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After the students returned to Hogwarts for the spring term, those not at the school were focused on their own lives. Narcissa had continued to think on her desire to educate the youngest of the wizarding world and how she'd succeed. Jean, having heard of Narcissa's plans, spent many hours of her own thinking what muggle topics the students would find the most useful and enjoyable.
Lucius and Rich found their company to be in demand by private citizens wishing to purchase a variety of products. While the demand was so high, the expanded product line included smaller variations of all items for use in homes along with a wish list for items not listed but desired. It was starting to resemble the old muggle catalogs from department stores, as it included a little of everything.
Regulus continued to revamp the Black legacy, he always said it was to give Hermione the best opportunity when she moved into the role as Head of House, but most saw it as the last act of dying tree to provide fertile soil for the seedling. Kreacher took every opportunity to berate Regulus for some failing and every night the pair would sit together discussing the best insults from earlier in the day.
Frank Longbottom found himself unable to sleep a full night, after five hours the wizard would wake with no ability to return to his slumber. Instead of wasting the extra time, Frank requested a replica sword to be created. It didn't need to be gold and have jewels, but he wanted it to be the same length, weight and balance points. For hours each morning Frank would wield the fake sword, knowing all his practice would feel useless once the real sword was back in his hands. As the sun start to rise each morning, Frank would roam the halls of the manor in Leeds searching for something unknown.
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Amelia Bones and the rest of the DMLE spent their spring preparing for the day the beast would be confronted. The unspeakables made massive strides in charming the mirror and were fairly close to providing the finished product for final testing.
Other areas of research were also starting to return results. After nearing six months of discussions with foreign ministries and obtaining reams of historic parchment from them, the DMLE had hit on a way to kill the beast without a thousand plus year old broadsword. Not that those researching the documents knew about the gilded sword. In a report from the Greek ministry related to a basilisk event in the late eighteenth century, a new curse was created and it worked in destroying the beast. With no other detail, the researchers spent the early months of the new year combing through reports of altered curses and their effects paid off when they identified a very strong contender.
The report on the modified curse surprised Amelia and gave her enough detail in order to discuss it with her Greek counterpart. The meeting was quite fruitful and it gave the DMLE the backup plan they needed.
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Charles Vane continued to visit the merpeople of Black Lake. Clyte had asked for regular updates on what the Ministry had found. Each time Charles had to admit there didn't seem to be any evidence to support what Adamaris said, but the wizard swore to continue his search. Additionally, Charles brought news of another sort. Recently his thoughts had wondered to how Adarmaris survived and during discussions with his healer friend, the men wondered if it had something to do with scales. Charles explained how the Healer asked for a few scales from a number of merpeople to study them. In addition, there is a group of healers tasked with tracking magic spells and thought the scales may hold the secret in how to defend against the killing curse. If there was, the boys who had perished would be remembered by the magical world as their sacrifice allowed others to survive. It wasn't long before a line of merpeople donated a few of their scales.
Once a month a small group of merpeople met Wizard Oliver and they would inspect the secondary entry. Each time it was evident Clyte's strengthening ritual had neither failed nor been broken. After each inspection, Wizard Oliver would thank the entirety of the pod and wish them the best.
Early in the spring, Adamaris and Avalon, the mermaid who had loved the merman since they were children, marked the auspicious season as a couple in love were aught. Their children would be part of the largest batch of new merchildren since the attack. The need for vengeance seemed to have been quelled and the pod returned to what the fates always wanted for them.
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But there were others, outside of Hogwarts, who didn't spend their spring days on such fanciful things. No, their days were spent plotting and planning. Finding ways to right the wrongs of their treatment by the wizarding world. It would take time, but they would gain their revenge, their ultimate goals would be attained.
Those at Hogwarts remained focused on the near term, most notably their exams. The professors, who only had to help students revise and grade tests, started to look to the summer with wistful goals. Most would spend time catching up on new advances in their subjects and visiting places other than the Scottish Highlands.
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For Severus, his summer would be brewing a potion requested by the Ministry. This second potion was quite mysterious as he had only been provided a list of ingredients and the related preparation instructions. The request and documentation were provided before the spring holiday, but with it came the instruction until the victims of the basilisk were revived it was not to be started. Severus had no intention to give the second potion any time until he had Aurora warm and in his arms again. Since confirming their relationship, Severus found himself more at ease and able to focus more intensely than before. Minerva hadn't thought it possible until she saw the wizard in action.
The mystery potion, in addition to having no information on its purpose, did not identify the expected results or any known side effects. As a master in the craft, Severus began to list the known side effect of each ingredient. Once that was completed he added any side effects from combinations of the ingredients. As he reviewed the preparation of the ingredients, the list of side effects was updated once more based on how the preparation affected the ingredients. Finally, he reviewed brewing instructions and identified additional side effect. The list was sorted with the most probable first with the other identified effects listed in decreasing order of severity.
As for the expected results, that was still a mystery. Severus had a few theories based on how the ingredients historically react when brewed in other potions. The wizard found himself quite intrigued with the ingredients required for the potion and the plants required but not used in the potion itself. Luckily everything on the list were in Pomona's greenhouse and given how late in the year it was, all should be mature enough for harvesting.
As Severus reviewed, the potion master became aware how many of the plants were on the list of items grown at the school but never used. That was something he would think on later, at the moment he needed to contact Pomona and schedule a time for them to determine if all ingredients were readily available. It took almost another week before the professors found a time where they both were free for a few hours. After providing Pomona a copy of what was required, they discussed preparation methods and what exactly Severus would need.
After their initial discussion, the pair spent the next week reviewing each ingredient and the preparation when they found time. On the following Sunday, both professors were again free and used the time to select the most perfect specimens. The instructions were quite specific on how each was to be prepared and Severus noted none of the items used during brewing would be fresh. Until Severus was able to determine the purpose of the potion, he would not be able to test if it could be more effective with a different form of preparation or fresh ingredients.
When the pair reached the quite rare variation of the mimbulus mimbletonia, they realized it was not yet fully mature. The plant would take at least a month to reach the start of maturation and Severus calculated the ideal maturity would be three weeks after that. With time on their hands, Severus began to prepare the ingredients requiring a set aging duration with the goal of brewing the potion at the beginning of the summer.
As May's flowers began to sprout, Severus and Pomona were again in the greenhouse. After some research into the various uses of the ingredients, Severus had found some commonality and began to draw his own conclusions on the purpose of the potion. After providing Pomona with his findings, the pair discussed Severus's theory and after an hour or so Pomona found herself agreeing with her counterpart. If Severus was correct, the pair found themselves reviewing what they had already completed. Both professors would accept nothing but perfection now.
Severus found his feelings of loneliness while in his lab lacking when Aurora would sit at the desk either grading papers or reading a new journal. She didn't need to be entertained and he couldn't have distractions. The pair already understood what the other needed, it didn't surprise them to find even when they didn't talk continually, the evenings spent together in the lab produced many fond memories.
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After the boys initial failure at studying without her, Hermione refused to let them get too focused on only their potions OWL. When the boys reminded her how she acted the year before, her retort was to remind them she focused on every topic. With the wind out of their sails, the boys allowed their study-loving friend to direct their plans. Each weekday when they didn't have an evening class, the boys spent the hour before dinner either reviewing their Potion notes or quizzing each other. The remainder of time before curfew was spent alternating between the other courses. The boys found the routine to be helpful in not feeling burned out on any individual subject. On the weekend they would select one of the potion study sessions and spend four hours reviewing methods and specific potions. Once that session was over the remainder of the day was focused on the other core classes.
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As with the mid-year tests, Regulus took up the mantel of professional game show host by providing the second year students a focused study session. The format was the same with each of the professors providing a list of questions related to the main topics learned with more detailed questions on the areas the test would cover. After the mid-year tests, the second years discovered the more detailed the study questions, the more likely the topic would be covered intensely on the test.
As each Sunday passed the children became more and more focused knowing their window was slowly coming to an end and soon it would be completely closed.
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The students were, of course, correct and suddenly they were receiving their testing timetables. The stress became more evident on everyone. Hermione and Blaise while studying their own courses were also focused on their best friends. The Potions OWL was scheduled for the first day of exams, first thing in the morning, Draco commented about at least it would be over they'd not have to worry. Their nervousness resulted in them having difficulty in focusing, Hermione sighed when the boys again were again staring into space.
"Ok, you both need to understand something. Are you paying attention to me?" The two startled wizards turned and found Hermione looking quite displeased. Tilting her head to the side, Hermione waited until both acknowledged her question and were focused on her. "I know Severus has told you this, but I'm going to say it again. You are both ready for this test, you've studied for almost an entire year and you know this stuff. I've been asking you questions for the last two weeks and you've both answered them without hesitation. Every answer was correct."
Draco shook his head and opened his mouth to reject her attempts to calm them. Hermione shook her head fiercely and continued to speak. "Severus gave me those questions, they are questions from previous OWL. They don't repeat the same questions, true, but he told me they are always similar. When I let him view my memories of your answers, he said each answer completely answered the question and on quite a few you would have received extra points for additional information you provided."
The boys blinked a few times, still refusing to believe the overzealous witch in front of them. "You. Are. Ready." With a firm look, Hermione held eye contact with each boy until they began to relax a little. "Good, you've been so stressed, I haven't been able to get too stressed with my studying. So grab your Charms stuff and we will study that now. Then Transfiguration for our second year tests before our second year Potions test. Once the first week of testing is complete we can start preparing for Herbology, DADA, the advanced Transfiguration test and I'll start on my extra potion tests."
Draco was surprised at how easy it was for him to slip into freaking out about his OWL. He understood Hermione a bit more and slipped his hand into hers. "Thanks Hermione, I know I needed that." Hermione smiled brightly at the pair. Blaise quietly chuckled at the show and pulled out his Charm book and notes. "Quiet Blaise, who knows what mum has planned for you this summer. For all you know, you might be taking advanced classes as well." Draco gave his friend a fake glare before smiling.
"Cissy sent me some questions the other day on what I'd like to do. I think it's going to be similar to what you do with Lucius. I'm not sure about the classwork, I'm not as quick as you three, so it might be difficult to get through third year stuff in three months." He shrugged a little before opening his notes.
"We'll work it out Blaise, after doing the third year Transfiguration I doubt you'll have any difficulty getting through it in three months, it's easier when it's just us and Professor McGonagall doesn't have to mind everyone else. I don't know about potions. Professor Snape may not want to add a third potions class to his summer schedule. Especially with Professor Messerly in play now." The second years chuckled as they each remembered how Severus had reacted when he heard the rumors.
Harry, who had witnessed it first hand as he had been asking some questions on that week's potion, loved to recount the story. "I have never seen the man stunned into silence. He just stood there as those sixth years passed the room. When the one said she was so jealous Professor Messerly had gotten there first, I thought he was going to pass out." Harry couldn't continue as his laughs overtook his ability to speak.
"Mr. Potter, I'm glad you found so much humor in that. It seems you'll be spending some extra time in the dungeons for the next week. Maybe you'll hear something else and think how it would have been better if you'd told me what was being said in the halls." Harry didn't turn and only dropped his head.
"Of course Professor Snape. What days and when would you like me to attend?" Severus smiled behind Harry catching the attention of Hermione and Draco who were facing him. Harry was getting nervous on how many hours of studying he'd lose.
"Every night, two hours and bring the rest of the table with you." At gasps of those at the table, Severus looked and smirked. "Thirty minutes of scrubbing cauldrons will do and then you will each study for the remaining ninety minutes. Over the summer we will discuss when you should and shouldn't inform your professors of rumors. Yes?" The students nodded and returned their focus to their notes. "Good I will see you all at dinner. This starts tomorrow night."
As Severus swept away from the students, they heard the giggle of someone else. When Hermione looked she found the eavesdropper. "Professor Messerly?" The witch, who had been eavesdropping, waved and continued to laugh until she too heard a clearing of a throat behind her.
"Ah, Professor Messerly, I've been looking for you. It seems you also find the situation amusing. I guess you'll also be spending extra time in the dungeons as well. Arrive after dinner this evening." With a smirk that Lucius would be proud of, Severus again swept from the table. This time the wizard was excited about the prospect of detention.
Aurora watched the wizard leave and smiled wickedly. "You know, it didn't take long for those older girls to figure out Sev and I were dating. I wonder how they knew, I mean none of you would have said anything. Just an interesting question really, doubt we will ever find out. I guess I need to prepare for after dinner." With a wink, their Transfiguration Professor left the students.
The boys all blinked at what they had just seen. Hermione's nose twitched as she thought about the exchange. "Yeah, that was something I didn't need to hear right now. Ok, so Charms." Hermione refused to think about it and got the boys back on topic as well. When dinner rolled around, all noticed just how pleased Severus appeared and how excited Aurora was. They didn't dwell long on those thoughts.
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The detentions were merely an excuse for Severus to quiz each child and make sure they were focused on the correct areas. Was it unfair to others, probably, but Severus had taken these four children under his wing and considered them to be his. And children of masters or professors typically had the additional support, so it was fine.
By the time of the Potion OWL exam, Draco and Harry had worked themselves up again. Hermione did her best to calm them down but nothing seemed to work. When Daphne heard her friend complaining, the blonde witch came up with an idea for the morning of the exam. It was surprising but after thinking on it for a moment, Hermione agreed it would work. After breakfast, the girls offered to walk Draco and Harry to the room where the written portion of the Potions OWL would occur, to show their support. Neither of the girls had a test for an hour and the boys needing the support readily agreed.
Neither boy noticed how the girls directed the pace so Daphne and Harry ended up almost a flight of steps ahead of Hermione and Draco. When the lagging pair reached the basement, the pair in the lead had disappeared. Hermione pulled Draco to a stop and held his face. "I believe in you." Hermione leaned forward and brushed her lips against his.
"You will rock this test." This time her lips lingered for a second or two before she pulled back. Draco's eyes had gone wide and his arms rested on her hips.
"I will be waiting when you are done." She leaned in for a third time and pressed herself firmly against Draco. When their lips met this time Draco was ready and pulled her even closer to him. His head tilted to the side while hers went the other way. This kiss was more intense than any they had shared. When it broke, Hermione rested her forehead against Draco's. "Go and take that test. No rushing, I'll wait for you. It doesn't matter how long it takes Draco, I'll wait". Hermione pulled herself from his arms and pushed him toward the classroom. Blowing him a kiss, Draco grabbed it and put it in his pocket.
"For later thank you. I'm ready." He turned and made his way to the room with a bit of swagger. After he'd disappeared Hermione ran her finger over her lips. She was surprised at the final kiss but she wouldn't change it. She only broke from her thoughts at the sound of Daphne's chuckle.
"He liked it huh?" Hermione nodded and raised an eyebrow to her friend. "Let's just say Mr. Potter was in a similar state to Mr. Malfoy just now. But I'll tell you this, our kiss was no where near as hot as yours with Draco. Damn Hermione." The girls giggled as they went to grab their bags and went toward their first exam.
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When the final exam of the year was finished, there were three who were still studying. None of them were quite as nervous as they had been two weeks earlier. Hermione discovered how easily Draco could be calmed with the right motivation. They had repeated the same ritual before each exam and found themselves looking forward instead of dreading each one. Harry chuckled but couldn't help but agree with his best friends. When Daphne had kissed him, he was shocked. Shouldn't he have been the one to initiate the kiss? But at the end of the day, it didn't matter, he'd been kissed by the prettiest witch in the school.
Deciding to not publicize their new relationship stage, Harry and Daphne loved the secrecy of it. In fact, they decided to hold off on telling anyone other than their three closet friends until they could talk over the summer. But that didn't stop Harry from finding Daphne and brushing his lips over hers in a similar fashion to what she'd given him. Their kisses never reached the intensity of their friends, but it didn't matter, it was enough for them.
The two couples weren't really noticed since nothing had changed in how the other students perceived them. Everyone knew Hermione had accepted Draco's gift, so it was just a matter of time and while it was obvious they were getting closer, none realized how close they were. Daphne and Harry had been friends and were constantly seen walking together. Since no one had seen their kisses, there were no rumors about them either. Blaise was the only person outside of the four to know exactly what was going on.
The five friends were sitting outside while Harry, Hermione and Draco were studying for the Transfiguration test they'd take as soon as they returned to the Manor. Blaise sighed loudly for the third time in as many minutes. Daphne looked up with a curious expression. "Something on your mind Blaise?" The Italian wizard shook his head sadly and sighed again.
"Oh for Merlin's sake Blaise, tell Daphne what's on your mind so we can keep studying. Whatever it is, we will figure it out soon. We only have a few more days until these tests start." Draco glared at his friend while Hermione slipped her hand into his. "Sorry Blaise, I'm a bit stressed." The other wizard only chuckled and leaned toward Daphne.
"It's really nothing, I'm just a bit jealous those two already have a witch. Hermione is like a sister to me and you've been growing into a similar role. Draco and Harry are pretty good blokes so I'm not jealous of who they are with, just they are with someone." Smiling the witch turned back to Blaise.
"You realize we are still kids right? Draco and Harry are still twelve. None of us are planning our weddings. That's not to say somewhere down the line it won't happen. It's just, this was so natural." Her explanation tapered off, she didn't know how to explain it.
"Oh I know Daph, it's not that. It's just sort of, I would like someone to hold my hand like those two do. Or have someone to talk to about important or not so important stuff. You know, like you and Harry. Maybe I'm a bit lonely."
Hermione perked up and looked at the pair whose tests were over. "You're not alone Blaise. Not anymore, I'm your sister and once I find a witch who is worthy of you, I'll personally introduce you. Until then, if you want to talk come find me." Smiling at her friend she felt a tug on her hand and looked to Draco.
"You can't hold her hand or kiss her Blaise." Draco thumbed the charm bracelet a bit protectively. "But all of us are around and are here for you. Yeah?" Blaise shook his head at his friend's possessive nature, but couldn't help but laugh.
"No worries Draco, no offense Hermione, but I really do see you more like family than anything else. I doubt kisses are something I'd need." The five laughed before three turned back to their studies and the other settled against the tree and started to discuss their summer plans.
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The children of Malfoy Manor found it somewhat annoying they had to take the Express to Kings Cross only to then apparate to where they had been before boarding the train. None of the adults, parent or professor, would be moved and as such, the children found themselves settled in a carriage with other group of second years in the one across the hall. Hermione had just returned from hearing about what Neville's family was going on a vacation. She did miss that, she and her parents used to take a holiday every summer. Once she'd been accepted at Hogwarts those had stopped.
"What's wrong Hermione?" Draco, ever aware of her emotions, whispered when she returned to her seat.
"Nothing really, Neville was telling me about the holiday his family was going to take and I realized how much I missed the holidays I took with my parents. It's been a few years but I doubt we'll do anything this summer either." Hermione set her head on Draco's shoulder. Draco slipped his arm over his witch's shoulder and held her. He'd have to speak with his parents and then maybe Rich and Jean.
When the announcement stating they would be arriving at Kings Cross in ten minutes, the second year students, began to return to the carriages with their things and put everything they'd pulled out away. As the Express slowed and pulled into the station, the couples found themselves next to each other and led their friends onto the platform.
Each found their families and with a bit of speed the platform was again empty.
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Frank Longbottom hadn't had this much trouble sleeping since he was a child. His dreams then involved a great warrior and fueled his desire to be the same. As he grew and told people he wanted to be a warrior, the adults gave him a smile and pat on the head. Everyone told him they lived in better times. Times when warriors were no longer needed. In his heart he knew they were wrong and he would be a warrior.
At Hogwarts he never mentioned his dream and waited for some sign. The wait turned out to not be as long as Frank had thought, at the end of his fourth year the class was given the opportunity to think what they wanted to do after graduating. To help, the school brought in a large number of adults who spoke of their professions and what a student would need if they wanted to be a whatever. After listening to all the adults explain their jobs, Frank found an auror was as close as he was going to get to a warrior. What other job allowed you to battle evil and save fair ladies? None.
On this particular morning, a morning that was no different from any other morning, it held no significance to the wizarding world or to the wizard who found himself again awake while his wife slumbered next to him. Hoping Alice's rhythmic breathing would lull him to sleep, Frank remained still and savored the peace in the moment. After thirty minutes, Frank slipped from the warm bed planning to practice a bit more with the sword. Instead of going straight to the large empty room at the far end of the house, he wandered the halls again feeling the need to search for something. To find something. He just wished he knew what it was. Again, he felt something drawing him away but he couldn't sense the direction and if pressed, Frank would say it felt as if he were being pulled in two different directions. All in all, Frank was frustrated by the time he entered the gallery of ancestors.
The portraits watched the head of house intently, the oldest ones of the lot had a very pleased look on their faces. These are the men who had waited so long and it appeared now was the time foretold all those centuries before. The oldest portrait, the man acclaimed as the first Longbottom, hadn't interacted with his descendants since his own grandson crossed over. It had been Woden Longbottom who moved the family from their traditional home in the west country further north into areas yet to be fully inhabited. As the generations passed the family became less aware of their history. By the time the area came to be called Leeds, the connection to the west country was well and truly lost.
Frank, being so far removed from the first Longbottom, had never spoken to his ancient ancestor since the man never spoke. For quite a few years Frank wondered if the oldest portraits were muggle or if the magic imbued had faded. He'd had always felt a deep connection to those older ancestors as they were what he always wanted to be, warriors of the highest rank. The more recent portraits spoke of their times with great fondness while nothing was ever said of glories in the further past.
Frank had always seen a resemblance between portraits. For example, he and his father were remarkably similar, while Frank's grandfather had a different chin, nose and eye shape. But when Frank compared his father and grandfather, they too had a strong resemblance. Frank looked at each ancestors portrait slowly. There was something similar about each, but nothing definite. He chastised himself for a bit before starting over, he was still the second in command of the aurors corps for Merlin's sake. He had made it about ten generations before he stopped again and thought to start over. It was only then he noticed what had been bothering him since he was a child.
Each portrait was at the same time a father and son. The father and son were almost identical, but when Frank compared the son to the grandfather, he immediately identified multiple differences. The son to the great-grandfather further lost the resemblance until you reached the fifth generation when the son looked nothing like his distant ancestor. Frank continued to look at the ancient ancestors of the Longbottom family and when he reached the first Longbottom, Frank drew in a shuttering breath. "It can't be."
The portrait, who had not moved for over seven hundred years smiled at his many great times grandson. "I think you'll find it is quite possible. When I was born, it was easy to hide parentage. I was given this name and told to continue on the quest my father started." The portrait brushed his hand over a locket with a very familiar crest and Frank watched as it popped open. Only then did Frank understand.
"I guess that explains quite a bit. Thank you, I think I know now. Will I have a guide?" The portrait cocked his head and thought about the question before looking to other portraits.
"When was the story lost? Which of you didn't know before crossing over?" Slowly the most recent portraits raised their hands and as more of the family raised their hands as well the oldest Longbottom sighed at how long the family had been in the dark. Tisking at the other portraits, Frank watched as the mildly upset portrait closed the locket and put it under his shirt. "Your dreams have always been your guide Frank. Trust them. Follow them. You will know what you need at the right time."
For the first time since he returned home, Frank returned to bed and slept without waking. When he woke to see Alice's smiling face he returned the gesture. When she asked what changed, Frank's enigmatic smile gave her pause until he detailed his dream with more clarity than he ever remembered having.
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A/N: Happy New Year to everyone...may 2020 be prosperous giving you all health and happiness. Next week is the last chapter for this year.