Nine: Alliances are garnered, not seized

As always, my thanks go out to Salllzy, who really slapped me over the head, when this and the previous chapter became too much words, and the paragraphs were too large as well. So, that's why I had to look for a good point to end the last chapter, and start this one.

I'm sorry this one took a bit longer than I thought, but my wedding was right in beween, and I like to have a bit more writing done before I post a chapter. I hope I fixed the heavy flashbacks or changes of POV with the headings, but let me know if I still need to change it. I hope you enjoy this chapter, enjoy the read and let me know!


The wizards needed allies they could trust; they needed more people to build a large community that would be able to sustain itself, and in the long run help with populating all the other estates they all held together. Severus himself would go scouting with Gerald around the magical areas to see if they would be able to find more magicals, but they found that Harry should relax and see this as a little holiday while Neville and Elenoir took care of everything back home, or so Neville had told him in a very definite voice.

Marriet was doing alright but had become fidgety as she wasn't allowed to brew anymore, so Severus needed the time out perhaps even more than Harry. Elenoir was helping her come to terms with this unexpected gift as she called it, and they had started preparing the nursery, and made lists of all the things a (magical) baby would need, just in case. Both women knew this would not be the last baby that would roam the grounds, and Marriet was a very prepared woman.

Harry mused that this was the reason that Severus had fallen head over heels with the woman, in his own way of course. Elenoir filled the role of grandmother very gracefully and Marriet had told Luna that she would not have known what to do without the woman. Elenoir was sewing and knitting clothing for the baby, and had started to teach Luna how to make her own yarn from the silk and other substances that some magical creatures willingly gave the woman.

Draco had reviewed his magical books about pregnancy, so that he was prepared for anything that would come their way. George had worked his ass off with Vilnuk to ward the grounds and fences, and he walked the grounds every morning with Ezra just to check. Ezra had given his reports that Mitchell was adjusting really well, and that he had taken the boy on a few small runs with George so that he could become accustomed to the work that needed to be done. George had sent Bill a letter, hoping the family would come their way, but he wasn't sure. The magical community in France was holding pretty well and they were as safe as it could be for now.

Even if these events convinced Harry that he made the proper decision, he needed to know that his somewhat new family was just as safe as his own. Somewhere along the lines he had learned that family is not the blood you carry, but the love you have among each other. Harry had learned the hard way what real love was, but now that he knew, he did not want to lose that. Not again. He had died for that, and would do that all over again.


Present time The Farm

The group survivors next to them had been restless. Hadrian felt it and was being more cautious then he had been before, Red was more on edge, and they had not seen one of the blondes anymore. Merle loved the way the blonde lady had skipped around and looked like she was somewhere else than here. He supposed they had other plans, but also understood that it might be business that could not be shared. Merle wasn't privy to everything that happened, and as long as Sunshine and Red weren't angry, Carol had that lovely smile on her face and Sophia wasn't scared, Merle knew he was doing a good job with keeping everybody good.

He did worry a bit about Daryl, but Daryl had those moments when he would disappear and loved to be left alone. It was a Dixon trait. The fact that he knew that Hadrian could find his brother within a heartbeat did calm the big man down. There had been some incidents with the other group with a well and a walker, between Maggie and Glenn, and now Shane was going crazy over a barn that was placed along the perimeter of one of the wheat fields. His shouting was so loud that Merle, who had gone fishing in a creek nearby, noticed it and alerted Ron as he walked back inside the magical tent to refill his water supply.

"Yo Red." He approached Ron, who was teaching Sophia a few new charms, and explained to her some things about magic inside the living room. There were clouds everywhere and the girl was laughing about something that the man had conjured. Merle had started to pick apart spells, charms, and conjurations. He was proud of himself. "Ya heard that outside?"

"You know mate, there's two of us at the compound back home, you can't call us both Red if you meet my brother." Ron laughed and dispersed of the magic when he saw Merle's face. "Alright Sophia, you'll have to wait until Luna returns for your next lesson, but you did really well. Go see if you can find Carl, he wants to play some cards."

The girl did as she was told and holstered her wand with a practised yet slow movement as if she was afraid to break it. She checked her knife on her belt, and then skipped to the tent entrance with a deck of cards in her hands that she had picked up from the kitchen table.

"To answer your question, Merle. No, I haven't. I'm just back from another haul. Got some cigarettes for you and Daryl." Red waved towards the table, where there were two packs lying around.

"Already rationing us, Red?" Merle smiled, but he understood. Hadrian and Ron were fair in their distributions, especially if he and Daryl did not do anythig else than hunt some little game. Not all of it got eaten right away, usually they would deposit it in a box, and then later it would be sent back packaged through a little wooden chest on the kitchen counter.

Even Hadrian and Ron were mysterious about the magic surrounding the thing, so he did not bother to ask. Daryl had tried, but they had gotten the obvious answer: 'magic'. Hadrian donated a portion a day to the farmer whose land they were staying on, but he refused to share with Shane or Rick. If Carl came by, he would get a sandwich or some meat with eggs and crackers if he behaved nicely, but that was it. Merle thought that Hadrian was fair, and honest in that. He would have shared nothing if it were just him and Daryl, and they were being treated the way the people did.

"If you want to have some left, yes. Nev's leaves aren't growing as fast as the rest, they need the natural time. Some of them are firstly harvested for potions, and with the scraps he makes the tobacco. You might want to invest in a pipe or something. I'll see if I can find any lying around."

"I hav' no complaints, Red, don't you worry. So, I'll update ya'." Merle had understood the Brit's needs to drink tea more and more every day, even in this heat. It was a calming drink that would satisfy his needs sometimes more than coffee. He had been gifted with a small leather bag, that held way more stuff than should be possible. He always had a thermos of tea in it and left the coffee for the mornings. The thing – Kreacher – really brew a stiff one.

Merle refilled his water canister with fresh water from the tap and realised how lucky he was. He felt luckier now than before the apocalypse started. Carol was baking cookies with some ingredients that Draco had brought along, and he nicked a finger full of batter, before he was swatted away by the woman. He really should get her something pretty if he went out. She deserved that.

"Shoo!" She demanded with a wooden spoon in her hands, and a batter utensil in the other.

"Oi, darlin', Merle ain' no dog." He smiled at the woman that was beyond beautiful in his eyes. Her soft smile, those eyes that lit up with a fire inside them, that just stirred something in him.

"Oh no? Then why are you stealing like a dog, Merle?" She playfully bit towards him, and he just huffed. "Here, because you have been a good boy." She handed him his lunch, two sandwiches with some meat, cheese, and vegetables. He huffed but accepted it with a smile. Ron returned from his visit to the bathroom and he nodded that he wanted to listen to Merle's update.

"Okay Red. So, Chinaman is going crazy about the barn, there is something in there, but I did not catch what it was. Farmman wants us off his lands now that Carl has healed. They are still grieving that man they lost. Rick wants to charm Hershel into letting them stay, because Lori is being mystical as to why. Dale is trying to see eye-to-eye with Rick, but I do not believe that this is working. I believe Chinaman is fuckin' with that farmers daughter, so there you have it."

"Ya' proud of yaself spying now?" Daryl stood behind him, leaning on one of the tentpoles and looking smug with some blood on his shirt and hands.

"Shut it little brother, it ain' spying if deputy crazy is running around like he needs a bullet in his head. Dude is screaming practically 'kill me'."

"Lori is pregnant." Hadrian stated as a matter of fact. He had walked in from behind Daryl and guessing from the blood on his knife as well, they had been hunting. "Rick doesn't know yet, but I believe it's Shanes."

"How do you know Harry?" Carol had taken to Harry's nickname over the last few days, and since the man had never corrected her, she kept on using it.

"I didn't, Draco did. He has a magical sight that tells if people are injured. Very rare, but his mother has it also. Those make for true healers. He saw immediately that there was a second lifeform. It isn't too difficult for him to check parentage. We don't do DNA-tests like you do." Hadrian shrugged. "So let them figure that out, while we figure out what we want to do. I want to call a council meeting tonight, after dinner. Get Severus, Draco, and Neville in as well." The last part was addressed to Ron, who nodded and started fiddling with his necklace in mere seconds.

"Not Luna? Do you want them in person here?" Ron asked.

"Should be possible. I'll open the apparition point. No, Luna just informed me that she's looking after some creatures that can't be left alone." Hadrian answered with a shrug. "How was Sophia doing?" He inquired, as he slipped into his leader role with ease.

"Really good, she's a quick study. Very adapt in transfigurations. Minerva said that she makes bigger progress than expected. She also wrote that she wants to come over if Sophia stays with us, to teach her and see us. She asked if you could bring her round. She's trying to convince some others to join us, but most are scared. Hogwarts is holding out pretty well, so that is a blessing." Ron added.

"Lucius said that he spread the word, but no clues yet if some of them will join us. The British Isles are not faring well, and the Ministry does not have a grip yet. Only the Purebloods and big communities like Hogsmeade and Hogwarts are surviving. Draco said that his father is actually doing the same around Malfoy manor as you are. He's in direct contact with a few other families like Augusta Longbottom, the Smith's, Finch-Fletchley, Parkinson's, Aberforth Dumbledore of all people to name a few, and believe it or not, with my family. The cabinets are working decently to help them distribute things. Bill has taken over from father and moved most of them to France. The French ministry is holding it pretty well. I'm trying to convince Charlie and 'Moine to join us here. We haven't heard from Percy though, he's worrying me." Ron shrugged.

"Ah, I would love to see Minerva, I'm glad she's doing well. Thankfully Hogwarts was repaired before all this and the Unspeakables extended the wards to Hogsmeade. This feels like the middle ages again." Hadrian smiled reminiscently, but if you would be able to look closely you could see the pain tearing through him.

Merle realised that the man had sacrificed it all to win a war for the magical world, just to see its people get torn apart by this virus.

"I'm not surprised to see Lucius pull this off, people underestimated him, but family is all he really cares about. I'm glad that some of the old families are listening. I hope we can get some reinforcements from England, since most Americans are not trusting us right now. I'll write to 'Mione again, and if needed I'll pop over to see if I can help once we've decided."

"I'll write to them, don't you worry." Ron added. "But thanks mate."

"Yes, I'll include a note for Minerva with Teddy's messages. He has yet to respond." Hadrian smiled a bit worried.

"Harry, remember us in our second year, you really thought of writing long letters after all that homework? My mother's letters were the only thing reminding me to write. Plus, Minerva said that they are trying to maintain calm around the kids, and have them worry about other things than their families. Have them live a little." Ron smiled and summoned his gear. "I'm off to check some places on Gerard's list, see if there are more people. Georgie is meeting me there, if there aren't any magical people left, we'll loot it all."

"Good luck, call me if needed, mate." They briefly hugged, and Ron clasped Harry's shoulder. "You take some rest, you seem to need it. Big meeting tonight. You can think then."

"I will try." Hadrian nodded.

As soon as the freckled man had spoken those words, they heard a big noise coming from outside the tent. It seemed like Shane was yelling, screaming, and Merle recognized one of the farmer's daughters as well.

Ron and Hadrian only took one look, before Hadrian had his gear summoned without touching a wand. Daryl looked over at Merle, who reached for his shotgun when Daryl readied his crossbow before he ran outside the tent on Hadrian's heels. Carol on his tail, with a knife in hands to help if necessary and to look for Sophia.

Merle was proud of the fast progress his women had made when he saw Sophia standing outside next to Carl, better trained than the boy who looked scared in his mother's arms, and he was even more proud of Carol for showing that bad-ass side that she obviously had. The fact that he called them his, was something that he had not touched upon. Safety first, feelings came later.

They arrived right at the moment that the barn door had been opened and a dozen walkers crawled out of the wooden structure to find their meal. Shane yelled some profanities and shot a walker multiple times in its chest to prove that it could still walk, which caused Maggie to yell at him to stop, and the farmer was holding his other daughter as he saw them shoot all the walkers. Merle wanted to help clear the threat, but a hand signal by Hadrian made him stop. Hadrian shook his head and whispered to Merle who had taken Harry's left side to protect him like Ron did on his right side.

"We need Hershel, don't get involved. Let them fight." His voice was terse, and the man seemed more agitated than he let on.

Merle agreed with the anger that Shane felt that there had been danger lurking very close to home, but he realised what Hadrian implicated. These walkers used to be important people to the family and weren't just walkers to them. The farmer still believed that they could be healed, even if they had accepted the truth with all they knew that this was not the case.

"Okay." Merle agreed after seeing his brother nod his head that he agreed as well. They were safe, protected by the wizards and thus they had not been as threatened as Shane claimed in his grand speech. Not that they would spread that particular secret.

Rick and Shane stood before each other, whereas the three different groups stood next to each other in silence. It was Hadrian that broke the silence because he noticed that the rest could not.

"Let this be a lesson that you respect each other's wishes. Shane, you started this mess, you can clean it." Hadrian had this aura that shouted respect and leadership, now that Rick did not seem to step up, but Shane would not have it.

"I ain't got to listen to you, this ain't your land boy!" Shane was angry. "So, stop telling us what to do and start working together like a team. Maybe share some of your resources. Y'all seem less lost for food than we do."

Everybody that was able to read body language, saw Hadrian's jaw clench when Shane shouted 'boy' towards him. The inner turmoil was visible, but a hand from Merle on his shoulder seemed to stop this.

"You might be a few years my senior, but I am older than I might look. I dare to bet that I have more life experience than you. So, choose your next words carefully, Shane. The next time you step out of line with me or my family you may hope that you will ever find sleep again and if you do, I might haunt your nightmares." Hadrian pronounced every word very clear, which let his British accent shine through even more. His voice was thick, laced with anger, but it also hinted at the danger.

Ron stood beside him in attack mode, which had been mirrored by Daryl, who now had his crossbow at the ready. Even Sophia stood ready to pull her wand if necessary. "Clean your mess, I'll take care of Beth. Be a good neighbour, officer." With that Hadrian resolutely turned around and walked towards the house.

In all the confusion, Merle had not noticed that Beth had fainted, and was being held by her sister who was crying with her little sister in her arms. Hadrian took Beth from her and carried her bridal style into the house with little effort. The other woman, who had been a friend of the farmer's family and who had helped operate on Carl, sprang into action and guided Hadrian with the young girl in his arms towards her room. Daryl and Merle took one look at each other, and Merle laid an arm around Carol's shoulder, to lead her towards the tent for some rest. Sophia followed without a question. Lori wanted to approach Daryl, but he shook his head and followed Hadrian, as Ron walked towards the woods, talking about going for a hunt and protection run.


Present time The Farm, later day.

Death appeared as a wispy greyish smoke, without a final form. It stood or hoovered, however you wanted to describe it, as he communicated with its Master. It was a silent conversation, one with foreboding, death, omens, and dark magic. Death had told Harry it would not lie, not now, not ever. So it did not.

Harry felt the magic and energy racing over his skin, which electrified him in a way he could not explain to others. Not even towards Draco he knew how to explain that. It did not hurt him, yet it felt foreign. It was never a good sign, but also not the worst sign he could have. If Death stayed away for too long, that was more worrisome than other people might think. It made him feel alive, it burned through his veins, and it fed him.

Harry stood on the white, wooden front porch of the awe commanding farm that Hershel ran. The heat from that afternoon was still feelable, but the cold of the night was caressing his skin in a different way altogether as Harry looked over the fields with his Death sight. He saw the remnants of the inferi that had been taken by Death lingering over the fields. Animals that were about to be killed that ran through the forest, he even saw some of the group's life numbers flickering. He wasn't worried, because when he looked at his tent, he realised that they had the softest energies. Meaning that they would live longer than the survivors.

This gift, as Death called it, was the real curse. For Harry it was not the way Death would use him as a small grim reaper, but the fact that if he used his sight, that he would know when people died. A destiny or faith that could not be overturned. Harry had experimented with that, seeing how far his magical influence reached, but Death had not lied when he said that this was a rule that could not be broken.

Most of the time Death's master saw older people who would probably die from old age or criminals who would not make it. Now, during the apocalypse as Mitchell had called it, he saw the life energy with younger kids or other adults waver just as much. People could only change their own destiny, by making life choices. Sometimes that would save them a few years, but most of the time people did not learn from their mistakes, and Harry would see them dwindle.

Being the Master of Death gave Harry an advantage in battle: it had heightened his senses, enlarged his magic, gave him incredible power upon his own large magical core, and made him sensitive to magic all around him. The other side of the coin was the fact that he would not die in the normal sense of the word, he couldn't. He was as much Death's plaything as Harry was its Master. Harry had not understood why people would want this, why Dumbledore had tried to gain this power.

The man had been a fool in that direction, led by his own traumatic events of his youth. Harry did not understand why Tom wanted to be immortal, especially if people would die around him and he would not have aged. He guessed that for a Dark Lord this was a good fact, but he did not believe in this fable that people would not tire of your presence. It had been the sole reason for him wanting his own lands, his own manor, his own way of living. He needed to escape if possible, he needed to become nobody if that was requested in the situation.

Harry felt a presence make itself known, and he closed his eyes to will them back to their own green colour instead of the blackish grey that looked like an endless black hole altogether when he used his Death sight. When he opened his eyes, he saw the younger brother of the two Southern hunters standing next to him, leaning on the railing, and enjoying the breeze on his face with his eyes closed. It somehow made Harry giddy, to know that Daryl always knew when he needed him, but it also scared him. He did not want to get feelings for someone that would never reciprocate them. He might be bi-sexual, with an emphasis on the bi-part, less the sexual part, but he did not expect that from other men. Especially not men like Daryl or Merle.

Harry had been hunting with Daryl a lot last week. The man was an excellent hunter, with a keen eye, and a quick and steady hand for killing animals and inferi alike. Harry had to admit that he was besotted with the way Daryl moved around, and this had been one of the reasons for him to follow the man. Harry had a strange feeling of belonging when he was with either Merle or Daryl, a feeling he could not place. He only felt that as strong with people like Ron, Draco or Luna.

"Merle has really taken to Carol, hasn't he?" Harry softly asked, to test the waters conversationally. It did not take long before Daryl responded, which was a good sign.

"Yeah, she's good for him." Daryl answered, after opening his eyes and looking in Harry's direction. "He better be good for her and Sophia."

"I'll remind him of that if necessary." Harry told him with a serious undertone in his voice.

"Yeah, I know ya' will." Daryl said nothing more, but stayed standing close to Harry, just letting the night fall over them completely. After a while he looked up towards the stars and he nodded. "Come on Hadrian, ya need sleep as well tonight. Let's get back to that tent of yours so that meeting can start ya wanted."

With those words, they made their way towards the tent, and Harry let Daryl lead him softly to his place. Feeling caressed by the wind, by Death's magic, and most importantly by himself.


Present time The Farm

"You're not kidding?" Draco looked in disbelief as Ron retold the last two days. "He locked them in a barn? Merlin!"

Harry had taken care of Beth and had awoken her by softly pushing some of those memories to the background. They could not afford to lose manpower over the girl right now, as sweet as she was. Dinner had been a quiet affair in the Den, as Draco called the tent. Afterwards Harry had checked on the girl again, to see her being more awake than before. After his moment alone and the short companionship that Daryl had offered, they had made their way to the tent, to be there in time for the small council meeting.

The blonde had apparated in with Severus and Neville after dinner and was now enjoying Carol's cookies with tea. Merle had chosen beer, Harry had opened a bottle of fine scotch from his own larders, and Severus was nipping on fire whiskey. Ron had just finished with getting everybody up to speed with the last happenings, as he mused over a pint of lager that he and Merle were nursing.

"Never said muggles were smart, Draco, just said that not all of them are bad." Harry smiled at his brother.

Draco huffed, but said nothing. He would have to see it, to believe it.

"I do not feel that this location is going to be very safe, Harry. I would prefer that you relocate." Severus pinched the bridge of his nose and seemed to be lost in his thoughts. He was wearing battle robes but had not opted to look in any way muggle. They all knew he could as he was a half blood, but after so many years spying, Severus relied on his own tactics to survive. He had abandoned the heavy frock coats, but still was able to make his infamous sweep with a cloak if he wanted to. Still could scare Ron to death, as the man put it himself.

"I have a feeling that I need to stay a bit longer." Harry made his case but did not elaborate why or how.

"If this is your typical hero complex, I will not stand for it." Severus looked grave. "Your life is important as well."

"I am with Severus here," Neville nodded, "I know you want to recruit more people Harry, but safety of our own is just as important. Children like Sophia –" Neville paused and looked at Carol, who sat next to Merle, just listening to the conversation, but nodded towards Neville, "- are precious, we need to protect them. I believe Harry has offered you refuge on our lands, so that means you are family now. Ultimately his word is final."

"We would really appreciate that. I would love a safe space. I would help out in any way possible." Carol smiled, and Merle nodded that he agreed. Daryl showed no emotion, but they all knew that he would follow his brother to hell and back.

"What do we do about the others?" Neville mused and the room fell silent.

The only thing they heard was the rustle and crackle of the big fire that was burning in the middle of the tent. A kettle hangs above it, keeping some water warm for more tea if needed. A delicate wooden box with tea leaves thrown next to it for the first person who needs a quick fix. The mugs that stood next to it were all different in colour, but in the same style. A compromise between Narcissa and Harry.

"I would like to bring Hershel and his family in. Hershel's family are farmers, and they know how to survive on that front. Hershel could act with Patricia as a part-time medic, until we find another doctor or nurse." Draco filled the soft silence. "Mack told me that Hershel and his father were old comrades, he would appreciate it if we tried our best."

"Then we are on the same page." Harry nodded, and looked around the table, seeing new and old faces, but all of them looked determined to make it to the bitter end of this situation. One way or another. "They would be good people to have among us. I think Ezra would love to have someone like Hershel on his own council.

"Rick and Shane: those two are like a set of explosives. If what Merle tells me is true, then it won't take very long for them to butt heads or to kill each other. Especially if they find out about the pregnancy and whose child this may be." Ron elaborated and a chuckle escaped Carol.

She added with a mirth in her voice: "They were going on like rabbits, as I said before. Nobody saw what I saw but it was enough to draw my own conclusions."

"I don't trust Shane, at all." Daryl, who had been very silent, added to the conversation which turned many heads, including Severus. "I think he was a good man before, but he snapped. He tries, but it ain' gonna work."

"True that." Merle added. "Rick could work, but that depends on how well he will do. Right now he's a mess. He barely keeps it together."

"How about that other man, T-Dog?" Severus looked like the old Potions teacher he used to be during the first four years of Harry's life. Guarded, but Harry realised it was the way he cared for Harry. Like an extra, real Godfather.

Merle smirked dangerously. "I havin' forgivin' 'em yet. He panics in weird situations."

"I agree," Carol added. "He's a gentle soul, but this situation is above his paycheck. He could be a decent asset, he works hard."

"Hmm," Neville looked over the piece of parchment in his hands. "How about Dale, Glenn or Andrea? Carl will follow his parents of course."

Carol sighed and Harry shook his head.

"Chinaman knows his way around situations, so I hope he will tag along. Dale and Andrea, I have no idea. Could go either way." Merle shrugged.

"So that leaves us with the question: what is the next step?" Draco mused. "Harry?"

"I'm thinking about talking with Hershel, see how he feels and if he wants to come along. I don't know if he is ready to give up on his family farm, but it might help if we could tell him that we can bring loads of the stuff in. Mack could pretend to drive it all in a truck. Hopefully Hershel will comply. I'm thinking about leaving the others, and just apparating you guys out of here and to our destination. Dunno, thoughts?" Hadrian looked torn but determined.

"I would not leave without a decent conversation. In a world like this, diplomacy can get you very far." Draco was the first who reacted since Neville was busy taking notes and humming a tune while he listened to the conversation.

"If we need them later, that could leave us vulnerable. I do agree that leaving is the better option, since you are less protected here than on the Peverell lands. You could consider offering them a spot in the cabin we've built. I believe John has almost finished that with Ezra's help. It's still within the wards, but they need to protect themselves and cannot shoot any game since George had prohibited that. It would give us a chance to see who we bring along and who can stay in that house or leave on their own." Draco offered his thoughts.

"That is an excellent proposition." Severus drew his wand to lay down a floorplan of the Peverell grounds. "It has been placed here on Mr. Weasley's command." Severus marked all the important buildings on the quickly drawn map, so the others could see what they were talking about. It was a nifty piece of magic that had Carol looking in wonder at them.

"I've built a little greenhouse next to it, so that they can take care of themselves. It has ten rooms that can accommodate a small family or around four to six people. It has a communal area for cooking, a lounge and two bathrooms, with four extra toilets. It's separate from the other plumbing systems and Linuok has made it look as muggle as possible. Minimal magic has been used, so it can run on solar power and a little windmill that Mack found for us. It has been fenced, with two defence lines, and one apparition spot in case of emergency right here." Now Neville used his own tall wand to point out the amenities. "Luna wanted a stable with room for four horses, so we added that yesterday. Ezra wants to put some surveillance up, so we could monitor who comes and goes, nothing inside the house."

"If people are trustworthy, they can claim a spot in Luna park, if not, they can stay on those grounds, and trade and work with us. We will not bother them, merely look out for them." Neville added.

"Ezra was the one who came up with the idea, right?" Harry asked him, and he got an affirmative nod from Neville. "I like the way that guy thinks!" Harry sat back with a satisfied smile on his face, his long hair had been softly braided away from his face.

"I think he would love to have Merle around, the guy is a military man all around." Neville said, while looking over at Merle, who just shrugged.

Harry was glad to be surrounded by the people as they were. These were the people that made him want to live again, to feel, to stay alive, the people he wanted to protect, to cherish, and most of all to love. No matter in what way. They all chatted about various options, decisions that needed to be made, and Neville promised that Luna and George were almost finished with the enchanted parchments and questionnaires.

"I'll talk to Hershel in the morning, I'll update you guys afterwards." Harry promised Severus, as they stood separate from the rest of the group. Neville and Carol were going over some things, while Ron was talking with Merle. Harry tried to look Severus in the eye, but his height prevented that. "I promise Severus, no uncalculated moves."

"Please do try, Harry, if you may." Severus was always still curt with him, but Harry had decided a long time ago that this was how Severus really was. He would show fondness in other ways. The fact that his potion kit was always stocked, or the answer immediately through mirror call, those were the things that really mattered. Harry was just glad to still have the man in his life.

"So, may I congratulate you already?" Harry smiled mischievously as he whispered the question when the man walked with him towards the apparition point that was made in one of the corners of the tent, marked with some runes.

"Not until we make the official announcements, you dunderhead. Stop abusing Draco's or your own special magic, brat." Severus softly tapped his shoulder. "Or else I will be deducting house points."

"You wish you still could, wouldn't you?" Harry smiled, but he promised to keep it quiet. "No worries, I'll keep a secret or two. Safe travels."

"Rest well, Harry. Stay true to yourself." With those words Severus disapparated and left the tent with his soundless apparition. Harry looked out towards the night sky, before he closed the main entrance on his left and sealed it with his own special magic.

§§§§§

Present time The Farm, the next morning

The next morning Harry awoke to the fresh smell of baked muffins and as he wandered downstairs, he saw Carol happily in the kitchen chatting with Kreacher, who was making hash browns and scrambled eggs. It was a weird sight, but it seemed that Carol adored the little thing, and Kreacher had missed a mistress he could work for. They were debating over lunch and dinner respectively, and Harry let them.

He knew that Carol wanted to contribute, and since this was her specialty he would not complain. It freed his time to go over the plans with Ron, who had just descended the stairs after him, and see if he could go on a run with him today. Merle and Daryl would go hunting for fish together as Kreacher wanted to make a traditional fish and chips for the Saturday dinner.

Harry lazily casted a tempus, to find that he slept longer than normal, and realised he wanted to start moving before it was midday.

"Morning mate," said Ron, as he poured them both some tea. Having communal breakfast for seven years and then some really helped with knowing each other's preferences. He threw some hash browns on two plates, with some scrambled eggs for himself and a poached one for Harry. Then he added some fruits and vegetables, plus two slices of toast. "Here, start eating!"

"Thanks." In return Harry had made the tea exactly to their taste. A dash of milk with a pinch of sugar for Ron and for himself he had added loads of milk for the morning, as he drank his afternoon teas without anything. Both were stirring their mugs, when Merle stomped down the stairs, with Daryl in tow, and Kreacher levitated some extra plates with scrambled eggs their way, with orange juice and coffee for both men.

"Wher' the princess?" Merle asked, as he did not see Sophia at breakfast yet.

"She's with Maggie and Carl, they were allowed to milk two goats." Carol smiled. "Maggie seemed self-confident enough and Kreacher has done some tracking magic on her, he said." She smiled towards the house elf, that beamed with the attention. Harry wondered if Kreacher would have done this years ago, seeming as Carol was no Pureblood at all!

"Kreacher has protected the little mistress, no worries masters." The elf seemed appeased that he was able to contribute, so Harry just smiled and let him be.

"Any plans for the day, Hadrian?" Surprisingly it was Daryl who asked this, as he slowly ate his breakfast while thumbing through some parchments with battle plans that Ron had written up.

"Yah, I wanted to do some runs with Ron, scout the area, see if we can find some things for John and Ezra. George is busy today, helping Luna, so I figured you guys would be good here, and I will help Ron." He shrugged, shuffling his food around his plate. "Maybe talk to Hershel later on."

"About that, mate." Ron sighed. "I'm off to see George first, I'll be back in a few. Firecall his workshop when you're ready to leave, alright?" Ron made his way to the apparition point and saluted towards Merle. "Stay frosty!"

"He's weird." Was all that Daryl said. "He's like a Merle on steroids."

"I ain't no weirdo, Darileena, mind' ya tong!" The guy smirked, but only fist bumped Daryl on the left shoulder. "You want me to train the little one?" Merle asked Harry, "Or somethin' else?"

"No, take a day of Merle, it's supposed to be the weekend. If you want, you could catch some fish, we can share with Hershel and have some fresh ones for the fish'n'chips tonight. If not, we still have enough on the drying racks. Neville said the shipment from Australia is back in, so we're having steak tomorrow with his fresh sweet potatoes." Harry laughed at the smiling face the redneck gave him.

"Splurgin' are ya'?" Daryl smiled. "We're getting spoiled. Next thing ya' know, we ain't eating anything else."

"As long as I can get it, I will arrange it. I hope Bill will get back to me and agree to help me ward my properties extra with George, so that I'm sure everything is safe." Harry mused, more to himself than to both men.

"Wait, those are ya' own grounds?" Daryl looked up from his mug with a surprised expression on his face. "I thought you had your lands here an' bought the rest!"

"Both, I'll explain," sighed Harry as he took a seat again at the table. Kreacher placed another mug of tea in front of him. "It is a very long story, but I'll run the quick version through you."

Both men nodded, as Merle played with the leather cuff as he did very often. He did not know that Harry felt a soft nudge on his magic as he did so, but it was a comfortable feeling, whereas Daryl would never touch the leather cord with hematite that Luna had crafted into a pendant. Because of that, Harry had secretly put a tracker on Daryl's crossbow.

Both men had once again taken the sleeves of their shirts, both feeling more comfortable with the weather, and Harry had given up. They did appreciate the special combat pants and boots that were given, and both had changed into them and never changed back towards the jeans. Merle wore a crème coloured blouse with sleeves, but Daryl had ripped the sleeves of his green plaited shirt. Draco had commented that he looked like a Slytherin without even trying.

"When we won the war, it appeared that I was left quite some money and two inheritances. The Potter one I expected, the Black one I knew off, but the Peverell estate could only be inherited by someone of that line, who knew of that line, and who was touched by Death after the last male descendants died. Females were not eligible for continuing the line back in those days. Nowadays they have to marry a third or fourth son, who cannot claim their own heirships. It's difficult, even for me nowadays to understand this matter."

Harry took a breath as Death itself appeared next to him. He wondered if the being wanted to challenge him, or check on him, but it stayed silent as it was nothing more than a whisp of energy. "You saw the images that Ron shared, I survived the killing curse twice in my life, but that apparently made me heir to the estate, as my father was a long-long descendant from that line. Does this make sense?"

"Yeah, it does." Merle nodded. "Go on."

"The Potter and Black estates had not been run properly in quite some time because of the untimely death of my parents. Although my godfather told me that my father really did not do much about it. Sirius met the same fate, so a lot was running on old orders from my grandparents or the head of house which must have been Sirius' father. When I took over, I re-evaluated everything, sold some, bought new estates that were cheap because of the war, and then made it work." Harry took a sip of water from a glass that Kreacher had placed in front of him.

"House elves really come in handy on these occasions while others have renters who don't pay rent, but live off the lands, in return for 40% of the profit. Sixty percent is mine profit. They maintain the grounds and get protection in return. I even have a guy that I employ, Egbard, who portkey's throughout the estates with some elves and fixes the lands. I never realised that this was a job." Harry shrugged and let his hands wander towards the knives on his battle belt. A mechanism he had developed during training.

"It was Luna who said that 'we' needed to come up with a better logistics system, as the ships were having trouble after the war. We lost a lot of people and not many wizards want to work in the docks. That's usually reserved for squibs and muggles. No-Maj's. That's why we designed the cabinets, it's mostly George and Draco's work." Harry tried to explain it the best as possible. He hesitated but continued his story.

"I know I am privileged so I wanted to share everything with the people I love the most or care about, when Luna came to me and told me of the impending doom. Unfortunately she was right when she said that not everybody could be trusted, and that my saving-thing was not going to happen. We had some run-ins with weird wizards and muggles alike, before I met you in Atlanta city, Merle. That's why I'm cautious. If the wrong person would know, they could do more bad than good. Ron calls it my Potter-Luck, but I don't know if it's good or bad."

"You have too much weight on ya' shoulders, Hadrian!" was all Merle could really say. "But now I'm interested in all ya'll farms."

"We have a brewery, where the ale has been coming from that you are drinking. Two vineyards in Australia where they produce wine, one in France. I do believe Draco's father owns four there. He's the one that maintains my portfolio alongside me. One animal farm in England, one in Australia, a large wheat farm in Greece and a fishing company there. I believe one of the Blacks married a Greek lady, who inherited all her brother's companies. I haven't read up to that part yet."

"Damn," muttered Daryl. "They expected you to just be able to fix tha'?"

"Normally you would receive training from your ninth year onwards by your father, if you are the heir. If you are not the heir, they will mostly teach you the basics. Those are only the full companies. I own a lot of shares in little companies, who pay in goods instead of gold, but that has been really convenient right now. Some others only pay little amounts of gold every year. Lucius, my account manager, is trying to buy more and more, so that we can protect the lands and make sure the wizarding kind does not get extinct. People love to be protected by their 'Saviour'." The last part was added in a very sarcastic tone.

Harry shook his head, tired of hearing his own voice, when he received Ron's directions through Ron's wolf Patronus. "Leaving in five, bringing George along. Apparate on my coordinates. Ron out."