Harry decided that the floral shirt was a bit much for poker night with Theo's flatmates, so he changed into his Breton jersey and grabbed a jacket in case he was needed to fetch the takeaway. He tossed Floo powder into the grate and said, 'The Workhouse,' which he hoped wasn't a literal description of where Theo lived.

He emerged into a cramped lounge that looked more Muggle than wizarding. The low ceilings had the same textured plaster as Mrs Figg's house, and a small cactus sat atop the television near the window.

'Harry, you're right on time!' said Theo. 'Which means you get a say in what we order for dinner.'

'That was my goal,' admitted Harry, approaching the table where Theo and three other wizards were seated. 'Hi, I'm Harry,' he said, extending his hand.

'You don't say,' replied a young man with unruly brown hair. 'My name's Roy, and let me be the first to welcome you to our very humble abode.'

Harry exchanged greetings with Roy, Martin, and Rupert, all of whom were near his age and worked as apprentices. Theo said, 'Roy and I work at the same Potions shop, Rupert trains magical creatures for an outfit in Yorkshire, and Martin is learning to be a jeweller, which is long on Charms work. Harry, on the other hand, is a right layabout who just faffs around on a broomstick all day.'

'How embarrassing,' said Rupert. 'Although I hear you earned a small fraction of your pay cheque this afternoon by catching the Snitch. Well done!'

'Well done, my arse!' cried Martin. 'I'm a Ballycastle fan, and you knocked us out of the running for the cup!'

'The Bats weren't going to win the cup,' scoffed Roy. 'Not unless the Harpies, Puddlemere, and Montrose all lost from now on. But enough talking—our meal ticket just arrived.'

'You weren't supposed to say that out loud,' chided Martin. 'We were hoping he'd take pity and volunteer to pick up the tab.'

Theo looked apologetically at Harry. 'I'm sorry my flatmates haven't any manners. I've tried to set an example, but I think the opposite has happened and they're dragging me down with them.'

'Poor Lord Nott,' said Roy with mock pity. 'Disinherited and living in this shithole, instead of having a prime suite in Azkaban. He keeps Summoning his house-elf, but no one turns up.'

'I only did that once,' protested Theo. 'And I was seriously rat-arsed.'

'"Nipper! Fetch me a bucket!"' imitated Martin, and everyone laughed, including Harry. 'But have a look at these menus,' he added, indicating the pile on the table. 'I'll eat anything, particularly if it's been deep fried.'

'I'm not fussy either,' replied Harry.

'No, I suppose you wouldn't be,' said Rupert. 'Do you want to just gather mushrooms, maybe catch a fish or two?'

'Only if someone else cooks it,' said Harry. 'Hermione was the one who made things edible.'

'Hang on, you swore under Veritaserum you knew how to cook. So how come Granger got stuck in the kitchen?' asked Roy.

Harry wasn't sure how to answer. He couldn't very well say, I tried cooking, but I had a vision at the wrong time and burnt myself, so Hermione forbade me. 'I suppose you won't believe me if I say the answer is classified.'

'Not unless you have more Veritaserum handy,' replied Roy. 'Although Theo brewed gallons of the stuff last month, so maybe he could whip up a batch. In fact, it's possible you drank his handiwork on Tuesday night.'

Rupert sniggered and said, 'I'm pretty sure Potter has never drunk another bloke's handiwork, unless that was the bit they censored.'

'It wasn't,' laughed Harry. 'It involved a Frenchman who hit on me and a certain incriminating detail, which I shan't reveal.'

'Fine, but now you're definitely paying for dinner, including pudding,' said Rupert.

'Will this do for pudding?' asked Harry, pulling a bottle of Firewhisky from his pouch.

'Most decidedly!' cried Martin, who immediately opened it and took a swig. 'So, what's for dinner?'

They decided on Chinese food, including numerous fried items, and to Harry's surprise they ordered by telephone. 'I'm Muggle-born,' explained Rupert, 'so I need a phone to stay in touch with the parentals. It spooks them when I Apparate into the house without ringing first.'

'Rupert inherited this flat from his elder brother,' said Roy. 'And by "inherit" I mean he took over the lease when his brother got a real job and found somewhere decent to live. His brother's not magical, hence the Muggle ambiance,' he added, indicating the television.

'Don't act so high and mighty,' said Rupert. 'You're completely hooked on the ambiance—specifically EastEnders.'

'I like the storylines,' admitted Roy. 'And I've learnt more from six months of EastEnders than I did in five years of Muggle Studies.'

The group exchanged banter until it was time for Harry and Theo to fetch the takeaway. 'Again, sorry about my flatmates,' said Theo as they walked down the stairs. 'None of them attended Hogwarts, and they never learnt proper behaviour. But they're heaps of fun, and they've helped me navigate my new life.'

'Where are we anyway?' asked Harry, looking down the city street.

'Manchester. Although not the wizarding district, obviously. It's an easy Floo path from London, as you probably noticed, and between the four of us the rent is manageable.'

'Don't you have relations you could live with?'

'Yes, on my mother's side, but I prefer some independence. The problem is they expect me to act like a pure-blood gentleman, without the accompanying vault.'

'Trips to France, you mean?'

'Yes, but also who I spend time with. If I were living under their roof, I'd be discouraged from dating half-bloods or hanging out with people like my flatmates—Rupert in particular.' After a pause, he said, 'I assume your last-minute availability this weekend means things are over between you and Miss Travers?'

'I'm afraid so. Her decision, my fault.'

'Yes, I understand you ran into Blaise on Thursday. He wouldn't reveal where he saw you, but if Blaise was there it couldn't have been entirely respectable.'

'That depends on your definition of "respectable." I saw him at Pratt's.'

Theo turned to Harry in surprise. 'Are you a member?'

'No. They invited me to join, and it was my first visit. Have you been?'

'Yes, on my seventeenth birthday. I'd asked my father to allow me to delay my decision about taking the Mark until I was of age. He wasn't pleased—Lucius Malfoy bragged that Draco had already been given the "honour" the previous summer—but Father respected my wish not to take an oath prematurely. And he was far too traditional to deny me a birthday trip to the Boudoir. In fact, I think he hoped it would influence me, since I'd have regular access from then on. But it didn't, and I've never returned ... But what about you? Are you going to join? I didn't know they even offered membership to people our age.'

'They don't normally, but I suspect they had an emergency meeting to see if this might get me to behave like a proper wizard.' Harry said the last word quietly, as they were in public. 'Ironically, behaving properly is what cost me my girlfriend. And no, I don't plan to join.'

'Really? It's rare to turn down a Pratt's invitation, unless you can't afford it.'

'I'll admit I was impressed by how well people get along there, but I also got the sense I'm never going to change anyone's opinion. In other words, they'll either succeed in moulding me into someone I don't want to be, or they'll just pretend to tolerate me when they really think I'm the worthless son of a Mudblood and a middle-class blood traitor.'

Theo chuckled. 'Did Miss Travers teach you that expression?'

'Yes. Are you familiar with it?'

'That's a more genteel variant, but yes. And I see your point about Pratt's, although I'd tell anyone else they were crazy for throwing away the opportunity.'

'Would you join, if you could afford it?' asked Harry.

'Yes, in a heartbeat. My surname is still Nott, and with the right connections I could establish a respectable junior branch of the family. But you don't need Pratt's—you're already the head of two houses, and you couldn't fall into obscurity if you tried.'

They arrived at the restaurant and Harry paid for the food, which they carried away in several bags. As they returned to the flat, Harry asked, 'Why didn't you take the Mark? Clearly you weren't on the fence about it, otherwise a trip to the Boudoir might have pushed you over the edge.'

'No, I'd long since made up my mind. Years earlier, in fact.'

'Really? When?'

'It was after the Triwizard Tournament, when the Dark Lord returned. And yes, I knew you weren't lying, and I apologise for never coming to your defence.'

'That's all right. At least you weren't part of Umbridge's Inquisitorial Squad.'

'No, but still,' said Theo, trailing off for a moment. 'Anyway, when the Dark Lord returned, he punished my father for not trying to locate him, even though everyone thought he was dead. He said that if my father were loyal, he'd either have devoted his life to finding his Master or he'd have willingly gone to Azkaban. I found this disturbing for multiple reasons. One was that he tortured my father, who was old and didn't bounce back easily. It was months before he stopped twitching, and he had a facial tic for the rest of his life. I was also upset by how casually the Dark Lord had killed Cedric Diggory, who seemed like a model wizard, except perhaps for being in Hufflepuff.'

Harry couldn't help sniggering. 'Poor Hufflepuff. I've come to respect them tremendously, but they'll always feel like a bit of a joke.'

'I know,' said Theo. 'But anyway, I was also concerned that my father was expected to go to Azkaban out of loyalty to someone he believed was dead. That his own life was of such little value that he was supposed to surround himself with Dementors for purely symbolic reasons. I knew what Dementors were like from our third year, and I didn't fancy reliving my worst memories repeatedly just to honour someone who'd died.'

Theo was quiet for a moment, possibly recalling the memory the Dementors had shown him. Harry asked, 'Do you know how to cast a Patronus?'

'No. Do you reckon I'd be able to?'

'I don't see why not. If Snape and Umbridge could cast one, surely you could.'

'Perhaps. Are you proposing to teach me?'

'Not specifically, although come to think of it, a number of people have asked me about that lately,' replied Harry. 'So if I'm following you correctly, it sounds like you didn't entirely expect Voldemort to win, if you thought you might have to go to Azkaban on his behalf. Or have I misunderstood you?'

'No, you're right. I never quite counted you out. I'd already seen you overcome tremendous odds, like with the Basilisk and the Triwizard Tournament. And your first Killing Curse, naturally. The Dark Lord felt very ... out of balance, and you seemed like a necessary correction.'

Harry took a moment to consider Theo's words. 'Do you think we're out of balance in the other direction?' he asked.

'You mean do Light wizards have too much power? Yes, probably. You're clever to try to make amends with Draco now rather than later, because he'll never be willing to talk to you otherwise.'

'Not even at Pratt's?'

'That's hard to picture. He might humour you, but he'll never bend to your will.'

'I'm not asking him to bend to my will,' said Harry. 'I just want bury the hatchet. Neither of us wants another war, but if we're always sniping at each other we'll plant the seeds for one.'

Theo nodded. 'You know what you need to do, right?'

'Yes, his wand. I'll do my best, but it's up to the wand, not me.'

'Have you talked to Ollivander?' asked Theo. 'He won't sell to Draco, of course, but perhaps he could give you advice on convincing the wand to change loyalties.'

'That's not a bad idea,' said Harry, as they arrived at Theo's building.

They were eagerly greeted by Theo's flatmates, who had put away the takeaway menus and set out a stack of non-matching plates and cutlery. 'We use kitchen roll for serviettes,' announced Rupert. 'Harry, I reckon you can handle it, but poor Theo needed counselling the first time he saw it.'

'Yes, I can handle it,' replied Harry, unloading the bags of takeaway. 'The only reason I don't eat the same way is because my house-elf wouldn't allow it.'

'Oh right,' said Martin. 'Let's see this legendary shave he provides.'

'It was hours ago, so you might have trouble detecting it. But he really does a good job.'

'Theo, did Nipper ever shave you?'

'His name is Pippin, and no. I was to receive my own elf when I married, but clearly that's no longer in the cards.'

'Where is Pippin now?' asked Harry, scooping food onto his plate.

'With my cousin. When he became Head of House and took over the manor, the elves were bound to him. He would need to dismiss them before they'd obey me again.'

Harry nodded, recalling how Narcissa had gained control of Kreacher, after Sirius sent him away. 'Where do new house-elves even come from?' he asked.

'Potter, you of all people should know how babies are made,' said Roy. 'And if not, you'll probably have a lot of them by this time next year.'

'I know where babies come from, and how to prevent them. I suggested that condom, didn't I? I just don't know where families get new house-elves when the current one gets too old.'

'It's a bit of a mystery, to be honest,' said Theo. 'I've never witnessed it myself, since house-elves live a long time, but I'm told that they'll surprise you one day by introducing their successor. It's usually a relation—and no, I have no idea where they were living until then. And there might be a long overlap while the senior elf trains them.'

'Where does the senior elf go?' asked Harry.

'That's up to the family. I think mine just gives them clothes once they're too old to work.'

'Are you serious?' gasped Harry. 'That's awful! Except for Dobby, every elf I've met is terrified of being given clothes.'

'News flash, Potter,' said Roy. 'The Notts are evil. Eeee-vil!'

'It's true,' said Theo, 'but I suspect the Blacks were the same.'

'Er, actually, I think the Blacks beheaded them. When I first moved into the house, the staircase was lined with house-elf trophies.'

Rupert spit out his drink from laughter. 'I never fail to be impressed by how civilised pure-blood wizards are. Will you keep up the tradition, then?'

'Half-blood, and no. For one thing, if I tried it, Hermione would sever my head and mount it somewhere.'

They ate dinner quickly, and soon the table was cleared for poker. 'Theo warned you about the stakes, right?' asked Martin.

'Yes, and I won't complain, since this will be my first time playing poker.'

'Really?' exclaimed Roy. 'Is it too late to raise the stakes?'

'Bad idea,' said Theo. 'Harry is the wielder of sheer improbability. He'll probably have five aces in his first hand.'

Harry told them about Kreacher's interference that morning, and everyone agreed that Harry needed to go to a Muggle casino. 'You can start the Apprentices' Support Fund,' suggested Martin. 'I can guarantee we won't enquire too closely about where it came from.'

'I'm not going to a casino,' insisted Harry.

'Then you may as well relinquish House Black,' said Theo. 'You're clearly unworthy.'

The next several hours were fun, as Harry got the hang of playing poker and everyone took swigs from the Firewhisky. He didn't get drunk, but he was definitely relaxed, and the conversation flowed accordingly.

'So Potter, would you be willing to rate your seven partners?' asked Roy.

'Eight,' corrected Harry.

'On Tuesday you said it was seven,' said Roy.

'That was Tuesday,' he replied, and everyone laughed. 'And no, I won't rate them—that would be a gross violation of their privacy.'

'We don't need their names,' said Martin. 'You can just refer to them by colour.'

'They'd all be red,' said Rupert.

'No, only three of them. And one was more of a strawberry blonde. But yeah, I can come up with colours. Let's see ...' He furrowed his brow. 'This isn't easy, actually. The witch from Sorceress—er, I mean, "blue,"—was exhausting. And honestly not a very interesting person.'

'Hence all the shagging,' said Roy.

'Exactly. But she knew what she was doing, so I'll give her high marks. This last one, "red," definitely knew what she was doing. "O" for Outstanding, with extra credit.'

'Damn straight she knew what she was doing,' said Theo. 'That was the prostitute, right?'

'You said under Veritaserum you'd never seen a prostitute!' cried Roy.

'That was on Tuesday,' noted Martin. 'Really, try to keep up.'

'Excuse me,' said Harry. 'I have three objections. One: The question wasn't whether I'd been with a prostitute—it was whether I'd paid for sex, which I still haven't done. Two: She was in France, so the correct term is fille de joie. Three ... er, what was the third one?' Harry furrowed his brow again. 'I guess it was the Tuesday thing. Carry on!'

'Mate, it's your list,' said Rupert. 'You carry on.'

'Yes, of course! My mistake. Let's see ... green. Lovely. We'd probably be engaged now if she hadn't dumped me.'

'You're not doing a very good job protecting their privacy,' said Theo. 'Clearly that's Ginny Weasley.'

'Untrue!' replied Harry. 'That describes two witches, which is why I've been forbidden to propose to anyone before I'm twenty-one.'

'That makes sense,' said Theo. 'Then how would you describe the other one?'

'Lovely,' sighed Harry. 'In fact that's all I have to say about any of them, except for the exhausting one. Women are brilliant.'

'Then why are you here with us?' asked Rupert. 'I'd have thought Saturday would be your big night out.'

'Because I screwed up with Lydia and decided to take the weekend off. By the way, don't tell anyone about that—for her sake, not mine. My reputation is in a shambles, of course.'

'You're a bloody legend,' said Roy. 'We've had dozens of requests for stamina potions since your article came out.'

'It's not me, it's the Light magic,' replied Harry. 'Well, maybe it's partly me. Ginny trained me, after all.'

'Hang on, what?' exclaimed Theo, sitting up. 'You're a Light wizard?'

'Of course he's a Light wizard,' said Rupert. 'He's Harry fucking Potter.'

'No, you don't get it,' said Theo. 'Harry, are you really a Light wizard?'

'Oops!' said Harry with mock remorse. 'I probably shouldn't have mentioned that. But it's no matter, I can Occlumence the fuck out of anyone who tries. Occlumence ... is that even a word? It should be.'

'I think I'm missing something,' said Roy, and Martin and Rupert nodded.

Harry rolled his eyes. 'Actual Light wizards are extremely rare, although I have no idea why because it's easier than falling off a log and I can barely stop myself. Do you want to see?'

'Good lord, no!' cried Theo. 'Light wizards are dangerous as hell. He could probably snap our wands without even trying.'

'Only if you try Dark magic on me. Otherwise you'll just have to shield your eyes a bit.'

'Holy shit, that wasn't Glowpox! You were glowing in public!'

'Guilty as charged. The team covered it up for me, but I'll probably announce it in a week or so.'

Theo shook his head in amazement. 'Sheer improbability! Are you certain you're safe?'

'Yes, Alistair tried Legilimency on me, and so did Lydia's dad. I was able to withstand Voldemort in the end, so there's really no concern.'

Roy said, 'I think I'm speaking for Rupert and Martin when I say, "What the fuck are you talking about?"'

Theo told them what he knew, which matched what Harry had learnt from the book by Jacobus Filch. 'And there's one more thing,' said Theo. 'Apparently Light magic can make you incredibly randy. Which really explains a lot.'

His three flatmates burst into laughter. 'Then what's my excuse?' asked Martin.

'You're nineteen,' said Harry. 'I don't think Light magic explains everything about my behaviour, but it's definitely a factor.'

'Perhaps, but I don't recall you being like this in school,' observed Theo. 'Either you were discreet, which I find hard to believe, or you hardly dated anyone besides Ginny Weasley.'

'The latter. And I wasn't like this in school—I was way too preoccupied with fighting Voldemort.'

'Were you a Light wizard back then?' asked Theo.

'No, I didn't start glowing until last month, when I was in Paris. But a lot of what happened during the war can only be explained by Light magic, including aspects of how I finally defeated Voldemort.'

'The war might have ended sooner if you'd been a mature Light wizard by then, or even an immature one. Father taught me to Apparate when I was fifteen—laws be damned—just in case I ever saw a wizard start glowing. In fact, he warned me specifically about you, Harry.'

'What can I say? I'm a bloody menace. But seriously, it's harmless unless you try to attack me—I'll show you.'

Theo's flatmates were keen to see it, and Theo nodded cautiously. 'All right, go ahead.'

Harry closed his eyes and allowed the bliss to rise within him. When he opened his eyes, his face relaxed and he knew he was glowing. 'Ta da!'

'Thank Merlin Draco doesn't have a decent wand,' said Theo. 'Otherwise he might die tomorrow.'

'Is he planning to curse me?' asked Harry, concerned.

'Not that I'm aware of, but he's already furious at you, and there's no telling what he'll do if he loses his temper.'

'Would it help if I told him and Narcissa about the Light magic straight away? I was considering warning them.'

'Definitely tell them before you give Draco his old wand. Sweet Salazar—he's probably die if he tried using it on you, if you were still its master.'

'That's a good point, and I'd hate for that to happen.' Harry closed his eyes again and he felt the Light magic grow stronger.

'Er, I feel like I'm invading your privacy,' said Rupert. 'Does Light magic feel like it looks?'

'I don't know what it looks like,' replied Harry, 'but it feels fantastic.'

'Why haven't I heard of this?Actually, I know why I haven't heard of it, but why haven't Roy or Martin heard of it?'

'It's seldom taught,' explained Harry. 'Apparently it's harder to learn than the Dark Arts, because it relies on positive emotions rather than negative ones.'

Martin sighed. 'That is a seriously depressing statement about humanity.'

'But it used to be more common,' said Harry. 'Hermione reckons it'll become more popular as soon as I go public, so my teacher asked me to wait until she could warn her colleagues about the anticipated demand.'

'There'll be demand all right—they just need to run a photograph of you looking like this,' said Roy. 'Although it might be more appropriate for Sorceress magazine.'

'Can you prevent it?' asked Theo. 'Or is it still accidental?'

'I can kind of prevent it, but not always. Ron had to rush me out of the pub this afternoon, after the match.'

'There's going to be mayhem when you go public,' said Theo.

'Do you reckon the bookmakers are offering odds on this?' asked Roy. 'We could pool our resources and establish our own Apprentices' Support Fund.'

'I'm going to pretend I never heard that,' said Harry. He allowed his glow to dim, and they resumed playing poker a while longer.

'Father would be spinning in his grave if he knew I was casually talking about Light magic with a glowing Harry Potter,' said Theo.

'I have no idea how my father would react, but Sirius would be gobsmacked as well.'

'I'm a bit gobsmacked myself,' said Rupert. 'Once again, Theo has exposed me to a whole new world.'

'Yes, Prince Pure-Blood has certainly earned his keep tonight,' said Roy.

After the next hand, Harry pushed back from the table and said, 'I'm out. I've lost almost five Sickles, so I'd better call it a night.' He thanked Theo and told the others he'd enjoyed meeting them.

'Likewise,' said Rupert. 'I have to say, Potter, you give egomaniacal toffs a good name.'

'Cheers,' laughed Harry, and after saying goodbye he returned to Grimmauld Place. He arrived in the formal reception room, and when he passed through the entrance hall he saw that Padfoot was also playing poker. His companions included a mastiff, some kind of terrier, the fluffy lapdog Harry had seen before, and, oddly, a Hippogriff. Harry chuckled and tossed in enough treats for everyone, including the Hippogriff, and went upstairs to bed.

When he arose the next morning, he showered and summoned Kreacher for his shave. Kreacher! he called silently.

He expected the elf to respond mentally, but instead the he appeared with a loud crack and immediately threw his arms around Harry's legs. 'Master is most kind!' he cried. 'Master has punished Kreacher perfectly! Kreacher was very disobedient, and his punishment was most severe.'

Harry was unsure how to interpret this. Does this mean Kreacher loved or hated working for Molly all day? 'Did Mrs Weasley treat you all right?'

'The Red Lady was as demanding as Mistress! Kreacher cleaned the chicken coop and banished garden gnomes and reinforced the house charms and wrestled a ghoul ...'

'You wrestled the ghoul?' exclaimed Harry.

'Yes! And Kreacher hung wallpaper and transfigured the sofa and repaired the china, and the Red Lady said she has even more tasks for the next time Kreacher is naughty and needs to be punished.'

Following a hunch, Harry asked, 'Do you think you were punished sufficiently? You were awfully disobedient yesterday.'

'Master is right. Kreacher was the worst of all elves. Kreacher deserves more punishment.'

'Can it wait until after breakfast, or should I cook for myself?'

Kreacher's eyes shot open in alarm. 'Master mustn't cook his own breakfast two days in a row! Bad, bad Kreacher!'

'Point taken. Just shave me, make breakfast, and then start your punishment with Mrs Weasley.'

'Yes, Master!' cried the elf gleefully before Apparating loudly from the floor to the bathroom counter.

After dressing and eating breakfast, Harry spent several hours replying to fan mail. Who would have suspected that the most applicable skill I'd learn at Hogwarts would be how to write for hours without developing a cramp? he mused. It was disquieting to realise that his detentions with Gilderoy Lockhart and Dolores Umbridge had been particularly helpful.

Before noon, he went upstairs and found the Mokeskin pouch he wore during the final year of the war and retrieved Draco Malfoy's wand. He waved it a few times, and although it felt different to his holly and phoenix feather wand, it was undeniably friendly. Harry cast a charm to tie the shoelaces on his Doc Martens, and the wand worked perfectly. Hopefully Ollivander will have some advice, he thought, as he tucked it into his current pouch.

Ollivander's shop looked the same from the outside as when Harry had first visited on his eleventh birthday, with a single wand lying atop a faded cushion in the window. But the interior was different, due to the relative lack of wands. Before the war, the walls had been lined with thousands of narrow boxes, stacked from floor to ceiling. But now there were several hundred at most, and Harry could see Ollivander in the back room, standing over a younger wizard at a workbench.

Harry had to wait several minutes for Ollivander to acknowledge him, even though a bell had rung when he walked through the door. I suppose there's not much competition, he thought, so he doesn't exactly need to fall over customers.

'Mr Potter,' said the wandmaker, inclining his head. 'To what do I owe this visit? I trust your wand is working well?'

'Yes,' replied Harry, passing Ollivander his holly wand. 'It's worked perfectly ever since I repaired it with the Elder Wand.'

Ollivander's face clouded. 'The wand you destroyed. I'd hoped it wasn't true, but your broadcast on Tuesday removed all doubt.'

'I couldn't allow it to stay in existence—it was too dangerous. There's no good reason for anyone to own a wand that powerful.'

'That is a matter of opinion, Mr Potter, but what's done is done,' replied Ollivander, handing back Harry's wand. But then his expression softened and he said, 'It's always a pleasure to see you. Please accept my congratulations on your ongoing winning streak with the Chudley Cannons. I can think of no one more deserving.'

'Cheers, that's very kind. And I'm glad to see you in such good health.'

'Thank you, although my stock of wands is still severely diminished,' he said, gesturing towards the bare walls. 'Now that the school term has begun, my apprentice and I are once again at leisure to craft wands, but it will be years before I'm able to replace what those swines stole.'

'Do you have any idea what happened to all of them?'

'I'm told that the shop was picked clean within hours of my abduction, and that the black market was flooded. Several wizards of my acquaintance showed me wands they purchased overseas from other vendors, and I recognised them at once as my own handiwork.' With a sigh, he said, 'But I mustn't complain. The wand always chooses the wizard, and who am I to say that the wizard is always British? Perhaps those wands chose to disperse in search of their true masters.'

'That's a good way to look at it,' said Harry. 'I actually have a question along those lines.' He pulled Draco's wand from his pouch and handed it to Ollivander.

'Hawthorn and unicorn hair. Ten inches precisely. I sold this wand to Draco Malfoy.' The wandmaker's voice hardened when he said, 'Malfoy.'

'Yes, although it answers to me now, as you may recall. I'm here because I'd like to give it back to Draco, and I'm wondering how I might persuade it to change its allegiance.'

Ollivander closed his eyes and took a deep breath. 'Obviously disarming is out of the question.'

'Correct. But is there a way for me to voluntarily release it back to its original master?'

He narrowed his eyes. 'Are you certain you want to? I'm asking not just for obvious reasons, but also because that will be essential to a successful transfer.'

That's a good question, thought Harry. Do I want Draco to have his wand back? 'I'm told he still doesn't have a decent wand, although he'll undoubtedly buy one as soon as he's free to travel abroad,' he replied. 'I also know he'll be very powerful politically someday, and that this is my best opportunity to make peace with him.'

'Is that what you want?'

'If it means preventing the next war, then yes, I want that more than anything.'

'That's a tall order, even for you, Mr Potter. Wars have deep roots, and it's rare for one individual to be able to prevent one.'

Harry felt a flash of his obnoxious Seeker persona. 'It's also rare to survive the Killing Curse,' he said simply.

Ollivander looked taken aback. 'Indeed. Then you must tell your wand—the hawthorn wand—that you wish for it to return to Mr Malfoy.' He lowered his voice and added, 'You might also share your other wish with it.'

'You mean tell it I don't want it to start a war?'

'Wands don't start wars—wizards do. As you well know ... the brother to your holly wand was wielded by such a wizard.'

'So what are you saying?' asked Harry. 'What am I supposed to tell Draco's wand?'

'Your wand,' corrected Ollivander. 'Only you, as its master, can decide what to say and how to say it.'

'Should I do it now?' asked Harry. 'I'll be seeing Draco in a few hours.'

'No, it must be done in his presence.'

Harry was sceptical. 'Are you proposing I stand in front of Draco and tell his wand not to perform Dark magic? I might as well snap it right in front of him.'

'Are you capable only of spoken communication?'

This time Harry closed his eyes. 'No. There are other ways to communicate.' He felt the energy that normally resided in his torso automatically flow into his wand hand, and he knew what he needed to do.

When Harry opened his eyes again, the wandmaker nodded. 'If I may be so bold, I recommend you let him try using the wand before you issue your instructions. There's a lot to be said for showmanship,' he said, and beams of rainbow light shot from the end of the hawthorn wand.

He handed it back to Harry, who said, 'Thanks for the advice. I'm glad I came.'

'Likewise.' In a lower voice, the wandmaker asked, 'Do you still have the pieces?'

'Of the Elder Wand, you mean?'

He replied almost hungrily. 'Yes.'

'I do. In fact, what do you suggest I do with them? It crossed my mind to donate them to the Museum of Broken Wands,' began Harry, but Ollivander quickly shook his head.

'No, you mustn't. If you truly want to prevent a wand that powerful from falling into wizard hands, you should keep it far from any wandmaker. Even myself.'

'Should I destroy it then?'

Ollivander shook his head more emphatically than before. 'Pass the pieces to your descendants, separately. If you have a daughter, give one half to her in the hope it wanders into another family, and so forth. The two halves will call to each other, but as its final master you can insist they remain apart. Yet it will unite your descendants regardless.'

That is seriously cool! thought Harry, but he only nodded. 'Thank you, and goodbye,' he said, sliding the hawthorn wand into his pouch.

'Until next time, Mr Potter.'

Harry left and popped into a nearby deli, where he bought a sandwich to take away. While waiting for them to prepare it, Harry refrained from casting a privacy charm and instead sat down and pulled out his copy of Great Expectations. He knew it was a bit unfriendly to have his nose in a book, but at least he wouldn't look through anyone.

Reading was futile, since several people asked him why he had a Muggle novel, but his sandwich was ready quickly and he was able to leave. He returned home and read as he ate, mostly to distract himself from thinking about his afternoon with the Malfoys. He was to arrive with Andromeda at two, and he had no idea what to expect.

Plenty of people know I'm going there, so Draco probably won't murder me, he thought. And even though Kreacher is busy, he'll undoubtedly drop everything if I need rescuing. And Harry knew that in a pinch his Light magic would probably protect him.

After eating he changed into robes. He'd decided to wear the daytime robes Thimble had modelled after the portrait of Robert de Montesquiou, suspecting they might be a conversation piece. Harry had a feeling that Draco was a burgeoning dandy and that robes might be a safe topic, as they'd been with Charles Selwyn.

He slid a boutonnière into his lapel and went downstairs to wait for Andromeda. He was holding the bouquet he'd ordered for Narcissa, and Andromeda nodded approvingly when she stepped from the fireplace. 'Good afternoon, Harry,' she said warmly. 'At least you look impeccable, if nothing else. And those are lovely flowers.'

'Cheers,' he replied, and he led her to the sitting room.

'Is Lydia gone?' she asked, peering upstairs.

'Yes, and we're no longer seeing each other. I don't anticipate any more news items about us.'

'That's fortunate. Are there any upcoming scandals I should know about?'

'I wouldn't describe this as a scandal, but I'm preparing to reveal that I'm a Light wizard.'

Andromeda raised an eyebrow. 'I assume you aren't using the term in the general sense.'

'No. I've been experiencing accidental Light magic for several weeks, and I've found a teacher. Normally I wouldn't announce it, but I have a tendency to glow spontaneously, so it's likely to come out regardless.'

'Will you be at risk once it's public?'

'Not at all. I've been tested by several master Legilimens and they couldn't make a dent.'

'Impressive.' She smiled slightly and said, 'Do you suppose this might salvage your reputation?'

'It might do, but I wouldn't count on it. I should warn you, though, that I'm planning to tell Narcissa and Draco this afternoon.'

She nodded. 'I can think of several reasons, but what's yours?'

'To protect Draco, in case he attempts an attack.'

'He doesn't have a decent wand.' replied Andromeda, and Harry told her his other plan for the afternoon.

'I must say, you've surprised me—in a good way. Giving him a wand is probably the only way you can salvage the situation.'

Harry chuckled and said, 'That's the second time you've used the word "salvage" in reference to me.'

'I suppose it is,' she acknowledged, before telling him what to expect that afternoon. 'According to Narcissa, we'll have tea in the drawing room, and then Draco will invite you to his study for private conversation.'

'Really? Did she say what I should expect?'

'No, but I get the impression she's nervous. None of us wants another war, or whatever else might result if you and Draco can't find common ground. And she sees just as clearly as we do that there's only a short window for you to make amends. Unfortunately you're both nineteen and hot-headed, and neither of you is likely to make concessions.'

'What kind of concessions would I make, other than to apologise for the Patronus and give him his wand?' asked Harry irritably.

'I'm certain there are any number of concessions he'd like, starting with a blanket apology for every time you've slighted him all the way up to relinquishing your claim on House Black.'

'That's not going to happen. Sirius specifically asked me–'

'I know,' interrupted Andromeda. 'But Sirius was all but disinherited. I still don't know why the family magic chose you instead of Draco.'

'I don't know either,' replied Harry. 'But it did, and here we are.'

'Do you expect any concessions from Draco?' she asked.

Harry took a moment to consider her question. 'He doesn't need to like me, although we have several mutual friends at this point. I hope he'll accept that I'm head of House Black, and not raise too big a stink if I change my name.'

'If you change your name? I thought you'd already decided.'

'I did, but I'd like to involve the recovered branches.' He told her what Blaise had pointed out about the Harry Potter show, and Andromeda was again impressed.

'I'm starting to almost feel optimistic about this afternoon. Was Lydia the good influence?'

'Perhaps,' he replied, without elaborating, and Andromeda looked at the clock.

'We should leave soon,' she said. 'I've been instructed to bring you by Side-Along. Where can we Apparate from?'

'From the back garden,' he said, leading her there. 'Was that Draco's idea?'

'I don't know, but it's certainly the most impressive point of entry. Although that can be said of any room in Malfoy Manor.'

'Not the cellar,' he grumbled.

'Harry, I thought you'd improved,' she scolded. 'Don't make me revise my opinion.'

'Yes, I'm sorry.' They walked outside and he added, 'Just give me a moment to clear my head.' She nodded, and Harry closed his eyes and expanded into broad awareness. You're safe. Hermione and Ron are safe. Bellatrix, Greyback, and Voldemort are all dead. It's just a house. 'All right,' he said, reaching for her hand.

Andromeda Apparated them to the front gates of Malfoy Manor, and they walked up the drive towards the house. Several albino peacocks strutted a short distance away, atop the hedge, and Harry felt his heart race. You're safe. Hermione and Ron are safe. The war is over. It's just a house.

He'd never seen Malfoy Manor by day, and it was impressive. Why is Draco so bent out of shape about not inheriting from the Blacks? he wondered. Malfoy Manor was far grander than Grimmauld Place and infinitely less dreary, although Harry much preferred his own house.

When they approached the enormous front door a tasselled cord lowered, and Andromeda pulled on it. The cord withdrew, and within seconds a neatly-dressed house-elf opened the door. She wore a starched tea towel with a green and black crest in which the letter M was flanked by two silhouetted dragons. 'Good afternoon, Miss Andromeda, Mr Potter,' said the elf with a curtsey. 'Please come in.'

Andromeda entered first, and Harry took a deep breath as he followed her. It's like Claridge's, he thought, and even though the memory of Lydia was painful, it wasn't unsettling. They followed the elf through the sumptuously decorated hallway and Harry did his best to ignore the portraits, who were clearly whispering about him. At least they won't criticise me for being aloof, he mused.

The elf led them to a heavy-looking door, which opened automatically and revealed a vast, sunlit drawing room. Harry couldn't help looking up at the two chandeliers, and he noted that the one Dobby had crashed had been fully restored.

'Welcome,' said Narcissa, gliding towards them. She air-kissed her sister before turning to Harry and accepting his bouquet. 'Thank you, Harry, these are lovely. Nitta, put these in water,' she instructed the elf, who took the flowers and vanished.

'Thank you for inviting me,' said Harry, looking around the room and not seeing Draco.

'You're wondering where Draco is,' she remarked. 'He'll be along presently. But please, have a seat.'

Narcissa led them to a sofa and several chairs, and Harry tried to decide where Draco was least likely to sit. I don't need to start by usurping his favourite spot, he thought. Noticing his hesitation, Narcissa tacitly indicated a straight-backed, upholstered chair.

Andromeda and Narcissa spoke cordially to each other while Harry acclimated to his surroundings. This is all right, he thought, but where's Draco? Surely he isn't busy. Harry suspected Draco was deliberately making him wait, which he understood. I can't blame him for wanting to make the most of his home advantage.

Narcissa asked, 'Have you corresponded any further with the other branches of the family?'

'I've exchanged several letters with them,' replied Andromeda, and she looked meaningfully at Harry.

'I'm afraid I haven't—not since my initial letter. But now that we've heard from all of them, I'd like to meet them in person and try to build a relationship. I don't feel comfortable being the sole bearer of the Black surname, so I'm hoping they'll come forward as well.'

Narcissa raised a single eyebrow in a way that recalled her sister. 'Does this mean you're not changing your name immediately?'

'That's right. Although at this point, hardly anyone will be surprised when I do.'

'Perhaps not, but that doesn't mean you need to rush into things. The Blacks were once considered a highly deliberate and strategic family, although Sirius and Bellatrix were clearly exceptions to the rule.'

'Nobody will ever describe me as deliberate,' said Harry, 'but I'd like to become more strategic, where it's beneficial.'

Nitta, the house-elf, returned with a laden tea trolley, which included a vase containing Harry's flowers. Narcissa said, 'I'm grateful you didn't bring narcissi, as so many visitors do. To my mind they're appropriate only in spring.'

'I feel the same way about spring flowers,' replied Harry. 'Although I'll never refuse lilies of the valley.'

'I'm fond of them too,' she said. 'Your behaviour may be appalling, but I can't fault your taste.'

'I'm glad we've found common ground. I only hope Draco and I can do the same.'

'As do I.'

She asked Harry how he took his tea, and he was tempted to horrify her by asking for six lumps of sugar and a splash of Ribena, but he just asked for the usual milk. Narcissa resumed her conversation with Andromeda while Harry sipped his tea and ate several biscuits.

'Draco, there you are,' announced Narcissa, looking up. Harry rose and turned towards him, unsure how to proceed. He felt himself expand automatically into awareness, which he recognised as a form of self-defence. What am I so afraid of? he wondered, but he was unable to release the feeling.

The only sound in the room was Draco's sharp footsteps as he approached. Harry noted his fitted robes, which were as elegant as anything Lucius had worn. But there were no flowers in his lapel, which Harry knew was as clear a message as his old 'POTTER STINKS' badge.

'Malfoy,' said Harry, extending his hand. 'I'm glad to see you.'

'Potter,' replied Draco coolly. He shook Harry's hand lightly, according to custom, but Draco's eyes bore into his own so strongly that Harry felt his Occlumency shields rise. Draco sat in an armchair, never looking away. 'How nice of you to make time to visit,' he drawled. 'I know you're terribly busy.'

'I am busy,' said Harry as he sat down, still fending off Draco's mental attack. 'But it's high time I came to see you, for multiple reasons.' He felt prods on all sides of his head, including a sharp one behind his scar, but he never lowered his gaze. I want to prevent the next war, he thought, deliberately allowing the message to escape his otherwise impenetrable shields.

'That's only one reason,' said Draco, not even pretending Harry had said it aloud.

'Can you name a better one?' asked Harry.

'It all depends on how you'd like to accomplish it,' said Draco. 'If you're inviting me to join your fan club, I'm not interested.'

'That isn't what I want. I'm looking for common ground.'

'Yes ... I understand we're fifth cousins once removed. No wonder we're so alike—it's like looking in a mirror.'

'Draco,' began Harry, unsure how to continue.

'Oh? Are we on first-name terms? How could I have forgotten?'

'Draco,' admonished Andromeda. 'Harry's making a sincere effort.'

'Yes, Aunt Dromeda—you're right. And we have so few relations on that side, thanks to my insane Aunt Bella and his equally insane godfather. Although apparently Potter dredged up some new ones, by way of a Squib and a blood traitor.'

Draco had briefly turned away from Harry to address Andromeda, and when he turned back he didn't bother resuming his attempt at Legilimency. 'What were you hoping to find?' asked Harry.

'Proof that you haven't changed,' said Draco. 'Because you haven't, except that you've finally mastered Occlumency. Snape used to say you had the weakest mind he'd ever encountered.'

'Did it ever occur to him he was a lousy teacher?' snapped Harry.

'Harry,' said Andromeda firmly, 'remember what we talked about.'

'We talked about a lot of things,' he scowled. 'Was it the part about how Draco and I are both hot-headed nineteen-year-olds, or that I should tell them I'm a Light wizard?'

Harry hadn't realised Draco could turn paler, and Narcissa reflexively extended her hand as if to protect him. 'Sweet Circe!' she exclaimed in terror. 'I should have known that wasn't Glowpox! I beg you, don't hurt him.'

'I don't want to hurt anyone. No true Light wizard does. The reason I'm telling you is in order not to hurt him, because I can't control it yet.'

'Then why did you even leave the house?' rasped Narcissa. 'Draco, for Merlin's sake, get out of here!'

Draco was still frozen, and Harry said, 'It's been happening for weeks, and I haven't hurt anyone—Theo Nott saw me glowing last night and he's fine. The only way Draco might get hurt would be if he attempted Dark magic, which is why I'm telling you all this.'

Narcissa still looked worried, and she hadn't lowered her arm. Harry added, 'Did I hurt him just now when he assaulted me with full-strength Legilimency?'

Mother and son both relaxed. 'No, you're right,' said Narcissa. 'Are you at least learning to control it?'

'I found someone who can teach me—our first proper lesson will be tomorrow night. And I can usually prevent it, although not always. That's why I'm planning to announce it soon, since it's bound to come out anyway. And frankly I'd like to promote the Light Arts, because they're bloody brilliant.'

'Harry, language!' scolded Andromeda, which actually caused Draco to snigger.

'I'm sorry, I meant to say they're perfectly delightful. Positively spiffing!'

Andromeda glared at him and said nothing.

'This is your plan then,' said Narcissa resignedly. 'To call yourself Harry Potter-Black and openly practise the Light Arts.'

'I'll never practise the Dark Arts, if that's what you're suggesting.'

'Oh really?' exclaimed Draco. 'So the scars you gave me are only in my imagination?' He rolled his eyes and added, 'I always knew you were a hypocrite, Potter.'

'I didn't say I've never performed Dark magic, but I'll never do it again, even if it costs my life.'

'Easy for you to say, when you're impossible to kill,' said Draco. 'Does the Ministry know you've performed Dark magic?'

'Yes, I gave full testimony before a private tribunal, which exonerated me.'

Draco rolled his eyes again. 'They'd exonerate you for anything, Potter. You could burn down a Muggle hospital and seal the doors to prevent escape, and they'd award you another Order of Merlin.'

'Draco,' said Narcissa gently, 'this isn't helping.'

'Oh right,' said Draco. 'Our list of demands. Mother, what order did we decide on?'

Narcissa looked as if she wished there were something stronger in her cup than tea. 'I'd hoped to raise the topic more gracefully, but my son has once again caused me to question the Sorting Hat's decision to place him in Slytherin.' After glaring at Draco she turned to Harry with a much milder expression. 'Lucius,' she said simply. 'Currently he's ineligible for parole, but I'm told that with your influence the DMLE would consider revisiting his case after ten years.'

Harry recalled Lucius's trial the previous summer, and how his harsh sentence had come as a surprise to many onlookers. He was widely expected to escape punishment, particularly since he hadn't participated in the Battle of Hogwarts. But the DMLE barristers convincingly argued that Lucius had materially abetted Voldemort for years and had Imperiused multiple victims, including high-ranking Ministry officials. Furthermore, Harry testified privately against him, specifically about his role in opening the Chamber of Secrets. His deposition had been kept secret both to protect Ginny and to reduce the risk of anyone learning about the Horcruxes, but a redacted summary was provided to the court.

'No,' replied Harry. 'I can't in good conscience allow Lucius to go free, ever. He's too fond of tormenting Muggles, as you well know, and he'll never give up his views on blood purity.'

'But he rejected the Dark Lord,' said Narcissa.

'Because the Dark Lord rejected him,' countered Harry. 'We all know that the only reason Lucius soured on Voldemort was because your family fell out of favour. And I'm sure you recall how eager he was to turn me in when I was held captive here, to get back into Voldemort's good graces. Whereas Draco lied about recognising me, which is why I testified on his behalf and kept him out of Azkaban.'

Draco suddenly drained his teacup. 'I need a refill,' he declared, handing his mother the empty cup. 'Pansy and I devised a drinking game for today's get-together, and Potter just mentioned how he kept me out of Azkaban, which we decided was worth a full bottoms-up. But Mother, could you provide something a bit stronger than tea this time around?'

Narcissa glared again at Draco and poured him another cup of tea. 'Harry, I can see you're intractable on the subject of Lucius,' she sighed. 'What about Draco's sentence?'

Harry was taken aback. 'Draco received two years of house arrest in spite of taking the Dark Mark and conspiring to kill Dumbledore, which involved Imperiusing Madam Rosmerta and nearly killing Katie Bell. I doubt I could reduce his sentence any further.'

'You underestimate your influence,' she replied.

He was tempted to point out that he'd exhausted his influence keeping Draco out of Azkaban, but Draco's tea looked hot and Harry didn't want to scald him. 'I can try, but if they ask me to explain why I think his sentence should be reduced or commuted, I don't know what I'd say. So far this afternoon he's been consistently hostile and tried Legilimency on me.'

'So I do need to sign up for your fan club!' exclaimed Draco. 'Let's see ... thanks ever so much for sending your Patronus to the Manor last month!' he said brightly. 'I was so disappointed not to see it in person after you punched Andrew Gilstrap and had to beg Granger to protect your abusive Muggle relations.'

Harry was having trouble remembering why he wanted to make amends with Malfoy. Oh right, to prevent the next war. 'I'm sorry I sent you my Patronus. That was inexcusable, and all I can say in my defence is that I told George and Lee I wouldn't do it again.'

Draco surprised Harry by relaxing his scowl. 'Thank you,' he said simply.

Narcissa and Andromeda both exhaled audibly. 'Harry, is there anything you'd like to request?' said Andromeda. 'We seem to be in full negotiations at this point.'

'Draco, I want to make amends, and not spend the rest of our lives sniping at each other. I don't necessarily expect us to become mates, although I'm on good terms now with Theo, Blaise, and Daphne. But I'd like to put our experience as child soldiers behind us. That's what we were, you know.'

Draco seemed to be mulling over Harry's statement. 'You've taken over House Black,' he said. 'You're barely even related to them.'

'Sirius is the only father I remember. And for whatever reason, the house magic chose me. Do you deny it?'

'No,' replied Draco. 'I don't.'

'It's been pointed out to me that I've been disrespectful towards House Black, and I acknowledge that. Unfortunately I can't change the past, but I'd like to do better going forward.'

'I have a suggestion,' said Narcissa. She levelled her gaze at Harry and said, 'Destroy Walburga's portrait.'

Harry closed his eyes for a moment. 'I might have agreed to that a few days ago, but I won't now. I spoke yesterday to some people who've suffered their entire lives from prejudice, and they said what a difference it made to hear the same insults from Walburga. She made them realise just how illogical and small-minded those prejudices were, and they recommended their mates visit her as well.' He shook his head and added, 'I'd never have thought it possible, but she's doing good in the world. So, no, I won't destroy her.'

Narcissa sighed. 'Then how do you propose to raise the family's standing, other than changing your name and announcing you're a Light wizard? Do you plan to rebuild the family fortune? Particularly now that you've halved it,' she added, with a glance at Andromeda.

'I have no intention of touching the Black vault for anything major,' he said. 'My plan is to let one of my sons take the name, assuming I have sons, and pass the legacy to him.'

'So you won't replenish it?'

'I can talk to Gringotts about investments if you like, but if you're referring to the usual ways Dark families build their fortunes, then no.'

'You don't need to steal,' said Narcissa. 'Given the size of the Muggle population, even a simple magically-enhanced enterprise can yield huge returns.'

'As long as I bribe the right officials, you mean?'

'That's how business is done,' replied Narcissa. 'You have a responsibility to the family.'

Don't let her find out about Ron's casino scheme, he thought. 'I won't break the law or bribe anyone. But I'll make an appointment at Gringotts and see what they recommend. I get along very well with the goblins now, oddly enough.'

Andromeda nodded. 'Harry, this is the one situation where I'd advise you to act like a Gryffindor. You can afford to take risks.'

'Understood.'

'Is that settled then?' asked Draco. 'Have you agreed to use your uncanny good luck to enrich House Black?'

'Apparently,' replied Harry.

'Unbelievable! We've actually agreed on something. Potter, shall we celebrate in the study with something a bit stronger?'

Harry glanced at Andromeda, who nodded. 'Yes, thank you,' said Harry, rising. 'Narcissa, I appreciate your candour, and I'm hopeful we can maintain a good relationship.'

Narcissa responded with something resembling warmth, and the sisters extended their wishes that he and Draco have a good time together. I'll settle for both of us emerging alive, thought Harry, and he followed Draco from the room.