber. The Goblins ignoring him as long as he stayed out of their way.

"Harry. Wow. This is spectacular. You actually killed this? That's amazing. I knew you were a spectacular wizard Harry." He said as he brought his camera up and took a picture of Harry standing in the Chamber.

"How did you get in here Mr Creevey?" Professor McGonnegal commanded.

"Oh uh. Hi. I came down before the professors got up there." He stammered out.

"I suppose you can remain if you stay out of the way. Earn you keep though and take proper documentary photographs of things. Not just random snapshots."

"Uh yes ma'am. I was working on that. I want to be a professional photographer when I graduate."

"Yes well if you do a sufficiently effective job at this task it will go a long way towards that goal." She nodded at him.

"Uh Harry what's that big black splotch on the floor."

Harry sighed and smiling explained what the big black splotch was. And took him on a small tour of the Chamber. As well as exploring it a bit himself. The fact that Professor Kingsleigh was following them was not lost but Harry thought she was there to observe and explore the place too so ignored her.

"So the snake came out of the mouth of the statue there?"

"uh yeah."

"So what's back there?"

"I have no idea Colin. This is the first time I've been here since that day."
"Wicked. So how do you think we could get up there?"

Professor Kingsleigh giggled, "Well there is always magic you know."

Harry turned and looked around. She had picked up a loose stone and placed it near the statue. Taking her wand the rock transformed into a set of stairs going up to the open mouth of the statue. "There you go. Shall we go up?"

"You and Colin first. If it closes I don't know if I can open it from the other side. Tom was out here when he opened it."

Colin's eyes got wide. "WOW okay yeah. You stay out here Harry please."

"Don't worry Colin. I will."

Colin and the Professor climbed the stairs and entered the mouth. Harry did climb the stairs up and looked in. The chamber seemed to be a large round ball. It was empty of anything and had no other exits. "This must have been where the beast slept in those long eons between times it was awakened. Amazing."

The flash from Colin's camera blinded Harry briefly and he almost fell backwards. Fortunately Professor Kingsleigh had been close enough so she grabbed Harry's hand. "Hey there buddy. Might wanna watch out. That looks like a nasty fall."

Her hand was warm and soft yet strong. It was wrapped around his wrist and when she pulled him back his face wound up briefly buried in her ample bosom before he pulled back. "Uh thanks. I'm okay."

"You sure? You kinda look a bit flustered there."

"Yeah I'm okay. I think I'll go back down. It doesn't look like there is much in here."

"No no it doesn't but then again as we say in transfiguration reality is very fluid.

"I suppose so ma'am."
Harry turned and wandered around the chamber a bit more. The efficient and effective Goblins had already removed almost two thirds of the basilisk. There was only a small bit of chunks and viscera left. He decided that going back upstairs would be a good idea. The Goblin at the bottom of the lift put him next in line to get him out of the way.

He left the area of the bathroom after saying good day to Myrtle. The crowd outside parting for him but still pressing for information. Professors Hobart and Greenleaf were keeping the crowd at bay and that had apparently caused some to wander off.

Harry went back to the married quarters and found Hermione sitting reading a book. She looked up and smiled when he came in.

"Everything ok with Ginny?"

"Yeah she is taking a nap but Anna said she is ok. She just had a flash of memories come through. Nothing that did any damage just a flash." Hermione said with a bit of worry.

"Only you are worried."

"Well yeah. It wasn't one of her memories. It was one of his."

"So what does that mean? What happened?"

"She went into the bathroom and was okay until she saw Myrtle. She remembered her from school and how she was always crying and weeping and apparently annoyed Tom Riddle. Since she was a muggle born he waited for her to be in her bathroom that she had staked out to cry in and released the basilisk on her. Averting his eyes until after she was dead and the Basilisk was back in its chamber."

"Oh great. She remembered that. How did she handle it."

"Well it made her upset. She didn't like the idea of killing someone just because they annoyed her."
Harry nodded understanding that feeling. He had killed Quirrel while defending himself and while everyone told him it was acceptable he still was uncertain how he should feel. That he took a life as Quirrel had been a victim he thought. Even if some had told him that Quirrel had probably voluntarily allowed himself to be ridden.

"Is she alright?"

"She seemed to be assimilating it into her mindscape Anna said. Which is why she is napping."

"I wish I could learn to do that. It might help understanding her."
"I know I asked Anna about it and you not only have to be both a skilled legilemens and occlumens but go through a special apprenticeship as a mind-healer. On top of being a regular healer."

"Wow so a lot of years of training."

"Yeah." Hermione handed Harry the book she was reading. It was a discussion of the skills and spells required to be a healer.

Harry looked at it. "Well good thing I have someone willing to keep me honest and help me study around then."

"Only if you do your work for you. I can't and won't carry you."

Harry frowned, "I know. That was Ron's influence. I really like reading and getting my work done. Not just because the Dursleys would beat me if I didn't get it done but because I did it. I made it. It was one of the few things that was actually totally mine."

Hermione put her arm around him as she snuggled next to him on the couch. "I'm sorry Harry."

He returned the snuggle and they sat quietly. Harry lost in his thoughts and Hermione just letting Harry have his moment and her love.

Ginny came out of her room yawning. "Hey did I miss much?"

"No sweetie. Its still about a half hour before dinner. How are you?"

"I'm okay mom." She said as she wiggled in between Harry and Hermione who moved to let her.

"So seeing Myrtle didn't do anything bad?" Harry asked softly.

"No not really dad. I just remembered her. She wasn't really that bad. She was just homesick a lot and bullied. Girls picked on her because she wasn't very fashionable and had some skin problems. They were very cruel to her. He he didn't care about her. He just wanted to kill someone to test his control over that thing. To do some weird ritual."
"Did you tell Anna about what you remembered?"

"No not really. It was still too confusing and broken when she was here. I remembered it like a dream during my nap."

Hermione was biting her lip looking at Harry.

"Do you think this is one of those things Dumbledore wants out of my head?"

"Its possible. We shouldn't tell anyone yet." Harry was looking grim.

"But what about professor Hobart Harry? He's friends with Mister Moody?"

Harry frowned. "I suppose we can trust him. I'm going to go as spare as Moody if this keeps up though."

"So what all do you remember?
"I remember he said something to a snake on the sink then moved over and spoke to the basilisk. Myrtle screamed and he said some more to the thing. Then he began to do some kind of ritual preparations with her body. Only anything else is gone. I know he was thinking about how that was it and he would take the first step. But other than that its all blurry and strange and makes my head hurt to try and push."
Harry stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. "Then don't push it. Okay. Just let it either come on its own or not."

Ginny nodded and leaned back. "I feel bad for Myrtle. Is there anything we can do for her?"

Hermione sighed, "People become ghosts for a variety of reasons. Either because they are scared of death or didn't accept it and have enough willpower to stay here, or they have something unfinished."
"Given the way she goes on about being dead I would kinda say she accepts she is dead. So she probably has something unfinished."

"Maybe we can ask her about it." Ginny said sitting up looking hopeful.

"Maybe when the traffic around there slows down we can. Right now I think half the school is trying to get in there. Professors Hobart and Greenleaf were working traffic control when I came back here."

Hermione shook her head, "Big surprise. The sensational aspects are probably all people care about not the history."

"I dunno Colin and Professor Kingsleigh seemed to find it interesting. He was taking pictures and she was looking around. They went up into where the Basilisk slept. I stayed out."

"Well that's a good thing."

Several days went by. The excitement of the Harvest of the Basilisk fading back down to the normal let life get back to a sense of normal. Classes moved along quite well. Greenleaf was satisfied that everyone was not going to poison, explode or destroy themselves so he began to teach basic potions appropriate to their age level. Professor Kingsleigh had begun teaching them how to change the color, cut or texture of their clothes and other practical transfigurations. Defense had begun to branch out into the various physical aspects which cost them a few more from the club. The Potters and their friends though working harder to become stronger. Harry was very highly motivated and worked quite hard at it. As well as at Quidditch. Even if Fred and George were not overly happy to have him on the team it seemed like.

The first game of the season came about. Harry was hovering high above the crowds but he could still see his friends and family in the stands. Ginny and Hermione both wearing his Jersey while Neville sat between Luna with her long silvery blonde hair glinting in the sun and Lavender's more honey blonde setting her apart on the other side. They all waved and he gave them a big thumbs up. Professor Hobart was sitting not far from them chatting with some of the older students and the Grangers.

Madam Hooch blew the whistle starting the game and his senses went on alert. Flying around in lazy figure eights over everyone he knew that since this game was against Slytherin Malfoy was not going to let it go easy. He saw Malfoy drifting slowly along the edges of the field. He also felt a bludger go flying past him close enough to ruffle his hair. This caused Harry to kick the broom into a few evasive maneuvers as he had a case of deja vu from Dobby's efforts in second year. Fortunately it didn't seem like the bludger was following him. Dismissing it as just a reckless shot by the Slytherin beaters.

The game was moving fast as players swung about and kept the quaffle moving back and forth. The snitch was still hidden and Harry had to work to stay out of the way of the players as they dove and climbed and maneuvered around each other. The twins were not being gentle or subtle with the bludgers. Sometimes even Gryffindor players had to evade one of their strikes.

As he was flying around he caught a glimpse of someone in the stands. Sitting at the top row all alone and looking at him seriously was Ron Weasley. Harry was sure it was Ron as he had the distinctive Weasley hair and one of Molly's jumpers. He had to dodge another bludger and when he looked back Ron was gone. He shook his head as he tried to get the hallucination out of his head. He swung a bit closer to that section of the stands and didn't see any way for someone to escape without getting noticed. As it was common knowledge Ron was dead anyone seeing him would definitely have reacted. Malfoy caught the snitch though while he was hovering confused. Madam Hooch blew her whistle signaling the end of the game.

"What the fuck Potter. You get lost or something?" one of the twins shouted at him.

"Really did you forget how to play?"

Wood was shouting at them to shut up and leave Harry alone. He was going on the assumption one of the twin's reckless bludger strikes had clipped him. The shouting turned into shoving between Oliver and the twins which brought Madam Hooch over.

Malfoy came up alongside Harry and smirking tossed the snitch up and down a few times. "So looks like the glory boy seeker blew it."

"Stuff it Malfoy." Harry said without any heat still studying the stands.

Malfoy looked at the stands and scoffed, ""What are you looking at? Trying to find a clue how you lost?"

Harry just ignored the blonde git and hovered closer to the stands. He heard Hermione calling his name. So he flew over to her.

"Harry are you alright. You look like you saw a ghost."

"I may have. I better go get cleaned up." He pulled the broom over into an Immelman and flew to the locker rooms. The rest of the team having been ejected already.

Changing out he got shoved into a locker by one of the Weasley twins, "look Potter. What's your problem?"

"You had one fucking job smart boy. You blew it and cost us the game."
Wood came out of the showers "Guys get off him. You're already off the team for two games do you want to get into more trouble."

"Oh stuff it Oliver. This is between us and Potter here."

"No Fred. I won't stuff it. You played like shite out there. I'm surprised you didn't get someone hurt bad with that kind of play. I warned you in practice. The game is more important than anything personal."

George took and punched Oliver in the jaw knocking him down. "Fuck you and Fuck the game. We need to make sure Potter understand his place in the universe."

Oliver didn't care what was going on with Potter but he was not going to let George put him on his backside unchallenged.

"Ever since this summer when our mum and brother died he has been going around with that stupid bint he's tried to pass off as our sister. Somehow he got the whole school to go along with his game. So he can lord it over everyone and be the center of it all. King Potter lord of Hogwarts." Fred said slamming Harry against the locker again.

As the twin had his forearm against Harry's throat he was struggling to breath. His wand was on the floor having fallen out of his pants pocket when he was body slammed into the locker.

"It was Dumbledore. Dumbledore did it." Harry croaked out.

"Oh stuff it Potter. I don't care to hear it. Just..." Fred stopped talking as a stunner hit him.

George turned from fighting with Oliver to take a bright red stunner tot he chest as well.

Seeing that it was Professor Kingsleigh Oliver yelped and pulled his jersey over his fresh from the shower form.

"Nice broom there Mr Wood."" She said wiggling her eyebrows.

"Professor? What are you doing in here?"
"I was talking to Katie Bell when we heard scuffling and shouting coming from in here. Looks like things were a bit more heated than I thought."

"yeah just a bit." Harry said rubbing his throat.

She looked him up and down. Which reminded Harry he was in his boxers. Pulling his pants on quickly he finished dressing. "So what's going to happen with them?"

"Well I'm not head of Gryffindor house so I'll just tell Malachi about it and let him deal with them. Oh go ahead and get dressed Oliver. I've seen more male equipment in my life than yours. Hell I've had more male equipment than you." Then she laughed. "So you okay Harry?"

"I think so."

"okay well lets go and let Oliver get dressed in comfort."

"uh yes ma'am."

As they walked out Alice chuckled, "Don't be so nervous Harry. I like my partners to be a bit less married and a bit more of legal age at least. This is just professional."

Harry chuckled at that. "Sorry I didn't mean to seem like I thought you were."
"Oh nothing to be sorry about. If you met those criteria I would have invited you back to my quarters already. Your wife's a very lucky girl. Especially after getting to look at you in your boxers there." She grinned.

Harry blushed, "Uh we haven't done anything yet."

"Really I thought the scuttlebutt was you guys had a magical marriage bond. Those require consummation and can't be undertaken by virgins."

He shrugged, "We've been told by everyone that our bond is real and registered with the ministry as a magical bond. I mean our records here at the school show it too."

"Yeah I talked to Minerva about it. Wow. I guess the rumors of you breaking the rules of magic and reality are true then."

Harry blushingly shrugged. "I dunno."

Patting him on the arm she cooed, "Such a modest fellow. God I wish more of my partners were as nice as you are. Maybe I'd get married too."

"Uh maybe ma'am."

Back in their quarters Hermione, Ginny, Neville, Luna and Lavender were sitting there with the Grangers after Harry told them about seeing Ron and the way Fred and George were acting. He even told them about the discussion with Professor Kingsleigh.

"That doesn't sound right Harry. Are you sure it was Ron?"
"How many guys with an ugly purple sweater with a big red R with that shade of red hair are there in the school Mione?"

Biting her lip she shook her head. Lavender and Luna couldn't come up with any other than Fred and George with that particular shade of red. It was a distinctive family trait. Sort of like the Malfoy wispy white hair or the bustiness of the Bones family.

"So since Ron's dead and you can't poly juice off a dead person then what did I see?"

"Are you sure you saw something at all Harry?" Luna asked with a frown.

"Why what do you mean?"

"Well you have been under a lot of stress and you and Ron used to enjoy Quidditch. Probably one of the few things you both honestly enjoyed together as friends."

"So you think I hallucinated him?"

Lavender sighed, "She may be right Harry. This is the first time you've played in a game since he died. Maybe you didn't hallucinate him and he came back spiritually to watch. Who knows."

"Well I've heard of die-hard fans before but not sure about the coming back from the dead to watch a game level." Dan quipped.

"This is the magical world dad."

"I know pumpkin I was talking to Nick the other day as he was asking about the Walkman I was showing in class. I still say I wish I could show some video tapes or TV shows in here."

"Well the high magic levels make that impossible."

"The Range Rover runs around here though?"

"Well maybe they just build things tougher."

"Or maybe your pure-bloods are lying to you guys to make you think that's the way it works."

Hermione started to say something then frowned, "It would make sense I suppose. I need to find a way to test that."

"Yeah but didn't you say that in Hogwarts a History they said that magic and technology don;t work together?" Lavender pointed out.

"I know but Arthur Weasley had a flying Ford Anglia that could turn invisible."

Luna sighed then said "Father has discovered that the ruling members of society do not want to emulate muggles too closely. That would be another debasement of the wizarding world according to the pure-blood. Technology and Magic work very nicely together."

Dan grinned, "Really? Do you think I could talk to your dad about that?"

"He wrote several articles over the last few years but the ministry had them suppressed. I can get him to send you a copy of them if you want."
"Yeah I'd love that Luna. I might be able to show them a few things in class that would really blow their minds then."

Hermione looked worried, "Dad don't go making too many waves. The pure bloods don't like that."

"Pumpkin don't worry. I've got this."

Getting back on topic they couldn't agree on what the vision or specter of Ron was really so they moved on. The behavior of the twins was chalked up to their lack of morality or compassion after their mental tampering by Dumbledore. While Ginny managed to recover and come out nicer they recovered but came out worse.

As for Professor Kingsleigh Dan called her a cougar which he had to explain and Hermione got a very cross look. Although her questioning their consummation of the marriage oaths did make Hermione pause and become a bit concerned.

Later that evening they learned that the Twins had been suspended from all flying, denied Hogsmeade access and would be serving detentions with filch for the next week. This was from Malachi himself.

Hermione asked to speak with Professor McGonnegal after dinner and they made their way to the headmaster's office while Harry and Ginny went back to their quarters.

Hermione was late coming back. Harry was sitting up waiting reading the book on healing magic Hermione had left for him when she came in and sat beside him.

"Hey is everything ok?"

Hermione was biting her lip. "Wheres Ginny?"

"She went ahead and went to bed. We played some chess then talked about the homework Greenleaf assigned."
"Professor Greenleaf." she corrected automatically but quietly.

He chuckled but sensing something was wrong looked at her questioningly.

She took a deep breath like she was getting ready to dive off a cliff and took his hand. "I was thinking about what Professor Kingsleigh said about our bond. So I had professor McGonnegal double check the records."
"Ok and what did they say?"

"They say we're still bonded but I was worried about that consummation bit. I'm still considered a virgin magically by Madam Pomfrey's scan. I had her check tonight."
"Okay but I thought that magic decided that we had done enough or something."
"Well yeah but what if we had done only the bare minimum and the bond is starting to fade or someone tries to break it. What could happen then."

Harry shrugged, "I guess we stay friends and then do it again at some point."

"Or we could..go ahead...and. Consummate it tonight and make sure."
Harry froze blinking. "As in sex?"
Hermione chuckled, "As in use the bond ritual and then having sex yes. We are both physically old enough to do so and when I went to hospital I asked madam Pomfrey for a monthly potion. So we won't have to worry about uh any more uh expansions to our family yet." She had worried her lip while saying all that refusing to look directly at Harry.

"Oh and you're sure we are, we need to do this?"
"yes I am sure. I mean technically we are already married and mom and dad are okay with it. They like you and approve of you. And I took the precautions. She gets so few requests for the male potion that she didn't have any on hand or I'd have brought one for you too."

He sat there staring straight ahead too now, "Uh oh. Okay. So uh what do we do?"
"You do know how to do the physical act right?"

Harry blushed nodded, "Uh yeah your dad told me and uh explained a few things."

Hermione nodded, "ok. I'm going to go shower and clean up. So let's go get ready."

She got up and held her hand out for him with a shy smile. He followed her. While she was in the shower he fretted if she should disrobe now or wait for her to come out or what to do. He paced a bit until she walked out with a towel wrapped around her. He froze looking at her. She had a blush forming that went down her throat and under the towel.

"Uh Harry you're a bit over dressed for this." She tried to make a joke.

"Yeah should I go shower and get ready too or."

"You showered already?"

"Uh yeah but would it be better."

Taking a deep breath she shook her head. "No Harry just get undressed. I have the words we need to say. I talked to Professor McGonnegal who checked. These are the reunification bonds that we say. So it won't negate the previous band but reinforce it. Sometimes wizards and witches like to, for their anniversary, renew their vows like muggles do."

Harry nodded unsure of what else to say. She stood there looking at the floor so he girded his courage and started undressing. Once he was unclothed standing across from her she looked up and smiled. Chuckling, "I see what Lavender meant."
He blushed but swallowed, "Your turn?"

She dropped the towel and walked to before him. He watched her move with his breath hitching a few times.

"I know I'm not very pretty but I do love you."
"Hermione I think you're beautiful."

"You're just saying that because you don;t have a large sample of girls to compare from."

"And I don't want a large sample. I want you."

Blushing she reached over to the nightstand and picked up a piece of paper. "This is what I say then you say this. You'll put your hand over my heart and I'll put my hand over yours while we do that."
"And then we uh."
"We consummate it."

He smiled and when she put her cool small hand over his heart he felt a tingle run through him. He put his hand over her heart. Noticing how it fit between her small but perfect bosom. She seemed to be breathing hard too.

She started in almost a whisper but her voice grew stronger as she spoke, "I Hermione Jean Potter nee Granger of free will and love do offer my body, soul, mind and magic to Harry James Potter for so long as the love shall last. So mote it be." She then nodded at Harry who had frozen looking into her deep brown eyes. Like twin pools of rich chocolate.

He cleared his throat then spoke, "I Harry James Potter of free will and love do offer my body, soul, mind and magic to Hermione Jean Potter nee Granger for so long as the love shall last. So mote it be."
A warm glow spread from their chest infusing them with it. Harry leaned forward and kissed Hermione. She kissed him back as they made their way into the bed. Fumbling awkward caresses eventually began to become more assured and gentle in equal measure. He paused looking into her eyes for permission, for reassurance before sliding into her gently and firmly. A slight gasp and their consummation assured. Gentle rocking led to a pleasant ending for both. Holding her a warm soft feeling in their bodies as if bathed in the hot springs Harry kissed her brow, her lips. Nuzzled her throat. Words were not needed as they held each other love speaking volumes. Sleep came to them soon enough.

Waking the next morning Harry was still holding Hermione. He looked into her sleeping face. A small smile on her lips. He felt warm and content to just lay there staring at her.

Hermione woke up and winced as she moved slightly. Opening her eyes she saw Harry looking at her with a bit of worry. "Good morning love."

"Good morning are you ok? I didn't hurt you?"

Hermione sighed , "No no more than I was expecting. Madam Pomfrey said it might ache for a bit but that I would be okay."

Harry smiled at her, "ok. I was worried."
"I know you are Harry. You wouldn't be you if you didn't worry about everyone else getting hurt over yourself."

He shrugged. "So what now?"
Hermione sighed pulling the blankets below her breasts. "Well I suppose this doesn't alter your feelings towards me. I know I still love you."

"I love you too Hermione."

"Well since we have now opened up the physical aspects of our relationship we can and will explore that. I want you to know I don't want you just for that though."
"Well yeah. That's just like icing on the cake. And while icing is great you can't live on just icing."

Hermione frowned at the awkward way Harry phrased that but understood his meaning. "Ok as long as you're aware this is not going to happen every night or at the drop of a hat. We have a lot of things we need to worry about. Although I do enjoy the cuddling and there are some alternatives we can explore as well."

"I'll trust you with that and all. I won't push. Much maybe." He grinned.

Sighing. "Yeah okay. We are in this together though so as long as we talk and act responsible it will work out."

Harry leaned over and kissed her. "I will do whatever it takes to stay with you and make you happy."

Hermione hugged him back and kissing him showed how happy she was to hear that. "Good I want that too. We'll work together."

"Yeah. You want first in the shower?"

She blushed, "Uh one of the alternative things mom told me about was showering together. Maybe we could try that?"

Harry could see no reason why not.

Walking into breakfast holding hands and smiling Harry and Hermione made several people applaud to their embarrassment. Ginny had already come down and warned everyone that her mom and dad were going to be running late as they had some sort of religious ritual they were performing. Emma took a moment to explain what was going on causing Ginny to blush profusely.

Sitting down to breakfast the Potters endured a bit of good natured teasing from Lavender and Parvati. Neville just grinned back at Harry and shook his head. Congratulating him.

Postal owls and a few family owls came in the window. Lazily dropping their bundles at their recipients. Mostly Sunday editions of the Daily Prophet a few letters here and there or care packages from home. Harry though blinked in surprise when a letter dropped in front of him.

"Who's that from?" Hermione tried to see from the side.

"I dunno." Harry cast detection spells on it that Hobart had taught them. Not seeing any threat he picked it up and read the address. "Its from Sirius Black."

"Oh hes out of the hospital?"

"I guess. Its from an address in London. Grimmould place."

"Well open it and see what he says Dad." Ginny urged

Shrugging Harry opened the letter and began reading. "It seems he has been hearing about us and what has been going on. He wants to meet us and say hello. I'm supposed to let him know when. At the very least he wants me to write him and talk."

Hermione hummed in thought. Neville pointed out that Saturday was a Hogsmeade weekend.

"Maybe you guys could meet him then."
"We would have to make sure that there would be enough protection for Ginny if something happened." Hermione stated with no room for argument.

"Yeah I know. Maybe we could talk to Professor Hobart?"

"He might have some suggestions."

Lavender smiled, "Well I don't think I would mind going to the Three Broomsticks with Neville and you guys."

Luna suddenly sat down beside Neville, "Neither would I mind. Although why would be going there when there are plenty of available broom closets and Harry and Hermione have their own private rooms?"

Neville having become if not used to Luna's way of saying things at least resigned smiled at her and explained about Sirius Black wanting to meet Harry and his family.

"Oh and since we are part of your family we are invited Harry?" The blonde girl smiled hopefully at him. Harry looked at her and nodded, "Yeah you guys are like a big part of our family so sure."

"Oh that is very wonderful. I am happy." She said practically purring. "Although since Ginny calls me Aunt Luna that would mean I would be your sister or Hermione's. And since I'm a pure blood and neither of you are we couldn't date."

Hermione shook her head, "I don't think you and Harry could date anyhow as I'M married to him."
"Well there is that but I wasn't limiting myself to only dating Harry. You really shouldn't sell yourself short Hermione. You are rather cute too." Luna patted her on the cheek.

"Uh thanks I guess." Hermione frowned. Still not quite used to Luna's eccentricities.

"Although you are correct Hermione you and Harry work much better as a monogamous pair. Neville though has four girls all pursuing him and will have to decide if he wishes to set up an poly-amorous relationship or become monogamous himself."
"Luna I'm not even old enough to be sure I am ready to be dating anyone."

"Well you opinion is noted but the girlfriend council has already decided that you are old enough to date. So you're outvoted."

"The girlfriend council?" Neville squeaked.

"Well yes. I am the executive officer, Lavender is our secretary, Susan is our Master at arms and Hannah is the rest of the council body. Although as Susan has the largest breasts in our group I suggested she be the membership body at large but I was outvoted."

Neville turned to Lavender who just shrugged with a small smile on her face, "Do you know what shes talking about?"

"Uh yeah. Sorry Neville but out of our class year you are the most eligible male. Since Harry's off the market."

"Who said that?" He was breathing hard and glancing around.

"Well we took a poll. The first round was opened for all boys in all four houses of our year. The second round was the top ten from the previous round. Then the final round was the five top from the second round. You where in the top three of all three rounds, winning the final round by popular acclaim and almost 80% of the votes."

"Who were the other two finishers?"

"Well Blaise Zabini in Slytherin and Ernie Macmillan in Hufflepuff in that order. However it was felt that you are a very sweet, caring, patient and kind person with quite a lot of nice potential when puberty gets done with you."

"UH gee thanks Luna." Neville sighed burying his face in his hands.

"No problem Neville dear. We will be developing a membership application though for potential members of the club but the council will have first dibs on you. You of course will have final acceptance of those in the general membership. You may not veto the executive council though."

"Luna I don't think that's how it works." Harry voiced in a concerned tone.

"Well you and Hermione bypassed dating and went straight to married with kids, you might as well be middle aged so what do you know?"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other then back at Luna. Harry started laughing. "Fine Luna you win. Neville you're on your own. I need to go talk to Professor Hobart."
"Coward." Neville hissed.

Harry smiled and wiggled his fingers at Neville in a wave as he walked off. As he was walking away he heard Luna asking Hermione if she could draw up a fair and equitable time sharing plan for the group to date Neville with.

Approaching the head table he cleared his throat. "Yes Mr Potter?" Professor Hobart said.

"I was wondering if I could speak with you sir?"

"Certainly pull up a chair."
Harry looked around and saw no empty chairs nearby. "Uh sir?"

"Ah yes Alice could I trouble you for a chair?"

"Oh no problem Malachi." The transfiguration professor came around set an orange on the floor and turned it into an overstuffed comfortable chair that smelled slightly of citrus.

"Thank you ma'am."

"Oh don't ma'am me Harry. Its Sunday. I'm technically off the clock. That makes me a human not a professor."

"Uh yeah sure ok."

"anyhow thank you Alice."

"Okay Mal." She blew him a kiss then went back to her seat.

Harry sat down. "Uh sir. I got this in the mail today." He handed over the letter from Sirius.

While Malachi was reading it Professor Greenleaf looked up, "What is the new bit of chaos with Mr Longbottom and his paramours."

"Uh the girls voted him the most eligible male in our year. And Luna is apparently president of the executive council of girlfriends."
Malachi laughed, "Well if the boy's not careful he might wind up with a harem there. I don't know if I should be jealous of or afraid for him."

"yes sir." Harry shrugged.

"Being a happily married man you don't have to worry about such things I suppose."

"Not if I want to continue breathing through the proper organs I think."

Professor Sprout giggled, "The young man is getting wisdom."

"Perhaps he'll have to transfer to Ravenclaw at this rate." Flitwick teased.

Alice huffed, "No way am I giving up the Potters. They are the crown jewels of my house."

Harry blushed at the relaxed teasing and friendly banter. "Uh yeah I'm happy with Gryffindor and I know Hermione and Ginny are too."

Minerva smiled and raised her glass to him in acknowledgment.

"Well Harry I suppose you can tell Sirius that you and your family will meet him Saturday at 1300. If you really want to meet him. I can make sure there is plenty of security on hand if he tries anything or someone else tries to take advantage of things. Are you sure your family wants to meet him too?"

"I'm not sure we got distracted by Luna. And I wasn't sure if you would think it was a trap or something."

"Does it feel like a trap?"

Harry thought for a minute and looked at the paper like he could read the mind of the author. "I'm not sure. I don't think so. I mean Sirius Black wouldn't have much love lost for Dumbledore since he was directly responsible for Sirius spending a dozen years in Azkaban. So I doubt he would willingly help him. He's been in Saint Mungo's until recently and that would mean his mind has been tested for spells and such so unless something happens between now and Saturday he should be safe."

"So with your friends and family in place you would say the risk is minimal, moderate or high?"

Harry frowned. "Moderate. It is a public place, there will be no guarantees that Sirius will not be compromised between now and then assuming he wasn't when he wrote the letter. Also no guarantee of him not bringing friends."

"Perhaps a certain wolfen friend you're thinking?"

Harry nodded, "They were close with my dad. So its possible, actually highly likely that he would invite him along."

"And the positives?"

"It will be a public place, we know the location, we can tell him one time but set up earlier. Hermione, Ginny, Neville and myself along with whichever one of Neville's girlfriends will be there and able to cause trouble to drive him off or call for help."

"Very good. Now of course never forget that no plan of action ever survives contact with the opposition so you have to be fluid and able to react quickly. But that sounds like a good plan so far. I suggest you talk it over with your family including the Grangers who are politely staying out of this but are chomping at the bit to giver their opinion." He said nodding at Dan and Emma who had been studiously holding a conversation with Minerva and Flitwick while trying to eavesdrop.

"Honestly mister Gandalf sir I wasn't dropping no eaves." Dan deadpanned before grinning widely.

Malachi sighed, "Yes well as you can see Mr Granger's sense of humor should be sufficiently lethal on its own."

"Well I guess I better get back to Mione and Gin. Then we can go talk it over?" Looking at Dan and Emma.

"Certainly Harry that would be wonderful. We'll be by your apartment in say 20 minutes." Emma smiled at him.

"Ok meet you then." Harry nodded to the various professors and went back to the table. Neville and his girls had gone off leaving a very amused Ginny and flummoxed Hermione.

"So what did I miss?"

"Uh I think Luna has established that she is Neville's prime girlfriend in the harem and that there will be auditions for the other positions over the next several weeks." Ginny explained between giggles.

"oh and Neville's okay with that?"

"I'm not sure he has a choice in the matter." Hermione shook her head. Ginny was laughing at the entire situation.

"Well we're meeting your parents at the apartment to discus meeting Sirius with them. Professor Hobart agrees its a moderate risk but its up to us if we want to."

"Okay good we should talk it over."

"Yeah unlike Neville and his love life."

The Potter and Granger families were sitting around the living room of the Potter married quarters. They had discussed the threat and the possibility of Sirius doing something.

"Now I suppose we have to ask do you really want to meet him Harry?" Emma asked him point blank.

"I don't know. He was dad's best and closest friend supposedly. The way he talks he knew me when I was a baby, practically from the moment I was born. He even mentioned buying me my first broom."

Hermione rubbed his arm. "I think you should at least meet him this once. Out of politeness sake. Then tell him any further contact should be through owl until you feel more comfortable around him."
"Ginny?"

She shrugged, "I don't know him. But then I don't remember over half my classmates. So I'll trust you guys."

"Ok Sweetie. I think we'll let daddy make the final decision on this."
Harry took a deep breath and then nodded. "Yeah I'll meet him this one time and see how it goes from here. That sounds good."

Harry had written back and made the arrangements. The week seemed to drag on and on as he alternately looked forward to the meeting and dreaded it.

A late October Saturday dawned bright and sunny. A rarity in the south of Scotland in the fall. There was just the hint of crispness in the air. Luna was wearing a tight sweater over a mid thigh length skirt and standing on Neville's left. Chatting with Susan, Hannah and Lavender when the Potter's came down after Breakfast for their trip to Hogsmeade.

"Hey guys. How's things with the harem Nev?"

Rolling his eyes Neville grinned, "Its just fine Harry. How's things in married land?"

"Great." He said pulling Hermione in a one armed hug.

A tall skinny blonde with bright blue eyes and a nice sized bosom wearing her hair in pigtails came up. She was wearing Gryffindor colors and scuffing the floor interrupted everyone, "Uh Miss Luna. Since you're the matriarch of Mister Longbottom's you're the one I'm supposed to ask to go ona date with him?"

Neville made a strange little noise at this strange girl coming up.

Luna tilted her head at the girl then frowned, "Well yes I am the head of the executive girlfriend council as we are not an official harem yet. Although Professor Kingsleigh don't you think you are a bit old for Neville?"

The girl's demeanor changed instantly into something suspicious but then relaxed, "I"d heard you were an odd duck there Miss Lovegood. How did you see through my brilliant disguise?"

Luna shrugged, "You just look odd. Your aura is all over the place. Since you are a transfiguration professor I suppose that is appropriate as Professor McGonnegal has a slightly skewed aura as well. Then she doesn't engage in as many personal transformations as you do."
"Ahh so you're a seer?"
"Not quite. I am merely very observant, not omniscient."
"Ahh good to know your limits then. And Sorry Neville Malachi thought that my slipping into your little group would be a good idea to help protect Ginny and her parents."
Neville looked relieved , "Oh that's perfectly alright ma'am."

"Call me Alice today at least." She said coming around to hang on his right arm. "As I'm a potential girlfriend you know..."

Luna raised her eyebrow and gave a grumpy frown, "Yes ma'am. Just try not to lose yourself in your role." She said as she took Neville's other arm and began to lead the group out and down the driveway.

Harry holding Hermione and Ginny's hands laughing at Neville's predicament.

"I don't think Uncle Neville has it all that bad daddy."

"No I don't suppose. Still better him than me."

Arriving at the Hogsmeade the group took some time to wander around looking at the various stores. Getting some candy at Honeydukes which Hermione was hesitant about until it was pointed out that magicals did not get cavities and even if they did there was a potion that would take care of it.

"Mom and dad must be bummed about that. No need for dentists with that potion."

"No not really pumpkin. That means no Gertrude Perkins biting my fingers either." Dan said coming up behind the Potters.

"Hi dad. Where's mom?"

"She's over at the bookstore looking at their selections. She said she'll meet us down at the Three Broomsticks pub."

"Oh cool. Do we have enough time to stop by the bookstore too Harry?"

Alice giggled and said, "Yeah if you don't take forever."
Dan groaned theatrically, "Well there goes the weekend. Hermione not taking infinity and a day in a bookstore. Inconceivable!"
"You keep using that word dad. I don;t think it means what you think it means." Hermieon said elbowing him gently in the gut.

"Oh elder abuse. Stop stop." he said clutching his belly laughing.

Entering the bookstore they found Emma talking to the witch behind the counter. Dan going up and running his hand down his wife's back to cup her bum causing her to startle and spin around. "Dan! I swear you are incorrigible."
"Sorry must be all these teenagers running around getting my hormones up."

"Oh behave." She fluttered her eyelids and patted him on the chest.

Luna studied the interaction very closely.

Hermione and Harry chuckled and wandered off with Ginny into the back of the store being used to the way Dan and Emma acted like they were the teens sometimes.

Lavender and Alice checked out the teen magazines in the front rack while Susan and Hannah waited outside with Neville.

Hermione found a few books on healing and protective magics and one on sex magic which the clerk chuckled at causing her to blush. Harry merely raised his eyebrow at the book causing Hermione to give a sly smile.

Arriving at the Three Broomsticks Harry and his family took a long table in the back. Neville and his entourage took a table next to them.

A few minutes after 1300 a pair of men walked into the pub. They stood out as the one had long curly black hair hanging loose to his shoulders and a neatly trimmed goatee. He had a slightly hunted look about him with his eyes darting around quickly like he was expecting threats. The other man had tweedy clothes that were a bit on the better side of threadbare but still decent.

Harry could tell when he got spotted as the dark haired man's face lit up in a huge smile. He elbowed the brown haired man who had a small mustache and they made their way through the crowd. Harry had still not seen Professor Hobart but he did notice Professor Greenleaf and Headmistress McGonnegal sitting in the corner talking with professor Flitwick. When he pointed that out to Hermione she wondered who was watching the castle.

Coming up to the table Sirius Black went to move around the table but got stopped by Neville and Luna. "Whoa pup. I come in peace no need to have the honor guard get so tense."

Harry narrowed his eyes but smiled standing up. "You have to understand things are rather tense now. And we were not expecting you to bring a guest."
"Well Remus was otherwise unoccupied so I thought he might like to come along and say hi."
Harry nodded. "Hello sir."
"So wanna introduce me?"

"This is my wife Hermione. Our daughter Ginny. This is Dan and Emma Hermione's parents. That's Neville, Luna, Alice, Hannah, Susan and Lavender."

"Neville? Neville Longbottom? Wow. You've turned out pretty well. Frank and Alice would be proud of you. Especially Frank with the nice arm candy there." Sirius grinned. Neville just worked his mouth like he was deciding between disappointed frowning and angry frowning.

"Okay tough crowd. So how you been?"

Harry sighed. He didn't want to reveal too much too soon and not in front of Remus Lupin.

"Ok. Things have gotten better in the last year."

"Oh I can imagine. I've heard quite a lot of things going on with you guys. Pretty spectacular."

"Yeah you could say that." harry grumped.

"Hey no need to get huffy with me. I'm on your side."
"So you say so far. I don't know you."

Remus smiled softly. "So you don't remember either of us Harry?"

"No I don't. Maybe since you were not in prison for a decade you could have troubled yourself to check up on me sooner. Then I might remember you."

Lupin opened and closed his mouth a few times before saying, "Albus told me that you were safe and that it would cause more problems for me to contact you. I had no reason not to trust him."
"So you didn't care about me enough to see for yourself? At least Sirius has an excuse."

"Harry you have to understand given my condition I am limited in what I can do."

"OH yeah you're a werewolf. SO what. I was placed with Muggles. As long as you didn't show up on their door slavering in drool they wouldn't have known you from a Mormon." Harry crossed his arms.

"But Albus said..."

"I don't give a rat's arse what Dumbledore said. That bastard put me in a house with people who abused me daily. Verbally, physically, mentally abused me. He tried to kill my daughter and he did kidnap me and a muggle girl. He felt no big deal about that and told me to my face he didn't care about the law. He is nothing but pure evil trash no better than Voldemort. If you say anything else about that creature I'll have you removed."

Sirius reached out to take Harry's arm as he had started pointing at Remus. Dan shook his head glaring at Sirius who ignored him. When he touched Harry there was a snap and the smell of singed cloth and flesh. Hermione was holding her wand pointed at him glaring. Remus looked like someone had hit him with a silver ball bat.

"Ouch! That hurt." Sirius shrieked like a little girl.
"It was supposed to you twit." Hermione hissed. "Keep your hands to yourself. And Mr Lupin. I am sorry but no matter how you personally feel about that man we do not like nor trust him. We do not want to hear anything about him other than he is serving the rest of his life in Azkaban where he belongs. So if you wish to get to know my husband you will abide by and respect our wishes. There are enough of our friends here that if you cause any trouble you will not enjoy it."

Sirius took a deep breath then started barking out laughter, "Well Harry looks like you took after your father in more than just the good looks department. Got yourself quite the spunky little spitfire there. I like her."

"I am rather fond of her too." Harry smirked back.

"Well Mrs Potter. I am sorry for the bad start of this. Remus and I have not exactly been operating in proper social circles for a time and uh may be a bit out of practice."
"As Harry said you have an excuse. Mr Lupin does not." Hermione's nostrils were flaring and her eyes cold unblinking otherwise she might have been carved from stone. Her wand never wavered. Harry took the moment to check their surroundings and noticed that Alice seemed to be glaring at him but otherwise everyone seemed to be either politely ignoring the brewing fight in the corner, leaving to avoid the potential fight, or gearing up to join the fight. Rosmerta was moving her way through the crowd. Her bosom like the prow of a ship of the line parting the patrons like waves.

"Sirius Black I remember the last time you was in here. Don't be causing any trouble in my pub."
"Ah Rosmerta looking as fine and gravity defying as always. I am incredibly sorry for the misunderstanding. We just had a healthy airing of grievances."

"Well if you're going to air anything else do it outside."

"Yes my dear. Rosmerta I shall."

She grumbled and checked if her patrons wanted anything else. Then moved off to tend her bar.

Clearing his throat Harry smiled, "Shall we start again Mr Black."
"Uh yeah sure. Harry. I brought some old pictures and stuff I had around the house from your folks. I thought you might like."
Harry nodded. The rest of the conversation was tense and non-committal. Lupin only joining in on a few things but otherwise remaining silent. Hermione had relaxed and laid her wand on the table in front of her. But well within easy and quick reach. Harry did begin to relax a little bit. Hearing about his father from his best friend was pretty amazing.

After a couple of hours though Hermione stood up. "Well thank you Mr Black, Mr Lupin. We have to be getting back up to the castle as we have revision and homework to complete."
Sirius chuckled, "Ahh but its Saturday. A day to frolic and play."

She sighed and kicked Harry under the table. He stood up too, "Yeah MR black though I want to graduate and become a healer which requires a lot of work so I promised Hermione that she would set the schedule for that. Its all about balance."

Sirius looked like he was going to argue but since Hermione had picked her wand up and not put it away he stood up and smiled. "Well can we at least walk you back up."

Dan cleared his throat. "You can come as far as the gates. The wards have been upgraded so that unless you are a registered authorized person you cannot cross the boundaries."

Remus nodded, "Oh well I suppose that makes sense."

"Yeah the current administration takes the safety and well being of the students very seriously."

"Well that's good to know."

The group walked to the gates. Sirius pointing out the various changes from when he was a student here. Remus walking on the edge of the group as every time he came close to harry or his family they moved away or someone stepped in between. Luna was asking Sirius about his life as Stubby Boardman and how he could fight Voldemort and be a member of a rock band at the same time. Confusing him.

Reaching the gates Sirius cleared his throat. "Well this has been fun. I'm glad you met with me. Even if it did have a rocky start. I'd like to get together again."
Harry looked at Hermione who seemed to communicate silently with him to the outside observers. "Maybe after we get to know each other better. And I'll have to consider how much I can trust MR Lupin. Anyone that loyal to the criminal Dumbledore is not someone I can trust."

Lupin looked like he was whipped again but said nothing. Sirius licked his lips and nodded. "You know pup. I came here expecting to find a miniature James. You've grown up into your own person. I think Lily and James would be proud of you. It took Prongs a lot longer than you to get there. So we'll keep in touch by owl?"

"I think that can be arranged."

"Ok good." He stuck his hand out.

Harry handed Dan the small bundle of keepsakes Sirius had brought him. Then carefully reached out and shook his hand. Sirius watched Hermione carefully whose hand was gripping her wand in the ready position he recognized as Auror training.

Letting go of Harry's hand he nodded. "Okay well take care." He and Remus turned and walked off. Harry and his family and friends enter the school grounds.