Chapter 13 – First Dates and Reunions
The next morning Harry woke up to Kreacher incessantly poking him.
"What is it Kreacher?" Harry asked groggily as he pulled away from the naked body he was spooning.
"Master Harry, there is a Madam Longbottom at Grimmauld place to see you and the mistress, she apologizes for not sending an owl first, but requests a chance to speak with you both," said Kreacher.
"Take her to the study and serve up a light breakfast with tea, we will be there shortly," responded Harry.
"Very well sir." Said Kreacher as he popped away.
"Narcissa my love," said Harry as he stroked the side of her face gently.
"I heard him," Narcissa grumbled as she rolled over. "Next time you are in the mood for a midnight tryst at least make sure we don't have any visitors the next morning," said Narcissa as she smirked at him playfully and then leaned over and gave him a chaste kiss before stretching and getting out of bed.
Within twenty minutes they were both showered and dressed. They apparated to the master bedroom at Grimmauld Place and then made their way down to the study. When they walked in Augusta immediately stood and grabbed them both in a crushing embrace.
"Thank you, I owe you a debt that I could never repay. You have given me my son and daughter-in-law back," she said as tears welled in her eyes.
"You owe us nothing Madam Longbottom, it was the right thing to do," said Narcissa.
"Please, call me Augusta. Your parents and I were never on the best of terms, I didn't agree with many of their decisions, especially regarding who they married you and Bellatrix off to, but I do remember you from the few times you came to the manor when you were young. I want you to know that I am proud of the woman you have become, and you have an ally in me whenever you need it Lady Potter-Black-Emrys," said Augusta sincerely
"Thank you Ma- Augusta," said Narcissa as she tried to hold back the tears that were welling in her own eyes. Harry squeezed her waist in support.
"How are Alice and Frank?" Harry asked. Augusta beamed.
"They are wonderful. It's as if they were never cursed in the first place. It will be hard for them to adjust to so much time having passed but they are in perfect health. They are currently at our summer home in France with Neville, reconnecting," Augusta replied. Narcissa nodded. "Anyways, I came to give you this." Augusta handed her a sheet of parchment.
"And to invite you to dinner with us next week. Frank and Alice have asked to have the opportunity to thank you personally, and to meet you, Harry. They were good friends of your parents," finished Madam Longbottom.
"We would be honored Augusta, just send us an owl and let us know when and we will be there," said Harry as he looked at the parchment over Narcissa's shoulder. "What is this?"
"It is the article that will be printed in the Daily Prophet tomorrow regarding Frank and Alice's recovery. I thought you deserved to see it first and prepare yourselves. I imagine you will have even more well-wishers than you already do," said Augusta with a knowing smirk. "Narcissa, I imagine someone from St. Mungo's will be contacting you soon. They are interested in helping you get your official healer credentials and taking you on as a part of their team on the Janus Thickey ward."
"And how would they know that I am qualified, but my credentials are - not traditional?" asked Narcissa with a raised eyebrow as she looked up from the draft of the article.
"I may have led them in that direction," said Augusta.
"I see, sort of like this apparent interview I am said to have given yesterday," she responded waving the parchment at her.
"Same idea, yes," Augusta responded. Narcissa chuckled.
"Thank you for letting me know, I will consider it," Narcissa responded.
"Very well, I will leave you to your day. Expect my owl sometime tomorrow," Madam Longbottom said with a nod.
"Let me show you out," said Harry as he left Narcissa to look over the article.
Lady Narcissa Potter-Black-Emrys - Miracle Brain Healer. Longbottom's miraculous recovery - details inside!
After the Longbottom matron left, Harry congratulated his wife on her newfound fame.
"Better you than me, love," he said as he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her neck softly. Narcissa moaned but then promptly pushed him away.
"Stop that, I have too many things to do today to be distracted by you," she said with a smirk. She gave him a chaste kiss and then headed back to Emrys manor. Instead of following her right away, Harry went to the study at Grimmauld Place to do some paperwork. He completed the paperwork to withdraw Draco from Hogwarts, sent a letter to Remus asking him to come by as soon as he could, and then sent an owl to Amelia letting her know he was looking forward to seeing her tomorrow night. When he was done with all of that, he went to the Emrys manor. When he got there, he could see Narcissa nervously trying to distract herself with projects. Harry knew she was terrified of seeing her sister, and he tried to comfort her, but a few withering glares let him know to just leave her be, so he busied himself with his other projects and let her be.
Two hours before Tonks was meant to come escort them to her parents' home, Narcissa excused herself to get ready. Harry knew she was nervous about seeing her sister again and would want to make sure her attire was perfect, so as much as he wanted to tease her about needing two hours to get ready, he didn't. He had learned something over their twenty years together. When there was a half hour left Harry went upstairs and asked Narcissa what she wanted him to wear. She smiled slightly at him for asking, but it wasn't enough to overpower her worried expression.
"It will be fine," Harry whispered as she laid clothes out for him on the bed.
"Don't try and placate me, Harry. You have no way of knowing things will be fine, it could just as likely go horribly and she hexes us before we even reach the door," said Narcissa worriedly.
"I suppose but try and have some faith. She's your sister!" said Harry.
"Yes, and how do you think black women deal with conflict?" Narcissa replied. Harry smirked.
"I'll leave you to brood and go change in the guest room," he said as he kissed her on the cheek.
"I'm not brooding," said Narcissa with a pout.
"Of course not, I'll be downstairs when you are ready," Harry said as he gave her a soft kiss and then gathered his clothes and left.
Nymphadora walked through the fireplace shortly after the couple had apparated to Grimmauld place. Harry and Narcissa came down the stairs and greeted her as she walked out of the lounge.
"Dora," said Harry with a nod.
"Harry," said Tonks as she walked over and ruffled his hair, causing Harry to scowl.
"You know I'm older than you now," he said.
"Yes and the most powerful wizard of all time, yada, yada. Hello auntie," said Tonks changing her attention to Narcissa.
"Hello Dora, it is nice to see you again," said Narcissa with a shy smile. "Thank you for this."
"No problem. Are you two ready, then?" asked Tonks. Harry and Narcissa both nodded. Tonks took each of their hands and apparated them all to her childhood home. Narcissa was surprised by how elegant it was for a muggle home. It was small for her tastes, but it screamed Andromeda, even from the outside. 'I'm glad she's been well taken care of, and happy. She found her Harry long ago, I suppose. If only I could have been so brave.'
'You are one of the bravest people I know Cissy, don't ever doubt that.' Narcissa squeezed his hand in gratitude.
"I usually apparate into my bedroom, but I figured for this – um - reunion it would be best to go through the front door," said Tonks with a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood. Narcissa gave her a tight smile. Tonks knocked on the door and waited for one of her parents to open it, secretly hoping it was her father. He was much more easy-going.
"Nymphadora? What are you doing out here?" asked Andromeda when she opened in surprise.
"Hey mum, I told you I was bringing some guests along I..." but she was interrupted by Narcissa's soft gasp, which caused Andromeda to gently shove Nymphadora to the side so she could see who the guests were. Harry was eyeing her in astonishment, startled by how much she looked like a sane, happy version of her sister Bellatrix
"You," andromeda said with venom in her voice as she raised her wand at Narcissa. "How dare you come here?" Suddenly green and red light flew from her wand which Harry deflected with a blink and a twitch of his finger. Andromeda noticed neither of them had moved and looked at them in shock. She also noticed that Narcissa had not drawn her wand and instead had her hands up in surrender, but she wasn't ready to focus on that. Andromeda went to fire another spell but was stopped by Nymphadora's pleas.
"Mother, your Black is showing," Dora scolded. "Put your wand down. I invited them here of my own free will. I can't let you hurt them," she said with confidence she didn't feel as she drew her wand.
"Why would you bring her here, she's a death eater!" hissed Andromeda.
"Much has changed mother, please listen, she is married to Harry Potter now, well Harry Potter-Black-Emery, but anyways she's on our side," said Nymphadora.
"You really are married to Harry Potter?" asked Andromeda
"Yes, do you not read the newspaper Andromeda?" replied Narcissa putting her hands down.
"Occasionally, it's usually a bunch of rubbish. So is the rest of the article true?" asked Andie.
"For once, yes," said Narcissa. Andromeda sighed and walked towards her sister with determination in her eyes. Harry went to move in front of Narcissa, but she put her hand out to stop him. She would deal with her sister on her own. She braced herself to be slapped or hexed, but she was surprised to instead find the breath knocked out of her by a crushing hug.
"I've missed you so much, Narcissa. I never thought I would get a chance to see you again," Andromeda whispered. Then she pulled away and looked over at who she assumed was Harry Potter.
"You don't look like the scrawny 15-year-old Nymphadora has mentioned in her letters," she said giving him a once over. "I know the prophet said you experienced some sort of time paradox, but since you've aged and Narcissa almost looks younger, I expect the real story." Harry nodded.
"Come inside," she demanded and then she turned and stalked back into the house, looking every bit as intimidating as her crazy sister.
"Well that actually went better than I was expecting," said Nymphadora in surprise as she put her wand back in her holster. I had a whole back up plan just in case shit hit the fan, but I guess I don't need it."
"What was your backup plan?" asked Harry curiously.
"Well - I was," said Tonks blushing slightly, but before she could be forced to explain a soft popping noise let them know someone else had arrived and their attention moved to the newcomer.
"Everyone looks to be in one piece," said Hermione looking around with a pout. "Did I miss all the fun Dora?" Nymphadora laughed before moving beside her. Narcissa saw her hand twitch as if she wanted to reach out and touch her, but she resisted.
'Interesting.''What's interesting?''I'm sure you'll figure it out on your own dear.'' I wouldn't be so sure I'm not very observant.' Narcissa laughed.
'That's true.' Harry huffed.
"Yes, by a few seconds unfortunately." Hermione nodded.
"Hello Harry, Narcissa. Nice to see you both again," said Hermione.
"It's always nice to see you Hermione, but what are you doing here?" asked Harry.
"Oh – um – well Tonks invited me," said Hermione with a blush.
"Shall we go inside, I'm sure Mum is telling dad all about it and he'll be wanting to meet you," said Tonks, trying to keep Harry from asking anymore questions. Narcissa noticed how her eyes lingered on Hermione when she said this, and she smiled. Harry of course was still obvious to the whole thing.
'What am I oblivious too? What going on!'
They walked inside and Narcissa touched Dora's arm gently in a request to stay behind while Harry and Hermione moved into the living room.
"Was your back up plan to introduce them to your secret girlfriend to get the pressure off of me?" asked Narcissa kindly
"Maybe," grumbled Tonks with a deep blush.
"I appreciate that Tonks, it's very Hufflepuff of you. I'm happy for you, and I know your mother will be as well," said Narcissa. Tonks smiled and nodded her appreciation. They walked into the living room and Dora introduced everyone to her father.
"Dad, this is Lord Harry Potter-Black-Emrys, his wife Lady Potter-Black-Emrys, and my - this is Hermione," said Dora as she gestured to each of them in turn.
"Holy fuck," said Ted.
"Ted, watch your language," scolded Andromeda from the kitchen doorway.
"Sorry dear," said Ted in embarrassment. "What I meant to say was welcome." He stood up and shook Harry's hand. When he reached Narcissa he pulled her in for a hug like Andromeda had.
"It's nice to finally meet some of Andromeda's family. I'm glad you're here," Ted said kindly. Narcissa looked at him in surprise. He shook Hermione's hand just as Andromeda said that dinner was ready. They went into the dining room and sat around the long antique table that even Druella would have been proud of. Andromeda set a filled plate down in front of each person and then sat down next to Ted, her features flashing between happy surprise and suspicion. Narcissa took a bite of her food and hummed in approval.
"Mm, this is really good. Did you make this yourself Andy?" She asked.
"Of course I did," said Andromeda with a scowl.
"Harry cooks sometimes, and he has tried to teach me, but I'm afraid I don't have the patience for it," she said as she took another bite.
"That's true," chimed in Harry. "She's a horrid cook." Narcissa laughed genuinely.
"Thanks, Dear." Harry just shrugged and kept eating. Andromeda put down her fork with a bang that startled everyone.
"Who are you? You are not the arrogant, condescending, judgmental sister that I remember marrying Lucius," Andromeda said. Narcissa sighed and set down her own fork. She took her time wiping her mouth with a cloth before she spoke.
"Narcissa Malfoy died a long time ago, Andie. I'm just Cissy now," replied Narcissa.
"And where is your darling ex?" said Andromeda, her words dripping in sarcasm.
"He's a squib in a muggle hospital in Spain for well - crazy people I guess," said Narcissa. Ted spit out his pumpkin juice.
"Truly? That's fantastic," he said wiping his mouth and then getting up to get a cloth for the table at his wife's withering glare. Nymphadora chimed in and shared everything Harry had told her about what had happened. Harry filled in the details of anything she missed. When she finished Ted and Andromeda were looking at them like fish out of water. Andromeda ran to her sister's side and hugged her tightly.
"I am so glad you got away from that horrible man Cissy, I'm so glad to have you back, much more like the young, happy, carefree girl I grew up with. It is more than I could have hoped for. I would kill that bastard myself, if I didn't think Harry's punishment was more fitting," said Andromeda with a satisfied smirk. The rest of the meal went by in pleasant conversation and Narcissa couldn't help the happy tears that filled her eyes.
When the plates were cleared, they enjoyed a cup of coffee and light pudding before Narcissa made their excuses. Harry gave her a questioning look but stood up and pulled her chair out and offered her his arm.
"We should go," she said. "Besides I think Dora has something to share with you" said Narcissa with a wink at her niece. She chuckled when she saw her blush and glare at her at the same time.
"Will you come back?" asked Andromeda tentatively.
"Of course, how about next weekend?" asked Narcissa.
"That would be nice," said Andromeda. Narcissa nodded.
"Then we'll see you then. I'll owl you and we can work out the details. Good night everyone," said Narcissa as she led Harry out, winking at a flushed Tonks on the way.
o - o - o - o - o
Monday morning Harry sent Narcissa to check on Snape while he went to check on the rescued death eaters and their families. After lunch, Narcissa went to Albion to visit Ella, while Harry got some paperwork done and then got ready for his date with Amelia.
He floo'd to Bones Manor and elegantly stepped out of the fireplace the way Narcissa had taught him. The first thing he noticed was Amelia waiting for him in the study with a smirk on her face. She was wearing a red thin strapped dress and knee eyes boots.
"Lord Emrys, it's nice to see you again," said Amelia as she gave him a quick once over and a sultry smile.
"You as well, Madam Bones," said Harry as he approached her and gently kissed the top of her hand. "You look beautiful Amelia."
"Thank you Harry," she whispered as her eyes glazed over momentarily at his closeness.
"Are you ready to go, or shall I say hello to Susan?" asked Harry. Amelia laughed.
"She's out tonight otherwise I would say yes. I am looking forward to seeing her face when she sees us together," said Amelia.
"Me too! I do enjoy a flustered Susan," said Harry with a wink. "Shall we?" Amelia nodded. Harry grabbed her waist and apparated them to a dark alley in muggle London. They walked for several blocks before Harry led her into a dimly lit, quiet restaurant for couples. The tables were arranged to allow for maximum privacy, which is why Harry had picked it. Once they reached their table, Harry pulled out Amelia's chair, gave her a soft kiss on the cheek and then sat down across from her.
"So I'm sure you have lots of questions so ask away," said Harry. "II promise to be completely honest with you. I know you will know if I'm not," said Harry flashing his signature grin.
"Why did you ask me out on a date? What are your intentions?" she asked abruptly.
"Well you're beautiful, clearly intelligent to have gotten as far as you have, I'm attracted to you, and I believe we have a similar idea of what we consider to be a good time. I think we could be a good match. As far as my intentions, I'm not really looking for a one- night stand or anything like that. I asked you out in the hopes of something developing between us, what that is I suppose is up to you. Draco is my heir, and I can't have any others, so I'm not looking for someone to give me heirs either. If you want heirs for the Bones name I could take you on as a consort and any of our children would have your name, if you don't want anything formal or you don't want children, that's fine too. I can play whatever role you want, but there is something you should know."
"What's that?" But before he could respond the waiter came and asked for their drink order. When he walked away again, Harry explained.
"There will come a time when Narcissa and I will have to disappear, and we will need everyone to believe we are dead. I don't know when that will be, but I am not in a position to be able to promise you a lifetime," said Harry. "If knowing that, you still want to see me again, I'll be glad, but if not, I understand.'
"Why would you need to do that?" Amelia asked curiously. Harry sighed.
"Can I show you something?" he asked.
"Sure?" She responded, wondering what he meant. Harry took her hands kissing the top of her knuckles gently, before closing his eyes and pushing his memories into her, with as little magic as he could since they were in a public place. He showed her everything that happened from the moment Kreacher brought Narcissa to Grimmauld place, focusing on Merlin's letter, and what he learned from the Druid and Merlin's memories about his powers and his destiny.
When he finished Amelia was visibly shaking but seemed to be in control. She quickly took a drink of the wine that had been brought while Harry was sharing his memories.
"I'm sorry, I know it can be a bit overwhelming until you get used to it," said Harry.
"It's - it's alright. Thank you for sharing so much with me. It's a lot to process, but I understand better now," Amelia replied. It was silent for a time while she collected her thoughts. After the waiter came by for their food order she spoke.
"The public will be scared of your nearly absolute power and control over them. They will come for you until you are no more," said Amelia simply.
"Yes." Said Harry sadly. "I have learned that the opinion of the wizarding world can be very fickle. At first, they will be grateful to me for defeating Voldemort, but eventually the fear of my abilities will override their hero-worship and they will want me destroyed."
"Do you really think you're plan will work?" asked Amelia.
"I hope so, because I don't really have a backup plan," Harry said with a chuckle.
"Well, you definitely have the power and I imagine the will to succeed. You were right, your tactical training program is incredible. I look forward to seeing it in action...this - pull - I feel towards you, is it you trying to persuade me, or is it because our magic is compatible?" asked Amelia hesitantly. She expected Harry to be offended by the question, but he wasn't.
"I can use my magic to – increase - the sensations you feel when you are around me, but I cannot create them. Whatever pull you feel is real, and likely the result of our magic reaching out to each other," said Harry. Amelia nodded and then thought about everything he had shown her as she ate her dinner.
"I think a consort arrangement would work well for me, eventually. I just have one request," she said after a few bites.
"What's that?" asked Harry with a smile.
"Teach me everything you can and let me be a part of this? All of it! I have a family to avenge as much as you do," said Amelia with an almost feral glint in her eyes.
"Gladly," said Harry with a smile.
"Great, so tell me about yourself Harry, what do like to do in your free time," she asked, trying to turn the conversation to more typical "date" topics. Harry laughed, and the rest of the meal flew by in a playful, flirty manner.
When they left the restaurant Harry took Amelia's hand in his and walked to a dark alley where no one would see them apparate.
"I assume you have your wand in there somewhere," he said with a smirk as he looked her up and down as best he could in the darkness. A pleased blush overcame her features as she smiled at him.
"Of course," she scoffed.
"Good, you mentioned wanting to be a part of my plan, so I thought you might want to help me with something. You may want to change into something a bit more - tactical though," said Amelia.
"What is it you have in mind?" asked Amelia with an excited gleam in her eyes.
"When I rescued Draco from taking the dark mark, there were several young men there that had been forced into joining Voldemort's ranks, to either pay off a debt or protect their family. I have them all in safe houses now, but they gave me a list of others that are in the same situation. I thought you might want to help me rescue some unwilling participants from under Voldemort's nose," said Harry. Amelia smirked and flicked her wand and an instant later she was dressed in plain grey tactical robes with no insignia. Harry nodded in approval and wrapped his arms around her waist. They reappeared moments later at the green safe house.
"This is one of the safe houses I have set up to protect them Voldemort. I thought the people we are going to see might be more welcoming if we brought along someone they trust. Amelia nodded. Harry took her hand and walked up to the front door. As he knocked, he took the list out of his pocket. Corbin opened the door and looked at Harry and Amelia in surprise.
"Lord Emrys, how are you this evening, please come in," he said as he opened the door fully and stepped aside.
"How are you finding everything Corbin, any issues?" said Harry as he walked into the large manor.
"No sir, everything is great. We are all very content here," replied Corbin.
"Great. Amelia and I were going to go collect some of your friends that you all had concerns about," he said as he motioned to the list he was holding. "We were hoping someone would come with us to let them know who we are and why we are there so that they don't get spooked."
"I would be honored to come and help with that Lord Emrys, Madam Bones," he said as he gave her a quick bow.
"Wonderful," said Harry. As he explained his plan most of the young men living there came into the entryway to say hello and shake his hand. A few of them spoke to Amelia briefly. She was intrigued by the training Harry was starting with them.
"Alright then. Corbin, Amelia are you both ready to go?" asked Harry. They both nodded. Harry looked down at the list and then took each of their hands while he said the first name out loud. They silently reappeared at the front door of the house belonging to someone by the name of Wendell Jones.
'How do you do that? Can you seriously apparate to anyone just by saying their name?" said an exasperated Amelia.
'It is a little bit more complicated than that, but in essence yes. I'll explain later," said Harry. Corbin stepped forward and knocked on the door.
"Hello?" came a suspicious voice as the door opened slightly. "Corbin? You're alright? The Dark Lord implied you and several others were killed." The door opened fully to reveal an older gentleman in ministry robes. Corbin laughed.
"I'm fine. I was rescued by Harry Potter-Black-Emrys. He saved all of us, removed our dark marks and then put us up in safe houses," explained Corbin. Wendell eyed him incredulously.
"The last time we saw each other, what did I tell you about Mia?" asked Wendell.
"She had her first burst of accidental magic and broke all of your wife's crystal vases," Corbin said. Wendell nodded and let out a relieved sigh.
"Why are you here?"
"We're here to help," chimed in Harry. He flared his magic and scanned the man's mind. 'Wife has been kidnapped. We'll have to deal with that.' He smirked when he heard Amelia moan softly next to him.
"Help?"
"Yes, I offer to bring you and your children to one of my safe houses, along with any needed possessions and while you are getting settled, Amelia and I will go rescue your wife," explained Harry. Wendell gasped.
"How do you know about my wife?"
"I have my ways," said Harry. Wendell looked to Corbin.
"You and your family will be safe Wendell. I have never seen anything like the wards around the safehouse they are impenetrable. Don't pass up this chance. Trust him, trust me," said Corbin. Wendell sighed and rubbed his eyes as he nodded.
"Corbin. Help him gather what he wants to take and get the kids together, then call for Dobby to transport all of you to the blue safe house. I will pick you up there once we have rescued Dahlia," said Harry. Corbin nodded and walked inside.
"They have a lot of respect for you," said Amelia once the door shut.
"Well, I'll take respect over hero-worship any day. Are you ready?" asked Harry. Amelia nodded with a smirk. As Harry moved to wrap his arms around her waist again, Amelia reached up and pulled his face towards hers, crashing their lips together in a frenzied, passionate kiss. When they reappeared in a dark corner of the dungeon of Malfoy Manor, Amelia pulled away and took stock of their surroundings.
"Wand out, Amelia, but please remember this is just a rescue mission. Let's not get carried away," whispered Harry.
"Why, wanting to save capturing Voldemort for the second date," Amelia whispered back. Even in the dark Harry could see her smirk.
"Maybe," Harry said as he smiled at her. Anyways, Voldemort won't be here. He went somewhere he thinks I can't find him. Snape said the death eaters are still using the manor for meetups though, so I figured it was a safe bet they were also keeping prisoners here. We'll see if I'm right." Harry motioned to Amelia that he was moving forward. They walked slowly down the corridor until they came to the first cell. A bruised and bleeding man was laying in a crumpled heap on the floor. Harry waved his hand and cast 'Alohomora' so powerfully that the lock simply disappeared altogether.
"Do you have a plan, Harry?" asked Amelia. Harry chuckled.
"Rescuing Dahlia was as far as I got. I should have realized there would be other prisoners as well…. Can you apparate them to St. Mungo's and then get back here?"
"If I can get through the wards," replied Amelia. Harry nodded.
"I already took them down," Harry responded. Amelia raised her eyebrows at this. "While we were kissing."
"I feel like I should take that as an insult to my kissing abilities," said Amelia.
"No, you're a great kisser. Focusing on the wards was the only thing that kept me from changing our destination to my bedroom instead," Harry responded, enjoying the blush that was creeping up Amelia's neck. Suddenly they heard footfall coming down the stairs.
"Get him to St. Mungo's, I'll continue on," said Harry. Amelia nodded and walked over to the injured prisoner and took his hand. By the time Harry got the next cell open the lights had turned on. Harry flared his magic and then put a silencing charm on the new arrival before his screams of agony could reach upstairs. He walked into the cell to see a petite blonde-haired woman that resembled the woman in Wendell's memories. 'This has got to be her.' Harry called for Dobby. When Dobby appeared, he shivered slightly at being back in Malfoy Manor.
"I won't make you stay here long Dobby, after you get Wendell and his children to the safe house with their belongings, bring Wendell to St. Mungo's. His wife will be there. Let him know I will come visit tomorrow," said Harry.
"Very well, sir." Dobby said as he popped away. Seconds later Amelia returned.
"I have a suite of rooms designated for any one we rescue tonight. We can apparate them straight there from now on, so we'll save some time," said Amelia. Harry nodded.
"I love a woman that think on her feet," said Harry with a flirtatious smirk. Amelia blushed again.
"Who's next?"
"I think this is Wendell's wife," said Harry. Amelia nodded and walked over to her while Harry continued on to the next cell. They took turns apparating the prisoners to St. Mungo's. When they reached the last cell, Amelia chuckled at the three writhing bodies at the bottom of the staircase.
"If you can think of a way to explain why you were here, you can take them if you want," said Harry. Amelia's eyes flashed at this.
"I'll come up with something," she replied.
"Alright then, you take care of them, and I'll get this last one to St. Mungo's. Meet you at Bones Manor in say twenty minutes?" asked Harry. Amelia smiled at him and kissed his cheek before she walked over to the three men, while Harry unlocked the last cell. He stood in the entrance in shock as he came to the realization that the unconscious woman lying in a pool of blood on the floor was none other than his sister-in-law, Bellatrix Lestrange.
'Oh fuck, I definitely can't take her to St. Mungo's.' He hesitated for a moment before he made up his mind. He walked in and lifted her gently into his arms before apparating to the Emrys Manor. When he reappeared in the master bedroom, he breathed a sigh of relief to see Narcissa sitting in bed reading.
"Cissy," he whispered. The fear and sadness in his voice made her immediately look up at him in concern. When she saw who he was carrying her face paled, and she hurried out of bed quickly conjuring a nightgown.
"Take her to the closest guest room, and I'll tend to her," said Narcissa. Harry went to speak but Narcissa cut him off. "You can put up any wards or do any spells you want to ensure she can't leave or hurt anyone." Harry nodded and carried Bellatrix to the guest room as instructed.
"I should go, I need to say goodnight to Amelia," said Harry once Narcissa set to work. Narcissa nodded. Harry kissed her on the cheek and then apparated to Bones Manor. He only had to wait a few minutes for Amelia to arrive.
"Everything sorted?" he asked.
"Yes, tomorrow will be busier than usual thanks to you, but things are sorted for now," said Amelia as she walked towards him. "I have to say while unusual this was definitely one of the best dates I have ever been on. I have a feeling my life is going to get a lot more interesting with you around." Harry smiled at this and pulled her in for a searing kiss, taking Amelia by surprise before she melted into the embrace and kissed him back with fervour. Harry pulled away when the need for oxygen forced him to.
"I had a wonderful time, Amelia. Are you free on Thursday?" Amelia just nodded.
"Great, you can come to mine if you want and I can make you dinner?" asked Harry.
"That would be wonderful, Harry," replied Amelia.
"Great," said Harry. He gave her one more soft kiss and then turned to walk down the steps. "See you soon."
o - o - o - o - o
Albus Dumbledore was scared, for the first time he could remember. He had just thrown Severus' letter of resignation into the fire when he received a notice that Draco Potter-Black had been withdrawn from Hogwarts by his parents. This notice made him realize something and he quickly went to check the book of admissions. Just as he had expected Harry's name was no longer there. Due to the time paradox, he was now long past the age of attendance for Hogwarts.
"What am I going to do? Severus has suddenly quit and if Harry isn't coming to Hogwarts, Slughorn will never return. How am I supposed to get back in his good graces if he doesn't come back to Hogwarts?" whispered Albus as he paced in his office.
"Maybe you should retire and leave the boy to handle everything," chimed in Phineas. Albus turned and glared at the portrait. "He may be a halfblood, but I have seen what he is capable of. He is more powerful than you will ever be Albus."
'INCENDIO' yelled Albus bursting the old Headmaster's portrait into flames and causing Phineas to flee to his portrait in Grimmauld Place. He knew it would be back. good as new when he woke up in the morning, but it still made him feel better.
"I'll send him a letter, ask if we can meet. I'll tell him about the Horcruxes and convince him that his sacrifice is needed for the greater good. Yes, a letter. That's what I'll do," said Dumbledore as he headed to his desk with a determined nod.