Author's Note:

Thanks to everyone who wished me a happy thanksgiving, but I'm Canadian and celebrated that the second week of October. But to those who did have thanksgiving, I hope it was enjoyable. It was just Thursday to me LOL!

Reviews and Comments: To AQuickRead91: Happy my chapter won over sleep, hope it was worth it! Sorry I busted your ribs, but you have to admit, it was definitely worth it! Haha, Theo and K will get there. To briana_t: Yes, poor Remus was trying to stay stern, but he was dying. 3-6 chapters before Theo and K snog? Hmm, we'll see. As to Fred and George, they have some plans. To katelyn453: Thank you! And nope, Harry and Ginny were in a dark and secluded area of the library. Good thing because they were quite naughty. To BadWolfKris: Thank you. To Felicity: Happy Ron kept you laughing and yeah, we needed some Harry celebrity-surprise. Sebastian and Theo's slow burn won't kill you… I don't think. To edwards_zoe_32: Theo is a bit slow on the uptake LOL. And yup, Lexie Longhorn haha. There is a warning in the author's note of chapter one. To marauders_mowopapr: Yes, Ron mooned Moony, LOL. But really, Moony was just in the vicinity lol. Theo is moving on and I think that's what made him so sad.

To shuweet: Thank you! I hope I don't disappoint with their first time. To AnaGPotter: Ginny is definitely a minx and none of her brothers are saints either that's for sure! Theo is dense. To Bellmel: I'm glad you like their reactions. And yes, they are definitely not letting it go. Thank you! It kind of amazes me too because Theo is canon, but he's not and I kind of got to create him so people waiting for these two OCs is wonderful. And yes, Sam let me use Mitchell! I was excited! To PurpleLotus: Thank you! To Sam: Ron mooning the whole school was amazing, thanks for your help writing that scene! Audrey is very naughty. I love that Percy and Audrey's sex scenes are some of your favourite and yet you hate Percy. What a compliment! To Steelcode: Yes it is and the alliances should be worried.

To Guest: Thank you! I owe Sam for that addition of Ron being a man possessed. To shivani: Thank you! Theo is a bit blinded and worried that he's seeing more into it than he should be. Thanks for your kind words on the bit about Finn. Tongue-tied Harry indeed! To Chiku11: Thank you and I know, early Christmas parties would be fun! To marvynthephoenix: Articles like that will always cause drama. Thank you for saying my Percy is better than canon. I love the idea of him being all prim and proper and yet an absolute demon in the bedroom. We'll see more of Ciara soon. To tim2604: Thank you! Fred and Fiadh are fun and yes, Fred is like she's wearing me out but it's worth it. I know, poor Theo, but he needed that moment to really realize that it's okay for him to move on. Harry can still be shocked by celebrities especially ones he fancied.

To Dianne: Ah, no trust, sigh. ;) As to Blaise, he will not be settling down any time soon, but he does need to be taken down a few notches. Ha, you think Voldemort will see the calendar and be angry? We'll see. No, Ron only dropped his pants under his bum, he did not show full frontal to anyone. Interesting, you think the author is Padma because Mandy is too classy? LOL, Arthur and Perkins on the stairs? Well, no, as a) Perkins died in the Ministry explosion in August and b) I didn't decide they were anyone we knew. I'm glad seeing jealous Kane entertained you so much! I did post a picture of Ginny's dress on tumblr and I'm glad you liked my Hinny smut — this one has even more. To Wolf's scream: Nope, Ron is just very confident about his good-looking arse (with good reason). Tiernan is a decent fellow and Harry, not exactly great at being mysterious LOL.

To notthatchhavi: Haha, I'm so glad everyone enjoyed my Ron scene! Audrey is very bold and that's what I love about it, no one would expect it from Percy. Yup, twelve times because of those fae special powers. Fred was exhausted. Harry was so embarrassed and confused with the flirting. I'm glad you found the chapter to be a total comedy! Aww, Ron mooning everyone and Harry drooling over Lexie have become your favourite moments in ASC, thank you! To alix33: Thank you. Sorry that Lexie's flirting creeped you out. To Yusraa Ifthkiar: Haha, Phoebe is a perfect example to use in Ron's arse moment. Remus is definitely way more amused than he is disappointed. I love writing Hinny banter and smut so I'm glad you're enjoying it. I'm sorry that you miss Feo, but it is important for Theo to move on. He will be oblivious for a bit longer. To Nightwing2013: I like making Ron confident. He deserves it. Is Bas in denial too? You'll have to wait and see. The Sovereign Chalice is currently residing in the Lestrange hands. Yes, Snape knows where it is but he doesn't have access to it.

To puttyman24: Thank you! We'll have to see what steps they can take before the Ministry goes dark. To scrappy8: Thank you! To the Mandalorian terminator: Thank you! I love writing Percy and Audrey as kinky. Writing Hinny smut in the library was fun. To ellyann13: Ron does have Head Boy responsibilities, but now he has detention on top of it. The calendar states that Draco and Blaise are post-humorous and have died. Pansy is aware that she's being watched. The chance of getting caught does add to the excitement. And yes, Sirius would be jealous and amused that Harry got her autograph. To Wanderer: I don't think so, but if that's your opinion, that's fine. To Slaidback: Thank you and you're welcome! To ITHersey: Happy Ron's mooning scene had you laughing so hard and yes, Theo can be! He and Ginny have this conversation at some point. Harry and Ginny don't really get jealous anymore. They trust each other explicitly so jealously isn't something they concern themselves with. To Millie15128: Maybe, but that's the way I wrote it so that's the way I'm keeping it. To JamesTKent: I am having so much fun with this and I am so thankful that so many people are having fun reading it.

To Ellieoryan7447: You think the author is Mandy as well. It would be kind of obvious, you're right. Guess we'll have to wait and see. Thank you for claiming the Ron mooning everyone was a beautiful scene. Sam helped me perfect it. Remus was trying so hard not to laugh. The Weasley boys just prefer not to think about their sister having sex in any capacity at all. Yup, Percy and Audrey definitely committed a misdemeanour crime, good thing they didn't get caught. Kane definitely sucks at the whole flirting and getting the guy thing lol. But he has his own reasons as you will see. As to Harry and Ginny, yes their relationship is constantly growing stronger and more passionate. I love writing Harry and Hermione as a brother and sister. Harry knows how she smells without question. Thank you! To Bluerain22: Haha, the best compliment to know you were laughing so hard you could barely read! LOL, I guess it was a rather steamy chapter. To Derpdude32: I don't know who Artemis Fowl and Holly Short is but I'm going to take it as a compliment? To pix25: Thank you and we'll see more of Fred and Fiadh at some point. To Jones man: I have no idea to be honest. To Laura: Sorry, not finished yet. I prefer only blessing myself. To Saz J: FINALLY! About time my friend! Things with K will get there and Harry might get to undress Ginny… keep reading! To gemini614: Poor Theo, he does feel guilty and Tiernan was just the perfect person to help him realize he doesn't need to be. Thank you!

My posting schedule: Weekly.

Thanks to Dusk for her amazing editing skills.

As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!

CHAPTER THREE-HUNDRED AND SIX:

The One Where They're Alive

After catching up with Oliver Wood, Harry stopped to say hello to Libatius and Lara Borage so that he could introduce them to Ginny. By the time they finished speaking the Potioneer and his wife, Harry felt that they'd stayed at Slughorn's party long enough. But the look on his girlfriend's face as she danced with Theo made him want to stay longer. Harry danced with her again, holding her close and trying not to imagine just what she was wearing beneath the dress. But it didn't matter, one look at her and he was rock hard. He carefully made sure his suit jacket covered him and did his best to stay hidden behind tables and his girlfriend.

He couldn't wait to get her alone.

Harry mingled where Slughorn dragged him and he was introduced to people, some he knew of, some he didn't. Two Aurors were there that he knew in passing from Tonks and he spoke to them about the Auror Academy, which he found interesting. And he did finally dance with Lexie Longhorn. It wasn't nearly as terribly awkward as he had anticipated it would be. He wasn't too much of a bumbling fool and he actually managed to get a few sentences out to her. By the end of the dance, she was smiling at him.

"Would you like to show me somewhere more private?" she asked near his ear.

Harry felt the back of his neck flush. "Er, sorry, I have a girlfriend."

Lexie Longhorn patted his cheek. "Too bad."

He watched her walk away and thought that as beautiful and sexy as the witch was, he still only wanted Ginny. He found his girlfriend dancing with Theo so he took her hand and twirled her around and into his arms. Her whole face lit up as she smiled and he held her close.

"You about ready to get out of here?"

"Aw, it's early yet!" Theo insisted.

Harry let his eyes wander down Ginny's dress before his eyes met Theo's. "It's late enough."

Theo grinned. "Well, in that case, I can't say I blame you."

Ginny linked her arms around Harry's neck as Theo kissed her cheek and hurried off. "Well, how was your dance with Lexie Longhorn?"

"Okay," he admitted.

"No drool this time," Ginny noted.

"Haha," Harry said. "She um, she asked me if I wanted to go someplace more private."

Ginny's eyebrows rose. "Oh really?"

He nodded. "It threw me for a loop."

"Harry, you are extremely good looking. Her being interested shouldn't surprise you."

"I mean, I'm not saying I'm ugly," he began. "I'm not scrawny anymore and all that, but I guess I always wonder when people are interested in me if they're interested because they think I'm an attractive bloke or because I'm Harry Bloody Potter and there are some personal rumours going around about the size of my cock that make me rather uncomfortable."

Ginny's smile widened. "A mix of all three. You're quite the catch."

Harry's hands rested on her hips as he pulled her closer. "You should know. You already caught me."

"Cheesy, but true."

Harry moved his thumbs in small circles at her hips. "So, you ready to get out of here?"

Ginny stood on her toes to peck his lips. "I don't know, got something better in mind?"

Harry pressed his cheek against hers. "An idea or two."

Her brown eyes twinkled at him as she let him lead her out of the party. They passed some snogging couples along the way, one of whom was Gwenog Jones and Mitchell Payne which made Ginny smile. There was a moan from the broom cupboard at the end of the hall and just as they moved past it, someone began to chant.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck… yeah, I'm gonna, I'm gonna… I win! I win! I w-winnnn!"

Ginny began to giggle uncontrollably and by the time they reached the top of the stairs, she was roaring.

"I feel like I missed something," Harry said, amused by her mirth.

"That was definitely McLaggen."

Harry's eyebrow rose. "What?"

"It's a known fact, Harry," Ginny said. "McLaggen likes to announce he's won when he comes."

Harry's mouth dropped open. "What?"

Ginny's grin widened. "Oh, trust me. It was quite the rumour among the witches the last three years. Katie even confirmed it. Apparently Andrew, you know her boyfriend, Andrew Graham? Andrew had the misfortune of rooming with him for seven years and he told her that he even shouts 'his win' when he wanks."

"Good Merlin," Harry said, making her laugh.

"And not just that," Ginny said. "But he also never makes an effort to let his partner have a win first if at all."

"Well, that's just selfish," Harry said. "But it does play into what I want to do."

"Oh?" Ginny asked as their hands swung between them.

Harry pulled her into an alcove on the third floor to kiss her quickly. "I was thinking we could have a little competition of our own."

"I'm intrigued," Ginny said. "Go on."

"It involves you lying on top of me so that I can properly have a taste while you…"

"Suck you off?" she finished.

He nodded. "Bet I can make you come first."

Ginny's eyes darkened. "Oh? You do, eh?"

"Bet?"

Ginny licked her lips. "What would I win?"

"Hmm," Harry said, nuzzling her neck. "Whoever comes first has to be the other's personal elf for a week?"

"Or," she said, tilting her head to give him better access to her neck. "Whoever loses can't come for a week."

Harry's eyes darkened. "Ginny…"

"And not only can't they come," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "But they have to make the winner come as many times as they ask."

Harry swallowed. "That's just…"

"Have to make it worth it, Harry."

Harry's heart pounded as her lips pressed against his neck. "Oh, fuck… deal."

Ginny's eyes darkened as she stood on her toes to kiss him and then he was following her up the stairs and up to the tower room. They had barely closed the door behind them before Harry was kissing her. His hand held the back of her neck as they kissed, the other resting on her lower back. He walked her more towards the centre of the room and when the back of her knees touched the sofa, she gripped the lapels of his jacket.

"Off."

Harry's lips twitched as she pushed his jacket off, her small hands slowly unbuttoning his shirt, tugging the bowtie off. When she spread it open and pushed it off of his shoulders, he kept his gaze on hers. Ginny pressed her lips to his shoulder, kissing the exposed skin. Harry let his head tilt back, sighing as her lips pressed against his chest, over his collarbone and her hand teased under his belly button.

When his shirt hit the ground behind him, Harry's hands gripped her hips. He lifted her and slowly lowered her down to the sofa before he hovered over her. Harry moved his hand deliberately slowly down her thigh and over her calf, before carefully unhooking the strap of her heel and slipping it off. Then he moved to do the same with her second shoe. He bent his head to kiss her ankle, lazily brushing his lips up her thigh as his hands followed. When his fingers grazed the top of her nylons, his eyes met hers as he leisurely rolled them down, exposing her soft skin. When he finally pulled the nylon off, tossing it behind him, Ginny's brown eyes were dark in desire.

He bent his head to kiss her again, capturing her lips in his, his hands moving over the velvet of her dress. He reached around her back, feeling around and when he pressed his lips to her neck, he groaned.

"Where's the bloody buttons or zipper or whatever?"

Ginny nipped at his ear. "There isn't one."

"What?"

Ginny sucked his earlobe into her mouth before she answered. "It peels off."

"Fuck," Harry groaned, growing harder at the thought.

He kissed her shoulders, tugging the velvet down her arms slow enough to drive Ginny crazy and when the velvet popped below her breasts, he took a moment to appreciate the gold and green lace strapless bra. His lips grazed the tops of her breasts, leaving open-mouthed kisses as he dipped his tongue into her cleavage and she moaned. His mouth moved over her bra, letting his tongue linger over the material, dipping in and teasing her nipple until it rose out of her bra. Then he pulled the peak into his mouth and sucked.

Ginny's hips bucked against him and he was painfully reminded of just how hard he was. He shifted his hips so that Ginny couldn't torture him and moved to the other breast. He used his tongue to tease her other nipple until it was also exposed and when he covered it with his mouth, she moaned. Harry continued to suckle her as he tugged the dress down over her hips. He moved his mouth away long enough to take her dress off. He dropped it on the ground behind him, his hands sliding up her naked thighs before he returned his mouth to her breasts.

Harry's tongue teased her nipples, laving them with affection before he flicked open the front clasp of the strapless bra with expertise and immediately began to fondle and kiss them with enthusiasm. Ginny arched under him as his teeth nipped before his tongue deliberately circled her nipple again and again.

Ginny's hands reached for his belt and he moved back enough for her to unbuckle him. He shifted, toeing off his shoes and pulling his socks off as Ginny's fingers moved to the zipper of his trousers. They were barely shoved to his ankles before her hand slid into his boxers and he groaned. Bloody hell, if she touched him again he was going to lose in a heartbeat.

"Not yet," he said, pushing her off. "I want to play first."

Ginny's hand slid up his chest instead as he hovered over her again. Harry's mouth met hers for a long kiss, one hand fondling her breasts as the other slid down to stroke her thigh. His mouth kissed down her neck, inching over her breasts, down her stomach until his mouth was pressed up against the green and gold lace knickers. Hot kisses pressed against her through the lace and she fisted her hands in his hair.

Harry dragged his tongue up over the lace and Ginny made a gasping sound. She was already more than ready for him and he delighted in getting her more soaked with every stroke of his tongue. By the time he pulled her knickers down and teased her with a finger, she was moaning. Oh, he was definitely going to win this…

Harry threw her knickers behind him and stood up, shoving his boxers down. He stepped out of them as his cock bounced against his abs. Ginny licked her lips, her eyes on him and he tugged her up to her knees on the sofa. He made to kiss her, but she ducked her head and licked him. The feel of her tongue against him made him tremble. Ginny kissed his chest before she smiled up at him.

"Lie on your back, Harry."

Harry carefully lay down on the sofa, tucking a pillow under his head. He shifted a second pillow under his arse, his eyes on where Ginny was watching him. She straddled his stomach and the tip of his cock brushed her arse making him tremble. Harry placed his hands on her thighs.

"Come here."

Ginny's eyes were dark as she slid her hands up his chest and carefully plucked his glasses off of his face. "Better?"

"It will be in a minute," he said, his tongue trailing over his bottom lip.

Ginny put his glasses on the table and then she turned around, kneeling over his face. Harry immediately gripped her thighs and carefully pulled her closer, gliding his tongue over her folds. She trembled and when he began to lick her, she made a small moan. Then she shifted, spreading out on her stomach and her mouth pressed a kiss to the tip of his cock.

Harry grunted, his tongue slipping out of her. When that warm mouth engulfed him, he groaned. He focused back on her, trying to ignore the incredible sensations of her talented mouth wrapped around his cock. He dove his tongue in further, twirling and teasing her before adding a finger to help her along.

Ginny absolutely had to come first.

When he began to suck on her clit, her hips pressed against his face. His lips curved a little in satisfaction and then he felt her engulf all of him down her throat and he trembled. His cock was twitching now and he knew that if he didn't get her off in the next minute, he was going to lose. He began to suck faster, adding a second finger as Ginny moaned around his cock. The humming sensation did nothing to help him out.

Her hand began to stroke his balls and he shifted his tongue, twirling it the way she liked as her mouth moved up and down over him in a perfect rhythm. When her thumb started to stroke the underside of him as she worked the tip, he pushed his tongue in deeper. Her hips were shaking a bit and he knew that she was close. He knew that she was almost there, but Merlin, so was he.

If you come now, you can't come for a week, he mentally chanted as he suckled her. Ginny's mouth curved and her tongue twirled around his tip. Her thumb teased under him and when her lips covered him again; he moaned.

Ginny clenched around his fingers and sucked hard at the same time and Harry lost control. He moaned into her as he came, his tongue working her as he did, the taste of her only making his orgasm that much stronger. Ginny kept him in her mouth, slowly licking and sucking until he finished and then she kissed his balls, sitting up enough to straddle him.

"I'm close…"

Harry gripped her thighs tighter and used his tongue more aggressively. She barely lasted thirty more seconds, moaning as her hips rode his mouth desperately. Ginny carefully slid off of him, turning herself to cuddle into his chest, a soft sigh of satisfaction escaping her lips. She kissed his chest, trailing her nails gently over his abs, tracing his tattoo.

"I win," she said when she caught her breath.

Harry groaned. "You're a tease, Ginny Weasley."

Ginny kissed his chest again. "Oh, I'm going to be."

Harry's hand brushed over her hair. "When does this week start with us going home for the holiday?"

"First week back to school," Ginny told him. "It will give you time to make plans."

"Plans?" Harry asked, arching an eyebrow.

Ginny rested her chin on his chest, her eyes meeting his. "Yes. Plans for all of the ways you're going to make me come for you."

Harry's eyes darkened. "You might regret that."

"Doubt it," Ginny said, her eyes twinkling.

Harry kissed her. "Well, since I have some time to plan ahead, does that mean I can take advantage in the meantime?"

"How so?"

Harry slid her hand down to cover him. "I might be ready for a second go."

"Doesn't feel like it," she teased.

"Give me a minute," he said.

Ginny kissed his neck, sucking the skin. She wrapped her mouth around his pulse, pulling hard.

"Fuck, Ginny! If Zee sees a hickey on my neck, I'll never hear the end of it!"

Ginny grinned. "Who says that I'll only leave them on your neck?"

When she began to kiss her way down his chest, he gripped her hair and thought losing this bet was one hundred percent worth it.

~ ASC ~

Harry spent the train ride home with his arm draped around Ginny as she snuggled back against him. Ron and Hermione told them about their plans to spend Christmas at the Burrow and when Harry asked Hermione about talking to her parents, she gave him a half nod.

"A Christmas card or two," she said before changing the subject.

Neville had his arm around Hannah as he told them about how he and Hannah were going to spend the holiday decorating his home.

"And probably some Christmas baking. We'll send you something."

"You better," Harry told him. "Anything baked by Hannah is going to be fantastic."

Hannah blushed. "It will be a good Christmas, I think."

Seamus and Dean mentioned plans of spending time with Dean's mother and Seamus' family. Luna was going on a trip with her father to Portugal. Colin was going home and inviting Freya to spend some time with his family. She'd forgiven him for his lapse with Blaise since they hadn't defined their relationship yet but according to Ginny had told Colin if he ever cheated on her again, she would end him. From what Harry could see, Colin had been going out of his way to show her how much he appreciated her at every opportunity. They seemed to getting along quite well. Theo was spending some time at Norfolk and Harry knew that he was looking to visit Wiltshire to see Draco and Blaise, but he promised to spend Christmas day with the Weasleys, making Ginny beam at him.

Harry linked his fingers with Ginny's. "I want you to spend as much time as possible with me."

"You'll come to the Burrow for a few days?"

"Yes. And you'll come to Black Cottage?"

"Yes," she said, playing with their linked fingers.

They were gathering their things when Harry tugged Ginny up against him, splaying his hands across her behind as he bent to kiss her. Ginny's hands slid up his chest to link around his neck as they stood there, just enjoying each other for a full minute.

"I don't want you to go home."

Ginny's lips curved. "Maybe I don't want you to go home."

"Ginny," he murmured as his lips brushed around her jaw. "Will you call me on the mirror later?"

"Why? Will you miss me already?"

He pinched her hip as she yelped.

Ginny stood on her toes, tugging his face down to hers again for a long kiss, her fingers messing up his hair even more than usual.

"Oi!" Ron said. "Stop snogging and get off the damn train already!"

Ginny held up two fingers behind Harry's back at the same time that Harry did the same. Ron snorted.

"Gits."

Ginny kissed him once more before she reluctantly pulled away. Harry pecked her lips twice more making her smile.

"We do have to get off the train," she admitted.

Harry took her bag, passing it to her before he grabbed his own. "I know."

They kissed once more in the doorway of the compartment before Harry took her hand in his and they headed off the train. They were one of the last ones off and Ginny squeezed his hand and winked at him before her eyes lit up.

"Charlie!"

Harry watched her run across the platform, throwing herself into her brother's arms and he couldn't help but smile. He loved how much she loved her brothers.

"All right, Harry?" Charlie asked, his arms still wrapped tightly around Ginny.

"All right," Harry said.

He watched Charlie lead Ginny off with Ron and Hermione and he adjusted the bag on his shoulder. He looked around for Tonks or Zee and when he didn't see either of them, he frowned. The tap on his shoulder made him turn and a grin broke out across his face.

"Papa!"

Misha pulled him close into his arms, hugging him tightly. "You surprised, da?"

"Da!" Harry said. "When did you and Grandmama arrive?"

"This morning," Misha said. "I insisted I come get you. Come. Let's go home."

They both Apparated and made their way up the path to Black Cottage. Harry had barely stepped through the front door before Sorcha's arms were around him as she tugged his face down to cover his cheeks in kisses.

"Goodness! Misha, he almost has a beard!"

Zee chuckled. "He's grown up on us, Mama."

Harry stepped into the living room, hugging Zee before kissing Mina and Leo. Mina immediately grabbed onto his leg, her little hands grabbing his trousers until he picked her up. Harry kissed her cheek again and she babbled at him.

"Did you know they were coming?" Harry asked, turning his attention to Zee.

Zee shook her head. "No. And they brought us a surprise."

Harry lifted an eyebrow before he caught sight of Colt and Flo coming out of the kitchen. "Grandpa! Grandma!"

Colt and Flo each hugged Harry tightly from either side. Flo commented on his almost-beard and his height, making a joke out of grabbing his bicep and Colt claimed he'd become a strapping young man. Flo attempted to take Mina from Harry's arms, but Mina burrowed into his neck and refused to let go.

Harry got a whiff of something amazing coming out of the kitchen as he sat down and Leo crawled into his lap. Talk soon turned to dinner and holiday plans as Harry filled his grandparents in on what had been happening. Mina and Leo eventually left him alone, moving from adult to adult to get attention.

"And our Zahira says that Ted and Andromeda are bringing more vitches and babies out of France today, da?"

"That's the plan," Zee said. "They said that it would take most of the day to get them settled."

"King's still going with them?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Zee assured him. "And I believe Hestia Jones, Emmeline Vance, and Mad-Eye as well. They need to remove the Dark Mark before they move them to Draco and Blaise."

"But once they're in the safe house, it doesn't matter," Harry reasoned.

"True," Zee said. "But thinking that they died in France keeps the trail to England a little bit safer."

Harry knew that made sense. The conversation soon turned around to Colt and Flo Flo told them about the restaurant and how well it was doing since she'd passed it over almost two years ago now. When Harry asked how long they were staying they exchanged a look.

"What?"

"Actually… we sold the farm," Flo said.

"What?" Zee exclaimed, her eyes widening. "You sold it?"

Colt nodded. "It's a lot of upkeep for old geezers like us and we missed you, Zahira. You and Harry and the new great-grandbabies, who we didn't even get to meet before today… those mirrors are great, but not the same. I know that you have a lot going on around here, but we want to be closer to our family."

Harry's mouth hung open in surprise. "So… what about everything?"

"Oh, we've got that covered," Colt assured him. "Your little elf helped us! Ebony and Cloud Dancing have been moved into your stables. We gave Harley King Lightning. She loves that horse. Chief, Bruno, and Lucy are next door at Zee's old place. Smokey took a liking to Calvin and we gave her to him and Checkers, well, that damn half-cat half-Kneazle has refused to come out since we arrived in England, but he's next door too. That's where we'll be living."

"That's great," Harry said.

Colt nudged his arm. "I know. We miss the farm too, but it's not like you were going to move out there and become a Georgian ranch hand, were ya?"

"No," Harry admitted. "But it was nice to go out there and get away from… all of this."

Colt nodded. "Well now, Zee ain't got nothing to say on the matter, but me and Flo are sticking by ya."

"Grandpa, you just have to promise me that and you Grandma won't go anywhere without telling us. Not even the Muggle world is completely safe," Zee said, worry in her voice.

"Bullshit! I'm an ex-cop! When I need help I'll damn well ask for it!"

Flo rolled her eyes. "Colt, Zee's not being unreasonable."

He snorted. "Didn't say she was. I married a witch, didn't I? You'll protect me, darlin', right?"

"Yes, dear," Flo said, shaking her head in amusement.

Harry exchanged a look with Zee. He knew that she was thinking the same as him. As excited as he was for them to be close by, it also posed more of a danger. Harry didn't think anyone knew about them, but they were going to be worried nevertheless.

"Look at it this way," Flo said. "Colt and I will be free to watch these precious angels when you go back to work in a few weeks."

Zee sighed. "Don't remind me. I'm excited and terrified to go back at the same time."

Harry felt very much the same. With Zee back at work it would mean she would have more access to the Ministry and be able to tell him more of what was happening there, but with her back to work it would also make him worry. The Ministry wasn't as safe nowadays.

"You'll have to work that out with Gran and Grandda as they already asked to watch them a few days a week."

Flo waved her off. "We'll work out a schedule. Now, who's hungry?"

Harry picked up a baby in each arm as he stood. "I definitely am. Is Uncle Rem and Tonks coming by?"

"Maybe later," Zee said, following him into the kitchen. "Remus sent word that Tonks was detained at work."

Harry settled Mina and Leo in their highchairs and wondered if Tonks had gotten some kind of new breakthrough on a case. The last he'd heard she had been working closely with Sebastian Kane, the MIA Auror, on old Death Eater cases and she told him they had a new theory that they were looking into. Harry just hoped it was something they might actually be able to use.

They could really use a win right about now.

~ ASC ~

Pansy finished feeding Grayson; Greg took him from her and snuggled him onto his shoulder. Her husband was the last person that she had ever expected to be such a great father and absolute softie over a baby. But he snuggled with Grayson, changed nappies like a professional, and rocked him to sleep at night like he was holding precious jewels. It made her heart soar when she watched the big man snuggle the tiny baby, especially in the morning after she fed him so that she could eat her own breakfast.

She closed her bra and buttoned her blouse before reaching for her glass of orange juice. The owl arriving caused Greg to stand and open the window, taking the letter.

"It's for you," he said, passing her the envelope.

"You didn't even look at it," Pansy said with amusement.

He shrugged. "It's for you. No one writes to me."

Pansy opened the envelope, recognizing Daphne's writing on the side. There was a larger envelope as well with Daphne's writing on it and Pansy pushed it towards Greg. "Open that one, will you?"

Greg did as she asked and she'd just started reading about the news at Hogwarts when Greg cleared his throat. "Erm…"

"What?" she asked, her eyes widening when her husband held up the calendar. "Best Arses of Hogwarts?"

Greg's face flushed. "Apparently."

Pansy immediately opened it, looking across the photos in amazement. "I cannot believe someone made these and sent them out! Oh my gods, of course bloody Zabini would be Mr December and have nothing on but a bloody Santa hat over his bits!"

Greg frowned. "That's an old photo then?"

"Must be," Pansy said. "Actually, I remember this! Remember that time he came down at the end of November last year wearing a black silk robe. He stretched out on the sofa, shrugged the robe off and asked who wanted to sit on Santa's lap."

"Oh, yeah," Greg said. "I do remember that."

"I don't remember who took the photo, but I do remember Daphne removing the Santa hat at some point."

"Zabini was never shy," Greg said.

Pansy nodded, looking at the other two photos chosen of Blaise posing in tight black leather trousers. She flipped through the calendar, a grin on her face. "Draco is Mr June, makes sense. I don't know where they would have gotten this photo… that's definitely in his bedroom at Malfoy Manor."

"Oh?"

"Oh don't give me that look," Pansy said. "You know Draco and I snogged a few summers ago and yes, part of that was in his bedroom. Hmm, they are listed as Honourable Mentions with a reminder that they were both killed in Hogsmeade last year."

Greg reached for his tea. "I still can't believe that they're both gone."

"Me neither," Pansy admitted. "All of the Malfoys are, what with Draco's father being in prison. And it is a shame, they were both very handsome and intelligent."

Greg nodded.

"But for the record, your arse should be on this list, too."

Greg blushed. "What?"

"Definitely should," Pansy said. "Which is why I'm going to use you to try out these new sleep pants I designed for men. I want them to really highlight the arse in just the right way."

Greg cleared his throat. "That will have to wait. I have to follow Himmler again today. Here, take Grayson."

Pansy accepted the baby back as he pecked her on the lips. "Will you be late?"

"I don't know," he told her. "Is Daphne coming by the shop today?"

"No," Pansy said. "I'm hoping on Monday. The train brings them home from Hogwarts today and her father is having a special dinner with her future husband to be there. It's probably why she sent this out today to give me something to smile about. I'm worried about her."

"I know," Greg said. "But we can't help her, Pansy. Unless she figures out how to disappear, she has no choice."

Pansy knew that he was right, but it didn't make her feel any better.

"I have to go or I'll miss Himmler leaving for work."

"Be safe," she said as he grabbed his cloak, pecked her on the lips, and hurried out the door.

Pansy kissed Grayson's head. "Guess it's just us again, darling. What do you think? Should I add some more colour to the male lingerie line? So far I've really been sticking with black, green, and red. Hmm… some colour would be nice. Maybe we'll try some violet or a deep plum."

Grayson only stared up at her with his wide blue eyes.

When she arrived at Sophistication by Pansy thirty minutes later, Blanche was already there. She had the books opened on the desk as Rabastan and Crouch checked them over.

"I thought that you weren't coming until Monday," Pansy said, carefully putting Grayson down in his carrier.

"We had time today," Rabastan said, his eyes on her. "Sales have gone down a little."

"I told you that they would," Pansy said. "As soon as we tell people the price discrepancies are based on blood status, you'd be surprised by how many people suddenly aren't interested in what I have to sell."

Rabastan's eyes narrowed. "The holidays are approaching and this would be the time your sales should be rising."

"Agreed. If I didn't have to charge different prices based on blood status," Pansy said again. "Even some of my pureblood clients have stopped coming because they consider it exclusionary."

Crouch moved up behind her and touched her arm. "It's not exclusionary as you're still selling to the Mudbloods and blood traitors."

"Don't touch me," Pansy said, ripping her arm away. "I am working on an idea that for my top customers, they get a Christmas special that includes free stuff if they spend a certain amount of money. People are interested and I'm hoping today will be a little busier."

Crouch's tongue slid over her cheek and she refused to show him that it made her want to vomit. "We'll be back to check at the end of the week."

When they left, Pansy met Blanche's eyes and the witch looked just as scared as she felt.

"It's fine, Blanche. Get everything open."

The witch nodded before turning to do just that. As annoyed as Pansy had been with Blanche Dupont in the beginning, she couldn't imagine the shop without her now. The witch had become quite invaluable to her over the last few months. Pansy took Grayson behind the desk to remove him from the carrier. She had a little chair that she charmed to rock him in during the day. Other times she put him on a blanket with some toys. The customers found him charming (the ones that bothered to come in nowadays that was).

"Mrs Goyle," a charming voice said, startling her. She turned and found Lockhart standing there and swallowed nervously. "Mr Lockhart."

"Gilderoy, please," he said, showing every one his white teeth when he smiled. His hair was perfectly curled around his ears and she knew that he'd styled it that way to make his hair look naturally curly.

Every time he needed something he came down and insisted she call him by his first name and every time she ignored him.

"I need to borrow some more ink. Do you think that I could take some from under the front desk?"

"Sure," she said.

"Thank you," Lockhart said. "Oh, and I will be having some company later. But don't worry, I will be discreet."

When he winked at her she shivered. Once he was gone, Blanche came to help her spread out the blanket for Grayson.

"Pansy, he has two boys up there," Blanche whispered. "Crouch brought them in before you arrived."

Pansy shuddered. "How old?"

"No more than eleven or twelve," Blanche whispered back.

Merlin, that was younger than the fifteen-year-old that he had been keeping up there for the last bit. Her stomach wanted to vomit, but she swallowed back the bile. "He's been writing?"

"Every day," Blanche said.

That didn't make her feel better. They opened the shop and greeted the first few customers with a smile. Pansy read over Daphne's letter again at lunch, remembering that Theo had told her he was going to help Daphne's sister. If everything went according to plan, Theo would be helping her today once the train arrived in King's Cross. Astoria would be safe and Daphne would be… She looked up at the ceiling again. There was no sound from above, but knowing Lockhart wasn't alone up there made her cringe and before she could change her mind, she grabbed Grayson.

"Blanche, can you mind the shop for an hour? I want to hit some of the fabric stores and do some re-stocking."

"Of course, Pansy," Blanche said.

It took Pansy five minutes to get Grayson settled and to get her bag on her shoulder. She went to the fabric store at the end of the street and purchased some more silk in varying shades before adding an abundance of lace. Then she stepped out to where she knew the Auror was watching in disguise and dropped all of her bags on the ground.

"Oh, no!" she exclaimed in mock horror.

"I'll help, Miss," the Auror said, bending to help her pick up the fabric and get it back into the bag.

"Thank you," Pansy said. "I guess with the baby it was hard for me to catch it."

He nodded. "No harm."

He carefully placed the bag on her shoulder and Pansy shook his hand in thanks, passing off the crumpled parchment to him with a long stare.

"Thank you, Sir."

Then she turned and headed back to the shop, wondering if she had just signed her own death certificate with the ill-thought out plan.

Twenty minutes later, three Aurors strolled into her shop and her heart stopped in her chest.

"Pansy Goyle?"

"That's me," she said, checking on Grayson.

"We received a complaint that your upper levels are not up to code."

"What?" she exclaimed, her eyes widening. "That's a lie! Everything is up to code!"

The Auror pursed his lips. "A neighbour claims someone is living on the upper levels and that's not allowed in a business establishment. They're trespassing."

Pansy swallowed. "There's no one up living up there, Sir."

"Dawlish, Brett, go check."

Blanche moved around the desk to grip Pansy's hand in hers. Dawlish came down a few minutes later with the three boys. The fifteen-year-old had dark circles under his eyes and looked like he was on death's door. The two younger boys, who looked so innocent and scared, had ligature marks on their wrists and ankles and were only in their underwear. Pansy again fought the urge to vomit.

"Mrs Goyle, we found these three boys upstairs each shackled to a bed. Can you explain that to us?" Brett demanded.

Pansy shook her head. "No, Sir. We had no idea that they were up there."

Brett didn't look convinced and when Pansy and Blanche were both handcuffed and led from the shop, Pansy again wondered if she had made the right choice especially because Lockhart hadn't been found with the boys.

~ ASC ~

Ted and Andromeda waited where Snape instructed them. They had spent the last three days enjoying a little holiday in France. The rest had been good for both of them. Andromeda had even found a few new things for their grandson's nursery. It was ten minutes past the meet time and Ted was starting to get antsy. Andromeda reached out to touch his hand.

"How long are we going to wait?" he demanded. "The longer we linger the more risky it is."

"A few more minutes," Andromeda whispered. "We can't abandon these girls."

The doe Patronus arrived at that moment and Snape's oily voice told them that they were coming. It was another five minutes before anyone arrived and Andromeda gasped when she saw one tall girl holding a baby in one arm, as she held tightly to the hand of another girl who was also holding a baby. A third one made up the rear, a baby swaddled in her arms and she kept looking behind her, her eyes wide in terror.

"Hello, dears," Andromeda said kindly. "It's okay, we're here to get you somewhere safe. I promise."

"Bellatrix," the one girl whispered, taking an automatic step back.

"No, I'm Andromeda," she said quickly. "I'm her sister, but you can trust me, I promise. This is my husband, Ted."

The tall girl gave them a defiant look. "We won't go back."

"Of course not," Andromeda assured her. "Come on, we have to get out of here."

Ted urged them to walk ahead of him, his wand out as he made out the road. They walked for ten minutes before Ted helped them into the car he had waiting. Once everyone was situated, they began to move.

"Are you sure that we'll be safe?" The girl with long curly hair said.

"Yes," Andromeda assured her. "We just have to get there. What's your name, dear?"

"Ophelia," she whispered. "Ophelia Rowle Lestrange."

"Drop the Lestrange," the tall girl hissed. "You're not going back to that tosser, O."

Ophelia looked unsure.

"I'm Millie and this is Hestia," the tall girl said.

"Nice to meet you," Andromeda replied. "And the babies?"

Millicent's eyes softened. "My daughter, Claire, and Hestia's daughter, Emery. O's little boy is named Roland. Will they be safe, too?"

"Yes. I promise," Andromeda said. "As soon as we get there."

"We're going to stop at a safe house before we return to England," Ted explained. "Do any of you have the Dark Mark?"

"All of us," Millicent told him.

Andromeda pursed her lips. "We'll have to make a stop first then. We can't take you back to England as long as he can find you."

Ted nodded as he drove. They arrived on the ferry only moments before it was set to take off and Andromeda urged the girls to enjoy the morning sun as it rose up over the water. The ferry was only a short journey, but it was being used to take them to the house the Aurors had set up to remove the Dark Marks in.

With each passing moment they felt safer, but Ted kept his eyes peeled for anything that could send them off track. Millicent and Hestia looked scared but determined, eyes on the French coast as if they couldn't believe they were actually getting away. Millicent held Claire close, cradling her daughter against her shoulder, her other hand never leaving Hestia's as the smaller girl snuggled her own daughter. Ophelia looked terrified. Roland was swaddled tightly in her arms and when Andromeda moved closer, she held him tighter in her grasp. When a particularly strong wave made the boat rock in the late December cold, Ophelia pulled a flask from her pocket, taking a long sip.

Millicent rolled her eyes. "O drinks calming draught like water. She's the most anxious person I've ever met."

"You try being the wife of Rabastan Lestrange," she hissed.

"Better than Crouch," Millicent hissed back.

Ophelia looked wounded before she tucked the flask into her pocket and held the bundle of blankets that contained her son closer. Hestia turned green when the boat rocked again and Andromeda took Emery from her as she leaned over the rail and vomited over the side. Ted gently held her hair back and she gave him a grateful look as he helped her back to her seat.

When the ferry docked, they were met by Kingsley Shacklebolt, Hestia Jones, and Emmeline Vance. Kingsley led them to a designated safe house so that they could recharge and deal with the Dark Mark. Andromeda explained how they were going to remove the Dark Mark so that Voldemort couldn't find them.

"Will it hurt?" Hestia asked, her eyes wide.

"Yes," Andromeda said. "But I promise you that once it's gone, I will give you something for the pain."

Millicent rolled up her sleeve without hesitation. "Do it."

Ophelia's eyes widened in terror and she pulled out her flask again, taking a small sip before holding her child closer.

Andromeda urged Millicent to sit in the chair. "Perhaps you can let Hestia hold Claire for you?"

Millicent carefully passed her daughter to Hestia, who shifted Emery into her other arm, eyes wide. She ran her thumb down her daughter's cheek before she took a seat in the chair Andromeda provided and held her arm out.

"I'm going to chain you into place," Andromeda warned her. "It's going to hurt and I don't want you to move while I'm performing the spell."

"Just do it," Millicent insisted. "I'm ready."

Andromeda nodded and carefully chained the witch to the chair. "Like I said, it's going to hurt."

"But he won't be able to track me after?"

"No," Andromeda promised. "He'll believe you're dead."

"It's how we've freed the others," Ted said.

Ophelia's eyes widened. "The others? You mean… they're all still alive?"

"Yes," Ted assured her. "They are. Are you ready, Millie?"

Millicent nodded, her face pale. She closed her eyes. "I'm ready."

Kingsley watched in fascination as Ted and Andromeda worked together to remove the Dark Mark from first Millicent and then Hestia's forearms. Hestia cried huge tears, sobbing loudly, but Millicent held her hands and whispered reassurances to her the whole time. When it was Ophelia's turn, she shook her head.

"I can't! I can't!"

"You can," Millicent insisted. "If you don't do this, O, he will find you."

"He loves me," she whispered, holding the bundle that was Roland closer to her. "He promised that he would take care of me! He promised that he would protect me!"

"O, he doesn't love you. Someone who loves you wouldn't hurt you like that," Millicent said.

"Sometimes he's nice," she whispered. "When he makes love to me, he's nice."

"Ophelia. Trust me, please do this," Millicent begged. "For us. We can all be free after this, O. Please!"

Ophelia nodded, holding her arm out as Hestia Jones carefully took her son from her. Andromeda lifted her sleeves, her wand in her hand.

"This will hurt, dear."

Ophelia bit her lip. "I'm ready."

Andromeda urged her to sit down just as Jones' raised voice spoke.

"Wait, Andromeda. This is a doll."

"What?" Andromeda asked, turning.

The sharp nails that dug into her skin made her gasp and when she turned to look at Ophelia, she watched in horror as the girl slammed the tip of her wand over her Dark Mark.

"NO!" Millicent screamed.

Ophelia let go, a triumphant look on her face. "He's coming for me. He'll protect me."

"Where is your son?" Kingsley demanded. "Where is he?"

Ophelia sneered. "I left him with his father where he'll be safe. I would never betray my husband like these lying bitches have!"

"You stupid cunt!" Millicent exclaimed before she whirled around towards Kingsley with Claire in her arms. "Please! They can't find us. Please!"

Kingsley grabbed her arm. "Let's go! Now! I assume that warning works fast."

"We have minutes at best," Millicent warned.

Kingsley urged her forward and grabbed Hestia's arm as well. The girl was too weak from the removal of the Dark Mark and he was forced to carry her. "Jones, can you carry Emery and Claire?"

Hestia Jones carefully took the babies from the small cot that Kingsley had conjured, holding them close. Millicent was weak, limping as she attempted to walk next to Kingsley. Vance wrapped an arm around her waist to help her as Kingsley carried an unconscious Hestia.

"Go," Ted insisted. "Andromeda and I will be right behind you!"

Andromeda was trying to loosen Ophelia's grip on her arm to no avail. "We have to go, dear. You'll be safe with us. Please. Let us help you."

"I'm not going anywhere," Ophelia said and her wand flung forwards, sending Andromeda flying through the air.

Ted immediately chained the witch to the chair as she screamed, grabbing her wand from her grasp. The sound of his wife slamming into the wall had him wincing as he hurried forward to check on her. She touched her temple and found blood.

"I'm okay," she assured him. "I'm okay."

The sound of Apparition had Ted swearing. "Come on, Andromeda. We have to go."

"But she needs us!"

"No, she doesn't," he insisted. "She made her choice."

Tears welled up in Andromeda's eyes as Ted helped her stand.

"I can do it. We can remove the Mark, Edward. We can do it."

He grabbed her hand. "No, love. We can't. Let's go."

Andromeda held his hand tightly and reached for the door only a second before it flew open so strongly it knocked her back.

"Rab!" Ophelia cried. "Rab, help me! Please!"

Ted grabbed his wife's arm, attempting to steady her. They both held their wands up, backing away from the door and the masked figures that stood there, blocking their path.

"We won't let you hurt her," Andromeda exclaimed. "Despite her bad choices, she's an innocent."

"Not so innocent, sister," Ophelia taunted.

The masked figure at the front laughed, his wand unchaining Ophelia from the chair and when Ted turned to look back at the young witch, he watched in horror as her features began to change and pop.

Andromeda let out a gasp of recognition just as the girl's wand flicked.

"Crucio!"

Andromeda screamed as the torture curse hit her. Ted made to protect her, but a spell hit him from behind and he fell face first into the dirt. When he managed to lift his head, his eyes fell on the dark mad eyes of his wife's sister.

"Let her go," Ted panted as he climbed to his feet.

Bellatrix cackled, lifting the spell long enough to let Andromeda catch her breath. "Why? She disgusts me! Letting a disgusting Mudblood fuck her all of these years! Then to make a child with it. It's horrifying! How can she defile her blood in that way? We were raised in the same house!"

Ted shot a hex at her and she deflected it.

"Tut tut tut, the Mudblood wants to play."

Bellatrix flicked her wand and Ted flung up into the air, his hands and feet flinging spread-eagled as if something was suspending him. He cried out as sharp cuts sliced into his body and Andromeda screamed his name. A man in a dark cloak grabbed a fistful of Andromeda's hair, yanking her head back.

"You tried to take my wife from me, you Mudblood-loving bitch."

Ted attempted to pull his wand out, but Bellatrix disarmed him.

Andromeda whimpered as Rabastan's hands pulled on her hair.

"I asked you a question. How dare you try to take my wife from me? What gives you the right?"

"You don't deserve her," Andromeda gasped, spitting in his eye. "She's an innocent child."

Bellatrix backhanded her sister with a wave of her wand. "How many of these witches have you and your Mudblood taken from us? How did you learn how to remove the Dark Mark? Tell me!"

"I figured it out," Ted said. "A little pain was worth it and they all took it happily. Anything to get rid of you."

"Crucio!"

Ted cried out, his body twisting wildly, still suspended in the air.

"Bella," Andromeda began. "Please. They're just young girls! They deserve a chance at life."

"I was a young girl once," Bellatrix said. "And yet I was smart enough to listen to the Dark Lord when he spoke. He's definitely going to want to talk to the both of you. Find out how you did it. I doubt your stupid Mudblooded Hufflepuff figured it out all on his own. Crucio!"

Andromeda screamed again as the curse hit her a moment before Bellatrix was flung backwards. When she looked up, Kingsley and Moody stood there, wands ready.

Rabastan sent some sort of slicing curse at Kingsley that he narrowly dodged before the duel broke out. Andromeda crawled across the floor to reach Ted, who had fallen to the ground when Bellatrix was hit.

"Edward! Edward," she sobbed.

Ted gripped her hand and squeezed tightly. "Go. Check on them. Make sure they're safe."

"Not without you," she whispered.

He shook his head, coughing up blood. "I'll only slow you down."

"No. I just need… where's your wand?"

A cracking sound made her look over as a boot snapped Ted's wand in two. She looked up at Rodolphus Lestrange and he grinned.

"Hello, 'Dromeda. Miss me?"

Then the toe of his boot smashed into her face.

"No!" Ted exclaimed, attempting to climb to his feet.

Rodolphus knelt down to smirk at him. "Always did try to be the hero, didn't you, Tonks? You're nothing, but a filthy Mudblood and you never deserved her. A Black with such beauty and now her life was ruined by the likes of you."

Bellatrix's cackle echoed and when Ted looked up he saw four more masked figures fighting Moody and Kingsley. Kingsley called for backup a moment before a spell shot his feet out from under him and his back slammed into the ground. Bellatrix hit him with a Cruciatus before moving over to stand next to her husband.

"Can I do it, baby? Please?"

Rodolphus kissed her forehead tenderly. "Absolutely. You know I'll do anything for you, Bella."

Bellatrix slammed her heeled boot down into Andromeda's stomach twice before pointing her wand at her throat. "Say goodbye, Andromeda, you filthy blood traitor! Avada Kedavra!"

Ted's anguished cry made Rodolphus and Bellatrix laugh. He crawled across the floor, bleeding profusely from all over as he gripped his wife's hand, kissing her fingers as he stared into his wife's lifeless eyes. "I will always love you, my Slytherin Princess."

"How touching!" Bellatrix exclaimed, slamming her boot over their joined hands hard enough to break two of his fingers, but he refused to let go. "Now tell me, how did you learn how to remove the Dark Mark?"

"Fuck you."

"Crucio!"

Ted screamed and when the curse finally finished tearing through him, he tried to catch his breath as a tall thin man appeared in front of him. The red gleaming eyes and the snake-like nose made him tremble in terror.

"Bella, my love. Even his cries of pain tell me everything."

Ted could hear the sounds of Kingsley and Moody fighting nearby along with Bill's gruff voice. He wondered vaguely when Bill had arrived, but he couldn't look away from the red gleaming eyes that were boring into his. He tightened his grip on his wife's hand.

"I'll tell you nothing."

Voldemort smirked. "You already have. The Malfoy and Zabini boys are still alive. They're all still alive. Kill him, Bella."

Bellatrix let out a shriek of pleasure. Ted buried his face in his wife's curls, muttering that he loved her over and over again before the flash of green light ended his life.