Chapter 10: Happy Holidays?
Weeks went by, and soon enough, Potter Manor was looking festive. The Grangers had learned about Yule, which was what the wizards and witches celebrated. The wizards and witches had a general idea of muggle Christmas. Most found the concept of Santa Claus utterly confusing and a bit criminal. A grown man peeping on little children? And people thought that was okay? This weird grandpa figure would come down strangers' chimneys (how could he with such a belly!?), give presents to good kids, and coal to misbehaving youngsters. Families would even put out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for the man. No wonder Claus was so fat! The Grangers weren't big fans of the idea, so they decided to introduce real Christmas to the magical members of the family.
Charlus and Dorea, once they heard about the doctors' traditions, decided to mashup both celebrations. They even bought an enchanted a Nativity set so that the Kings would move towards the manger ever so slowly. Father Martin would really like to see that. In addition to the décor, the Grangers prepared an Advent wreath, and Emma taught Neesy her secret recipe for eggnog and mulled cider. The elf had been so honored that she vowed to protect the recipe with her life. The doctor had contacted Martin's aunt to request the recipe for the panettone she made for him every year so they could make it for him. The elves in the kitchen were joyous that they would soon be cooking for a full house.
The younger elves were excited because they would have their first big event in the New Year's Potter Ball. Right after Christmas, they would start preparing the manor and the ballroom. The lake behind the house would be frozen, and Charlus had insisted on having ice skating for the younger guests. Dorea agreed, provided that each child had a warming charm on their clothes. They expected a snowy night for New Year's Eve. The manor was looking splendid by the 23rd. There was a giant tree in the middle of the ballroom decorated traditionally in gold and red. The star on top was from Daniel's family. It was an antique, pricey ornament, covered in Swarovski crystals that made it reflect the lights beautifully. Emma had chosen beautiful colorful twinkling lights, and with the help of the younger generation of elves and Narcissa's experienced homemaker wand, they had personalized ornaments for each family member.
For Charlus, Christmas dinner was a family occasion. However, New Year's Eve Ball was a political affair. It had taken significant research and help from the goblins, but he managed to send invitations to crucial figures and potential allies. Minerva had written to him to request a space to talk to the powerful witches in attendance. Her coven already had Dorea, Augusta, Poppy, Narcissa, Andromeda, and Ianthe. They were seven, which was a good number, but the ideal number was thirteen. She had contacted Nymphadora to see whether she was interested in joining. Nymph was so ecstatic that her hair kept changing to all colors without her control. She had to call in sick to work because she was supposed to be undercover, and her loud hair would blow her cover.
Harry and Hermione were excited to see Daphne and Astoria again. Draco was very nervous. They never stopped writing to each other. Ianthe was now back on her feet and had started her own warding business. After years working in magical France, she had built quite a reputation. With some coercing from her daughters, Lady Greengrass decided to start a new business branch in England. Ianthe sent a letter to Dorea asking permission to stay at Potter manor while her elves worked on the rebuilding of her ancestral family home. She had talked to an architect in magical Paris, and he helped her redesign and modernize the manor. Ianthe and her daughters were quite pleased with the result. It would cost a significant amount of gold, but they could afford it with their current earnings. Dorea responded that she would be glad to host them and informed all the Potter elves who rejoiced at having their friends back.
The kids couldn't wait to be home. They said their goodbyes to their classmates on the train. The Family had decided to pick them up and go straight to Potter Manor for the entirety of the break. Daniel had gone with Charlus to pick up his parents and sister. While Emma and Dorea had brought the doctor's parents home the day before. Mr. and Mrs. Gagneux, Emma's parents, were in awe at the moving nativity set and the incredible manor. They found the elves as delightful and helpful as their daughter did. All sets of grandparents were looking forward to spending time with their only two grandchildren: Hermione and Harry. They had bought presents for all the children though.
At the platform, the children got off the train slowly with all their belongings. Draco pulled Neville out with joy. The shy boy was in for a surprise. Augusta had asked Draco to get Neville out of the train quickly, for his parents would be there for him. Frank and Alice were standing(!) next to Augusta with bright smiles and open arms. Neville looked at them in awe. His eyes filled with tears, and he ran to them without a care for his luggage or anyone else.
"Mom! Dad!" the boy's eyes shed happy tears as his parents were able to squeeze him in a bear hug for the first time.
"N-Neville," her mother peppered his head with kisses.
"W-W-We ha-have been w-w-working hard to b-be here," Frank spoke. His voice was hoarse and soft. Speech therapy had done wonders for both Longbottoms. Before, Alice could only communicate through the computer, and Frank couldn't say anything at all. Countless hours and galleons converted into pounds had gone into the best treatments money could buy. It was now showing its effects.
"Thank you!" Neville buried his face in his dad's arms for the first time.
"W-W-We a-are p-p-proud of you and love y-you a lot," Frank ruffled Neville's hair with difficulty.
"A whole l-lot," Alice caressed her son's cheek with a beaming smile.
"Gran! You didn't tell me!" Neville complained, hugging Augusta, who was discreetly dabbing her eyes.
"It was to be a surprise," she smiled at her boy.
Emma (with a notice-me-not charm on her belly) embraced Hermione and Harry. She inhaled their smell deeply. She had missed them. The kids felt some strange pull towards Emma, but since their bond was always changing in one way or another, they thought that was it and shrugged as they leaped to Daniel's arms. The doctor twirled them around. Harry and Hermione noticed his dark circles. The surgical training he signed up for was a lot to take on, and so was the building and staffing of a hospital. He yawned into their hug.
Draco walked in between Severus and Eileen to a glowing Narcissa who, forgetting all etiquette, ran to her family and embraced them with joyous laughter, showering them with kisses. Severus tried to keep a stoic face. He had an image as a stern professor, after all, but then Narcissa kissed him hard and he forgot his own name. Remus and Sirius stayed at the manor. They had no idea how their new them would react to large crowds of people. It could be fine or it could be carnage. They would rather not end up in Azkaban, so they stayed behind.
The large party left in several fancy cars. The Potter property, under the acquiescence of the goblins, was made visible for the holidays. Mainly so that the visitors wouldn't get lost, but the goblins had demanded Lord Potter to place an illusion of a fence with heavily armed guards for all muggles that may wander around. The manor itself was at the center of many hectares, so all that could be seen was small bits that the fence and lush trees would allow. Two dozens of heavily armed Gringotts guards were around the manor. Their king insisted for them to conceal no weapon. As custom determined, the king and queen would be the first to go inside the ballroom, followed by the host and hostess, who would bow down and submit their wands to the royals. A wall of lockers behind the main table would hold all the wands until the guests left. Only a handful of people were allowed by King Nagkrat and Queen Gankra to keep their wands on them at all times: Lord and Lady Potter, Lord Black and Lord Lupin-Black, Lady Longbottom, Lady Greengrass, Severus Snape, and Madam Bones.
Luna Lovegood was over the moon! No pun intended. All her dear friends were finally coming back! While they had all replied to every letter she sent, and even sent her birthday presents(!), hearing about their adventures live would be much better. Her daddy had allowed her to spend the holidays at Potter Manor, and she had been ready, with her things packed since November 30th. She couldn't wait for Emma to tell Hermione that she was having a baby brother or sister. The brunette would be delighted. She had always wanted a sibling. But Luna would not say a word, for it wasn't her place. She did insist for her father to pack one of the baby blankets that had been preserved and wrapped it beautifully for her -she hoped- new baby friend.
Ianthe decided to travel in by muggle transportation. Her daughters wanted to experience traveling by plane. The years away in France had helped their family heal. Daphne had blossomed into a confident young woman. Her beautiful shiny hair reached her hips now, and she had recently discovered makeup spells, so she now wore eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. Since her skin was really healthy, thanks to the skin regime Emma had recommended, she needed no foundation. The teenager buckled her seatbelt and woke Astoria as they started to descend. Her little sister had fallen asleep when all the excitement of seeing everyone, but particularly Draco, again had taken a tall in her petite body. The Grangers had arranged their flights to reach Heathrow within half an hour of Father Martin's flight. That way, they only needed to drive once to the airport and could avoid traffic.
Martin Shaw walked out of customs and towards the first coffee shop he saw, Caffè Nero. The time difference was minimal, but his sleep patterns in the last month had been too brutal. He didn't even like coffee! Regardless, the priest ordered a large black coffee with no sugar. Martin had decided years ago that he would use coffee as medication. The man drank it in two gulps. He checked his watch and walked towards the area where he was supposed to meet Lady Greengrass and her daughters. He checked his surroundings to make sure he was in the right spot, and he would have looked at the time again if it wasn't for a brunette blur jumping into his arms. The priest was about to tell the stranger they were mistaken when he heard a loud exclamation.
"Martin!"
The priest's exhausted face broke into a smile. He had forgotten for a second that Draco had been coloring his hair.
"Draco!" Martin squeezed the youngster and put him down.
Narcissa was standing behind her son and hugged the priest demurely. She looked at his tired face with concern. "Welcome back, Martin; Ianthe and the girls should be here soon."
Draco looked around wildly. He couldn't wait to see Astoria. A beautiful young woman who looked about 15 years old crashed against Draco, making him fall on his bum. He was about to tell her to watch where she was going when he saw familiar eyes. He scampered to his feet and greeted her properly.
"Scioness Greengrass," he gave her a short nod instead of a bow when he remembered where they were.
"Scion Black," she smiled prettily, pulling him in for a hug. Two things surprised the boy. A) Daphne wasn't the hugging type. B) She was a young woman in every way. He felt his body grow warm when he felt her curves against him as she squeezed him. He could get used to this… No! Bad Draco! Don't be a perv.
"Drakey!" Astoria's soft voice exclaimed as she ran and jumped in his arms. The girl had grown taller and even more beautiful than he remembered. He returned the hug gladly, breathing in her familiar scent. The little one did the same. "I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too," he whispered against her hair.
"Astoria, souviens-toi de tes manières,"* Lady Greengrass reminded her.
"Je suis désolé maman," Astoria blushed and stepped back. "Scion Black," she curtsied briefly, considering her surroundings.
"Miss Greengrass," Draco nodded.
Ianthe gave Martin a long hug without any words. Narcissa looked at them suspiciously but said nothing. The witch and the priest had grown closer as she helped him and The Pope research dangerous prizards in France. The Greengrass family had hosted him for about six months.
"Daphne, Astoria, as lovely as always," he squeezed the girls to his sides.
Draco felt a pang of jealousy.
Daphne giggled. "You know… for a priest… you are quite the flatterer!"
"Daniel and his parents are waiting in the parking lot. We should get going," Narcissa pointed towards the exit and felt her heart skip a beat when she saw her son offer his arms to both Greengrass girls, who took them while Martin and Ianthe put all their bags in a trolley and Ianthe took the priests offered arm. Narcissa smiled to herself. Maybe there was hope for the priest to become a different kind of father. If that was the case, Ianthe would be a lucky woman.
Potter Manor was alight with laughter and conversation in every corner. The elves were joyful at having so much to do. In the living room, where most people were, there was a table with tea, hot chocolate (with a few different toppings for it), cider, eggnog, mulled wine, and iced tea. Another table next to it had pastries, small sandwiches, and Christmas treats like dark chocolate and peppermint bark. Christmas music played from a charmed sonograph. Sirius and Remus came down the stairs dressed elegantly. After their first full moon and first coupling in their new forms, their desires to rip each other's heads off were gone. They still had to wait for February and the mating period of wolves, but Scamander was enthusiastic.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
'Tis the season to be jolly
Fa la la la la, la la la la
Don we now our gay apparel
"And that's our cue!" Sirius exclaimed good-naturedly. Remus rolled his eyes and opened his arms to a joyous Tonks who ran into them.
"I am so glad to see you two are okay," she whispered in his ear.
Remus felt a strange stirring somewhere deep in his stomach. He took a deep breath and recognized the, up to this day, very foreign longing of being attracted to the opposite sex.
No, no, no, no, no! This can't be! (Oh, but it is!- a dark animalistic part of his mind replied) NO! Not Nymph! (Oh yes… She's exactly what we need. A strong alpha female mate.) She's a child! (No, she's not. She's a delicious young woman who could bear us many heirs.) Us!? Shut up! There is no us! Screw that! She's my niece! (Not by blood, she isn't) Morgana, blind me! (That will not help. You could smell her from across the room…) I will not! Shut the fuck up!
"Thank you for caring, Nymph. I see Auror training is going well…" he looked at her up and down then shook his head. Sirius looked at his husband as he heard Lady Longbottom talk about her latest conquest. Did Remus just stare at their niece… sexually? Sirius would have thought he was drunk, but he was stone-cold sober, and so was his husband. He excused himself and approached them slowly.
Tonks blinked repeatedly. Remus didn't just ogle her. He wouldn't. She had worn far more revealing clothes in front of him in the past and he didn't even blink. During their family trips to Potter Island, she had even worn a skimpy bikini. Even Sirius had commented on it -jokingly, of course- but Remus didn't even look twice at her. Tonight she was wearing a burgundy, skin-tight, turtle neck sweater dress. It was even a bit modest! It was an inch longer than her mid-thigh. Over-the-knee black suede flat boots completed her outfit. What the hell was happening? "Um… Thanks? I guess... Uncle Remy, are you okay?"
Remus blanched. "I think I need a drink. Excuse me."
Sirius wrapped his arm around his husband's waist and pulled him to the bar and then to the balcony.
The music kept playing as everyone mingled. Martin was currently being accosted by Augusta. He kept backing away, and she kept stepping towards him. She seemed too amused by the man's discomfort.
"Augie, dear, leave the poor man alone!" Dorea chastised her, pulling Martin away towards Lily and James' painting. "We want an update on your mission, darling."
"I'm going to hell," Remus groaned.
"Did you just check out Nymphadora, or am I tripping?" Sirius whisper shouted.
"Not me! The wolf!"
"And what, pray tell, is the difference?" Sirius crossed his arms.
"That the wolf acts with instinct, not malice. Do you think I'm okay with this?! I feel like a bloody predator. Nymph is the last person on Earth I could ever be attracted to!"
Tonks had been coming to tell Remus she didn't blame him, but this really hurt. "You know what, Remus? Fuck you!"
Remus and Sirius had been so out of it neither noticed she was standing a couple of feet behind them. The couple jumped. Sirius' new skills made him faster than his husband, so he grabbed Tonks' wrist delicately.
"Wait!"
"Let go of me!"
"Nymphadora, please. He didn't mean it the way you took it," Sirius began.
"DO NOT CALL ME NYMPHADORA!" she yelled as the windows of the balcony doors rattled.
Remus fell on his knees with a crunch. "Please, get her out! Nymph, I am sorry, but your pheromones are everywhere!"
"Good to know that even my pheromones disgust you! You know, I always thought you were a gentleman, the ideal man, but you are like the rest of them!" she pushed him to a sitting position.
Sirius tried to pull her away, but Remus jumped back, pulling her with him. He twisted his body to push her against the wall. Their bodies were flushed against each other. Remus' mouth was an inch from Tonks', her hormones almost took over, but she remembered what he had just said. "Kiss me, I dare you! I will gladly bite your tongue off!"
Remus took deep breaths to try to calm himself down as his hormones threatened to cloud the last thread of his better judgment. As much as his brain knew this shouldn't EVER happen, her anger just made her more attractive to his inner wolf.
"Remus, if you don't let our niece go, I will rip your head off," Sirius grabbed his husband hard by the back of his neck. His claws came out and pierced the skin. His tone and energy demanded submission. Remus' wolf recognized that this other wolf was mightier than him and could do just that. He immediately let go and whimpered in shame as he fell down. "Tonks, take my jacket," Sirius removed it and handed it to her. She hadn't noticed that Remus had torn the sleeve and shoulder part of the dress as he pushed her against the wall. Half her bra was exposed. She blushed as her breathing came back down to normal. Could they smell her reaction to Remus? How mortifying! Nymph grabbed the suit jacket and hastily put it on. "The wands are in the library. Go fix your dress. I'll be in after I am done fixing my husband," he helped her back into the living room. Her eyes filled with tears, and she rushed towards the bathroom.
Emma Granger couldn't get comfortable on the couch. Her belly got in the way of every position she used to love. She sighed as she ate yet another slice of panettone with her hot chocolate. Martin had loved their end result. He had finished half a loaf by himself with a glass of milk as he was updated by everyone in the manor. Daniel was talking to Charlus in a very business-like manner… probably something about the hospital. The doctor in her told her to get up and go pitch in. The pregnant woman, however, wanted her feet rubbed and a bowl of French fries made with salt, pepper, and a dash of vinegar… and an ice-cold soda. She sighed. She was already 35 pounds heavier than she had even been.
Emma was always very observant. She couldn't help but notice that while Sirius and Remus went to the balcony blushing, while Nymph followed them. Had the glass on those doors just rattled? The young woman came back inside wearing Sirius' jacket and holding her left shoulder as tears fell down. Luckily, everyone was otherwise engaged. Emma asked Tolanthe to help her stand by having the sofa push her up. She walked as normally as she could, considering her size, after the metamorphmagus. Tonks had gone to the furthest bathroom. Emma knocked.
"Sweetie, are you alright?" she asked with a motherly tone.
Nymphadora opened the door and jumped into Emma's arms. The Auror was shaking and ice cold. The balcony was definitely to blame for the temperature, but those shakes weren't caused by the cold. Emma knew them well. Something had shaken her up profoundly. Without a word, Tonks pulled Emma inside and rapidly narrated what happened. The doctor was shocked. Remus was as gay as gay could be. Perhaps this was what Scamander had been worried about. Emma knew the woman's vanity had been stomped on, but she also knew that what Lupin meant was that the attraction was incestuous, that it was wrong.
"Nymph, honey, I am so sorry this happened to you. I am with you, whatever you want to do. Remus is family, but you are entitled to press charges, and I will be there with you every step of the way. He harassed you and tore your clothes. Heaven knows how much further things could have gotten if Sirius hadn't been there," Emma rubbed the girl's arms to warm her up. Tolanthe made a sewing kit appear. Emma pulled the jacket off Nymph's shaking body and hung it behind the door. The Auror seemed to be in a daze. Emma began to sew the sweater dress back into place.
"N-No, I know it wa-wasn't him… I think? I… It's the wolf," Tonks said unsteadily. "Right?"
"I am pretty sure it is the wolf. We felt positive about his wolf being gay because he… um… smelled me and said he wasn't attracted to me. But maybe I'm just not his wolf's type? Maybe it's because I am not magical? I don't know, sweetie. But let me tell you this, Remus adores you as if you were his niece by blood and not by marriage. You know that, yes?"
Tonks nodded, trying to reign in tears and failing.
"When he said that bit about never being attracted to you… I am certain that it had nothing to do with you being ugly because you are absolutely stunning. It had everything to do with him feeling all shades of wrong for feeling sexually attracted to someone who is his family and much younger than him to boot and-"
Nymph jumped in fear as Remus' nasal voice interrupted Emma.
"I feel like a predator, Nymph. I feel like a rapist. I feel disgusting. It has nothing to do with you. Please forgive me. You are gorgeous. But I am gay… and if I had been straight, I would have never looked at you like that because I am decades older than you, Nymph. There's absolutely nothing wrong with you. It's me. This animal takes over, and it clouds my judgment. I… I am so sorry that I hurt you and that I ruined your dress. If you want to press charges, I will not fight them. I deserve whatever punishment you think it's fair."
"Remus, did you clog your nose?" Emma asked. He wouldn't approach them otherwise. He was sensible enough to know better.
"Of course, Emma. I will look into clogging it permanently. There has to be a bloody way to do that! Nymph, I am sorry. I don't know what else to say."
"I-I… It's okay," Tonks said, her voice barely a whisper. Emma cut off the thread after the last stitch. The Auror opened the door to find a scene that would imprint on her mind forever. Remus looked like a mess. His eyes were red-rimmed and irritated. His lashes were wet. Snot ran freely down his nose. His hair was damp and fell limply against his face.
"It's not okay. I will keep my distance from all women in this family. It's for the best. Sirius and I will relocate permanently to the cottage. I hate feeling like this, but most of all, I hate that I have no control over this and that this could turn me into a menace for all females here," Remus swallowed hard.
"But you will come back, right?" Tonks took a step forward, and Remus took two steps back.
"I don't know. I don't think that's wise. I have never mistreated a woman before, and I never want to do it again, Nymph. I-I tore your dress. I shudder to think about what the wolf could have done next…"
"My dress is fine, see? Emma fixed it. I don't want you to isolate yourself because of me. But I just don't get it… Why me? Why now? You have never even looked twice at me… no matter how hard I tried, and heaven knows I tried very hard! And all of a sudden, you are looking at me like I'm a banquet, and you are a starving man!" Nymph turned around as her eyes filled with tears again. Emma hugged her tight. The doctor was sure that Nymph would be over her crush by now. After all, it had been years since then. But if she still felt for him, it had to be more than a simple teenage crush.
"I'm sorry, what did you just say?" Remus replied nasally.
"Remus, not now. Just go."
"Like hell, I'll go. You tried hard for me to see you like I saw you today?! Merlin and Morgana, Nymph! Why? How? I don't understand-" Remus colored, then blanched.
"Oh, great! Talk to me like I'm a sexual deviant! I have had a massive crush on you for years! Ever since we were introduced. That day, you were the man who actually made me realized I liked women and men!"
Remus held on to a wall.
"You like men?!" Sirius's slightly amused and incredulous voice said next to Remus.
The doctor could feel how the baby was getting upset.
"Ugh!" Nymph growled, covering her face with her hands. "Louder, I don't think they heard you in MACUSA! Leave me the hell alone! I came to the bathroom for privacy!"
The bathroom mirror cracked in half and fell on the sink with a loud sound. Tonks' Auror instincts made her jump in front of Emma protectively. "Who did that? That wasn't me."
"Wasn't us either," Remus replied with a small smile. Baby Granger was going to be a powerful witch or wizard.
Nymph looked down at Emma's belly. "Are you-?" Emma nodded. Nymph squealed, hugged her, and smiled.
"We will announce tonight. After dinner. Please don't tell anyone until then."
Tonks nodded decisively.
"As for the two of you, Nymph needs time to process what happened. Yes, she has always had a crush on Moony, but no, she didn't ever do anything drastic enough that your overwhelming gayness would have even noticed as flirting," Remus was ready to comment. Yet, Emma's dismissive hand motion made him stop. "I am certain that nothing untoward has ever happened between you. Also, Sirius, for the millionth time, read the room. This is not funny. Go back to the party. I will help Nymph right herself… And you, keep that nose clogged until you leave the manor," Emma ordered them all around with her hands on her hips. Her tone allowed for no negotiation. Half an hour later, Nymph and Emma reappeared in the dining room. Both looked perfectly fine as if nothing had happened. Nymph decided to tell her parents once they were home. She would share the watered-down version, of course. Her father could shoot Remus, wolf, or no wolf.
As their dinner came to a close with a mouth-watering crème brûlée, Daniel clinked his wine glass. The whole table turned and looked at him. Today, they were past the seven-month mark of Emma's pregnancy.
"Family, friends, we have some news to share with you," Daniel stood and helped his wife stand up.
Emma had been practicing throwing off the concealment charm, but the accidental magic display in the bathroom exhausted her.
"Good news or bad news?" Harry asked with a frown.
"Dorea, can you please remove it?" Emma asked, smiling at the kids.
The witch removed the notice-me-not charm from Emma's body, and several gasps were heard. Her belly was quite protruding, her breasts were larger (which was noticeable even under the baggy ugly sweater she was wearing), her face was a bit rounder from the weight she had to gain, and her skin had a beautiful glow.
"Congratulations!"
"Bienvenue bébé Granger!" Lady Greengrass raised her glass. "May you give your parents a lot of joy and hope for the future!"
"Cheers!"
Hermione was pale in her seat. Harry squeezed her hand. "She will be alright," he said, reading the girl's mind.
"You don't know that!" she whisper-shouted angrily.
Hermione waited for people to start hugging her parents and left. Harry followed her, hot on her heel.
She went to her favorite chair in the library, right by the fire, and hugged a pillow to her chest.
"What worries you, Mione?" Harry knelt in front of her.
"You don't know that she will be alright. When my mom was pregnant the last time, she almost died!"
"Sirius told me about that... I never thought I could ask. I thought it could be too… painful."
Hermione broke out in sobs, "She had c-complications and lost a lot of b-blood. While the doctors s-saved her life, she looked like she would have rather d-died. Daddy was h-heartbroken too."
Harry grimaced. Imagining that made his chest ache. He pulled Hermione up, only enough for him to sit behind her. She collapsed into his arms and cried. This wasn't sad crying. Harry could feel in his bones how scared she was. He couldn't blame her. The Grangers were very strong people. For any event to break them sounded so far-fetched. But they were human. Harry had no clue how it felt to lose a child, but he did know loss and profound sadness.
"My mom didn't want to leave her b-bed. She would alternate between c-crying in desperation and staring into nothingness for hours on end. D-Daddy was so sad and so a-angry. He went shooting a-almost every day. Sometimes when he was making b-breakfast, I could hear him crying… I know my p-parents are human, and they have f-feelings, but I had n-never seen them c-cry before."
Harry squeezed Hermione and kissed the top of her hair. She burrowed deeper into his arms and kept crying quietly. "Mione… I think things will be different this time. We have magic. Aunt Andi and Madam Pomfrey can help… So can my grandma. Your mom will be alright."
"If she's alright, why didn't she tell us right away?" she looked up at Harry with red eyes.
Harry was about to reply when he was interrupted by Emma.
"Because I was terrified, honey," Emma walked towards them. Daniel was holding Emma's hand. Hermione jumped as neither kid had heard the adults come in. Mr. Granger had squeezed tight when he saw his baby in the arms of a boy, but Emma squeezed back to remind him that that was their boy (and they were too young for anything untoward), and he calmed down.
Hermione sat up and went to her mother's arms. "I am so scared for you, mommy," she cried into Emma's arms.
"I was terrified at first too… so much so that I didn't even want to tell your dad," Hermione looked up at her mother, incredulous.
"Your daddy suffered a lot last time. When a woman is pregnant, the first few months are very uncertain. Most miscarriages happen in the first few months. That's why when women have suffered miscarriages before -like I did- we wait until at least their fourth month is over to announce the pregnancy."
Hermione nodded in understanding.
"Emma?" Harry sat next to her on the coffee table.
"Yes, sweetheart?"
"Are you four months pregnant now?" the boy asked with genuine curiosity. He had no idea what the different stages of pregnancy looked like.
Emma smiled, "No, honey. I am almost seven. I look much more pregnant because… well… Dan?"
"The baby is magical like you, kids," Daniel said, ruffling both their hairs.
"So that is what we felt!" Hermione exclaimed with a smile.
"What?" Daniel blinked.
"At the station… we felt an energy from you that we hadn't felt before."
"What we felt was the baby's core!" Harry added. "That is so cool!"
"How did you find out it's magical?" Hermione asked.
"Dorea and Lily told me. That's why I have gained significant weight and why I am always eating. Magical babies take a lot more food and vitamins to grow, not to mention a lot of energy."
"Are you exhausted, mommy?"
"Yes, and very hungry… all the time. But I am fine, much better than last time. I haven't had bleeding, pain, or anything worrisome, and everyone here is taking good care of me. Neesy is always giving me potions and draughts. Grandma Dory is always feeding me and getting me things to make me more comfortable, and I feel good, truly," Emma squeezed their hands.
"Okay," Hermione sighed contentedly.
Harry could feel her stress level plummeting. "Do you know if it's a boy or a girl?"
Daniel smiled. "No. Since all the healers say that it doesn't change anything for Emma's health needs, we want to find out at the birth."
"But can you give birth? Wouldn't it have to be surgery?" Hermione asked, suddenly worried again. Childbirth sounded terrifying. Pushing a watermelon-sized thing out of… there? No, thank you, Hermione thought.
"Oh, honey. You don't need to worry about that," Emma smiled while thinking to herself that she hadn't thought about that. Maybe Emma needed to be concerned. She shared a look with her husband, who nodded. "I have a very competent medical team, your daddy included, that will be there with me."
"Absolutely," Daniel squeezed her shoulder and smiled at the kids. "I will be there the whole time."
"Can we help you choose the name once you know?" Hermione asked with a mischievous smile.
"Yes, you get to give us suggestions," Daniel smiled. As Hermione's eyes twinkled, he lifted a hand in an apparent 'stop' gesture. "BUT you will not spend one second of your vacation researching names, darling. Go downstairs and mingle. Nymph wanted to show you something from that infamous joke shop."
Hermione pouted but immediately cheered up at the idea of pranking material. Harry had to run as she pulled him away.
"No pranking your elders in this house, children!" her mother yelled after.
"Fiiiiine!" she replied as she closed the library's door.
Hours later, after all the gifts were exchanged and everyone retired, Martin was called into the study by Charlus. The older man motioned for the priest to sit.
"Thank you so much for hosting me, sir," Martin smiled as he got comfortable.
"We love having you here. I understand you are spending Christmas Day with your aunt at her cloister. I can drive you, or if you prefer, you can take any car you want," Charlus offered.
"Oh! That is most thoughtful of you. I was just going to ask Neesy to pop me to London. I can take the train from there. The church gave me a ticket to get there and to come back."
"Will you be returning for New Year's Eve? We are hosting a ball. However, it's much more a political strategy meeting than a social occasion. I would appreciate your neutrality and level-headedness," Lord Potter handed him a printed invitation.
"I would be honored. Is it a black-tie event?" Martin asked, feeling self-conscious.
"Yes, please don't take it the wrong way, but it would be best if you didn't say you are a priest or look like one."
"Too scandalous in this context?"
"Indeed. It could send out the wrong message. Too many judgemental witches and wizards around… But don't worry about your apparel. Dobby has made you a suit. You are a bit more buff, but it can be tailored in a few minutes tomorrow."
"Thank you. I'd appreciate that. Anyone or anything I should avoid?"
"Come early on the 31st so Dorea can give you all the information you need. We will give you special cufflinks. If you feel threatened, you just have to tap one of them three times, and we'll be right there."
"Great, is King Kagkrat coming? I have a message to relay from His Holiness."
"Yes, he and his wife will be in attendance. You may want to put that somewhere safe. All modesty set aside… our parties are a bit legendary, and historically, people do crazy things for an invitation."
Martin's eyes widened. "Yes, sir. I will take good care of it."
"Don't let me keep you from your sleep. You look like you need it."
"Thank you. I'm sorry. It was a rough week."
"No worries. Call for Neesy if you need a Pepper Up tomorrow morning," Charlus clapped the man's back and bid him goodnight.
"Oh, before I forget… Is Professor McGonagall going to be here? For the party, I mean?" Martin inquired.
"We talked to her, and she doesn't want to leave the castle unattended. I believe just her and the gamekeeper are currently there. Most professors left for the break. Do you need to talk to her?"
"I have a list of questions from the Pope. She has answered many questions before, and her answers have been quite useful to our cause," the priest explained.
"Well, you can just use one of our owls. They will get the message to her quickly. I am sure her reply will be waiting for you here when you come back from visiting your aunt."
"That would be wonderful. Thank you."
The Past and Present were in a heated argument watched by a tired and progressively more scared Quirinus. The old wizards had managed to put Voldemort's side of Quirrell's head to sleep while keeping its host conscious. Now Quirinus was looking back and forth from one man to another. His wand had been removed, and the two wizards looked like they would tear down the house with emotion-fueled potent magic.
"It is a perfect time! There will be no other moment when the stone is as unguarded as now!" Dumbledore insisted, crossing his arms.
"No! And that is final!"
"You seem to think you are the boss here. I am not a child, and I shall not be told what to do! This is an equal partnership!"
Gellert closed his eyes to roll them hard. Albus was indeed a child. The only difference was that actual kids could be taught better. "You will not drag me down with you. You still have no idea how to get the goddamned stone! And the last thing we need is to jeopardize everything we have accomplished by you trespassing at Hogwarts and having the freaking DMLE send even more Aurors after us!"
"Like those apprentices could catch us! You being scared of the DMLE is laughable, Gellert."
Gellert took deep breaths to control his magic and to bite back the response he had: Right? Because you didn't spend years locked up on your own in a prison of your own making! Bastard.
"D-D-Dumbledore?" Quirinus began.
"What!?" He snapped back.
"I ag-agree with G-Grindelwald. McGonagall will not l-leave for the break, nor will H-Hagrid."
"Let her not leave. Kill her. She is no use to me now. As for Hagrid, just Imperius the huge bastard. He is quite large, but his brain is remarkably underdeveloped," Dumbledore replied in an icy tone.
"You will not touch a hair on McGonagall's head. She is a magnificent witch. We will not kill people willy nilly. We need to improve and strengthen the magical human population, not decimate it," Gellert spat back.
"K-Kill her? No. I will not. I cannot. S-S-She is too good a duelist. She will kill me before I even draw my-" Quirinus didn't get to finish the sentence.
"You don't have a say in this, Quirrell. You essentially sold your soul to us. There is no backing out for you."
"Quirrell, go to your room. We need to talk in private," Gellert dismissed the man with a hand motion.
As soon as he left, both wizards started to cast silencing and privacy wards in the studio.
"Albus, we need to think about this rationally. As long as Minerva is in the castle, we cannot get the stone. I know you don't really think Quirinus capable of even disarming McGonagall, let alone killing her."
Dumbledore sat and crossed his arms and legs. "He doesn't have to duel her. He can poison her."
Gellert Grindelwald wasn't opposed to murder in principle. He was okay with eliminating elements who posed a problem, but the headmistress was a formidable witch. They would need her to build a stronger magical Europe. Dumbledore spoke so nonchalantly about killing her that it sounded plain wrong. Gellert rubbed his temples. He could feel a migraine coming. Working with this Albus was like working with an overgrown difficult child: temper tantrums, candy binges, no emotion control.
"Albus, there is no need to kill her. We just need to get her out of the castle for a couple of hours. Then Quirinus can get in and out with people in the castle being none the wiser. The ideal scenario is taking the stone without anyone realizing it is gone to begin with."
"Right, and how do you propose we get her out? Ask her to come in for tea?" Dumbledore's icy sarcastic response irked Gellert. "Lunch, maybe?" he added, petulantly.
"Don't be absurd. All we need is to forge a letter that looks like it comes from Gringotts or the Ministry… for something related to the school. Weren't you friends with that Weasley person?"
"Hmm, that may actually work. I'll contact Arthur."
Gellert nodded once and left towards the kitchen. He reminded himself he was doing this for the stone. Grindelwald took slow, deep, steady breaths, his arms on the counter, his head hanging down. He had noticed a new wrinkle today. They needed to start moving faster. Not he nor Dumbledore were aging in reverse. The legions of giants were about to be convinced to join them. Once the werewolves gave in, they would be unstoppable.
Quirrell cleared his throat behind him.
"I-I-I don't know if this information is imp-imp-important to your cause, sir…."
"What information?"
The gossip that had reached the rogue elf and then Quirinus would change the trajectory of their plans, and unbeknownst to them, it would start the worst war the wizarding world had seen since the goblins almost ended all wizardkind.
A/N:
Thank you for reading! May 2021 brings you everything your heart desires and that you are willing to work hard for. -Lux-
*-Astoria, remember your manners.
-I am sorry, mother