Chapter 11
Perfectly Good Explanations
Aberforth's confession brought on a tense silence in which one could hear a pin drop.
It was brutally shattered after a few seconds by both Heidi and Ginny, as the two women so similar in appearance and mind erupted in an identical, indignant manner. "What?"
It would have been highly amusing, had Harry himself not been so preoccupied with Aberforth's admission.
"I'm sorry, but circumstances demanded that I should never reveal the information, unless some very specific circumstances occurred," Aberforth said. "However, there is a perfectly good explanation for Albus' silence, and now that the requirements have been met, I find myself in a position to reveal the whole truth. Consider it fate's early Christmas present."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Are you saying that I've been dodging Killing Curses for nothing all these years?"
"I think I know why my great-great grandfather kept it from you," Wolfe said slowly. Then he looked at Aberforth. "The reason the protection kicked in was because I took the curse for Heidi, right?"
Aberforth nodded. "Albus researched the spell and its effects, and found out that, in theory, the spell would protect its ward in the event that he or she displayed the same behaviour that is used to seal it—an act of sacrifice. So you see, Harry, Albus wasn't lying about the need to dodge harmful curses, for the spell's protection would only work in this very specific circumstance."
Harry shook his head. "Why didn't he tell me?"
"Remember what Merlin's memory taught you in the Mirror Realm," Wolfe said. "Innocence and ignorance often support the most powerful magic. It was true for unlocking your own inner power, and it applies in this case."
At first, Harry was baffled by Wolfe's statement, but then he remembered that he and Wolfe shared all their memories prior to their fusion into Phoenix. He'd never taken time to sift through Wolfe's memories, but evidently the reverse was not true. "Right … but how?"
"Had my great-great grandfather told you about it, he might have taken away the key. You see, sacrificing yourself isn't enough to activate the protective spell. You have to be willing to die for the person you're protecting, and more importantly, you have to be willing to die, period. And that's not possible if you're aware of the spell, for if you are, you'll expect the spell to save you—"
"And I'd die anyway," Harry finished, nodding. "Expecting to survive wouldn't make it a true act of sacrifice."
Aberforth gave Wolfe an odd look. "How did you know about the spell's specifics?"
"I didn't know, until you mentioned the requirement of sacrifice. That's when it all made sense."
"When what made sense?" Heidi asked.
Wolfe took a deep breath, and through their link, Harry could see him sorting his thoughts.
"The protective spell only worked halfway for me, initially," Wolfe began. "I was more than willing to die for you and our baby. But I wasn't so willing to let go of life, which is why my soul was held back in … well, I think it's some kind of dimension. That's where I met the consciousness of magic—the god of magic, if you will."
Heidi and Ginny drew simultaneous gasps.
"He talked about the certainty of death, and made me think about my sacrifice. And in doing so, he nudged me in the right direction. The things he said suddenly made sense when Aberforth mentioned the sacrifice condition. Harry's memories of Merlin served to make things even clearer."
"You spoke to the god of magic?" Ginny asked incredulously.
Wolfe smiled. "He did most of the talking, but yes."
Heidi frowned. "The god of magic is a man?"
"I don't think so. He … it … assumed Master Lei's form to make me feel more at ease. Whether or not it has a gender is anyone's guess."
"So Albus Dumbledore intended to keep Harry ignorant of the spell's precise properties, so the spell might do its work one more time, under the right circumstances, correct?" Nicolai asked.
Aberforth sighed. "That was Albus' intention. Having taken a possible premature demise into account, he left me a letter with the true information about the spell, and, in the unlikely event that it would ever be triggered again, instructions on how to proceed—namely, to tell you about it. I'm afraid that, with this knowledge, you no longer enjoy the spell's protection. But leaving you with the misconception that you were immune to the Killing Curse was not an option either."
"I understand," Harry said. "It doesn't really change anything."
"In theory, you're still protected," Nicolai suggested.
"True, but what are the odds that Harry and I could completely clear our minds of the expectation of surviving, if we ever found ourselves in a similar situation again?" Wolfe asked.
Nicolai shrugged. "Very slim … I know. But Aberforth said that you no longer had the spell's protection, and that's not true, strictly speaking."
"Practice and theory are very different, little cousin."
Harry nodded in support of Wolfe's statement.
"Aberforth, you're very old, and there's no telling how long you'll be around," Heidi began. "Not that it matters anymore, but did you plan for the eventuality that what occurred today might occur after your death?"
"Of course. I made arrangements for the knowledge to be passed to Nicolai, in that event. And what do you mean I'm old? You speak as if I have one foot in the grave already."
"Seven years ago you did say that you had another fifteen years left," Ginny reminded Aberforth.
Wolfe looked puzzled. "When was that?"
"You were in Azkaban,"" Harry explained.
Wolfe shuddered. "Right."
"So that means that you've got about eight years left," Ginny continued. "I don't mean to sound negative, but that's hardly all the time in the world."
"Be that as it may, I'll enjoy my remaining time to the fullest. Why, I intend to get married this spring! I proposed to Louise yesterday, and she said yes."
Heidi gasped. "Louise Iserin?"
The parts of Aberforth's cheeks that weren't covered by his grizzled beard turned pink as he nodded.
"No … really?" Ginny asked, wearing a stunned look that mirrored Heidi's. Apparently she knew who this Louise was.
Wolfe frowned. "Who?"
"The can collecting lady," Nicolai said, grinning broadly.
Heidi and Ginny simultaneously emitted delighted squeals.
Harry shook his head. It was a bit awkward to see how in tune his wife had grown with Heidi over the last few years. Ginny, whom he knew was able to feel his moods very clearly when he was close by, gave him a playful shrug and formed a thought in her mind for him to read.
He smiled, guessing that she might have a point. In her thought, Ginny had suggested that, in her absence, it might have been more than just physical similarities that had drawn him to Heidi. And even though Heidi's bearing had been much more aristocratic and reserved eight years ago, in hindsight, Harry had to admit that at times, her bearing had still been very much like Ginny's.
"How did it happen?" Heidi asked eagerly.
"I ran into her last month, when she was on her way to deliver the empty cans to the dwarven forges. She remembered me from Harry and Ginny's wedding, and that the garter fell around the tip of my hat. We started talking, and I walked with her to the forges. Afterwards, she invited me for tea, and one thing led to another."
"She caught the bouquet, didn't she?" Wolfe said.
Aberforth nodded in affirmation.
Heidi eyes gleamed. "Oh, that's—"
"So romantic!" Ginny completed Heidi's sentence, after which both witches began to giggle girlishly.
"Why would you want to marry at your age, Aberforth?" Wolfe asked.
"I've never been married before, so I thought I'd give it a go—and she makes me feel young again," Aberforth said fondly.
Harry blinked. "How young could she possibly make you feel? She's over a hundred herself."
"Harry!" Ginny punched him in the upper arm admonishingly.
"She's a hundred and seven," Aberforth informed them.
"You're a hundred and sixty-three—old enough to be her grandfather," Wolfe pointed out, earning a punch in the upper arm from Heidi.
She rubbed her hand afterwards, seeming to have hurt her hand more on Wolfe's muscles than her hand having hurt Wolfe.
Wolfe rolled his eyes, yet he took her hand and caressed her fingers affectionately. "Could you and Ginny stop behaving like twins? You're upsetting Harry."
A tinge of worry appeared in Heidi's eyes. "Am I really?"
Harry shot Wolfe an exasperated look. "I'm not upset because they're behaving like twins, but because they're behaving like ditzes."
Ginny made to punch Harry again, but this time he was ready.
He easily caught her fist, brought it up to his lips and kissed it. Then he turned to Heidi. "The similarities between you and Ginny just caught me off guard for a moment."
Heidi giggled. "Ginny and I could say the same thing—"
"About you and Wolfe," Ginny finished, and stuck her tongue out at Harry.
"We don't look alike," Wolfe protested.
"No, but you act and react in very similar ways."
Wolfe's expression darkened. "I wish that were true."
Enough of Wolfe's thoughts slipped through his mind's barrier to let Harry know what he was thinking about.
"To be honest, I think I was far too preachy after Galatea was killed. If it had been Ginny, I would have done the same thing. In fact, I might have done much worse, and I'm not saying this just to make you feel better."
He opened his mind to allow Wolfe to see that, but Wolfe didn't bother. He just nodded gratefully, and the relief was evident in is eyes. "Thanks, kid."
Heidi and Ginny giggled again, and Harry snorted. "Would you stop calling me that?"
"Albus called me Ickle Abe until I was a hundred and twenty-five," Aberforth said.
"Well, Ickle Abe, don't you think a month is too short a time to get to know someone well enough to marry?" Wolfe asked.
"As your wife has already pointed out, I hardly have all the time in the world. Every minute is precious, and, from that perspective, a month is like an eternity."
"Then let me be the first to congratulate you," Wolfe said, sticking out his hand.
Aberforth rose from his chair, walked over to the bed and shook Wolfe's hand. Heidi then kissed him on the cheek, and Ginny, Nicolai, and Harry, respectively, followed with their own congratulations.
"So what kind of a wedding are you going to have?" Harry asked, after having released Aberforth from a backslapping hug.
"Louise was thinking about a Muggle wedding in Las Vegas."
Harry laughed. "You won't be able to marry under your proper identities. Louise is a hundred and seven, and you're a hundred and sixty-three. Very few Muggles live to reach her age, and none have reached yours."
Aberforth looked a bit put out. "That didn't occur to me. I'll have to explain that to her."
"Can't they change their ages on the identification papers?" Ginny asked.
"They could, but then the marriage wouldn't be legal," Heidi explained. "Wizards may get married the Muggle way, and all local governments of magic issue necessary documents that will hold up to Muggle scrutiny, which allow the wizarding couple to get married. However, for marriage purposes, there is a provision that states that all the information contained within the documents must be real. Also, the Muggle official must be aware of it, so you can't cast a Confundus Charm on the documents that would cause the Muggle official to overlook the odd details. That's why wizards living in typical wizarding residences that aren't listed in the Muggle world can't have Muggle weddings. Oh, but it is allowed to cast a Memory Charm on the official, afterwards."
Ginny frowned. "That doesn't make sense."
"Actually, it does. The jumble of contradictory rules serves as way to discourage Muggle weddings and to promote wizarding ones," Nicolai said, as he lowered himself back into his chair.
Ginny scowled. "I see."
The discussion was interrupted as someone knocked on the door.
"Who is it?" Wolfe called.
"It's Mary," Mary's hesitant voice replied. "Are you done with your secret meeting?"
"We're done. You can come in."
The door opened a bit, and Mary's head poked through the aperture. She looked at her boyfriend. "I need to go to the House of Healing for my pre-natal care appointment. Want to come with me with me? Since you're not in the Mirror Realm, I thought I'd ask."
"Of course I'll come with you," Nicolai said, and practically leapt out of his chair.
An astonished look crossed Mary's features. "But aren't you too busy? I mean, shouldn't you be fixing the Umbral Gate so it can be opened? The people who're waiting for you on the other side must be getting worried that it hasn't opened yet, and they might panic if they try to open it from their side without any result."
Harry felt a wave of surprise emanating from Nicolai, in response to Mary's remark, but also pride because of Mary's mature insight into the situation. Not so long ago, Mary wouldn't have been so understanding.
"Don't worry about it, bella. I told them to expect a possible shutdown of the gate," Nicolai answered as he crossed the distance to the door. Mary opened the door further to allow him through.
"How far along are you, Mary?" Wolfe asked.
Mary blushed. "Twenty-five and a half weeks."
"I don't think I'll see you soon, so Merry Christmas!" Nicolai said from the doorway. "I do have to fix the gate after Mary's check-up, and the coronation will probably proceed immediately upon my arrival in Shamballah. I'm sure I'll be back by New Year's Eve, though."
"Happy Christmas to you too, Your Majesty," Harry said.
"That's Imperial Majesty, Harry," Nicolai replied crisply, then winked. Then he waved goodbye, and Ginny, Heidi, Aberforth and Wolfe waved back, saying goodbye and wishing him a merry Christmas too.
"Mary's already twenty-five weeks along." Heidi sighed. "It seems like only yesterday that Matt tried to hex Nicolai."
"How did it happen?" Wolfe asked. "Nicolai doesn't strike me as the type that gets a girl in trouble."
Ginny laughed out loud and retold the story of how Mary had ended up pregnant due to the effects of Doxy anti-venom on male part-Greater-Incubi. Wolfe smiled when Ginny likened Mary's offer to watch over the recovering Nicolai to a wolf offering to watch over sheep.
"Do you think you'd have the same reaction the Doxy anti-venom?" Harry asked Wolfe after Ginny was done.
"I'm not sure. Nicolai is one-quarter incubus, and I'm only one-eighth." He shot Ginny and Heidi a mischievous grin. "Unlike Nicolai, I never made a woman rush out of the room to take a cold shower because of the effects of pheromones."
Ginny and Heidi blushed profusely, but instead of averting their eyes in embarrassment, the women punched Wolfe in the arms in retaliation.
Wolfe chuckled. "What? Couldn't two such witty ladies come up with an appropriate rejoinder?"
"Unfortunately both you and Harry are remarkably resistant to Veela, so we couldn't throw that in your face. But we will get you for this," Heidi said with determination.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Seriously, it sounds like a descendant who is less than one-quarter Greater Incubus or Veela loses most of the powers. Vesta Gaal is one-eighth Veela, and though she has the looks, she clearly doesn't have the powers."
"I do have one diminished incubus ability," Wolfe said. "Nicolai and my grandfather can tell if a women is ovulating if they see her and are close enough to smell her. I can't smell it—despite the enhanced sense of smell I got from the pendants—but I can taste it when I kiss a woman."
"Really? How does it work?" Heidi asked.
"A woman's saliva is slightly saltier when she's ovulating," Ginny said.
Wolfe nodded. "That was Galatea's explanation, too. We were trying to conceive Henry when I noticed that kissing her felt different than it did otherwise, but I couldn't put my finger on exactly how. At first we ascribed it to the passion of the moment, but later we realised that I was able to tell when the time was right. It made it more difficult to control my more primal urges, and it seemed to affect Galatea too. She said that she had a hard time thinking coherently, that it became very hard to resist me, and that that her legs turned to jelly every time I kissed her, probably because my saliva glands secrete a diluted form of the incubus pheromone."
Heidi scowled. "Couldn't you have told me about this sooner? I felt so awkward this morning, for throwing myself at you after last night's first kiss." She snorted. "Now he tells me—after I've felt like a slut for the better part of the day."
Ginny and Harry laughed, and Ginny pulled Harry towards the door. "Come on, let's call England and make sure that everyone's all right."
"How bad was it in Diagon Alley?" Wolfe asked. He looked really troubled, and Harry could feel that the deaths in England weighed heavily on his mind.
"The final toll was eleven deaths, and fifty-six wounded. But estimates are that the Order's presence, and quick response were directly responsible for the survival of twenty-seven of the wounded. Coupled with the Order's early discovery and deactivation of the bombs in Quality Quidditch Supplies and Gambol and Japes, that's a lot of lives saved because of your warning," Ginny said.
Harry nodded. "Those were the busiest shops."
"Not to mention the lives you saved by stopping Yamato's golem army before it reached Concordia," Heidi said.
Wolfe groaned. "The trolls, I forgot all about them. I need to talk to them—they don't know what to do without me."
He started to get up, but Heidi pushed him back into the pillows, leaning in with all her weight to accomplish the task. "You have to rest."
"I feel fine," Wolfe said, grabbing Heidi and easily lifting her off him. "This can't wait. Where are my clothes?"
"What's the rush?" Ginny asked.
"They're my responsibility, and I can't let any harm come to them. They're not evil, you know. Their past actions are due to evil leadership." He turned to Harry. "You'll need to come too. This concerns you as well."
Harry linked his mind to Wolfe's to gain the necessary information, and groaned when he learned that Wolfe had designated him as the new leader in Wolfe's absence.
"Ginny, you'd better go ahead and call the family by yourself. This may take a while."
X
Hark how the bells
Sweet silver bells
All seem to say
Throw cares away
Christmas is here
Bringing good cheer
To young and old
Meek and the bold…
The crowd gathered at the Artists' Square on the city's fourth tier listened intently as Heidi directed the Concordian Children's Choir through the final song of their repertoire of Christmas carols sung in various languages. It was a beautiful sight, with all the children holding candles and luminous fairies hovering over their heads. Many of the dignitaries who had come for the Umbral Gate's opening—which had been rescheduled to Boxing Day—were present, and Wolfe witnessed the proceedings disguised as Matt Kelly, knowing that his normal appearance would cause a stir and draw the attention away from the children. But Matt Kelly's presence wouldn't raise any suspicions, since he was the choir's main sponsor.
The choir had originally consisted of a small group of underprivileged children from Red One, but as it gradually gained fame, parents from the middle and upper classes also began to encourage their children to take part in the choir. Now there were about fifty children in the choir, ranging from ages six to eleven. Rachel Kelly and Rose Weasley were among the children who had recently joined, and they now stood side by side at the front of the group.
Ding, dong, ding, dong
That is their song
With joyful ring
All caroling
One seems to hear
Words of good cheer
From ev'rywhere
Filling the air
"All right, Matt?" Harry said, sitting down next to him. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
Wolfe nodded slowly. "Why isn't Robert in the choir?"
"It isn't his thing. He's more enthusiastic about martial arts. Henry can't wait until he's old enough to join, though. Heidi says he's very musical."
Wolfe smiled, and they continued to listen to the singing to the song until it ended, applauding the children with the rest of the crowd.
"Are the trolls settled in?" he asked quietly after the applause.
They'd had a long discussion with the Concordian Combine about the fate of the Dark Trolls, the day before. Wolfe wanted the trolls to remain in Concordia, where Harry could influence them more easily, and help them develop a more civilised society. In the end, they had managed to convince the Lord Mayor and some key councillors that the trolls could be controlled, and permission for a temporary stay had been granted to the trolls who had fought. However, Wolfe had learned that there were also about three hundred Dark Troll elders and young spread out over the world, and no matter how hard he'd tried to get them a home on Nomad Island, he hadn't had much success.
Wolfe did understand the Combine's concerns. It was uncertain whether Nomad Island's natural ecosystem and agricultural production could support three hundred and fifty Dark Trolls, even though they were considerably smaller than traditional Mountain, River or Forest Trolls, with males averaging at nine feet in height and females being a foot shorter.
"They're camped out at Matt's farmstead. They wanted a feast to celebrate their fallen comrades' glorious departure into the next dimension, but I convinced them to postpone it until the supplies are more plentiful."
"I'll pay them a visit tomorrow, before I leave," Wolfe said, as he rose from the bench they'd been sitting on.
"Are you leaving so soon?"
"I can't let Yamato get too much of a head start. I really wish I could stay longer, but I've got to save Westley," Wolfe answered, realising the irony of the situation. He'd been given a second chance at life because he'd been willing to give Westley up, but now he was going to chase Yamato again.
He made his way through the mass of people towards where Heidi and the kids were. A surge of unpleasant heat passed through him as he noticed several men with predatory intentions standing around her, trying to get her attention. He increased his pace, knowing that he needed to get Heidi away from—
"Careful," Harry mumbled. "How would it look if Matt Kelly went into a jealous rage over a woman who isn't his wife?"
Wolfe stopping in his tracks, cursing inwardly. He'd forgotten that he was Matt. He took a deep breath and resumed walking, though he was careful to maintain a leisurely pace.
"If seeing her surrounded by men bothers you, how can you possibly be thinking about leaving?" Harry continued in subdued tones.
"Shut up," Wolfe grumbled.
"Look at her … she's glowing! Men are drawn to her like moths to a flame."
"If they get too close, I'll burn them."
"Really? And how will you do that, if you're not around?" Harry chuckled. "Relax, she's totally devoted to you. She'll wait forever for you to return, though she shouldn't have to."
"Blame it on Yamato," Wolfe grumbled.
"Daddy!" Rachel Kelly squealed as she came running up to him, arms outstretched. Unsure of what to do, he picked her up and twirled her around. "Did you like the singing?"
"It was beautiful," Wolfe replied, feeling slightly uncomfortable.
Rachel looked at his expectantly, as if she were expecting him to say more. He decided to peek into her mind to get some answers, and saw that she wanted to get her ego stroked more thoroughly.
He leaned in closer and whispered into her ear. "You were better than all the other kids. I thought I was hearing an angel." Then he pulled back, and her beaming face told him that it had done the trick. He set her down, and she immediately scampered over to Rose.
"My daddy said that I was the best!"
Rose scowled. "He only says because he's your daddy."
"Does not!"
"Does too!"
"Does not!"
"Does too!"
"Does not!"
Wolfe groaned, berating himself for not having chosen his words more carefully.
Harry came alongside him and clapped him on the shoulder. "You did a fair impersonation of Matt—he would've said that too. Don't worry about the girls. They may be rivals, but they're also best friends. It won't escalate."
"Aunt Heidi …who was better, me or Rachel?" Rose's petulant voice sounded.
Harry grinned sheepishly. "Okay … maybe it will."
"Looks like it."
"There you are!" Ginny appeared from a cluster of witches who'd been discussing the musical talents of their offspring. She linked one arm through Harry's and the other through Wolfe's. "Come on, let's round up the children and go to the party."
Wolfe grimaced. He wasn't really in a hurry to go to the party at the Kellys', because he hadn't worked out how to evade Gudrun yet. He'd left a duplicate of himself in Snidget form to act as a sentinel, and the duplicate had witnessed how a tipsy Gudrun in a very skimpy Mother Christmas outfit was cornering some male guests for a kiss under mistletoe, claiming it to be her right as the hostess. The ceiling around the front door, where the guests were expected to come in—was covered in mistletoe sprigs. He could take a side door, but he didn't want to seem impolite.
Harry laughed softly, and asked out loud. "She's really doing that?"
"Who is doing what?" Ginny whispered.
"Gudrun … cornering blokes under mistletoe at the party," Harry said.
Ginny giggled. "I'm not surprised. She's always been a bit promiscuous."
"She just gave Rolf a lengthy smooch. Vesta Gaal wasn't pleased."
"Rolf brought Vesta as a date?" Ginny asked incredulously.
Harry shrugged. "You've got to hand it to him, he's persistent."
"Even if Vesta does end up marrying him, it hardly seems worth it."
"Maybe she's really good in the sack," Harry offered, and promptly had to dodge a playful blow from Ginny.
"Mind your words, Potter. There are lots of children about, your own included," Ginny said, before setting off towards the spot where Heidi and the children were standing.
After the group was complete, they headed to the nearest portal, which took them to their quadrant on the third tier. The surface of the party tent that had been set up in the courtyard that afternoon was now twinkling with thousand of magical lights, and drew attention from many passers by and overhead traffic. The amount of attention on the place made Wolfe feel slightly uneasy, even though he knew that many friendly eyes were watching over it.
"Ready for your snog?" Harry whispered, so that Jasmine, Heidi, and Ginny, who were walking up front with the children, wouldn't hear.
"I don't intend to be kissed by Gudrun."
"She's wanted to snog you ever since she laid eyes on you. Being married hasn't done anything to take that desire away. You might have to hex her if you really want to avoid being snogged. But really, what's the big deal? Matt always goes on about how good a kisser she is. Why not just let her kiss you and be done with it? To everyone else, it'll look like she's kissing her husband."
"I'm sure she'll want to kiss you too," Wolfe grumbled.
"She'll have a hard time holding on to me," Harry said smugly. "I can do my ghost thing, remember?"
Wolfe smiled as a brilliant idea lit up in his mind. "You just gave me an idea. I can use the pendants' powers too."
"Hey, it's not fair if you go in as an Animagus or shrink yourself so she doesn't see you. The challenge is to walk through the front door in plan view of her."
"Which is why I'll use a decoy." Wolfe said, as he made a mental link with his duplicate, which was sitting on the wreath that hung un the door. Moments later, the spot of gold turned into a human being that was an exact outward copy of Wolfe.
"Hey Dad," Robert, who was also ignorant about his father's disguise, said, before he went inside ahead of the others, flanked by his cousin Rose, and Rachel Kelly. Then Jasmine and Charlie Jr. brushed past the duplicate to go inside. Heidi turned around and shot him a sly wink, before she took Henry's hand and proceeded through the door, behind the duplicate. Wolfe followed quickly, and once inside he saw Gudrun step in front of the duplicate immediately, and throw her arms around him. She was so preoccupied that she didn't noticed the real Wolfe, who still looked like her husband, enter the house too.
"So, the Polyjuice has worn off? Well, it'll be more interesting," Gudrun said, giving the duplicate a sultry look as she leaned into him.
"What will be?" the duplicate asked, playing along.
"Haven't you heard? As hostess I can choose to kiss our male guests under mistletoe."
"Then it's too bad that I'm not the real guest," the duplicate said, before dissolving into thin air.
Gudrun yelped in surprise as she lost her balance, and barely managed to stop herself from falling face-first on the floor.
"Where'd he go? That wasn't the real one?"
Heidi couldn't answer because she was doubled over with laughter.
Harry used Gudrun's distraction to slip past the mistletoe cordon unnoticed.
"Isn't he coming?" Gudrun asked after a minute.
"He's already here," Ginny—who was standing in the doorway with her children—corrected, nodding towards Wolfe.
Gudrun huffed. "Well, that's just great. Now I'll have to resort to chasing you around with a sprig of mistletoe!"
"It's a-all r-right M-Max," Heidi said, halfway recovered from her laughter. "I don't mind. Let Gudrun get it out of her system."
"You sure?" Wolfe asked uneasily.
"Yes, Max!" Heidi said exasperatedly.
Gudrun threw her arm open invitingly and puckered her lips.
Wolfe reluctantly strode up to her and grabbed Gudrun's open arms to prevent her from locking him into a hug. Then he gave her the quickest of pecks on the lips before he pulled back. "There!"
Gudrun pouted. "You call that a kiss? I need at least three seconds of lip contact!"
"Be grateful, because that's all you're getting," Heidi said.
"If that reflects his bedroom behaviour, you have my condolences," Gudrun retorted playfully.
"Don't worry, it doesn't!"
Wolfe felt his face heat up. Unlike Matt Kelly, he wasn't comfortable with the knowledge that many women gossiped and fantasised about him, and he had no desire to be the subject of the women's lascivious discussion. "Heidi…"
"I told you I'd get you for the way you brought up Nicolai's influence on me, yesterday," Heidi said sweetly.
Gudrun laughed. "You're still embarrassed about that? I got over it ages ago. And really, Heidi, if there's anyone who ought to be embarrassed it's me. I was nearly four months pregnant at the time, and the boy still forced me to run off and change my panties every time he spent more than thirty seconds in my vicinity. How do you think I felt about lusting after the same boy my daughter was head over heels for?"
Wolfe left the two women to their discussion and escaped up the stairs, where his own clothes were waiting for him in a guestroom. He checked his watch and saw that the Polyjuice Potion's effect would run out any time now.
Wolfe heard footsteps coming up the stairs, and the scent of sweet perfume announced its female wearer. He turned around and saw Vesta Gaal, holding a sprig of mistletoe in her hand.
"Ah. I've been looking for you, Matthew Kelly!" she said seductively.
She closed the distance too quickly for Wolfe to say anything, and his intended explanation was restrained in his mouth by her invading tongue. His sapience deserted him as soon as he tasted her, and instead of pushing her away he pulled her closer, pinning her against him and holding her upright, for her legs didn't seem to carry her own weight. After an indeterminate amount of time, however, his iron will cut a path through the thick jungle of his incubus instincts, and he wrenched his mouth away from hers.
Vesta moaned in protest, and her mouth desperately sought Wolfe's again, but he reached up and cupped her face, tilting it back to prevent her from closing the distance
Vesta sighed, her eyes still closed. "Oh, what a heavenly kisser," she murmured dreamily.
A sound, very much like something an angry cat would make, followed Vesta's remark.
Though the sound had been foreign, Wolfe was fairly certain that he recognised the throat that had emitted it, and he slowly turned his head in the direction from which the sound had come, hoping against hope that he was somehow mistaken. But it was not be. He saw a furious looking Heidi, her arms trembling and her fists balled.
Gudrun was standing behind Heidi, looking scandalised. "First you're all anal about kissing me, and not even a minute later you snog another woman senseless."
Wolfe no longer felt Matt's long hair on the back of his neck, and he realised that he'd changed back to normal while kissing Vesta, and that Heidi had probably seen him kissing like that. "Heidi, you've got to believe me, there's a perfectly good explanation for this!"
X
Author's Note: So, how did you ladies and gentlemen like the technicality I conjured up to allow Wolfe to survive the Killing Curse?
Many of you were right in saying that when Wolfe and Harry merged into Phoenix, Wolfe also got Harry's special protection. But Lipton's guess was amazingly accurate. Consolation prizes for craziest theories went to:
1) Elric Magus, whose crazy theory won on the brilliance of its simplicity.
2) Chloe Black, whose first sentence of her theory wasn't really crazy, but caught the essence of my reasoning very well.
3) Joey 1, for trying so very hard to type a hilarious theory.
4) Foxfur …I was going to send you Chapter 11 for suggesting that it was because of a power the baby had. :-) But I kind of forgot whether I sent it or not. Did I?
That's all for this chapter, folks. I'll resume my review answering in the next one. And remember, if you have any comments, review. About what, you ask? Well, maybe you don't agree with the twist I added to J.K. Rowling's 'exception for surviving the Killing Curse'. Or maybe you think it's brilliant. Either way, I'd really like to know.