Books in Series:

Book 1: A Girl Can Be More Important Than a Firebolt

Book 2: Light of the Heart

-o-

A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.

-oOo-

Chapter 7

November 2, 1996

Great Packington, England

Professor Babbling let them use her floo to go to his Aunts on House business. Aunt Andi and Uncle Ted where authorized by Aunt Bel as his emergency contact, thus Babbling did not mind.

He walked through the fire. Uncle Ted walked into the sitting room shortly after they arrived. "Harry, Hermione, what are you doing here?" he asked concerned.

"Where is Aunt Andi? We need to see her," he told him, taking Hermione's hand.

"She's on call this weekend at St. Mungo's. What happened?"

Harry held up his hand. "We did as Aunt Bel said as we should, but something feels off about the Black rings and magic."

His Uncles eyes fell on the rings. His lips pursed. "Did the goblins oversee the acceptance," he asked.

"No. Aunt Bel said that would only be required if I kept the Potter Lordship," Harry answered.

"I am not totally sure about these things, but that is probably for the best. The Goblins tend to force these things," he said. "Did Professor Babbling give you permission to come?"

"She released me to Aunt Andi and you for House business and needs to know if we will not be back for the night," he told his Uncle.

"I don't see overnight bags. We can find you something if it is necessary," Uncle Ted told them. "Do you mind if I check the betrothal contract before we go?"

"Please," Hermione asked. "It feels better, but I don't care for the feeling of the magic."

"I understand. Don't remove them until we can see Andromeda," he ordered.

Uncle Ted walked out the room and Harry pulled Hermione in for a hug. She put her head against his chest. After a moment, she pulled away. "Harry, is there something wrong? I feel like I am fighting something."

"I don't know. Aunt Andi should be able to tell us," he tried to reassure her.

"We forgot to tell Neville or anyone we were leaving," she worried.

"Neville will understand once we get back."

Uncle Ted came back in. "Congratulations. He's all yours, Hermione," the man said with a smirk before letting it fall. The teens faces looked to concerned and almost pained. "Augusta won't be pleased with this but we can deal with that later. Let's get you to Andi."

"Great Aunt Augusta can go to Morgana," he swore.

"Harry James," Hermione admonish, not looking upset, but he knew she didn't care for him being vulgar. He wasn't going to push it at the moment.

There was an advantage to being a relative to one of the top Healers at St. Mungo's. They got to bypass the line and go straight in. Harry felt a little guilty of that until he found she was working on the long care ward today. Uncle Ted took them to her office and twenty minutes later Aunt Andi walked in. She held her arms open and hugged him before she hugged Hermione.

"Congratulations. Ted told me you came looking for me after you put on the Black rings," she asked taking Hermione's hand and looking at the ring.

"It just doesn't feel right. It's not... nice, like Harry's magic," Hermione told her.

After a moment Aunt Andi looked at him. "You too?"

"Yes. It's like its... diseased or something," he told her unsure how to describe it.

She pursed her lips before taking out her wand. It moved in a complex pattern over Hermione's hand before a series of runes appeared in a circular pattern. Harry looked at them, understanding much of it. Hermione gasped as she understood it too. The Black's magic had accepted them, as their magic had accepted it, but the power of the Black family line was about as great as the Potter's and Hermione's new blood.

"For generations, my birth family has not been a very clean family when it comes to magic. Sirius and I broke that somehow, but I didn't truly feel free of it until my father cast me out with permission from my uncle, the Lord Black, at the time. Like Belvina, the ancestral link to our family magic was broken. I admit that was long enough gone now that I forgot the feel of this magic," she told him.

"What is happening," Hermione asked.

"Harry and you are absorbing the magical line of the Blacks, just as the betrothal, my cousin's will and the hereditary right of Harry would have you do. The Potters have been very progressive and purveyors of light magic for a long time. Any taint they had in their blood from dark magic was washed out generations ago. I would say the Potter magic is trying to do that to the Blacks. There isn't much I can do for you except let this play out," she said sadly.

"Will it change our magic," Harry asked concerned. Aunt Andi took his hand and did the same. Most of the same runes appeared above his hand.

"I don't think so. You are the true heir, otherwise neither of you would have been able to put those rings on. Your magic is the dominant strand now, and over time it should purify my families blood," she stated.

"What do you mean purify?" Hermione asked, taking his free hand.

"Meaning that you and Harry will gain some of the power of my birth House and your children will not have to fear the way many Blacks have used the Dark Arts, or gone insane. I have seen this twice before in other blood lines. The magic was corrupted over many generations of practicing the Dark Arts for gain, pleasure or murder. My sister Bellatrix being a prime example."

"No," Hermione gasped.

"Narcissa seems touched by it also. I can't see her wanting to marry Lucius and support him otherwise. Aunt Walburga was very happy they married proper Purebloods and supported Voldemort in his initial rise," Aunt Andi said sadly. She looked up to meet Harry's eyes. "I am glad you are taking over as Lord of my House. I think you will finally end the curse on my family."

He gave her an uncertain smile. "Did you know this would happen?"

"No. I thought that with Sirius dead, the dark ties would fade before the next Scion would take over my house. I would not have supported my nephew, but it would have been easier on him to accept the full Black line. I think the Malfoys have a similar dark stain on them."

His Aunt sighed. "Not that I have any say over it."

"That explains a lot," Harry snarked.

"Harry," Hermione admonished.

"He's a burke," Harry told her.

"Hermione is correct. I may not care for their manners and views, but you should not stoop down to their level. You are the better man, Harry."

He frowned.

"Aunt Andi, with Harry being Scion Black, does that mean he could cleanse the whole bloodline?" Hermione was looking for answers.

"Those already infected would need to admit their wrongs and swear to follow you and Harry. I don't see that happening."

"What happens if Harry casts them out of the family," Hermione questioned further.

"Then Draco would not be able to pass any of the Black traits on. Bellatrix is in Azkaban and will be the rest of her life. I don't see her having any children."

"Are there any other Blacks?" Harry asked. He couldn't remember any, but Aunt Andi knew better than him.

"None within five generations of you. There are two extended lines in France and the United States, but neither of those lines are close enough to claim your line, and both eligible to have new Head-of-House being so many generations separated. In essence, they are their own blood line now. Though I hear in America that is a frowned upon tradition."

They all stood there for a few. "So we just have to feel it as our magics purify the Black bloodline?" Hermione asked.

"How uncomfortable is it?" Aunt Andi inquired.

"It just feels icky," Harry told her.

Uncle Ted chuckled. "You used to say that when you felt sick."

"It feels like that."

"Harry's right. It does feel sick, for the lack of a better way to describe it." Hermione looked uncomfortable.

Aunt Andi nodded. "As I said, the Potter line is very pure. You have a good heart, Hermione. You are a first generation and have done nothing to pollute the potential you have. Would you like to stay here or at our house for the night and see how it goes?"

"I can flow Professor Babbling and have your dormmates get you an overnight bag," Uncle Ted offered.

"You can be back for Monday morning classes," she told them.

Harry felt Hermione shiver and knew her magic was balking against the Black magic. "We have a meeting with Daphne and Susan after lunch tomorrow and you have a practice at three," Hermione said concerned.

"How about you stay the night. Ted can get some carry out and I'll be home about six. Call Bel too. She will want to know about this," Aunt Andi said the last to her husband.

"Of course. Monday I will file the betrothal. We can discuss if you want to announce it or not," Ted told them.

"Sure," Harry said, tightening his grip on Hermione's hand. "Are you alright spending the night with my Aunt and Uncle?"

"Can I call my parents to let them know?"

"Of course, Hermione. Our house is as much yours now as Harry's," Uncle Ted told her.

Aunt Bel came over for dinner and they discussed the recent developments. Aunt Bel wanted to hold off the word that he was now Scion Black as long as possible, preferably until after the Solstice, while Aunt Andi argued against it.

Hermione and Harry just listened for a bit as they ate dinner. Neither of them ate much. He still felt odd and more tired than he thought he should.

"Shouldn't Harry and I decide what is best? I am of-age, and according to Uncle Ted and Harry, I can take over as representative of House Potter," Hermione suddenly spoke loudly. She held up her hand towards Aunt Andi to show her rings. "We have listened to you two go at it for almost an hour. If you have something to say we have not already heard, then say it. If not, I would like to take my betrothed and talk about it. Maybe sleep on it for the night."

The two woman looked at Hermione for a moment before Aunt Bel gave a satisfied smile and leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed over her chest. "I've had my say."

Aunt Andi took her now cold cup of tea in both hands and regarded Hermione, before turning to him and back to Hermione. "You are correct, Hermione. You and Harry should make this choice. I will say I am not in agreement in holding off this decision."

"I was hoping to do a normal proposal, when we are ready," Harry told them.

Aunt Bel sighed and Uncle Ted shrugged before speaking. He was usually a very even tempered person and would often let Aunt Andi wear out her arguments before stepping in. This time was no exception. "Harry, I think you should take your time. Woo this beautiful witch. Decide when you are both ready for that step. On the other hand, you are now betrothed to Ms. Granger, someday to be Lady Potter. Personally, I would cry it from the tallest tower of Hogwarts to have such a treasure agreeing to be my wife."

"If I recall, you did do something like that," Aunt Bel said, chuckling at the look Aunt Andi gave her husband.

Uncle Ted stuck up his hand and shook it. "I'm not trying to give him any ideas. Though a sonorus charm from atop the Astronomy tower would let most know."

"You dare do that and I won't kiss you for a week," Hermione said deadpan.

Harry eyed her. "How about the Clock Tower then?"

"Harry James!"

The adults laughed.

"What! Uncle Ted suggested it!"

"I have never been shy in letting others know of my affection for my bride. But, there are serious arguments on both sides. Hiding this for as long as you can, can buy us time to fend off challenges, though with you now being betrothed, the likely hood of any challenge succeeding is virtually nil. It will also buy a little more time to just be happy with each other before the Daily Prophet gets hold of the story and you get thrust in the politics I know you want to avoid," Uncle Ted said much more seriously.

"Then, if you come out, you can control the initial release. You can tell your friends and others, who I think will support you from what you have always told us about them, Harry. Hermione, I have also heard you have some friends in high places that might be better served knowing this. It also would end any challenge Augusta would have. Personally, if you plan to do what I think you are, learning how to deal with the stresses of being a Lord in the Wizengamot and making alliances with some of the children of other Wizengamot members could place you well in the next five years to make some serious changes."

They all sat there for a few seconds.

"You want us to announce it in the Prophet as soon as possible?" Harry questioned. "Why? None of you have ever agreed to put me out there like that. Uncle Ted, it was you that got the DMLE to force the Prophet and everyone to stop calling me the Boy-Who-Lived."

"That was something ridiculous that Dumbledore and Bognold started to use you as a rallying cry to mend things. I think it would have caused more issues than not. Are you serious that you want to see the laws changed and reign in those that consider themselves Blood Purists?"

He looked at Aunt Andi before looking at Uncle Ted and Hermione. Even being considered a Blood Traitor, Harry knew he would not be restricted in any way because one of the pure bloods. His Uncle had fought his way to be where he was, and even many of the Purebloods respected him now. But that had taken almost twenty years to get here. Hermione wanted to move out to Sark because she could live a relatively care-free life with him. If she was to stay in the UK, then Harry knew she would have to fight for everything.

"I don't want to be a Lord of the Wizengamot, but I don't want to see our friends struggle like I know Uncle Ted and others have. Do you think they will overturn the hereditary titles from the old laws?"

"I think you have a chance. It won't be easy. If you are serious, then announcing your betrothal would let the vassal-Houses know who is their new leader and to possibly reign them in before any more legislation is passed to raise the ire of the ICW. I don't see things going well long term if they step in. There is another advantage too," Uncle Ted said solemnly.

"What is that?" Hermione asked.

"If they pass any new laws, or if ones they voted for since Harry was secretly named heir, have cause him or his new betrothed any direct harm, then Harry has reason to ask for compensation. If they refuse, then he has course to bring up a vote to remove them from the Wizengamot," Uncle Ted explained.

Harry just blinked. "What? Aunt Bel, you never said anything about this."

"The three houses I knew as your Vassal houses of the Potters never did anything to cause you harm and opposed most of the restrictions or changes. The few I know they voted for affect Remus, but he is not your direct family, so you can't ask for anything," Aunt Bel told him.

"How soon after we announce it can we ask for compensation?"

Aunt Andi smiled. "I see we trained you well."

"As soon as you want," Uncle Ted said.

"What are you thinking?" Hermione questioned.

"Not sure. Can Hermione and I have some time to discuss this?" he asked them.

"Take all the time you need. You are both staying over here for the night so I can keep an eye on you. Possibly tomorrow night also."

"I have a practice scheduled for tomorrow afternoon. Next weekend is our first match," Harry told her.

"If you still feel this way, I don't want you flying tomorrow. Maybe all week. You can run practices from the ground if you need," Aunt Andi informed him. Harry knew not to argue with her, but this was unfair.

"A Captain doesn't lead from the ground," he countered indignantly.

"You will do as your Healer says or I will give Poppy a note you are not to fly next weekend," she threatened.

"You wouldn't," he said shocked.

"Have you ever known me to go back on my word?" Aunt Andi looked at him hard.

"Aunt Bel," he said turning to her.

"I am in agreement. I didn't know it would affect you two like this, and you look tired and it isn't even eight," she told him.

He huffed and Hermione squeezed his hand. "I'll give Madame Pomfrey the note myself."

"Traitor," he accused, not really meaning it.

She eyed him back. "And would you trust me to go up on a broom with Aunt Andi telling us no?"

He looked back at her before letting out a sigh. "No. But to be fair, I don't trust you on a broom anyways."

"Harry James," she scolded before huffing. "You're lucky you're so handsome."

Uncle Ted and Aunt Bel chuckled.

"Why don't you take your bags and you can show Hermione where Dora's room is? She can sleep in there for the night," Aunt Andi offered.

"I still reserve the right to walk in without knocking," Aunt Bel told them.

"Yes, Aunt Bel," Hermione responded.

They got up and Harry showed Hermione up to the first floor. His mind was thinking about what they had talked about downstairs and the feel of the Black magic against his. "You feeling alright," he asked Hermione, who also looked tired.

She touched the Black Heiress ring. "I will be. It's just feels wrong," she told him.

He pulled her in and hugged her. She wrapped her arms around him and lay her head on his shoulder. They stood in the middle of the hall for a few minutes, just holding each other. "I want to take a shower," Hermione informed him.

Letting her go, he showed her Dora's room and the bathroom. The guest's room had been converted into a room for Harry years ago. Until he went to Hogwarts, he had spent many nights and weeks here, and usually half his summer. When he was younger, he just thought Aunt Bel needed a break. Now he understood that to keep his inheritance, he had to spend three months or more on British soil each year. Now it was nights and weekends here and there. The Tonks had not wanted to take his room apart, wanting him to know he was always welcome and had a place if something ever happened to Aunt Bel.

Harry threw his bag on the old toy chest at its foot before flopping on the bed. He had never wanted to get into politics, but he was stepping into it. He would not be able to take up his seat before he was eighteen, after Hogwarts, and he was not going to spend his time learning to be a politician, but he would have to make some of those friendships his Aunt and Uncle had talked about.

He figured that had already started with Daphne, Astoria and Tracey. He would have to get back onto talking terms with Susan, Hannah and Ernie. He had a feeling that the Parvati, Padma and Lavender would be on his side. The issue was most of them were heiresses, and most lines in Brittan were paternal, unless a line was adopted or absorbed.

As the Scion Black, Harry would have to talk with Uncle Ted. The Vassal-houses would need to be reigned in. Knowing the history of his godfather's house, Harry knew this would stir things up as much as him renouncing the Potter's seat.

They knew of three houses, but there could be older ones and the Goblins would need to be contacted. He didn't know another way, but it was the Ministry who had found the old contracts and bonds with the Houses he had not known before...

Harry groaned. All he wanted to really do was be back at Hogwarts and working on the cloak.

A knock came at his open door a while later. "What," Harry asked, feeling it was Hermione. The feeling was greater since she put on the Potter heir ring.

"Can I come in?" she asked.

He turned his face to be sideways on the pillow. "You never have to ask," he told her.

She walked in and shut the door. A moment later, she knelt on his bed and laid down. They had never done this, but he liked how she snaked her fingers into his and put her head on his pillow. Her brown eyes looked tired. They were also caring and thinking.

"You want to talk?" she asked.

"Yes. No. I don't know," he answered.

"Would you listen to me?"

"Beauty, I always listen to you."

She moved and they had a short, sweet kiss.

"I don't know what most of you were talking about. From your reaction, I can tell you know more than you have told me about all this. Was that just because you didn't want to tell me or you don't really want this?"

He scrunched his brow. "Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi have made sure I went through the training that most Purebloods have, agreeing to stop my third year in Hogwarts. They wanted me to be prepared if I did take up my Lordships. I never told you because I don't like most of those people and didn't want to be one of them."

"I'm sorry. I never meant to keep this from you, I just thought we could be normal teens and wizards. Are you upset? We can still break the betrothal before anyone else knows."

She looked at him for a few. "You can explain it to me now. I need to understand everything our family knows. I don't want to be in the Daily Prophet, and I do want to move to Sark, but if you are serious that you want to change things, then I need to know and will need to be at your side."

"You don't want to leave me?" he asked.

"I love you, Harry. You will not keep anything from me in the future, but all we can do now if move forward," she said. He heard how she cared for him, and the threat if he ever kept anything from her again.

"I promise to never keep anything this important from you again," he said, pecking her.

"I want to know everything, Harry," she said resolutely.

"Even what I am going to get you for Christmas?" he asked and smiled when she rolled her eyes.

"Alright, not everything."

"There is too much to go over tonight, but I can tell you the important stuff I know. Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi used to train and teach me in all this. I think it would be good for them to do the same with you," he told her.

She regarded him for a few. "So, what is the most important things to know?"

"You are going to be Lady Potter, or would you prefer to have our name to be Potter-Black?"

"Can I keep my maiden name," she asked.

"I don't know. I have only ever seen that for a matriarchal line, like the Bones."

"What does it really mean to be Lady Potter," she queried.

"When our bond is complete, we will share our bloodlines. You will have the same rights as I do. I am going to bind our line to our first born, as I said. Either of us could sit a vote in the Wizengamot. You will also have full access to all my vaults, accounts and anything that is allowed under the law. Like me, you will need to live a month of every year in Britain. We will have to attend some balls, and social gatherings and what not. On the whole though, I think we can live on Sark peacefully."

"That doesn't sound that bad," she told him.

"Maybe not, but that could be a few months of lost research a year," he told her.

"But our friends and family could have better lives?" she questioned.

"Yes."

"And I can take any vote I want?"

"Yes."

"I love what you do and the research, but the Wizengamot only meets twice a year to pass legislation and change laws. I can always do that if you don't mind staying with our children," she told him.

He snorted. "You sound like you wouldn't trust me to do that. Are we old enough to worry about children?"

"Your Aunts and Uncle know this is very important. Aunt Bel and Aunt Andi have tried to tell us the importance of our decisions so far. I trust you with anything you put your mind to," she told him in a caring voice.

"Have I told you how beautiful you are today," he complimented.

She gave a shy smile. "If that is how you see me."

He shifted to lay on his side and brushed her hair off her neck. "You are beautiful."

Her eyes shone with gratitude. "Thank you."

"You shouldn't have to thank me. Hermione, how much were you teased when you were younger?"

She looked emotional and he moved so he could put an arm around her and she moved to put her head on his chest. "Bucktooth and frizzball were the nice ones."

Harry knew her first year was rough at Hogwarts. "You are beautiful," he assured her.

She cuddled up into his side. "Harry, what else can you tell me about our House and the Wizengamot?"

"Right now, there are Fifty-three members of the Wizengamot, with five peerage Houses currently without representation. Aunt Bel couldn't take up my spot as a proxy because she had been disowned by her father. I heard that caused some issue when Aunt Bel's father tried to claim my seat thinking that he had the right when Aunt Bel took me. He had severed her from his bloodline and could only adopt her again if she agreed. She went to Uncle Ted and he helped her and put my inheritance of the Black line under a Seal until I either turned seventeen or decided to make it known with Aunt Bel's approval."

"Who else doesn't have representation on the Wizengamot," she asked into his chest.

"The Bulstrodes, Hawkins, Lestranges and Carrows. The Lestranges are in Azkaban for life with no known heir. When my cousin and her husband die, so will their bloodline and that will be a good thing. Either Draco or I will inherit whatever they have, though Draco is closer in relation, being her nephew. The Carrows have been on the run since Voldemort was killed by my parents. It is rumored the Carrow twins are theirs, but no one can claim the seat unless one of the twins have a line-continuance marriage and then have a son."

He kissed her on the top of her head before going on. "My father and Sirius were Aurors and Lord Buldtrode was killed in a fight with them shortly before they died. The Hawkins are like Neville, Susan and I. Their daughter is a year behind us. Her mother survived the Death Eaters and was pregnant at the time." He ran his hand up her side and down.

She moved and tried to press herself more against his side. "Is Bellatrix Lestrange Aunt Andi's sister?"

"Yes," he said sadly.

"I know Neville said he didn't want to tell me what happened, so I did some reading on old Prophets since we got back after you said most don't remember what happened at the end of the war. She tortured Neville's parents into insanity?"

"She also killed Aunt Bel's fiancé about six months before I was born. The woman and her bastard husband will rot in that place," he said in disgust.

She wrapped and arm around his midsection and he put his other hand over hers. "Why don't they teach us about the war with Voldemort and his Death Eaters?"

"Aunt Bel says most just want to forget, just like the other history you didn't know. There are still many of his old supports and sympathizers in control of the Ministry and the Wizengamot. Aunt Bel also says it was Dumbledore that kept the ICW out after Voldemort fell, saying it would help our society heal if we did it ourselves. I don't think he was right." He couldn't stop from sounding like his Aunt Bel when she talked about politics.

Hermione yawned.

"You should get some sleep," he told her.

"Can I stay here for now? You're comfortable and I don't feel the icky feeling touching you," she said.

He kissed her on the forehead. He hadn't realized that he didn't feel it with her next to him either. "Yeah, Beauty."

"We aren't done talking," she said, sounding tired.

"We can talk more in the morning and make our decision tomorrow." He was feeling very tired as well.

"I don't like going to sleep leaving unresolved business."

"Are you awake enough to keep talking?"

Hermione was quiet for a few. "Why don't you go get ready for bed."

"Are you going to stay," he asked. The idea of having her next to him for the night in her night clothes had merit, besides the fact that it settled him.

"I want to go talk to Aunt Bel for a few, but I won't be long."

He smiled. It still took them a few minutes to stir. Hermione walked out the room before him and when he walked out with a change of clothes, Aunt Andi was in the hall. He stopped as she looked at him. "Are you two sharing a room tonight?" she asked.

His Aunt always wanted straight answers from him. "My skin doesn't crawl with her next to me and Hermione said she feels better too."

"The Black magic feels that off still," she asked.

"I don't like it, but it is getting better."

She regarded him for a few. "I can trust you to reign in your hormones until you are at least seventeen? It is better to complete your bond after you are of-age. If you really feel like you two need to sleep with each other, marry her on your birthday if you need. I have materials I can lend you to do other things before then."

He felt his cheeks flush. "Do you have to be the Healer all the time?"

His aunt gave him a mischievous smirk. "I was young once too. I still find my husband very attractive. This is more of an adult to an adult. You are betrothed. If you two want to share a room while here, I won't stop you. I know you know the charms. Just be safe and like I said, wait until you are seventeen. That is my only rule."

His face was almost molten. He really didn't want to think of Uncle Ted and Aunt Andi that way.

"I need to go take a shower," he said.

"I'll put that reading material on your bed," she told him.

"Please don't," he said mortified, moving towards the bathroom.

When he came back, Hermione was on his bed, the covers pulled down, curled up and already sleeping. He watched her for a few minutes before putting his stuff on his toy box. She was beautiful. Her hair was more the wild mess he remembered from their first few years at school, not the nice curls it had been the last year or so. The pants pulled tight over her bottom and her face looked so peaceful.

Harry loved her. He wanted to see her every night like this.

Laying down, he pulled the sheets and comforter up. "Took you long enough," Hermione said tiredly.

"I had a talk with my Aunt before I could take a shower."

"Aunt Andi talked with me too."

He was happy it was mostly dark in the room. "I want to sleep with you tonight."

"I do to," she told him, snuggling into the crook of his arm. "You're warm. Will you keep me warm whenever I want?"

"Yes, Beauty."

"I love you."

"I love you too," he said to her.

He yawned and felt his magic settle again to have her against him. They were quiet and he thought she had fallen back to sleep before she whispered, "Aunt Andi and Bel gave me a talk. It was a lot different than the talk my mother gave me. We also have some reading materials."

He licked his lips. "I promised your father and my Aunt we would wait until I was seventeen."

"There are lots of things we can try before then," she said quietly.

If he wasn't so tired and run down, he was sure his body would respond in ways unmistakable how attracted he was to her. "I am willing to try."

She yawned again and fell silent. Harry wasn't long behind her.