Chapter Fourteen – Bones Manor
Wednesday morning Harry woke up to find Narcissa curled up in his embrace.
"Hmm, hello love. I've missed you these last couple nights," he said as he kissed her forehead gently. Narcissa opened her eyes and smiled at him lovingly. Harry noticed the dark circles under her eyes and frowned at her in concern.
"How is your sister?" He asked. Narcissa sighed.
"I'm not sure honestly. I've healed all of the physical wounds, but she hasn't woken up yet, so there is no telling what the long-term damage will be," Narcissa said.
"Let me know if there is anything I can do," said Harry.
"I will. Thank you for rescuing her and bringing her here instead of to the ministry. You seem to be making a habit of saving my family members," said Narcissa.
"I don't know why, but I have a feeling that things are not what they seem with Bellatrix. I just hope I'm right and she doesn't kill me in my sleep," responded Harry.
"I have the same feeling. Hopefully, she will wake up soon and we can figure out what to do," Narcissa said as she leaned in and kissed Harry softly.
"I love you," she whispered.
"I love you too," Harry said as he rolled on top of her. Just as they were getting out of bed Kreacher popped in to let them know that there was someone waiting at Grimmauld Place.
"Who is it Kreacher?" Harry mumbled.
"The head healer at St. Mungo's is in the drawing room waiting to speak with the mistress," said Kreacher.
"Thank you Kreacher, please let them know I will be down shortly," said Narcissa as she walked over to the wardrobe
"Cissy, you don't have to talk to them now. It can wait. Please don't take on too much," said Harry in concern.
"I won't. I will be very clear about what I can offer," said Narcissa as she walked over and gave Harry a languid kiss before she finished getting dressed.
"Are you still planning on going to the ministry early to spend some time with Amelia?" Narcissa asked. Harry nodded. "Good luck with your NEWTs. Although we both know you don't need it. You could pass them in your sleep, but I'm proud of you for taking them."
"I'll probably stay at Grimmauld Place tonight. Let me know if Bellatrix wakes up and be sure to tell me what happens with St. Mungo's," said Harry.
"You know I will, see you soon love," said Narcissa as she gave Harry a tender kiss and then floo'd to Grimmauld Place. Harry got some paperwork out of the way and then had a light breakfast before he went to the ministry to take his NEWT's. He ended up floo'ing to Amelia's private office about an hour before his appointment. He smirked when he saw her so consumed with her paperwork that she didn't even look up.
"Hello Amelia, how are you today?" said Harry as he walked over and put his hand on top of hers to stop her quill and then leaned down and kissed her firmly to get her full attention.
"I'm still not finished with all of the paperwork from our activities on Monday, but I find that I don't even care," said Amelia with a smile. "You're early?" Harry shrugged.
"I wanted to see you," Harry said, chuckling at the blush that began to form on Amelia's neck.
"Well then, I'll finish up and we can spend a little time together before the fun begins," Amelia responded. She finished signing a last couple forms and then stood up and pulled Harry in for a languid kiss before she grabbed his hand and dragged him over to the sofa. They spent the hour cuddled close together on the sofa, talking and exchanging soft kisses until a loud knock was heard at the door.
"Come in," said Amelia as she stood and straightened her robes. Croaker swiftly walked into the room and gave her a stiff nod.
"I wanted to administer the practical portions of your exams myself so I would have a chance to see more of what you are 7capable of but given our relationship I thought it prudent to have a witness as well. Croaker will also proctor the written portions of your exams. I have your time paradox situation under the protection of the highest level of security clearance. It will keep people from being able to dig into the events too much. For now, me, Croaker, and Moody are the only people at the ministry that know the specifics. They are the only two people here that I trust explicitly," explained Amelia.
"I trust you, Amelia. Shall we get on with this. I do have a date tonight and I don't want to be late," said Harry with a wide grin. Amelia blushed and Croaker nodded.
"What exams are you taking today Lord Emrys?" Croaker asked.
"All of them," responded Harry.
"All of them?" clarified Croaker.
"Yes all subjects offered by the ICW, including Alchemy and Dueling," Harry specified.
"Very well," he answered. In an instant a small desk appeared in the corner of Amelia's office, bare except a quill and bottle of ink. "We will start with the written portions first and then do the practicals when you are finished." Harry nodded and took a seat. As soon as he did the first exam appeared on the desk in front of him. As soon as Harry started writing, Amelia left to get some things done.
Harry had all of the written exams finished by lunch, much to both Amelia and Croaker's surprise. Croaker took a break while Harry and Amelia enjoyed a nice lunch together in her office. In the afternoon, Harry followed Amelia down to one of the Auror training rooms where he did all of the practical portions of the exams. Croaker rarely showed emotion but even he couldn't contain his surprise at how effortlessly Harry did each task without even having a wand. Amelia was practically shaking by the time his Alchemy practical finished, his magic putting her on edge in the best way. 'Merlin he's sexy. I can't focus on anything, when all I want to do is undress him. The waves of his magic every few minutes isn't helping either.' Harry chuckled at her thoughts as he finished his task and moved on to the last practical, dueling. At Amelia's request, Auror Moody came into the room with a feral grin on his face.
"A little bird told me we're going to duel today. Fantastic. It has been ages since I've had a good duel. Is it true you don't even have a wand?" asked Moody. Harry put his empty hands out at his side to show he didn't. Moody arched his eyebrows in a way that made Harry cringe.
"And you think you can beat me without even having a wand?" asked Moody in disbelief.
"I do," replied Harry in boredom.
"Very well then, let's begin," said Moody as he bowed, the ferocity of his grin increasing. Harry returned the bow and then turned and walked the five paces that was expected. Moody began firing spells as soon as Harry was turned to face him. 'Alright I need to show that I can use at least three different types of magic in a duel to pass. Easy enough.'
Harry's finger twitched and a deep gorge appeared in the floor at Moody's feet. It took him so completely by surprise that Moody yelped and nearly tripped into it. Amelia and Harry both smirked. 'Alright, one down two to go.'
Harry dodged Moody's next spell and then conjured another shield before he waved his hand and a giant three headed snake of stone appeared in the middle of the room. The snake saw Moody and lunged at him before promptly being blasted into thousands of little pieces. 'That one was for Cissy.'
After a few more doges and shields, Harry closed his eyes and focused on the energy in the room. He imagined the available air and magic swirling around the room increasingly faster and faster until a tornado began to form. Harry opened his eyes and Moody watched in surprised fascination as Harry directed the tornado towards him. It went straight through the shield he conjured and picked him up, unceremoniously dropping him at Harry's feet. With a devilish grin Harry look towards Moody's wand, causing it to jump from his grip and into Harry's outstretched hand. Harry gave Moody a deep bow and then quickly returned his wand.
"Admirable fight Moody," said Harry. Moody glared at him.
"Un-fucking-believable, you clearly could have ended that ages ago. Why didn't you?" Growled Moody.
"You looked like you were having a good time. Besides the point of the exam practical is to show that I can duel, even if it would never be necessary," said Harry with a shrug.
"In all my years…" he said shaking his head. "No one, other than Amelia, has ever beat me, and that was pure luck." With that Moody stood and gave Amelia a death glare as he walked out of the room. Both Amelia and Croaker were standing there staring at Harry in awe.
"Um, yes, well I would say you pass Harry," said Amelia with a smirk, her eyes still swirling with desire. Croaker nodded and signed the sheet of parchment he was holding and handed it to Amelia before he swiftly left the room.
"I have things to get on with," he said as a way of goodbye. Harry followed Amelia back up to her office with the intention to take the floo back to Grimmauld place, but as soon as the door shut behind him a blur of red was rushing towards him, and Harry felt himself being pushed against the door as Amelia plunged her tongue into his mouth. He quickly reciprocated and several moments later began guiding Amelia away from the door until she was sat on the edge of her desk.
Harry kissed her passionately, softly touching every area of exposed skin he could reach as his hands explored her robed curves. Eventually his lips trailed along her jawline and down her neck. Amelia's hips thrust into him as she moaned.
"Harry please," she whispered huskily. Harry could read her mind. He knew what she wanted and pulled away just enough to nod. He crashed their lips together again as he reached under her robes and used his thumb to push her panties aside while two fingers swirled around her clit. His lips and tongue explored her neck until he unexpectedly bit down roughly on her pulse point as he pushed two fingers inside her. Amelia screamed in pleasure as Harry cast a silencing charm.
o – o – o – o – o
Later that night Amelia walked through the fireplace of Grimmauld Place to hear Harry humming in the kitchen while the most amazing smells filled the air.
"Merlin that smells amazing," she said as she walked into the kitchen. "What are you making?"
"Shepherd's pie," Harry answered as he smiled in her direction.
"One of my favorites," said Amelia excitedly.
"I know," replied Harry with a smirk. Amelia rolled her eyes, but walked over and kissed Harry fiercely before sitting down at the table.
They took their time enjoying dinner and sharing a couple bottles of wine. By the time they were finished they were both relaxed and removed themselves to the lounge. Harry sat across from Amelia on the sofa and started working with her on telepathy. After a couple hours Amelia started catching small glimpses of Harry's thoughts.
"Wow, that's incredible!" She said as she pulled him in for a kiss.
"If you keep practicing eventually you will be able to hear everyone's thoughts but believe me when I saw it won't take you long to realize you don't want to listen," Harry replied. Amelia nodded and continued to kiss Harry fervently until he stood up to lead her upstairs. Amelia had just removed Harry's shirt when he tensed visibly and pulled away, putting his hand up in a request to give him a minute. She nodded and backed away.
'Gah! Why am I surrounded by imbeciles? I nearly tortured to death every man that was staying at Malfoy manor and all I learned was that there was a red-haired woman with an unknown man that brought them to their knees with a simple look.' Harry could tell that Voldemort was pacing and he cringed at the twitching bodies he saw on the floor with each pass.
'It has to be Potter. He is the only person capable of that, although I still don't know how, and the only red head that makes sense is that annoyingly righteous Amelia Bones. I know she is the next shoe in for minister. I hadn't planned on taking care of her right away, but if she is working with Potter than she is too big of a threat to be allowed to live.' Harry felt Voldemort let out a frustrated sigh.
"CRUCIO!" Voldemort yelled when one of the bodies on the floor began to stir.
'The problem is that my most loyal followers keep disappearing. Lucius, Snape, and Bellatrix are all gone, and I accidentally killed LeStrange for putting Bellatrix in the dungeons without permission. I have very few options of people I can trust, and this is too big to be left to new recruits.' Suddenly Voldemort stopped pacing.
'I will just have to go himself.' Harry watched him activate the dark mark and then walk over to his throne and sit and wait. 'Yes, we will go to Bones Manor tonight'
Harry opened his eyes and looked at Amelia in concern.
"Voldemort. He's on his way to your house," said Harry as he pulled his shirt over his head.
"Susan," said Amelia as she paled significantly.
"Let's go," said Harry as he took Amelia's hand and apparated them directly to Susan's bedroom.
"Merlin and Morgana, what the -" Susan squealed as she jumped away from her vanity. "Auntie? What's going on? Who is this?"
"There's no time to explain Susan. We need to get you out of here," said Amelia firmly.
"Kreacher," called Harry. "Please, take all of Susan's belongings to one of the guest rooms at Grimmauld place."
"Of course," said Kreacher as he popped away and the room slowly emptied.
"Amelia, why don't you take Susan and get her settled, I'll wait here for Tom," said Harry. Amelia nodded.
"Tom? Who's Tom?" asked Susan.
"Come on Susan, we must go now," said Amelia sternly as she put her hand out for her niece. Susan took it as Amelia turned to look at Harry. "I'll be right back."
When they disappeared, Harry found the lounge and conjured a fire whiskey before he got comfortable in an overstuffed armchair. Amelia gave him an amused smirk when she returned.
"You look comfortable," she said as she came and sat down in his lap. "And far more relaxed than I would expect given the circumstances." Harry chuckled and kissed her passionately as he moved his hands up her thighs until he found purchase on her hips. Eventually Amelia pulled away and rested her head on his chest.
"Susan is safe, and Voldemort doesn't scare me. I give him five minutes before he tries to bolt when he finds me here, and that is being generous," said Harry. They stayed in their intimate position, talking softly, until the wards let them know they had visitors. With an annoyed sigh, Harry gave Amelia one more quick kiss as he stood up, depositing her feet firmly on the floor.
"Let's get this over with so we can continue where we left off before we came here," said Harry, thoroughly enjoying the blush that was creeping into Amelia's cheeks.
He walked purposely towards the front door of the manor, throwing it open with a bang as he walked through. He smirked when he saw Tom and about twenty death eaters taking down the last of the wards. Voldemort saw Harry in the doorway and the moment the wards fell he cast Fiendfyre at the house to draw any other occupants out. Harry immediately sent a shockwave of magic towards them causing all but a handful of the death eaters to fall to the ground. He was angry that he'd given Voldemort a chance to start the fire. Harry reached into Voldemort's mind as he walked towards him. His rage was rolling off of him as he tunneled in on his prey.
'I told you not to come out and play Tom. I told you to leave people alone and stay in that hovel you've been hiding out in. I will always know your plans, I'm in your mind Tom. You should have listened. I was having a lovely date that you dared to interrupt with this foolishness. Maybe it would be easier to destroy you now and then just deal with your Horcruxes.' As Harry approached Voldemort, he put out his hand to pull Voldemort's writhing form towards him, but Voldemort had just enough sense of mind to touch his personal portkey and disappear with a smirk before he reached Harry's grasp.
"Damn, I forgot the anti-portkey wards," said Harry as he turned to see Amelia standing behind him with her wand pointing at the five people standing among their downed comrades. She had already bound all of the death eaters that were writhing in the ground.
"Get them to the safe houses. I will call the Aurors in to deal with the others," said Amelia firmly. Harry nodded and apparated the five men away just as Amelia sent off her patronus.
When he returned from making sure they were all settled, and their dark marks had been removed Amelia was talking heatedly with Kingsley while the Aurors were taking the last of the bound death eaters to the ministry. Amelia smiled at Harry when she saw him and gave Kingsley a curt nod before walking away from him.
"I was home alone having dinner with my boyfriend when they showed up, so I sent Kingsley a message and between the three of us we managed to capture them all alive. I didn't mention that Voldemort was here. Kingsley will take care of all the paperwork this time," said Amelia. Harry nodded.
"You just had to throw in the boyfriend part didn't you," said Harry with a chuckle.
"Of course, it sounds so much better than eating at home by myself. I finally get to call myself attached, I'm not missing an opportunity," said Amelia with a smile. She turned and looked back at her family manor and sighed. "I'm not sure what will be left once they put out the fire. I may have to stay with you for a while, I'm sure you don't mind." said Amelia as she wiggled her eyebrows. Harry chuckled and wrapped her up in his arms.
"You and Susan can stay as long as you'd like, there is plenty of room. I'll make sure you each have your own space, but for tonight at least I hope you'll stay in my room," said Harry. Amelia laughed.
"I'm sure I'd be sneaking in if you didn't ask," she replied.
"Good, are you ready to go then?" asked Harry. Amelia nodded. As soon as they appeared in the lounge at Grimmauld place, Susan pounced on both of them.
"Auntie, what in Merlin's name is going on and who is this person you are hanging all over? Why are we in some creepy old house?" Susan ranted. Amelia sighed.
"Sit down Susan and I'll explain what I can," said Amelia. Susan huffed and then went to sit on the edge of the sofa with her arms crossed. "Voldemort came to the manor tonight to try and kill me. That is why we had to get you out so quickly. As too your second question, the gentleman next to me is Lord Harry Potter-Black-Emrys, we're dating," explained Amelia.
"Harry Potter? Emrys? You're dating Lord Emrys?" Said Susan as her eyes rolled into the back of her head and she promptly fainted into the sofa.
"Good thing you had her sit down," said Harry with an amused chuckle. "I'm not sure I would have been fast enough to catch her." Amelia laughed and threw her arms around Harry's neck before she kissed him passionately. Susan woke several minutes later to see Harry and Amelia wrapped in a tight embrace. She coughed until they reluctantly pulled apart. When they looked over at her she tried to give them her best death glare but neither of them was phased.
"Welcome back Susan, are you ready to finish our conversation now?" asked Amelia with an amused smirk as she came to sit next to her niece on the sofa.
"I guess so," huffed Susan.
"No one was hurt, but unfortunately the manor has likely burned down completely by now. We won't know how long the repairs or recreations will take, until the fire has been gone out completely, so we will be staying in this 'crappy old house' for now. Fortunately, all of your stuff is already here," finished Amelia.
"Alright," said Susan still in shock.
"Did Kreacher already get you set up in a room?" Asked Harry. Susan nodded. "Well then how about we all get some sleep, and we can talk more about it in the morning if you have more questions." Susan's nodded again and stood up. Amelia walked Susan to her room and said goodnight before joining Harry in his room where he was patiently waiting for her by the door.
"Now, where were we?" Amelia said as she sauntered forward, crushing their lips together in a frantic kiss as she desperately began to remove his clothes.
o - o - o - o - o
The next morning Narcissa floo'd to Grimmauld place to look through the potions stock, she would have Severus replenishing every week. She grabbed a few nutrient potions, pepper up potions and anything else she thought might help wake Bellatrix up. She was just leaving her private study when she saw Amelia sneaking out of Harry's bedroom in nothing but one of his t-shirts.
"Good morning Madam Bones," said Narcissa. She smirked when she heard Amelia let out a very unladylike squeal and turn around in embarrassment.
"Lady Emrys, I - wasn't expecting you back so soon," replied Amelia as her face turned crimson.
"Yes, I simply came by to retrieve some potions," said Narcissa. "Knowing Harry you didn't get much sleep last night, so I wasn't expecting to run into anyone."
"I was hungry," said Amelia. An awkward silence filled the hallway, but Amelia's mind was anything but silent. Eventually Narcissa let out a soft chuckle.
"Come, let's have a cup of tea and some breakfast then. We have some things to discuss I believe," said Narcissa as she turned towards the kitchen, not even giving Amelia a chance to say no.
When Narcissa reached the kitchen she started making tea for the pair of them and tasked Kreacher with preparing a light breakfast. She was pleased to see Amelia follow her in and sit down at the table, albeit a bit nervously. When the tea was finished Narcissa placed a steaming mug in front of Amelia and then sat down across from her.
"First of all, I imagine we will be seeing a lot of each other. We are nearly family now. You might as well call me Narcissa or Cissy as Harry does," said Narcissa. Amelia nodded but said nothing. "There is no reason to be embarrassed Amelia. I knew very well that you were staying the night, and while I may not want the sordid details of your time together, I have no issues sharing Harry with you."
"I know that, obviously, I mean I wouldn't be here if you did. It just - takes some getting used to, I suppose," said Amelia as she let out an embarrassed chuckle. "I keep half expecting you to get angry at me and kick me out. There are not many women that could be so open to this."
"Like you, I grew up with the understanding that if my husband had more than one title and was the last of his line, I would be expected to share him. It is not an idea that I am unfamiliar with. Beyond that, I think the relationship we shared with Milcah while we were in Albion helped me get past any jealousy, I may feel for you otherwise. It may have been unconventional, and I know there are many that wouldn't approve, but one of the things that I got out of our time there was being able to learn how to share Harry, how to communicate well enough that everyone's needs were met. I trust Harry implicitly and I know he has more than enough love to ensure neither of us ever feel our lives are lacking in that regard. Enjoy your time with Harry, I know I sure do when he's with me," finished Narcissa with a wink. Amelia spluttered and nearly spit out her tea. Narcissa chuckled. "We can figure things out between you and me as we go along, but you'll have to trust me and be honest about your needs or concerns if this is going to work," said Narcissa. Amelia nodded.
"I can do that," she said.
"Good," said Narcissa as she quickly drank the rest of her tea. "Well, I have everything I need so I'll be on my way. Nice to see you, Amelia. Enjoy your breakfast." Narcissa left the kitchen quickly. A stunned Amelia staring after her as Kreacher placed a plate of food down in front of her.
Narcissa was surprised to see Harry in the lounge when she walked in.
"I heard the two of you talking, so I was giving you some time. I didn't want to interrupt," said Harry. Narcissa nodded and walked over to give him a soft kiss.
"I came by to get some potions for Bella," explained Narcissa.
"How is she?" asked Harry.
"Still no change," said Narcissa sadly.
"You should know that Amelia and Susan will be staying here for a while," shared Harry. He grasped her hands and shared his memories of last night with her, so she knew what happened.
"Very well. I know it will make it a bit more difficult for you, but I would like to stay at Emrys Manor with Bella," stated Narcissa as she interlaced their fingers.
"I assumed you would. I'll discuss it with Amelia and let you know what nights I'll be staying where," replied Harry.
"Alright, I should get back. I love you," said Narcissa as she kissed him, a bit more fiercely this time.
"I love you too, Cissy," said Harry. He waited for her to leave and then went to the kitchen to find Amelia still finishing her breakfast.
"Good morning Amelia," Harry said happily.
"Oh, good morning Harry. I guess you are an early riser as well then?" She said as she looked up at him with a smile. Harry kissed her softly.
"Yes, I find I get more done that way," Harry replied. Amelia nodded. Harry called Kreacher for breakfast and then sat down next to Amelia and asked her about her schedule and what nights she would be free. Harry let her know that Susan was welcome to have Hannah over or any of her other friends if it made her feel more comfortable. This earned him a searing kiss in gratitude. Susan, of course, chose this moment to join them for breakfast.
"Do you two do anything other than kiss?" grumbled Susan as she sat down. Amelia blushed while Harry laughed. His laughter was soon joined by Draco's laughter as he came into the kitchen.
"Trust me Susan, kissing is the least of your worries," Draco said, causing Harry to blush even deeper than Amelia. Amelia raised her eyebrows in response.
"Draco?" Asked Susan in surprise.
"Yes, I know, I know the hair suits me," Draco scowled.
"How? What?" stuttered Susan.
"Harry blood adopted me. I am Draco Potter-Black now," explained Draco. Harry was happy to note the hint of pride in his voice. 'Maybe we're getting somewhere.'
"So, Harry is your father now? That is so weird," said Susan. Draco laughed as he walked over to the table.
"I know, it takes some getting used to," Draco replied.
"What can I do for you, son?" asked Harry cheekily. Draco rolled his eyes in a very Harry like fashion.
"Severus asked me to bring these to you. It holds the potions mother asked for as well as the potion for Remus," said Draco as he put a small chest on the table.
"Thank you Draco. Why don't you take them to Emrys Manor and spend some time with your mother. I know she misses you. I have some work to do this morning, but I'm free for quidditch this afternoon if you still want to play," said Harry. Draco nodded enthusiastically.
"Can I play too?" Asked Susan.
"I don't see why not," said Harry. "Do you want to join us for breakfast Draco?"
"No that's alright, I'll eat with mother," he said.
"Very well," said Harry. Draco said his goodbyes as Susan dug into the breakfast that had just appeared in front of her. As they ate Harry listened to Amelia's concerned thoughts.
'It's not what you're thinking.' Amelia gasped in surprise.
"I heard that," she yelled. Susan looked up at her in concern.
"Heard what?" she asked.
"Oh, nothing," said Amelia blushing. Harry chuckled. Amelia scrunched up her nose in a way that Harry found adorable and then concentrated on Harry's next thoughts.
'Narcissa would love to join us for breakfast and probably will as often as she can. She wants to have a relationship with you and with Susan. She is just in the middle of something that she can't get away from at the moment.'
'Okay.'
'I can bring you over to Emrys Manor tonight for dinner if you'd like, but when you learn what is going on, you have to promise to react as a part of my family and not the head of the DMLE.' Amelia raised an intrigued eyebrow but nodded her assent. Just then Hedwig soared through the room with Amelia's morning copy of the Daily Prophet and her other mail. She dropped the items on the table in front of Amelia and then landed on Harry's shoulder to await her reward.
"Thank you Hedwig," said Harry as he gave her the rest of the bacon on his plate. Hedwig let out a soft hoot and nipped his shoulder playfully before flying away, most likely to go see Narcissa.
"That's a smart owl you have there, Harry," said Amelia.
"Yep, she's one of a kind," said Harry proudly. Amelia laughed as she read over the front page and then handed the newspaper to Harry.
"I'm going to go shower and get ready for work. I imagine the whole ministry will be looking for me today," said Amelia with a scowl. After Amelia left the room, Susan stood up and came over to read the article over Harry's shoulder.
'Director Bones, the indestructible new girlfriend of Lord Emrys takes on twenty death eaters at ancestral home with one wave of her wand. Is she the new Morgana?'
"Wow," said Susan. "Did it really happen that way?" Harry laughed.
"Not exactly, but it's not far off. Technically, she did tie them all up with one wave of her wand before any of them could fight back. I would say it was a joint effort. She definitely kept her focus better than I did," said Harry.
"She really is something," said Susan, her tone laced with admiration for her aunt.
"That she is," replied Harry as a blush filled his cheeks. He couldn't help but think about everything she really was capable of.
"Can I ask you something Harry?" Susan asked, pulling his out of his thoughts.
"Of course," said Harry as he placed the newspaper down on the table and gave her his full attention.
'Why are you so much older than us now? I mean I glad you are, my aunt deserves someone wonderful and the dating pool in her age group are hopeless, but what happened?" asked Susan.
"I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to share it with anyone else. It is top secret, only family and close friends know the whole story," said Harry.
"My guardian is the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I know how to keep a secret," said Susan.
Very well," said Harry as he began to explain.
o – o – o – o – o
After Amelia went to work, Harry excused himself to his office, promising to come get Susan for lunch. Harry sent an owl to Remus asking if he could come by the next day while Narcissa was at the Wizengamot meeting and then lingered over his response to Dumbledore's request to meet. Eventually he agreed to meet with him on Monday at Hogwarts, the wheels turning in his head about the best way to get the information he wanted and ruin his reputation once and for all.
After lunch Harry prepared to escort Susan to Emrys Manor.
"Susan, I need to discuss something really important with you before we go any further," said Harry. Susan nodded.
"You are the only person that knows about this place other than Draco and Narcissa. We take guests at Grimmauld Place for a reason. No one can ever know this place exists. It is under a Fidelus, but I am going to tell you the location in case you ever find yourself in mortal peril and need somewhere safe to go. I just ask that you never mention it to anyone, ever. Even the fact that we own another property that you have been too. For all intents and purposes, we all live at Grimmauld place," explained Harry. Susan nodded.
"I understand Harry," she replied. Harry conjured a quill and parchment and wrote the location down before handing it to Susan. As soon as she read it, he burned it. "Well let's play some quidditch then."
Later that evening, Harry brought Amelia to the Manor and gave her the location as well in case she needed it. Amelia was shocked to find Susan talking animatedly with Draco in the lounge over a couple of butter beers. Harry just shrugged.
"Apparently they are good friends now," said Harry as he gave her a tender kiss. Moments later Narcissa came into greet everyone. She walked over and gave Harry a quick kiss on the lips and Draco a kiss on the forehead before saying hello to Susan and Amelia.
"How was work Amelia? According to the paper you've been busy?" Narcissa said with a smirk as she walked over to the liquor cabinet and poured them each a glass of wine.
"Yes, busy is an understatement. Thank you Narcissa," she said as she took the wine gratefully.
Dinner was a pleasant affair. Afterwards Draco and Susan went for a walk around the grounds while Harry and Narcissa took Amelia to the guest suites. Amelia gasped in surprise when she saw none other than Bellatrix LeStrange lying unconscious in the bed in the center of the room under a stasis charm.
"This is who was in the last cell?" Amelia asked.
"Yes," answered Harry.
"Why? I mean I thought she was Voldemort's right hand. Why would she be in a dungeon cell?" asked Amelia.
"That we don't know. There is a lot we don't know actually, which is why I didn't bring her to St. Mungo's like the others. Narcissa and I are both confident that there is more to Bellatrix's servitude to the Dark Lord then meets the eye and we wanted to understand everything before we made any decisions about what to do with her," explained Harry.
"I can understand why you made the choice you did. Will you show me?" said Amelia. Harry knew what she meant and nodded. He grabbed her hands tenderly and shared his memories of all the conversations he had with Narcissa over the years and the research they had done.
"Killing Sirius was an accident," stated Amelia.
"Yes, she only cast a stunner. She wasn't expecting him to fall into the veil. I didn't want to believe it at first, but I've watched that memory so many times, it's unmistakable. And the second of pain in her eyes when he died… It was my first clue that there was something amiss." Harry said. Amelia nodded.
"If your conclusions prove to be correct, I will do everything I can to help you clear her name, and I promise to not intervene until then," said Amelia. Narcissa sighed in relief.
"Thank you Amelia," said Narcissa. When it started to get dark Amelia and Susan returned to Grimmauld place while Harry stayed behind with Narcissa.
"I've been thinking about your memory of last night. I could feel your rage. His magic is more prominent when you are in close proximity to him isn't it?" Asked Narcissa as they laid in bed together.
"Yes, it can be difficult to control my more basal emotions when he's near. It - makes me lose focus on what is going on around me. I didn't even notice Amelia binding all the death eaters while I talked to Tom. I should have. Someone could have attacked me from behind and I wouldn't have noticed. I felt like that basilisk in my second year - rip, tear, kill- it's…..disconcerting," explained Harry.
"Be careful Harry, don't let him gain control. Maybe you need to start thinking about ways to let the aggression out, so that there isn't as much for him to manipulate. We could start dueling again and I'm sure Amelia would be willing to help with that as well. And… well you know I don't mind a little pain with sex, maybe I wouldn't mind a bit more…. you know if you want to let some aggression out that way," said Narcissa. Harry blushed deeply and Narcissa chuckled. It wasn't often she was able to make him blush anymore.
'I take it you like that idea, my love?' Harry's only response was to growl and pull her on top of him.
A/N – Sorry this took so long. Those of you reading An Unexpected Match know I was on holiday. I should be back to posting more frequently now. I hope to be able to post 1-2 chapters a week (fingers crossed).