H P Boy who Lives 7th year
Chapter 29
Lost now found
--
N.E.W.T'S Are looming in the minds of everyone; Wills gets a surprise as does Mattie...
--
It was the Sunday before everyone was to take his or her N.E.W.T'S. Harry and Hermione were lounging on a blanket under the shade of the beech tree. The others were inside the castle cramming for their exams.
"Now don't pout, angel. You already took your N.E.W.T'S and got O's on everyone of them. Aunt Minerva and Professor Marchbanks personally tested you on the written ones that you missed and you got them all right this time. So your record is clear...not that it was tarnished to begin with." Harry his ear against her belly and was listening to the babies within. "Daddy loves you three very much and so does your Mummy."
Hermione threaded her fingers through his hair. "I know. It's just the principle of the matter that bothered me."
The babies stirred within her after hearing Harry's voice.
"They were napping and you woke them up." She blew her bangs out of her eyes in exasperation.
He kissed her belly then sat up to gather Hermione in his arms. "I guess I'll just have to sing them back to sleep again." He chose to sing Rainbow Connection by Jim Brickman.
"They love it when you sing to them and so do I." Hermione cuddled against him.
Harry's strong sure voice echoed around the grounds. Windows once closed in the castle opened and girls who should have been studying sat or stood by the windows to listen to the prince sing to his princess.
Lily and James walked outside with the twins and the pups raced over to them.
"He's singing to Hermione and the babies again." Lily sighed; she loved to hear her son sing.
"I can hear, which means the fifth and seventh year girls are glued to the windows and not studying for their exams tomorrow." James glanced up at the castle and shook his head.
"They need a break now and then, so let me get the twins situated by Harry and Hermione." Lily shot James a playful look. "Then the two of us can spar against each other."
"Spar with you? Is this a tease or are you serious?" James eyebrows shot up at the thought of sparing with Lily, as they had many years ago.
"Oh flyboy, I'm extremely serious, besides its fun and a workout all in one." Lily stopped in front of Hermione and Harry just as he finished his song. "That was lovely, sweetheart. Now be a love and watch the twins, while I go kick your fathers butt."
"Uh, thanks, the girls woke up..." Harry thought he was hearing things. Had his mother just said that she was going to kick his Dad's ass? "Now as for the other, sure Mum just set their carriers on the blanket."
"Thanks, sweetie, here's their diaper bag and there are two bottles in there if they wake up." Lily set the carrier with Bell sleeping in it down on the blanket.
James set the carrier with MJ sleeping in it beside it. "Thanks son, you're Mum and me are gonna play for awhile." James winked at Harry and Hermione. "We haven't done this in years, so this should be a fascinating show."
Lily took off her hoody. She was now dressed in workout bike shorts, a cut off sports top, and was warming up on the lawn. "I won't hurt you too badly." She winked at him.
"Don't hold back, that takes the fun out of it." James peeled off his t-shirt and was dressed in faded cutoff jeans. "Shall we play my fire?"
"Now this is going to be fascinating to watch." Hermione was enjoying her view. "I read your Dad's journals. They used to do this when they were our age. It's the way they, um, courted each other you might say. They really are captivating reads."
Harry glared at Hermione. "Those journals are vivid to say the least and you have no business..." Harry watched as his mother launched an all out attack on his dad. "Whoa and I thought that I got the skills from Dad." His Dad went flying on his arse onto the grass.
"You know. You really should read them." Hermione winced when she caught James in the jaw. "Ouch that one must have really smarted."
"Here have some popcorn." Rory appeared next to the twins. "Isn't she brilliant? We work out in the afternoon, when Daddy's napping with the twins."
"By Merlin..." Draco appeared beside MJ's carrier with Butterbeer. "Mum really is kicking Dad's arse."
"She drew blood with that move and Dad's laughing about it." Harry winced in sympathetic pain.
Lily narrowed her eyes at James, knowing that he was holding back. :I'm not made of glass. Now either fight back or I won't play here or elsewhere.: She growled.
James vaulted back to his feet and launched his own set of moves at her that she barely was able to block. :I know that. It's just the kids are watching and it just looks bad if I graze you.: The two of them were sparing move for move.
:The kids are grown and know very well that we're playing. I know that you won't hurt me.: She felt alive, free, vivacious, and frisky again.
James had her pinned beneath him on the soft grass, but not for long. She countered that and was the one pinning him. Her long fiery waist length mane free of its ponytail cascaded like a silk curtain; as she leaned down to kiss him. :Gods, I missed this.: He savored the fiery kiss before answering it with one of his own.
:I was carrying the twins, so this had to wait until now. I missed this too. I took the formula, so what say you and I hide away at Sanctuary for the afternoon…: The two of them vanished from the lawn.
--
Harry and Rory looked at each other.
"That was a fascinating display of..." He was at a loss for words.
"Looks, like we have the twins for the day…" He cleared his throat. "Rory, how's Operation Surprise Wills coming along?"
"Smashingly, the three of them went for brunch at the Palace, while I feigned a nasty headache."
"I saw that at breakfast this morning, when he had to leave he was sulking." Draco chuckled.
"I still don't know how he'll react to me spending a small fortune on his present." Rory confided to them.
"The four of you attended the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont this year, so he may just love his surprise." Hermione smiled reassuringly.
"Well, spending 3.5 million on two yearlings is spoiling him, even though; in our world it only cost a few worthless coins." Harry was still trying to grasp his parents, uh well; it looked like a mating ritual of some kind on the lawn.
"Wills is going to love them." Rory was more confident about her decision.
"I agree the colt and the filly are breathtaking..." Hermione stopped in midthought, as two dragons shot up into the sky.
Berta and a male dragon were performing a breathtaking aerial display.
"Love is in the air this afternoon." Draco and Harry chuckled, as they watched the death-defying dragon mating ritual above them.
"Which male dragon won our Berta?" Rory couldn't take her eyes off the sight above them.
"I'm not sure, but it looks like Blaze." Harry's eyes were glued to the sky.
The two dragons locked talons and were spiraling down to earth, until they finally disappeared.
"Shows over, lets all head back inside. Draco needs to study. Rory needs to head over to Sanctuary, so she can finish party preparations. Harry and I need to take the twins and the pups inside. It's getting warm and that isn't good for either of them." Hermione wanted alone time with Harry.
"Let's go pups back to the castle." Draco got up and rounded up the pups. "I'm beyond studied out, so after I get the pups in I'll help Rory."
"Thanks baby brother, setting up a surprise party is hard work." She got to her feet raced over, kissed his cheek, and vanished.
Harry carefully set both carriers on the grass, so he could fold up the blanket.
Hermione had other ideas. She awkwardly pushed herself up to her feet and vanished the blanket.
"Someone's in a rush." He chuckled.
"This someone has a craving." She gave him a look, picked up Bell's carrier and the diaper bag, then walked towards the castle.
Harry glanced down at his baby brother. "Nap for two more hours and I'll make your bear dance again." He watched as MJ thought about it for a minute and then went back to sleep.
--
Sanctuary's -Stables
"Michael Paddrick James Liam Donavan! You keep your hands to yourself!" Mattie glared at the fiery haired Irishman.
He stood six foot five inches, didn't look a day over fifty, and was her long lost love. He had thought that Mattie had died with their twins sons, during the dark times. Recent events had finally reached him with news that she was alive, but thought him dead as well.
"Not on your life! Not after finding you again." Paddy growled hoarsely.
Mattie's eyes pooled with tears. "We've changed so much..."
"My memory returned, as soon as I saw you holding the babe in the paper. I wasn't alone anymore and could come home. My family. My own." He held her in his arms.
"Aunt Mattie? Are you all right?" Draco raced into the horse barn to check on her.
"Did Mr. Donavan upset you?" Rory frowned.
Paddy had been living in the States raising thoroughbreds on his Maryland horse farm. He had been the owner of the two yearlings that Rory had bought. Rory accidentally left The Quibbler, it had been the photo on the front page that had triggered his memory.
"Lassie, you look so like your Ma." He smiled at Rory, but his brow furrowed at Draco. "Why is there a Malfoy on my nephews land?"
"Behave yourself, Michael Paddrick James Liam Donavan. He is James and Lily's adopted son, Draco Sirius Lancelot Pendragon-Black. The Malfoy line is dead and the dark days with it." Mattie pulled out of his arms and got between Draco and Paddy.
Draco paled at the realization, about whom this man was. "I chose not to follow the same path of my Grandfather, Father, or Mother. I am like my Uncle Sirius and proud to be so." He stared Paddy directly in the eyes.
This man had lost everything because of Draken Lucius Malfoy and had slain Draken because of it. The two of them had dueled on a cliff beside an angry sea. Draken had fallen to his death, as was thought this man. "You fell into the sea with him. How is it possible that you survived?"
"I'm animagus. I changed into a falcon and flew away. I'd taken a blow to me head and with it me memory. My only thought was to go faraway and I did. I settled in America, cashed in ten of my galleons, and set me self up raising horses. I had a rapport with all the animals. Nothing and no one ever filled the void in my heart or soul, until I saw that photo and my memory came flooding back." Paddy pulled Mattie back against him and rested his chin on top of her head. "My wife, the family flourishing once more, and home calling me back after twenty long years."
"So, that's the reason the horse barn is packed full now, you brought your favorites with you." Rory smiled. "Welcome to the family, Uncle Paddy."
"Yes, welcome back to our world. The dark times are over. We're at peace thanks to Harry. He was once my enemy, but is now my friend and older brother." Draco offered him his hand.
Paddy shook it. He was surprised by Draco's sure and strong grip, which in itself was unlike any Malfoy. They relied on magic not brute force to do their fighting. "It's good to be back. There's much that I need to catch up on, anyone James Harry calls son is a nephew of mine."
"This year is the only time when I've ever felt loved and part of a family...No that isn't right... This and when Uncle Sirius used to bring me to play with Harry and Hermione, when we were babies." Draco was dead honest with him.
"We'll leave you two alone, while we get ready for Wills birthday party tonight." Rory headed out of the horse barn. "Let's go, baby brother." She called to Draco.
"Wills?" Paddy arched a brow at Draco and frowned.
"Prince William, he turns twenty-three on Tuesday, but we have N.E.W.T'S starting this Monday, so his party is this weekend. He and his younger brother are engaged to my sisters. Wills to Rory and Henry "Harry" to Dromi," Draco explained.
"I see. Thanks, for clearing that up for me. Now you go help your sister with the party, while Mattie and I catch up." Paddy gave Mattie a look that had her blushing.
"Draco, the two of us have loads of time to catch up. Just ask if the two of you need help." Mattie shot him a pleading look.
He could see that his Aunt was in need of some time to think, but then he didn't wish to step on his new Uncle's toes. "Harry and Hermione have the twins. Dromi and Henry are occupying Wills for the day. Ginny, Ron, and Luna are all studying back at Hogwarts and everyone else are here getting settled in their new homes. So, if Uncle Paddrick doesn't mind help would be nice."
"Who exactly is everyone else?" Paddy was lost again.
"Uncle Sirius and Aunt Jenna are settling in with their ten-week-old twins Liam and Julie. Uncle Remus and Aunt Gene Lupin have their ten-week-old son Nathan. Uncle Max and Aunt Harley Dumbledore, Grandpa Stephen and Grandma Anna, Grandma Violet and Grandpa Harrison, Aunt Molly and Uncle Arthur Weasley, and those are only who I know are here." Draco answered. "Mum and Dad are probably here in their wing, but I'm not sure. You see they kind of vanished off the castle lawn after sparing... At least I think they were sparing with each other."
"Paddrick and I would be more than happy to help you with William's surprise party. My Michael Paddrick is a fine chef in the kitchen and that's where we will be." Mattie kissed Paddy's cheek.
"We'll have a traditional southern barbecue." Paddy pulled her to him for a long kiss before letting her go. "Shall we my flower?" He led her out of the horse barn and into the fresh air.
"Why yes that will be lovely my..." She looked down at her left hand ring finger and a single tear dropped onto it.
She had never removed the simple gold band sprinkled with diamonds. She thought of the lifetime ago, when he had slid it onto her finger on their wedding day, outside on the grounds of Godric's Castle.
Her thoughts wandered to their sons Galen and Gavin and how much losing them had nearly killed her. They had been twenty-one, headstrong, and Aurors like their Da. They had died with so many other rookies, when they went on a mission to investigate Draken Malfoy and Lord Voldemort. The same man who had slain, so many for his master. Would have slain her as well and had destroyed the home where she had raised her family.
She had fled home to Godric's Castle to hide, not knowing that her husband believed her to be dead. Hours had past until Stephen had found her. He told her that Paddy and Draken had dueled on a cliff and both had crashed down onto the rocky angry sea bellow. They had found Draken's body, so his family had some sort of closure. Paddy's body was thought to have been swept out to sea.
She had refused to think him as dead, then years past, and he became a memory in her heart. She chose to focus keeping the next generation safe by watching over her Great-Nephew and when he was gone watching over Alex's and Katherine's children had kept her sane. Now after twenty years he had returned to her and it was nearly too much for her to bear.
The flood of memories was too much for her and she fainted in his arms.
"Aunt Mattie!" Rory and Draco raced to her side.
"Easy you two, she's just fainted. All of this is overwhelming for her." He calmly made his way towards the main house. "I only arrived with the horses day before last. She was visiting Stephen and Anna until this morning and found me chatting with Alexander and Katherine over brunch." He carried her into the manor and set her down on the couch in the Common Room.
"Uncle Paddrick? You're alive?! But you fell off a cliff twenty years ago?" James had come to investigate what the ruckus was all about.
"Do I look dead to you, boyo? Now fetch me a cool cloth for your Aunt!" Paddy barked an order at James.
"Excuse the hell out of me for being shocked to see my DEAD uncle standing in my oldest son's Common Room!" James conjured a cool cloth and tossed it at him. "What the hell did you do!? Pop in out of the blue after twenty years!?" He snarled.
"Lower your tone, James Harry Stephen Arthur Michael!" Paddy growled.
"Let's take this outside, Uncle Michael Paddrick James Liam! I'm not rowing in Sanctuary!" James headed for the front door.
"James, what in Mab's name is..." Lily walked in from their wing dressed in a flowing silk caftan. "You are not going to row period. Now sit down over there and you sit down over there." She put the two men in their places.
"I'm not sixteen anymore! I don't have to be civil!" James glared at his Uncle. "Especially, when you let Aunt Mattie think you were dead for twenty years!"
"James! Calm down it's all right, your Uncle had amnesia. He saw a photo in The Quibbler of me holding Michael James. Rory had it in her purse and it fell out in his office. That photo triggered his memory. He sold his horse farm and came home to me. He bought his favorite horses as well, so both Lazy Meadows and Sanctuary now have full stables." Mattie sat up to try to defuse the situation. "I fainted because all the past feelings and memories came flooding back to me all at the same time."
Draco had gone to get her something to drink. "Here Aunt Mattie have some juice."
"Thank you, Draco dear, now you and Rory go get things ready for the party, while we get things straightened out in here." Mattie smiled up at Draco and then at Rory.
"Daddy, now you be nice." Rory pinned him with a look and then went to go back outside.
"Not so fast, Draco Sirius. James and I will help Rory. You go back to the castle and study." Lily used that same look on Draco.
"Mum, if I study anymore..." Draco sulked. "I'm gonna blow the exam tomorrow."
"I believe that Henry and Wills call it a brain fart." Rory paused in the doorway.
"A what?" The five of them frowned at her.
"It's when you over cram for an exam and your brain goes blank during the actual test." Rory explained. "Wills calls it a brain fart."
"I have a photographic memory, so can't I just help Rory and rely on that." Draco so didn't wish for that to happen tomorrow.
"Sneaky Katherine Aurora...very sneaky," James narrowed his eyes at her.
"I'm not being any of the sort, Daddy. I merely stated that over studying is not a good thing." Rory counter icily. "They've been studying nonstop since Easter. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing."
--
Harry appeared with a howling baby in each arm. "Please take them before I lose my mind!" He was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.
Lily took MJ and James got up to take Bell.
"Shh there, there, baby boy, Mummy's here." Lily set him against her shoulder, patting his back, as she swayed back and forth. "We were coming back. No one was leaving you." She had him quieted down to soft sobs and hiccups. "All that you did was made yourself sick." She crooned softly.
Bell instantly calmed down as soon as James was holding her. "Daddy's here, princess. It's okay." She cuddled against his shoulder, as he also patted her back. "You see all that crying made your tummy hurt and gave your big brother a complex."
"I tried everything, dancing bears, walking them...the works." Harry stared at them in disbelief. "All they wanted was you, because you left without saying good-bye, and didn't know you would be back."
Harry finally noticed Paddrick and frowned. "I'm sorry, but why are you in my house and are you the reason for this gathering in my Common Room?"
Hermione chose that moment to appear with her nose still in a book. "It says here that they just want Mum and Dad. We aren't bad at this. They're just..." She glanced up from her book. "Oh hello… Did I interrupt something and who may I ask are you?" She stared down at Paddy.
"I'm Michael Paddrick James Liam Donavan..." Paddrick didn't get a chance to finish his introduction.
Hermione knew all about her Nana's tragic history. "Harry! This is Nana's husband, but this isn't possible. You fell off a cliff with Draken Lucius Malfoy..." Hermione paused for a second to ponder this then instantly concluded.
"By Cricket! You're Animagus, like we are that has to be it! You thought your family was lost to you, so you fled never to return until now." She glanced down at Paddy's scuffed riding boots and surmised that he was the owner of the horses. "You must be linked with the yearlings that Rory bought William. Is that how you found out that Nana was alive?"
Paddrick was impressed with Hermione's intuitive mind. "That was very impressive, lass. I am Mattie's husband. Yes, I fought Draken and fell off the cliff all of twenty years ago, only I was animagus and he was not. Draken did land a blow to me head and my only thought was to go faraway and start fresh."
"I settled in Maryland, bought myself a horse farm, and raised horses for twenty years. Then one day a fiery haired young lassie walked to my office to purchase two yearlings for her prince. She accidentally left behind a copy of The Quibbler and on it was a photo of my Madeline Matilda Guinevere holding a wee babe in her arms."
"The memories locked away for twenty years came flooding back, so I sold my farm to a trusted friend. I selected my favorites that I couldn't bear to leave behind, and came home to stay. I arrived on Friday evening, but my moonflower was visiting Stephen and Anna. Your parents refused to just let me rush over there and see her."
"Mattie arrived back at Lazy Meadows for brunch, saw me, and fled over here. I followed her, finally cornering her in the horse barn, and that's when my Great-Niece and Nephew came to check on her." Paddy knew that this young man must be Harry James the oldest son of his nephew. That meant that this beautiful very pregnant lassie beside him was Alex and Katherine's eldest and Harry's bride of so many months Hermione Anne.
"Our family truly is alive and flourishing again. James and Lily with their twins, all the others of his Marauders with babes as well and now the next generation are adding its first additions too." He was beaming with pride.
"Yes Paddy, the family is once again alive and flourishing." Mattie smiled at him. "James is holding Isabella Lucille and Lily is holding Michael James. The spiting image of James is his eldest Harry James and Katherine's very image is her eldest daughter Hermione Anne. The two of them are married and are expecting triplets in late August or early September."
"Hello and welcome to the family. It's a common occurrence for us. You see, we discover new family members every few months, or so it seems like anyway. Merlin, that's my First-Gramps. Restored my fallen family and friends back to life last August. Then this December Uncle Albus and Aunt Minerva had their own reunion with their son Max, once know as Alexander, and his family." Harry smiled at him. "This time round Aunt Mattie has been given you back in her life again."
"I really need to catch up on everything. James and everyone were dead and Merlin brought them back to life. Remus Lupin is cured of his werewolfism and married his sweetheart Genevieve Rona. Albus' son didn't die with Stephens parents and is back in England with the family and his own family. You lad, vanquished the Dark Lord at sixteen no less, and made peace with Draco as well." Paddy tried to take in all the information, but it was all hard to grasp.
Harry sat down with Hermione in his lap and explained everything to his Great-Uncle. "We have a set of books for you to read. It'll give you the details. Jo Rowling is writing a series on our time at Hogwarts and is up to our sixth year. It's actually from my point of view and very unnerving, because I lived it...the last part of book six is me vanquishing Voldemort." Harry noticed the time, it was going on four and the party was at seven. "Angel, you nap while we get things ready for Wills party." He kissed her on the forehead then looked at the others. "Be right back." They vanished.
"He didn't use his wand." Paddy frowned.
"No time for explanations! The party is in three hours." Rory raced outside.
"She's all tucked upstairs. Now if anyone needs me I'll be in my kitchen." Harry appeared beside Draco. "Go help Rory, little brother. We've got the food handled."
"Ron will be happy then." Draco headed outside.
"I'll run the kitchen with my Mattie, while you lend a hand outside." Paddy got to his feet.
"My kitchen… My rules, but you're welcome to lend a hand with Aunt Mattie and me." Harry strode out of the Common Room.
"The lad is touchy about certain things, just like his Da." Paddy chuckled.
"We'll get the twins settled in their nursery and then get to work on helping with the party. Welcome to the family, Uncle Paddy." Lily kissed his cheek then left the room.
"Yes Uncle Paddy, welcome home." James grinned at him before following his wife.
"Yes my love, welcome home." Mattie cuddled against him.
"Home…Aye it's good to be finally where I belong." Paddy held her close.
--
7pm
Wills had been given the run around all day and hadn't been able to check on Rory. He was ready to knock heads together if he didn't get to see her soon. "I don't wish to check on Sanctuary! I want to see Katherine Aurora!" Wills snarled at his brother and Dromi.
"I know that Wills, but someone tripped the alarm and it needs to be checked out." Henry kept his focus on opening the door to Sanctuary and didn't dare look at his brother.
"Everything looks fine inside, besides Aunt Mattie probably accidentally tripped the alarm." Wills looked around the house nothing was amiss.
"It was actually the back gate alarm." Henry opened the doors that led to the patio and back grounds of the estate.
"Then it was a..." Wills stepped outside and the lights came on.
"Surprise! Happy Birthday Wills!" His family and friends shouted and in the center of it all was Rory grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Oh you're good! I had no idea all day and to think I've been worried sick about you being stuck in bed suffering with a migraine. I got you... Never mind..." Wills pulled Rory into his arms and kissed her. "Thank you, my angel. I love my surprise, but I love you even more."
Rory cuddled against him. "Your present came with a surprise for Aunt Mattie."
"Oh really and how do you figure that?" Wills laid his chin on her head.
"The man that I bought your present from is her long lost presumed dead husband." Rory sighed.
"So, the red headed Irishman holding Aunt Mattie and frowning at me is Aunt Mattie's, Michael Paddrick Donavan?" Wills locked gazes with Paddy, until the Irishman grinned and nodded at him with approval. "What did you buy from him?" He turned her around in his arms and kissed her on the nose.
"Mingle first, presents later." Rory winked at him.
"How about just one little hint." Wills pouted.
"You'll not be disappointed, now let's go mingle." Rory led him into the party.
:So? Do I get a private party just the two of us on Tuesday?: Wills chatted and smiled with family all the while using their link.
:That's the plan, but we have to dine with your Grams first.: Rory also hugged family and chatted as well. "Dromi, you and Henry are pros to have kept my dreamboat occupied."
That comment got her kissed senseless.
"So that's your attack word." Hermione smirked.
"Oh! So that's what you call it." Dromi giggled.
"Well it fits. You say a word and two seconds later you're kissed mindless." Hermione rubbed her middle when one of the girls kicked her. "The girls like the music."
Henry reached out to place his hand on her swollen belly. "It amazes me how all that activity doesn't hurt you or cause you any pain."
"It pinches, but that's about it. The fun part is watching Harry listen to them or react when they move or kick him." Hermione smiled.
Wills let Rory go, so he could hug Hermione and got told hello by his three unborn nieces. "So, sorry, hello to the three of you in there…" He placed a hand on her belly. "Blimey Ducky! This is either a budding football team or maybe… yeah, a Seeker that one likes to grab. I felt fingers."
Harry walked over to them. "Here you go angel, time for your milk." He handed her a large strawberry milk shake.
"Honestly, eight glasses of water and the same with milk regardless of the flavor." She wrinkled her nose at the glass.
"I'm with you on that one." Thea and Logan joined them.
"Tough. It's good for our son." Logan was on cloud nine about his firstborn being a boy.
"Connor is fine and right on schedule." Thea patted her swollen middle.
"Connor? So that's what you decided on." Harry arched a brow at them.
"It's one of many choices like Oran, Galen, Gavin, Donavan, Ethan, Connor, and more." Logan grinned. "She likes Connor and I like Oran."
Ron and Luna walked over with Draco and Ginny.
"Can we eat soon I'm starving." He moaned.
"We're having a barbecue and yes lad you're gonna be fed." Paddy overheard Ron's plea.
"We've been studying nonstop for weeks and it requires constant energy and food." Ron pouted.
"Yes Ronnie, you will be fed." Luna kissed his cheek." Happy early Birthday, Wills."
"Happy Birthday. You saved us from studying four more hours." Ginny kissed Wills cheek.
"You're going to do great tomorrow, all of you are." He hugged her and then smiled at the others.
"From your mouth to the quill in our hands tomorrow..." Draco sighed.
"Alex and Seamus are still at the castle studying, but they wish you a Happy Birthday and a nice party." Ginny rolled her eyes.
"Alexandra, party instead of study...Hell will freeze over before that ever happens." Logan smirked.
"Dinners on! Get it while it's hot!" Paddy called to the family in his best Southern accent. They all converged on the food. "I forgot how hungry teenagers could get." Paddy chuckled as the food vanished.
"That's why we made enough food to feed a small army." Mattie winked at him.
"This is good for the kids. They needed a bit of fun before their N.E.W.T'S start tomorrow." Lily fed James some of her potatoes.
"Yeah, after this, it's two weeks of hell on earth." James was on his fourth barbecue rib. "Gods! This is good food."
"My Great-Nephew and I make a good team in the kitchen." Paddy grinned.
"Dad? Where are Uncle Sirius and Uncle Remus's houses?" Harry asked curiously.
"Right across the lake from us, why do you ask?" James saw that Harry had the Omnioculars in his hand. "Look son, your cousins caught the sniffles, so they're probably inside tending to their babies."
"Well, there's only one way to find out." Harry grinned. "But why walk to the lake when you can just port there." He vanished.
"Be right back." James kissed Lily then vanished.
--
Harry appeared on the hill beside the Great Oak, which had a Bird's-eye view of the lake and the surrounding area. The breeze had carried the smell of the food all the way to the lakeshore.
"Now if I know Uncle Sirius, he's pouting about missing the feast." He scanned the far lakeshore with the Omnioculars, sure enough he spotted Sirius sitting on his deck drinking beer, and staring mournfully at their side of the lake.
"Ok there you are. Now where's Uncle Remus." He looked to the east of Sirius' house and found Remus standing on his own deck doing nearly the identical thing that his best friend was.
"So Junior," James appeared next to him. "Are they brooding or what?"
"See for yourself." Harry handed him the Omnioculars.
James saw that his two best mates were in misery and came up with a wicked plan. "Sonorus," James used his wand to amplify his voice. "Oi! Moony! Padfoot! You two are missing incredibly tasting food!"
"Dad! That's just mean." Harry chuckled.
"Shove off, Prongs! The twins need me! My priorities are them not food!" Sirius answered back in an irritated growl.
"Don't listen to Padfoot! Send food!" There was a hint of desperation in Remus's voice.
"That can be arranged!" James shouted back. "Pray the boys haven't eaten the lot!"
"If the did then make more!" Sirius and Remus shouted in unison.
"Wait never mind! Lily's here with food!" Sirius shouted in delight.
"So is Ginny!" Remus was very pleased.
"Tell Wills Happy Birthday from Jen, the twins, and me!" Sirius shouted. "Night!"
"Same here from Gene, baby Nate, and I!" Remus echoed. "Good night!"
"Night... Love to the kids, Gene, and Jenna!" James grinned at Harry. "See problem solved."
"Yeah Dad, but that's only because Mum and Ginny took pity on the two of them. Let's go back to the party." Harry vanished.
"I would have eventually." James followed.
--
Rory blindfolded Wills and led him into the horse barn. "Now, I thought of something unique to give you for your birthday. I just hope that you love them when you see them."
Wills could hear the sounds of a full horse barn. "Angel? Am I in the horse barn?" He tried not to panic at the thought of her buying a horse barn full of horses, but then she didn't know any better. The East Wing of Sanctuary was where the four of them resided in the manor and he did love horses.
"Maybe," Rory bit down on her lip. "Why would that be a bad thing?"
"Of course not angel, you know that I love horses. I just don't recall transferring any horses from Highgrove." Various horses were nudging him and he could just imagine the cost that his present had amounted to.
"You didn't. These horses came from a Maryland horse farm. There are some in Lazy Meadows stables too." She led him up to a set of stalls.
"Really? Why that's wonderful angel..." Wills tried to keep a positive look on his face, but he was calculating how much money she had blown on his present. He had left her for four hours at the auction and this had been the result. Mental note never do that again.
Rory took the blindfolded off him and waited for him to react. "Happy Birthday, I hope you like them." She kissed his cheek.
Wills focused on the two stalls with ribbons on the doors. "Two horses?" He took in the lit up horse barn filled with horses of all breeds and then the two stalls in front of him.
"Actually, you have two yearlings a filly and a colt. The rest are Uncle Paddy's." Rory saw the look of relief wash over his face and broke out in a fit of giggles.
"You actually thought that I..." She gasped trying to catch her breath she was laughing so hard. "No wonder you were panicking!"
Wills laughed with her. "You didn't say otherwise. I mean what was I suppose to think." He opened the stall with the blue ribbon on it and slid the door open.
Inside was a dark bay colt, with one white sock on his back leg, and a blaze in the shape of a white lightning bolt on his face.
"This is the one that..." He looked excitedly at Rory who nodded. "And he's mine?" Wills ran his hands over the colts flank. The colt didn't mind he was eating his evening meal.
"Him and the other one that you fell in love with, she's in the stall next to his." Rory fed Stardust a piece of apple. "I fondly call her Stardust, because the star on her forehead looks like a shooting star." She fed her another piece of apple. "Her registered name is Stardust Magic and his is Something Wicked."
"Something Wicked? Well, I can see why he got that name. He has a blaze like Harry's scar and the movie was coming out last year." Wills left the colt to eat his meal.
Searching for a treat Wicked playfully nipped at Wills jacket pocket.
"Sorry boy. I'm fresh out of carrots. She didn't tell me that you were mine, so I'm not prepared with treats." Wills was glared at by Wicked.
"Here he loves these." Rory conjured a bouquet of carrots and handed it to him.
"Thanks. The brat here thinks that I was holding out on him or something." He fed him a carrot. "Hey, easy there boy, I need my fingers intact thanks."
"That's Something Wicked, but we fondly call him Wicked, Brat, or Devil when he's in a mood. Now the other, she's a love. Her name is Stardust Magic, but we call her Star or Stardust." Paddy was checking on the horses.
"So what was the damage for these two?" Wills patted Wicked.
"I never cashed the cashiers check, but I'm in mind to make trusts for the next generation of our clan." Paddy grinned.
"Hermione Anne, don't go getting any ideas." Harry followed his wife, as she took in all the horses.
"This is wonderful! He brought more than just thoroughbred's." She reached up to scratch an Andalusian's ears. "Hello, you're beautiful." She conjured a slice of apple and fed it to the mare.
"Yeah, yeah, they're all amazing." Harry was used to Buckbeak, Goldie, Dragons, and Thestrals not horses unless unicorns counted. He was just not horse happy by any means of the word. He had hid out in Avalon to avoid going with Logan and Draco in February.
"Harry, pet one they won't bite you." Hermione had never seen him, so skittish around anything unless you count Empress during the first task of the Triwizard Tournament fourth year.
"I'll take your word for it, angel." He remained in the center of the horse barn.
"Your afraid of horses aren't you?" Hermione smirked. "How is that possible? You fly Buckbeak, Goldie, and the Thestrals?"
"None of which have ever bit me, or hurt me in anyway." Harry's face flushed with temper.
"So, you've had a bad experience with a horse in the past, not all horses are the same." Hermione greeted the next horse a Palomino.
"Harry, come over and see Wicked and Star!" Wills called over to him. Rory whispered something in his ear and his eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Don't worry baby brother they're both babies."
Harry bristled even more. "Look! There is no crime about being wary of something, in this case horses!" He grumbled.
"No offense to any of you. I've just had bad childhood experiences with various members of your kind." He eyed the horses that stuck their heads out to look at him.
"No. I'm not blaming your kind...fine we'll call it a fresh start." Harry was conversing with the horses. He tentatively walked over to stroke the muzzle of an appaloosa mare. "Here have a carrot." He conjured one in his hand and fed it to her. "You are so welcome. Sassy is it?"
"By Merlin's beard! He's chatting with my Sassy." Paddy was astonished.
"He's a regular Dr. Doolittle. It comes with being the Next Merlin." Rory smiled.
"Wicked? How did you get free?" The colt, a regular escape artist, was heading straight for Harry and Hermione. "This should be interesting." Wills made no attempt to fetch the yearling.
"He smelled the carrots." Paddy also watched the show. "You see that one is hard to keep in his stall."
The colt butted Hermione. "Why hello there handsome, would you like a carrot?" She conjured some in her hand. "You're just a baby still, which means that you must be Something Wicked. Otherwise, known as Wicked and William's Birthday present from Rory." She scratched his ears.
Harry heard the name and frowned. "Why on earth would..." He walked over to get a better look at Wicked. "Yeah, now I see..." He grinned at the colt. "You were born with a lightning bolt of your own." He scratched his muzzle.
Wicked nickered at him and playfully butted his hand with his muzzle.
"He likes carrots and evidently you." Paddy was impressed.
"Let's go young man even big boys like you need rest." Harry scratched his ears.
"Now he'll get ratty with him." Paddy smirked.
Wicked headed back to his stall like a good boy, even let Wills settle him in for the night, shut the door of his stall, and never once pitched a fit.
"Well, I'll be damned! The boy's a natural around horses." Paddy scratched the back of his neck, as Harry greeted each horse, before ending up in front of them.
"My Wolfe, rides or shall I say flies a Hippogriff, a Thestral, dragons, and even winged unicorns in Avalon." Harry pulled Hermione into his arms for a cuddle.
"I have two actually, Buckbeak and Goldie. That's what that area on the west side of the pitch is for. So, I doubt he or she will clash with the horses." Harry chuckled when Paddy gaped at him. "They were Hagrid's and Olympe's, but they both took to me."
"We've got quite the assortment of animals, two collie pups, two nearly full kneazle cats, a snidget, a puffskein, a barely year old phoenix, two owls and owlets, and two Hippogriffs. That's why Sanctuary and it's over 500 acres is ideal for our new home." Hermione yawned.
"The snidget and puffskein were gifts from my Aunt Celestra. She's Merlin and Mab's eldest daughter. Ferria, my phoenix was a gift from First-Grams Mab, First-Gramps Merlin, and Uncle Albus." Harry looked into the other stall and Star came over to see him. "So you're Stardust Magic. What a lovely name for a beautiful lassie." He conjured a rose minus the thorns and the fillies eyes lit up at the treat. "You two sure look worth nearly four million dollars." He patted her muzzle.
"Wills is worth cashing in what we see as worthless coins." Rory kissed Wills on the cheek.
"Bill and Fleur Weasley found Black Beards treasure on their honeymoon and we use the coins and such for our Muggle monetary needs." Harry explained to Paddy.
"No explanation needed nephew. Say if Arthur and Molly's oldest son is a curse breaker and treasure seeker for Gringotts, won't the Goblins be wanting the spoils they found?" Paddy frowned.
"He's gone freelance. His younger brothers Fred and George launched Weasley Wizards Weases with the help from my Triwizard winnings and have since hit it big. The twins, who also run The Quibbler, have branched that out into a publishing company, and the list goes on. So they don't think of money worries anymore." Hermione was fighting off falling asleep in Harry's arms.
"Draco, Ron, Ginny, Luna, Mum, Dad, and the twins all headed back to the castle. That's where Hermione and I are going, before she falls asleep on her feet. Enjoy Sanctuary Uncle Paddy and that goes for the two of you. Stay here, so you can enjoy all of this tomorrow. I will see you later. Blessed Be and Goodnight." Harry and Hermione vanished.
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Chapter 30
N.E.W.T'S
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I do not claim any of JKR's characters only that I love being able to create my own kind of mischief with her beloved characters. I do not claim any other things that are owned by other companies that I may mention once and a while in the stories...Although the original characters and ideas are mine and I loved creating them. So please review if you wish but try not to flame me too badly.
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Cindra 2004-2008
