Harry didn't anticipate revealing his surname that night, but he nevertheless dressed all in black. Black trousers, black jacket, and a black button-down shirt, open at the collar. No flowers, of course, but everything fit perfectly, which would make him stand out amidst the hordes wearing football jerseys and baggy trousers.

He'd referred Draco to one of his tailors but couldn't help hoping his former nemesis had been led astray. Oh please let him turn up in acid-wash denim from head to toe, he thought mischievously. Or a neon tracksuit, with enormous trainers. Or looking like an American rap star, with thick gold chains.

Still chuckling, Harry apparated to the alley they'd agreed on, near the University of Manchester. Wendy was familiar with the area, which was nowhere near Theo's flat or the wizarding district, and Harry was looking forward to discovering a new setting. Ginny and Wendy were already there when he arrived, and his former girlfriend let out a low whistle.

'Muggle chic,' she said approvingly. 'God, why couldn't you have dressed like this when we were dating?'

'I'd have done it if you'd asked,' said Harry defensively. 'And besides, we never went anywhere.'

'That's true, unless you count all those funerals. And you couldn't exactly turn up wearing Death Eater robes.'

'Ahem, they're Harry Potter robes,' said Wendy, but she was interrupted by a loud crack of Apparition.

Draco appeared, dressed similarly to Harry, only his shirt was silver-grey. And a little bit shiny, thought Harry, impressed. 'Well done,' he told Draco. 'You've passed the first test.'

Glancing down at his outfit, Draco said, 'A Malfoy always looks impeccable. A Weasley, however ...'

'Don't bother,' said Ginny, who was wearing comfortable-looking jeans. 'If I didn't care what I wore when I was straight, why would I care now?'

'Believe me, she looks fantastic in a bra and knickers,' said Wendy. 'And even better without.'

'It's true,' blurted Harry, and the two witches laughed. 'Er, Malfoy,' he continued, 'this is Wendy Brewer. Wendy, this is Draco Malfoy.'

'Lovely to meet you,' said Wendy, extending her hand. 'I'm the wrong kind of half-blood, in case you're wondering.'

'I suppose that's the Weasley's type,' he drawled in reply. 'But it's a pleasure to meet you,' he said warmly, shaking her hand.

Harry couldn't hide his surprise, and Draco said, 'They're called manners, Potter. Perhaps during the off-season you can make a study of them.'

'Would you teach me?' said Harry, widening his eyes. 'I'll teach you the Patronus Charm in return.'

Draco glowered at him, and Wendy led them from the alley. 'Do you like Mexican?' she asked. 'I've been craving guacamole, and there's a good Tex-Mex place nearby.'

Harry was only slightly less baffled than Draco, and Ginny said, 'Trust me, it's good.'

They all looked at Draco, who said, 'I'm at your service. And your mercy, apparently.'

'Brilliant,' said Ginny. 'We won't abuse your trust at all.'

Wendy led them to the restaurant, and the hostess took their name and told them to wait outside. 'Muggles all around us,' said Draco with mild amazement. 'They haven't a clue about magic.'

'Some of them do,' said Wendy. 'But people think they're weird.'

'And none of them recognise you,' he said to Harry. 'You're no one here.'

'That's right,' said Harry. 'It's bloody brilliant.'

'Hang on, I've always wanted to try this,' said Ginny. A man and woman in their twenties walked by and she said, 'Excuse me, do you recognise my friend here?'

They looked at Harry, and the man said, 'No. Should I?'

'Lucky you,' sneered Draco, and Ginny said, 'No, you shouldn't. Thanks, and carry on.'

The couple shrugged and continued walking, momentarily turning back to confirm that Harry was, indeed, unremarkable. Wendy asked several other passersby the same question, and the consensus was that he was no one of note. 'But your eyes are lovely,' said a young woman, clearly flirting. 'Are you a student here?'

'No, I'm just passing through,' he said, with a competitive glance at Draco.

'Pity,' she replied before leaving with her friends, and Draco sniffed in derision.

'You won't win,' he said scornfully. 'I'm clearly the superior specimen.'

'Are you?' said Wendy. 'Let's ask our audience.' She flagged down a pair of young women and said, 'Excuse me, which of my friends here is better looking?'

The women answered simultaneously. 'He is,' they said, with one pointing at Harry and the other at Draco. Wendy asked a series of people the same question, and the split was even. A group of gay men got into a heated debate, with strong opinions on both sides; Draco's height and colouring drew praise, but Harry's eyes and 'bedroom hair' were lauded as well.

'And you have a certain "Je ne sais quoi,"' said one of the men to Harry. 'But you're tragically straight—I can tell. And same with blondie.'

'No, he's setting off my gaydar,' said his mate, indicating Draco. 'Just a bit, but you're young yet,' he added with a wink. 'Ta ta!'

Draco, who had clearly worked out what 'gaydar' meant, stared in horror as the men walked away. 'I'm not gay,' he said with disdain.

'Technically, neither am I,' smirked Ginny. 'And yet,' she said, pulling Wendy into a kiss.

It was several seconds before Harry realised he was staring at them. And so is Draco, he noticed. 'Did you charm your trousers?' he asked slyly.

'Very funny, Potter, but some of us can actually control our accidental magic. Which reminds me—is the underwear you're endorsing pre-charmed?'

'You told Malfoy?' asked Ginny, astonished.

'Yes, he's my best mate now. Don't tell Ron.'

Draco rolled his eyes and said, 'You wish.' But Harry could tell he was pleased. How on earth did someone so transparent get Sorted into Slytherin? he wondered.

The hostess opened the door and told them their table was ready. Wendy helped Harry and Draco with the menu, and after ordering they munched on tortilla chips and talked about Quidditch.

Impressed by Draco's insights, Ginny said, 'I can't believe I'm saying this, but you should go on the radio. Or write for one of the Quidditch journals.'

Draco looked sceptical. 'But I'm a Malfoy,' he said. 'I can't just write for a Quidditch journal.'

'Why not?' asked Harry.

'Why not?' echoed Draco, as if Harry were dim. 'Because I'm heir to a Noble and Ancient House. I can't just do whatever I like.'

'Harry does,' said Ginny. 'Admittedly it took him a while, but he's making up for lost time.'

'Yes, but that's you,' said Draco scornfully. 'You have no respect for wizarding traditions. If you were a proper Head of House, you'd focus on politics or increasing the family assets.'

'Right, because Harry doesn't do either of those,' said Ginny. 'Harry, how much do you earn from the Cannons anyway? Maybe Wendy and I should pick up the tab. You can pay us back when you get your first underwear cheque, although I doubt it'll amount to much.'

Draco rolled his eyes. 'Obviously he earns money, but he's the exception to the rule. The head of a Noble House doesn't normally engage in a common occupation like you're suggesting.'

'Then do it anonymously,' said Wendy. 'Or under a pseudonym.'

'Not if he wants to interview players,' said Ginny, but Harry interrupted her.

'He won't want to talk to the players,' said Harry. 'They're too common, right? Mustn't let them too close.'

'No, I'd want to talk to them,' said Draco, mostly to himself. 'I'd have to use my real name. But what would Father say?'

'He'd say, "Can you bring me a book of crossword puzzles next time you visit? And ask Potter to send his Patronus,"' retorted Ginny. 'Really, Malfoy—why do you care what your father thinks?'

Draco didn't answer, and Wendy said, 'I still don't get what's wrong with being a Quidditch analyst.'

'It's not what Malfoys do,' said Harry. 'Nor the Blacks. And he would never defy family tradition.' Watching Draco eat, he said, 'Be careful there, Malfoy. You don't want to accidentally get salsa on your shiny Muggle shirt.'

'Point taken, Potter,' said Draco. 'Wendy, thank you for the suggestion. I'll think about it.'

She looked at Draco critically. 'Why aren't you and Harry on first name terms yet? Clearly you're friends.'

'Shh, you'll frighten him,' said Harry. 'He's very skittish, like a baby bird.'

'I'm not skittish!'

'Then call him Harry,' said Ginny. 'Go on, I know you want to.'

Draco frowned, clearly uncomfortable with the idea. 'But you're Potter. You've always been Potter.'

'Not tonight,' said Harry. 'I can't use my real surname around Muggles, just in case.'

'Then you have to practise!' said Ginny triumphantly. 'Draco, repeat after me: Hi, Harry!'

'Fine,' grumbled Draco. In a comically perky voice, he said, 'Hi, Harry!'

'How do you like the salsa, Harry?' prompted Wendy.

'Yes, Harry,' said Draco. 'How do you like the salsa? It's rather piquant, don't you think, Harry?'

'This is just weird,' Harry replied. 'But you're doing well, Draco. Full marks!'

Draco continued using Harry's given name throughout the meal, and by the time their pudding arrived he was clearly comfortable with it. Well done, Ginny, thought Harry. Soon I'll be teaching him the Light Arts.

But first, pulling. 'So, Draco, are you ready for phase one of Operation Shag-A-Muggle?' he asked.

Sipping the last of his margarita, Draco said, 'Yes, Harry, I am. Our little experiment outside the restaurant proved that you're no more attractive to Muggles than I am. And I wasn't even trying.'

'Neither was I, Draco. Believe me, I'll win. Except for the actual shagging part ... God, I can't wait to see Fiona tomorrow.'

'Yes, we know,' said Wendy, rolling her eyes. 'Ginny, it's no wonder he scared you off.'

'Oi!' cried Harry. 'But seriously, Draco, you're doomed. I probably shouldn't even give you the condoms, since they'll only depress you when you go home alone. Will you stay in your hotel room, or just go back to the Manor?'

Draco demanded the condoms, and Ginny made dire warnings about Weasley-affiliated contraception. 'Nice try,' said Draco, 'but your brother knows what he's doing.'

'That he does,' said Harry. 'Draco, you can try one on while watching late-night porno films in your hotel room.'

'What?' said Draco, dropping his spoon.

Wendy and Harry nearly fought over who got to explain it to him. 'Imagine a wizarding porno mag,' she said. 'Only the pictures keep going, and you can hear them.'

Draco just stared at her with wide eyes, and Ginny said, 'Plan B isn't looking so bad now, is it? May as well get your money's worth for that hotel room, eh Malfoy?'

'It's Draco,' he said imperiously.

They finished eating, and the two wizards split the bill. As Wendy led them to the nightclub she said, 'Truth be told, it's as much a bar as it is a nightclub. But the important part is that they serve alcohol past eleven. And there's loud music, and a dance floor. But there's a bar upstairs where you can actually hold a conversation, which is essential, now that we've taught Draco so much about Muggle culture.'

'Perhaps,' said Draco, 'but I don't anticipate needing to prove I've travelled by Zeppelin, particularly if they're so common. Although I'm surprised I've never seen one.'

'I told you, they use cloaking technology,' said Wendy. 'It was developed for the Falklands war, during the eighties. And then environmentalists demanded we use it at home, to preserve the beauty of our British skies.'

'But I can see aeroplanes sometimes,' argued Draco.

'Yes, but they're smaller, and much higher up. Zeppelins are closer to the ground and enormous, so they cast a huge shadow. It was interfering with crops.'

They had to queue to get into the nightclub, which annoyed Draco. 'So this is what being a nobody feels like,' he grumbled. 'I don't like it.'

'Boo hoo,' said Wendy. 'Try being the wrong kind of half-blood from a no-name school.'

'No thanks,' he said, and Harry tuned them out as he allowed his Light magic to arise. If only Fiona were here, he thought. He saw attractive women waiting outside, but he wasn't tempted.

They were eventually allowed to enter, and after ducking into an alcove to charm their ears against the damagingly loud music, they went to the dance floor. 'Harry,' said Ginny, 'you owe me some seriously enthusiastic dancing, to make up for being so mopey the whole time we were dating.'

Harry was happy to oblige, and before long he, Ginny, and Wendy formed a tight unit on the dance floor. Ginny was mostly sandwiched between them, and she alternated between kissing Harry on the cheek and Wendy on the mouth. 'I love that you're over me,' she shouted, grinding her hips into his.

'I always loved being over you,' he said, making her laugh. Wendy was equally demonstrative, which he enjoyed. Draco, meanwhile, danced somewhat stiffly on his own.

'That simply won't do,' said Ginny, grabbing his hips. 'You're long and lean, which is brilliant, but you need some swivel.'

'Trust her,' said Harry. 'She taught me everything I know.'

Draco loosened up somewhat, but he wasn't having much success getting women to dance with him. 'We should go to the bar,' said Wendy. 'He can do his posh act up there, which is definitely his strength.'

The bar was much quieter, which meant Harry could hear Draco's first attempt to chat someone up. 'Draco?' she exclaimed, laughing. 'Like in "Rocky IV?"'

'That was Drago,' he said coolly. 'Draco is a family name, and it means "dragon."'

'Dragon? That's kind of a bad-boy name. But you don't look like a bad boy.'

'Looks can be deceiving. What's your name?'

'I'm Julie,' she replied, clearly interested in him. 'Are you a student here?'

'No, I'm taking a gap year,' he said, as Wendy had instructed. 'I'm in Manchester for the weekend, on the way back to the family seat in Wiltshire. I was at our hunting lodge in Scotland, but the season just ended.'

'Hunting? You mean wild animals?'

Draco had been assured that hunting was exceedingly posh. 'Yes. I took down a stag last week,' he drawled, with a pointed look at Harry.

'You monster! I can't believe you'd kill a poor, innocent animal like that. No wonder you're named after a dragon!'

She stormed off, leaving Draco dumbstruck. When he recovered, he turned on Wendy and said, 'You told me to say I'd been hunting!'

'Sorry, I didn't realise you'd immediately stumble on a vegetarian. But you were doing fine before that.'

'Better than Harry,' he scoffed. 'Were you watching to pick up ideas?' Addressing Wendy, he said, 'Harry's always been obsessed with me.'

'It's true,' said Ginny, prompting an immediate outcry from Harry.

'His father pledged himself to my parents' murderer, and so did he! Of course I needed to keep an eye on him.'

'It was a crush and you know it,' said Ginny. 'Only it wasn't romantic. And the same goes for you, Draco. No wonder you insulted me so much—you were dead jealous I was with Harry and you weren't.'

This time Draco protested, but Harry said, 'No, she's right about both of us. It wasn't a romantic crush, but we were weirdly obsessed with each other.'

'Intertwined destiny,' said Draco. 'That's what Catherine said.'

'Really?' said Ginny. 'Go on.'

'I'd rather not,' he said, casting his eye on an attractive young woman at the bar. He walked towards her and Wendy said, 'This should be good.'

They watched from a distance, and although they couldn't hear the conversation, it was surprisingly easy to follow. The woman clearly found Draco attractive, based on her body language, although she appeared to laugh when he told her his name. He probably used his dragon line again, and his accent and overall demeanour seemed to be working. She ran a hand over his jacket, admiring the fabric and cut, and he bought her a drink.

'He seems to be doing well,' observed Wendy. 'Harry, you need to get started if you expect to win.'

'No, he's bound to screw up. Let's wait a little longer,' he said.

Sure enough, the woman slapped Draco across the face and scolded him fiercely. She didn't throw her drink at him, but she shook her head in disgust and walked away.

Scowling, Draco marched back and said, 'Damn you, Weasley!'

'What did I do?' said Ginny innocently.

'You told me Muggles like to make small talk about race and ethnicity, and that it's common to ask whether they think white Christians are superior or not.'

'But why did that upset her?' asked Ginny. 'They never mind when I ask. Which, I'll admit, I've never actually done.'

'I should never have trusted any of you!' he raged. Turning to Harry, he said, 'And you in particular! I should have known you'd try to win by cheating!'

'You're right, that was very unfair of us,' said Harry. 'But it was just too funny.'

'This is a farce,' said Draco. 'I should just go home.'

'No, please don't,' said Ginny consolingly. 'You're actually very debonair, and this place is packed with women who might fancy you. We'll tell you what we lied about, and I'm sure you'll hit it off with someone in no time.'

Ginny and Wendy made a full confession of their lies. 'Oh, and Muggles don't actually eat live goldfish as a snack,' concluded Wendy. 'Except in a film called "A Fish Called Wanda," but there's no need to bring that up.'

Draco looked defeated by the end of their list. 'Then what am I even supposed to talk about? You expect me to charm them with my overall manner, but if I have no idea what to say, what hope is there?'

'Don't give up,' said Wendy. 'You're a clever lad, and the women will only get drunker as the night progresses.'

He scowled again, and Ginny said, 'We'll help. A man pulling solo looks predatory, but women will be reassured if they see you have female friends.'

The two witches agreed to stay in close range, allowing Draco to point them out when necessary. Meanwhile, Harry decided it was time to turn on the charm. 'I'm deploying Light magic,' he told Ginny and Wendy. 'I'm curious whether it has an effect on Muggles.'

He walked alone to the bar, which was crowded. But he was in no hurry, and he soaked in the lively atmosphere. At first Fiona dominated his thoughts, and he ran a hand through his hair just for the pleasure of it. Then he returned to the present and took note of his surroundings.

'Wow, I'll have what you're having,' said the woman waiting next to him. 'Are you on something, or just high on life?'

'The latter,' he replied, admiring her long, wavy hair and low-cut top. 'What about you?'

'Open to either. I must say, you're a bit gothic, dressed all in black. But your hair isn't quite in Robert Smith territory.'

He had no idea who Robert Smith was, but he played along. 'I wasn't trying to imitate him, or anyone else. I just liked this outfit.'

'It suits you,' she said, running her hand down his sleeve. 'I wish more blokes dressed well.'

'So do I,' he said absently, and her reaction prompted him to laugh and say, 'That came out wrong! I'm not gay.'

'Glad to hear it. Neither am I,' she said, resuming her light exploration of his upper body.

'But I am taken. Or very nearly. You're lovely, though, and under different circumstances I'd be interested.'

She pouted and said, 'Then I'll just have to find some other well-dressed bloke.'

'Actually, I brought one with me.' He pointed out Draco and said, 'That's my friend over there. Would you like to meet him?'

'He's chatting up someone else,' she said, frowning.

'Not for long,' said Harry. 'He's bound to screw it up. He has plenty of experience with women, but he's useless at pulling.'

She laughed and said, 'Now I'm intrigued. Tell me more.'

'Let's see ... he's a public school ponce. Doesn't know the first thing about popular culture.'

'Then how do you know him? Are you a public school ponce?'

'Not really. Yes, I know him from school, but we're from completely different worlds.'

Pouting again, she said, 'I guess I'll talk to him, but so far I like you better. Are you sure you're taken?'

'Very. In fact, I'll bore you to tears about her if you let me, so the less said the better.'

'Fair enough. Buy me a drink as a consolation prize, and I'll talk to your mate.'

He laughed and agreed, and several minutes later they rejoined Ginny, Wendy, and a dejected-looking Draco.

'Draco, I have someone who wants to meet you. Her name is Leslie and she's a student here. Leslie, this is Draco Malfoy.'

Harry had warned her about his name, so she didn't laugh, but they didn't hit it off. Draco's confidence was clearly shaken, and he came off as snobbish. She got along with Ginny and Wendy, though, so it wasn't too awkward, but Draco looked even more deflated after she left.

'You win,' he said glumly. 'Clearly the only people who want me are gold diggers and filles de joie.'

'Draco, you're being too hard on yourself,' said Wendy. 'It's not a fair fight, because you don't know how to navigate this world. And you're too socially constrained to go pulling in our world.'

'Then I might as well go home. Or watch pornography at the hotel, seeing as I paid for it already.'

'Harry?' came a voice. 'Oh my god, what are you doing here?'

Harry turned and was shocked to see Penelope, the Muggle he'd slept with back in August. 'Penelope! What a fantastic surprise.'

They hugged, and he said they were in town for the evening. 'But why are you here?' he asked. 'I thought you lived in Sheffield.'

'I do, but I'm visiting mates for the weekend. They're over there,' she said, indicating several young women. 'But who are your friends?'

'Right, this is Ginny, Wendy, and Draco. And this is Penelope, who I met back in August.'

They greeted her, and Penelope studied them. 'How do you all know each other?' she asked, with a meaningful glance at Harry.

He looked her in the eyes and said, 'Pass,' which caused her to light up with excitement. 'Oh my god,' she exclaimed. 'I have to introduce you to my friends!'

'No!' blurted Harry. 'It has to stay secret!'

His three companions looked at him accusingly. 'Did someone break the law?' asked Ginny.

'Er, not exactly. It's complicated, but she kind of worked things out herself, without my telling her anything.'

'Oh, really?' said Draco, no longer downcast. 'That sounds rather illegal to me. I'm sure you wouldn't want me telling the authorities.'

'Yes, because we all know how law-abiding you are.'

Penelope pulled Harry aside and asked, 'So, are you here with anyone?'

Her meaning was unmistakable. 'Just my mates. But I've started seeing someone, and she has all my attention right now.'

'Oh well,' she sighed. 'I really can't complain ... I got two nights of sweet faerie ecstasy, which is more than most people get.'

'That wasn't a faerie thing,' said Harry smugly. 'Ginny's the one who trained me.'

'Then I should thank her. But may I introduce my friend Vicki? I told her the whole story, and I know she'll want to meet you. Although she thinks you made it all up.'

'Didn't you tell her about the ring?' he asked, referring to how she uncovered his magic when the Black family ring suddenly became visible.

'I did, but she thought you slipped it on while I was changing.'

'For heaven's sake, give me some credit! If I were going to slip on a ring, surely it would be less gaudy than that one.'

'You're arguing with the wrong person! But I have to bring her over—hang on.'

Penelope left, and Harry quickly turned to his friends. 'Listen carefully,' he said. 'Penelope's the Muggle I met back in August, and we spent two nights together. Long story short, she thinks I'm a faerie.'

'A fairy?' said Draco, bewildered. 'They're tiny.'

'Not actual fairies—some Muggle bollocks about human-size faeries who are kind of like wizards but not exactly. Oh, and here's the important bit: If a human enters the faerie world, which is hidden in plain sight, the human will get trapped somehow. Which is why I couldn't take her home.'

Ginny and Wendy started laughing. 'That was pretty bloody convenient,' said Wendy. 'Did you come up with that?'

'No, she saw a television drama about it. Oh, and there are Light and Dark faeries, only they're called Seelie and Unseelie. So Draco, you're part of the Unseelie Court. And she knows about lordships, so you can trot that out as well.'

Before anyone could ask questions, Penelope returned with her friend. She's pretty, Harry noted, and he wondered whether she'd like Draco. 'Well, well, well,' said Vicki, 'if it isn't Lord Harry Black. I'm thrilled to meet you.'

'Lord Harry Black!' sputtered Draco. 'Did you really tell her that?'

'I told her as a joke, when she didn't believe my first story about living in America. I said I was actually Lord Harry Black and lived in a threadbare townhouse.'

'It's better than it was,' said Ginny. 'He's fixed it up a bit since the summer.'

'I was supposed to be Lord Black,' sneered Draco. 'Harry usurped it.'

'Don't blame me, blame Sirius,' began Harry, but Vicki interrupted.

'Oh right, Sirius Black! The mass murderer you claimed was innocent. And your rich godfather, apparently.'

'Yes, and also Draco's cousin,' said Ginny. 'And Draco's right—he was robbed.'

'Thank you,' said Draco loftily. 'I've come to terms with Harry's treachery, but it doesn't erase the facts.'

'Yes, the facts,' continued Vicki. 'Like how Harry's world-famous amongst faeries. I can't remember—was it for his flying sport or for being some kind of war hero?'

'Both,' said Wendy. 'But first was the war hero thing.'

'I know it sounds implausible,' said Ginny, 'but Harry really is the world's most famous, er, what we are.'

Vicki looked at Draco, who clearly wasn't Harry's biggest fan. 'Is that true? Is he famous?'

'Yes,' groaned Draco. 'His entire life. But he's completely overrated.'

'No, he's not,' said Ginny and Penelope simultaneously, and they both laughed. 'But Draco's famous too,' said Ginny. 'In Britain anyway.'

'Infamous, more like,' said Wendy. 'But he's genuinely posh, unlike Harry, who's a recent transplant from the middle class.'

'She's right,' said Harry. 'Draco's the real thing.'

'Is he a lord too?' asked Penelope.

'He's heir to a lordship, on top of the one I usurped. But remember, these are bollocks lordships.'

'They're not bollocks,' began Draco, but Ginny and Wendy drowned him out.

'Yes, they are,' said Wendy. 'One of the reasons Harry is so popular is because he was the first to come out and say it.'

Penelope was bouncing in place, and she said, 'I knew I was right about you! Vicki, do you believe me now? There's no way he could have coached them all.'

'I don't know,' said Vicki. 'Can't you prove it somehow?'

'Not without putting you at risk,' said Harry. 'You already know too much.'

'What about the ring? If you can't remove it, then surely you're wearing it right now, only it's hidden.'

Harry took a deep breath. 'It's truly hideous,' he said. 'And I really can't let you watch it appear.'

'Can you make it appear while covering your hand?' she asked.

He looked at Draco and the two witches, who didn't object. 'Fine. But I'll need to nip off somewhere private afterwards to make it disappear again, since that part's more complicated,' said Harry, knowing he couldn't pull out his wand. He covered his left hand and silently cast a Finite incantatem.

'Ta da!' he said, showing Vicki the ring. She choked with laughter, as did Wendy, and even Draco was amused.

'Harry, I hereby forgive you for usurping,' he said. 'That thing is ghastly.'

'Do you have an heir ring?' asked Ginny.

'No, there's only the ring my father wears, and he can't remove it without renouncing his role as Head of House. The law can't force him to do it, and he told Mother he wanted one luxury, to remind himself who he really is.'

Vicki and Penelope looked lost, and Draco said, 'He's in prison. For life.' The two women gasped, and he said, 'And yes, it's all Harry's fault.'

'No, it isn't,' said Harry. 'But Vicki, now do you believe me?'

She was frowning, and Harry noticed Draco looking at her with clear interest. 'I do believe you,' she admitted. 'But this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity—or twice, in Penelope's case. What else can you show me?'

There was a collective silence as the four magicals exchanged glances. 'Telepathy,' said Draco. 'I can read minds.'

'Really?' said Vicki, fascinated. 'Can you tell me what I'm thinking?'

'Draco, no!' blurted Ginny. 'Vicki, you can't let him do that. He'll almost certainly see more than you want to reveal.'

Vicki looked disappointed, but Harry had an idea. 'I can shield my mind, which means I can reveal precisely what I want, and no more. So if you whisper a number to me, I can think it at him, and he'll say what it is.'

Everyone agreed to the plan, and Vicki leaned close to Harry. 'Seven hundred and eighteen,' she whispered.

After configuring his Occlumency shields, Harry looked straight at Draco. Don't screw this up, he thought distinctly. I suspect she's yours if you want her. Seven hundred and eighteen.

'Seven hundred and eighteen,' announced Draco.

Vicki's eyes shot open. 'Holy shit!' she exclaimed. 'Er, I mean, wow! Can we do another?'

'Of course,' said Draco, emboldened by her reaction.

But instead of telling Harry a number, she whispered, 'Caterpillar.' Harry raised one eyebrow and turned to face Draco, whose eyes bore into him.

What do you think of her? asked Harry silently. Are you interested? By the way, it's not a number this time: Caterpillar.

'Caterpillar,' said Draco. 'And yes, very.'

Vicki was impressed but curious. 'What was that supposed to mean?' she asked saucily.

'Harry asked me a question as well. And I answered him.'

'So you can't communicate back and forth?'

'No,' said Harry. 'Do you want to try again or are you convinced?'

'One more time,' she said, her eyes gleaming. Leaning towards Harry, she whispered, 'Ask if he wants to dance.'

Harry faced Draco and thought, You're in. She asked if you want to dance.

Draco didn't reply but simply took Vicki's hand and raised it to his lips. 'I would love to dance,' he said, in his most courtly voice, and her cheeks flushed.

She whispered something to Penelope, who gave her a knowing smile, and said goodbye to Harry, Ginny, and Wendy. 'It's been a pleasure, and sorry for doubting you.'

Harry said he wasn't offended, and she and Draco went hand in hand to the stairs leading to the dance floor. 'That was unexpected,' said Penelope. 'But convenient.'

'Oh?' said Harry.

'She recently went through a bad breakup, and we came to Manchester for a change of scene. Which she's clearly getting.' But she frowned and said, 'Blast, we're staying on our friend's floor! Does Draco have a safe place to take her?'

'Yes, he's staying in a hotel. A normal hotel ... the Midland?'

Penelope looked impressed. 'Very nice. Not quite Claridge's, but almost.'

Does it have in-room porno films? he wondered. She chatted with Ginny and Wendy while he nipped to the loo to conceal his ring, and they went to the dance floor with the rest of Penelope's friends. None of the others seemed to know about the faerie thing, which suited Harry. We've already trampled secrecy enough for one night, thank you very much.

They spotted Draco and Vicki but gave them a wide berth, and after less than an hour the pair left together, stopping only to say goodbye. Mischief managed, thought Harry with satisfaction. Meanwhile, he had fun dancing with Penelope and was relieved she didn't try to seduce him. They flirted, but no more than he did with Ginny.

They visited the bar twice more that night, which gave them the chance to catch up. 'I never thought I'd see you again,' said Penelope. 'If I didn't have those photos or the outfit you bought me, I'd almost have thought I'd dreamt it.'

Harry told her how much she'd helped him through a difficult time. He'd met her just hours after punching Gilstrap, when all wizarding Britain learnt he'd been abused. 'I approached you that night because I thought you were pretty,' he said. 'But you're so much more than that.'

'I thought you were a cheeky bastard, and a liar to boot,' she laughed. 'But there was something about you ... probably because you're world-famous. You can't send me newspaper clippings, can you?'

'No, that would definitely get us in trouble. My world has to stay secret, for your safety and ours.'

She looked at him wistfully and said, 'You ruined me for other men, you know.' Harry expressed dismay, and she said, 'I might be exaggerating. But it's hard to get excited about this lot after a weekend in Faerieland.'

Harry shook his head and said, 'My world's not all it's cracked up to be. For years people were trying to kill me, and all my allies. Ginny's brother died in the war, and so did scores of others.'

'Oh my god ...' she said, turning pale.

'Draco's aunt killed my godfather, right in front of me. And his dad wanted to hand me over to the man who murdered my parents. Remember how I told you I was held captive in a manor house? That was Draco's house. He was there.'

'Then why are you friends? He mostly seems to resent you.'

'Because we're alike, in a weird way. We're both fucked up, for one thing.'

'You seem pretty good to me,' she said affectionately.

'Then ask Ginny—there's a reason she dumped me, and it's not just because she fancies women.'

'I did ask her, while you were in the loo. She said she loves you to pieces, but you weren't meant to be together. She also said you're a huge sex symbol and get propositioned all the time.'

Harry felt himself blush but he couldn't deny it. 'My life is weird,' he admitted. 'It always has been.'

'Then I'm delighted to be a part of it. And this woman you've started dating is very lucky.'

After more dancing they said fond goodbyes, to the effect of 'Until we meet again,' and Harry Apparated from an alley back to Grimmauld Place. Twelve hours until I see Fiona, he thought with anticipation.

The next morning he sent her another letter:

Dear Fiona,

It's a jackdaw, not a raven. And yes, I know they're pretentious, but they're dead practical and I have two of them. Which is fortunate, because I intend to keep writing to you, particularly now that you've said you like me too.

I'm not at all worried I'll change my mind when I meet Complicated Fiona this afternoon. I know that life is complicated, and that grief is sometimes ugly. I know kids are exhausting and moods can be unpredictable. But I, too, admire your lack of veneer. There's something incredibly vital about you—a kind of fierce aliveness that somehow survived loss. It's the part that kept us alive when we wanted to give up, and it's hungry to keep living.

Your letter gave me hope that you also experience the deep connection I feel with you. I know I blurted out how attractive I found you when we first met, which I've never done with anyone else, even though I meet heaps of pretty women. But I think I said it because I felt our connection even then. God, I can't wait to see you this afternoon!

I hope Matthew isn't too disappointed with the enclosed Butterfly Seeds after yesterday's dragon triumph. I look forward to getting to know him, so I can discover his interests for myself.

Yours affectionately,

Harry

He spent the morning catching up on correspondence, and after lunch he went to his florist to choose a bouquet for Fiona. Normally he sent instructions via Kreacher, but he wanted to select the flowers himself, for a more personal touch.

The clerk who helped him did a poor job concealing her curiosity. As he looked over the bins of flowers, she asked, 'What sort of statement are you hoping to make? If the recipient is well-versed in flowers, we can craft an eloquent message.'

Harry was tempted to say something outrageous, like, 'I want you to dress all in latex and whip me raw,' but he said, 'Something appropriate for a budding relationship.'

'A budding romance?' she prompted. 'Is this a morning-after bouquet?'

Harry just looked at her and said, 'Do you ask all your patrons that question?'

The proprietor rushed in from the back room. 'Mr Potter-Black! I beg your pardon—allow me to assist you.' He glared at the clerk and ordered her up to the rooftop greenhouse. 'I'm so sorry,' he said. 'She's new and hasn't yet learnt the importance of discretion.'

'Thank you for intervening,' said Harry. 'I have little enough privacy as it is, and I'd rather not feel constrained about sending flowers.'

'Certainly not! You're one of our best customers, and who you send flowers to is no one's business but your own.'

The florist helped him assemble a bouquet, and Harry Apparated to Andromeda's house to retrieve Teddy. 'You're terribly kind to watch him for a few hours,' she began, but Harry cut her short.

'I told you, I have an ulterior motive. It's entirely in service of my love life.'

'And how are things going, if I might ask?'

Harry hadn't told her much about Fiona, but he trusted her discretion. Furthermore, he was hoping she'd reveal her thoughts regarding Simon. 'It's progressing, but slowly. Actually, I could use your advice, if that's all right.'

'Of course, although I can't say I know much about modern dating. Ted and I met in school, after all.'

'I know, but you and Fiona have something in common.' He paused and said, 'She's a war widow.'

Andromeda's face went ashen. 'A widow? How old is she?'

'Twenty-six. And she has a five-year-old son.'

Frowning, Andromeda said, 'You mustn't toy with her.'

'I won't,' said Harry. He told her about Owen's objections and how he eventually came around.

'All right,' she said cautiously. 'But what advice are you hoping I'll give you?'

'I'd like your perspective on how to get close to her without scaring her off. Several times now I've felt a real longing from her, but she always pulls back. Which means we haven't even kissed yet, although she knows I like her, and she claims she likes me.'

Andromeda was silent for a long moment. 'I don't know if my experience is relevant, since I'm nearly twice her age. But I imagine someone that young would want to remarry, in which case your vow is probably an obstacle. And your age, of course.'

'Right, but she hasn't even dated anyone since her husband died, more than a year ago. Around the same time as Ted, actually.'

'Harry, that's the blink of an eye ... and an eternity. Some people are ready to move on after a month, and some of us might never be.'

'You still don't think you'll ever remarry?' he asked.

She shook her head. 'I can't see myself learning to live with someone new. I'm very headstrong, and I'm far too old to change my ways.'

Harry had to prevent himself from blurting, 'Bugger that!' Instead he said, 'But wizards live a long time, under normal circumstances anyway. You could easily live another sixty years, or more. Do you really think you're too old?'

Sighing, she said, 'When Dora was Teddy's age, I was twenty-two. Every single day I feel my age, as I try to keep up with him.'

'But you do pretty well, from what I can see, and he's obviously thriving. And besides, you had help back then, assuming Ted actually helped and wasn't just another toddler like my Uncle Vernon.'

She smiled and said, 'No, he was loads of help. But I have help all week, remember?'

'I know, but that's only during the day. It's not the same as having someone who can comfort Teddy in the middle of the night. When he's teething, for example.'

'No, it's not the same. But you're proving my point: how can I ask someone my age to raise someone else's child?'

Simon wouldn't mind, thought Harry. 'Can't you trust them to make that decision? It's not like they wouldn't know about Teddy.'

'No ... but they might start hinting that you should take over someday.'

Harry was taken aback. 'Has anyone said that to you?'

'Narcissa mentioned it once. She didn't suggest you take him right away, but perhaps when you marry and have kids of your own.'

'Is that what you want?' he asked, unsure what he hoped she'd say.

'I'd love for him to have something resembling siblings,' she admitted. 'And he'll want a father, certainly, and not just a grandmum. But ...' She trailed off.

'But what?'

She took a deep breath. 'But then I'd be redundant. He's exhausting, but he gives me a reason to get up in the morning. And he's the last bit I have of Dora and Ted.'

'Then I'd never take him from you, if you want him to stay. Obviously he'll be welcome anytime, once I have kids. In fact, I'll probably want the help. But he's your little boy for as long as you want him. And I doubt that anyone who claims to love you would pressure you to send him away.'

Andromeda was silent again, and her eyes became suspiciously shiny. 'We've strayed from your original question,' she said. 'About how to get close to a widow.'

'Right,' said Harry, frustrated she hadn't mentioned Simon.

'You need to understand that you won't be the centre of her life—not if she has a child. You'll need to fit into her life, and not the other way around. And she'll never choose you over her son, because that's how mothers are, or should be. But also because he's all that's left of her husband.'

'I hope I'd never make her feel like she had to choose.'

'It's subtle. And she might even project that onto you.'

'What do you mean, exactly?' he asked.

'She might imagine you're forcing a decision, even if you're not. Or she'll tangle it up with her fear of falling in love again.'

Interesting, thought Harry, suspecting this had to do with her feelings for Simon. 'Could you say more?'

At first she said nothing, and her brow was more lined than usual. Then she looked at Harry and said, 'I can't possibly describe the pain of losing a spouse. In a single day to go from having him to not having him, and never seeing him again ... it's simply indescribable.

She dabbed her eyes before continuing. 'There's a part of me that will never get used to it. I'm no longer surprised when I wake up, as I was for months. But a part of me still can't believe he's really gone.'

Harry took her hand and squeezed it, and she nodded in gratitude. After collecting herself, she said, 'The idea of starting from the beginning with someone else is already daunting, but the prospect of falling in love again and then having to go through that kind of grief ... it's too much.'

He wanted to argue that love makes the risk worthwhile, and that there was no reason to assume the next one would die prematurely. Admittedly werewolves had shorter lifespans, but that was probably due to uncontrolled transformations, which Simon had only endured once. He finally said, 'I'm sorry if I've made you uncomfortable by asking about this.'

'No, that's quite all right. People are reluctant to remind me of Ted and Dora, but I think about them all the time, and it's a relief to occasionally put my thoughts into words.' Looking fondly at Harry, she said, 'And don't let me scare you away from Fiona. As I said, she's much younger than I am. And you've already survived the Killing Curse twice, so maybe you're a good bet.'

She stood up and fetched Teddy's changing bag, which Harry took as a sign he should leave. And it's past one o'clock, so I'm technically cleared to arrive, he thought. Teddy was busy playing with blocks and didn't take kindly to interruption, which Harry hoped didn't bode ill for the afternoon. But he brightened as soon as Andromeda, whom he still called 'Dama,' told him he was going on an adventure with 'Goffa.'

'Froo!' he cried, pointing at the fireplace, and his hair turned green in anticipation.

'He's decided he loves travelling by Floo,' said Andromeda. 'Most babies hate it—Dora did—but he must have a cast-iron stomach, or maybe an exceptionally stable inner ear.'

'Does that mean he'll be less clumsy than she was?'

Andromeda chuckled and said, 'I'll believe it when I see it.'

As predicted, Teddy was delighted by the Floo voyage, and when they arrived at Owen's house he demanded another trip. 'Froo!' he repeated plaintively, pointing at the jar on the mantlepiece.

'Sorry, kiddo,' said Harry. 'Not until we go home. But there are other kids here—let's go find them.'

The house was quiet, so Harry assumed they were outside. And he was right: Jill, Fiona, and the three children were in the back garden playing with bubbles. 'Make it larger!' cried one of the twins—Harry didn't know which—and Jill obliged. The square-shaped bubble grew to the size of a small crate, and Teddy, who'd squirmed from Harry's arms onto the ground, immediately poked at it. But instead of popping, it burst into a dozen smaller bubbles, also square.

'The bubbles are a hit,' said Fiona, and Harry's heart melted at the sight of her.

'Hello,' he said, feeling an almost overwhelming wave of tenderness. When do we get that moment alone? he wondered, and it took all his restraint not to embrace her.

For a moment she just stared at him, and he hoped she was caught in something similar. Her hair is curly! he realised, never having seen it anything but straight. Normally it was chin-length and slightly tousled, but now it was similar to Hermione's pre-Grimoire locks, only short and held back by a headband.

'I love it!' he said, gesturing towards her hair. 'I assume it's naturally like that?'

'It is,' she said. 'The version you've seen requires fifteen minutes' concerted effort and roughly a quart of Sleekeazy's. Which I'm told your grandfather invented ... does this mean I'm supporting your flower habit?'

'No, apparently he sold the business before I was born. But thanks for reminding me,' he said, reaching into his pouch for the box containing the flowers. 'These are for you.'

Her eyes brightened when she opened it. 'Oh, Harry, that wasn't necessary—you already sent me a present this morning. Which wasn't necessary either.'

'Yes, it was,' he replied, and this time he gave her the Look. 'How are you doing?'

For a moment she was lost in his gaze, but she snapped out of it and set the box onto a bench. 'I'm well. And a little nervous, truth be told.'

'Don't be. You won't dissuade me.'

'The afternoon is young,' she said. 'And I'm still on good behaviour.'

'Then stop. I want to see this Complicated Fiona you promised.'

She gave him a sceptical look. 'Don't say I didn't warn you.'

Teddy chose that moment to raise his arms and say, 'Goffa, hug!'

'He doesn't want a hug,' explained Harry, lifting him up. 'That's just his way of asking to be carried.'

'Manipulative little buggers, the lot of them,' said Fiona. 'Just last week Matthew asked for my arm and then wiped his nose on it.'

'No, I didn't!' said Matthew. 'I had an itch.'

'A goopy itch,' she said. 'I had to clean off my sleeve.'

'Sweet Merlin, no wonder my aunt kept me in a cupboard,' blurted Harry, to his own surprise.

'In a cupboard?' exclaimed one of the twins.

'Er, just for fun,' said Harry, not wanting to unleash trauma on the unsuspecting kids.

'Like hide and seek?' said Matthew. 'Can we play?'

'No,' said Fiona, 'we need to include Teddy, and he's too little.'

'But he's just a baby,' he grumbled. 'Can't the big kids play?'

'I can watch Teddy,' said Harry, not wanting to cause a problem, but Fiona shook her head.

'Matthew, you've been talking about Teddy for days, and now you won't even play with him.'

Teddy, meanwhile, was still in Harry's arms, watching the bubbles, and the twins recited incantations to change the shape. 'Liza, look!' cried Kate. 'He changed to match the bubble!'

All eyes were suddenly on Teddy, whose head was shaped like a pyramid—nearly poking Harry's neck—and Matthew stopped complaining about having to play with a baby. But it was hard to interact with Fiona, since Teddy kept changing to match the bubbles, which meant Harry had to hold him at arm's length. And he was too clingy to allow Harry to set him down.

'I can see you were speaking from experience when you said kids are exhausting,' said Fiona. 'Do you spend a lot of time with him?'

'Not very much, to be honest. I'm hoping to see him more when the Quidditch season ends next month. But I'm definitely not ready to host a slumber party—not until he's older.'

'I thought you'd hosted three slumber parties already,' she said slyly.

'That's not what I meant, and you know it.'

'I know,' she said, smiling. 'But you have to admit, you're the quintessential bachelor. Honestly, it's hard to picture you at home babysitting when you could be painting the town red.'

'Excuse me, but I think you've jumped to conclusions. Remember I play Quidditch and need to lead a stable life.'

Owen had appeared and was listening with great interest. 'Like on Monday when you had to a take a hangover potion after passing out at Malfoy Manor?'

'That was a one-time occurrence,' said Harry stiffly. 'Most nights I stay home.'

'Oh? What about last night?' asked Fiona. 'Was it a quiet evening at Grimmauld Place?'

'Er, no. I went to a Muggle nightclub in Manchester. But again, that was an exception.'

'Did you bring Teddy?' asked Owen, who was clearly enjoying the cross-examination.

'No, you need to be eighteen to enter. And it was too loud for a baby. Plus, secrecy.'

Teddy was, at that moment, sporting a cylinder-shaped head, which looked very silly. 'How does he do that?' said Liza pleadingly.

'He was born that way,' said Jill. 'His mum was the same, right?'

'She was,' replied Harry.

'Then Mummy, why can't you do that?' said Kate. 'If Teddy got it from his mum, it's not fair that you didn't give it to us.'

'My mum didn't give it to me either,' said Jill. 'That's just how things go sometimes. But Nana gave me magic, and you both have magic too, which makes you very lucky.'

'Have they already shown accidental magic?' asked Harry.

'Yes, both of them. Because twins aren't exciting enough.'

He was reluctant to ask about Matthew, not knowing if the question was impolite, but Matthew said, 'Mummy, tell the story about how I turned the slippers into bunny rabbits!'

Fiona chuckled, and Harry could see from her expression that she'd told the story many times. 'When Matthew was three, we spent Christmas with Rob's family, and he shared a bedroom with his cousin Jacob, who had bunny slippers. And poor, deprived Matthew only had regular slippers, and he threw a tantrum about it—it was Christmas night and he was overtired. His grandmum wanted to conjure him a pair, as a late present, but Rob and I refused because we didn't want to reward bad behaviour. But Matthew outfoxed us by turning his slippers into actual, live bunnies.'

'Do you remember that?' Harry asked him.

Matthew shook his head. 'No, but Mummy always tells the story.'

'Because you demand it, my love.' Turning to Harry, she said, 'Seriously, he asks for it at least once a fortnight. But it's a fun story, so I don't mind.'

The conversation continued, punctuated by raucous antics from the kids, and Harry observed Fiona as much as he could without staring. She's not wearing a bra, he thought, and he wondered if she was trying to warn him that pregnancy had altered her figure. Aunt Petunia had often complained that she'd never lost all the baby weight from Dudley, which was frightening, given how skinny she was.

Harry had indeed fantasised about Fiona's breasts, but he hadn't considered how motherhood might have affected them. Just how saggy are we talking? he wondered, before realising how shallow that was. But he couldn't help looking, and he decided they probably weren't too bad, all things considered.

He thought he was being discreet, but when he looked at her face again she was grinning. 'Trying to gauge how breastfeeding treated me?' she asked.

Turning red, he said, 'Er, maybe. Seems all right. And Matthew looks healthy.'

She laughed and said, 'I suppose I deserved that, after praising your lack of veneer.'

'You wanted me to make an informed decision,' he quipped. 'And something tells me you wore that jumper on purpose.'

'Maybe I did. Unfortunately it's too cold for a bare midriff, or else I'd give you an advance look at my stretch marks and "mummy tummy." Admittedly I could glamour the stretch marks, but Matthew would never forgive me if I magicked away the tummy, since it's very soft.'

'Then I'm sure I'll learn to appreciate it as well,' said Harry. In a lower voice he added, 'And you definitely don't need to worry I won't be attracted to you, considering how desperate I am to kiss you right now."

She gasped slightly, and Harry's desire deepened, but she stepped away. 'I probably shouldn't be surprised, since you're Britain's randiest wizard, which is also concerning. But enough talk—I want to see how you and Matthew get on. If we're going to date, it's not enough for you just to tolerate him.'

Harry had expected this and dressed accordingly, in jeans and a woollen jumper. Owen was using his wand to gather fallen leaves, and the kids, no longer playing with bubbles, took turns jumping into the crisp piles. Jill was minding Teddy, but Harry took over.

'I'm sorry, it wasn't my goal to fob him off on you,' he said, taking Teddy from her arms.

'No worries,' she replied. 'I'm just doing my bit to get you and Fiona together.'

'You approve, I take it?'

'I do. I admit I was a bit worried at first, same as Owen, but I came around more quickly. And you've helped her come back to life, ever since you first met. We had to drag her to your first party, you know.'

'I'm glad you did,' said Harry. 'Did she show you my letters?'

'Not all of them, but a couple. And you could teach Owen a thing or two! It's never too late in a marriage for a steamy love letter.'

'They weren't too smarmy?'

'They're incredibly smarmy,' said Jill. 'But they're just what she needs—something to bring her back to the present.'

He glanced and saw that Fiona was watching them. 'I don't want to make her paranoid, so I'll stop interrogating you. But thanks for convincing Owen.'

'He's over-protective,' she said. 'And I know he's hard on you, but there's no malice. Quite the opposite, really. And believe me, he's harder on himself.'

'Oh?'

'He loves his new job, but sometimes he fears he's in over his head. Like with Gemma—he's screwed up several times with her, most recently by not noticing her crush.'

'I didn't notice it either,' said Harry sadly. 'Although she's doing better than I expected. But overall, I think Owen's doing a great job, considering how well Gemma is playing. She could barely spot the Snitch when we hired her.'

'That's what I tell him, but I suspect he'd appreciate hearing it from you. I know you see him as more of a mentor than a peer, but he really does respect you. And if you date Fiona, we'll probably see more of you.'

'I'd like that. But this little monkey is beginning to squirm,' he said, referring to Teddy, 'and I'd best pay attention to him.'

When Teddy heard the word 'monkey' he immediately sprouted a tail, and Harry found a low branch he could hang from. The kids spotted him and ran from their leaf piles, eager to see his new trick, and they pretended they were monkeys too. Harry was slightly too vain to act like a monkey, but he played the role of zookeeper, which gave structure to their antics.

The zoo game proved a success, and Harry was able to carry Teddy as needed. He's a bit clingy, thought Harry, and at one point the toddler burst into tears and required comforting. 'Did you get scared?' he asked Teddy.

Teddy's response was inarticulate, so Harry just held him close and stroked his head. 'There, there ... Goffa loves you and Dama loves you and you're very precious.'

The toddler calmed down, resting his head on Harry's shoulder. 'Look,' said Kate. 'His hair turned black!'

Harry turned and saw that Teddy's hair was not only black but also sticking up, much like his own. 'Lucky you,' he told Teddy, slightly emotional. 'You can change your hair back, whereas I'm stuck with it.'

'This is definitely a glimpse of your future,' said Jill. 'I'm tempted to fetch the camera.'

'I'm sure his hair will change back in a moment,' he said, wondering whether Fiona was watching. I was supposed to play with Matthew, but I'd probably fail the test if I ignored Teddy just to impress her.

It turned out Fiona was impressed. 'You're good with him,' she said.

'This is new, actually. My usual trick is just to exhaust him into submission, but he's more clingy than normal this afternoon.'

'Babies are like that,' said Fiona. 'Their brains are developing all the time, and their moods follow. Rob even kept a journal to track Matthew's development—he was hoping he'd find a pattern—but that's Rob for you. Always looking for answers.'

'Did he find a pattern?'

'Not really. On the surface of things, yes, but Rob was reluctant to draw conclusions, since they were likely to be biased by his own expectations.'

'That sounds like something Hermione would say,' said Harry. 'Are you sure he was a pure-blood?'

She laughed and said, 'Yes, although he didn't act like it. He frequently complained about shoddy wizarding logic and the overall lack of critical thinking. During the war especially—he couldn't fathom why so many people were seduced into such hateful behaviour.'

'I've been criticised for using the word "seduce" in that context, but I stand by it,' said Harry. 'In both political seduction and, er, the usual kind, it's all about how you make the other person feel about themselves.'

'And you would know,' she murmured. 'Are you doing it on purpose, or does it come naturally?'

'In your case, I think you draw it out of me,' he said in a low voice. 'I get the sense you're hungry to feel alive again, and wanted. And heaven knows I want you ...'

She took a deep breath. 'I'm supposed to wait until you play more with Matthew,' she said, returning his gaze. 'I'm supposed to show you my temper and be generally disagreeable so you'll know what you're getting into. But god, I want you too.'

Her cheeks were flushed, and if he hadn't been holding Teddy he would have kissed her there and then. 'Does this mean I've earned my moment alone with you?'

'I think that's up to Teddy,' she said, and the toddler burrowed deeper into Harry's arms.

Harry chuckled and said, 'I feel like the roles are reversed. I was prepared to defer to Matthew, knowing he'll always come first in your life. But Teddy obviously has a claim on me as well.'

'Life is complicated that way. I can't just dash off with you whenever you ask. And you can't just turn up and expect my full attention.'

Remembering how he'd wheedled Ginny for sex when she wanted to study, he said, 'I understand that in theory, but I may need some training. Don't let me overuse my "neglected orphan" look.'

'Go on, let's see it.'

It was a variant on his romantic Look, only more pathetic. 'Can't I spend the night?' he implored. 'I'm sure Owen and Jill would be willing to watch Matthew. We could reenact Sorceress.'

She laughed out loud. 'Not before the gala! And speaking of Sorceress, or your reputation, rather ...'

'Oh, that,' he said sheepishly.

'Yes, that. Am I doomed to notoriety, or are you capable of discretion?'

'Er, discretion's not my strong suit. I can probably refrain from snogging you in public, but I'd rather not have to hide that we're dating.' He continued to stroke Teddy's head, which still had messy black hair. 'But what would you prefer?'

'I'm torn. On the one hand, it'd be nice to shut up everyone who's been after me to start dating again, although I'm reluctant to give them the satisfaction. But I don't fancy being on the cover of the Prophet or receiving hate mail from your legions of fans. Not to mention all the comments I'll get.'

'Comments?'

'The inevitable comments about our sex life. Because no one talks about Harry Potter nowadays without talking about sex.'

'Bloody Anglo-Saxons,' he grumbled. 'Er, actually, that reminds me ... I have a new product endorsement coming out next month.'

'Marital aids?'

'Very funny. No, underwear.'

Her face lit up. 'Underwear adverts! Matthew has been joking about them for weeks, but I didn't realise they were based in fact. Please tell me you're the model!'

'I am, and the adverts will run everywhere but Britain. In fact, I have to go to Boston the weekend after next to promote them.'

Shaking her head in amazement, she said, 'I can't believe I'll be dating an underwear model. Have you taken the photos already?'

'Er, yeah. And there's another thing you should know ... they were with Sophie.'

Her smile vanished. 'You and Sophie posed together in your underwear? And the adverts will run everywhere but here?' He nodded, and she said, 'Why, exactly? Do you really need the money that badly?'

'I'm expected to rebuild the Black family assets. Not to its former obscene glory, but enough to support several generations. And I'm also on the hook for a lot of dowries.'

'You're joking, right?' He shook his head, and she said, 'And things are really over between you and Sophie?'

'Yes, I rang her on Tuesday to say there was someone else.'

It took Fiona a moment to work out who he was referring to. 'Was she all right?'

'She was disappointed, I think, but not angry. We were never exclusive.'

'No, I heard her on the radio—she clearly didn't want to cramp your style. By the way, I'll never go on the radio with you.'

'That's fine. But you still haven't said whether you'll be willing to date publicly. And by the way, this is an absurd negotiation to have before we've even kissed.'

She looked at Teddy, who seemed to have fallen asleep. 'It is. And in answer to your question, can we wait until after the gala?'

'To kiss?' he said, horror-struck.

'No, to go public,' she laughed. 'We can kiss as soon as you put Teddy down.'

Harry scanned the area for something resembling a bed, and his gaze landed on a pile of leaves. 'Not there, silly!' she said. 'There's a spare bed inside, where Matthew sometimes sleeps. I can charm a barrier around it.'

He followed her inside, certain that Jill had noticed, and she led him to a spare room that was lined with bookcases. Harry carefully lay Teddy on the bed, and Fiona charmed the perimeter. She stepped closer to Harry, and they drew together and kissed softly.

Harry allowed her to set the pace, and within moments her fingers twined in his hair and her kiss became more passionate. His hands roamed freely and she gasped with pleasure, over the sound of Teddy's light snores. Harry was overwhelmed with desire, and if Teddy hadn't been on the bed he would have been tempted to claim it.

'Mummy, where are you?' came a voice from the corridor.

'I'm right here, sweetie,' said Fiona, pulling away.

Matthew's small head poked through the doorway. 'Can we play with the butterfly seeds?'

'Oh, right,' she said, flustered. 'Of course ... they're in my bag outside.'

She straightened her jumper and took Matthew's hand, and they walked together towards the door. After glancing at Teddy to make sure he was still asleep, Harry followed them outside, where Fiona retrieved her handbag from the bench. 'Matthew, do you want to sprinkle the seeds, or shall I?'

'I want to!' he cried.

'All right, but don't use it all up. Kate and Liza will want a go as well.'

She pulled a jar from her bag and removed the lid, revealing a shaker top, and handed it to Matthew. He carefully sprinkled the seeds onto the earth, and butterflies sprang from where they landed. 'They're so pretty!' exclaimed Liza, and Kate was delighted as well.

'They'll last half an hour, more or less,' said Harry. 'And as long as you don't scare them, they won't fly away.'

The kids were rapt by all the butterflies, in a riot of colours, which meant they didn't notice when Harry took Fiona's hand. She turned to him and smiled, and they strolled through the mass of fluttering wings.