Greetings here we are at the Third year of the Retold saga. Things will start going off the canon rails this year as we fly off into my own imagination. As always my name is Rahmota not Rowling. I do not own these characters, world or situations. I do not make any money off of this and claim fair use under parody or other creatiuve uses liscence.

========WARNING=======

This year contains sex, violence, death, sexual deviency, and bad language. While we will still be using a relaxed version of the Hays Code we will be drifting close to the edges in some of it.

The Quintet came out of the floo at Longbottom Dowager House. It was a late evening and Madam Longbottom was waiting on them.

"I'm sorry I didn't meet you at the station I just got back myself. This has been a rather hectic week. There is a new Undersecretary at the Ministry and she is causing troubles."

"Oh what kind of troubles?"

"The hateful kind. She is a rather nasty piece of work. Calls her bigotry reforms for public safety. And that Malfoy is right there nodding politely and all civilized reasonableness." She huffed.

"Oh well. That's not going to be good." Harry grumped.

"Probably not. Well go and get cleaned up for dinner. Then to bed with you all. Lavender, Hermione your parents will be here tomorrow evening."

"yes ma'am."

=====xxxxx=====

The Quintet had settled down to dinner with Augusta still in a mood. Apparently the new undersecretary came in like a wrecking ball wanting to change everything. Which while some of her ideas gave the blood supremacists the warm fuzzies some of it even made them say she was going too far too fast.

One of particular concern to them would affect their friend Remus Lupin. It had originally been an anti-half breeds bill but the committees had managed to wear it down to merely being an anti-werewolf legislation. It would prevent them from working around children, the invalid or elderly. They would have to register their residence with the ministry and show proof that they would be secured on each full moon, unable to leave. If they failed to do so they would be locked into a facility for the public safety. It was all due to the claim the undersecretary was making that werewolves were dangerous and infectious beasts. That they could not be trusted or allowed to roam

"But that's wrong. They're only dangerous on the night of the full moon. Its a magical curse not some kind of disease. And even if it was evidence shows it would be a bloodborne pathogen not something you could casually get."

"Yes Miss Granger. That is a rational argument even a child should understand. However this is politics. Rational thought rarely enters this arena, and when it does it is hunted down and brutally killed for sport."
"I trust Remus Lupin."

"Oh so do I Harry. Once a month he has a problem with his temper. That is certainly better than many a so called gentleman I know."

"So what will happen if this stuff passes?" Lavender asked in concern.

"A group of people who have done nothing more criminal than get infected by an incurable disease will get punished by a government that is rapidly sliding downhill into a totalitarian regime." Augusta flatly said. "The blood purists are on her side. Calling werewolves a taint and a stain that must be removed and protected against."

"Of course they are. Little prats like Draco Malfoy are..." Neville didn't finish his comment except under his breath realizing he was about to start a tirade in front of his gramma. He stabbed his pork chop viciously glaring at it as if he could somehow transfer the cuts to Draco.

Augusta chuckled. "You turn out more and more like your father everyday Neville. He would agree with you. When he gets better he's going to be quite proud of you."

Neville nodded "yes Gramma."

Harry and the others knew that the prognosis of Frank and Alice was that Maybe if Merlin or Morgana Le fey themselves came back they could be cured but nothing short of that. They didn't say anything though out of politeness to Augusta's deeply rooted desire that her son and his wife would someday walk out of the hospital on their own.

The rest of the meal was quiet and only a few minor comments passed around before they parted to relax.

Sitting in the upstairs lounge Neville was sprawled on the couch with Lavender sitting on the floor resting her head on his stomach. Harry and Hermione were sitting together in a nearby overstuffed chair while Luna laid on the floor. Her head on Lavender's legs. None of them talked much until Neville sighed deeply expressing the general mood, "It's all going to end in a war again isn't it?"

Luna sighed sadly. A low exhalation that held pain and melancholy in it. "No doubt. It doesn't take a seer to recognize the patterns. The ministry is infected, society is being complacent and ignoring the threats, Malfoy and the others were probably involved with what happened to Ginny. That is without even taking into account Harry's prophecy and the fact that we know for certain that Voldemort is still around."

"Well this is fun." Lavender stated sarcastically.

"I know I'm sorry. I just got thinking." Neville said stroking Lavender's hair.
"You got brooding. That's Harry's shtick" Lavender.

"I do not brood."

"Dear Victor Frankenstein is less broody that you are."

"I ponder things very deeply."
Luna chuckled than sang, "Harry Broods, Neville has his moods, Hermione reasons and Lavender feels. Good thing I'm the sane one of the group."

"If you're the sane one then angels and minsters of grace preserve us."
They laughed hollowly briefly. "I wonder how Ginny's doing?"

"Probably okay I hope. Fred and George said they'd keep an eye on her and Ron's taking it pretty serious that he almost got her killed."

"Well he better."

"He will. I think it finally got through to him."

Lavender made a growl of frustration getting up to straddle Neville on the couch. "Look I'm tired of all this serious and depressing talk. Everyday all day for the last year I was worried. Worried I was going to die, you were going to die. That something bad was going to happen. Now we are here at home and safe. I want this place to be happy. I don't want to feel afraid here. I want to feel happy, and loved and safe. We are going to see thing get much worse before they get better. And I want one place, just one place were I can relax and let my guard down and be a happy teenager. Is that too much to ask?"

Everyone stared at her including Neville who was underneath her looking up. She was breathing hard, chest heaving and a serious frown on her face. He started chuckling, "ok. I think that can be arranged." he reached up and grabbed her breasts through her shirt, "Is that making you feel happy?"

"Well sort of. Although I think I can feel you're certainly getting happy." Lavender purred after a few seconds of Neville's ministrations.

"In that case if you'd like to retire to my chambers madam we can discus our mutual happiness."

Wriggling her bottom Lavender leaned forward with her hands on Neville's shoulders, "Oh don't want an audience?"

Neville chuckled shyly "Uh I wouldn't want to show Harry up."

"Oh really? Do I detect someone thinking they have a big wand?"

Picking Hermione up and flinging her over his shoulder causing her to squawk in surprise. Harry said, "Alright that's my cue to leave. I'm not getting into that competition. You two have fun."
Lavender leaned down and began kissing Neville on the lips. His hands sliding down her back to her backside.

Luna watched for a moment before following Harry with a mildly protesting Hermione quipping, "I think they will."

=====xxxxx=====

Reaching Harry's bedroom he tossed Hermione on the bed. Climbing in beside her he chuckled "Sorry just I've seen Neville in the dorms. Good thing my ego is secure."
Hermione huffed with her arms across her chest. Then she raised her eyebrow and looked at Harry with a curious expression. He held his hands up a few inches apart. Luna and Hermione whistled appreciatively.

"Well I guess she'll have to get Neville a different birthday gift." Luna sighed.

"Yeah I know. You'll still wait for your birthday Harry." Hermione declared.

"Uh yeah. What exactly are you talking about?"

Hermione smirked, "Lavender, Luna and I were going to give you guys our virginity for your birthday. We had been talking and apparently that rite they tried on Ginny can only work on a virgin so it would do two things at once, protect us from that, and uh. Well. Yeah." She stopped talking blushing furiously.

"It would satisfy a growing urge to have sexual relations with you." Luna sighed into his chest hugging him.
"Oh uh well yeah. Okay."
"You do want to have sex with us Harry?"

"Well yeah. I'm a healthy hormonal teenage male of course I do. You're both good looking females. I'd have to play for Ron's team not to."

"Oh good my nipples explode with delight at that thought Harry." Luna wriggled in beside him.

"Hey back off blondie you said he's mine first."
"Oh I know but there are other things we can do until his birthday. Some of them we can do together to him."

Hermione got a happy grin. "True. And I do have a new spell I want to try."

Harry got a very concerned look at that. "Uh what spell is that."
Getting her wand out of her belt Hermione grinned widely, "Oh don't worry Harry. It won't hurt you. I think. Nudaria" She declared with a twirl and flick of her wand.

Harry felt his clothes suddenly dissolve and heard a thump to his left as they re-materialized three feet away..

Hermione whistled then giggled in delight. "Oh yeah. It worked. Nice."

"What the hell was that?" Harry said glancing down to confirm that the cool breeze he felt indicated everything was bare and exposed. Luna's hungry smile apparently indicated she liked the view.

"That was an interesting spell that Angelina Johnson taught me. It relocates all of your target's clothing 3 feet to their left. Glasses, prosthetics and stuff attached like jewelry or magic items are not removed though."

Harry started laughing, "Well that's cool. So you like what you see?"

Hermione made a production out of studying him. Putting her wand on the nightstand she slid her fingers down his chest into the furry area at the base of his shaft. Taking it in hand she purred, "Oh I definitely like."

Harry began to lose track of time as his mind reeled he felt the difference between Hermione and Luna's hands as they took turns stroking him into oblivion. He made a strangled groan of Hermione's name before he exploded.

Hermione chuckled, "Well that was certainly messy."

Luna agreed, "And salty."

"Well I told you to move your face."

"I was curious as it was twitching."

"Well if you're going to get that close you might want to do this." Hermione said bending down so that her hair brushed over Harry's thighs. His sharp intake of breath was followed by low moans which lasted for several moments. Another strangled cry and Hermione was choking and gagging breaking the mood briefly.

"Okay I see what mom meant. I guess that's going to take some practice."
Harry opened one eye to look at Hermione, "You talked to your mom about, uh, this?"

"Well yeah Harry I wanted to clarify some of the things I read in the book. So I asked someone with some experience."

"Oh. Uh you know you guys are way overdressed for this party."

Luna slid out of bed, got naked and was back in bed before Harry was done talking, "I thought you'd never ask."

Hermione was a bit slower but stood outside the bed blushing to the tips of her breasts. "So uh do you like what you see?" She asked bashfully.

"Well come here and I'll show you just how much I like it."

"Now remember you don't get to put it in until your birthday."

"I can deal with that. So uh. Shall we see if I can do as a good a job with the two of you as you did me?"

=====xxxxx=====

Habin the Longbottom house elf was going through the teen's wing of the house making sure everything was secure when he thought he heard something from the young master's bedroom. Peeking into the room invisibly he saw that young master and the girl named Lavender were engaged in human mating practices. Confirming that she was protected by a potion he made a note to Shurla the laundry elf to make sure that she used care to get blood stains out of the sheets.

Deciding to check on the other three he found them in the other young master's quarters. The three of them engaged in their own physically active practices he made a nother note to Shurla.

When Habin entered the upstairs lounge he found Daras and Tilo cleaning the couch, picking clothes up and generally straightening the room. Laughing about how the humans mated like wild animals until they noticed Habin when they snapped to attention.

He inspected the couch seeing that the upholstery was cleaned and nodding to the other two he left them to their work. A proper head elf knowing when to scold and when to over look certain traits. He made note to the morning staff to wait until the young humans had arisen and dressed as they may continue their mating practices into the morning after sleeping. He had not been here when the current young master's parents had first married but the tales some of the elders had told of their stamina, their inventiveness had impressed Habin. He was still trying to figure out how, much less why, they would have performed that act on the ceiling of the dining hall.

After one last inspection of the house, including looking in on the young master who had finally fallen asleep tangled with his young betrothed, he told the night staff their tasks and then retired for the night himself.

======xxxxx=====

Harry woke up the next morning incredibly relaxed and happy. He had two beautiful girls in the bed with him and any worries and cares were miles away. He chuckled and stroked Luna's silken silvery blonde hair then breathed in the honeysuckle scent of Hermione's thicker brown wavy locks.

The skin on skin contact was definitely stirring things up but he was content to just lay there and luxuriate in the sensations. The things that had happened last night still lingered on his tongue.

He felt a small hand wrap itself around his member and gently grip. "Good morning Luna."
"Good morning Harry. It seems you're ready again."
"Uh yeah. But you don't have to."
"I know. That's why its always so nice to be with you and Neville. Neither one of you expect us to be anything other than who we are." She said slowly moving her hand.

"I swear Luna there are times I wonder just how old you really are." Harry said groaning a bit causing Hermione to open her eyes and watch Luna.

"I am old enough to know what I need to know."
Hermione purred and stretched. Rubbing her body along Harry's. "If you say so Luna. I think you're cheating somehow but we love you anyhow."
Neither saw the small smile on her face as Harry enjoyed her slow ministrations.

======xxxxx=====

By the time the five had awoken, cleaned and dressed it was mid morning. Habin informed Neville that Augusta had already departed for continued discussions at the Wizengamut. And brought them the post. Business completed the five casually strolled out to enjoy the sunshine on the grounds.

Lavender was walking a little bit awkwardly but had a very major grin plastered on her face. When they got to their tree the five of them sprawled out underneath or in it.

"So you seem to have survived your night Lavender. Although you'll have to get him something else for his birthday."
"Yeah I know but it was worth it." She sighed in a happy tone.

Neville chuckled and pulled her closer in a tight hug. "Yeah it was. I think this'll do quite nicely though."

Luna flipped back onto the ground kneeling before Neville, "So you wouldn't like Hermione or I to provide you with sexual gratification."

Neville stared at her for long seconds blinking slowly. "You mean you're actually serious about that trading and sharing stuff?"

"Yes. As pleasant as Harry was last night I am curious about your physical attributes and taste. Even if there might be some danger from your immense size."

Lavender giggled and shook her head, "Neville is big but I'm not sure I would use the word immense. But yeah I guess I'm kinda curious about Harry's too."
Neville looked at Lavender then turned to Hermione who was sitting beside Harry quietly. "What about you two?"

Harry shrugged, "I wouldn't use the word immense to describe you either."
"No I mean the sharing thing." Neville glared at Harry briefly.

Harry looked at Hermione who was biting her lip. "I have no real opinion guys. I'm just happy to have people who love me and want to be with me. Even if just by knowing me you put your lives in mortal peril."

Hermione held her hand up to speak as Neville started to say something, "First off yes Neville I am comfortable with the idea of sharing between the five of us. And just the five of us. We have known each other for three years now. But in those three years we have almost died several times, been there to rescue, care and take care of each other more than some adults. So yes I am comfortable saying that I love all of you and consider you my family. Secondly Harry we choose to put ourselves in mortal peril because we love you and you are in mortal peril. We can't let you face that alone."

Luna was nodding vigorously, "We are not normal people. We are not going to have normal lives. Why should our love life be any different?"

Neville looked at all of them in confusion, "I thought you was just joking. I mean Harry you'd really be okay with me having sex with Hermione?"

"If she is. I don't own her."

"Ok. Well. I just. I dunno. Gramma never talked about this kind of stuff."

Harry nodded, "Yeah I know. The Dursley's were not exactly the most open at talking about feelings either. But you know there have been hints that our parents might have been a lot closer than just friends."
Lavender sighed, "Too bad Mr Lupin didn't talk about it."
"Maybe he didn't know. I do know someone we could ask."
"Oh who?"

"My father. Mother and your mother Harry placed their magical energies in your heart. That meant they had to work closely together to create that ritual. That sort of closeness can sometimes have an effect on the people involved." Luna explained.

"Yeah besides I'm sure you'd like to visit your dad."
"Yes father does need someone to check on him from time to time. He can be rather forgetful."

=====xxxxx=====

Arriving at the Rookery via the floo they found Xenophilus in his basement printing shop. He greeted them warmly.

"Ahh Moonbeam. Welcome home. I'm glad to see you brought your lovers with you."

"Yes father. Have you had lunch yet?"

"No I was going to eat breakfast first."
"What day is it?"
"Tuesday?" he said tentatively.

"That was yesterday father. I will prepare lunch." She turned and walked back up the stairs.

"Oh well. I really enjoy Tuesdays but I guess its gone now. Well I must get this issue finished. Here have a copy." He said sliding one off of a stack and handing it to Harry.

"Uh thanks sir. I'll go help Luna with the food." Harry politely said noticing that the others had already gone back upstairs.

"Oh yes. I suppose it must be getting about that time by now."
=====xxxxx=====

Going into the kitchen Harry found Luna, Lavender and Hermione working on lunch. So after ensuring they had it under control he sat down looking at the Quibbler issue. Headlines like Severed leg hops to hospital, How to tell if you have psychic powers, toilet turns into dimensional portal, Failed spell leaves woman with three breasts, and Ministry using inferi as slave labor splayed across the luridly colored cover.

"Luna are you sure your dad's okay? He seemed a bit spacier than normal."

"He usually gets this way when he is getting a new issue out. I'm just glad the Quibbler is every two weeks instead of weekly like it used to be when mother helped him with it."

"Oh. Well is there anything we can do to help?"

Luna shrugged, "He usually remembers to eat or drink eventually. And the printing press is enchanted with safety features and automation so all he has to do is make sure the paper feed and ink hoppers are filled and the printed issues are moved to the outflow. So he doesn't have to get near the machine other than that."

There was a bell ring at the front door which surprised all of them. Harry set the Quibbler down asking, "You expecting company?"

"I have no idea Harry. We just got here ourselves."
"Yeah okay. Neville." Harry said with a nod of head. The two of them arriving at the door just as the person knocked again.

Peeking through the window they saw a middle aged woman, slightly plump with long graying brown hair back in a pony tail.

Opening the door Harry smiled at the lady "Hello, can we help you?"
"Oh. You must be friends of Xeno's daughter Luna. Hello. I'm Mary Wellston from the village. Xeno hadn't come down to the pub for a few days so I came by to check on him."
"Oh uh yeah. Well he's kinda busy at the moment."
"Oh printing that nifty little broadsheet of his. That's right. It is due out. May I come in?"
"Certainly Mary. Hello. I'm sorry for the boys they are a bit protective of me. They somehow think I'm going to drift off and fly away one of these days." Xeno said coming over and giving the woman a quick hug and peck on the cheek as he led her inside.

"My daughter and her friends are making lunch. Fried eggplant with honey and home baked bread.

"Oh so they're back from that school of theirs?"
"Oh yes. The year ended though I'm sure they'll be off on a multitude of other adventures. Plus my moonbeam and I will be visiting Denmark this year. Another wildlife hunt. I have a good lead this time on the snorckacks."
Hermione almost dropped the baking pan hearing Xeno mention that creature in front of an obviously muggle woman.

"Oh careful there dearie. You don't want to get burned."

=====xxxxx=====

They enjoyed their lunch with Ms Wellston. It seems she was a local shop owner in the village that had taken a bit of fancy to Xenophilus having met at the pub. Finding him eccentric and amusing she stopped to check on him every few days and make sure he was eating and taking care of himself. She found the quintet quite nice and was happy to have met them by the time she departed.

=====xxxxx=====

"Father you do know she is a muggle right?"
"Oh yes. She's not even a squib. But I won't hold that against her."
"Yes but if you get caught revealing the existence of magic to her you could get into serious trouble."
"But I haven't revealed magic to her. I haven't revealed anything to her. At least not that she would notice or tell from technology. The muggles are advancing quite rapidly. Did you know they have small devices that allow them to communicate with each other over great distances? Some of them are even beginning to incorporate cameras. Eventually it will be a moot point and our world will be exposed. Muggles and magicals will walk openly together little moonbeam."

"Yes I know father. But that is in the future right now it is still a criminal offense. You could get in serious trouble."
Waving his hand he laughed, "I'm fine I haven't performed any magic in front of her."

"But talking about snorckacks in front of her."

"She doesn't know what they are and thinks I'm just a charming eccentric. A hippie left over from the seventies."
Hugging him Luna sighed, "I know I just worry about you father."

"I know my little moonbeam but you are moving on with your life and I have to move on with mine. It'll be alright. Just trust me."

"I do father. Its the rest of the world I wonder about."

"You can trust your lovers here."
"I do. They are family. You are family. I always trust family."
"Then trust me little moonbeam. Now I better get those issues out to the subscribers and stores. Then we can sit down and talk."
After he went back downstairs Hermione hugged Luna "Hey he'll be okay I'm sure. Right?"

Sighing Luna smiled. "Yeah he will be."

=====xxxxx=====

Sitting in the living room of the house Xeno was a lot more relaxed with his magazine sent out and the group talking with him about things. Eventually Harry came to the point he had wanted to bring up.

"Uh Xeno sir. Did you know if my parents ever fooled around with other people. Like maybe your wife or the Longbottoms."

Xeno stared at Harry for a moment then a slow sad smile crept across his face tentatively lingered for a moment in his eyes then faded. He sighed deeply then nodded. "Ahh yes. A bit. You have to understand the war was at its peak. The Death Eaters seemed to be unstoppable. We had all grown up under that cloud, pure-blood, half-blood, muggle-born it didn't matter. It was us versus them. You were either on their side or going to die. We embraced life and all that it entails. If some of us shared our bodies with people we were not married to then it was all in the spirit of providing comfort and reassurances that life was still a viable option."
Harry looked at Neville who was staring in confusion at Xeno, "You mean you know that my mom and dad slept with others?"
"There were a few Beltanes or other pagan rituals were we were skyclad and things happened. If you are concerned that you are not your fathers son I can reassure you that Alice, Pandora and Lily all took very strident measures to ensure that they only got pregnant by their husbands. They were powerful women. Skilled witches. They delved deep into the secrets of Hecate's soul and learned things about the divine feminine magics that no man may know. Powers of love, sex and body. Knowledge that with their deaths are lost once more. Except for what bit little Luna was taught by her mother."
The four looked at their blonde companion who was sitting quietly on the floor next to her father. She smiled her Mona Lisa smile and shrugged apologetically. "Mother only taught me some of the easier things. How to sense, how to touch my magic. I've tried to learn from her notes but it is difficult."

"Can we help you Luna?" Hermione almost begged. The thought of new knowledge an almost addictive thrill.

Luna smiled, "I was hoping you would but we have to be close. We have to form a coven of witches."

Lavender suddenly smiled in realization, "That's one of the reasons you're...Ohh okay."
Neville was looking back and forth between the girls with an increasingly perplexed and agitated expression. "Could someone explain. Please."

"A coven. We would be sisters, lovers, partners. We would share everything between us and our magic would begin to work together to make our spells stronger. That's what Harry's, Luna's and your mother formed. The power of three working together. Three being the most practical and powerful of the magical numbers." Lavender explained.

"Which is why you would be okay with the sharing of me and Neville?"
"5 is a highly powerful and significant number. The five elements, the five senses, five parts of the body. So the five of us." Hermione explained.

"Yes 3,5 7 and 9 are in many ways the most powerful of all the magical numbers. 3 being the mystical triangle the three phases of the lord and the lady, five for the five elements, 7 for the 7 virtues and sins. And 9 is three threes." Xenophilus proudly stated. "So if you form a coven that will let you guys practice better magic, be better in tune with each other."
"Traditionally men are not allowed in such covens but modern traditions have changed and evolved over time. I was hoping that the five of us would be able to form one. That will improve all of us." Luna explained.
Xeno chuckled, "Now who is pushing the envelope moonbeam?"

"I know father but it feels right. I cannot envision a world without them in my life as part of me and I as part of them."

"I know moonbeam. I know. You are your mother's daughter. You walk the path of the candle."
"Yes father. I do. We are facing darkness. Some corners may have to be cut to ensure the world comes out of this. Change is coming though ."
"The winds have spoken of it. The others are moving."

Neville raised his eyebrow at Harry who shrugged. Hermione was in her data recording mode while Lavender was trying to pay attention and figure out what they were talking about.

Luna looked at her companions. "I had better take them to the library and show them at least the basics."
"You haven't shared the body yet or formed the coven so yes the basics will do. Harry is already a child of fate. Neville is as well. So they should know. You are facing perilous times ahead."
"I am not scared father. Neither are Lavender or Hermione."

"I know. But I am a father. I worry."

"I know. It is because you love."
=====xxxxx=====

The Library was a round room on the mid level of the rook. It filled the entire floor and had books floor to ceiling. Wide short windows gave plenty of natural light without exposing the books to too much light. In the center of the room was a circle of comfortable chairs with lamps next to them that could be used to read or converse. The five settled in the chairs looking to Luna to begin.

"What do you know of the ancient world Hermione?"
"I have a feeling not as much as I thought I did."

Luna sighed then began, "We are living in the 8th age of the world. There have been seven ages before now. The first age was the age of creation. When the gods formed the worlds. Only they were lonely. So they created the races. Humans, Elves, Dwarves, Goblins and all the others. They lived together in peaceful harmony. In balance with each other and the land. Everyone had magic and used it to benefit the world. This was the second age. Only there were those who did not feel the same. They felt they should have more than the others, they should rule. They took the ones like the dragons who were to protect the balance and perverted them. They became the destroyers, the darkness. Evil rose and the first murders took place. Death had come as part of life but this was outside of the cycle. That was the third age. When darkness seemed to conquer the land there arose mighty heroes, beings who rallied the remaining forces of light and drove back the evil. They slew many evil creatures and rebuilt the world. The utopia of before was gone but they strove to build a new one. This was the age of heroes and the fourth age."
"Atlantis, Lemuria, Thule the ancient empires arose from this. The greatest of heroes becoming their first emperors. These empires lived in peace and prosperity. They researched powerful magics. Magics that could have torn the world asunder. That allowed them to pull back the curtains of reality, walk between the worlds. This was the fifth age. The Empires fell to hubris. Each thinking they had a better right to rule the worlds. To rule over the gods themselves. This did not sit well with them and they smote the empires. Atlantis was shattered and sunk below the ocean. The cataclysm lasted for a thousand years and this was the sixth age. The races that remained rebuilt and arose again. Magic was shattered and far weaker. People remembered that magic had destroyed the world. So it was reserved and made the special domain of the priests, of the sorcerers. Or it was driven under ground int o the witches. The ancient world as we called it was the seventh age. With the rise of technology and order and science magic was derided as evil, as unnatural, as something to be destroyed. Witches were hunted and killed in the name of religion, in the name of peace and protecting society. We had to go underground. This is the eighth world, our world."

When she fell silent Neville gave a low whistle. "Wow Luna. How do you know all this?"

"My mother. She was a descendant of the old families. The remains of those who carried the sacred flame from the first age. A daughter of Atlantis. When she died I was. I was in her mind. She had been teaching me to touch our minds, its a lot easier when you love and trust someone. And she died. I saw. I saw everything. I saw the past, the future. Other worlds. I saw too much and it almost shattered me. Even father doesn't know everything I saw. I don't understand everything I saw."
Neville got up and pulled Luna into a tight hug. Holding her while she cried gently. After a few minutes she sighed and pulled back. Giving him a kiss on the lips she said, "Thank you Neville."

"Anytime. So this coven thing. What's the pros and cons?"

Pulling back Luna stood in the middle of them. "The pros are we would be joined by magic as a family, as lovers, as partners. We would be joined in ways that are hard to define. Our magic would be stronger and more under our control. Our minds would be more protected from outsiders. There would be things that a single witch or wizard cannot do."
"And the cons?" Hermione asked.

"It would mark us to the darkness. We could not hide to those who know the signs that we are joined. Our bonds could be used against us by them. Not just the darkness because we would be using magic differently the ministry would be concerned about us. We would feel each other stronger, which means if one of us died or worse it would affect all of us. Its kinda difficult to explain without a common frame of reference."

"That's okay Luna. I think we can figure it out. So it doesn't sound like its too much different than what we've already got and been doing. Just maybe a few minor upgrades I guess."
Hermione and Lavender agreed, "Yeah. I'm in."

"Neville?"

"You have to be fully willing. You can't have any reservations or resistance."
"I'm. I'm in. Although I'm still not doing anything sexual with Harry."

Harry pouted, "Aww really and that was one of my wildest dreams."

Luna and the girls laughed, "Alright very funny mister. But we wouldn't expect you to if you didn't want to. Free will is one of the greatest gifts the gods gave us." Luna said in between giggles.

"So what do we have to do to form this coven?"
"Well we can do the ritual after we have shared our bodies. You and Harry do not have to share with each other just the coven leader."

"Oh and who's that?" Neville asked.

Luna bit her lip and looked embarrassed. "I was hoping you would agree for it to be me."
"Well since you're the one who orchestrated us all getting together and have set all this up I have no problem. You guys?"

The rest of the group all agreed that Luna was the best choice for that.

=====xxxxx=====

Dinner that night at the Longbottom estate included Xenophilus, the Browns and the Grangers.

"So pumpkin hows it going?"

"Great."

"So you tell Harry about the trip or is this going to be one of those rip the plaster off things."
"Well uh it hasn't exactly come up."
"I highly doubt that." Daniel said sotto voice while wiggling his eyebrows causing Hermione to blush and Luna and Lavender to giggle. Harry and Neville merely enjoyed their soup.

Augusta chuckled, "From what I recall the Chateau Delacour is right on the beach is it not?"
"Oh yeah. You can see everything from your balcony."

"Oh that is quite a stimulating view."

"Gramma?"

"Your grandfather and I visited there for our honeymoon back in the early fifties. It was a glorious time to visit France. Things were changing so fast. The signs of the war still existed but they were building over them. The old guard didn't like that but they were afraid of being painted with the same brush Grindelwald was. It all was such an exciting and heady time. We went through Paris but it was dirty and too chaotic. The med though. OH it was so beautiful. The water, the sun and sand. Sunsets, sunrises."

"Wow. That sounds so romantic."

"It was."

"Dan and I first went there in the 70s. We've been back several times. The last was the same year Hermione got her letter."

"Yeah that was fun."
"So Xeno have you ever been there?"
"No Pandora and I preferred the Isle Du Levant. It is much smaller and more friendly. Plus there is a large wizarding enclave on there. I have a painting that was done there when we were first married."

"Like the paintings at school?" Lavender asked.

"No sadly not quite. I was young and not quite as flush with money as I am today. And Pablo worked cheap. The spells, magical paints and enchantments of the canvas to create a magically moving and aware painting is not cheap"
"Pablo?"
"Yes some chap named Pablo Picasso. He was visiting the island and was struck by Pandora's beauty. He begged to paint her. I felt rather bad for the man as it was obvious he had little skill. I have it hanging in the bedroom at home. I think I gave him 10 or 12 francs for it."
Dan stopped eating and stared for several long seconds before Emma poked him, "Of course. You have a Pablo Picasso painting of your wife. Nice of course."

Charles Brown sighed, "You will find that we are not much different than any other people Daniel. We appreciate art. Those of us with the means and ability have a few odds and ends that have been in the family for a few decades or so. We have a Matisse and a Van Gogh in our collection."

Neville shrugged, "There's a few Rembrandts up at the main house. And some other statues by the Statue of Liberty guy in the garden."

"Oh okay. Suddenly I feel very common."

"Oh don't worry. You're among friends. 3 years and you just now found out about this. Now someone like Malfoy he collects things to flaunt his wealth and power. If you go five minutes without him pointing it out you've not paid attention. You know some of the missing works of art in the muggle world? Go to Malfoy Manor and look around."

"Lovely."

=====xxxxx=====

Getting ready for bed Harry was surprised to find Lavender come into his room. "UH Lav hi."
"Hi Harry." She said slipping her robe off and climbing under the covers. "You okay?"
"Uh yeah. Nice gown."
"Thanks. I like it."

"So I take it Hermione and Luna are with Neville?"

"Yes and she has better self control than I do so don't worry. Besides Luna's there."

"Uh okay. Cool." Harry said crawling under the covers with her. "This is so weird I am going to have to get used to this."
"Oh maybe I can give you a hand then."

=====xxxxx=====

The next day Hermione went home with her parents to spend some time with her family as well as Lavender and Luna. Hermione suggested that everyone work on their studies and practice. So it was back into the routine.

Fergus MacGregor moved over to twice a week lessons. Pushing them harder now that they did not have the distractions of their classes.

"You're getting much better there Neville. High parry then then slash. Harry you are doing good too. You need to riposte and roll. You're using Bonetti's Defense. Its for a light blade which means you use your attackers force against them. Move the blade away from you not swat it. If I attack you with Cap Ferro what do you use to defend with?"

"Thiabault?" Harry panted as Fergus flipped his sword from his right hand into his left.

"Yes, Yes very good."

=====xxxxx=====

Hermione was enjoying a hot shower after her own physical workout. Her dad had set up some boxing equipment in the basement along with some weights. Supposedly to fight his middle age spread but Hermione took advantage of them for her own workouts. Lavender had said she was doing something similar on the estate. Having a running path and helping with some of the more physically demanding chores. Her long legs definitely firming up due to the running and stairs they had at the school.

The doorbell rang interrupting her musings. Grumbling as her parents were not due back from work yet she decided to ignore it. The paper had only said she was a muggle-born not where she lived. And as muggles outnumbered magicals the odds of being found by one was lower than low. The doorbell rang again only this time it was the five notes from Close Encounters. She knew that was Luna's ring as they had set it up if she ever had to come over and signal she was there.

Hermione wrapped herself in a towel and pulled on her robe. Picking her wand up just in case. She made her way downstairs, peeking out the side window she saw Luna standing on her front stoop with Ginny beside her. Hermione unlocked the door enough to hiss, "Who is bigger?"
"Neville's bigger but Harry tastes better." Luna answered with a grin. Ginny just looked dazed and confused.

Hermione opened the door and ushered them in. Both of them were dressed in regular teen clothes, although Luna's were a bit eclectic with Combat boots, bright yellow leggings and an emerald green sundress with a tan traveling bag over her shoulder comprising her outfit. "What's going on? Is everything ok?"

"No not really. I needed out. I had to get out of that place. I was feeling like I was suffocating." Ginny cried pacing. "Its too crowded there. And Ron keeps trying to make it up to me by being really nice to me for what he did. And mom just keeps staring at me and crying. I don't know what to do?"
"Have you seen your mind healer yet?"
"Yeah this morning. He seems nice I guess. But I just. I feel so weird."

"Its understandable. Let me go get dressed and I'll be back down and we can talk and just hang out okay?"

"Thanks Hermione. I didn't know where else to go."

=====xxxxx=====

Severus Snape was also pacing in his modest abode. He was deciding how to best approach the person he was going to contact. Albus had asked him to try and get back into their graces after almost a decade but their parting had not been entirely amicable. Although it was in the chaos after the fall of their dark master so he should be able to claim he had to act that way. Yes that was the tack he would take.

Throwing some floo powder into his fireplace he called out "Narcissa Malfoy Malfoy Manor."
A few moments later the glowing green head of Narcissa formed in the smoke of the coals.

"Ahh Severus. It has been quite a long time with no contact. So why now so suddenly?"
"I probably shouldn't discus this over the floo network. That old fool at the castle may have friends. You know how well the ministry is at keeping secrets."

Chuckling the smirk on the woman's face gave Severus a small chill which he clamped down with his emotional control. "Oh yes. The ministry is such a tightly run ship. All the caulking has come out."

"Be that as it may I would like to speak with you."
"Is that ALL you want to do Sev?" She said licking her lips.

Raising his eyebrow he gave a half cocked grin. "Well if the offer is still available I would be a fool to deny it."
"Ohh you are many things Severus Snape but a fool is not one of them. Give me 30 minutes to get ready. You're still at your flat in Cokeworth?"
"Yes I left the castle as soon as I could."

"Alone?"

Sighing deeply, "As always Narcissa."

"Well not for much longer. I'll contact you when I'm ready."

The head faded out and the coals went dark. Severus frowned it seemed that Narcissa had not changed much over the years. He had better clean off the bed.

=====xxxxx=====

The tall blonde haired woman with dark roots that walked out of the floo looked around the room casually brushing the dirt off of her red silk dress that buttoned up the front, only so far. It showed a rather unhealthy amount of cleavage that was supported by black corset. Yes Severus thought she had not changed much at all.

"Ahh Severus still such humble trappings. Too bad the pay for a professor at Hogwarts is so low."
"I am comfortable Cissa. I have simple needs."
"And now one of your needs has flared its head again?" She said casually sitting in one of his chairs. Crossing her long legs demurely, yet in such a way that her tall leather boots were quite on display.

"Not entirely. Dumbledore wants me to make contact with the old group and be his pet spy. He's confused and frightened by the last couple of years. He doesn't know what the darkness is doing."
"Oh such a pity. And you want us to trust you after confessing that to me?"

He shrugged, "You can trust me or not it is irrelevant to myself. As for Dumbledore he will use other moles, some of which may get lucky. If you know I am working for him then we can control what information he gets and I can give you information. For example information about Mr Potter's vacation plans."

"Ohhh now that would be delicious. Working as a double agent but for our side not his. I like that idea." She said absentmindedly unbuttoning the top button of her dress.

"Yes. He and his coterie are apparently planning to travel to the United States. Explore certain aspects of the capital. At least that is what Albus is claiming."
"Hmm how does he know. According to our sources Potter has no trust for the old man."
"They have formed an uneasily alliance. Seeing the return of the Dark Lord as a far larger threat than each other's egos."

"Aww too bad. It was entertaining thinking that Dumbledore would get hoist by his own pet Potter."

"Yes. Sadly though peace prevailed."
She frowned at him, "I don't suppose you have anything else to say right now do you?"

"Only that you look ravishing."

"Eight years ago Severus you walked out the door. Turned your back on us to cozy up with that discount Father Christmas . You come strolling back in casually like nothing happened and expect to pick back up where you left off. That's not the way we play the game."
"Lucius had his way of avoid the ban. I had to find a way as I don't have his money."

Running her finger along the table beside the chair with a disgusted sneer, "NO its rather obvious you don't"

"I do have extraordinary skills. You should remember some of them."
Sighing she put a bored expression on her face, "I suppose. Although you were rather fond of that little mudblood tramp. Never did get over her did you."
He waved his hand, "Water under the bridge."
Checking her immaculate blood red fingernails she laughed. "Well in that case." Standing the last button above the corset came undone. She walked over to him and ran her finger down his chest. "Well we'll see how deep that river is then shall we?"

"You have the time?"
"Oh Lucius is well aware of my location. And what I plan on doing. Just let me remind you Severus. You may have my body but he has everything else." She said gripping his equipment, "And if anything happens to me that I don't like. There won't be enough of you left to fit in a thimble and it'll take 3 days to die."

Swallowing Severus nodded, "Shall we retire to the bedroom then?"

She smiled and looking over her shoulder at the bookshelves she casually waved her unoccupied hand causing the door to pop open exposing the stairs. "I think I recall the way."

======xxxxx======

Ginny was feeling much more relaxed sitting on the couch enjoying a lemonade with Hermione and Luna.

"Yeah Fred and George don't seem to understand why I am so freaked out by how everyone is right on top of each other. How with one bathroom I can't just rush. I can't get naked without remembering that night and that makes bathing rather difficult. But Fred and George get all impatient when I'm in there. So I've taken to bathing in the middle of the night."

"That's not right." Hermione declared. "They should be more understanding. You went through a major trauma. What are your parents doing?"
"Mom is trying to help me understand I guess. Dad just stammers and acts like nothing happened. I don't think he can accept how close things came to my dying."

"I just wish we could help you more."
"I know Hermione but dad won't take any charity without some major resistance. He's too proud. And mom supports him. She's a dutiful wife."

"Maybe you could move in with someone?"
"Great aunt Muriel has the Prewitt estate. She has the room but her and dad don't get along very well. And she absolutely loathes Fred and George. She wasn't very happy when mom married dad. She thought she could have done a lot better."

"Wow. That sounds like such a lovely person."
"Oh she's not all that bad. I guess. She's just a little bit judgmental, stuck in the old ways and a bit of a pure-blood snob." Ginny said with an ironic giggle. "So yeah. She said she'd be pleased to take me and raise me as a proper lady." She said flipping her hair back and sticking her nose in the air.

Luna made a gagging sound rolling her eyes which broke them up into fits of laughter.

=====xxxxx=====

Narcissa was standing by the floo, composed and dressed again. Severus somewhat mussed but dressed by her side smirking.

"Well thank you for the reminder of days gone by. I'll take your offer under consideration and see what Lucius wants to do about you."

"And the Dark Lord?"
Raising her eyebrow she gave a half smile to him. "And what makes you think we have any idea what's going on with our Illustrious leader?"
"You mean you're not in contact with him?"
"Oh your precious leash holder wants the information that badly?"

"Well he has tasked me with gathering intelligence. While our dalliances are quite illuminating I doubt Dumbledore would be pleased to have them described to him."

Chuckling evilly Narcissa purred, "No I doubt he would. Very well you can tell the dear old sod that the Dark Lord is still around. Just as strong and just as capable as he ever was."

Severus nodded, "That is a relief to hear."

"Hail the Dark Lord."

"Hail the Dark Lord."

Once she was gone and through the floo Severus shivered in disgust. Once when he was younger he had enjoyed the carnal pleasures Narcissa and her sister practiced. The dark rituals they performed that needed male specimens for their energy had been a proud thing to participate in for him. Now he was wondering if he was going to survive this test of his loyalties. He had felt her probing his mind during the act, hoping his mind shields would be down. Fortunately he deflected her and let her see what he wanted her to. That he was aware the dark lord was rebuilding his strength and he wanted back in. That he still believed in the ideology. She seemed to accept it. He hoped this would be sufficient.

=====xxxxx=====

Several days went by as the various groups continued with their normal lives. Hermione talked her parents into letting Ginny stay in their spare bedroom. Her parents accepted that as a temporary solution with her father saying he would try to work out a better solution at their home. Ginny was beginning to work out with the other girls and train. She wanted to join them fighting back. She wanted to get strong enough to punish the ones that had hurt her.

Harry and Neville worked hard with their sword and spell training. Being pushed by Fergus and their own desire to defend the ones they cared about.

Severus reported what happened to Albus who was amused at the test Narcissa chose for Severus' loyalties. He was not surprised though as there had been rumors she enjoyed the pleasures of multiple individuals in the pure blood circles, both male and female. Occasionally going out into the muggle world to spy or manipulate muggle business leaders, politicians and celebrities. Several politicians in parliament had supposedly resigned rather than face exposure as one of her lovers.

Amelia and Augusta plotted on how to get Harry Potter out of the nation and on his vacation without exposure. The fact he was a celebrity himself with the daily prophet speculating on things, or teen witch, or witch weekly talking about him made things annoyingly difficult. They might as well write the head of the death eaters and give them his itinerary.

Guards at Azkaban shook their head at the way Sirius Black's mental state had deteriorated even more than normal in the past several weeks. He kept muttering to himself and saying things like "he's there." "He's at Hogwarts." "Gotta get him." Since he was a maximum security life prisoner they didn't do much about it. Just checked to make sure he hadn't killed himself in the night or otherwise died somehow. Beyond that it didn't really matter what he did.

=====xxxxx=====

"Thank you Tibor" Hermione said to the elf that brought her to the Dowager house. She immediately drew her wand and changed her shirt and trousers into a halter top and shorts. Harry stood there laughing.

"What I hate not being able to do magic at home. Its crazy and so unfair."

"Hey I know. I had a weird bad dream that I was still living at the Dursley's place and they had put bars on my doors and windows and stuff."

"Wow that sounds bad."

"So how are you?" Harry said giving her a big hug.

"Great. Where's Neville?"

"Him and Luna are out in the garden at the tree."

"Oh okay. Hey can we talk about something?"

"Uh yeah. I'm sorry."
"You've been talking to dad again."

"Hunh? Why?"

"Because you apologized before you even heard what I wanted to talk about."

"Oh yeah. He might have mentioned that anytime a woman says they want to talk be ready to apologize. So anyhow what is it?" He said heading for the seats in the downstairs lounge.

Taking a deep breath Hermione thought about what she had practiced. "Well its about the Weasleys and Ginny specifically."

"Is Ginny alright? Did something happen?"

"Aside from her having to take showers in the middle of the night because shes too scared to get naked and the twins are not exactly being supportive or helping her. They are a very dysfunctional family."

"Well what do you want me to do about this?

"Well you're going to need a groundskeeper and staff at the house you're building on your land over there. Maybe building a nice cottage with enough bathrooms and such and hiring them to take care of the place. Arthur is too proud to take charity but a job on the other hand. They are barely getting by Harry. Even with all of them working. The twins are getting a job and Ron is too. If it wasn't for you paying for Ginny's therapy she wouldn't be able to get it."

"I know." Harry said thinking.

Hermione smiled at him. Adjusting her position so he was looking down her neckline, "I'd be really grateful Harry if we could help them. It might even get the twins to be more responsible." She pouted.

Harry chortled at her, "No fair. You're cheating."

"Yeah. But is it working?"

"okay. I'll talk to Augusta and Rothak about the plans. They haven't been finalized anyhow." Harry sighed in defeat.
Hermione leaped over to hug and kiss Harry, "Okay thanks. I knew you'd help."

He just rolled his eyes.

=====xxxxx=====

A couple days before their departure for the trip they all gathered in the dining room to discus the security arrangements with Amelia Bones.

"Harry took the initiative in this one and made the plans with Augusta. I was brought in late on this. Due to last years security leak. I'm still trying to plug the gaps so the Ministry will have minimal involvement in this. A special security team headed by Alastair Moody has been assigned to carry out these plans as after review he approves of them. Harry since this is your plan why don't you explain it."
Harry smiled and turning to his friends began, "Okay. First off we're going to Diagon Alley and visit the Weasleys. Where we will swap with them. They'll go to the Portkey agency in the Alley and take a portkey to Salem Massachusetts and have a one week vacation in the states. Healer Masterson agreed this should be okay for Ginny and might even help her. We'll go to the Cauldron and floo over to Dover. Where Moody will pick us up and take us to a safe house to shift into ourselves where we will be taken by van to a ferry over to Calais. From there we take the train to Paris and this Agde."
Hermione frowned, "Harry, how exactly are we going to swap with the Weasleys?"
"Polyjuice. I checked and it is possible for muggles to use it, there are just some side effects."

Daniel held up his hand, "Uh what exactly do you mean side-effects? I would like to keep the same number of appendages I start with as well as not have my internal organs turn plaid or something."
Augusta and Amelia both frowned at him but Harry chuckled, "No not that kind of side-effect. More like uh parts don't all shift back at the same time. And its a bit more unpleasant for a muggle because your bodies aren't used to shifting around like that. But nothing fatal or permanent."
"And how do you know this?" Emma asked.

"Because father did some research on the subject as well as mother's notes. Plus we asked professor Snape. He and the death eaters used to use poly-juice on muggles quite frequently in their first uprising."

"Uh thank you Luna. I"m probably going to want to discus that with Mr Snape at some point." Amelia said with a frown.

"Oh he fully understands and let me have a copy of his test notes. He even gave me a recipe for a variant that would last longer than an hour. Although he did say that it hasn't been successfully tried yet. Although the odds of turning inside out and then exploding are under 3%."
"That's not the version we're going to be using is it?" Neville suddenly asked her.
"Oh no. We'll use the standard formula. Professor Snape had enough doses on hand already."

"So now we're trusting Snape?"

"No Neville I still don't trust him exactly. Just we need him and he hasn't tried to kill me."
"Yet."

"Okay back to the plan." Harry said frowning at Neville for pointing out the obvious. "The Weasleys go off and enjoy a week on my pocket. We go enjoy a week in France. BY the time anyone notices we should already be back."
"And how exactly did you get the Weasley twins to keep their mouths shut?" Hermione asked with a frown.

"Simple I arranged for them to meet Remus Lupin and mentioned he was one of the Marauders. They've been working together at the same warehouse in London for the last week."
Hermione smiled, "Nice. And Mr Lupin will make sure they keep their word or else they'll learn a bit too closely why the Marauders were legendary."

"Exactly."

"Okay so I take it Emma and I will replace the Weasley adults. So who all of you will be swapping with?"

"Yeah Neville and I will swap with Fred and George. Ron and Hermione will swap and Luna and Ginny will swap."
"That leaves me out?" Lavender asked.

"The Weasley's will also be joined by Auror Tonks. She is part of Special Branch of the Aurors under Moody's direct command."

"And you get to be under my invisibility cloak Lavender."

"Ahh okay. So that works out pretty cool."

"Hopefully any leaks will be minimized and we can go have fun and come back without any chaos or crisis happening."

Neville grunted in amusement but otherwise said, "Well I like it. Although won't people know the Weasleys are not close friends to us and think something's funny?"

"Yeah but no plan's perfect and as long as we get enough chaos and doubt to get away that's all that matters."

"Madam Bones you really think this is a good idea?" Daniel asked in concern.

"Well it has the value of simplicity. As well as coming from outside the ministry its doubtful the other side will get enough details to respond quickly."

"Okay well I'm in."