I still don't own any part of the HP universe. It's all JKR's.

Thanks to you that are still reading. Please enjoy...

Adios Arizona

The evening before their final whole day in Arizona was upon the Thunderbirds and Birdy had just finished serving a big meal and were sitting in the hogan just talking about things in general and having a good time just in each others company. Ron had an open challenge to play wizards chess and he was playing Birdy when he pondered out loud,

"Blimey, I wish there was a way to trap Voldemort so we could finish him off once and for all, you know, put him in a position that he'd have to fight us no matter which direction he turned"

"What do you mean Ron?" Birdy asked the tall redhead

"I dunno really. We'd have to lure him to where we wanted him. That would be optimal, just like in chess. The only times in the past when he's been sighted, it's usually to try to kill Harry. He usually doesn't come alone and I'm sure he knows that Harry is going to try to do him in if he sees him first. The death eaters alone are scary enough, popping in somewhere and blasting everything they see to bits, wizards, buildings, it doesn't seem to matter to them the damage and chaos they cause, seems to obscure Voldemort really and makes him a hard target to get to is all I guess"

"That, my dear Ron, has been his method all along before and since he got whalloped by Harry when he was a baby. He gets others to do his dirty work for him. Seems he'd rather like to AK Harry by any means now and that means by his own hand"

"That's wha' I mean Birdy, Harry's already been AK'd a few times now and there he sits." Ron said looking at his best mate and Draco cuddling on a big stack of pillows in the hogan.

"I don't want to see the kind of magic it's going to take to kill Harry." Ron finished.

"Ron darling, everyone, did you all hear what Ron just said? He doesn't want to see the kind of magic it is going to take to kill Harry. You all know that kind of magic now and I want you to believe that you have what it takes to stop and kill Voldemort despite the dark power he will use against you." Birdy said to the group of Thunderbirds who were half listening to Ron and Birdy to begin with, but now were sitting up thinking.

Neville just snorted and said,
"We ought to just use one of those muggle guns and shoot him in the 'ed an' be don' with it"
He had been playing a muggle board game called 'Risk' with Blaise, Fred and George and doing well. Fred had accused him of playing like he was Voldemort the way he was beating them, no remorse at all when he took over a country. Blaise added, "I suppose we should all carry those gun thingies now then, is it Nev"
"That's not altogether a bad idea Neville. I think I'll work on that idea for a while. It is low tech but effective and, muggle weapons would not be expected in a magical battle. Very clever idea indeed." Birdy concluded.
Luna and Hermione had been taking all of the conversations in. Both of the witches were pretty analytical when it came to problems. Hermione's brain was put on overdrive the second that she stepped off of Pipsqueak's back after their journey to Arizona and the Magical Navajo Nation.
All of the Thunderbirds seemed to have gained a broader perspective in how they viewed things and this pleased Hermione to no end as she could hold intelligent conversations with any of them and not have them degrade into petty rivalries.
Luna's perspective was one that Hermione couldn't quite grasp, but that was ok with the muggleborn witch, Luna had a very strong gift in Divination and that was great. Hermione would probably go crazy with embarrassment if she kept having visions and shouting prophecies at odd moments. ( She has enough to worry about doesn't she? ) She didn't care much for the practice of Divination, her opinions changed considerably from her third year when she quit Professor Trelawney's course in the middle of the school year.
"What would Merlin himself use to take Voldemort out?" Luna said as she had been deep thinking. "Merlin would have probably used Excalibur to cut out his heart, and behead him with it." Birdy pondered to the young witch seer.
"Where exactly is Excalibur Birdy?" Hermione said, this time everyone was paying attention. That was a very good question.
"I can't tell you that. I can however give you permission to know that answer. You need to ask Albus and Narcissa for their permission as well, but personally mind you. to them. Then you may know the answer to that question young lady. Why do you want to know? It's hiding place has been kept secret for as long as HOGWARTS has been in existance." Birdy said smiling and raising an eyebrow at the young witch. Birdy had told her the answer, but didn't at the same time.
"I think if Voldemort knew that Harry knew the location of Excalibur, he'd be rather keen on extracting that information from him before he killed him." Hermione finished.
Birdy had an idea and it came from the mouth of a literal babe in arms. "What if Voldemort thought Harry actually possessed Excalibur? He'd try to capture it of course, and he'd bring everything he had to get to it. That might just be the key to taking them all out at one time. The possibility is very interesting. Bright girl Hermione. You too Luna. The power of Merlin is legendary and it is something that we must at all costs protect from evil. The last two ancient wizarding wars were fought over power and control. Voldemort wants all of that and more. He just doesn't realize it. I think he's bitter because in his quest for power he's faced a baby that almost killed him and now he's living off of the support of his followers. He uses fear to control them. He owns only Riddle manor and it's delapidated at best. Jealousy, I suppose is what is driving him. I think that a good long talk with Albus is what is needed. Enough of this jabbering on about Merlin. I want to know how you all enjoyed your stay. How about we go 'round and hear from you all.
I'll start. Personally, it's been wonderful to have had you all here. You've given me hope that one day your children will never have to grow up in fear of another wizarding war like the one you're about to fight. Harry, Draco, you're going to be parents very soon and like it or not, you're going to have to fight for your babies very lives. How do you feel about that"
Draco and Harry looked deep into each others eyes, mentally communicating to each other.
'I don't want to lose a single one of our children Harry. You know there's nothing I wouldn't do to make sure they are born into a safe world'
'You and me both love, you and me both'
"Birdy, right now, I am only feeling love, both for Draco, our babies, our friends and our world"
"Oh bugger Potter" Draco said and claimed the lips of his husband in a quick kiss before he decided to stand up and walk about, a thought coming to mind and babies pressing on his bladder.
"Birdy, I'm feeling like Harry does really. I mean to tell you, I've been a right prat for most of my life, but since Lucius was put into Azkaban and Harry's come into my life, along with all of you..." Draco began looking at all of the Thunderbirds finishing his gaze with a loving look at Harry,
"...my perspectives have changed quite a bit. My plans are to be the best wizard, father and mate that I can be. I've been forced to meet Voldemort himself with my father several times and he disgusts me. It would only pleasure me to help kick his bony ass first before we send him into oblivion"
"Say wha's on your mind mate" Neville said.
"I believe I just did" Draco said as he sat down again in Harry's welcoming lap.
"Ok Neville, how about you? What's on your mind? How do you feel about all of this?" Birdy asked her friend Alice's son.
"Well, I've been without my parents to guide me and, although I love her very much, I was raised by my Gran. It's just not the same you know? I know what life could have been like for me. That void has been oddly enough, seems to have been filled by all of you guys. I'd like to have a family one day myself and I'd want my kids to have what I didn't have. Parents. I rather guess that I'm a bit angry and sad deep down, but there is going to be a day soon that I recon that the anger and sadness will fade somewhat. Personally in our short future, I'd like to see that Voldemort suffers like I did, only all at once just before we kill him"
"Well, Neville it is my wish that you all have the happiness you deserve. You have trained for it now. Already, you have fought for it and to a degree, you've already paid a hellish price. None of you had the childhood you deserved. Fred, George, how about you guys"
"Well"
"Birdy, it's like this"
"We've always known"
"that we're really"
"bright"
"intelligent"
"talented"
"charming"
"handsome young blokes, but when"
"it comes to reclaiming our position in society"
"we believe in"
"one magic, one class"
"How about just one of you talking at a time?" Birdy interjected. "What do you mean by one magic one class? FRED"
"Well, we grew up not having alot of things but we had a lot of love. We're purebloods, but that doesn't hold anything in our book. Look at 'ermione, she's squib born and one of the most brilliantly gifted witches we've ever met. Blood just doesn't matter to magic. It only matters to certain families and how they believe that the magic is polluted by mixing with half blood's or less. Big pile of dragon dung if you ask us"
"I did, and that was about as good a description of the state of things if I've ever heard one. It didn't matter to my father when he found out I was pregnant with the child of a white wizard called Black, not that he had a lot of time to think it over. He thought that it was kind of funny actually. Red, white and Black all at one time. It's amazing that Adam didn't come out with stripes. He certainly howled like a werewolf when he was born and he didn't shut up until he was 13"
"Ma! When did I ever"
"I stand corrected, my son has never shut up." The Thunderbirds all had a pretty good laugh at Adam's expense, courtesy of Birdy's friendly barb. "How about you guys, Blaise? Greg? Vince? Thoughts?" Birdy said still chuckling.
Blaise spoke for the three Slytherins when he said, "Voldemort is responsible for us losing our folks. We're mad at him and hurt by them on one hand, but they were adult wizards and got what they had coming to them on the other. We could never have followed them blindly into his service. Draco was the one that made us see the irony of being rich and a slave at the same time. Not very appealing if you ask us. We've got scores to settle of course, and we will. Personally, I'm glad that we've all become friends. Real friends. Friends are people that will fight along side of you, die for you if necessary, and be there when things are down. You've all done that for us. It is most fortunate that we've all got someone to love now. When this is all over, I hope we're still all together so we can continue the love. That's all I guess Birdy. That about say it guys?" Blaise finally finished and he looked at his two hulking friends who were nodding in agreement, they weren't much for speaking for themselves usually.
"Ginny, you seem to be rather passionate in your desire to get down to business when you get home. What's going on in your head?" Birdy looked to the red haired witch who was filing her fingernails on a bit of dragon scale.
"Oh, I'm still mad at what happened a few years ago. I want what everyone else want's. To live, and love. To raise a family is a worthwhile thing to strive for. Voldemort is simply in the way. I want him dead. Dead, dead, dead. I'll do what it takes. After that, I dunno, I suppose that I'd like to start on that family too." she said looking at Neville.
Birdy had listened to the innermost thoughts of the Thunderbirds with rapt attention and she had come to the conclusion that the young people in her company would accomplish the task at hand. In her heart she somehow knew what they had said would indeed come to pass. "I have some gifts for you all because you leave tomorrow. Look in the cabinet over on that wall and you'll find them. Adam why don't you go and get the boxes out and give them to everyone. I'll explain them as you open them up"
Adam dutifully went about the business of distributing the large boxes his mother directed him to pass about. Hermione was the first to open the large box in front of her. Her eye's became as huge as saucers when she saw what was inside the box. It was a set of battle robes and what she recognized as a 'tomahawk', a Cherokee battle axe of sorts. The battle robes were a royal turquoise, with elegant stitchery around the collar, and cuffs and were made out of a material that she had never seen before. The rest of the Thunderbirds were opening their boxes and pulling out the robes that had been presented to them.
"Put them on you guys, let me see how they look." Birdy commanded. The Thunderbirds all rose to put on the new robes. When the thirteen of them stood to model them it almost took Birdy's breath away. Together, the aura coming from the Thunderbirds was the most dazzling thing that she had ever seen. The pure magical power in them was palpable. It was a sight that she was never ever going to forget. She was not to see them again in these clothes probably, but the people in Britain and the rest of the wizarding world would know of the Thunderbirds by sight in these, and in a big way. She just wished she could see them enter Hogwarts, or as a group being introduced formally to the British Ministry of Magic. Narcissa would make good use of the way they looked just to inspire her citizens. She did expect to see some pictures in the publications she received daily. Birdy had made them battle uniforms to wear with their robes and had a special little gift for Draco. She had given him a special dragon armor chest/belly piece to wear under his uniform to protect his babies from hexes. A gift that both he and Harry were most appreciative of. The tomahawks were a gift from the Magical Cherokee Nation in the eastern United States. One of the newest allied nations to support the cause. They were made out of silver, edged with diamonds, sharpened to that of a surgeons scalpel and harder than most of the diamonds and they were enchanted to split anything that they struck. Special instructions were given in regards to the safe handling of them. The look in Ginny's and Neville's eyes said they didn't need much instruction in using them.
The Magical Sioux Nation had sent the Thunderbirds magical fit, flying buffalo gloves. The had been studded with hex reflection gems.
The Magical Adirondack Nation had sent shields and helmets forged from the copper from their own mines. Charmed for hex deflection,and had etched engravings of the Thunderbirds. Each had a special prayer spell from the leader of the nation, who was also a woman. She had lost a brother to the last great wizarding war for lack of this protection. She was sending three of her grandsons to school in Scotland to the war college and then stay to fight in the great battle.
The Magical Seminole Nation from Florida had sent enchanted alligator boots and belts and had given them one of their most prized spells to use in battle as a special gift. Birdy had helped them learn this spell, and as it was rather violent to see it actually in use. She described it's effects. It was a biting spell, that removed large chunks of flesh as if an alligator had ripped it from you. Quite effective and could be cast wandlessly in many degrees of severity, each much worse than the others.
It seemed that all the magical native American nations had all had some contribution to make to the fight, they were sending small groups of warriors to Hogwarts in Scotland to train at the Thundercloud war college with the Thunderbirds. The gifts were mere tokens of respect and admiration. Birdy's mind was at peace for the moment and she was thoroughly enjoying the looks that the Thunderbirds were giving each other, each of the Thunderbirds were amazed at how they looked in the gifted uniforms and robes, weapons and accessories and so was she. The rest of the evening was spent playing music and singing, some snogging was going on periodically here and there. Soon enough it would be time to say farewell to the good times. Let this be the last untroubled evening be one to cherish for a long time. Their bags had been packed, they were leaving at midnight, August 31st. They would fly pipsqueak once again and arrive at the Burrow at 8:10 a.m. Pipsqueak could land silently and without flashing lightening in the process. She would fly with a disillusion charm to make her seem invisible. The Thunderbirds the next morning could simply apparate to a safe spot inside Diagon Alley and make their way to King's cross in time to board the Hogwart's Express at 11 a.m. sharp. They were going to wear their normal wizarding clothes when they changed at the Burrow before they went to Diagon Alley and they would all put on glamour charms for annonyminity. Their journey to King's cross should go un noticed. That was the plan anyway... or so they thought until Luna had a strong vision just then and requested help whimpering, "It's him, I need help"
Without even thinking of what they were going to witness, the Thunderbirds and Birdy all helped Luna with their combined power which hadn't been necessary for a while now. They we're shocked at what they were seeing. The Hogwart's Express was at King's Cross station along side Platform 9 3/4 surrounded by Death eaters. They were casting charms on the old enchanted train. Birdy once again thought of using Luna as a conduit to cast a spell to stop them from doing what ever it was they thought they would get away with.
"Luna honey lamb, I'm going to send those boneheads a Petrificus Totalus and Imperio to force them to tell what they were doing when the MLE collect them. I won't hurt you a bit. I'll leave them with your new calling card, a Sparkling Thunderbird Feather. A light version of the Dark Mark. It will signal the impending arrival of the Thunderbirds back from seclusion. Voldemort will just have to do without those ignorant minions of his"
With a wave of her staff, Little Bird pushed the Petrificus spell and the Impirio curse at the same time. It was time to alert the British Ministry and Albus of the spells on the train.
Luna's vision stopped when she felt the two curses pass through her. Little Bird sent Lulu magically with a message to Dumbledore explaining what he would find at King's Cross and what he would need to do to insure the safety of the students riding to their home for the next 10 months.
The train was unhexed and special protection wards were cast by Dumbledore himself after the Death Eaters were rounded up and taken to the MLE for transfer to Azkaban. Professors McGonagal and Flitwick accompanied Dumbledore to King's Cross with the Auror force that had been sent to collect the petrified, babbling Death Eaters. Their amusement was not hidden for long.
"Albus, what kind of dark magic did this to these people?" little Professor Flitwick said to the headmaster as he was unspelling the curses, hexes and wards set on the train by the Death Eaters, giggling nervously.
"Filius, it was Little Bird Thundercloud that did it. Her power's have never really been measured for lack of a reasonable scale to compare it. When that eagle of her's appeared out of nowhere, I knew something was not right because we talk daily at noon. Her message only said that there were a number of..petrified Death Eaters she stopped from trying to sabotage the train. I don't know completely how she knew, but here is the evidence." The headmaster said to the tiny charms instructor.
"Aye Albus. They put some very peculiar charms on the wheels of the cars and the steam chamber on the locomotive. The carnage of a train wreck would have been a very nasty way to begin a school year. I think we should begin to teach those children capable of apparation, to do so." Professor Flitwick said as he was walking and counterhexing the train as he made his way down the row of cars with Professor McGonagal and the Headmaster.
"Albus, when are those who are in America supposed to arrive back in Britain?" Professor McGonagal said, referring to the Thunderbirds, not the Americans that were supposed to come to Hogwarts for secondary education in war and defense.
"They should arrive at the Burrow tomorrow at eight a.m. It's out of the way and Molly and Arthur have put a notice-me-not ward around their home for many miles around. We don't want the time of their arrival known just yet"
"Very well then. I'm wondering how they all got along in America"
"Famously, I'm told Minnie." The headmaster said with an amused sparkle in his eyes, "Filius are you done. Do you need any help unhexing the train"
"Just finished Albus. The MLE has removed those Death Eaters and it looks like they're going to stay here to guard the train for the rest of the night. I suppose it should be safe if they do"
"I think that Narcissa will command them to stay until the train departs tomorrow at eleven. I think we should go back to Hogwarts and get some rest. Tomorrow will be quite an eventful day don't you think? The new adult students will be arriving at the Ministry's new international keyport and transported here to the station with an escort of aurors. Some have already portkeyed in and are at special accommodations waiting for their train ride day after tomorrow"
"Aye, but eventful might be a bit of an understatement. The students aren't even at school and yet they've already been attacked. I hope they will all be safe on their journey to Scotland." The tiny professor said as the the three of them made for the apparition zone at King's Cross.
"Not to worry Filius, I've charmed the tracks of the express with a ward that will keep them safe on the journey north. Now, lets go home and get some sleep... if we can"
"Very well Albus. I could do with a spot of tea before bed"
"As could I Minerva. As could I." Dumbledore said and the three of them disapparated to the gates of Hogwarts.
Meanwhile at the unplottable location in the Arizona desert.
The Thunderbirds had all gone to bed for their last night of peaceful slumber and all the occupants of Thundercloud Palace were sleeping save for Little Bird Thundercloud who was chanting prayers of protection in her hogan for her extended family and her son.
Draco had been tossing and turning trying to get comfortable when he woke Harry from his sleep. Noticing the movement Draco was making, Harry embraced his husband and tried to soothe him by holding and stroking Draco's face. Draco's uncomfort woke him and he opened his eyes to see shining emeralds looking at him smiling.
"Harry, did I wake you love? I can sleep in my own bed if I'm disturbing you"
"This is your bed sweetheart and you're not disturbing me. I like holding you. I think when the babies get bigger we might not be able to cuddle like this though"
"Oh Merlin, I'm going to get fat aren't I"
"No you won't Draco. Hopefully the babies will be though. You're only getting more good looking as the days pass. Don't worry about your size. I won't"
"Thank you Harry. Have I told you how much I love you, lately"
"Yes you have. I love you more and more every day too. I can't wait to hold our babies in my arms. I can't wait to be a father and be with you to raise them. I feel better somehow knowing that it's you that will be with me for the rest of my days. Pointed ears and everything"
"Oh, I forgot about that. Do you think that the children will have... you know... ears like ours"
"I don't know my love. I wouldn't care if they did or didn't. I'll love them no matter what just as I. love. you." Harry said using his finger to tap on Draco's nose to make his point.
"Thank you Harry. I guess I need to hear that somehow. I'm so happy that you're my husband"
"You're not worried about what everyone at school will be saying about us.. Pansy and the other Slytherins, and you especially with..." Harry said gesturing to Draco's tummy.
"Not a bit love. I'll hex the crap out of anyone that makes any sort of trouble for me and the babies"
"I'm sure you will darling. I have no doubts about that. I'll have a thing or two to say as well if they try"
"How about you Harry... are you worried about... you know... killing snake face"
"With you and the others beside me I have no doubts or worries. I'd be a fool if I were to say that I wasn't worried a bit"
"Good thing too Harry. I don't see any of us as being over confident. Confident yes, but not too much. Why don't we try to get some sleep? That bloody sunshine creeps into the room at a pretty ungodly hour. I hope the others are resting. Tomorrow... well, today is our last in America and I for one don't plan on being a tired wreck before we ride that bloody huge bird back home"
"Ha! Could you imagine if we were to arrive in King's Cross in front of thousands of people on Pipsqueak"
"I think that there would be a huge upsurge of scourgify spells in everyones drawers if we were to do that. I'm sure that mother and Dumbledore would frown on it anyway. We're supposed to be a secret. For how long, I'm not sure... Harry... will you make love to me"
"Of course my love"
Harry proceeded to make the most of their last night in Arizona and pleasured Draco and himself for an hour or so. When they finished, they both drifted off into a very restful, sated sleep. The sun had made it's way around the world once again and it's light filtered just over the horizon as the two happy wizards held each other and slept peacefully.
Adam Black Thundercloud's dreams were mostly of a good looking, red headed wizard named Charley. His night out, of a few days ago previously in the muggle world, made his dreams happy ones. He was the only one in the palace sleeping alone.
Ginny and Neville, Blaise and Luna, Ron and Hermione, Fred and George, Greg and Vince, as couples slept quite peacefully. None of them had bad dreams.. No, in fact their dreams were of a wizarding world that was free and safe from dark wizards. They were... content and happy.
Birdy had chanted all night after she'd sent the spells at the Death Eaters through Luna's vision. She was glad that Luna was on their side. Her mother was one of the most powerful seer's... ever, and Luna's potential as the greatest scrying seer in a thousand years wasn't ever going to be underestimated. Luna and Birdy had become quite close because of the power of sight she demonstrated over and over again. Sending curses thousands of miles away was no easy feat. Mere witches and wizards couldn't do what she could do. The light had a great weapon on it's side and the alliance between the Thunderbirds would never be broken.
The last breakfast in Arizona for the Thunderbirds was being prepared magically by Little Bird and the tiny people that ran the household of Casa de Thundercloud. Aroma's of fried something were magically whafted into the bedrooms of the sleeping young people bringing them out of their last night of sleep in America, hopefully waking them up gently.
Vince, Greg, Fred and George were the first to wake and made for their morning showers. Their stomach's were rumbling because of the prospect of the last great American breakfast and they hurried themselves along. The four of them didn't bother with dressing fully, just t-shirts and shorts and they were ready. Birdy greeted them to the breakfast table and started them with coffee and juice while they waited for the rest of their compatriots to join them. The four of them joked about almost everything, and were chatting about the prospect of going home and using the new pranks that they had thought up over the last month in America. It was going to be an interesting year for them. Fred and George knew that they would be going back to Hogwarts as post graduates and thier roles were a bit unclear to them but they were ready to go home and begin their new adventure. No one in their family except for their parents had post graduation tuition in anything before, and the prospect of more schooling wasn't bothering them in the least. After they had successfully retaken their NEWTs, and after all the rapid learning they had undergone had uplifted their perspective about life. They didn't care that they were brothers and two halves of one whole soul. Being a Thunderbird was special to them.
Hermoine and Ron, along with Blaise, Luna and Adam joined the four Thunderbirds already seated at the breakfast table pouring their morning drinks of coffee and juice. They only had a few minutes to wait before Ginny, Neville, Harry and Draco joined them and Birdy did a Dumbledore thing with her hands and the breakfast food appeared.
Everything that you could imagine that was for breakfast was in front of the Thunderbirds. Menudo, rice, steak, eggs, frybread with cinnamon and sugar, bacon, sausage, ham and assorted fruits were the menu for their last morning meal in America. Birdy had done everything right that morning. Her night of chanting ancient Navajo protection charms on the Thunderbirds seemed to refresh and energize her and she just watched the thirteen of them eat and make merry at the breakfast table.
Birdy looked at each of them reflecting to herself that she was sure she had taught them individually, what they would need to know to survive the war that they were going to fight. Her confidence in their assessed talents couldn't be more spot on.
She looked at the lot of them sitting around her table and she reflected on each of the pairs.
Hermione and Ron she thought were going to be great leaders with Hermione's keen mind and Ron's strategic sense, they would be able to lead great numbers of people and keep the risks to a minimum with a maximum outcome.
Ginny and Neville she pondered what life was going to be like for them. Ginny had a very hot temper and Neville was her opposite in that respect, Ginny was a very talented, powerful pureblood witch and as a wizard, so was Neville. They would go far as a pair. Ginny showed signs of being a great healer one day and Neville's passion for herbology and research would perfectly compliment each of them.
Fred and George. 'Now there's a pair to draw to.' she thought. Those redheaded prankster's talents in charms were almost unequaled by anyone besides any of the Thunderbirds. Those two will become very useful in making magical objects such as portkeys or even wands. Their capacity in this war will be challenged and tested to the limits.
Blaise and Luna were more of an odd match than anything. Luna was at her best when she wasn't reading a book upside down or looking for rare magical creatures. She was a Diviner of the highest calibur, probably more so than her mother or grandmother. She was indeed the opposite of Blaise. Blaise was tall and dark and Luna was short and blonde. He was a do-er. Very physical. He was very smart and would go very far. Together as a couple, they would have much to do after the war was over. Luna's father would simply love Blaise as his own son if the two of them decide to get married after the war. The elder Zabini head of House was on the run and hiding with Voldemort and would be sent away with the rest of the Death Eaters.
Vincent and Greg were huge men. Not bad looking really and they loved each other very much. They were two peas in a pod and they would probably make a great name in the wizarding world after the war is over as enforcers of the law. They were great judges of character and had a gentleness about them that showed outwardly. They would be great aurors or judges for the wizengamot and maybe restore their family names to greatness once their fathers were either killed or captured and sent to Azkaban. Harry and Draco took Birdy's breath away every time she saw the two of them. Separately they were very good looking but together they were everything that their parent's couldn't possibly deny. Harry was stunning man. Tall and dark like his father. His hair had somehow ended up much nicer than James'. Draco probably had something to do with that.
Harry was as powerful as Draco and Adam and Neville were. Perhaps a great deal more. Voldemort saw to that. There was no such scale that existed that could measure their magical potential. They could all do what they decided to learn with little or no effort. Harry was a lamb deep down. Birdy could tell just by looking at him that he didn't want to do what he was going to have to do but her faith in him (and a few well placed guilt repelling charms in the back of his mind that would activate when Voldemort was gone for good) to do the job at hand was well placed. He was going to go very far in the wizarding world. Perhaps minister of magic one day or headmaster. What ever he did would be fine with her. Lily and James' son. Her godson would remain safe. Birdy saw to it with the oldest Navajo magic she could draw from.
Draco's place would always be by the side of Harry. His keen senses and analytical mind were the perfect addition to Harry's brashness. His role as a parent to six probably very powerful children would be a very hands on one. Their children would need for nothing and they would be surrounded by people that loved them. Narcissa, Molly and Birdy would see to that. If anything happened to Harry and Draco, Birdy herself would take the babies and raise them right. She knew Harry and Draco quite well and that simply would just not happen. Her little baby boy Adam was the apple of her eye and all the other cliches that you can roll up with them. He wasn't as grown up as she would like him to be but he was quite capable of ensuring his safety. The Thunderbirds had never seen Adam angry. Upset maybe, but never angry. His magical potential was almost as unlimited as Harry's was and it would be stronger by a thousand fold when he became the Emperor of the MNN. Birdy had taught him well and she was confident that he would remain safe in Britain even if he was going to be facing the most dangerous lunatic in the whole of the wizarding world and fighting in a war. Hopefully that kind of experience would make him grow up juuuust a bit. His desire to be with Charley Weasley was not a disappointment to Little Bird. She only wanted his happiness for him.
The Thunderbirds had all finished their last morning meal and were getting up and thanking Birdy with a hug and giving her kisses on her cheek. She almost cried... almost. They went to their rooms to dress for the day and pack their things being careful to leave out their new Thunderbird battle dress robes, boots and gloves and, their travel robes for their trip back to Britain. They were trying to decide what to do on their last day. Hermione and Luna were interested to see some of the magical museum pieces and spend the day in the Thundercloud library. Birdy nixed that idea for them saying that they needed to go and be outside for the day. She had taught them cooling charms and she still thought they could use more color on their skins. Draco almost balked at any more sunshine activities until Harry whispered in his ear, "Maybe we can go swimming in that big blue pond... alone"
Birdy had the eyes of an eagle and the hearing of a bat when she said, "No swimming alone up there you two. If you go, everyone goes and that means the young ladies too. So that means wearing clothes to swim if you're with them. I have a different idea of what you can do for today. I promised Severus that I would collect for him some potions ingredients that weren't fully mature when he left last week. They're ready today"
"That's not much fun mama." Adam said for his friends before they had a chance.
"It will be if I go with you." Birdy said. She hadn't gone out with the Thunderbirds except to fly and show them how to cast the battle charms, so this would be a new development.
"You're going out with us? Cool mama. What are we going to do after that"
"Oh, I thought you might like to go and choose a gem from out of the mine as a souvenier before you go home." Birdy said to them. They had all expressed the desire to see their mine when they discovered it existed.
"Really Birdy?" Hermione gushed.
"Really Hermione. All of you except Adam he has enough to last him for twenty years already in Britain waiting for him. No, these gems are for you to keep. You can use them of course if you need to somehow but, I don't think that you're going to be wanting for galleons ever in your lives"
"What do you mean by that Birdy? I expect we'll have to work like everyone else to live, but, I'm never going to give up the gem for any reason. Thanks for thinking of us that way"
"Don't worry about it Ginny. Just... don't worry about it alright?" Birdy said to the young witch.
"Alright, I won't." Ginny said smiling back to the woman she called MaBirdy.
"Now, let's go on to the herb garden over the hill. It's next to a humidity pond I have under a disillusionment charm just about a twenty minute walk over there. I don't want to apparate this morning"
Birdy had a good reason for wanting to walk. She had a surprise for the Thunderbirds in one of the paddocks on the trail to the garden.
Collecting everyone on the Veranda, Birdy conjured several bottles of iced water for them to drink on their walk to pick potions ingredients. Neville inquired as to what kind of plants that they would harvest for Professor Snape and Birdy said that they were a hybrid plant that was supposed to help in the brewing of wolfsbane elixir and other potions for magical maladies and one of the most rare of all plants, Sampson's Hair. Sampson's Hair could not be cut with a knife and the whole plant had to be dug up. The roots had to be hit with a modified reducto charm to sever the roots from the earth. Neville had only heard about Sampson's Hair. It's properites when brewed in a potion would make the drinker as strong physically as Sampson for a short time. It's existence was thought to be only legend. Birdy commented that it was Sampson's Hair that the founders of Hogwarts used to build the towers of the castle over a thousand years ago. Voldemort would love to get his hands on the crop growing out in the open in Birdy's secret garden.
The Thunderbirds and Birdy had been walking about ten minutes when a shimmering could be seen on the left of the path. It looked like something invisible and Ginny was the one to spot it first.
"MaBirdy, is there something hiding just there"
"There sure is. Adam, You remember your grandma's brother, your uncle Sky Eagle"
"Yeah, I haven't seen him since I was little. Didn't he go somewhere far away to study Greek or something like that"
"He went to Greece to learn how to raise what's inside of this invisible paddock. I think it's safe to show you since we have to go inside anyway." Birdy said and waved her hand at the invisible ward surrounding the mystery inside revealing twenty young pairs of Pegasus'. The Thunderbirds eyes, all twenty six of them were as round as saucers at the revelation before them.
"Do you like them?" Birdy said trying to stifle a laugh.
"Ma Birdy" "they're the most" "bloody beautiful things" "we've ever seen"
"You can say that again... but don't." Birdy admonished pre-emptively.
"Mama, did uncle Sky Eagle come home? Where is he"
"He's still in Greece with their parents. I bought these because of their magical properties. I'm going to use them in the manufacture of brooms and wands and use the feathers as a potions ingredient. They're quite tame and they seem to like us because of our magical signatures. Go on pet them. They won't bite you"
Harry and Draco along with Blaise and Luna walked out into the paddock first. Luna was enthralled at the beauty of the creatures. "These are way better looking than those blasted thestrals aren't they"
"Aye, Luna. They look much more comfortable to ride as well." Harry said to the big eyed witch and he stepped forward and bowed to the creature much like he did with Buckbeak.
"They're not hippogriffs Harry. These beauties are as calm as a lamb. They're almost old enough to ride too. In another six months or so, these "baby feathers" of theirs will drop out and then I'll collect them and send them to Sev. Their tail hairs will be used as broom stick cores the hair of their mane's will be used as wand cores. They'll be able to fly the royal coach as a team." "Uncle Sky did a good thing then didn't he. I hope gramma is taking good care of him. I miss em' both"
"Yes he did sweetheart. And your grandmother is taking a vacation right now in North Africa somewhere so your auntie is taking care of him"
"Auntie? When did he get married"
"Several years ago darling. No cousins yet though"
"Oh, right then. Can we ride them one day"
"Of course but, not until before they're willing to let you"
Ginny had been stroking the mane of one of the young Pegasus' and it was nuzzling it's mouth on the crook of her arm and chest just below her neck, when it occurred to her to try to change into one herself. She did so silently while the Thunderbirds were listening to Birdy and Adam's conversation. She stepped up to the group of them and whinnied and flapped her wings to get their attention. The young Pegasus' all extended their wings and bowed to the large red winged horse.
"Ginny that's wonderful." Birdy said of Ginny's transformation into the magical creature to the Thunderbirds. Ginny changed back but not before she said something to the young creature she had been petting.
"I didn't know I could do that. I just gave it a try like doing one of the other animals and it worked. I guess it's good to know that I can do it"
"Yes it is. Very good Ginny. A red Pegasus' flight feather is a potent variation in the making of just about anything magical that calls for the feather of a Pegasus. I'm so pleased that you tired it"
"Well, if it weren't for you and Adam, I don't think I would have even tried. Thank you"
"You're welcome dear. Now, lets leave the paddock and go get those Sampson's Hair plants collected and the other things and we'll be done out here"
Ron and the twins were secretly very proud of their little sister. The shouldn't call her that much longer because they knew better than to make a witch or wizard that could potentially kill you with a look, angry. Neville was beaming at his girlfriend. He wasn't as closed mouth about the whole thing and he jabbered her ear off, the rest of the way to the garden.
Harry and Draco enjoyed the young Pegasus' greatly. They thought that they would like to own a pair or two of the magical creatures one day themselves. Greg and Vince too. In fact they were quite smitten with the baby they were petting and cooing over in the paddock. Luna knew for a fact that she would need one for her and her father so they could go on searches for other magical creatures in Greece once the war was over... unless Blaise had other plans.
The fourteen witches and wizards had spent the morning and the early part of the afternoon finishing up their work before they went back into the house for their lunch and for their final preparations for the trip back to their home, Hogwarts and the war. Birdy did indeed show them some of the artifacts that Merlin himself had left in the MNN. Ginny wasn't too keen on picking up anything that another old wizard owned. Especially Merlin. Her experience with Tom Riddle's diary was a very good lesson and she remembered what her father told her so she was the most cautious of the lot of them. Merlin left a ring from the court of King Arthur as a token of his gratitude for the Thundercloud hospitality. The ring was passed from hand to hand by the Thunderbirds. Even Ginny gave it a close inspection.
It was through Merlin's contact that brought Thundercloud himself to Britain in the first place. Merlin had left Excalibur in the Americas before they were called that for safe keeping and Thundercloud repatirated the magical objects to their homeland when he arrived for school and met Albus Dumbledore for the first time.
The Thunderbirds didn't forget that they were to ask personally, Dumbledore and Narcissa Malfoy, permission to see Excalibur. They already had Birdy's permission to ask and they intended to do it when the time was right. Fred and George were besides themselves when they got a look at Merlin's ring. It had a large emerald in the center, the color of Harry's eye's they thought and there were some ancient runes engraved into the inside of the ring. George used a muggle pencil when he copied them down to research later. Seems after all of the rapid learning spells in all of the subjects taught at Hogwarts, their desire to gain knowledge had almost caught up with their desire to pull pranks. That is saying something when Fred and George want to actually learn something. Draco held the ring next and held it up next to Harry's face to compare it to his eyes.
"This bloody ring doesn't even compare to the color of your eyes love. Here see for yourself. Put it on"
"I don't think I should put it on Draco. It might be charmed or something and you know how good I am at getting into trouble"
"You're a bloody Thunderbird now Harry. Birdy, would it be alright if Harry put the ring on to compare it to his eyes... he's a chicken now not a Thunderbird it seems"
"It's alright Harry. Merlin was a good man and he wouldn't have put a charm on the ring if it were a gift to one of my ancestors"
"Alright. It looks the right size for my thumb. Merlin must have been a bloody huge man"
"I think if there were a charm on the ring Harry it would be a sizing charm. Go on and put it on. I won't let anything happen to you"
"Oh, well then. Here goes"
Harry slipped the ring on the index finger of his right hand and it indeed sized magically to fit Harry's finger. The stone began to glow suddenly and shot a beam of light into Harry's eyes. Birdy couldn't get the ring off of Harry's finger in time to stop it.. in fact she couldn't get the ring off of him at all. Harry tried, Draco tried. Luna and Hermione suggested using lubrication to get it off. Birdy was a bit concerned at the development and she began to think. She decided that if it wasn't hurting Harry she would let him keep it. It was simply just not that big of a deal. She would however talk to Albus about it. In the mean time, it was outside in the garden for magic testing on Harry.
"I told you I shouldn't put this bloody thing on"
"It really is a good looking ring Harry. It's not that big and the stone is very elegant. Besides, if you hit someone in the mouth with that thing, they'd be bloodied up for sure." Draco said trying to reassure his husband.
"There were some ancient runes inside the ring. I wonder what they bloody said"
"We copied them down" "Harry, just right here." Fred and George said handing the paper with the runes on them to Harry. Birdy was right there in an instant and took the paper from Harry to study. Hermione and Draco were pretty good at rune study and they helped her. Birdy summoned a book that looked to be as old as any they'd ever seen. It was covered with gilt runes and written in Olde English. She handed the book to Hermione and Draco and they took the paper and the book and frantically flipped through the pages for what they were looking for. "Here are two runes, that mean family and wield"
"This rune here Draco is 'to be or by' and that one is a Merlin's rune. What do you think it all means"
"I don't know Hermione, I just don't know"
Birdy knew what it meant that's why she gave them the book in the first place. Harry was a descendant of Merlin many times removed at the very least, but he was the family of Merlin himself and he could wield the power that was inside Excalibur. He was, if no one else were found, the monarch of the british wizarding world. He would be called King Harry when he was coronated, but for now, he was a Prince.
"Harry dear. I know what that meant when the ring accepted you. I did not however in a million years think that it would be you who was the long lost heir to the British wizarding throne. You're Prince Harry Potter, heir of Merlin, You are to be King in Camelot. Long live the King"
Harry's face paled and he sat, rather, he fell into a chair consuming the news. He suddenly began to get a bit dizzy and Draco was at his side immediately trying to calm and soothe him.
"Why does this always happen to me Draco? I don't want to be a King"
"Don't be silly love, everything will be alright. Besides, if you're a Prince that's going to be King, and I married you, that makes me a Prince and I'll be King's consort. Our children will be Princes and Princesses. It will be lovely"
"You're the one that will like this the most won't you Draco"
"I suppose you're right love, there are worse things than being a KING." Draco said almost exasperated. He was calmly chuckling and stroking Harry's back in little circles trying to get his husband to calm down. It seemed to be working and Harry's expression changed. He began to smile.
"Alright love, I'll be a King. Just for you." and Harry sealed the promise with a kiss to his mate and bearer of his children.
"Draco," Birdy interrupted the interlude. "You know when you're going to have your babies"
"I think April, May next year I suppose"
"Not to worry you dear, but you're going to have those babies in four and a half months from conception, twenty weeks. Not forty. It isn't unheard of that wizards carry children. It takes a strong wizard to do it but it's done.. you're proof of that"
Draco and Harry both paled a litte bit. The getting used to be parents time was going to be cut in half and it's already been almost two months. Mid November was when the babies would be coming. Before Yule but after Samhain. Draco was thinking of a hundred things at once. He began to laugh and cry at the same time. He wasn't at all sad, just terribly happy he had finished schooling and could devote his time to the babies. He had forgot for a moment about the war he was going to have to fight in. Birdy didn't however and she brought the two back to reality.
"It will be alright Draco. Your mother and I'm sure that Molly will both want to help you out when the time comes. In the mean time, the babies will be protected and so will you so you can still fight with your comrades in arms" Birdy said just what needed saying.
"That's what I was worried about Birdy. I'll be as big as a house soon." Draco said and waved a hand over his belly and saying 'finite'. The charm he had cast over his belly revealed a very pregnant Draco.
"Draco, why didn't I feel that?" Harry said surprised at the size Draco had become already.
"Good charm I guess. They don't seem to bother me much. I think they like to dance on my bladder just to play around but, other than that, I only feel them when they kick... like now"
Draco said and placed Harry's hand on his tummy and Harry's eyes opened wide and he began to smile. His babies were alive and well. He kissed Draco and all of the Thunderbirds said "Awwww"
"So you're going to have your babies at school? What are you going to do after they're born, surely you don't want to keep them there in that big old castle. Dumbledore will have a fit won't he?" Blaise said. The others just nodded their heads in agreement with Blaise.
"Hogwarts, the Burrow or Malfoy Manor are the safest places in Britain but they're not the most secret. Albus will show you a secret, safe place boys, until you can kill snake face it will be the best place in the world to be with your family"
"Thank you MaBirdy. We seem to have a lot to look forward to and in a short time. I'm glad that Professor McGonagal is a whiz with schedules." Harry said to his godmum with a nervous laugh.
"It's nothing to worry about Harry, er Prince Harry"
"Harry. Just Harry. Alright? Let's keep this to ourselves for a while. I'll tell Dumbledore but nobody else. Kay?
"But, Harry, I want to be called Prince Draco. Can you imagine the faces that Parkinson and Bullstrode will make if they have to call me Prince Draco and You KING Harry"
"Aw Draco, can't it wait a bit"
"Alright then, at the Halloween Ball we'll come as Royalty. They'll have gotten used to us being married then. We can coronate you then if we can kill Voldemort first. They'll be so jealous. I can hardly wait." Draco said with sparkling eyes almost bouncing at the prospect of showing off at Pansy and Millicent.
"Alright then Halloween it is"
The Thunderbirds were talking quietly amongst themselves listening in on the conversation that Draco,Harry and Birdy were having. Ron and Hermione were laughing at them but for completely different reasons. Hermione because she gets to see Harry change a nappy and the other when she gets to see Draco when he's fat. Ron was laughing at Harry because he knew Harry hated attention. At least his best mate was happy with the way things turned out for him.
"Harry are you alright dear? You know, sometimes its good to be King." Birdy said sympathetically to her godson.
"Yeah, MaBirdy, I am. I guess I really am. I have so much now. I have a lot to fight for. I guess I can be a King if I can be like you"
"Oh, Harry that's so sweet of you to say. Everything will work out just fine. You'll see. Now I want everybody to go get dressed for supper alright. Maybe take a nice relaxing bubblebath first. Being outside in the sun all day, you palefaces need the moisture. Now get along and I'll see you in the dining room in an hour and a half. That will make it six o'clock. You leave at midnight and your food should have digested pretty good by then. I want you to rest up a bit, you'll not get any rest for a while. I think I'll make you all some weak jackalope pepper up to drink before you depart, that should energize you through the day tomorrow and I don't want to hear that any of you especially the daddy to be to get all weak and tired. So go on and enjoy your bath's. Use the white faucets"
"Oh no mama, not the white faucets"
"Yes, the white ones Adam, now get out of here all of you and rest and clean. I want you all dressed for dinner. Dress for an English morning ride to King's Cross"
"What's King's Cross? Fred"
"It's where we take the train to school." "Platform 9 3/4, at eleven" "Sharp"
"Thanks Georgie."Adam said.
"Anytime mate." "Mama, what should I wear?" Adam asked his mother.
"How about that nice elkskin outfit. The white one"
"Oh, that's a good one. Charley will love it"
"Adam.."
"What mama?"
"Go get a bath and get dressed before I tan your hide"
"I'm already tanned there thank you very much." Adam said wiggling hisbutt and running off in the direction of his room and the other Thunderbirds. There was a lot to do to get ready to see his Charley.