Harry Potter's Secret Weapon
**OO**
A/N: Thanks to my wonderful Beta, LtsHrIt4ThBoyz.
NPGs are a registered trademark of the Black Consortium; not to be used without Lord Black's express permission. He will, he will, prank you.
New Pureblood Graftees - formerly muggleborn or half-blood magical people that are getting a new lease on life after being drafted into a new family. A cleansing and renewal of the gene pool.
The Sacred Twenty Eight is soon going to have all of their seats in the 'Mot filled for the first time since the Grindelwald war…
**OO**
Chapter 23 - Birthdays! And other Celebrations
Wednesday, July 27th, Professor Slughorn's
Hermione and Harry had talked on the mirror as soon as he woke; he felt bad for ignoring her the previous night. She reminded him that he was magically and physically exhausted, drugged, and been through a harrowing experience. She was sad that she hadn't just been a Gryffindor and stormed the castle.
Or in this case, stormed his room.
They agreed to meet early for potions that was their usual after breakfast activity that day. The Granger family had spent the previous night in their own home. Their quiet reassurances to one another were sweet and nearly incoherent. Meeting in person was what they both needed.
Hermione clung to Harry, hugging him tightly to her in fear for what had nearly happened the day before…Without her! It wasn't like her otter patronus would have been much help or even needed; she just felt that she should have been there, in case Harry did need her. And there he'd gone off into danger…Again!
When her betrothed (her betrothed! Her heart still thrilled as she thought of him that way! Who'd have thought that the 'bushy haired, bucktoothed, bookworm' –as she still thought of herself– would be engaged to her best friend; who she loved more than anything in the world. And he loved her back! The very thought of losing him sent icy terror straight through her heart; chilling her entire body. It felt a lot like their encounters with the dementors, during last year and caused her to hug him even tighter!)... When Harry got back last night, and she heard the yelling all the way in the library, she'd come rushing to find out what all the commotion was about. But Harry disappeared before she could even get to him!
Darlene had stalked out before she could ask what was going on! Hermione didn't dare go to his bedroom. That was really against all of the rules. A quick mirror call and her mother had advised her to come home, let this blow over, and talk to Harry the next day.
Sometimes, the difference between a child's rights and an adult's rights were miles apart, and Hermione left in concern for her friend.
Hermione and Darlene had an appointment for the next day to do a bonding thing. But right now, she did not want to let him go. Well, whenever she got scared, she got upset.
Hermione was miffed, but not at Harry. The person she was really angry at was the person who was to blame for all this mess. That Umbridge person was at the top of HER list.
Hermione handed over a chocolate bar, "Only in the magical world is this considered 'medicinal' rather than a just nice treat."
It was a muggle Mars bar. How many times had Harry wanted this growing up!
"Thank you, Hermione. I'm sorry that you were scared."
"I was scared for you, concerned for you. I'm just so grateful that you're alright."
"Me too. Sirius and Darlene are planning just us as a family tonight; you know. You, your parents, Percy and Penny, Remus and Clarice. Maybe Neville. No extras, no politics. Maybe play teams for that new game I got, the magical Chinese checkers?"
Harry gave her another hug and kissed her cheek.
They had been early; the floo flared and it was Neville followed closely by the twins.
The professor bustled into the large room he used to teach. "Are we all here? Very good! Today, I want to give you all a very simple potion, translated by our Harry here, that hasn't been brewed this way in the modern era. Simple ingredients, a simple draught. But oh, this is going to shake things up in the magical world, as previously certain families have had complete control of the main ingredients to this common potion; it sells for several galleons now; we can make it sell, at a profit mind you, for a few sickles! Let's begin."
Harry and Hermione left the lesson very happy with their new knowledge. But more importantly, they left laughing with their friends.
It was hard to be somber around the twins, and they did as much to lift his spirits as Hermione's chocolates did.
The hugs didn't hurt either.
**OO**
Thursday, July 28th, Blackmoor Hall
Clarice smiled when the Gringotts box dinged again. For the first time ever, Harry was actually receiving his birthday gifts rather than an old coot selling them for whatever he could get.
She was making a good list of what was received and wrote most of the thank you notes for him (useful charm she invented; it would copy most of the thank you template, leaving the recipient, gift, and signer blank) so that she just filled in the rest.
Any gifts that Harry didn't want to keep might wind up at a children's hospital or held to be resold once they had a shop for such. If he tried to keep it all, his room would be full of nothing but stuffies!
She also received a daily accounting of Harry's gifts of gold. Some of the older people in Hogsmeade or Godric's Hollow didn't have much. Giving the 'Boy-Who- Lived' a few sickles was more a remembrance; a thank you for what he represented: A child who fought for them since he was a baby and continued to be a bright beacon of hope.
Taking away the dementor threat from the world was huge to people who had lived in fear of Grindelwald and later Voldemort who were all too happy to use the dark demons as a tool for terror and control.
Many of the notes included with little gifts, expressed sadness that Harry's previous gifts had been stolen and were hopeful that this year would be different.
Clarice asked the twins to make a quill that would sign Harry's name over and over again, and it gave them ideas for prank quills.
But they could see its use for parental permission. Hmm….
**OO**
Friday, July 29th Dungeon of Grimmauld Place
Healer Greengrass took one look at the dungeon stairs, and immediately went to the loo and changed his clothes. He was supposed to be going out later tonight, and he was not getting this sort of dungeon muck on his lovely robes. Not again.
Poor Marius had been obliviated of his time at Malfoy Manor - but Lucius wasn't a house-elf and forgot to remove the residual evidence left on his long, healing robes. The smell of the ancient place was enough to have him change clothes, even though this place was different. Clean and tidy.
Healer Marius had unfairly blamed the Leaky Cauldron for the muck left on his robes.
**OO**
"I cannot condone this course of action!" Marius stated again.
Rodolphus Lestrange was bound and obviously silenced though his mouth was moving.
"It's legal. This man is a condemned criminal without rights of any kind. In fact, he's already blighted with a curse similar to Astoria, so if the potion cures him, he gets to go straight back to prison."
Moody had taken a team on the official Azkaban boat to try and rescue any remaining staff. The few human guards had been holed up in the warden's office for three days, afraid to try and get back to their quarters. At least they had food and their wands so they were able to conjure cots, and the warden had a nice private loo. So they were in relatively good shape.
One of the blokes kept trying to conjure rum, but made a nice tea.
The all volunteer squad had all worn copies of the medallion in Percy's office, and gotten into the prison just fine.
The inmates were all well fed and safe from the dementors. The food was delivered on the mainland by elves, and delivered by magic to each cell with conjured plates, cups, silverware, etc. Nothing to return, and if the prisoner didn't eat quick enough, well, there was a mess in the cell.
The guards were hustled to the protection of the lowest levels of the boat while some of the strongest members of the dementor troupe went to work.
The team going in to escort the guards safely back to the mainland, had managed to throw several prototypes of the dementor circles before they started to try and swarm.
Quick thinking people had opened the cell of the death eater they had come for, and pulled Rodolphus out putting a dagger to his throat.
"Let us get into the boat safely, and when we return, we'll give 'im tae ya. I'll give ye his brother tonight." Moody shouted. "You get this one at dusk as proof I'm sayin' the truth."
The door to Rabastan's cell now had a special magical lock that would open at dusk. The hard-hearted auror ignored the complaints from his softer hearted team mates. And the most vociferous objections came from the brothers Lestrange.
Moody was having none of it, "I'm givin' you the same mercy ye gave Frank and Alice Longbottom; aurors, if you recall.
The dementors stayed back, and the team had backed away to the boat slowly.
They'd check memories later and agree there were something like two hundred and seventy or so dementors left in Azkaban, with only thirty or forty separated into the groups of ten they were going for.
Rodolphus had not been able to father children with Bellatrix due to his personal affliction. Being cured would not bring him a future heir, however. The new Lord Lestrange was in America, getting 'pureblood' lessons via Gringotts' post box.
And stocking up for his upcoming trip to Scotland.
Slughorn had brewed the experimental potion perfectly. One of Healer Marius' talents was the ability to discern the magic of a potion. He knew when they had been improperly brewed or had gone off.
So, when the curse wasn't lifted, they knew it wasn't the potion. And Slughorn truly was the best brewer in Britain. Moody cursed vilely when it didn't work.
"Blood Cleanser? Blood Cleanser! Why not feed it to Fenrir? That mangy mutt is the one with soiled blood!" The prisoner spat.
Marius felt faint. So did Moody. There were no werewolves in Azkaban; any convicted –or to be honest, any captured– criminal was immediately put down if they had lycanthropy. It was the law. A law bent to the point of ridiculousness on the poor werewolves hiding from others.
He was not testing this potion on the Steward of House Black!
Stunning the prisoner to have him dropped off later as promised, he and his brother would be Kissed before dawn. But Moody had a feeling that the dementors were beyond ready to rebel.
Umbridge couldn't be allowed to return to the Island; the captain and his staff were told to hide the boat in Ireland. The staff would be given temporary jobs with House Black if needed. Director Bones was notified and her guards returned to her for healing and the comfort of their families.
But until they had a permanent solution for Azkaban, no one was going back there.
**OO**
NEVILLE'S BIRTHDAY! Saturday, July 30th, Blackmoor Hall after breakfast, before the evening birthday party for Neville
Neville and Harry had escaped the insane decorating schemes of their godmother to flee to the glen where Harry had found the whatchamacallit.
"Harry! It's a…."
"Don't; just don't. Give it a one or two syllable nickname, or I'm sticking with mine."
"Gold something? Fairy gold?"
Harry nodded, "That's a great idea. Okay. So, somewhere around here, there should be…"
"Harry, you do know that leaving a few plants in place is a good idea."
"I know. I don't want to transplant them. I just hope to find some. Well, really, I want to pretend to be finding essential plants. Say hi to the fairies. Or would you rather be hanging streamers and discussing shades of red with Darlene?"
"Oh, no thanks. Besides, you never know what we'll find. Let's do plants!"
They had a peaceful morning in the glen, and enjoyed an elevenses picnic that Karr had brought his friend Neville.
"I suppose that you can share, Master Harry, since you are helping with the plants. But don't get used to it!"
Harry stuck out his tongue. "Have you tried that worm dish that our goblin friends like? Conde lumbra or whatever?"
"Have you actually served that? Are you sure? Or did you serve spicy noodles?" Karr demanded.
"You didn't!" Harry pretended to be aghast.
"Not just Karr. I helped. WE rescued the worms. They shouldn't be eaten – worms are our friends!"
"You two! What is Spurnik going to think?"
"That you don't have a clue how to really make their food!" Karr exclaimed, popping away before Harry could toss something at him.
The boys were eventually called back for lunch. Guests were already starting to arrive. Aunt Calladora joined them, handing Neville a gaily wrapped box in red and gold.
"Thank you, m'lady. This is most kind." Neville bowed.
"You don't know what it is yet. What if it's horse droppings?" Remus teased.
"Then I would say thank you, and my plants thank you." Neville rejoined.
Calladora was looking at Moony in disgust, "Do you think that I am some kind of Marauder to do such a thing? Especially at their first party?"
"Well, Sirius has to get it from somewhere. So, yes." Remus stated.
Harry 'consoled' her with another warm hug. "You get your present tomorrow, Harry."
"I thought that you being here was my present." Harry gave her a cheeky grin and she burst out laughing.
**OO**
Darlene didn't want a thousand people added to the family wards of the house. So they compromised on dinner and dancing. Like their wedding, it would be outside, only this time they rented a huge marquee.
There was going to be a live band, a large dancefloor, and several families of the Wizengamot. But the invitations were clear. The ball ended at ten o'clock with a final toast, and the site was going to be closed for security reasons after that. Guests had to have an invitation to get in, that acted as their portkey. And the return portkey could be activated to return them home.
The fine print didn't say who could activate it now, did it?
What was really happening was that the space would be turned over to the teenagers to dance, play games, and have fireworks at midnight.
The expected guests started to arrive at six. They were having a somewhat early dinner at seven. Very few had declined this opportunity to rub elbows with Lord and Lady Black, and their famous godson.
Neville and Harry were thrilled to see the French delegation arrive. They included the dementor troupe who Harry greeted warmly. And surprise, surprise, Fleur was here. Though Harry didn't get his hug until much later. His legs knew when Gabrielle arrived though, and she was soon zooming to find Hermione.
Gifts were starting to pile up. Harry had asked that the elves put them safely away in the house, but it was getting embarrassing!
Dinner was simple. A nice lobster bisque, with crispy French bread. Then a nice sea bass with a lovely piquant sauce, followed by a salad that had several of the English complaining to the house-elves to serve things in the right order next time. Then came a superbly cooked London Broil. Dessert was going to be cake and ice cream. But first, the toast.
Lord Black stood and raised his glass. "A special friend of our house is celebrating his birthday today. My wife's godson, and a very kind young man. To Neville Longbottom! Solicitations!"
'Solicitations!' echoed around the open tent, and many people toasted Neville warmly. After all, at seventeen this young man would be joining the elite in the Wizengamot.
Weasley sparkling cider had been put in the champagne flutes. Algie Longbottom choked. One of his neighbors asked him in concern, "Are you alright? Something wrong with your drink?"
"No, no. The vintage is a bit…young for my taste."
A very fancy cake in the shape of a greenhouse with blooming flowers of all sorts spelled out his name. He blushed, and cut the first piece, and then it was handed over to the elves to serve.
Chocolate with raspberry sauce, his favorite. And the elves were asking people their preference of ice cream to go with it as Harry had been given a very good discount from his Fortescue friends.
Strawberry swirl, chocolate, raspberry, chocolate caramel swirl, and vanilla bean.
After most people were done (Ron was still eating), the tables started to be cleared, the band set up, and it was nearly time to dance.
Harry squirmed at the multiple pairs of female eyes trying to catch his. But Hermione would be his partner for the first two dances to make sure that all and sundry knew who he was with.
As if the large blue 'sapphire' diamond ring wasn't a huge clue already.
**OO**
While Harry and Hermione had danced together, the first two dances, Neville and Fleur danced. The first one had just the four friends, then other couples joined them. Then Harry switched partners with Neville, and the boys started to dance with all of the girls in their circle of friends.
The twins were dancing with their girlfriends to start and also switched partners. Only this time it was the girls dancing together as Gred and Forge fought for the lead in their dance!
Sofia kept glaring at Hermione. Juliette had mentioned to him how much it would mean to her daughter to dance with him, just for a short time, but how could he when she was so mean to Hermione? No thanks!
Ginny was also clearly pining for a dance, but it was Penny who suggested to stay away from her; Penny didn't like the way she was looking at Harry anymore than she liked the way that Sofia was looking at Harry. These were very young girls!
One of the dowager houses had been converted to a loo and set next to the marquee. Hermione was seen leaving, chatting with Gabrielle, clearly escorting the girl, and Ginny got up a beat behind her, clutching her bag.
Sofia was just after Ginny.
After entering the enlarged space, and waiting for the right moment, Ginny pulled out a beater's bat the minute that Gabrielle disappeared behind the toilet's door. Ginny motioned to Sofia.
"'Oo designed your dress, 'ermione? It is lovely." Sofia said softly.
Ginny was moving into position. But she didn't have the same instincts as Hermione.
Suddenly, without call or warning, Hermione was in motion. Her swinging leg took Ginny down, sweeping her legs from under her. A strike to her wrist not only broke it, but disarmed the girl. Sofia started to run, but Hermione struck her in the stomach with her elbow and she was down. Ginny's wand was in Hermione's hand, but she couldn't find Sofia's.
Hermione demanded, "Where is your wand? Where is it?"
Sofia clutched her stomach, out of breath, and hurting. But she did have an emergency device to summon help. A liveried servant, a witch, ran into the loo.
She took in the scene. A red-faced and mussed Hermione was the only one on her feet, in a fighting stance, and clearly ready for round two.
The stall door opened, and Gabrielle Delacour came out; rushing to Hermione's side and throwing her arms about her rescuer from earlier that summer!
The witch spoke first, "Are you okay, petite? What is happening here?"
Gabrielle ignored the adult and turned to her friend,, "Are you okay Hermione? I heard fighting and stayed inside until it was done. But I summoned help. You saved me again!"
A knock at the door sounded, "I am coming in! I am coming in!" Tomas declared.
Hermione knew that voice.
Sofia wanted to get her side in first, "Sir, Madame, this English girl attacked me. For no reason. She is the one that has bespelled Harry Potter. How else could such a nightmare be so close to him?"
Hermione suddenly found herself having to hold back a spitting mad Gabrielle!
Tomas quirked an eyebrow. He had fought with Hermione, and seen her and Harry fight together. He was just impressed that there wasn't more than a broken wrist involved. He would have expected dead people.
The witch knelt down and did a quick diagnostic on Sofia before attending to Ginny.
Tomas, however, wanted details. Now. "Mademoiselle 'Ermione? Your thoughts?"
"I was escorting Gabrielle to the loo. These two decided to attack. Ginny pulled a beater's bat. For me or for Gabrielle? I don't know for sure, but I felt that an attack was imminent. Why, is something that you will have to ask them. Until now, they have kept their attacks upon me, to verbal sniping. I disarmed Ginny, and elbowed Sofia since she seemed unarmed but I didn't want to give her a chance to pull her wand or a weapon."
Gabrielle nodded agreement at whatever Hermione said. She didn't speak much English, but knew she was speaking truth. The veela could feel it.
Tomas suppressed a grin at the child and opined, "Perhaps they are too young to have taken the oaths."
"Oh no. They had to take the oaths, it's just that it's to protect Harry. Not me." Hermione shared.
"A mistake that I will make sure to have corrected. Hermione!" Harry called, rushing in to hold his lady while scowling at Ginny and Sofia. "I want these two questioned and gone. You are not welcome in any house of mine from now on, I don't care who you are related to or what problems it causes."
Juliette came running in next, "Oh! My poor darling! You're hurt! Let's get your sister…"
Harry knew that this situation was fraught, but also knew his priorities in life.
"Madame Fenwich?" not calling her grandmother, as he had been, "Your daughter helped to attack MY betrothed. Maybe Sofia didn't know about it. It doesn't give her license to act this way. Ginny will be banished from the wards and the House. She will lose her stipend if I have anything to say about it as well. Look at that! It's a beater's bat, one that I know well. The GW initials are of a friend. George would be appalled; ashamed of you."
Ginny was crying. She had no idea why she would do such a thing.
"I just wanted a dance! Just hurt her a bit so that we'd have a chance to dance with you."
"You have your wand, and you brought a bat? That makes no sense." Tomas stated in very good English. "I should call your aurors in."
Harry was livid, "Tonks is out there, so is Amelia Bones. Let's turn these two over to them. YOU are not getting away with this."
"My daughter didn't do anything. Look! She wasn't holding the baton or anything else. WE are leaving. Now, Sofia. We don't need you around violent English girls like this." Juliette stated.
It was a good thing that Harry was holding Hermione tightly in his arms while Gabrielle clung to her other side. He felt her tense and believed she would have hauled off and slapped Darlene's mother at that moment if she had not been restrained from doing so.
Of course, holding Hermione back also kept his wand out of play, which likely was good for future family relations.
Darlene and Tonks came in just then, summoned by concerned elves. Sirius wanted to be there, but one of the hosts had to stay with the guests. And Sirius wasn't a healer.
"Mother, you can't leave until the aurors have had a chance to question Sofia and Miss Weasley. You do have the right to be present. But you are on English soil. And attacking a guest? My future daughter-in-law? I wrote to you about this! I sent you a copy of the announcement and the picture in a nice frame. And we discussed this before shopping!"
At this, Juliette crossed her arms, and turned away, and harrumphed.
Darlene gently touched her mother's arm, "You knew! We discussed it over the mirror. You cannot plead ignorance!"
"Excuse me, I will be returning to the party shortly. But for now, you have Hermione's statement." Harry shared. "I see all too clearly what Sofia and Ginny tried to do here. And I see what you, Madame Fenwich are trying to do now to cover for your daughter. I won't stand for it!"
Gabrielle let go of Hermione, waiting for her chance for a little payback. Just then Harry and Hermione left the room with a quiet pop.
Tonks looked around, taking it in all with a glance.
Gabrielle was most upset, "Look at what you have done! You attacked my friend! How could you?" Before anyone could move, the upset veela kicked Sofia in the ankle, and rotated to do the same for Ginny.
Without Tomas' intervention, Ginny would have received another blow, this one definitely not so professionally delivered.
And both Tomas and Tonks noticed that Sofia had still not relinquished her wand to authorities to check!
As he escorted Gabrielle back to her family, he forgot to make sure that someone looked into that.
**OO**
"Hermione? Have you ever wanted to just live in a cave? Scavenge trash from the bins to live on?"
"No, and I was expecting another attack tonight from them. But a verbal one. Mostly from the British snobs out there. Did you see how the press is handling our betrothal here? Silence.
"I just never expected it from our friends."
The plan from the PR perspective had been to wait until after the birthday party. But now? Perhaps the betrothal could be announced tonight? No, that would take away from Neville's party. Something Harry would never do.
Music continued to play and Harry took her in his arms, dancing in the rose garden where Sirius and Darlene married. Hermione tried but couldn't stop the tears.
"I thought that Ginny and I were friends! And Darlene's sister? Darlene has always been nice to me!"
Harry was going through all of the things that he wanted to do when Penny showed up unexpectedly.
"Um, Harry? You know that we had the cleanse for Molly and Arthur? Did we ever do it on the others? You know. In particular Ron and Ginny?" Penny asked gently. It had to be, it just had to be magically induced.
Harry swore. Bill was there somewhere, tonight, and coming back tomorrow as part of the goblin contingent.
Harry was thinking out loud, "Tomorrow. Let's send them home, and reserve judgment. Get them cleansed. If this wasn't a compulsion, then I am petitioning for Ginny to get tossed from the House. The ONLY reason that she's in the House of Black is to be nice to the people who took me in. I won't put up with being attacked! I won't bring snakes into the safety and security of MY HOME!"
Hermione panicked, "Oh no! Oh no! Molly is going to be so mad at me! I broke Ginny's wrist."
Penny piped in, "Well, she was trying to hit you with a beater's bat. Personally, I thought your response was…restrained."
"You and Tomas? You thought I would kill a child?" Hermione asked.
"If you thought she was trying to kill you? You betcha!" Penny rejoined. "And I'd be cheering for you, no matter who it was.
"If you have collected yourselves, we really should be getting back to the party."
Harry nodded, and the pair followed the former prefect back to the dancefloor.
Adrian and Daphne were swaying to the music. Lord Greengrass wasn't sure if he liked this development or not, though Cordelia was delighted. But when Harry tapped his shoulder, and the couple switched partners, for a just a moment, he knew.
It was a political statement, loud and clear, that Adrian Pucey was following Harry Potter. NOT the Dark Lard. (Rumors of his rancid humonculous form were spreading, and those not following him were making up new and interesting names based on the gossip.)
Cygnus nodded at the boy later in approval.
**OO**
Winky called for Livy.
"Livy, you did a prettiful job on all the ladies hair with flowers. Very good. Very good. I need you doing a different job now. Watch over Mistress Hermione."
"Livy want to, but Livy canst."
"But Livy, I be head elf!"
"But Livy canst!"
"Livy! You making Winky mad! Why won't you mind Winky?"
"Karr already following Mistress with different beater bat. This one says FW."
Winky sighed in defeat, but then giggled, "Return to your duties. Oh, and make sure that tomorrow, just before the goblins come, to put pretty flowers in Karr's hair. He supposedly checking with ME before changing duty!"
Livy nodded in acknowledgement with a grin.
Winky continued, "For tonight, switch off watching with Karr. And when he free, send him to me. Him not Head elf!"
**OO**
Molly and Ginny did go home after Healer Marius had healed her. Darlene wasn't available, they had been told.
Darlene had a huge fight with her mother. Her father got involved, taking Harry and Darlene's side. "Sofia was part of an attack! This is most reprehensible! Gabrielle Delacour has told her father that Hermione saved her once again. How is this going to look at home? Sofia was clearly involved!" François shouted.
"You don't know that! You are taking the word of that English girl!" Juliette countered.
"The English girl who is going to be MY granddaughter one day by marriage! They are betrothed, and yes, I would believe that Sofia would attack her to take her out of the dancing so that she could dance with Harry. She has done nothing but complain about NOT dancing with him at the last two events! Three if you count dinner that time in Paris where some of the people were dancing!"
"You just don't understand!" Juliette stormed. "I'm taking her home. I hope that you enjoy your stay."
"I will be questioning her with Veritaserum when I get home, Juliette, unless you want to?" François stated firmly.
Harry looked most unhappy, feeling that it was his fault that this lovely family was fighting. Maybe if he had just danced with her…but he didn't want to…if she had just asked nicely instead of demanding it like Harry was a servant with beverages to dispense…
François stated emphatically, "No, it is not you, Harry. She has been acting spoiled and entitled, and mean. You have danced with other friends here. If she had been kinder, asked nicely, we would not be here.
"Attacking someone is beyond the pale. I wouldn't stand for it, no matter what the reason! Sofia may not be as culpable, but she owes Neville and you sincere apologies, and of course, Hermione as well."
Sofia burst into tears, Juliette grabbed her from where she was being questioned, and activated her pendant to portkey home without her husband.
Tomas walked over to Harry, "Miss Black suggested that we check for compulsions. Miss Weasley tested positive. Mademoiselle Fenwich did not."
M Fenwich was being very smart about it all, "I will let them calm down for a time, and try to floo them in the morning."
"Or you could use our mirrors. Juliette was given one connected to Darlene's already."
François patted Harry's shoulder, "Thank you, grandson. I appreciate that. You should go dance with Hermione, and your friends." He leaned over and whispered in Harry's ear, "The 'stuffy' guests will be leaving in a couple of hours, and then you young people can have fun."
Hermione had been standing behind Harry. "Let us not give power to these girls to ruin anything else tonight. This is Neville's first birthday with friends. This is your first birthday with family since you were a baby. Let's go dance, and eat some of those worm things that you've been on about. And maybe some cake later."
Harry asked, "Conde lumbra? That's not being served until the goblins are here tomorrow for the barbeque. Basilisk steaks for them with conde lumbra as an appetizer."
"I was joking! You're serving that for real? And giant snake? But won't it be poisonous?"
Harry smirked, "Not to the goblins or the werewolves apparently. But I bought a separate grill just in case to avoid any…cross-contamination. And Lord Greengrass did supply phoenix tears." Apparently having them on hand was a must when rendering something dangerous and he had leftovers. "Have to keep my lady safe."
"I'm not a lady." Hermione countered.
"No, you're a Countess. I do appreciate the difference, Your Excellency."
Hermione rolled her eyes as a new music set started, "Come on! We're missing this!"
**OO**
Jean-Claude was not a silly or ignorant man. He saw the way that Neville looked at his eldest. His power would attract her as a moth to the flame. Any boy just randomly interested in her as an object would soon be discarded.
This boy was different. He talked to his daughter about plants, and herbology and potions and things that interested him that she had never experienced in the same depth, or saw in the same way. In turn, she shared her interests without being mocked or patronized. Fleur was growing closer to a boy who was calm and quiet. She was attracted to such attributes as much as his magical power. Nearly as powerful as their friend Harry Potter. Neville was...what was the word? Composed. He could bathe in her allure and remain completely rational; just enjoying the warm waves of love.
Just as he had done as a young man meeting Appoline. He was two years younger than his wife as well.
Perhaps this relationship would change as they matured. Perhaps they would grow apart. Their two plus years difference in age was huge now, but would be nothing in just a few more years.
For himself, he would be happy to see them stay together. So it was a great shock to have Augusta Longbottom approach him.
"I have had several people tonight ask me if Neville is serious about your daughter and wondering if you are here to negotiate a betrothal for her hand."
"Moi? Oh no. I value my ability to breathe. Veela are strong-minded and sharp clawed. I would never try to foist a contract on my daughter. Well, not without her initiating the request or being adamant it was what she wanted."
Augusta shared, "Oh good. I have had to pretend that I thought that this was a good match. If your wife was human, I would definitely be pursuing a contract. But bringing creature blood into the House of Longbottom? And why would one ask the children their feelings? The generations rely on the matrons of the House making good choices for the younger ones."
Jean-Claude's mouth hung open as the Matron of House Longbottom continued insulting his family.
"No, there are better choices for Neville. Too bad Daphne Greengrass is already contracted. Hannah Abbott is as well. Susan Bones is an heiress in her own right, so that wouldn't work.
"Perhaps the youngest Weasley would be a good choice. I really should look into that. Good day."
The witch that had just attacked the betrothed of Harry Potter? What in the world?
Minister Delacour was angry for a moment, but that was such an odd little conversation. He headed to Kingsley Shacklebolt and relayed the shared dialog.
"Not again! We've been through this before! Dumbledore's in a cell, I thought. I'll get her to a goblin healer and get Tonks to verify that Dumbledore is still in custody. Dowager Lady Longbottom and Madam Calladora Black have been comparing genealogies, and Augusta was happy for the Houses not to be related six different ways. It's why Frank married a Scottish lass with nary a word against it.
"The MacMurray clan were good strong wizards and witches, and none were cousins to Frank, his father or the Crouches!" Kingsley shared, "I think that we need to do this quietly. I really don't want to start another scene. She'll be so embarrassed about this. Please, it's like the imperius. It isn't her! And for her to show interest in the Weasley girl? No, the family would not support that. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I need to track down how this happened again.
"Truly, Minister. The Augusta of just two weeks ago was talking about Neville's interest in your daughter with hope of a bright future for them both!"
Jean-Claude nodded. Intellectually, he knew that, but emotionally? It would take time. What did this remind him of? Hmm.
**OO**
Bill had seen this behavior before. Now, it was up to him to protect Augusta and if necessary, perform a weekly cleanse on her until he and his team figured out where she was becoming bespelled.
Augusta Longbottom was a reasonable woman. She and Calladora had been talking about betrothals one minute, and then the next family gathering acting like Veela were creatures! Even his mother was more prejudiced against the lovely young lady for being French, not for being a beautiful Veela!
What was going on here? Something was at work, outside of her.
He had already been over to Cherry Hill; paid to protect distant family by Lord Black! Now, the curse seemed to be back. But where else…
"Clive! I need you please!" Bill called for the Longbottom elf. "Your mistress. Does she attend any functions on a regular basis outside of the home? Have a shop or something…"
Clive had started nodding immediately, sensing this young man's concern. His worry for his mistress.
"Oh yes! She has office in Wizzeythingy. She working there hardly!"
Bill took that to mean working hard versus hardly working. Percy versus Ron? Oh yes, he knew the twins worked just as hard at being funny as Percy did at his being serious stuff too. Charlie and his dragons? Now there was some truly hard work.
What happened to little Ron? He couldn't blame the twins' pranks. Something was wrong there as well, but at least Ron had no major influence on laws within the 'Wizzythingy', or have any power over Neville's personal happiness. Unlike his grandmother who had much influence over others in a very unstated way.
"I need to get there, Clive. Get in. And take away bad things. Without anyone knowing I was there."
Clive too had seen the change in his mistress and didn't like it.
"Clive can being taking you, but how you protect Master Bill?"
Bill put on not one but two bracelets, "Unless someone takes these from me, I should be okay. If I start to act funny, can you pop me to Gringotts, please? The hospital wing."
The elf nodded, "Clive serves!"
The little elf popped him to Augusta's office. The magical glasses he put on made the darkened room light up like Yule.
"Oh, this isn't good at all!" Bill stated to Clive. "I'm going to need some Pepper-Up's. Please."
Bill tried to give him gold, but the elf popped away. The talented curse-breaker would contact friends to do a cleanse on the matron of the House before spending the rest of the night cleansing the office. She wouldn't be happy and asked for his memories that she would share with Amelia. Everything would be denied of course, but it had to be Dumbledore. They documented everything.
What was worse for Dumbledore, was that a sweep of all of the offices were made. Arrests with heavy fines for some of the darker houses, but before Monday close of business, every office in the Ministry was free of such taints.
Amelia called in the head of her private security. The task force had been training. This would give them a bit of 'field work'.
"I want those offices swept randomly. Daily! And the conference rooms, and the Wizengamot itself!"
She handed over copies, and the man saluted. "Thank you, ma'am. This is going to be fun!"
It would take time, but now, with random checks, when Dumbledore got out, –and she was sure that the viper would slither out of the latest charges– she hoped to catch him in the act of applying new control runes.
That was her only hope in getting him out of there. Permanently!
**OO**
Moody talking to Auror Shacklebolt wasn't surprising. Nor was Moody talking to Amelia Bones.
Healer Marius in the crowd was a bit of a surprise to the more neutral of the politicos there, but seeing him talking to Augusta Longbottom surprised no one. He was a popular healer.
The couples splitting off; Healer Marius and Madam Longbottom, Kingsley and Moody were not noticed. Neither was Bill Weasley leaving a bit early.
But they were not headed home, but to a ritual that would have Madam Longbottom writing several notes of apology. Bill had already found one nexus of control over the matron. But until Bill Weasley had a chance to check everywhere she had been, she was staying in the one place she KNEW that Dumbledore hadn't been. She returned to Blackmoor Hall to spend the night. Or maybe longer.
Calladora was a great comfort to her.
Bill Weasley, again worried about meeting himself too often, but still used the time turner to start cleaning office suites. When did his dreams of curse-breaking lead him to working like a house-elf?
**OO**
At 9:00 PM, the slot opened to Albus Dumbledore's cell. A small bag of what appeared to be lemon drops were delivered.
"Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom sent you treats from their party since you couldn't attend."
Dumbledore tried one eagerly, desperate for a treat. He immediately spat it out. Lemon-sprouts? How awful! He looked through them, each one a different color and flavor.
"Oh yeah. It's a big hit at the Pranking Parlor. A version of every flavor bean, only each one has lemon. Lemon-onion, lemon-sprout, even lemon-grass and that is not the nice tea flavor! Enjoy!"
Dumbledore didn't recognize the 'wizard' who gave him the treats, but the next one had him gulping water.
"How did you like the lemon-pepper? Spicy, right?"
**OO**
Neville danced with Gabrielle standing on his shoes to add a bit of height, and the children laughed. Fleur joined them and they danced together. Harry tapping shoulders to steal Gabrielle away.
Such a good group of friends, and the English were seeing a new way that society could interact.
Nine o'clock came, and all of the younger ones were gathered up by nannies and carers. In this group, that meant more than one house-elf was called. All of the visiting elves had to say hello to Winky. The Head-Elf was famous.
At least none of the elves tried to send a bludger towards Harry's head, so he was happy with the stream of visitors that stopped by to say hello. Some of them asking for the 'blessing' of magic that other elves had requested.
Gabrielle's nanny showed up, one of the last ones to arrive, yet the servant with the shortest walk. She had gotten absorbed in the library.
"Come along. Our rooms are marvelous…"
"Harry! Fly me to my room!" Gabrielle begged, hoping for a 'hippogriff' ride piggy back again like he had done at the Solstice ball.
Harry smirked. He had been ready for this all day. He whistled, and a recently saddled hippogriff came flying out of the barn, landing at the edge of the clearing. To oohs, ahs, and a few screams from the adults gathered to watch.
Harry bowed, and the proud beast bowed back. Harry leapt to the saddle, and Gabrielle ran to her mother, "Please? May I please?"
Veela, for some reason, didn't have the same fear of falling that others did, and clapped merrily, nodding approval.
Gabrielle knew her manners, and curtseyed gracefully and the proud beast bowed back. She then was lifted up to the saddle by Tomas who gave Harry a look. Oh, yes, he'd be careful.
Gabrielle was given a brief flight around the lit garden before flying to her room's balcony. Buckbeak hovered over it, and Dobby was there to help her down.
Dobby exclaimed, "You is being welcomed to House of Black!"
Gabrielle gave Harry a hug, then was floated gently to the balcony.
All of the departing children were clamoring for rides, and Harry gave one them to each one, some just a short walk, others a short flight.
Cedric poked his father as Bertha Jorkins' youngest was boosted up for a ride. They were watching from close by. Director Diggory had to deal with hippogriffs now and then; this one was a beauty.
"That's the avian that Malfoy wanted put down; it flew here apparently. Harry said that if the Ministry ever came for it, he'd show them the memories of what Draco did, and how Buckbeak was actually quite well behaved."
Amos nodded, "Clearly. Look at how carefully he walks with a toddler on his back! Magnificent creature. If it tried to attack the Malfoy boy, he deserved it. If the Blacks haven't registered their animals, I'll take care of it on Monday. Do think of a clever name."
"Beak Buck?" Cedric teased.
**OO**
Rionach O'Neal waited impatiently for her turn. Her mother's head was bent over Darlene cuddling her brother. The witches were talking in low tones, excited over Healer Darlene's own pregnancy. Her da was there, bowing to the hippogriff and petting it first before allowing his princess a ride.
"You will be careful with her there, my lord?" Auror O'Neal asked. ALL of the Hogsmeade visitors acted as though Harry had personally saved all of the lives by his 'dementor removal'.
"Of course, my honored auror. If you prefer, I can just walk a bit."
"Nay, my daughter would nae forgive me. I just wanted to thank you." Auror Sean was a really great guy. Harry understood the real message.
Rionach curtseyed after receiving her da's approval to ride. Harry could see the pride the man had in his daughter. And when the short flight was over, the family took their leave.
Many aurors wondered why they had been invited to such a 'fancy do'. Clearly, some of the 'Wizzythingy' people thought the same, and didn't mind their words as carefully as they should.
But all of them, at least once, had guarded Harry, Hermione or Darlene in their travels. The rotations were tough. To include them, to let them know that they efforts were appreciated was a minor token.
Harry was trying to include the people that Harry cared about – plain and simple.
Neville wasn't surprised that most of the sneering came from his own family and their cronies.
The family cooed as Darlene finally relinquished baby Seanie back to his mother. Auror O'Neal was secretly given one of the 'special' party favors the family was handing out, and they all shared fond farewells.
Inside each basket for security, auror or dementor troupe was a gift certificate for a restaurant with their spouse; House Black and Potter elves would provide any child-care for the romantic evening. Contact information (which all already had) for Clarice was given for the scheduling.
**OO**
After all of the children had gotten a ride, whose parents allowed it, it was time to switch off.
Harry called out to Neville, "I'm going to put him up. Wanna fly, Birthday Boy?"
Neville was torn. He could tell that Fleur wanted to, so he decided to try.
"Yeah, but you aren't my type."
Harry got down with more bows, and Neville bowed nervously. He was clearly ready to bolt if needed. And was surprised when his approach was accepted. Fleur also curtseyed, but neither of these two were going to ruffle the mounts' feathers!
When their short romantic flight was over, Hermione joined Harry for a short flight back to the barn as planned.
"Thank you all for coming! Thank you! Thank you!" Harry cheered from the air."
Then he escaped to see to Buckbeak's needs and spent a minute alone with Hermione.
To the people leaving, it appeared that the house was getting ready for bed. After a few more dances, most started to leave. By ten o'clock, only a few stragglers were left.
Kingsley started going around one way as Tonks went the other.
"Thank you for coming. The family appreciates your attendance." And they activated the return on the portkey.
After the first couple of 'surprise' departures, the rest waved farewell. Algie and Enid Longbottom finally got the hint but before departing had to add a bit of fireworks to the evening before midnight.
Enid complained with a bit of slurred speech. The elves had only served one glass of wine per place setting but that didn't stop some people from stealing their husband's or their neighbor's serving –or secreting a potent potable upon their own person! The goal had been to not remind Harry of any unhappy drunken 'birthday wishes'.
Enid spouted, "Well, the party I have planned will be better. Salad in the middle of dinner! Who does that! And such tiny portions! I'll go home and get something real to eat. At least OUR house-elf can cook proper food. Mark my words, Neville, you will regret disposing of me as a godmother! At least I'm still your aunt and responsible for your real party tomorrow night.
"I would really like to know how those twins made that wand that makes you look so powerful! It's a trick! You're nothing but a nothing squib with delusions of adea..adaquacksies."
Several people gaped at the vitriol on offer, but it was Kingsley who escorted the woman to the gate, "Begone, and do not return. Neville is of OUR HOUSE. His abusers are not welcome here."
Neville ignored her. He was used to it, and tonight's rant was mild compared to what he was accustomed to.
The woman had not really done much for him, and Darlene had not planned and executed a wonderful party for him, she also bought him a tour of the Kensington private gardens. The botanical curator promised clippings from some of the magical species. A squib that Darlene had treated in the past.
Darlene clearly knew Neville; and he knew she was the reason he had a greenhouse here, after all.
For a time, the party moved to the game room and got noisier. The Greengrasses had taken Astoria home. Torn, Daphne bid Adrian goodnight and left with her sister, but had had a good time and promised to return for swimming and riding the next day. Adrian's mom kissed his cheek and took his little sister home. Hannah and Susan stayed. Terry Boot stayed and grabbed Adrian who had been about to leave.
"Hey, just because Daphne left doesn't mean you have to." Terry stated.
Adrian had been through this enough times that he was starting to believe that he really could be accepted. "Great! I'm glad you're here. Wanna try that foosball thing that Harry has been on about?"
Roger Davies and Cedric Diggory had been unsure if they were young enough to stay, but the Steward of the House was clearly directing those who needed to leave, and waving the younger people to the tables or the game room.
Smiling, they joined Pucey and Boot and joined in the fun.
**OO**
Of course Fleur stayed, wishing her parents goodnight as they joined Lord and Lady Black for a goodnight beverage inside the wards of the house. Her security was lounging around, talking with Harry's. They were mostly there for show at this point.
Neville had danced with several people just to be social. But now that it was just teens, he asked Fleur if she wanted to dance or go to the game room.
She chose dancing for now, but asked if they could go to the game parlor later.
**OO**
Ernie's gran had left long before. Ernie had enjoyed the game room fun with his friends, but a witch had grabbed his hand and asked for a dance before the band packed up for the night. As the dance ended, he saw his chance. Too bad the Wizengamot members weren't here for this big reveal. At least some of their children were. Was she registered? Well, she'd have to be after tonight.
Clarice was going around, handing out party favors to all of the teens. The younger children had gotten theirs already. Seeing the look of cunning on her brother's face, she summoned Jam to take over, and tried to flee to the house.
Ernie wasn't going to let his quarry get away so easily. She had been invisible in the large crowd, but he had kept his eye open for her. He grabbed her arm, and put himself bodily in the way.
"So, you got a job as a house-elf. Even that is too exalted for you! You tried to sell baked goods tainted with your disease. That should have been a crime! Well, I fixed you! Did you know that the incendio charm was on the first year exam? Seamus Finnegan's favorite spell.
"I practiced it on your pathetic little cart! We shouldn't have to put up with you being in regular society!"
Clarice switched to Scots Gaelic, "Please let me pass. You have shared your evil words for all to hear. I ne'er done anything against ye! I sung ye to sleep when ye were a wee bairn. Baked ye sweets. I tried to be a good older sister to ye…"
"Well, you should have DIED!"
Tonks' auror instinct made her look up. Clearly a silencing charm was in effect but the MacMillan boy had grabbed Clarice by the arm. The shout was not heard by others, but she could read lips just fine.
Pushing him aside, Clarice fled into the house. Tonks took care of the snooty boy while Remus tracked Clarice down.
But Tonks had a surprise helper.
**OO**
"Mr MacMillan? You have two choices. Return on your own, or be ejected. I have to warn you that the second choice has consequences. Oh, and don't expect another invitation."
"WHAT? I'm not the one doing anything wrong! She's here, acting like she belongs amongst normal people." Ernie countered.
Neville walked up at that point. Oh no! The guest of honor, in the House of Black, and he was looking very angry.
Ernie tried for the pureblood nod, "Longbottom. Nice party, for the most part. I can't say I appreciate the servants, but that wasn't YOUR fault."
"Are you perchance speaking of Miss MacMillan? She was helping out tonight, passing out party favors that she personally made for me. For my party. How in any way is that a personal insult?"
"She's a werewolf!"
"Really? Are you a complete idiot? The best DADA professor we ever had was a werewolf. They have to take precautions to keep away from others once a month. Do you know that there are some people that need to be locked away every day of the month?
"Which is more dangerous, Mr MacMillan? A werewolf or a Death Eater? I know of at least one at Hogwarts. Who knows how many there really are. Or do you support those people?"
"Ach! O' course not!"
"Your sister, your blood sister, was a victim of the worst of the dark one's attack mutts, and you seem to blame her for the crime. I don't understand you. Our family is giving her love and support. A home. A job."
"She shouldn't be around decent people!" Ernie shouted.
Tonks was tired, and wanted to get back to the party. "She is a very decent person. It's you that is the problem. Your grandparents were here for the dinner and said not one word against her.
"You chose the wrong way. Good night."
Tonks activated his invitation; but this one had a bit of a surprise. She, the prankster that she was, hadn't liked the wee firstie when she was in school.
The family home was on a loch; The portkey returned him home: To the middle of the loch behind it!
Well, these things happen. An insincere note of apology was in her pocket and one of the Pranking Parlor owls swooped down to take it to Scotland at her call.
Neville winked at her, and returned to Fleur's side. Clarice acted as an older sister to both of the boys, and Neville would protect her if Ernie ever tried to speak to her like that again.
He wouldn't put up with the prat!
**OO**
The reduced group of friends left to go to the game room. Billiards, foosball, air hockey. The muggleborns in the group like Dean Thomas and Hermione were familiar with them all. Seamus, whose father ran a pub, had seen some, but not all.
Adrian was particularly good at foosball, causing Harry to narrow his eyes, looking around for a missing Marauder. He wondered just who Remus had recruited to 'test' the new game machines.
The twins had been invited to stay; after all, there were no hard feelings against them. And so, the Weasley boys returned home for a time, and snuck out of their room just after ten to return. They flooed directly to the Pranking Parlor, and then walked over to the game room, grabbing snacks and butterbeer on offer.
Their mother would be by to tuck in the 'slumbering' pranksters back at the Burrow. They'd ask Karr for a 'pop' home, in exchange for a new prank to play on Padfoot or Moony.
All of Harry and Neville's Gryffindor year mates had been invited to come to this part of the party. The boring, stuffy, social one was done; it still had enough of a mix to include the children that made it very different from most of the Ministry functions.
Madam Umbridge's invite along with Fudge's did not show up on their desks until minutes before the party started. Clearly, a mistake was made somewhere. Shame that.
As the teens challenged each other to various contests, Remus had caught up to Clarice. He had seen from a distance the body language of the prat. He would be writing a letter to the Head of House MacMillan. But for now, since Moony wasn't allowed to dismember the boy, he had some comforting to do.
And was about to have a very serio…important conversation.
**OO**
Moony saw much in a few seconds of looking. Drooped shoulders, snuffling, he could practically hear the tears dripping on the carpet.
Why oh why did they have to invite enemies into their home? And why did said enemy have to search her out? This was her home! All pureblood etiquette stated that you avoided unpleasant interactions if all you could do was fight with someone you had to be near.
Now this. Ernie taunting his sister for something that she had no control of? That boy! But now was not the time for anger, but for soothing and comforting.
"I had an idea for your wolf's name. I was reading a book on poetry. I think it was written by one of us. The author was listed as Celeste Luna something. I thought Luna Celeste or just Celeste would fit so well, don't you, my mate?"
"What?" Clarice had heard the words, and felt the sincerity, but, but…
"I know that this is happening too fast, but my inner wolf knew the minute you walked through the floo.
"I've given notice. As of August 15th, I will no longer be Steward of House Black. I want to invent pranks.
"You've seen what I have to do for my job. I can't do this anymore! Forcing mothers to make a choice: leave their homes they've had for years or separate from their dark mark bearing spouse. No more Death Eaters on the previous Malfoy property. There are plenty of jobs for the ladies if they are willing to take the oath and are not marked. Or willing to renounce the dark one if they are marked.
"Sirius doesn't want another Death Eater on any of the family properties. I do understand that. But I see the renters as people. Some of them don't think that they can make it on their own, and want to keep their marriage. I know what it's like to go without. I can't be the bad guy anymore, I won't…But I do have a paying job, I'll be Percy's assistant. Plus I'll be a partner in the Pranking Parlor. You can see that this business is going to succeed.
"Percy's getting ready to quit at the Ministry. You know what a nightmare Umbridge is! Interfering with the dementors isn't the worst thing! He'll let me do the tasks I like best, and he'll be the Prefect we all know and trust to get people doing what they should. Like pay their rents.
"I have a job. I can support us even without your salary. We can continue to live here with the family, or break out on our own. But I love you. I want to marry you. Your wolf IS my mate. She'd told me that by the way we woke up together after the full moon.
"Say yes. Be mine."
Moony wasn't on one knee, it wasn't the wolf way. Eye to eye, heart to heart.
"Celeste, aye, that is a beautiful name. And it might be fast for some, but like ye, I knew as well. I'll marry ye, but I don't want a fancy do. Let's run to Gretna Green ere the next moon. I'll invite me mam. You can invite yer family. I'll be yours, and you'll be mine."
"And you'll help me prank? You know, on the side."
"Aye, but not right now, not till Harry's done with Project Astoria, and not anything that hurts another."
Remus pulled her to him, their first kiss in this form. Fred and George had gone outside to set up fireworks and 'accidentally' set off a practice one.
It formed a heart with an arrow through it. F & N.
"They got our initials wrong," Remus pointed out.
"Well, they only earned three OWLs each. What did ye expect?" Clarice teased.
The balcony they were on overlooked the lovely garden, and the other teens were now exploding out of the gameroom to see the display.
Seats were being taken as the fireworks started for real. Nearby neighbors had been warned that this would be happening.
The horses were in a protected barn, along with the other livestock. The lights of the fireworks illuminated the sky.
But it was the first heart that had shone a light on Fleur and Neville having already snuck out of the game room to share their first very 'adult' kiss.
As Remus proposed to Clarice, Neville was asking Fleur to be his girlfriend.
And both ladies replied in the affirmative, leaving the males' hearts doing pinwheels like the fireworks in the sky.
**OO**
A/N: Recommended Story: your story recommendation here!
A/N: Recommended Story: Gentle, Kind, Patient Beta MelJ, my beta, recommends TomHRichardson A Scene I Would Like To See
And we are going to disappoint him again. Maybe we should write an omake? Hmm.
ƺ parseltongue
₲ galleons
₰ sickles
ķ knuts
Ɠ Goblin language