Chapter 21: Good Elf, Bad Elf

Elves had once been a proud, independent race like goblins still were. They had their own communities and were respected by wizards and witches. However, during one of the old wars, a dark wizard had carried out a horrible ritual that had forced them to be subservient to wand carriers. These days, elves would consider themselves lucky if they were bound to a family that did not abuse them in many ways. They were used for all kinds of labor and were even forced to do things they did not want to do. Some elves had been forced to become accomplices to crimes of all types.

Neesy had always known she was a lucky elf. She knew of other elves that were beaten, burnt, starved, yelled at, and even sexually abused by their masters. Her own best friend growing up was bound to a dark family, and she had seen him struggling a lot. Mistress Lily and Master James were the best of masters and Neesy took her duty to them very seriously, and like every other elf, she could not refuse a direct order. She wanted to stay with master Doggie, but he ordered her away. When she heard the first explosion, she had popped faster than ever before to get the gun safe to Emma. She popped back, and Emma actually hugged her, and the kids close. Neesy's heart warmed at this. The elf motioned for them to be quiet.

"Are you okay? Did you see Dan?" Emma whispered.

"I is okay. Master Doggie be protecting Master Dan," Neesy whispered back. She could feel the aura of another elf.

There was a brief knock on her door.

"Neesy?"

"D-Dobby?" Neesy was about to open but steeled herself. Dobby's voice sounded strained.

"Open. Let me help yous," the other elf said hurriedly. He didn't sound like himself.

"I don't need your help, Do-" Neesy stopped herself. No one should have been able to go through the wards. But goblins didn't ward against elves, especially when families had elves. She popped outside enraged and shoved Dobby away. "How could yous pop him here!?"

"I has to," Dobby didn't look well. His eyes were glazed over. Dobby was bruised and had cuts and burns all over his emaciated body. His arm was moving against his will. His eyes looked in horror as his arm moved. "You all be needing to die… Harry P-Potter is to be taken away… Master says."

Neesy felt pain on her cheek. She looked in shock at Dobby, who was crying. He had been ordered to do this. He had cut her. He strained to say, "I is s-sorry, g-go away! They will kills Dobby. Dobby is a bad elf!"

"You is not a bad elf, Dobby, I'll get yous out. Stay strongs," Neesy said, backing away to pop into her room. Dobby was shaking with the effort he was putting into not to carry the order he was given.

Neesy vanished. Inside her room, blood dripped from her chin to the floor. Emma looked ready to kill whoever hurt her. Before she could say a word, Neesy hugged the three humans and popped to Potter manor. She was scared that the manor's ancient magic would hurt Emma or push her out, but it didn't. It embraced her as soon as they landed. She glowed an orange hue.

"Neesy, who was that who hurt you? How did they get into the wards? Where are we?" Emma asked, taking out a handkerchief from her back pocket. She wished she had supplies to clean and bandage Neesy, and a tray appeared next to her on a side table with a slight clang. Emma's eyes widened. It was as if the house heard her thoughts. She asked, feeling a bit stupid, "Hello? House?"

The Manor had an old lady voice with a slight echo caused by the size of the living room: "Welcome to Potter Manor, Emma Granger. We thank you for all you have done for our heir. If you need anything -within reason- ask for it in your mind. Harry Potter, you are home at last. Welcome. You are safe here. So is your soul bounded wife. Welcome, Hermione."

Harry and Hermione were still scared, but that voice was soothing and homey. They just hoped Sirius and Remus would get there soon. This living room they were in was quite big and lavish; it had a big fireplace, two gigantic stained glass windows, and beautiful furnishing. Emma had gotten her handkerchief wet and cleaned Neesy's cheek while she tried to absorb the fact that the house was apparently sentient and that it was able to provide things... let alone the fact that the house somehow knew the kids had bonded.

"Mistress Grangy, please puts a thick layer of the green salveys on the cut," Neesy requested. She could have done it herself, but mistress always wanted to learn about elf ways.

Emma smiled and did as was told. She watched in amazement as, after a few seconds, the skin began knitting itself back together, slowly. How she wished she could study the ingredients.

Two more elves came running in.

"Neesy!" Blinky exclaimed in shock. She had never seen a human tend to an elf wound.

Trippy skidded to a halt, which caused his little hat to fall off his head. He looked at the humans in astonishment. He was alive and well.

"Master Harry Potter, sir," Trippy bowed low. "Welcome home."

Blinky repeated the same greeting. However, she added a second low bow to "Lady Potter." Hermione looked at the little elf completely perplexed. She was Lady Potter? But she wasn't even done with school yet…

"Master, Mistresses, she be Blinky, and he Trippy. They were Potter elves when Master James and Mistress Lily were alive. I be finding them and bringing them home. I hopes master approves…" Neesy said, looking expectantly at Harry.

Harry looked at Mrs. Granger, who nodded, so he turned to Neesy and nodded, "You did good, Neesy. You are a good elf."

Neesy blushed and got teary-eyed. Any further comments were halted by a loud crack. Everyone tensed up and jumped in fear.

Sirius, Remus, and Severus apparated in front of the fireplace. Emma had pulled the kids behind her, and the elves had gotten into a defensive position, surrounding their masters.

"Daddy!" Hermione exclaimed and launched herself into his arms.

Her mother followed her example and kissed her husband. "Are you okay, love?"

Dan nodded and hugged his girls. Harry had, in turn, run to his uncles. They squeezed him. When they released him, Harry turned to Severus, his eyes greener than usual, and threw his arms up, asking to be picked up. Severus was pale. How could this child be so accepting? Lily's eyes shone in the boy's face. Severus picked him up, ignoring the strain this caused in his still sore muscles. Harry hugged his neck and whispered, "I'm glad you are okay, uncle Sev."

Severus could have cried if he hadn't been so exhausted. To leave St. Mungo's, he had to sign a release in which he took all responsibility for his potential health decline by not following the Head Healer's orders. His knees felt like they were about to give in from the added weight. Suddenly, Emma had her arm around his waist, and Daniel took Harry from his arms.

"Mr. Snape, was it?" Emma asked. The man nodded. "You look like you should sit down."

"Thank you."

Remus looked at Sirius in confusion. Neither man could remember the last time they heard the potions master had thanked… anyone. Perhaps there was still hope for him. Neesy introduced the other elves to the rest of the family.

"Neesy… I think Snape needs some pepper up potion," Sirius said.

"No!" Snape yelled, scaring himself. "I'm sorry. It's just… I'm detoxing. Dumbledore has been feeding me many potions and erasing my memory for almost ten years. He also had me under core blocks and several compulsion charms. The healers say I should still be able to take basic remedies, but I know better. It takes the human body around six months to get completely clean after one week full of toxic potions…"

"That bastard!" Daniel exclaimed, sitting down with his daughter on his lap.

"Daniel! Language!" Emma admonished, looking at Hermione and Harry.

"Snape, what the hell happened to you?" Remus frowned. This seemed like an entirely different man.

Snape probed Remus' legilimency. He said in the werewolf's mind, "I'll answer all your questions, but not in front of the children."

Remus looked at Emma and at the kids. She nodded in understanding.

"You know what? I think we will all talk better after some healthy food. Mr. Snape, as a doctor, I recommend fluids, rest, and very nutritious food."

Daniel nodded. He understood they needed to get the children out. "I agree, love. Mr. Snape, do you have any food allergies?"

"No."

"Mummy?" Hermione asked. "Can we make him some chicken soup? With lots of veggies and noodles?"

Harry nodded happily. Any chance to work on the kitchen was welcome.

"That's a great idea, honey. Come on," the woman got up and took Harry's hand and offered her other hand to Hermione. "Neesy, could you please show us to the kitchen?"

The other elves looked at Emma in awe while Neesy nodded and started walking towards them. It was very rare for mistresses to want to cook if they had house-elves. She said to Blinky and Trippy, "Trippy, go to the greenhouses and get what we is needing. Blinky, go and gets a chicken from the coops."

Both elves popped away.


The men had been talking for a while.

"So you checked yourself out?"

"I couldn't stay at the hospital because then anyone could find me... Listen, I know you have plenty of reasons to hate me, but I haven't had full ownership of my actions for at least thirteen years. Before Albus potioned me, he had been erasing my memory and using compulsion charms. Even when I was a student. I know I almost killed you Lupin. And I know by doing that I almost made Black a widower. I know it doesn't change the past, undo the hurt I caused you, or vanish your scars, but for what it's worth… I am really sorry," Snape said, hanging his head in shame. "And I am so glad you survived that day."

"Fuck. It's like you are a complete stranger, man," Sirius sighed. Severus shrugged.

"Severus, I accept your apology. You know, Lily always thought there was something fishy going on. I thought it was her wishful thinking from your past friendship, but she was right. I don't know why I am surprised. She was always right," Remus stood in front of Severus and offered his hand for the other man to shake. "Let us start over. We have all been victimized by that old goat in different ways. He messed with our memories too. Also, I am sorry for everything that happened at Hogwarts. I didn't exactly bully you, but I didn't stop the bullying either."

Severus looked at Remus with a ghost of a smile and shook his hand. "Thank you… We will get back at him together. I never thought ill of you. Lily loved you like the brother she never had."

"Black, I know that any harm I did to Potter and to Lily was also as if I had done them to you and Remus. Know that just having to live with myself being aware that I-I, that I did all that… is punishment enough. I am so sorry…"

"Look, Snivellus… I don't know how you are even alive. We have all been put through hell. Let's just bury the hatchet. I am sorry for messing with you in school. I can't promise I won't We have to get back at Dumbledore and help train Harry and Hermione and keep them safe. We still have no clue as to how-"

"Train them both?"

"Right… You don't know. They soul bonded."

Severus had to hold on to his seat. Everything began spinning. "What?! How?! Aren't they like fiveish?!"

"Yeah! We know. It's the freakiest thing. I'll show you the memory later."

"Mr. Snape, you look quite pale. When was the last time you ate anything?" Daniel asked while checking the man's pulse.

"At the hospital. I had to go get my mother so they could rehabilitate her too…"

"Your mother is alive?!" Remus was shocked. In theory, she had been killed by Snape's father.

"Yes! She was forced by Dumbledore to modify her appearance and had her memories wiped. You know her well…"

"What? We know her? Who is it?" Remus asked with sudden interest.

"Our esteemed Hogwarts' librarian."

"Bloody hell!" Remus said, blushing. He rarely cursed.

"Pince!? Well, color me fucking surprised."

"You and me both. It came back to me with all the other memories of everything horrible I ever did."

"And everything horrible that was done to you… What a crappy detox, man!" Daniel sighed in sympathy.

"Ahem, pardon the interruption, Master Sirius. Dinner is ready. Join us in the dining room," Blinky said bowing.


Harry and Hermione were laughing at Emma's story. They were all serving their own bowls.

Emma turned to the men. "We figured everyone could get what they wanted. The big blue pot has chicken stock. The medium red one has shredded chicken. The medium green one has all the vegetables. This bowl has chopped spinach and this other bowl has noodles as you can see."

"It smells wonderful," Snape said. Remus and Sirius looked at each other and chuckled. Polite Snape would take some getting used to. "Thank you all."

"Uncle Sev, do you like noodles?" Harry smiled.

"I do."

"I'll serve you. You look tired. Please sit down," Harry said. A chair came behind the man and made him sit down. Emma felt very proud of how polite her boy was. Harry smiled. "Do you want a bit of everything?"

"Yes, please," Severus smiled at the boy. He didn't even care that his lips threatened to split again.

"Master Doggie," Neesy said, "He is needing his lips healed. May I?"

"Of course," Sirius replied, serving his own plate. Neesy went to Snape.

"Mr. Snape, I can be healing yous lips, if you wants."

"Neesy, it says a lot about you that you are willing to show me kindness after how I treated you in Gringotts. I am very sorry for my behavior. I would be very grateful if you can help me," Snape bowed over one of the elf's hand.

Neesy smiled. "We is starting over with yous. We is making you all healthy soon. But if you hurt my masters, I be ending you. Okay?"

Snape nodded solemnly at the cold tone of the elf "As you should."

Neesy placed her hands over Severus' lips. A faint blueish glow shone. When the elf was done, Severus' lips were still a bit chapped, but the skin was not split or bleeding anymore.

Harry placed the bowl in front of his uncle Sev who thanked him and started eating. The soup was delicious. It was the kind of meal that touches your heart the moment it touches your tongue.

"Neesy, Blinky, Trippy, please join us at the table if you want soup… or bring something you like and eat with us," Remus smiled. Neesy promptly sat to the surprise of the other elves who sat with a blush and served themselves the vegetables with some stock.

"Neesy, can you tell me who hurt you? I smelled your blood. We still have no clue how Greyback went through the wards. The goblins are very thorough," Remus frowned.

Neesy looked scared and like she was going to chastise herself for forgetting something important, "Master Moony! It is being elf magics. An elf was ordered to brings bad wolf to eat the Grangeys and take master Harry aways."

"Damn it! Whose elf was it? Do you know?" Sirius asked.

"Dobby…"

"Lucius' elf," Snape growled.

"But Dobby did not wants to do it. He is fighting the order. It is very dangerous and painful for an elf to disobeys their master," Neesy said with a quivering lip. "Dobby be a friend of mine. He was supposed to cut my head off but cut just my cheek."

"What aren't you telling us?" asked an observant Mrs. Granger.

"I says to Dobby that I be getting him out…" Neesy hung her head in shame.

"Neesy… if he's bound to the Malfoys, I doubt they will be willing to-"

"I is thinking to unbind him…" she looked up at Sirius with pleading eyes.

"But how?"

"Wouldn't that kill him?"

"Wait a minute, isn't this Malfoy person in prison?"

"Yes."

"Did he escape?"

"Not that we know of."

"Then who ordered this Dobby to attack us? And why exactly are goblin wards unable to stop elves?" Emma asked as she served herself extra spinach.

"Probably my cousin…" Sirius massaged his temples.

"What!?"

"But your cousin is also in prison, right?"

"The one in prison is Bellatrix… This one is Narcissa," Sirius replied with a long sigh.

"Your people's inbreeding is weird," Emma whispered.

"I know. Most pureblood families are related because of inbreeding…" Remus wrinkled his nose in disgust.

"This Narcissa is Lucius' wife. Since he was sent to prison and his assets were frozen by the goblins, she must be doing poorly. She never did have a job. I have no clue how she's surviving…"

"You know, I really always thought that she married Lucius against her will…" Remus said with a frown.

"She kind of did. She would have preferred Greengrass, but after Andy was casted out by Cygnus and Druella and her wand was snapped by marrying someone other than who they chose… Narcissa reconsidered. She was used to a certain lifestyle that she could only have in the wizarding world," Sirius explained.

"Cygnus and Druella were Andromeda's parents. When Andy wanted to marry Ted, Cygnus was acting Lord Black, and he was never one to be understanding…" Remus added to help the Grangers follow along.

"But this Greengrass is a wizard. Why would they cast her out?" Emma asked.

"Well, he is… But my uncle never liked the Greengrass family. They were neutral during the last war which to Cygnus meant that they were too scared or too weak to support the Dark Lord. In his eyes, marrying neutral was like marrying muggleborns or muggles."

"Your family is not nice, Sirius," Hermione said after finishing her last spoonful of soup.

"Hermione!" Emma chastised her.

"No, Emma, it's true. My family is not nice. That's why I had to seek refuge at the Potters. This house means the world to me. It was the first place I truly felt at home and where I was really accepted for who I am," Sirius said, holding Remus' hand. His boyfriend squeezed his hand.

"To answer your second question, goblins are amongst the best when it comes to wards, but since Neesy works for Harry, the elf connection part of the ward was probably left open to allow her to move freely…" Remus added, thoughtfully.

"Uncle Sirius," Harry said, coming over to sit on the man's lap. "Do you think we can buy Dobby?"

The adults thought for a bit.

"Perhaps… I mean, if Narcissa is pressed for money, she will need to get some. I doubt she is going to care about Dobby. Or at least, she will care more about her son."

"Do I have enough money?" Harry asked, looking at how distressed Neesy seemed.

"What? Um, we would have to see how much she wants for him…" Sirius said in confusion. He was going to buy Dobby himself. There was no need for Potter gold to end up in Malfoy's home.

"If I don't have enough, can you give me more? I will pay you back as soon as I can have a job," Harry's green eyes were certain. Hermione nodded in agreement. "We will," she echoed.

"No need for that. We can pitch in half of the cost, kids," Daniel smiled at their kids' selflessness.

"I am sure we will figure it out. Harry, look at this house. You have enough money not to worry about well, anything… This house and everything in it is yours by birthright," Sirius ruffled the boy's wild hair.

"But if I can't help Neesy help Dobby, it's not enough," Harry pouted.

Snape was startled by Harry's expression. It was like looking at and hearing Lily. The boy had inherited her heart and her innate sense of justice.

Severus sighed. "Harry, we will help Dobby, I promise."

Remus and Sirius lifted a brow at the man. "Snape… I think the first thing you need to do is get better."

"Agreed," Mrs. Granger said. "Now that you are done eating, you need to rest. We can talk more tomorrow."

Her tone did not allow for negotiation. Snape simply nodded.

Neesy sighed. "Trippy, please show Mr. Snape to a guest room. Mr. Snape, follow him. You will find a set of sleeping robes ready in the closet. It was yours. Mistress Lily had it in the house at Godric-" The elf stopped and took a shaky breath. She cleared her throat. "Leave your clothes by the bed. They will be clean for yous tomorrow."

Snape nodded. "Thank you, Neesy. I am well aware that I do not deserve your cordiality or hospitality. In time, I hope to earn your trust. Lily was very proud of being your friend."

"I thank yous. Master Doggie, we can talks about Dobby later. Someone is at the door. Also, we have mail. Blinky, the mail. Trippy, the dishes… No, the other way around. We don't want broken china, Trippy."

The male elf hung his head and motioned for Snape to follow him. Blinky vanished the dishes and popped away.


"Welcome to Potter Manor," Neesy bowed.

Madam Bones stood before her in her uniform with a concerned expression. "Neesy, thank Merlin. Is everyone okay?"

"Yes, Madam. Follow me."

They walked to the living room.

"Masters, mistresses, Madam Bones," Neesy said, leaving with a bow.

"Mr. Black, Mr. Lupin, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Harry, Hermione, I am so glad you are all safe," the director smiled.

"We are safe now," Daniel said, crossing his arms. Potter Manor looked like a fortress in the middle of nowhere. Somehow, he knew he was safe. But he jumped when the house spoke.

"Yes, Daniel Granger, you are safe here. This soil has been in the Potter family since the beginning. No one who wishes harm on any family members or allies would be able to even see this place, let alone come to the door."

Daniel looked around, trying to find the source of the voice, "Who is there?"

"Daniel, calm down. It's the house," Sirius tried to explain. "Hello, Tolanthe."

"What do you mean it's the house? Houses don't talk!" Daniel whisper shouted.

"Tolanthe?" Emma asked with confusion.

"Tolanthe Potter nee Peverell, former Lady Potter whose voice the house uses to communicate," Sirius explained.

"You can be sure that I do speak, Daniel Granger. My voice is that of the first Potter matriarch who lived here in the 1500s, Tolanthe Potter," the voice sounded like it was waving him off. "Just know you are safe here and no one can find you unless you want them to. Hello Sirius, I am glad to have you back safe and sound."

"I'm glad to be home, Tolly," Sirius smirked, which was short-lived because a book materialized behind him and swatted the back of his head. "Ouch!"

"As impertinent as always, I see," Tolanthe replied. Everyone chuckled. "You can call me anytime you have questions about the house, Emma and Daniel."

"Okay… thank you, Tolanthe…" Dan replied still looking for the physical source of the voice. "Blinky…"

The elf popped in. "Yes, Master Grangy?"

"Could you be so kind as to take the kids on a tour of the house?" Daniel asked. The elf looked like he had been given the most important task of his life. He puffed his little chest, nodded enthusiastically, and waited for Harry and Hermione to get up. Trippy could have cried when the kids took one of his hands each and started walking beside him.

"Madam Bones… what the hell happened after we left?"

"Carnage. One Auror died, and two others were severely injured. We thought we wouldn't make it until a goblin from the warding team, Bonesmasher, got there. The goblin warding team sends their apologies. They didn't account for any elves given orders to hurt you. Greyback probably turned one of the Aurors. Bonesmasher attacked him quite fiercely. Apparently, they had some history. Greyback is in horrible condition at St. Mungo's. We don't know if he will make it."

"Serves him right," Emma said in her husband's ear.

"You mean he's actually dying?" Remus asked, turning green. "But how? Werewolves are stronger than humans… Especially those who enjoy their mutation and rejoice in feeding on human flesh. I know goblins are strong but-"

"Mr. Lupin, he was still wearing the silver cuffs when the goblin went at him with both of his morningstars quite viciously," Amelia grimaced at the memory.

"What did Greyback do to him?" Sirius asked, bracing himself for the atrocity that was sure to follow.

"He raped his mate, bit her, then he ripped their baby's head off with his teeth, during the full moon," Amelia looked like she would throw up. She remembered the haunted look in the goblin's face when he told her. "I don't have to tell you what happens when a goblin is bitten by a werewolf…"

"No, you don't…. Bloody hell," Sirius grimaced in disgust. "Well, I, for one, am glad that Bonesmasher could smash that monster."

"Who came to back Greyback up?" Lupin asked after a few shaky breaths.

"Mulciber and Carrow," Amelia frowned. "Carrow got away. Badly hurt, but he may make it. I wanted to thank you for calling the DMLE. Mr. Black you were truly one of our best. But I am glad you didn't stay to help. These people," Bones pointed with her head, "should always be your priority."

"Of course."

"I need to take your statements. Could we do this with a dictoquill so I don't take so much of your time?"

"Sure."


One hour later, Amelia had left. The Grangers were fascinated by the self-writing quills. No wonder they did not need pens. Their fascination died when Sirius told him the quill drew on the owner's magic to move. The kids had been quite tired after the tour. Remus told Trippy to assign bedrooms to everyone in the family wing. The Grangers got the Master's, which was next to the Nursery. Remus and Sirius got the room on the other side of the nursery. Everyone knew the kids were too old for a nursery, but they preferred being as close as possible. Even if they were told that they were safe here.

Once the kids were put to bed, the adults went downstairs. Neesy was placing a platter on the coffee table. The fireplace was crackling soothingly. Emma and Daniel sat on a loveseat while Remus and Sirius sat together on the sofa. Neesy excused herself. She was too tired.

"Neesy," Emma said as the elf turned to leave. "Thank you for protecting us. He was your friend, and you chose to take care of us."

"Neesy is living to serve her masters and mistresses…" she looked down.

"Honey, what you did today is what a friend does. You are part of our family, and we are proud of you," Emma pulled the elf for a hug.

Neesy choked back a sob. "Thank you, mistress." Neesy walked away towards what Emma assumed was her room.

"I know just what we need for this conversation," Sirius said, stretching as he stood up.

"What's that?" Dan asked with a lifted brow.

"Firewhiskey!" Sirius exclaimed, going to a corner bar table. "Em, you want in, or do you prefer wine?"

"After a day like this… I'd like to try both," she smirked.

"You are a goddess! A woman after my own heart… That's the spirit!" Sirius winked. "Dan? What's your poison?"

"Can you pour me a double shot of firewhiskey?"

Remus chuckled, "Those are famous last words, Dan."

"That strong, huh? I'll take my chances. It is a good thing we are not working tomorrow…" Dan smiled.

"Um,… about that…." Sirius began awkwardly, handing Emma a glass of whiskey.

"Oh, don't tell me we can't go back to work!" Emma exclaimed, smelling, and then taking a demure, slow sip. She pretended it wasn't burning her throat to trick her husband.

"Well, look at her go… I think I may have to drink with you instead of with Remy," Sirius laughed. "I don't think you have to stop working. Perhaps just change where you work. An attack where you work would be absolutely devastating."

Dan frowned at the idea and took a long swig of his drink. He turned red and started coughing while trying to sputter the word treason to his wife.

"You know… it is called Firewhiskey, love," Emma laughed.

"A little warning next time, please!" Dan looked at the other couple in mock betrayal. Remus nodded with a smile.

"We really don't want to leave the hospital, Remy…" Emma sighed.

"I know… I think we should write to King Nagkrat. He probably wants to hear from us. And perhaps he has some advice… You don't live to be whatever age he is without having some wisdom to share, especially when it comes to wars or battle," Remus replied, wrapping his right arm around Sirius' back and kissing the man's temple while taking the drink his boyfriend gave him with his free hand. Sirius blushed and rested his head on Lupin's shoulder, releasing a sigh.

"Oh stop! You guys are waaay too cute together!" Emma gushed. "I wish I had my camera just then."

The couple smiled at each other and then at Emma. Daniel stretched forward to get one of the bowls with peanuts that Neesy left for them.

"Love, we could always do part-time at the hospital and open a private practice…" Daniel suggested after a comfortable silence.

"True. But I'd miss everyone…"

"You could still see them… Socially?" Sirius suggested. "Us wizards throw mean parties: lots of alcohol, inappropriate behavior, dancing, and fun."

Remus rolled his eyes. "You have never, not once, thrown a party. You always make everyone else do the work so you can be rested and be the belle of the ball."

"Mais je suis belle, suis-je pas?" Sirius winked. [But I am beautiful, am I not?]

"Vous êtes très belle," Remus replied bowing over his boyfriend's hand. [You are very beautiful]

"Great pronunciation!" Emma smiled. "I would think though that Sirius is more handsome than beautiful," she laughed.

"Trust me, he doesn't care as long as people fawn over him!" Remy laughed too.

"Hey, I only want you to fawn over me… Everyone else is just a self-esteem boost!"

"I'd be careful… I think that boost is going to your belly and not your self-esteem…" Daniel said with a smirk.

Sirius immediately held his belly in. "How dare you? In any case, I blame all the delicious home-cooked meals and my not running around with Emma all the time…"

"You know, we should all start training. If Voldemort is out there like we think… He's probably weak. We can't allow ourselves to get frumpy," Remus frowned.

"Doth mine ears deceive me? A wizard is suggesting exercise? I thought that was beneath you," Dan laughed.

"Well, seeing you and Emma being so… fit… has me thinking that we can all do with some physical activity."

"Are those giant tall hoops in the yard for working out?" Emma asked in wonder. She had seen them, but she thought you would have to fly to use them. But fly, how?

Sirius' eyes got misty. Remus squeezed his hand and replied, "Those are for Quidditch. Quidditch is a wizarding sport played on brooms."

"Like flying brooms?" Emma asked with wide eyes.

"Yeah, they are not just for transportation…"

"Can you show us? We'd love to see a game," Dan smiled. It all sounded quite dangerous but fun.

"Sure, Harry's father and I loved playing it. He even won quite a few tournaments… He could have gone pro if-" Sirius drank the rest of his firewhiskey in a gulp.

"How old were they?" Emma asked, sitting by Sirius. The man shook with a single sob. Remus pulled him in and hugged him tightly. His own eyes were getting misty.

"They were twenty-one."

Dan froze; Emma gasped. The Potters were kids. They were just starting to live as adults. What a horrible way to die! Daniel sat on the arm of the sofa and took his wife's hand. Poor James and Lily, and poor Harry. For a while, everyone was silent.

"It must be really hard on you guys," Emma sighed. "If you ever want to talk about it or just vent, we're here."

"Thank you," Remus answered with a sad smile.

"We will discuss what we want to do job-wise and get back to you guys," Daniel said, pulling his wife up. Mrs. Granger knew it was better if they left the couple alone. They had some grieving to do.


Regardless of how weird it was staying in a talking house, the Grangers had to admit that Potter Manor was a beautiful place. Their room was extremely comfortable, and the ensuite bathroom was a dream. They had stayed up late talking, quantifying the damages, etc. They needed to call their insurance company as soon as they got back to non-magical society. Amelia had guaranteed no one would know. Their neighbors would have their memory of what happened to their home erased. As Director, she had taken notes from the Grangers to the mailboxes at their place of work. They decided to cut back their billable hours at the hospital. Instead of doing private practice, Emma suggested they did research on the magical remedies. Their home, once rebuilt, would be rented. The husband and wife had always talked about doing research, and now, they had a great opportunity to do so.


Harry woke up and saw a sleeping Hermione. Seeing her happy and safe made his heart feel cozy. The boy smiled; he went over to the tall closet in the room. It had a lot of clothes that were meant for smaller kids. He smelled them. They smelled like… him? Harry was confused. But this had been his grandparents' house. Surely, they had clothes for him for when he visited with his parents. Harry sighed.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Master Harry, are you awake?"

"Yes, Neesy," the boy answered, opening the big door with a smile.

"Mr. Snape be calling for yous. I can take yous to him," Neesy offered her hand.

"Thank you," Harry took her hand. They popped into the Potion Master's room.

"Hello, Uncle Sev," Harry smiled tentatively. The man looked much better than he had the previous day. He was less pale, his hair was clean, and he was wearing all black: shoes, pants, shirt, and cloak. His wand was on his bedside table. Snape was sitting on a small sofa.

"Hello, Harry," Severus smiled genuinely. "Can we talk?"

The boy nodded. "Yup."

Severus motioned for the boy to join him where he sat. "I am glad I got another chance to see you. The first thing I would like to say to you is that I am sorry."

"But why?" Harry sat next to Severus, looking at him with wide eyes. It had taken the boy months to understand that grownups apologized when they did things wrong. But he had no idea what to do when adults apologized when they hadn't done anything wrong.

"For not being there for you." Severus looked at the boy with sad eyes. He knows, Harry thought.

"It's okay…"

"No, Harry. It is not okay. Adults should never endanger or hurt children. Dumbledore sent you to the worst possible place. As you saw that day in Gringotts, your parents made provisions so you would go to wonderful guardians who would have never mistreated you in any way. All the people and beings they chose would have been honored to raise you… and if things had been different, I would have been honored to be a part of your life," Snape intertwined both his hands. He wanted to hug the boy, but he was aware that he was somewhat of a stranger.

"I… Um… I remember you," Harry looked pensive for a while. "I threw my food at you when I was a baby. You were next to aunt Minnie. She said I was impolite. But now I remember that you smiled at me," Harry sighed. "It is not your fault, you know."

Snape looked questioningly at the boy.

"What happened to me… that bad man hurt you. He didn't let you be there. It is his fault," Harry leaned against Severus' arm. "Uncle Sev?"

"Yes?"

"Can you tell me about my mummy? I don't remember her much…" Harry looked deeply into the man's eyes. If Snape didn't know better, he would have sworn the child was skilled in the mind arts. The man smiled.

"I'd love to, Harry. I may even have some pictures in my vault."


In a dungeon, a very pissed Albus Dumbledore was using a piece of stone to draw intricate runes in his cell. It had taken a lot of work, but he had managed to ensnare one of his guards, a new young goblin, into a conversation. It took weeks, but the possibility of escape was everything. He needed to get out so he could set his plans in motion. What upset him the most was that he had been told that his obsession with his Greater Good would land him in prison, but he had refused to believe the signs. Now he was going to have to work twice as hard to get back to the position of power he had. His to-do list was vast. He had people to vanish, memories to alter, and potions to create.

He was almost certain that Snape would be imprisoned inside his mind forever. Albus had taken great care when breaking the man. The old wizard had been impressed by the young man's endurance. It was the person that took longer to break under his spells and concoctions. Even if he did escape, he would never be the same. People in the Order would not trust him. He would be out of a job. Therefore, he would have no money. He'd have to start brewing potions for a meager living. Albus needed to get back to Him. He also needed his potion regime. He was beginning to feel his age. That was not to be borne!

He smirked with delight when the first rune began lighting up. The others would follow soon enough, then he would have a portkey. He was sure Ms. Umbridge had made sure no one remembers to strip him off his portkey making benefits as Head of the Wizengamot. He would give a good amount of gold to see Nagkrat's face when he saw that he had been able to escape from the entrails of Gringotts. All the runes lit up, and at that moment, a Head guard was dropping Dumbledore's sludge food from above his cell. The guard waved his staff and alerted the other guards, angrily barking orders in Gobbledegook. But it was too late. Albus' eyes grinned evilly, and he disappeared.


A/N: Thank you for reading! This one took a while to write and proofread. This coming week I have family visiting so I probably won't be able to post. I appreciate your patience. The next chapter will answer many questions. :) -Lux-