Hey guys, I got a little carried away with this chapter so the last little bit of second year will actually be in ch 41.
This Chapter is very relationship-centric so enjoy.
Disclaimer in Chapter 1. Will add as needed.
Before they knew it they were arriving back at LeFay Castle for Christmas break; missing only Lee, Severus, Luna, Bucky, and Neville from the inner group.
Harriet dropped to the foyer floor and spread out her arms, "Oh yeah. It's nice to be home." She hummed. Fred and George laughed but joined her a second later, followed quickly by Sage and an amused Ligia who changed back to her regular male form a minute or two later. They all piled together, Fenrir cuddling up between Loki and Sage and the Marauders coiling together on Harriet's stomach.
Percy rolled his eyes and looked down at them, "Wouldn't this be better up in the family room? That marble can't be very comfortable."
Harriet waved her hand lazily as she released her glamours, "Comfort is relative Percy. I'm comfortable just thinking about spending the next couple weeks without intensive glamours on all the time." She said.
Percy gave an exasperated huff, "Whatever. I'm going to go shower, being stuck on a train for five hours does not lend to freshness." Percy said, waving his wand quickly at his trunk so it would follow behind him as he made his way up the stairs and toward the family wing.
A pop sounded nearby, announcing Bill's arrival in the foyer, "Oh, you're all home." He said, smiling down at them, "Did Dumbledore try to pull anything?"
Fred and George smiled up at their brother, "The old man tried to"
"keep everyone at the castle"
"for the holidays but"
"the Slytherin parents and"
"the school board was quick"
"to shut that down."
"Then he switched focus to keeping just"
"Harriet at the castle and she ended up"
"having to call the DMLE to come and"
"set him straight." They said.
Bill's eyebrows rose and he looked to Harriet, "You told them you stayed at the Potter Manor all summer right? It's your ancestral home. What excuse could he have to keep you from it?"
"It's not safe for me to be alone and I need supervision." Harri said with her eyes wide and a pout on her face, "I'm the one everyone expects to take down the Dark Lord but apparently I may hurt myself alone in an empty manor."
Bill chuckled, "Aw, does the poor defenseless girl who lived need babysat?" Harri stuck her tongue out a him and he rolled his eyes before holding out a parchment to here, "Griphook asked me to give this to you."
"Ooo, it's my OWL scores." Harri piped as she took the parchment and unrolled it. "Hm, Os in Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Care, DADA and Runes. Es in History and Astronomy and an A in Arithmancy." She rolled it up with a huff, "Not too bad I guess."
*You did very well cub.* Remus hissed.
"Those are excellent scores Harriet." Fred said.
"Don't pretend they're not." George added.
Bill chuckled, "Yes, modesty doesn't become you." Harri rolled her eyes and Bill's gaze moved to the twins, "So are you two ready for your dinner at the Malfoys?"
"Our what?" they exclaimed, slightly horrified.
Harriet sighed and sat up, gently moving the Marauders off onto the floor despite their complaints, "Thanks for that Bill, I hadn't actually asked them about it yet."
"Happy to help." Bill snickered.
Harri stood and reached her hands down for the twins to pull them up, "Come on." They took her hands and she pulled them to their feet easily, they kept hold of her hands without hesitation and she didn't pull free as she looked down at the rest who had remained on the floor, "Dinner will be in three hours in the small dining room."
"And just where are you going with them?" James demanded, changing back quickly.
Harriet raised an eyebrow at her father, "I have some things I need to discuss with my mates. You'll get the highlights over dinner." Before he could protest further Harriet flamed herself, Fred, and George straight to their room.
"So what's this all about?" George asked.
"And why haven't we heard about it until now?" Fred continued as they pulled Harriet over to the small seating area that was arranged by the doors to the balcony.
Harri settled between them when they pulled her onto the couch, "I'm sorry, I got distracted by the Slytherin stuff and completely forgot to mention it." She sighed, "When I sent Lucius the paperwork to get Dobby transferred to me I signed it as Lady LeFay because I knew he would be more willing to do fair business with such an important name. It worked but the stipulation he set for keeping the price as low as it was, was for Lady LeFay to join his family for a meal over the Holidays. It's something many politians would do when they wanted to make an alliance. I saw that it could be beneficial to have Lucius on side if I could talk some sense into him, so I agreed to go."
"You aren't going without us." Fred said sternly.
Harri smiled softly at him, "Of course not. I said I would only attend if my partners could come. He agreed." Fred nodded.
"We'll come back to that." George said, rubbing his thumb on the back of her hand, "Don't think we won't. But Harriet you have to make sure to communicate with us."
"We're a team." Fred reminded her, "What did you say? 'Us against the world'? We can't do that if you don't keep us in the loop with everything."
Harri blushed, "I know, I know. I'm sorry." She said again, she stood and pulled free from their grips so she could sit on the coffee table and see both of them at once, "I'm not trying to keep anything from you. I said I wouldn't and I meant it but..." she ran a hand through her hair, "I'm not...I'm not used to having to tell you guys." Fred and George frowned but Harriet plowed on, "I'm used to the bond between us allowing us almost instantaneous communication. I rarely had to…" she looked down at the carpet, "physically tell you things because you already knew."
Fred's frown deepened, "So, it was like our twin bond?"
Harriet looked up at them, "Its…it was…more…" she bit her lip in frustration only to hear Glacia whispering a suggestion to her. "Can I try something?" she asked them abruptly.
"Yes." George answered hesitantly as Fred blinked from the sudden change. Harri nodded sharply and pulled at her broken connection with the twins' previous magic cores, Mischief and Mayhem popped into existence with startled squeaks. They barked softly at Harri before jumping over to the couches and jumping on their counterparts' shoulders. "What…" George started as Mischief draped himself limply around George's neck, biting his tail to make a complete circuit around George's neck.
"I'm going to try and show you what the bond feels like." Harri said gently, when Mayhem was settled she tugged at the broken bond and directed it like she would if they were attempting to manifest the bond. A weak white glow surrounded them and Harriet's eyes glowed the green of the killing curse.
Mischief and Mayhem's eyes flared gold in response and Fred and George felt like their breaths had been yanked from their bodies when everything clicked into place. They could feel Harriet so clearly at the opposite end of the bond. Her surface thoughts were like an open book to them, passing through to them easily, allowing them to see her devious plans for the upcoming dinner; her emotions were ringing through them as well, her current frustration at the situation but her overwhelming love for them, her anticipation of plans and yet her desire to simply relax for a time.
/It only half worked./ came Harriet's musing through the bond.
/There's more to it?!/ Fred thought incredulously, it was similar but more intense than his bond with George, its existence actually seemed to boost their twin connection from what he could tell.
Harriet's mental laughter echoed like soothing music through their minds, /Yes, much more. This is what you could call the base of the bond. What we feel without manipulating the bond. What we feel just living every day. Though we can put up light shields to keep from being distracted too much, a full cut off of the mental connection is next to impossible./
/Merlin./ George thought, /No wonder you're not used to having to tell us things./
A bit of embarrassment came from Harriet, /Yeah. Still, sorry./ She gently let the broken bond fall back away and Fred and George slumped slightly on the couch at the disconnect as Mischief and Mayhem disappeared, "I promise I will try to do better. You may have to remind me though." She said sheepishly.
"We will." George promised as Fred pulled her over and into his lap.
"Now," Fred started mischievously, "tell us more about these"
"plans you have for the Malfoys." George finished, a shark like grin grew on Harriet's face.
Three days later Fred and George stood in custom dark grey and red formal robes at the base of the foyer's staircase, waiting for Harriet to come to meet them to go to their dinner at the Malfoys. They had originally just wanted to get ready together with Harriet in her room, taking turns in the walk in closet as they had all summer, but James had nearly hexed them into next week. He was already unhappy that they slept in the same bed as Harri and demanded that they at least wait for her properly to be her escorts to the Malfoys. So here they were, being fussed over by Bill and drilled on etiquette by Percy as they waited for Harriet to make her grand entrance.
Finally, after waiting for almost half an hour, she arrived.
"Calm down Percy." Her voice called, drawing their attention to the top of the stairs, "They'll be fine."
Fred and George's jaws dropped as they took in their gorgeous soulmate who was coming gracefully down the stairs toward them. She wore an off the shoulder knee length satin dress that had three quarters sleeves and was the same dark grey as their robes. Around her middle was an emerald green satin sash and delicate emerald snakes were stitched into the edge of the dress with acromantula silk. Around her neck was a simple gold choker with an emerald set in its front, her hair was tied up in a loose but elegant looking bun, on her hand were only the Slytherin and the LeFay Ladyship rings, and on her feet were simple black flats. She was also sporting some very light make up; with light lipstick, some blush, and a bit of mascara.
"Damn." Bill muttered only to grunt as Fred elbowed him.
The twins stepped forward as one to help Harriet off the last step, earning themselves a brilliant smile from Harri herself, "You look amazing." Fred got out, his voice a bit weak.
"You're beautiful." George added.
"Thank you." Harriet replied, "you two are looking quite handsome yourselves." She allowed her eyes to rove appreciatively over their forms, the twins blushed lightly and Harriet grinned.
"Harriet!" they all looked up to see Loki at the top of the stairs holding a small box, "Last chance to wear the heels!"
Harri huffed, "I told you already, I can't wear stilettoes yet. The proportions would be all off."
Loki pouted before looking pointedly at the twins, "Wouldn't you like to see your mate in high heels?"
Fred mouth went dry and all George could manage was, "Um…"
Harri stepped in front of them, "Some other time, you haven't hit your growth spurt yet. I would end up taller than you." Fred and George looked torn so Harri turned to Loki, "When they hit six foot I can wear all the heels you want."
"Six foot!" Percy exclaimed.
"Merlin, you two are going to grow like weeds." Bill huffed.
Harri smiled over at him even as she adjusted Fred's red tie a bit, "They hit 6' 3'' before they stop. I'm a whole foot shorter than them." She said, fixing one of the folds on George's robe. She looked at her mates, "Now, ready to go play with pretentious purebloods?"
Shaking themselves out of their dazes the twins offered her their arms, "Whenever you are mi' Lady." They chorused.
Over at Malfoy Manor Draco was fixing his hair in the entrance halls mirror as his mother fussed over the clothing and his father ran through the schedule for the thousandth time. "Keep to approved topics Draco." Lucius said seriously, "I need to get a feel for her, those should help."
"Yes, father." Draco said seriously as his mother drew him over to stand in the correct spot.
"This is the current head of the most historically powerful dark Houses, we need to make a good impression." Lucius continued, "No one knows who she is, no one has had contact with her, we are the first."
"Yes, father." Draco said, setting his body in the perfect posture and his Malfoy Mask™ in place.
"Be wary of her partners. We don't know who they are and in what capacity they are connected to her." Lucius warned, "We must look for places to break their alliance if it is beneficial to us."
"Yes, father." Draco answered once more as Narcissa made her way around to Lucius' other side and slid her arm through his.
The floo chimed to signal someone coming through and the Malfoys straightened up smartly.
The first figure to arrive was rather small but radiated power, even through the thick emerald green travel cloak whose hood was pulled low over the figures head. With a lazy flick of the figures delicate hand all of the soot was banished and the figure stepped forward to clear the way of the floo, Draco's eyes narrowed slightly at the movement, he recognized that lazy wandless magic.
A moment later two identical figures stepped out of the floo behind the first, they too were wearing heavy hooded cloaks that hid their faces. They settled into place just behind and on either side of the first figure who flicked their hand again, free the two of soot just as easily as it had for itself. Draco was getting a bad feeling about this, a feeling that his father was going to let his mask crack in a second.
"Lady LeFay I presume." Narcissa greeted, the Malfoy family gave a slight bow as one, "Welcome to Malfoy Manor, it is an honor to have you within our walls."
"Thank you for having me." Came a light voice that had Draco's stomach rolling with slight dread, "It was a pleasure to be invited." The hood angled toward Draco, "Something you'd like to add Draco?" came the light taunt.
Draco blanched as his parents turned to him in surprise, he simply bowed his head, "No Lady Slytherin."
Lucius and Narcissa whipped back around and lost all composure as Lady LeFay-Slytherin gracefully drew back her hood to reveal famous green eyes and raven hair. "A pleasure to meet you Lord and Lady Malfoy, I have heard much about you."
"Potter!" Lucius spluttered in surprise.
Harriet folded her hands in front of her primly and gave him a bland smile, "Seems you've been taking lessons from Professor Snape. How…quaint." Draco heard snickers from the two who still remained hooded and instantly wished he had warded his room before this. Before Lucius and Narcissa could pulled themselves together Harriet waved her hand behind her, "Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, I would like to also introduce you to my partners, the twin Lords Prewett." With that the other two pulled their hoods back to reveal the twins who most of Slytherin had taken to calling Lady Slytherin's demons.
"Weasleys!" Lucius exclaimed.
"Ah, ah Malfoy." The twin on the Left started.
"I do believe the Lady"
"introduced us as the"
"Lords Prewett." They bantered back and forth.
Draco watched as his father struggled to pull himself back together, only keeping his own mask in place because he had been dealing with Lady Slytherin and the twins antics since the beginning of the school year. Draco looked back to Lady Slytherin who had a wicked smirk on her face, "This dinner will be fun."
Several hours later, once their guests had departed and Draco had locked the floo, Lucius dropped into the nearest chair with all the grace of a dying duck. Draco watched his parents worriedly. Narcissa pressed her hand to her forehead, "I'm…I think I need to…retire for the evening." She said wearily, she left without another word.
"Draco." Lucius called, Draco hurried over to his father's side. Lucius looked up at him, "Don't anger her. We wouldn't survive it."
Draco swallowed at the emotion shinning in his father's eyes, "Yes, father." He answered solemnly.
Back at LeFay Castle Harriet, Fred and George were sitting in the family room and telling the rest of the group about their dinner. Harriet had ditched her shoes and was curled up between Fred and George who had gotten rid of their outer robes. "I think it went well." Harri finally said to the laughter of the room.
"Sounds like it went better than just well Prongslet." Sirius chuckled.
James puffed up his chest proudly, "It sounds like my daughter broke the infamous Malfoy Masks with very little effort."
Harriet giggled, "It's easy to do when preconceived notions are in play."
"Still." James insisted.
The rest of Christmas beak went by rather quickly after that.
After the first time of getting to feel the bond, even as half complete Harriet insisted it felt, Fred and George asked her to connect them again every so often. Harriet did so without hesitation, enjoying the feel of it just as much as the twins did. Unfortunately, they couldn't keep it up indefinitely since it both created a small light show, since it wasn't the true internal bond between them, and used up a good deal of Harriet's power, since the power couldn't flow naturally back and forth between them. Still, they made the faux bond every couple days, relishing in feel of the intimate connection it provided.
Their Christmas was a small and yet, almost planet wide affair.
Tony wasn't able to come to the castle since Pepper had him locked down in the lab, finishing the newest StarkPhone that he had been pushing off so he had joined them over the TV, having Daisy pass the presents back and forth between them. Harriet had gifted him with some rare elfin metals from one of her vaults, the twins had given him some tester products as well as some of the completed products from the previous timeline, Bill had given a book on wards, and the Marauders had sent a bottle of fire whiskey for him to try (Harriet had warned Jarvis that he would need to lock down any and all projects the moment Tony tried to drink it). Tony had sent Harri her second tracker in the form of a beautiful vibranium bracelet, the twins the receiver for said tracker and two headbands with HUDs like Harriet's, and everyone else updated weapons, something that Bucky was extremely grateful for after inspecting his new guns.
Clint, Natasha, and Phil hadn't called Harriet again but they did send Artemis with a Christmas card and gifts. Natasha had gotten her one of the electric batons she used in battle, Phil had gotten her a single bullet in a glass case, and Clint had sent her a nerf gun that he insisted she would need later. Harriet had let Artemis rest before sending her back with two of the protection bracelets for Natasha and Phil, a set of throwing knives that would appear back in their sheathes a few seconds after they came to a stop for Natasha, three magical arrows for Clint to add to his quiver, and a magical tie that could turn into a knife for Phil that Luna had said he would need..
Bruce had sent Harriet a delicately woven blue wrap from the Asian area he was currently passing through with a tentative 'Merry Christmas' note. Harri had sent back an entire care package, knowing her brother was likely running on the bare essentials. She sent along some clothes, food, medicines, hygiene products, gold for him to exchange for more money, and another feather for Hulk. Bruce had written back with the journal, telling her that it was too much but she had brushed it off, replying that she was just taking care of her family.
Severus had sent them all greetings, with a few trinkets for Harriet, Loki, and the twins. In return Fred and George had sent him the alarm spell to put on the classroom work stations and Harriet sent him the memory she had promised as well as a small vial of Phoenix tears.
The rest of the group had exchanged small gifts, the most notable of which was the black velvet choker that Fred and George had given Harriet that clasped together in the front, the clasp being gold and shaped like two foxes that intertwined. Fred had designed it and George had laid the charms into the clasp that would heat up if she was ever in close proximity of poisons or love potions. Harriet had gotten them a few things but the ones they were most excited about were their battle suits and over jackets with the runes already sewed into the hoods that would hide their faces.
The entire group that had gone to Hogwarts had received various things from the Slytherins and most of those gifts were free from hexes or poisons so Harri counted it a win. There were expensive cloaks, rolls of rich fabrics, jewelry, books, Quidditch gear, and candy for the humans of the group, however there were also some warming rocks and heated blankets sent along for the snakes, and luxurious pet beds, brushes, and treats sent along for Fenrir and Bucky who both blushed at the various presents they received.
So their Christmas went pretty well.
On New Year's day the Lovegoods and the Jordans joined them again and they rode out their winter holiday with relaxing family time.
Soon they were back at Hogwarts and in true Potter fashion, things kicked off with some craziness.
After the Welcome Back feast Dumbledore had managed to convince Tonks to stand in with them so he could speak to Harriet with the interference of the restraining order.
"Ah, Harriet, wonderful to see you my dear." Dumbledore began, his grandfatherly mask in place, "How were your Holidays?"
"Great!" Harri said enthusiastically, "I've never been allowed a real Christmas before! The elves were so nice! We had a tree and I got to eat!"
"Oh Harri." Tonks murmured.
Anger flashed in Albus' eyes, "Come now my dear, must you harp on your relatives like that? They brought you into their home. Surely you must have some positive feelings for them."
Harri shrunk in on herself and Tonks reacted, quickly stepping in front of Harriet, "Headmaster, that was inappropriate. The abuse she suffered under those people has been proven without a doubt. She doesn't need to feel anything toward them."
Albus frowned momentarily before nodding, "Ah…yes, apologies Harriet." He glanced at her over Tonks shoulder, "I often seem to forget the effect it had on you."
'Forgot or didn't care old man? Get it straight.' Harri though bitterly while looking up at the Headmaster with hurt eyes.
Dumbledore stepped back a bit, "If we could clear this whole silly restraining order thing up I could meet with you to try and help you work through this tuff time."
Tonks narrowed her eyes at Dumbledore and her hair turned red in warning, "That won't be happening Headmaster. Your constant attempts to circumvent the restraining order have been logged and Madam Bones herself has locked the order in for an extra six months already. Even if Harriet herself asked for it to be released, we at the DMLE will not do so until you have proven that your unhealthy interest in Harri has stopped." Dumbledore looked absolutely livid but Tonks turned away and pulled Harri out of his office without further thought.
"Got a little fancy in there Tonks." Harri giggled once they were past the gargoyle.
Tonks grinned down at Harriet, "The boss has been briefing us on what to say ever since we kept getting alerted to him trying to get to you."
"I see." Harri laughed, "How is the investigation going?" she asked curiously.
Tonks sighed, "It's slow going. We have swept your old house a bunch of times and found more blood and some strange wards around the house but we can't connect it to anyone concretely. Though we have our suspicions." She said, tilting her head back toward the office, Harriet giggled.
"Well, thank you all for your hard work." Harri said, she stopped and gave Tonks a tentative hug. Before she knew it she was being squeezed tightly by the woman.
"No problem Harriet." Tonks replied, she pulled back with a smile and locked eyes with Harriet, "It's our job!"
Harri smiled and pushed a gentle suggestion into Tonks mind, "Still, I'm grateful." She responded.
A couple days after that Rita came out with an article about one Arabella Figg being taken in for questioning by the Aurors for her seeming connection in the Harriet Potter case. Harriet watched as the Headmaster blanched at the head table before rushing off soon after, Lee mumbled under his breath about her becoming a villain and the twins had just smirked. They had found out where Harri had sent Tonks last night during their bonding time and had agreed that it was the push that the investigation would need.
Later that night, in the Slytherin common room, the second challenge was issued. This time by a fifth year named Sylvia Melville. The entire room had watched with baited breath and none were disappointed as Harriet defeated her without her wand, Harri had the girl face down with a knee in her back in a matter of seconds, twirling the girl's wand in her hand. "If you wish to issue a challenge at least give me one." Harri said nonchalantly before letting the girl up and walking through the fireplace to get to the Chamber with Fred, George, and Ligia.
So the first few weeks of the semester passed and the remedial muggle studies started up again. Everyone was also enjoying the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, a retired auror by the name of Winnie Wildsmith, who was an animated and fun teacher who even managed to teach Harriet a few things in class. She was also the descendant of Ignatia Wildsmith, a Ravenclaw witch who had invented floo powder, something that the Ravens liked to bring up at every opportunity. Harri wouldn't mind having her again next year but knew not to put too much hope into a DADA teacher hanging around for more than a year.
Things were going pretty well for the spring semester until February hit.
Fred and George were avoiding Harriet.
It wasn't too hard for her to figure out, they were an almost constant presence for her most of the time and suddenly they stopped. Harri didn't understand, she didn't remember saying anything wrong or upsetting them. Their avoidance was weighing heavy on her heart, but really...she should have known they had something planned.
Lee marched through the seventh floor with Ligia and Sage on either side of him, their faces set with determination. The second they approached the wall leading to the RoR a door appeared and they stormed through the door only to stop in their tracks at the mad scientist lab they were presented with.
"What are you two doing?!" Lee demanded.
Fred and George looked up from the melted looking grey blob that was sitting on a pedestal in front of them, "Lee?" Fred started.
"Ligia? Sage? What are"
"you guys doing here?" they asked.
Ligia crossed her arms over her chest, "We came to see why you were avoiding your mate!" Ligia snapped, Jor hissing from her shoulder in emphasis. "She's a complete mess! Today after class she sat in the Slytherin common room eating a pint of ice cream and watching some stupid rom com! The Slytherin's are being traumatized as we speak!"
"What are you doing that has kept you from her?" Sage demanded, "She's basically stolen Fenrir to cry on!"
Fred and George exchanged guilty looks, "Saturday is"
"Valentine's day." They answered.
"What?" Ligia asked, confused.
"You left her alone for a week for Valentine's day planning?!" Lee exclaimed, instantly seeing where this was going, "Did that really require you avoiding her for a week?!"
"She would have found out!" George huffed.
"We want it to be a surprise." Fred said, "But Harriet can read us like a book!"
"We haven't learned how to hide surprises from her yet." George moaned, dropping his head.
"I bet our older selves knew how." Fred muttered darkly.
"Bastards." George added. Lee doubled over laughing at this and twins shot him dark looks.
Ligia was still frowning, "What is this…Valentine's day?"
"It's a muggle holiday that we've adopted. It's where you express your love for your significant other or hopeful significant other with gifts and acts of love." George explained, "In the wizarding world we use it for the grander courting gestures."
"We told Harriet that even though we are Soulmates we wanted to court her properly." Fred said, "We kind of did it backward since we sleep in the same bed as her on holiday's and the occasional weekend here in the RoR when we can't sleep without her but we still want to do it."
"So…you left her alone for an entire week to plan for one day of courting rituals?" Sage asked, looking at them like they were insane.
Fred and George winced, "We didn't"
"know that our"
"avoiding her would"
"affect her so much."
Sage nodded, accepting that they wouldn't want to intentionally hurt Harriet. "Still a lot for one day." Ligia huffed.
Fred snorted, "Oh we've got things"
"planned for the next"
"four days, not one." The twins said, Lee's laughter renewed and they rolled their eyes at him.
"Well those four day better be good." Ligia said, "Because the Marauders are about ready to curse you and Harriet thinks you're mad at her for something."
Fred and George shared a determined look and got back to work.
The next morning Harriet, Luna, Ligia, Jor, the Marauders, and Bucky were down in the Chamber with Samarra and Salazar. Harriet had draped herself over Samarra the second they had come down much to Jor's disappointment but he let it go when Harriet had sighed miserably and Samarra had taken to comforting her.
"I'm going to kill them." James muttered, leaning next to Salazar's portrait and watching Harriet closely.
"No you're not Prongs, because I am." Sirius muttered.
"Calm down. I'm sure they have a reason for their actions." Salazar said, trying for calm even if he too was disappointed in their behavior.
"Did you get anything from them yesterday Loki?" Remus asked.
The god looked up from Harriet's usual seat where he was lounging in his male form, "I promised not to say."
"Can't you see my pup is hurting?" Sirius huffed.
Loki gave him a flat look, "All I can say is that they're not doing it to hurt her."
"It's happening anyway." James growled.
Suddenly Harriet snapped into a sitting position up on top of Samarra and looked at the door, everyone followed her gaze to see Fred and George coming into the study. They looked over the room and walked directly for the Marauders, much to Harriet's displeasure. Fred and George stopped in front of the three, ignoring their glares as they pulled three bracelets from their pockets.
"We present these to you"
"to declare our intentions to"
"both court and eventually"
"marry your daughter"
"Harriet Rose Potter." They ended together before giving each of the now gaping Marauders a bracelet. Once they were free of the bracelets they made their way over to Harriet who sat blushing on top of Samarra and handed her an envelope before making their way out of the room quickly.
Salazar was the first to recover, "Now this I approve of." Harriet buried her face in her hands as her blush darkened.
James examined the bracelet, "It's…some kind of tooth?" he squinted, "Is that a stag?" he questioned, looking at the carving on the tooth.
"What in Merlin's name?" Remus muttered, examining his tooth that had a howling wolf carved into it. Sirius' had a grim.
"In Fiji suitors present their intendeds parents with the tooth of a sperm whale as a declaration of their intentions." Luna informed them with a pleased smile, petting Bucky where he was sprawled out next to her still in his margay form.
"Is that what they've been doing?" Harriet squeaked in embarrassment.
Loki raised an eyebrow at her, "You're perfectly okay talking about sex in front of everyone but courting embarrasses you?"
Harri drew her hair back behind her ear as she looked down at the envelope warily, "We mated in the middle of a war. Not a month afterward we were on the run. After the war we only had two weeks of relaxation before we were chased off to America where we were integrated into a group of muggle superheroes. We never really had time for courting or romance. We knew we loved each other, we could feel it through the bond. We never really did things like this."
"Oh cub, you deserve to have that though." Remus said gently.
"Go on!" James said excitedly, putting on his bracelet, "Open the envelope, we want to know what it is!" Sirius leaned forward in anticipation.
Harriet smiled and opened the envelope, as she pulled out the thick card inside dust puffed from inside and covered her in a fine coat that sunk into her skin and clothes. Harri wrinkled her nose but pulled the card free and read aloud, "They say give a bouquet but that's cliché so we've given you flowers all day." Sirius and Remus frowned but Harriet huffed lightly before sliding off Samarra. As soon as her feet hit the ground wild flowers began to grow around her, Harriet laughed lightly as she took a step and more flowers grew up around her.
"Well those will be fun to fight with in classes today." James mused.
They were, in fact, not fun to fight with in classes today. While the flowers were okay if she was just walking with them appearing as she went, they were terrible if she ever stopped and allowed them time to build up under her. She had tripped multiple times and fell completely when she forgot to banish them before getting up from Charms. Despite all of this Harriet couldn't stop smiling all through the day, something Fred and George noted happily as they watched her from afar.
As the note said, the flowers only lasted the day. The next morning, Harriet woke up with a bed full of crimson roses but once she stepped free of the bed the flowers didn't grow under her feet again. Harriet took a couple roses from her bed and arranged them in the cradle of a half up do in her hair. The twins were still avoiding her but she knew they probably had more planned, they were pranksters after all, and they adhered closely to the 'go big or go home' mentality.
The next bit came at dinner that evening, as the meal was winding down Hedwig flew in with a package clutched in her talons and landed in front of Harriet. Harri took the package carefully before feeding Hedwig a bit of steak. Once the snowy owl had departed, Harri pulled the ribbon from the flat package and pulled off the lid.
*Is that a spoon?* Remus questioned as they all looked in the box.
It was a spoon. In fact, it was a delicately carved wooden spoon made of cherry wood. Its bowl was heart shaped, leading up to a long stem of tightly woven Celtic knots that supported a lock at the top that had three wooden links hanging off of it to form a chain. Burned into each link was their Marauder names; Godiva being in the center, Mayhem on the outside, and Mischief on the link that connected them to the lock.
The top of the box held a card that said 'Welsh Lovespoon', below, it labeled the different meanings of each piece of the spoon. Harri took the card and read, smiling so wide it almost hurt. The card jerked after a few seconds and lifting an eyebrow she turned it over to find another note from the twins, this one reading 'Your unbreakable weapon for the upcoming battle'. Harri frowned at that.
*What battle?* Sirius asked warily.
Suddenly all the tables shook violently, sending food everywhere, hitting many of the students. Before everyone could figure out what had happened Sage jumped up onto the Hufflepuff table with a large bowl of mashed potatoes, "FOOD FIGHT!" he announced, he grabbed a handful of mashed potatoes and threw it at one of the Gryffindors. From there things went downhill, the Gryffindors were happy to join in with the Hufflepuffs but then a plate of mincemeat pie soared over to hit Gertrude in the face, all of the Slytherins took offense and began a strategic attack, hitting more Ravenclaws before even getting close to the Gyffindors. The Ravenclaws, practical as always, protected their books first before joining in. The teachers attempted to calm things down, until a mysterious cream pie hit Dumbledore right in the face and that declared a free for all on the staff.
Soon everyone was laughing and screaming as food flew through the air, Harriet did end up using the spoon to sling mashed potatoes at people as she giggled madly, making her way over to Luna and Bucky to create a basic defense. Things got worse before they got better as the unaware elves sent up desert without thought; the savory was joined by the sweet as ice cream, jams, pies, and cake were tossed willy nilly.
By the time everyone was calmed down, Harriet was absolutely covered in random foods, her hair a mass of cherry pie filling and crust from where Bucky had sneakily dumped a whole pie on her head. Harriet still had the Welsh Lovespoon in her hand and was smiling happily at her little sister who was trying to get the chocolate cake from her blonde hair, *Your mates certainly do court in style.* James laughed.
*Yes, yes they do.* Harri said happily.
It took Harriet a whole hour to completely wash all the cherry filling from her thick wild hair, but it didn't matter. She stayed up most of the night staring at the lovingly carved spoon with a silly grin on her face, they may not have done this last time line and had never felt like they needed to but she was loving it now. Tomorrow was Friday and then it would be Valentine's day. Harriet couldn't wait to see what they came up with next.
Going down to breakfast the next morning everyone was relieved to see Great Hall free of splattered food, once Harri sat down Luna ambled over to join her. They chatted together until the mail owls appeared and both a Daily Prophet Owl and Hedwig appeared in front of them. Harri paid for the newspaper quickly before moving on to Hedwig who had another thin package with her, Harriet petted her faithful owl for a bit before rewarding her with bacon and taking the package.
*Oo, what is it this time?* Sirius asked, slithering up to Harriet's shoulders to get a better look.
*Don't know.* Harriet hissed offhandedly as she pulled the ribbon free and opened the box. Inside was a pair of black formal gloves, with emerald lace around the wrists. The card in this box read 'Shield Gloves with a Twist', she flipped it over and on the back was another note, 'To protect our love in style'. Harri smiled softly down at the card.
*Why gloves?* Remus asked.
"It's an old English tradition." Luna said, "You presented someone you fancied with gloves and if they wore them they accepted your proposal of courtship." Harriet looked down the table to where Fred and George were watching her closely and very pointedly put the gloves on without breaking eye contact, they grinned in response.
Harri wore them all day and later, in the Slytherin common room where her third challenge was sprung on her, discovered what the 'twist' was. Where the original shield hats and gloves would simply deflect the lesser jinxes and curses thrown at Harri, these allowed Harriet to physically catch the spell, strengthen it, and lob it back at the offending party. The mild cutting hex that had been aimed at her ended up cutting lose the challengers belt and pantsing the guy for the whole room to see, he lost mostly due to the wound on his pride and Harri was pleased with the functional gift.
Finally, Valentine's day arrived and the whole school was in chaos. The great hall had been decorated for the holiday and many of the older students set out early with their dates to go down to Hogsmeade for the day. Harri wanted nothing more than to hide in the Chamber as by Breakfast she had been given a small boatload of candies and gifts, many filled with love potions. Unfortunately, Luna insisted she come up for meals and by dinner Harriet was sure that it was just to get the twins jealous because that's all watching her receive things from others was really doing, they glared at any who dared to approach her.
Just as Harriet was about to move on to desert Fred and George approached her, "If you would"
"come with us." They said softly, not wanting to draw attention to them.
Luna took the Marauders off of her as Lee slid down the table to sit with her, "Go, we'll collect your things." Harri smiled at them gratefully before standing and following the twins.
Once they were free of the Great Hall they each took a gloved hand, "So…" Fred began looking down at Harriet with an uncertain smile, "did you like our gifts?"
Harri beamed up at them, "I loved them." Her smile moved to a pout, "Though I wish you hadn't proceeded it by making me think you were angry at me."
George squeezed her hand gently, "We didn't mean to dearest."
"We just knew you would be able to read us and we wanted it to stay a surprise." Fred added, tugging gently at a strand of hair.
"I realized why after you talk about the courting but I was still hard." She blushed, "I think I may have traumatized some of the Slytherins because of it."
Fred chuckled, "Ah yes, Ligia told us."
"Ice cream and rom coms was it?"
"Very traumatizing."
Harri giggled, "It can be."
Finally, they pulled her to a stop in from of the Room of Requirement and stepped in front of her, looking nervous. "So, we're not"
"sure how you'll"
"take this one but"
"it is based off an old"
"courting ritual from Taiwan."
Harri quirked a brow at them, "Okay." She said slowly.
"Close your eyes." Fred directed, Harri did without hesitation. They pulled her into the RoR gently and instantly a whole lot of sweet scent hit her nose, she heard the door close behind her and then Fred and George released her hands.
"Alright, open your eyes." George called.
Harri opened her eyes and promptly gaped at the sight before her.
"Happy Valentine's Day Harriet!" The twins chorused.
Before her, set on three pedestals above some trays of fresh fruit, were the severed heads of Albus Dumbledore, Hermione Granger, and Ronald Weasley.
Or…at least, their candy heads.
Letting her eyes rove over the three heads she could see that Ron's hair was made from twizzlers and Hermione and Albus' hair from some correctly colored spun sugar. Various manipulated candies made up their other features over a base of fondant icing which seemed to make up their skin. At their neck was some sort of red jelly which seemed to be standing in for blood. All three had their eyes closed, thankfully.
Fred and George shifted nervously and stepped closer to the still shocked Harri, "Their brains are made up of ice cream." Fred tried.
"Except Ron's whose brain is marshmallow fluff." George attempted to joke. Harriet's eyes were still glued to the heads and the twins shifted uneasily, "Harriet?" they called weakly.
Harri suddenly shook herself and all but tackled George, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him down into their first kiss. George flailed for a moment before sinking into the feel of Harriet's lips moving sweetly against his, sparks lit behind his eyes and he felt something tugging him insistently toward Harri, he wrapped his arms around her waist lightly to keep her with him. The raven haired witch pulled away from the stunned George slightly, leaving him staring at where she had just been, before tugging Fred down to her and claiming her first kiss from him. Fred, having been shocked into silence by Harriet kissing George so suddenly, didn't expect her and faltered for a second before trying to mimic her sweet but fierce movements. A fire flared in him at the intimate contact, sweeping through him and urging him toward Harri, he slid his arm around her waist, just under George's, and the fire flared inside of him with the contact.
Harriet pulled back again, this time to give her shell shocked mates a bright smile, "Brilliant."
"Wha…" was all George seemed to manage and Harri giggled.
"You brought me the heads of my enemies." She said, her eyes going soft and her grip on them tightening, "I think they're brilliant."
"We-we're glad." Fred stuttered.
Harri giggled again before pulling Fred down for a second kiss, this one softer but no less filled with emotion. Fred stumbled a bit over the unfamiliar territory but tried to follow Harriet's lead as her soft lips moved against his. The end this time was softer before she pulled George into his seconds kiss, taking it easy this time, giving him time to feel. George relished the feel of her lips against his coaxing him along, guiding him.
"That," George rasped, coming out of his shock with the second kiss, "was…awesome."
"Definitely." Fred agreed even as a blush rose to his cheeks.
Harri giggled, "That, my beloved mates, was just the beginning."
They tightened their arms around her as they focused on her happy face, "You'll have to teach us." Fred said solemnly.
"We'll need lots of practice." George insisted.
Harri laughed brightly, "Always happy to help."
They weren't seen until the next afternoon, the twins appearing down in the Chamber before Harriet. Instantly they were cornered by the Marauders, "Just where have you been?" James demanded.
"You better not have been doing what I think you were." Sirius growled.
The twins held up their hands, "Whoa, we didn't"
"do anything but kiss and cuddle." They defended themselves.
Lee groaned from where he sat, "No! Now that you've progressed you'll be doing it all the time."
"Damn straight." Fred muttered while George grinned.
James waved his hands, "No! No! You won't be doing it all the time!"
"We forbid it!" Sirius exclaimed.
"Yes! Forbid is a good word." James said.
Remus chuckled, "If you think forbidding her to kiss them is going to work then you don't know your daughter."
"What an astute observation Moony." Harriet declared, coming into the room with Luna, Ligia, and Percy. Fred and George lit up at the appearance of their mate and Harri swept over to them to kiss them in greeting, ignoring her father's spluttering. Harri settled into Fred and George's arms as she looked back to her dad, "You're being ridiculous."
"It's my job. I'm your dad." He stated firmly.
"At least don't show us all the time." Lee interrupted with a slight whine.
"Just don't look." Fred and George shot back.
Before the conversation could go any further Sage escorted Tony into the room, throwing Harriet's invisibility cloak on the chair as they did. "I'm here." Tony announced, "And I've got the camera." He held up a small video recorder.
"Why do we need a recorder?" Remus asked.
Harri grinned, "Have you have seen someone ingest a love potion that's keyed to themselves?"
"No." Sirius answered, but his curiosity was peaked.
George chuckled, "Then you're in for a treat. See Ron was one of the idiots who thought they had a chance with our mate and gave her chocolates yesterday." Ligia gave a quite snort at the possessiveness rolling off of them.
"Unsurprisingly it had love potions in it." Fred continued, "We're just going to give one of the potioned chocolates to him and let the potion take its course."
"Then film it for our future watching pleasure." Harri finished with a grin.
James' eyebrows lifted, "Well this I want to see."
Two hours later the group was huddled in a hidden alcove provided by Hogwarts in the second year boys dorm tapping the hilarity that was playing out before them. Harri had left the chocolate on Ron's bed, conjured a full length mirror, and then joined everyone in their secret hiding place. When Ron had come in he had popped the chocolate in his mouth without care, five minutes later the potion took affect and Ron couldn't stop staring at himself in the mirror.
It started with just him gazing at the mirror then he started swaying and looking over his body, now though he had devolved to running his hands over himself and muttering his own praises in the mirror. The group watching this was laughing uproariously, grateful for the silencing wards Ligia had put up. It got even better when Neville and Seamus appeared.
"Ron, what are you doing?" Neville asked in slight horror.
"Nothing Nev, just…just look at how hot I am." Ron insisted flexing his nonexistent muscles in the mirror and running his free hand down his side.
"Merlin man are you drunk?" Seamus demanded.
"No, no, just…I'm so…you know." Ron said, he turned around and seemed to be inspecting his butt in the mirror, "Merlin I'm good looking." He looked to Seamus, "Aren't I good looking Seamus?"
Harriet sniggered in their hiding place, "Sweet Merlin don't stop filming." She gasped.
They ended up with an hour and a half of footage before Hermione had shown up to talk to Ron and ended up dragging him off to the infirmary. It was pure comedy gold and they planned to share it with Bill and Charlie as soon as they got home for the summer.
Time continued to fly during the spring semester. Dumbledore had backed off his attempts to circumvent the restraining order after the warning Tonks gave him at the beginning of the semester; Hermione, Ginny, and Ron had redoubled their efforts because of that but were still being rebuffed by Harri and pranks alike; and the Slytherins were coming along well.
Harriet was still waiting for the assassination attempts, the Marauders thought they were home clear after the impressive display she had created with the help of the twins' glove gift but Harri knew better. She already had a good guess of who it would come from too. Graham Montague and Lucien Bole had been eyeing her up ever since she had taken over, they had been the most resistant to the changes and Harri knew that both males' had at least one parent is Azkaban because of the fall of Voldemort she had caused as a baby.
In other news, the aurors had finally managed to get a court order to question Figg under the vertiserum which stopped all of Dumbledore's attempts to 'speak in defense' of Arabella. The results had given the aurors many new leads but they refused to share them with the press, all Rita was able to write and lead with was the fact that Arabella was being held under suspicion of conspiracy. Harriet had sent Rita a short letter since aiming the woman and her vicious quill toward Dumbledore's past, specifically with Grindelwald.
Severus had also made his first attempt at the Cure All, having finally received the last ingredients he had needed. The first one failed because of a rather ridiculous interruption by Dumbledore himself. Severus was now planning another for a time he knew he would be uninterrupted by anyone for the entire brewing process. A window Harri hoped to give him with the twins upcoming birthday.
Harri had felt terrible when she realized that she hadn't celebrated their birthday last year, it was usually something she went all out for but with all the hecticness of last year and not having much breathing room from Dumbledore it had completely slipped her mind. That in mind she had been planning a special day that she was positive would be one to remember, or one to fear in the case of the poor people who would be stuck in the castle.
Fred and George woke up with a start when they felt a stinging hex hit them. George groaned and buried his face in Fred's shoulder, "Go away." He muttered.
"No can do George." Came Harriet's soft voice, intruding on their sleep, "I have much too much planned for you to sleep all day."
Fred didn't move George but felt around for Harriet with his hand, "Just come nap. We can plan" he yawned, "later."
There was silence for a moment before a delicious smell wafted over to them, smelling buttery and sweet, pulling them from their sleepy haze. "Wake up." Harri crooned, "Or I'll eat all of these blueberry pancakes by myself."
"No fair." George whined, opening his eyes just in time to see Fred drool a little from the smell.
"Alls fair in love and war my dear Mischief." Harri said brightly, "Now up! We have havoc to wreak!"
Grumbling the twins sat up sleepily and were greeted by the sight of Harriet sitting at the end of their bed in her own bed clothes holding two plates of fluffy pancakes with a bright smile on her face, "Happy Birthday!"
"Worst April Fool's Day joke ever." Fred huffed, even as he accepted his pancakes.
"We already have to attend class on our birthday Harriet, can't we sleep?" George moaned.
Harri passed him his pancakes as a mischievous grin spread across her face, "You aren't going to classes today." She pulled her copy of the Marauders map from her pocket dimension, "In fact, for most of the day we won't even be in the castle."
The twins perked up a little despite their sleepiness. "Do tell." Fred prompted.
Harri activated the Marauders map between them, "I'm going to have Hogwarts switch around all the rooms and hallways and then we are going to set up pranks all throughout the place. Then we're going to leave for some fun. Everyone has already agreed to keep the chaos going for us while we sneak out of school. We'll come back about dinner time and I'll put the school back to rights while we reap the hilarity provided by pranking the entire school as one." She beamed at them, "And it's your birthday so you get final say on almost everything!"
"Almost everything?" George asked.
Harri nodded, "I've got special plans for where we're heading after we leave school but other than that's its all up to you two. I'm just here to facilitate the craziness."
Fred and George exchanged a raised eyebrow before looking at Harriet, "Halls with anti grav mist?" Fred asked.
Harri nodded, "Yep."
"Kitten McGonagall?" George asked.
"Sure."
"Sudden slides?"
"No problem."
"Hall of Horrors?"
"We can do that."
"Never ending pitfalls?"
"Shouldn't be too hard."
"Locked in a room puzzles?"
"In groups or individuals?"
"Dumbledore stuck on the roof of a tower?"
Harri snorted, "Like you need a special occasion for that."
Fred and George grinned, "Let's do it!"
It took two hours for them to set everything up with the assistance of Hogwarts herself, luckily Harri had woken them up at three in the morning so they didn't run into any early risers. Harriet had also gotten Hogwarts to draw in cameras she had gotten from Tony so they could watch everything when they had a chance later. Once everything was done Harri had Hogwarts put everyone but her group in a deeper sleep and move them into the Great Hall which would be the starting point, it would eventually force everyone out of the great hall but for now they would be safe there. Next Harri flamed them down to the Chamber, another thing left untouched for their family members. Harri left them with the group for a moment so she could go get dressed.
"So I assume everything is ready?" James asked.
"Yep!" Fred and George said happily, their eyes bright with anticipation.
Remus chuckled before snapping his fingers, two house elves appeared with large cauldrons full of a bubbling grey liquid, "Not quite."
Fred and George drew closer and eyed the potion, "Why do we need polyjuice?"
"You don't." Sirius smirked, "We do."
"Why?" George asked before Luna came up behind him and plucked a couple hairs, "Hey! What was that for?"
James laughed, "See, you have amassed a great reputation." James started as Luna put George's hair in the left cauldron, "We are going to use that to ratchet up the chaos!"
Lee came over and plucked a couple of Fred's hair, "Because what is more terrifying than one set of demon twins?" he asked with a smirk as he put Fred's hair into the right cauldron.
"Four sets of demons twins." Bucky chuckled.
Fred and George looked at them all wide eyed before faking seriousness, "Do you think you can play us convincingly?" Fred asked haughtily.
Lee scoffed, "I'm your best friend. Of course I can imitate you."
Remus grinned, "I'm sure I can fake it enough to convince the first years."
Loki chuckled, "They don't have to be exact, everyone will be distracted by the school and pranks themselves."
"And they'll never be good enough to fool me so what can we really expect?" came Harriet's voice as she reappeared in the study. Fred and George zeroed in on her immediately and had to shift as their hormones kicked in at the sight of her. Harriet was wearing a cute knee length black and white checkered dress with a high collar, short sleeves, and green buttons with other green accents. She also had on the gloves they had gifted her and black ballet style shoes. Her hair was swept up on top of her head in an up-do that made her hair look like a cute bow.
"Whoa." They breathed.
Harri smiled at them, "So…do I look appropriate for your birthday?"
"Definitely." George said.
"You look beautiful." Fred added.
"Thank you."
"They're right you do look beautiful princess." Came Fred's voice again, the trio turned to find four more sets of twins already changed and ready to go.
"Sweet Merlin." Fred choked, "There is an army of us!"
"That's the point." Another Fred said, "We're you."
The real George looked around and spotted Loki still in his own form, "Are we not doing another set of our gorgeous selves?"
Loki chuckled, "I'm taking over for Severus so that he can brew in peace." Green magic welled around him for a second before an exact replica of Snape appeared and looked down his nose at George, "So I would suggest Mister Prewett that you run off for you little date before you disturb the peace much more." He sneered.
George chuckled, "You've got that down." Loki-Snape inclined his head slightly.
Harriet giggled, "Yep, he's the best. Ready?" the twins nodded and looped their arms around her waist possessively.
Fred and George saluted their polyjuiced selves, "Good luck men!"
"Take no Prisoners!"
"Leave no person unpranked!"
"No teacher unharrassed!"
"And remember Dumbledore is on the roof somewhere so keep an eye out." Harriet finished with an amused smile.
Harri flamed them away and directly onto the branches of Yggdrasil, steadying them quickly so they wouldn't fall. "Careful." She warned, "Don't let go."
"Where are we?" George asked, looking around at the colors and icy black space that swirled around them in awe.
"We're in the branches of Yggdrasil." Harri answered as she led them along the path.
"The World Tree." Fred breathed.
Harri nodded, "Yep, come on, we're almost there."
"Where?" Fred questioned.
Harri looked back at him with a wicked grin, "Asgard." Just then the portal that was the back door of Asgard came in to view. Harri quickly pulled Fred and George through the portal which dropped them right in the royal paddock like it had before when she had come to rescue Loki. Harri made sure that they hadn't been seen before weaving disillusionment and concealment charms over them.
Fred and George were looking at the enormous Golden Castle in wonder as Harri led them more calmly through the city, no one taking notice of them with the magic that was wrapped around them. They walked hand in hand in a seemingly random pattern, Harri was moving them toward a very specific location however.
"This is amazing Harriet"
"but what are we doing here?" the twins finally asked.
Harri smiled up at them, "I know Tony introduced you guys to the idea of Disney World and we'll be going there when it opens." They perked up, Harri nodded, "But despite all of the individual stories I've told you I've never really covered anything on our relationship beyond the initial bonding. So I'm taking you to where we were married."
Fred and George shot her amazed looks, "We were married on Asgard?" George choked.
Harri hummed, "Yes, by Queen Frigga. She was grateful that we saved Loki and protected him even though we barely knew him, that we could look beyond his violent past and welcome him into our home without hesitation." She led them over to one of the many secret doors into the palace, it led to a very short passage that came out into the great room that Thor's interrupted coronation had taken place in. It was empty at moment, thankfully. "In here." She said, waving her hand at the room, "It was her thank you gift to us."
She summoned Mischief and Mayhem and opened the faux connection so the twins could see what she was remembering. Her memories overlapped the room; showing the crowd of regular Asgardians who had heard tales of the ones that saved their youngest Prince, of the three who publically stood firm and scolded the Allfather himself for his treatment of his child; the Avengers, all of them as well as Lee, Pepper, and Jane, standing proud at the head of the room to act as their best men and Ladies in waiting; the twins waiting for Harriet in light Asgardian battle armor that Frigga had all but wrestled them into that morning; and Harriet making her way down the aisle to them with a brilliant smile on her face in a crimson and silver strapless gown that matched the sword of Gryffindor that she carried with her, with Loki escorting her. They watched as they participated in the Asgardian custom of exchanging swords before saying their vows, the nod to the earth traditions, before Frigga tied all three of their hands together with a golden sash and spoke in an ancient language over them. Finally, she pronounced them 'Man and Wife and Man' to the happy laughter of the Avengers and Harriet was kissed into a stupor by both of them to the cheering of the crowd.
As they were making their way back up the aisle together as a newly married trio Harriet let the faux bond fade, Fred and George jolted back into the moment, looking down at Harri in amazement. She smiled at them, "That was our wedding. We were the cause of the highest recorded number of mortals to come to Asgard. We did honeymoon back on Midgard but it was cut short by giant mutant…" she was cut off by Fred kissing her fiercely followed quickly by George who pressed her back against Fred gently. They were still new to kissing and they had yet to really progress to tongue but the raw emotion Harri was feeling behind the kisses was enough to leave her breathless. When they finally pulled back Harri looked up at them with half lidded eyes, "I guess you guys liked seeing it then."
"If we could marry"
"you again right"
"now we would." They answered her solemnly.
Harriet beamed at them, "I love you two, so much."
They enveloped her in a tight hug, "We know." They answered seriously.
Harri huffed, "Never should have shown you Star Wars."
With that their banter lightened as Harri led them back out of the castle, completely unaware of the kind eyes that had watched them since their arrival.
After Harriet had flamed them back to Midgard they had spent the rest of the day at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the park Harri claimed you could get the most out of in one short period of time. She did surprise them with the fact that she had bought them all Disney Platinum Passes and that they had at least two properties in the area which would make it easy for them to come back whenever they wanted. They stayed until 2pm, eating and playing, having an all-around good time as Harri introduced them to the wonders of theme parks. Their favorite ride by far was Rockin' Roller-coaster which they insisted they go on four times before Harri had convinced them to try others, as it was they ended up buying multiple of the pictures offered at the end.
When they finally arrived back in the Chamber they were laden down with bags and the two cauldrons with the Polyjuice in them had only the last dregs remaining. Just as they were putting things down James and Sirius came running through the door, "Oh, you're back!" James said brightly.
Sirius leaned over, trying to catch his breath, "Don't mind us. The polyjuice wore off and we had to run back to make sure no one saw us."
Harriet chuckled, "Yeah, it can happen at the most inopportune time." She snapped her fingers and Dobby appeared with her and the twins' uniforms, a quick switching charm had them back as they were supposed to be. "Alright, ready to see what became of the school while we were away?"
Fred and George rubbed their hands together evilly, "You bet!"
Harri nodded and tapped her foot on the ground, "Lady Hogwarts, if you would put yourself back to rights and leave your patrons in the Great Hall for dinner please."
Magic heaved around them as the school shifted; depositing people in the requested spots, clearing the pranks, and putting the rooms, halls, stairs, and items back where they belonged. Once their group was put together correctly, the last of the polyjuice wore off, and everyone had retaken their school forms, they made their way up to the Great Hall. Just before they went in, Harriet stopped them one more time and tapped out a quick message on her phone.
Inside the Great Hall Jarvis' voice rang out, "This has been a test of the Emergency Pranking System. Thank you for your cooperation. Have a nice day."
Fred and George snickered on either side of Harriet and the group snuck in as the room exploded into questions, demands, cries of outrage, and laughter in one glorious soundtrack of chaos. No one other than those closest to them noticed their sudden arrival or the way they were looking around at the results of the massive prank with pride.
At some point Dumbledore must have made it off the roof and ran afoul of another prank because he was completely bald, making him look ridiculous and a tad repulsive without his hair. McGonagall was still struggling to shift from her kitten form and at this point still had her ears, tail, and a great deal of fur despite her overall, human appearance. Everyone else was an awkward amalgamation of scorched hair, dyed skin/hair/clothes, random animal parts, windswept appearances from sudden drops, shaking from newly formed claustrophobia, soaked in water, caked in food, and, for two mortifyingly embarrassed seventh years, completely naked and attached at the hip.
Fred and George looked around at all the chaos around them and leaned into Harriet, "Best. Birthday. Ever."
Welsh Lovespoon carving meanings:
Heart-steadfast love
celtic knot-eternal love
links/chain - linked together forever
Lock - "I shall look after you"
Giving credit where credit is due I had two of my wonderful tumblr followers truly inspire me on the subject of what to do for the twins birthday so give thanks to sunstarmonster and makaylabrady !
There are also a couple new chapters on the Outtake: School Years ficlet so check them out on Ao3!
Also, for those who are Loki/Harri fans I have started a smaller story that I am using to work through writers block, it is on both sites!