Chapter 19: Of Marriage Contracts and Indecent Proposals
Marriage is hard work. When people see happy couples, sometimes they think that it has always been easy. Remus had always felt that good marriages were harmonious like Lily and James or mature like Dorea and Charlus. There were, of course, those who married for convenience. Worst of all, those who married under a sense of obligation. Remus loved his husband to bits, but on days like this… he wanted to kill him.
They had been making contacts with several solitary werewolves as well as werewolf families around Europe. Lord and Lady Potter had been furious when they found out the depth of their activities. Many of their intel gathering trips ended with torn skin and muscle, bruises, and even broken bones. The problem was that most over-the-counter potions were too weak for their new metabolism. Narcissa was currently trying most basic healing potions and upping dosages to almost toxic levels to fit her cousin and Remus' needs. After the Imperial FU*, thanks to Auror Shacklebolt's conflicting intel, which resulted in Sirius' entire femur being obliterated, Narcissa and Severus worked around the clock to tweak spells and potions because the usual healing did near to nothing.
Andromeda was terrified. A broken bone was one thing, but what if there was an extensive abdominal injury? What if they were stabbed or burnt? When Episkey did nothing, Andy thought it was maybe her. She had been tired. But no, it had taken five people doing the spell simultaneously for the bone to mend. Their bones were denser, their muscles bigger. It made sense for their body to need more healing power, and still, the Healing profession (in its entirety) had no idea what to do. Madam Pomfrey consulted with her mentors, and when they came back empty, they decided it was time to switch gears. Because of this, they decided to go with Magizoology.
Scamander had been their right-hand man in that area. He had experience, contacts, and above all, he had empathy and wasn't afraid. However, now he was also working towards the completion of the Potter's Hospital. Completing the last stages of the staffing process without Daniel's help and Emma looking after baby Gabriel was such an uphill battle that Scamander bring his wife aboard. Tina was happily retired from her work at MACUSA, and now she felt excited to help out in the hospital. Her husband's love for magical creatures was contagious. After seeing the alliance pass Lily Potter's law, she had a genuine desire to help tilt the scales to a more balanced position for those less privileged.
Remus sighed from his chair by Sirius' bedside. Padfoot groaned loudly.
"B-Before you rip me a new one, love, I know where the one family we were missing is," Sirius offered in a strained voice.
"Bloody hell, Sirius. I don't care. This is the third time this month that you almost bled out in the middle of the woods of aggressive territories because you refuse to understand that I am your partner and your husband and that you can't do this alone!" Remus stood and paced around Sirius' bed.
"I'm sorry," Sirius smiled sadly.
"No, Sirius. You are not. Stop saying you are sorry and then doing the same thing all over again. That's not true remorse. That's you trying to placate me, and you know how I absolutely hate that."
"Love, I just want to get-" Sirius was cut off by his husband.
"I know that. But what is the point of any intel, no matter how essential, if you die?" Remus groaned, throwing his hands up. "Your appearance and physical prowess can scare some werewolves into joining us, but we want them to join voluntarily," Remus reasoned.
"I understand that, but what I want is for them to know that we know who and where they are…."
Remus sputtered in frustration, "W-Why would you even want them to-? Merlin and Morgana! You cannot be serious! Your alpha needs to calm the fuck down. Or is that what you want? Huh? Are you trying to find a female for the mating season?!" Remus groaned in exasperation.
"Oi! Calm down. First of all, I cannot be not Sirius. Blame my parents for my name. Second, I am calm. Third, I am not looking for a female. Considering you are the one who was turned straight-ish by the wolf, shouldn't I be the jealous one?" Sirius lifted a questioning brow.
"Don't you dare bring that up! I considered chemical castration for what I did to Nymph! No one is more disgusted with me than me, thank you very much!"
Sirius groaned as he shifted in the bed and took hold of one of Sirius' hands. "Remus, every time I have tried to have this conversation with you, you do this. You need to face reality. Your wolf is either straight or at the very least bi. We need to plan accordingly," Sirius said slowly, reaching out a hand to Moony. "Running away from the issue will do nothing, but ill prepare you for when female pheromones hit you hard."
"Fuck! I hate this. Other than being locked up for life, what am I supposed to do with this sweeping intensity? This goes beyond my ability to cool myself down. I don't even understand it! How can it be so overpowering? Even in our teenage year, I could stop if I wanted to. Even after not seeing you for years, I could hold myself away with my rational side. A few more seconds with Nymph, if you hadn't come to us, and I would have had to Avada Kedavra myself!"
"Oooookay, Remy, chill. Tonks was unharmed other than for potentially ruined panties," Sirius chuckled.
"ARGH! SIRIUS! SHUT UP! How can you be so-?"
"Honest?" Sirius chuckled harder.
"Crass! That's your niece you're talking about!" Remus was blushing furiously.
"My niece is a grown woman, not a child, Moony. I am not judging her or anyone at all. Just stating a fact. A physiological response to attraction or a demonstration of arousal is not something you control. You can't control it, nor can Nymph. You smelled her too. Don't pretend you didn't. Your senses were hyperfocused on her."
"I wish I could burn that memory away… You should obliviate that whole day from my brain. I can't unsee her pupils dilating or un-smell her… Merlin, have mercy! The other day I saw her at Potter Manor, and I had to leave because I could smell her all the way across the room. Why of all the women on this Earth is my wolf fixated on her!?"
"It is quite strange. You know, I would have thought that you would go for Emma or maybe even for Ianthe… You know someone more… I don't know… Our age?"
"Ugh. Stop, please. I feel horrible enough as it is. They are like my sisters, especially Em," Remus sighed.
Sirius looked suddenly satisfied. Of course, Moony realized, he's diverting me from the actual issue at hand.
"I see what you're doing. Don't change the subject. You are not to do this ever again, so help me Ted Tonks, I will divorce your ass!"
"But Moony-" Padfoot pleaded.
"No, Sirius, no buts. I have never asked you to do anything as a rule in our marriage. Today I do. I forbid you from going on your intel trips alone. Next time you do something so irresponsible, don't bother coming back home because I will send all your things to Potter Manor, and we will be over. Done. Are we clear?"
"Yes, love. I promise. Now back to the other issue. Newt said that our urges to mate would be the strongest in February-March. I believe we should go to Potter Island for those months. That way, it will be only us, and we reduce the risk of any potential SNAFU*."
"That's a great idea. However, we need permission from the Potters, and someone will have to take over the research while we come back. I don't really feel comfortable leaving our pack unprotected."
"Neither do I, but they may need protecting from us," Sirius sighed. "Think about it. You have little control over the wolf inside as it is, especially during the full moon. And I am thinking that if you were to run into Tonks accidentally-"
"Ugh! No! Enough! I'll go floo call Charlus," Remus left with a grimace and shaking his head.
The entire afternoon was spent writing discussing strategy, writing requests for House Trials, and following up on the cases of Narcissa's accusations. Ted had downed about two pitchers of black coffee in a few hours, and now he was jittery and tense. However, this was the energy he needed to run over the filing department at the DMLE. Nymph had been happy to see him. Madam Bones had relegated her to a desk job. Emma Dagworth-Granger had penned a letter to request that Amelia kept Nymph off duty until she had received therapy for what happened at that god-forsaken place in the Austrian Alps. The Auror had been quite upset at the beginning, but Emma was right. She was indeed jumpy and extremely wary of men. Therapy was helping, but she was concerned about more than Malfoy and Grindelwald.
She was terrified of what could happen with Remus once he reached the peak of his mating period. Should she leave the country for a while? Cassandra had invited her to join her on a trip to the South of France. As much as that thought made Nymph want to request vacations, she was a bit hesitant. The thought of being out in the open in a muggle area, considering the political climate after the passing of Lily's law, was concerning. She didn't want to risk Dan's sister's safety. Nymph could hold her own, but if Cassandra got caught in a crossfire and got hurt, Dr. Granger would kill her. No. It was not a good idea. Nymph helped her father file everything as quickly as possible.
Lucius Malfoy was a bit strapped for gold. It was time to cash in some favors. Lord Parkinson would have to fess up. He helped himself to a healthy pouring of the man's bourbon. The Parkinsons could be cheap on some things, but alcohol was not one of those things. Their distillery was famous around the world, and their bourbon was top-notch.
Horatio came in dressed impeccably, as was his custom. "Lucius," he greeted the blond with a nod.
Lucius noticed that two things upset Horatio. The fact that Malfoy had sat on his plush, elegant chair with his legs up on the mahogany desk made him frown deeply. His dragonhide boots over some pieces of incomplete parchment. That Lucius had taken so much of his best bourbon didn't sit right with him either. The blond raised the glass to Horatio and motioned for the other man to sit down.
"What do you want, Malfoy?"
"Can't a friend visit a friend from time to time?" Lucius lifted a brow at Horatio.
"You and I have never been friends. Out with it," Horatio remained standing. He would not be ordered around in his own home.
"How's dear Antigone?"
Suddenly, Horatio had ripped Lucius from his chair and forced the blond man's face close to the fire that was crackling in the fireplace behind the desk. He also pressed the sharp tip of a poker against Lucius' jugular. "NEVER say her name out loud again. You don't even have the right to think of her, you disgusting, vile, social-climber, reprobate!"
"As if you wouldn't have had Narcissa if given the chance!"
"Don't you dare! I loved Narcissa! I would have never forced her as you did to Antigone! You rapist scum! Don't bring Narcissa into this. I was very glad to see her leave you," Horatio pushed the tip of the poker, piercing Lucius' skin.
"She didn't leave me!" Malfoy pushed his wand against Horatio's middle.
"Right! Because you were in prison. I wonder if Madam Bones has a reward on your head. Perhaps I should call for the Aurors, don't you think?!" Horatio pushed the poker further.
"Go right ahead. Let's see if you can explain that tattoo in your forearm," Lucius said in a threatening tone.
"What do you want?!" Horatio pulled the man away from the fireplace and threw him to the side of the fireplace.
"I have come to collect," Lucius smirked as he got up quickly.
"To collect?"
"Indeed."
"To collect collect?!" Horatio paled.
"Yes. As I understand, your daughter Cicely is now of age."
Horatio grew red in fury, "You cannot be serious!"
"But I am."
Horatio went red with fury, "Absolutely not! The agreement was to marry one of them to Draco, not to you!"
"The agreement was to join our houses by marriage. There were no names in those contracts. That was on purpose. Since you and your wife are sentimental fools, you wanted your daughters to know Draco and decide among themselves. He turned out to be a grand disappointment by siding with my ex-wife. I suppose I could demand Pansy, but she is far too young to bear me an heir, and I need that to happen posthaste," Lucius said haughtily.
"You will not touch Cecily. She is in a formal relationship with Scion Wood. I will never hand over either of my daughters for them to be used and abused by you!" Horatio pushed Lucius away harshly.
"Is there a formal contract?" the blond sneered.
"Yes," Horatio lied convincingly, or so he thought.
"I do not believe you. I will have Armand check for this in the Department of Magical Records. If this contract you say does not pre-date my visit, I will force your hand before the Wizengamot. You owe me this marriage."
Lucius threw floo powder to the fire and left without another word.
Horatio took a deep breath and uncharacteristically yelled, "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!"
Silence reigned in the Library at Potter Manor. The list of demands sat wrinkled all over atop the coffee table. Severus and Charlus paced back and forth. Daniel drank a double shot of firewhiskey in one gulp after he read the list. Dorea took it and tried to flatten the parchment so Remus and Sirius could read it later. Those two would be the death of her, running headfirst to all sorts of danger just because they were sturdier was reckless. Emma was away, feeding Gabriel in the nursery.
Narcissa came through the floo and had to take a deep breath as to not throw up. She needed to tell Severus her news soon. This whole travel sickness was not comfortable. Snape hugged her lightly and kissed her brow with a slight frown.
"Are you alright?"
"Yes, Sev. I just didn't sleep while caring for Sirius. I am exhausted. I'd like to see this bloody list," she whispered. Ianthe seemed to be far away, deep in thought. She was kneeling down in front of their strategy board.
"Here, dear," Dorea handed her the parchment.
Narcissa's eyes went down the document quickly. "This is mental!"
"They are delusional. Their horrid daughter caused the feud, and yet they are acting as if they are the wronged party here!" Narcissa fumed.
"Oh! Cissa! I'm so glad you are here!" Ianthe came towards her and squeezed her.
While the two had grown closer through the years, they weren't close enough for this to be normal. Narcissa tried not to tense up. "How are you holding up? What can we do?" Cissa asked awkwardly, patting Ianthe's back.
"We need to strike first, of course," Ianthe said with a frown.
"Wait a minute. Let's not rush into anything. This is a very delicate issue…." Charlus drifted off when Ianthe turned to him harshly.
"They want my family's remains, Charlus! Their flesh and bones!" Ianthe yelled. "Merlin knows what kind of horrors they are planning with that!"
"We all understand that they are sick, twisted perverts, but striking first means that we started the war! Do you want that in your conscience? How about in your daughters' History of Magic books?" Dan exclaimed a little harsher than he intended. Ianthe's frown got deeper, her face went red in anger, and the empty glass that Daniel had just placed on the table exploded in several pieces. The doctor was barely able to pull his hand away and avoid getting hurt.
"Ianthe! I understand you are seething, but keep your cool! I need these hands to do surgery tomorrow!"
Ianthe gasped and seemed insulted. Narcissa blanched. Her baby hated yelling. "I did not do that!"
Everyone tensed up, wands at the ready. "Who's there!? You are trespassing on goblin territory! Come out with your hands up," Charlus and Dorea stood back to back, not an inch between us. Everyone else stood in defensive postures.
"It was me, Dan. Sorry."
"You? What did I do to you?" Daniel looked genuinely confused.
"Well, this isn't how I planned on disclosing this information… I know my timing is not good, but-," Narcissa turned to Severus with a brilliant but apologetic smile. "I am pregnant, love."
Several shocked gasps came after that. Everyone stood still and quiet, waiting for Severus' reaction. The Potion Master stood there motionless as her words echoed in his head. He blinked several times while his brain was trying to wrap itself around the news. Four words and his world had changed forever. He was to be a father. Narcissa's smile began to fade, and he realized he had been staring into space for a while.
"Severus? I… I thought you would be happy…." Narcissa's voice was barely a whisper, but everyone heard her.
Daniel rushed to them and clapped once in front of the man to break his daze. Severus jumped and shook his head at the noise. The doctor took a few steps back, satisfied. Narcissa waited with bated breath. Severus dropped to his knees unceremoniously and kissed Narcissa's belly.
Everyone let out the breath they were holding.
"This is the best news ever!" Severus stood and twirled her around slowly. "I am going to have another child!" he exclaimed joyously.
Narcissa laughed and sighed. He was happy, truly elated. While hugs and cheery comments went around, Emma came back with a gurgling baby Gabriel.
"What is going on?"
"We are having a baby!" Severus exclaimed and rushed to Emma twirling both her and the baby, who immediately threw his arms out for his godfather to pick him up. Severus took the baby and brought him over to his wife.
"You are to have a godbrother, baby Gabriel!" Narcissa kissed the top of the baby's head.
"Cissa! Really?!" Emma gushed.
"Of course, sister!" Narcissa hugged her tight. "Brother!" she beckoned Daniel, who was wearing a broad smile.
"It's an honor and a privilege," he went over and hugged her tight and clapped Severus' back.
Suddenly, Neesy and Dobby appeared with a platter carrying champagne flutes. Dobby blushed and bowed to Narcissa, "Congratulations, mistress," he said with a shy smile.
"Dobby! Thank you!" Narcissa hugged both elves.
Everyone took a flute from the platter, and Neesy handed Narcissa a different glass. "Alcohol-free, for mistress Black."
"Thank you, Neesy," Narcissa was teary-eyed. They had come a long way in their relationship.
Neesy blushed. "We made a pregnancy kit for mistress. We know mistress makes good potions, but mistress should be resting."
Narcissa took the kit reverently. It was beautiful. The box was clearly made by the elves from wood from their nest tree. Narcissa opened the kit, and it was way more than potions. It had the softest socks and slippers, nausea remedies, heartburn remedies; some were regular potions, others were elven draughts. There was a box of homemade bonbons, as well as a small blueberry lemon cake. Additionally, there was a mix of oils for her skin to lessen the appearance of stretch marks. At the bottom of the box was a jar with a balm for her breasts for when she started breastfeeding and a soft bathrobe that would cover her belly as it grew. Narcissa had to wipe her eyes. She knew that Dobby had baked her her favorite cake and that Neesy had personally made everything else.
"This is perfect! Thank you both!" She gathered them both in a hug.
"If your elves want the recipes, we will give send them over to the lab," Neesy smiled. Both she and Dobby bowed and left with a pop.
Once the excitement from the pregnancy news died down, the stress level in the library went up again. The Parkinsons were famously unpredictable and went for the throat always. Ianthe was convinced that attacking first would be the best option. The issue was how to do so, where to strike. Charlus proposed, and Ianthe tended to agree that the supreme art of war was to subdue an enemy without any actual fighting. After all, as Sun Tzu proposed, the supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.* Currently, they were going over the Parkinsons' businesses report that Sharptooth had sent over. They needed to break their financial legs.
Horatio was a savvy businessman. He had some ironclad investments. Others were easy to ruin. Between Charlus and Daniel, they devised a clever plot that would result in them losing a grand amount of money. The Parkinsons had a well-known distillery ran by a couple of witches, Lady Parkinson's sisters. Daniel would go under Pollyjuice to request a large order of their fanciest drinks and distract the sisters with all sorts of questions about their products.
Meanwhile, Tonks and -hopefully- Remus would go in through the back to add powdered iron to the most expensive barrels, both those that were ready to sell and those that were just starting to age. This would ruin the taste, making it bitter, and it would turn the typical amber color into black. They would make sure not to add too much that would make it toxic to the drinkers, just that it would make it taste horrible. Additionally, they would do a spell to redirect sunlight from a prolonged lumus solem to the glass bottles. That would change their color and degrade the whiskey, changing the taste to an off-flavor like plastic or rubber.
"Are you positive that iron and light are all we need?" Ianthe couldn't believe her luck.
"Yes, whiskey is a very delicate drink. Direct sunlight will ruin it completely. It won't even taste like whiskey," Daniel said. "I once left a bottle outside during a beach holiday. The taste still haunts me," the doctor made a nauseous expression.
"Let's wait for-"
The pokers by the fireplace fell with a clang as Ted and Nymphadora came crashing out of the fireplace.
"Sorry!" Father and daughter exclaimed.
Everyone else chuckled. When those two were together, their clumsiness went up 300%
"Take a seat. Here's what we are planning."
Tonks paced back and forth in Remus' and Sirius' cottage. Her father had insisted on coming with her. While Edward Tonks understood that Remus had no control over his wolf's instincts, he was still a protective father. He had a silver dagger in his pocket and was ready to use it.
Remus clogged his nose, but not before his wolf got a tiny whiff of Nymph, and now he was trying to remember the very unpleasant image of Dolores Umbridge upside down with her clothes affected by gravity. It was working, slower than he would like. Sirius levitated himself to the sofa while Remus cooled down.
"Cousin," Sirius smiled.
"Why are you here? Shouldn't you still be at Scamander's place?" she asked, kissing his cheek and pointing at his very bruised and uncovered leg.
Sirius shrugged. "Newt thinks everyone recovers better at home. I tend to agree. What's this I hear about a mission?"
Tonks sighed. "Let's wait for Uncle Remus. I don't want to have to go through it twice."
After a detailed explanation, Remus was wearing the carpet down. This was a terrible idea. Sirius was concerned, but his leg wouldn't heal in time for him to replace Remus. It had to be someone who wasn't as recognizable but who was a part of the alliance. This posed a huge problem: Snape was out due to his past, Charlus was out due to being such a prominent figure, and Ted couldn't risk losing his magical barrister license. It was a tactical advantage to the whole alliance. Daniel was already playing a part in this, and he was at a more significant risk being a muggle without a wand to potentially face two witches.
"We need to find someone else," Sirius said at last.
"What? Why?" Tonks felt a bit insulted. She was perfectly capable to carry out that mission. A simple breaking and entering and a bit of sabotage was a piece of cake.
"I agree with Sirius."
"Dad! Why?"
"Remus, you are family. I don't need to tell you that, but I am not comfortable with the thought of my daughter being alone with you is no longing calming," Ted admitted with a sad sigh.
"Father, you cannot be serious! I am not a child in need of protection. Remus is on our side. He is bloody sacrificing his sense of smell which is essential to his animal side so all women, myself included, can feel safe around him!" Tonks was incensed.
"Your father is right, Nymph. I appreciate your vote of confidence, but this plan will take place in February, which is one of the two most um… heated months for us. Even if I clog my nose, I shudder to think what I would be capable to do if something went wrong. Maybe our senses are even more heightened, and we have no way to know this. Is there anyone you can trust to do this? Anyone we can trust your safety to and who would not betray the alliance?"
"Why can't Matthieu come with you instead?" Ted asked his daughter.
"He won't be here. He and his wife are going to the States to be there for their daughter's Defense Mastery graduation. Apparently, she got top marks. Broke a record, it seems." Tonks replied with a shrug. She looked pensive for a few minutes, and then she got up. "There is someone who could do this with me. But I have to talk to him first. We are breaking the law. While I know that our end justifies our means, he may disagree, and we would need a formal vow of secrecy," Nymph explained. "We cannot risk someone telling on us. The Potters have never resorted to this sort of thing. Now, we seem to have no choice, but it doesn't make it any less unsavory."
Remus felt the hairs on the back of his neck prickle. He? Who the hell was that he? Was Nymph dating someone? He tensed his jaw and made a conscious effort to stay quiet. Great! Now he was jealous of some poor unknown bastard whose only crime was that Tonks considered him a worthy partner in crime. Sirius could hear and smell Remus' aggressiveness to Tonks' mention of the mystery potential accomplice.
"Let us talk once you have discussed this with this potential coconspirator, alright? My leg is killing me, and I would like to go back to my bed," Sirius advised.
Harry was thrilled. This new DADA professor was awesome! He hadn't met Professor No-Name when he talked to his grandfather, but he was great! His class was entirely practical. He told them all to put their books away and remove their robes. They spent the whole class practicing protective spells and how to disarm one another. Harry and Hermione were asked not to work together. Bill thought that their bond made any confrontation pointless since they could read each other's minds.
Hermione was a bit put off by this "all practice, no theory method," but she already knew the theory. Professor No-Name seemed to think that her classmates were responsible and would read ahead as he demanded, but Hermione didn't have such high hopes. However, considering how dreamy most of the other girls found him, he may actually succeed. The boys were another story. She was paired with Draco, and they were both even.
Neville was glad he had started taking his fitness more seriously with his friends. All the training was paying off. Most purebloods and even some half-bloods were panting and sitting down, trying to recover some air. His friends and even him were all still fighting each other. Hermione was giving Draco a very hard time. She was so agile with her ballet twirls and turns. Harry was pleasantly surprised by Neville's increased stamina. They were both tired but still tied.
"Wands down!" Bill exclaimed.
The kids stopped and bowed to each other.
Nymph was walking towards the open door. He motioned for her to come in. He still had to introduce her to the class.
"Everyone, I would like you to meet the professor who will be teaching you Defense alternating with me," Bill motioned to the door, and he saw himself come inside under Auror robes. His jaw could have hit the floor. Nymph had gotten way too good.
The whole class gasped at the sight of two Bills, and some girls actually squealed. Nymph thought she should have fun with Bill. It was a good thing that Nymph wore her tactical uniform loose and that her robe was partially closed. Otherwise, the class would have gotten an eyeful of Bill's body. Nymph approached Bill, sashaying her or rather his hips.
"Everyone, meet Auror and metamorphmagus extraordinaire, Nymph Tonks," Bill took her hand as if to shake it. He expected to feel his own rough hands but took her much smaller and softer hand with too much force, which pulled her forward in her partially morphed back body. He expected her to fall, but she thought this was the demonstration he had suggested they did. Tonks pushed Bill away and he landed on the desk, but since he was holding her hand tightly, she flew towards the desk with him. However, she used her momentum to go over him, twisted her body, and landed gracefully near the other end of the table. Bill was about to attack her but saw with dismay how she discreetly pretended to rearrange her pants with her back to the children (or was it his back)? Merlin! Did she know what his entire body looked like?
This split-second distraction was enough, and she had him wandless and petrified in a moment. She could have twisted his arm or anything more humiliating, but she refrained to do so. Why? Bill thought.
"Who can tell me what Professor No-Name's mistake was?"
"He got distracted."
"And distractions can cost you your life," she smirked. "As my mentor, Professor Moody would say, you must have Constant Vigilance!"
Focusing, Bill threw off the petrifying curse with his runic bracelet without alerting Nymph. He took his wand and suspended Tonks up in the air by her ankles.
"Ah, you play dirty, William. But fear not, children, because I have used constant vigilance, and the professor still hasn't noticed a thing," she smiled evilly.
Bill looked around. There was nothing on him, and he felt fine. "What do you-?"
Tonks engorgioed a piece of led she was carrying, and the weight broke the spell and helped her come down to the ground. As she came down, she severed the right side belt area of his pants, so he had to use his hand to hold them together. Tonks knew he was right-handed. He would either hold his pants with his right hand and concede or let them fall down and continue to fight her, but there were kids, and she was positive he would choose the former. Indecent exposure on your first week at a job involving kids isn't a good look. She summoned his wand and curtsied with a laugh.
"I yield! That was unnecessary!" Bill exclaimed. The class broke in applause.
"Says the man who could have exposed me had I been wearing a skirt," Nymph laughed good-naturedly.
"I will have you know that I would never do that. I am a gentleman, and even though you are no lady, I have principles."
Tonks felt hurt at him calling her not a lady. Still, she fixed his pants and handed him his wand without comment.
"Ladies, next class, come wearing pants. I will not have you lose a duel because you are scared that you may give the boys a show."
"The uniform doesn't include pants, professor," Susan raised her hand.
"You have your own pants, correct? Just bring a pair you are comfortable in," Tonks smiled at the girl. "If Professor No-Name has nothing further," she said in a questioning tone. Bill shook his head. "Class dismissed."
The kids picked up their things and left after everyone else had gone. They wanted to hug Tonks, so they did and went out to dinner.
"That was quite sneaky," Bill told Tonks as she reverted the piece of led to its original size and pocketed it.
"I am a damsel in a world of brutes. You would be surprised how often I have to be sneaky, resourceful, and a downright bitch," she chuckled.
Bill colored. He shouldn't have said that. He somehow knew what her tone referred to, "Sorry. You are a lady, and I am a brute."
Tonks laughed, "That you are… Can we talk? I have an indecent proposal for you," she smirked saucily.
Suddenly, William realized that she was absolutely a lady. She had grown exponentially more beautiful since she graduated. It didn't help that she was quite close to him and her lavender eyes spoke of many dangerous and thrilling prospects. William swallowed thickly. "A what now?"
After several wards were applied to the classroom, and two very insulted portraits were shooed from their frames, Tonks sat on their desk and began talking.
"You know how The Potters have an alliance that includes many families like mine, yes?"
"Yes."
"A Feud has been declared, and it involves some people that are quite… unsavory. Lord Potter wants us to take the non-confrontational route, so we are colluding to ruin the family financially."
"Ooookay. So?"
"I can't give you more information unless you give me a vow of secrecy and actually want in," Tonks replied in a mysterious tone.
"Want in?" Bill's eyebrows went up.
"Yes, want into this plot…."
"If it helps the Potters, absolutely. I owe them handsomely."
"It also helps the Greengrass family, though. I don't know how things are between you… I know Lady Greengrass cost you your parents. You need to have this information before you make a decision," Tonks smiled awkwardly.
"All the better. I would be a squib if it wasn't for Lady Greengrass' forgiving, fair nature. I vow on my magic not to divulge the plan that Nymphadora Tonks is about to share with me," William replied.
Nymph only sent her uncles a short missive.
Dear Uncle Siri and Remy,
He is in. Vowed on his magic to keep my confidences.
Love,
Tonks
Remus bit his own cheek to prevent from groaning, but Sirius could hear his low jealous growl.
"We need to do something about this obsession. It is weird, not to mention gross, that your wolf wants to fuck Nymph and that you are jealous of whoever this poor man is," Sirius frowned.
"I can't help it," Remus said with gritted teeth. "I am not jelaous by nature. You know that."
"Now that is an oxymoron… Get it? Because your wolf is jealous by nature?" Sirius chuckled.
"Shut up."
"Instead of fuming for no reason, how about you let out that frustration on me?" Sirius smirked impertinently.
"You are on bed rest!" Remus admonished.
"True, but it's just my leg that I can't move…." Sirius wiggled his eyebrows at his husband.
"You are the worst," Remus laughed. "You used to be a master of seduction. What the hell happened to you?"
"I got married," Sirius laughed while pulling Remus closer to kiss him thoroughly. "I am out of practice. But I can keep you so hot and bothered that you won't be able to think of anything else…."
"I doubt it…." Remus smirked.
"I smell a challenge," Sirius smirked back.
"Do you now?"
"Shut up and kiss me," Sirius replied, effectively ending their conversation.
Hermione was appalled at her classmates. They looked at Professor No-Name as if he was a piece of meat. Now, Hermione had eyes. He was very good-looking, to be sure, but staring at his body like that was very disrespectful. They were eleven years old and were acting like they were old enough to date him or worse. He bore it patiently. It was clear he was used to young girls acting weird, probably because of his younger sister. Ginny No-Name was decidedly strange. Hermione didn't like her or the way she would stare at Harry. She was already dreading next year. At least they wouldn't share a room. She sighed. A couple of her roommates were still discussing how dreamy and steamy the professor was.
On the other side of the tower, Harry was growing more and more irritated about the way Finnegan talked about Tonks. Neville put his hand on Harry's shoulder to restrain him.
"And did you see those knockers? A handful, to be sure!" Seamus laughed and made hand motions as if he was squeezing air boobs.
Harry took a deep breath as not to trash the kid. Neville noticed and tried, as usual, to deescalate the situation.
"Okay, that's enough!" Neville exclaimed, hitting the bedside table.
"What crawled up your ass and died, Longbottom? It's not our fault you prefer Professor No-Name!" said Seamus accusingly.
Neville spluttered. He was shocked.
Draco got very close to Seamus' face. "Apologize, Finnegan!" he said in a warning tone.
"I will not apologize. Neville did prefer him over her!"
"Finnegan, shut up."
"Or what, Potter?" the boy taunted Harry.
Draco could have facepalmed. Some people really had masochistic tendencies. Before he could restrain Harry, the boy had grabbed Seamus by his tie and pulled him close harshly. They were a couple of inches apart. The other boy whimpered a bit. Harry growled and using his most threatening tone growled, "Professor Tonks is under the protection of House of Potter, House of Longbottom and House of Black, and if you so much as look at her in a way I find disrespectful ever again, I will do what I have to do to make sure you can never do so again, am I understood?"
"You can't do anything to me!"
"Try me!" Harry narrowed his eyes, and Finnegan cowered under the furious stare. "Who Neville likes or doesn't like is none of your business either. I guarantee you that no matter who he likes, he has a much better chance at a great match than you do, you creepy crawler," Harry let go of the tie, which made the other kid fall down with a thud.
Neville took his book bag from under the table and left without a word, fuming. Draco and Harry shared a look. They needed Hermione.
"Whatever possessed you to say something like that in front of everyone?" Hermione asked Harry with a frown.
"I was trying to be supportive!" Harry complained, throwing his hands up.
"He must be so embarrassed!" she replied.
"That was not my intention!"
"But it was still the result. You have to apologize," Hermione said with a frown.
They finally found Neville in an individual study room within the library. He appeared to be asleep with his crossed forearms cushioning his head.
"Hey, Nevy," Hermione shook him a bit.
He raised his face, and they all saw the dried tear tracks and snot.
"What are you doing here?" Neville asked with a frown that deepened as he saw Harry.
"Neville, we were worried about you. The boys told me what happened."
"This is just great. Couldn't stop yourself from humiliating me further, huh?" Neville threw his hands up in frustration.
Draco mouthed a "Told you" to Harry. Harry felt the heavy stone in his stomach get heavier.
"Nev, I would never knowingly humiliate you. I was trying to support you, t-to defend you," Harry said, his voice a whisper.
Neville grabbed his cloak and bit into it to quieten his angry scream.
"Nevy, why don't you just use your words and tell Harry why you got so upset?"
"You assumed he was right," Neville sighed.
"What?!" Harry exclaimed with trepidation. That made no sense.
"Harry, shut up and listen," Hermione directed him. The wizard nodded.
"You assumed Finnegan was right and that I must at some point have made googly eyes at Professor No-Name. Never mind that all I feel for the professor is admiration or that I like GIRLS!"
Harry blinked repeatedly. "Neville, I wasn't assuming anything. I said who you like and don't like is nobody's business."
"Yes, and that only made Finnegan believe he was right because we are family, and now I will never hear the end of it!" Neville snapped, earning a loud Hush from outside the room from the librarian.
Harry looked at Hermione, who seemed entirely unimpressed. She agreed. He looked at Draco, who seemed quite uncomfortable but had a hand on Neville's shoulder in silent support."I don't see how… Nevermind. That's not important. I am sorry if my comment in your defense upset you, but Neville, I meant that. I don't give a flying monkey who you like-"
Draco piped, and side glanced the boy, "As long as it's not Hemione!"
The girl blushed, and Neville spluttered, "I would never!" he exclaimed. Hermione looked at him with a frown.
"Hey!" she complained.
"Not that I don't think you are beautiful because you are, obviously… but you guys are like… married," Neville mouthed the last word.
"Thanks," Hermione blushed.
"As I was saying, I don't care if you swing one way or the other or both. That goes for Draco, too, although I am sure that next year he will be making googly eyes at Astoria," Harry chuckled and wiggled his brows suggestively at the boy.
"Oi! Shut up, Potter!"
The four kids shared a look and laughed so loud that Madam Prince shooed them out of the Library.
"Come in," Gellert sat with his back to the door.
"I apologize for my tardiness, sir," Horatio bowed.
"I hate to be kept waiting," Grindelwald said slowly.
"I am aware of that, sir. If it hadn't been a family emergency, I would have come immediately," Horatio explained.
"Do tell," Gellert turned around.
Horatio gasped. "Sir, your eye!"
"Nevermind that. Why do you want the Department for the Regulation of Magical Creatures in exchange for your… cooperation?" Gellert asked with a raised brow.
"We want Lily Potter's law overturned."
"Ah, your business with the elves, of course," Gellert nodded. The Parkinsons had always traded elves, and this law had cost them hundreds of thousands of galleons in losses.
"Indeed. Sir, I am willing to contribute upfront a sum of one million galleons to the cause. However, due to recent developments, it would come with additional stipulations," Horatio said with a frown.
"Meaning?" Gellert demanded with a raised brow.
"My daughters are the dearest thing in the world to me," Horatio began trying to squash a sob that threatened to come out.
Gellert frowned. "I am not following, Horatio."
"I owed Malfoy a life debt."
Gellert rolled his eye hard and stared down at Parkinson in a way that made him feel supremely stupid. However, Grindelwald took a slow breath, and instead of cursing at the man for his idiocy, he simply folded his hands over the desk and simply said, "I see…"
"And now he is demanding to marry one of my daughters!" Parkinson exclaimed.
"Ugh," Gellert grimaced. "I didn't think he had such… proclivities."
For all his troublesome and even beastly traits, Gellert Grindelwald despised those who abused children in that way. Forced labor was fine. Marriage? Rape? Absolutely abhorrent. To have a man like Malfoy willing to do that to the Parkinson girls, as absolutely dreadful and spoiled as they probably were, was disgusting. But a life debt was a life debt.
"She has just turned sixteen and is in a relationship with Scion Wood. I was hoping to join my House to his family's House."
Grindelwald took a deep breath and inwardly thanked his good memory. "Cicely, right?"
Horatio smiled. He remembered. "Yes, sir."
"I don't really know what you want me to do. A life debt is a life debt… All I can say is that if you have a favorite child, spare that child and sacrifice the other," Gellert said, non-pulsed.
"T-The other child is eleven years old, sir," Horatio stammered.
"Has she had her menarche yet?" Grindelwald took a sip of his quickly cooling tea.
Parkinson spluttered, "I have no idea, sir."
"Hmmm, I suggest you ask your wife. If she has had it, I am afraid there's little to nothing that can be done. I guarantee you that Lucius will invoke the oldest standing laws, and a simple ovulation spell will determine if she can indeed bear him an heir," Gellert said with a grimace. The whole business was revolting. "If you don't have a marriage contract for Cicely predating your little meeting with Malfoy, she will have to become a brooding mare, pardon my frankness," Gellert shrugged slightly.
Horatio paled and had to hold on to the chair next to him. "Sir, is there anything you can do to help?"
"To help you or to help them?" Gellert raised a brow.
"To help them would be to help me, sir…."
"You are conditioning your financial contribution to my ability to solve problems that resulted from your stupidity. Did I understand correctly?" Grindelwald frowned and gave Parkinson an ice-cold look.
"Sir! They are my daughters!"
"You should have protected them better. Why not pay Lucius in gold? You appear to have enough of it. Why a marriage contract? You know his proclivities. Your own wife suffered at his hands if I was informed correctly, and you do the ultimate cowardly move by allowing a marriage contract of your traditional and noble House to his new money and debauchery House?"
"The idea was for one of my daughters to marry his son."
"And yet you didn't make sure their names were in the contract."
"I know I made a horrible mistake, sir. I just want to save my daughters."
"I don't have the power to help you. We lost the people we had at the Ministry because of Dumbledore's stupidity. I can promise you control over the Department you want once we take over, but your family issues are your own," Gellert said in as neutral a tone as he could manage. "Will you bring the gold here directly?"
Horatio sighed. He was expecting a bit more assistance, "If I figure out my family problems, I will come back with the gold, sir."
"Good luck. I can send a missive to Lucius, but I don't think it will persuade him," Gellert offered.
"Please, sir, anything that could help… I'd appreciate it," Parkinson smiled with gratitude and left the room with a sliver of hope.
Bill grimaced as he downed the last of the Polyjuice. Ew!. He had tried Polyjuice before, but this was the most disgusting one by far. Ugh.
"Where did they get that?" he grimaced.
"I don't know. Snape thought it would be safer," Tonks took a deep breath as she focused and morphed. Her hair grew and curled and went black. Her eyes went brown, her eyebrows thicker, and her nose got pointier. Her chest flattened slightly. "Let's get this show on the road, shall we?"
"Won't it exhaust you to hold all those changes?" Bill asked with a frown on his new face.
"Nah, it did when I was a teenager. Now that my core is much more mature, I am fine for about an hour."
Nymph took out a beeper that vibrated, read it, and pocketed it, "Dan is ready to start. Grab your kit, and let's go."
"Alright then… Showtime."
A/N: Thank you for reading! The semester is finally up, and so is this update. I hope you are all safe and healthy wherever you are! I was going to upload earlier but I had a slithering unannounced guest. A boa constrictor snake fell off the ceiling and I had to call the fire department to come and get her. We are both fine and so is my dog, although she did try to attack the snake. The poor thing hid away because she was terrified. The firefighters took her out and left with her in a fabric bag. The joys of living in the tropics! Anyhow, I will try to update at least once more in my very short vacation break, but I make no promises. :) -Lux-
*Imperial FU: An Imperial Fuck Up. Used during WWI to refer to conflicting orders from British Authorities.
*SNAFU: It's a military slang term that has made its way to popular culture. SNAFU is widely used to stand for the sarcastic expression: "Situation Normal: All Fucked Up."
*The Art of War by Sun Tzu (This book is a must-read. It's one of my favorites and I highly recommend it).