Aug 14

When the Roses

Bloom Again - A

Return Home July 1942

It was a crowded table that Harry stood at the head of as he hosted

another meeting between himself, Petr, Adams, and their respective

seconds in command. Completing the group that were poring over

the large map spread across before them was Eleanor Summerbee

who had taken over from leading the ongoing relief work in

Bulgaria.

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Although Zajecar had taken the brunt of the destruction during

the liberation of Yugoslavia, the country as whole had not suffered

greatly under Grindelwald's occupation.

Not near as much as the Bulgarians, who had continuously resisted

the man's regime.

The Yugoslavians had bided their time, waited for the ICW arrival,

and had welcomed the forces with open arms.

Still, that had been almost five months ago, and the combined

efforts of the ICW, the Russians, and the Americans had all but

come to a standstill.

Greece and Albania had been reclaimed quickly in the aftermath of

what occurred in Yugoslavia, but Grindelwald had become wise to

the tactics used.

To prevent a bombardment and subsequent invasion on the border

of the lands he held, he'd intentionally placed natives among his

own followers as prisoners, leaving Harry no choice but to consider

alternative action.

It was frustrating to say the least, but he had taken the opportunity

to fortify their position.

With three hostile borders to contend with, decisions on whom

they would shift their focus to needed to be made, and throughout

the intervening months, he'd been watching them closely.

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All three were strongly defended.

The German and Italian borders consisted of their own nationals

who would not give up their positions lightly. There would be

bloody, violent conflicts in the near future on both borders.

There had already been conflict, but little more than both sides

getting a feel for the enemy they faced.

Hungary was the final of the three but was of little value in

comparison to the other two.

Harry already had access to the German border from Yugoslavia,

and it would merely be a waste of men to only expand that further.

No, the primary focus would either be on the Germans or Italians,

and it was the latter that Harry favoured targeting.

"If we take the Italians out of the war, it reduces his numbers

significantly," Charlus argued.

Harry nodded his agreement.

"It is not the numbers that concern me," he returned with a sigh.

"Taking Italy will give us access to the southern French border.

Most of us know that is more vulnerable than the east. This was

how Grindelwald dislodged us in the first place," he explained,

pointing to the where their former positions had been.

"Can it be done?" Adams questioned.

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"Not easily," Harry answered honestly, "but it is preferable to trying

to take Germany and more important than Hungary."

"So, we should concentrate on taking the Italians out of the

picture," Adams mused aloud as he eyed the map. "It makes sense."

"Da," Petr murmured thoughtfully.

"Then that is what we will do when I return," Harry declared as he

rolled the map up and handed it to Petr.

"I bet you can't wait to see her," Adams chuckled.

Harry nodded, a smile tugging at his lips.

"Both of them," he said sincerely. "I can't believe she will be a year

old. I've barely seen her."

In the five months they had been in Yugoslavia, Harry had

managed only one trip home to see Minerva and Rosa.

"They grow up fast," Adams sighed. "I have two daughters of my

own, and it feels like only yesterday they were born. My eldest is

ten and my youngest six."

He removed a photo from his pocket and handed it to Harry.

"I bet you're glad they don't look like you," Petr quipped.

Adams laughed heartily.

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"They take after their mom," he acknowledged. "She's a good

woman, better than I deserve."

Harry clapped the man on the shoulder before handing the photo

back, noticing it was as worn around the edges as his own favoured

picture of Minerva and Rosa.

"So, I will keep my group on the German border?" Adams

questioned.

"For the time being," Harry confirmed, "but when we make our

move, I will shift things around."

"They'll be thrilled," he snorted. "I'll stay in touch with Petr and

Reg whilst you're away."

Harry nodded appreciatively.

As difficult as the beginning of their alliance had been, they were

all on the same page now.

"Charlus will only be away for a few days, and then he and

Arcturus will be back whilst Reg takes some leave."

"What about me?" Eleanor broke in. "Don't I get an invite to the

birthday party?"

"Would you like one?"

Summerbee nodded.

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"It will be interesting to see you away from here."

"You've met me away from here," Harry reminded her.

"Only when you were arresting me."

Harry snorted at the memory.

"I don't see any reason why you can't come," he replied with a

shrug.

"Good," Eleanor declared. "I will be back here in the morning."

With that, she left, and Harry shook his head.

"Are you ready?" he asked Charlus.

"I can't wait."

"Then you should pack, both of you," he added to Arcturus.

"Where's Reg?"

"Where do you think he is?" Charlus huffed. "He's attached at the

hip with that American woman."

Arcturus nodded amusedly.

"I think he's quite taken with her. I'm sure Lord Yaxley will be

pleased."

Harry didn't miss the sarcasm in his tone.

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"I don't think Reg cares," Charlus pointed out. "What's going on

between them?"

"Buggered if I know," Arcturus muttered. "I have my own things to

occupy my thoughts."

"Another baby already," Charlus chuckled. "You don't hang about."

Arcturus merely shrugged in response.

"We didn't exactly plan for it happening so soon. Evans will tell you

all about unplanned pregnancies."

Harry shook his head.

"The only thing I would change would be the timing," he returned.

"I've not seen Rosa nearly enough."

"But you will soon," Arcturus pointed out. "It just means you have

to make the most of the time you have and make up for it when the

war is over. She won't remember these years, but she will grow up

knowing her father is a hero."

Harry grimaced at the final word.

He had never been interested in being a hero, and that hadn't

changed since he'd arrived here seven years ago.

The only person he wanted looking up to him was his daughter,

and he was counting down the seconds before he would hold her in

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his arms once more.

(Break)

With a heave, Tom added another box of items he'd catalogued to

the still growing stack in the cellar of Borgin and Burke's. True to his

word, the latter of the owners had welcomed him back to finish the

work he'd started the previous year, and Tom had welcomed the

escape from the muggle world.

With his OWLs now complete and only two more years at

Hogwarts remaining, he had begun pondering what he would do in

the future, but already he knew his options as a half-blood were

limited.

Even if he were to stake his claim as the heir of Slytherin, only

certain pureblood families would hold him in any esteem, especially

with how far from grace his magical family had fallen.

It was irksome to say the least, but with two years to ponder the

predicament, and to somehow make some connections, it was not

such a pressing matter.

No, Tom had other things to occupy his mind, though he was

beginning to consider how he could tie all his ambitions into a

singular goal.

Minister of Magic?

Tom grimaced at the thought.

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No, being the Minister wasn't enough.

He wanted the respect of all wizardkind, and for that, he would

need to be so much more.

"Tom?" the voice of Mr Burke called.

The teen schooled his expression as he approached the bottom of

the staircase and peered up at his employer.

"There you are lad. Get yourself cleaned up, I'm taking you on a

visit."

Tom frowned confusedly for a moment, but the realisation hit him.

"Smith," he whispered to himself, removing the apron he wore to

keep the dust from his clothes and adjusted his appearance in the

mirror.

As to not appear too keen, he took a breath to compose himself

before making his way into the shop above where Mr Burke was

similarly tidying himself up.

"Where are we going?" Tom asked, feigning ignorance.

"Do you remember when you asked about the locket that belonged

to Salazar Slytherin?"

Tom frowned in thought.

"Oh, the one you made a good profit on?"

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Burke smiled.

"The very same," he confirmed. "When I told you the story, I

mentioned the woman that brought it, Hepzibah Smith."

"The lady with Hufflepuff 's cup," Tom mused aloud. "I remember."

Burke's smile widened.

"Well, she has asked for me to pay her a visit to look at some of her

items and you were quite eager to meet her."

"Only if it doesn't intrude on your business," Tom replied.

"Nonsense," Burke said dismissively. "It will do you good to get out

of the cellar for a while. I'd be pleased for the company."

Tom grinned as he nodded, ignoring the wave of irritation he felt

as Burke fussed over him.

"That will do nicely," the man proclaimed. "Come along, we don't

want to keep her waiting."

Burke led Tom from the shop and to the designated apparation

point in Diagon Alley.

"Take my arm," the man instructed. "Have you ever apparated

before?"

Tom shook his head.

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It was something he would be learning to do this year at Hogwarts.

He had toyed with the idea of teaching himself but splinching was

something he wished to avoid, so he had decided to wait.

As frustrating as it was, he did not wish to be without a limb.

"Then this will be quite uncomfortable," Burke replied

apologetically.

Before Tom could offer any protest, he felt as though he had been

pulled through a tube that was much too small to accommodate his

frame, and when he could finally breathe again, he did so in short,

sharp bursts.

"I'm sorry, Tom, but there is no kind way of doing that. You'll get

used to it."

Tom nodded and took another few breaths so the nausea would

pass.

"I'll take your word for it," he gasped.

Burke chortled as he directed Tom's attention to the house they

stood before, and the teen's eyes widened.

"She lives here?"

"More gold than sense," Burke snorted, reiterating what he had

said about the woman the previous summer. "Just remember to be

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polite and courteous. Flattery will help with old Hepzibah, and for

Merlin's sake, don't stare."

"Why would I stare?" Tom questioned.

A grin tugged at Burke's lips.

"You'll see," he murmured as he led them towards the door.

Ringing the bell, they were greeted by a house-elf who offered

them a deep bow.

"Hello, sirs, Hokey will show you to Miss Smith."

"Lead the way, Hokey," Burke urged familiarly.

The interior of the home was as grand as Tom imagined it would

be. The furnishings were flawlessly polished, and everywhere he

looked a semblance of the owner's wealth was on display, though

when he was shown into a large parlour room, all thoughts of the

house itself were forgotten.

Laying on a chez lounge was the most morbidly obese woman he'd

ever seen. He'd needed to look twice to ensure she was not merely a

realistic sculpture of a walrus in a dress.

Roll upon roll of fat made up her girth, and where her neck should

have been, was nothing but jowls.

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She wore thick, heavy make up and a floral perfume that stung his

eyes.

"Mr Burke," she crowed enthusiastically. "I see you brought a

guest."

Tom tore his eyes away from the blob and looked shyly towards the

floor, remembering what his employer had told him.

"Hepzibah, you are looking as radiant as ever," Burke simpered.

"This young gentleman is Tom. He has been assisting us in the

shop for the past two summers."

"You are very welcome, Tom," Hepzibah greeted him with a wide

smile. "I bet you would like some tea and a piece of cake. Hokey,

please fetch some refreshments for our guests."

"Of course, Miss Smith."

The little house elf disappeared with a gentle pop and the woman's

eyes roamed over the teen curiously.

"You must have impressed Mr Burke for him to bring you to me."

"It is an honour to be asked," Tom replied. "Mr Burke speaks very

highly of you, Miss Smith. He says that you are a gracious host

with the most interesting of items. I am pleased to meet a lady he

values."

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"Oh Tom, you are quite the charmer," Hepzibah giggled, her

cheeks flushing. "If only I was a much younger woman, I would eat

you up."

Tom didn't doubt she would, but he didn't voice his thoughts and

was spared the need of responding by the returning Hokey who

placed a tray of tea and cakes on the table.

She then cut a piece of cake and poured a mug of hot liquid for her

mistress.

"Please, help yourselves," Hepzibah offered.

Tom did so willingly.

It wasn't often he was able to indulge in sweet treats, especially

during the summer months when they weren't provided by

Hogwarts.

"This is delicious," he declared after biting into the dessert.

Hepzibah who had already eaten two slices for herself smiled, her

lips flecked with icing.

"It was my mother's recipe," she informed him. "It is one of my

favourites."

Tom offered the woman a respectful nod.

For such a rich glutton, she was not an unpleasant woman.

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"You mentioned that you had acquired some items I may be

interested in," Burke cut in, placing his empty cup and saucer on

the table.

Hepzibah nodded.

"Hokey, would you fetch our wares from the safe for Mr Burke and

his young assistant?"

Once more, Hokey vanished, returning a few moments later

levitating a large trunk.

"I believe these items will be to your taste."

Burke placed a pince-nez on his nose as Hokey opened the trunk,

and Tom leaned over to peer inside.

"Where did you get these?" Burke questioned suspiciously.

Smith grinned.

"Lord Selwyn paid me a visit recently," she explained. "I hadn't

heard of his transgression against the Blacks before he came. If I

had, I would have sent him away with a flea in his ear, but he

parted with these items so willingly and for the right price. It seems

he has gone to ground. Not such a dimwit, after all."

Burke hummed thoughtfully.

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"Still a fool, nonetheless," he muttered as he inspected a collection

of books. "I don't know what possessed him to think he could go

against them."

The Blacks.

Tom had heard of the family but had not met any of them for

himself. They were perhaps the most notorious in wizarding

Britain.

"Why are people afraid of the Blacks?" he asked curiously.

Burke raised an eyebrow in his direction.

"You do not have any in Hogwarts?"

Tom shook his head.

"Then you should be pleased for it," Burke chuckled humourlessly.

"The Blacks are as ruthless and cutthroat as anyone you will ever

meet. Even the young Lord Arcturus, as inexperienced as he is, has

proven himself to be cut from the same cloth as his ancestors. He is

currently fighting on the continent beside Harry Evans."

"Evans," Tom snorted, grimacing at his outburst.

Burke shook his head.

"If a man of Arcturus Black's station is content to defer to another

man who should be lower, you'd best believe that man is worthy of

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his loyalty. Evans will return to Britain with more influence than

just about anyone, and with friends like Black and Potter…well,

everyone will be queuing up to kiss his backside."

Tom's jaw clenched.

He cared not for the reputation of Evans.

The man would die by his hand.

"Are you alright, Tom?" Hepzibah asked, a worried frown creasing

her brow.

"I'm fine, Miss Smith," he replied, schooling his features. "I was

just admiring the wares you acquired from Lord Selwyn."

"Well, if you are impressed by them, I have others that will blow

you away, but you will have to visit again to see those. Today, I am

quite eager to convince Mr Burke here to part with some of his

gold."

Tom allowed a bright smile to crest his lips.

"I would be pleased to see anything you wish to show me, Miss

Smith," he replied, eliciting another blush from the woman.

(Break)

For weeks Minerva had been preparing to celebrate Rosa's birthday.

It was the first time they would have more than a few guests in

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their home at the same time, and she wanted to make a good

impression on those that had not yet visited, those she hadn't seen

for many years, and those she had yet to meet.

She would not have anyone think that Harry's home was not cared

for in his absence.

"You are giving me a headache," Rosalina huffed as Minerva fretted

over the cleanliness of a pair of curtains.

It had taken months of work, but the house was finally furnished

throughout.

Kora had been nothing but a blessing, and the little elf not only

seemed to enjoy her day to day running of their home, but she

adored Rosa too, something that Minerva couldn't be more

grateful, especially now her daughter did not stay still for long.

She was certainly becoming a handful and was mischievous to boot.

"I just want this to be perfect," Minerva sighed. "Harry is going to

be home…"

"And he won't care about the house or anything else apart from

seeing the two of you," Rosalina broke in as she bounced Rosa on

her knee.

Minerva smiled as she smoothed down her dress.

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It was one that Harry had bought her long before they'd become

parents and was among her favourites.

"How do I look?" she asked, checking her reflection in the window.

Rosalina snorted as she shook her head.

"Are you planning on trying for baby number two?"

"No," Minerva denied quickly.

"Well, dressed like that, you might just get it anyway," Rosalina

snickered. "You look great, so stop worrying."

Minerva's cheeks flushed as she busied herself with her ongoing

preparations.

"It's not something we have discussed."

"It's not like you discussed this one," Rosalina pointed out, holding

Rosa aloft.

The baby giggled as Rosalina began shooting bubbles from the tip

of her wand, and even more so when she was enveloped within one

and sent floating around the room.

Minerva could only shake her head.

Very few babies would enjoy the treatment, but ever since she had

caught Harry with Rosa on his broom, the girl was at her happiest

in the air, something she got from both her parents.

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Out of precaution, Minerva had placed cushioning charms on all

the floors, just in case.

"How many people are you expecting?" Rosalina asked curiously.

Minerva released a deep sigh.

"Poppy, Augusta, and Frank will be here," she began. "Tiberius,

and his wife, the Flamels, Albus and Armando are coming too."

"And Harry," Rosalina needlessly reminded her.

"He has invited Arcturus who is bringing his wife and son,"

Minerva continued. "Charlus will be bringing his fiancé."

"The Blacks?" Rosalina asked.

Minerva nodded.

"I always got on with Arcturus well enough, and he and Harry are

close."

"Are your parents coming?"

Minerva nodded as she worried her lip.

"They are," she confirmed. "I'm just concerned my father will be

overwhelmed by so many of us."

Rosalina smirked.

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Oddly, she got on rather well with Robert McGonagall, the two of

them having struck up a strange friendship over discussions about

religion and magic.

"He will be fine. You're stressing yourself out too much."

"I know," Minerva sighed. "I just want this to go well."

"It will be fine," another voice cut in.

Minerva turned sharply towards the door where Harry was stood,

and she was flooded with relief.

He closed the distance between them in only a few steps and

Minerva breathed his scent in.

After a moment, she pulled away to get a good look at him.

He had shaved cleanly, something he hadn't done since he'd been

away, and his eyes were almost sparkling with happiness.

"Hello," he said simply.

Minerva positively beamed at the simplicity of his greeting, his

smile warming her as much as it always had.

"Hello," she replied.

Without even drawing his wand, Harry summoned the still

floating Rosa towards him and wrapped an arm around her.

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"What do you need me to help with?" he asked, attempting to

wrestle their giggling daughter under control.

(Break)

With his mother still seeking refuge in the Caribbean, there had

been no one home to greet Charlus other than Maisy who had

more than made up for the absence of the former.

The elf had wept at the sight of him and insisted he take a bath

before being plied with more food than he could manage.

It wasn't until Charlus was near the point of being sick that she was

satisfied he'd had enough, and he was allowed to leave the table.

Firstly, he'd needed to address the pile of correspondence that had

accumulated in his absence, and having done so, he'd made sure the

rest of the house was in order.

As expected, Maisy had seen to everything, the elf proving to be as

dependable as ever.

His next port of call was to ready himself for his goddaughter's

party and fetch Dorea who would be accompanying him.

He hadn't seen his fiancé in much longer than he cared to

acknowledge, but for the few days he was here, he would not be

parted from her.

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"Is there anything else that requires my attention?" he asked Maisy

who was fussing over his robes as though Charlus had forgotten

how to dress himself appropriately during his time away.

"No, Master Charlus," the elf replied. "There. Now you look

ready."

Charlus snorted.

Harry had insisted this wouldn't be a formal affair, but as the Lord

of a prominent family, he still needed to dress the part.

"Then I will be on my way," he declared as he approached the

fireplace, a sense of nervousness setting in.

The reason for such a feeling was on the other side of the fireplace.

It had been only months, but it felt like forever that he'd seen

Dorea.

Clearing his throat, he threw a handful of floo powder into the

flames, turning them instantly from the flickering orange to the

emerald inferno.

"Grimmauld Place," he called before sticking his head into the

hearth.

The first glimpse he received into the Black home was the inside of

the parlour room he would arrive in and leave via on the very few

occasions he had been here.

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There was very little that was homely about the house, but he had

grown fond of it in his own way.

Not that he would ever live here.

When they were married, Dorea would become the Lady Potter

and share his home with him, a thought that brought Charlus more

happiness than even the prospect of the end of the fighting.

"DOREA?" he called.

After only a short delay, the door opened to admit the woman, and

Charlus felt his breath hitch in chest.

"Well, what are you waiting for?" she questioned.

Without preamble, Charlus passed through the flames and

immediately felt himself swept into a tight embrace from Dorea

who had all but sprinted at him upon his arrival.

He chuckled as he held her, every last bit of adversity they'd had to

overcome to be here undoubtedly having been worth it.

"I missed you," Dorea murmured.

Charlus smiled as he pushed her away gently just so he could look

at her.

She grew more beautiful every time he laid eyes on her.

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From her porcelain skin to her contrasting black hair and silvery

eyes, she was almost otherworldly.

"You're much too good for me," he declared.

Dorea tutted and swatted his shoulder.

"I know," she replied with a grin, "but I'll marry you anyway."

Charlus snorted.

"You already signed the contract," he reminded her. "You're stuck

with me for the rest of your life."

"Well, yours can always be shortened if necessary," Dorea quipped.

"You have no idea what you've gotten yourself in for, Lord Potter,

but you'll have to wait to find out. We can't be late for the party."

With a gentle kiss on the cheek, she released him and walked

towards the door.

"Come on," she urged, rolling her eyes at him.

Charlus followed dumbly, shaking his head at the woman.

"You'll be the death of me," he muttered, pausing suddenly as he

reached the door. "Oh bugger, I forgot to arrange a present for

Rosa."

"I already got one," Dorea sighed amusedly, pointing to a neatly

wrapped package by the front door.

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Charlus breathed a sigh of relief.

"What would I do without you?"

Dorea hummed thoughtfully.

"Probably forget everything," she replied. "Now, we really will be

late if you don't get a move on."

"Alright, I'm coming," Charlus huffed with a smirk.

Taking Dorea by the hand, he apparated them to where Harry had

instructed, just outside Caithness in Scotland.

"This is his home?" Dorea gasped.

"Bloody hell," Charlus balked. "It must be."

He'd visited Harry's humble house in Godric's Hollow on a

number of occasions but had yet to come here.

It was simply as grand as any other pureblood home he'd seen.

"Shall we?" he asked, leading Dorea to the front gate and tapping it

with his wand.

After a short delay, a loud hissing filled the air, and the gate

creaked open, the magical backlash enough to tear the air from the

lungs.

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"Well, he's certainly got some impressive protections," Dorea

commented.

Charlus could only nod as they walked towards the house.

Harry was quite a terrifying man and fiercely protective of those he

cared for. He could only imagine what defences were in place here.

They were shown into the house by an elf who introduced herself

as Kora and led through to a large reception room where they

found Harry, Minerva, Rosalina, the Flamels, Dumbledore and

Dippet, and two others that could only be Minerva's parents.

Harry didn't notice them enter.

He was too busy helping a little redhead on to a training broom

whilst Minerva looked on nervously.

"She'll be fine," Harry insisted.

Charlus watched as the girl began gliding around the room,

giggling whilst she was followed by her fretting mother.

"How did you manage to pull that off ?" Charlus snorted as he

approached, nudging a beaming Harry with his shoulder.

"Well, I didn't exactly tell Minerva until a few minutes ago," he

admitted sheepishly.

Charlus chuckled as he pulled Dorea forward.

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"I'm sure you remember Dorea, my fiancé," he introduced.

Harry nodded and offered the woman a respectful bow.

"I do," he replied.

"Mr Evans," Dorea greeted him.

Harry shook his head.

"I don't call this prat Lord Potter, or your brother Lord Black for

that matter. It's just Harry."

Charlus scowled at him, but Dorea laughed, relaxing considerably.

"How very uncouth," Charlus muttered amusedly. "This is why

they'll never let you on the Wizengamot."

Harry grimaced at the thought.

"I couldn't think of anything worse than rubbing shoulders with

that lot," he commented dryly. "I have to put up with you and

Arcturus enough. I'll happily leave the politics to you two."

"Thank Merlin for that," Charlus chuckled. "We don't need you

causing more trouble. You'd insult everyone within a few minutes."

"True," Harry agreed as Minerva approached, glaring daggers at

him.

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"I'll have your hide if anything happens to her on that broom,

Harry," she growled.

"It's only a training broom, she'll bounce off anything she bumps

into. I had one for my first birthday."

"That explains a lot," Minerva huffed as she turned towards

Charlus.

"It's good to see you," she offered warmly.

Charlus smirked, evidently entertained by Harry's chastisement.

"This must be your intended," Minerva continued. "I hope that

you're a patient woman. These two are much more alike than you'd

think."

"I'm nothing like him!" both Harry and Charlus protested eliciting

a knowing look from Minerva.

"I grew up with an overbearing brother," Dorea sighed. "I'm sure I

can handle this one."

"Overbearing?" the voice of Arcturus broke in. "I only ever looked

out for you."

Dorea hummed, holding out her arms to take Orion from her

brother.

"Let's hope you don't grow up to be like him," she murmured.

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Arcturus narrowed his eyes at his sister before taking Minerva's

hand and brushing his lips across her knuckles.

"It's been a while," he said with a smile. "In the time I last saw you,

you somehow got lumbered with him," he added, jerking a thumb

towards Harry. "Just say the word, and I can get you out of here."

"I'll bear that in mind if I ever need to escape," Minerva replied,

shooting Harry another glare.

"Well, until then, allow me to introduce you to my wife, Melania."

In comparison to Arcturus's rather hard exterior, his wife appeared

to be much warmer, an infectious smile tugging at her lips as she

greeted them, keeping a hand on her swollen belly.

"Thank you for inviting us," Melania said sincerely. "It's the first

time we've been able to do anything as a family."

"You're welcome," Minerva replied. "Come, I'll introduce you to

the others."

"Do you think it is a good idea letting the three of them be in the

same room?" Arcturus questioned as Minerva led the other two

ladies towards the other guests.

"Too late for that now," Charlus sighed. "We can blame Evans for

this."

"You two wanted to be here," Harry reminded them.

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"Well, there's nothing for it now," Arcturus chuckled as the trio

followed to catch up with the others.

They arrived as Minerva was introducing her parents, and Charlus

shot Harry a look of concern as they were presented to Arcturus.

Much to his relief, the Lord Black, though reserved, shook Robert

McGonagall's hand and offered Minerva's mother the same

pleasantry he would any other pureblood woman.

"And this little one must be Evans' offspring," Arcturus chuckled as

Minerva finally caught her daughter, preventing her from zooming

around the room once more. "She will be a beauty. She's lucky she

got her looks from her mother."

Minerva smirked but shook her head.

"No, she got her looks from Harry's mother," she corrected.

Both Charlus and Arcturus looked towards Harry questioningly.

The two of them had long speculated about his parentage,

something the man remained tight-lipped about.

"Lord Black, it is a pleasure to meet you," Nicholas Flamel broke in

before any further questions could be asked.

Arcturus accepted the offered hand.

"I'm sorry, you have me at a loss."

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"Ah, Nicholas Flamel, and my wonderful wife, Perenelle."

The alchemist had evidently achieved his desired effect as

Arcturus's eyes widened and any questions he may have had about

Harry's parents were all but forgotten.

"The pleasure is all mine," Arcturus insisted enthusiastically.

"Harry speaks very highly of you both."

"Of course, he does," Perenelle sighed, her gaze sweeping over

Harry. "He knows better than to do anything else."

Arcturus laughed amusedly.

"Well, he doesn't have nice things to say about others."

"Most others are tossers," Harry muttered.

"Not in front of the children, Evans!" Rosalina chastised. "I won't

tell you again."

"Bloody hell, I can't even swear in my own home," Harry huffed.

"Wait until the others hear about how under the thumb he is,"

Arcturus quipped.

"I suppose you'll be telling them the same about yourself,

Arcturus," Melania piped up.

Arcturus cursed under his breath, but offered no rebuttal to his

wife, something both Harry and Charlus found rather amusing.

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"Shut up," the Lord Black grumbled. "You're marrying my sister,"

he reminded Charlus. "Don't think you will have it easy."

Dorea smiled sweetly and Charlus shot Harry a baleful glare.

"You did this," he muttered. "Now, do I get to hold my

goddaughter?"

Charlus had never been around children, and he felt awkward

holding the girl who looked up at him curiously, her eyes having

been inherited from her father, though Rosa's were bright and

innocent.

Harry's own were guarded and hardened from years of adversity

and the things he'd experienced.

"Hello," Charlus said awkwardly.

The little girl's lip began to tremble before she cried and Charlus

could only look towards Harry for help.

"Well done, Potter," Arcturus snarked. "As ever, you are a hit with

the ladies."

"What did I do?" Charlus asked dumbly.

"Nothing," Harry sighed as he took the girl and soothed her, an

odd sight of the man who spent much of his time planning military

operations. "She just needs some time to get to know you. Would

you like to hold her?" he asked Dorea.

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She nodded and accepted the little girl, placing her on her hip with

practised ease.

"I work in a hospital," she pointed out. "I spend more than enough

time with babies."

Charlus conceded the point with a nod.

"Maybe we should open her presents?" Minerva suggested. "She

will want to go down for a nap soon."

Charlus watched as Harry and Minerva helped Rosa with the

unwrapping.

It was strange that even after everything they had been through

these past years, the dynamic they shared had not changed at all,

and to see Harry still able to do something so innocent and

wholesome was a reward in itself.

Most of the man's life had revolved around the war, and yet, though

he had inexplicably changed in many ways, he was still the same

boy that wanted little more than a family to call his own.

He had that now, and though the war still weighed heavily on him,

in this moment, none would be able to see it.

"I think I might like playing with this more than her," Harry

declared with a chuckle as he held up a set of magical animals

Dorea had picked out for Rosa.

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Opening the box, he took out a Thestral and stared at it fondly

before releasing the creature to fly around the room.

His eyes never left it, and Charlus had no doubt there was a story

behind his admiration for the creatures judging by the somewhat

sad smile that tugged at the corner of his lips.

"I'm sorry I'm late," a breathy Summerbee offered as she stood next

to Charlus and Dorea. "Problems when I arrived. Did I miss

much?"

"I should have thought of that," Harry said sheepishly as he greeted

the woman with a hug. "They didn't give you too much trouble, did

they?"

Eleanor shook her head.

"I told them I was here visiting you and they let me go."

Charlus snorted as Minerva looked at the newly arrived woman

curiously.

"This is Eleanor Summerbee," Harry introduced her. "She's been

very helpful for us during the war."

"You're even more beautiful in person than that photo he carries

around," Eleanor commented as she took Minerva's hands in her

own.

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Minerva raised an eyebrow as she turned to look at Harry

questioningly.

The man flushed slightly, his mouth falling agape as he tried to

find something to say.

Eleanor broke the silence with a laugh.

"How do you know Harry so well?" Minerva asked.

"Oh, he arrested me a few years ago," the woman replied

unashamedly. "I may have robbed a few banks."

"That was you?" Minerva choked.

Eleanor nodded.

"I managed to get six done before he caught me," she boasted. "I

think I hold the record for the longest person to evade being

captured by The Serpent."

"I still got you in the end," Harry grumbled.

"True," Eleanor conceded. "And I would still be in prison if it

wasn't for you and Charlus here."

Both Charlus and Harry frantically shook their heads to shut the

woman up, but it was too late.

"What do you mean?" Dorea asked with a frown.

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"Ah, I thought you would have known," Eleanor deadpanned,

offering Harry an apologetic look.

"Known what exactly?" Minerva pressed.

"We broke her out of an Italian prison," Harry answered, evidently

believing it would sound better coming from him.

"You broke her out of prison?" Minerva asked rather calmly.

"We needed her help," Harry defended.

"And how did you break her out of jail?"

Harry cringed at the memory, knowing it would unlikely go down

well.

It had been a ridiculous undertaking, a conclusion Charlus had

come to long ago upon reflection.

"We might have disguised ourselves as Merepeople to get her out,"

Harry answered.

"Merepeople? It was an underwater prison?"

"Le Oscure Profondita," Charlus muttered with a shake of his head.

"You two idiots broke into a high security prison to break out a

prisoner Harry had put there?" Dorea asked.

It sounded even more ridiculous when it was put like that.

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"We were fine," Charlus pointed out. "Even after the, what was it,

Harry, Shrake? attacked us."

"A Shrake?" Rosalina gasped.

"We were fine," Harry reiterated. "We didn't expect to run into it."

Minerva released a deep breath as she shook her head.

The woman had grown used to Harry's exploits and didn't have

much else to say on the matter.

Arcturus was looking quite smug that he hadn't been involved in it,

and Dorea took Charlus's hand and squeezed it, shooting him a

look of worry.

He offered her a reassuring smile.

As dangerous as it had been, fighting on the frontline was much

more so.

"I shouldn't have said anything," Eleanor sighed.

"No," Minerva snorted. "I know exactly what Harry is like. There's

little he could do that would surprise me."

Nicholas chuckled amusedly to himself, though his wife didn't look

so pleased.

"What's a Shrake?" Robert McGonagall asked.

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"It is a very aggressive fish-like creature that is covered in spikes,"

Rosalina explained, glaring at her former mentee. "They are

exceedingly dangerous and can grow to be an incredible size."

"Don't we know it," Charlus muttered, the memory of Harry

disappearing into the depths with the beast not something he

would forget. "Don't worry, we don't plan to do anything like that

again. Do we, Harry?"

Harry had fallen silent, a thoughtful frown creasing his brow.

"No," he murmured, "but it has given me an idea on how we can

get the jump on the Italians," he added with a grin.

Charlus deflated at the declaration, having no doubt that Harry's

latest plan would be as brilliant as it was risky.

Arcturus too no longer appeared to be so smug as he glanced

between his future brother-in-law and Harry.

"Bollocks," the Lord Black grumbled. "Why have I got the feeling

I'm not going to like this."

"You won't," Harry agreed, "but it will bring us a step closer to

winning this war."

Charlus shook his head as he looked towards Summerbee, Harry's

words on her attending the party echoing in his mind.

"I don't see any reason why you can't come."

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Comments (11)

Another really great chapter and looking forward to whatever crazy

plan Henry has concocted now lol

Lovely, a few more steps forward

Charlus snorted.

This was reason enough.

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AvidReader2425 2 weeks ago · 0 Likes

Elaine Rose A month ago · 0 Likes

Not Logged In - great name, I know... 2 months ago · 0 Likes

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Well, perhaps I spoke too early, but until then I stand by what I

said.

My tendency to ruthlessly bash the Baron aside, I am getting

increasingly curious about Summerbee's role in this story. Is she

going to be one of the casualties among the main cast? I don't

know why, but I get that vibe off of every interaction Harry had

with her after Summerbee informed him of Hans' plans.

And how many in that room in the first part of this chapter knew

what Summerbee was to the war? Her story? Seems a tad risky

having her around at HQ. And why was she there in the first place?

I look forward (only slightly eagerly, definitely) to the rest of the

story.

A lovely addition to the story. Thanks for your dedication to such

an involving and sweeping narrative.

I do wonder whether or not you're aiming to get Harry in serious

trouble. Difficult times, separated for big chunks of time, and right

there is a very beautiful woman who privately seems to have

something for him on top of all that? And a VERY interesting

Village Mystic 2 months ago · 0 Likes

StoneTheLoner 2 months ago · 0 Likes

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woman at that? Married soldiers having dalliances while off at war

is a bit of a trope.

The reason I doubt that's going to happen is that you tend to write

stories that build up your main characters rather than

deconstructing or twisting them. I love heroic journies and all of

your MCs are sufficiently awesome in that regard lol. But it's

impossible to ignore how everything's lined up for that kind of

development. Is that coincidence?

I very much doubt Harry would ever get involved in such a

thing with what we've seen of both his and Eleanor's characters

so far.

Harry's always been loyal to those he loves, and Eleanor's

loyalty to her country and people could be seen as her ability to

be loyal to her loved ones as well.

I do picture her to be more like Ginny in canon than anything

else, but Harry's already loyal to Minerva (who I think is a

character on her own), so, again, quite unlikely.

Not Logged In - great name, I know... 2 months ago · 0 Likes

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Another excellent chapter. It's nice to see the Allies finally

cooperating in the war.

A lot is communicated about Dorea, Rosa and Minerva in a brief

span, which is a sign of good writing. Thanks for the chapter.

Harry's home is warded to the hilt, which considering what's going

on is simple prudence. Considering the number of homes he's had

that were under threat in canon, I'm glad to see Harry turning his

into a fortress.

Liked it a lot. Please post the next chapter when you get a chance.

Thank you very much in advance. I really appreciated it and

enjoyed it a lot.

This was so wholesome and sweet it exacerbated my diabetus lol

Steve Moss 2 months ago · 0 Likes

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Author/Site Owner: Lee : TheBlack'sResurgence

Email: (For all enquiries)

When the Roses Bloom Again - Signed, Sealed, Delivered

When the Roses Bloom

Again - My Enemy's

Approach

We definitely need more of this type of chapters, just the whole

family coming together

Bloody lovely to have a happy wholesome chapter for once, love

seeing this side of Harry/friends

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