Thanks to all who favorited or reviewed and to those who are now following this. I do not own anything related to Harry Potter. Now, let's try to earn that "M" rating, shall we?

Chapter 2

Harry

...It's dark at first. I'm lying in bed, a weight on top of me. Soft hands fluttering around my face and chest. I reach out. Neck, shoulders, a soft pair of globes, with hard nibs. A little moan. I'm hard, and encased in soft, warm flesh. Moonlight from the open window. My eyes adjust. Long red hair, thin features and freckles. She moves her hips slowly, caressing and squeezing. Tight. I moan and she giggles. She changes. A little heavier, bigger breasts. Full dark hair falling around us, and a beloved face with a soft smile. She moves and moans. Changes again. Longer, thinner. Shimmering white blonde hair. Soft pink lips and high pointed breasts. The smile turns sharp, the eyes full of mischief. She moves faster. She stops and changes again. Her insides seem to caress me without moving. Big globes, like a cartoon diva and pink pixie-cut hair.

"Wotcher, Harry." The smile in her face melt my insides.

"Tonks, ahh..."

She giggles. "Feels good, doesn't it?"

The oddest sensation. "Do you have a tongue in there?"

She cackles joyfully and winks. "Metamorphs are fun."

"I'm sure I knew that. Mmm."

She laughs more. "Seriously..."

"Really?"

"Just two quick things. Thank you for taking care of them. I can't begin to express how grateful..."

I smile and interrupt her. "You're doing fine."

"Oh, Right." She squeezes, pulsates around me. "But I would do much more, my hero. If I could."

"They've kept me sane. I love them both."

"I know." She leans forward and kisses me. Her tongue stretches, twists around mine. She tastes of cinnamon and bubblegum. We lose ourselves for a bit.

She sits up again, pinching her engorged nipples. "Ahh... The other thing... Going forward. It's not going to be easy. Some of it will be downright odd."

"Of course. I'm still Harry Potter. Fucking a dead married woman and loving it, for example?"

She nods. "Right on." She quickens her pace. "You're really going to enjoy what's coming."

"Who's cumming?"

"We both are, I think."

Fireworks. "Ahh.. Tonks!"

She moans deeply and shudders repeatedly. Then she leans forward for another kiss..

Light. It's morning. I'm naked and shivering. I'm covered in cum. A young raven looks at me from the windowsill, a little restless and a little hungry.

I sit up and shake my head, trying to gather myself, laughing a bit. "Give me a moment, all right?"

"Caw!"

"All right. I'm moving" I get going, a stupid grin on my face. Downright odd. I'll say.

+O+O+O+

I'm about to say the password to Hermione's quarters when I spot a familiar figure running down the corridor. I turn in his direction as he stops next to me, out-of-breath and giving me a murderous look. I have no idea what I've done to annoy Ron, but I can't bring myself to care either. I just give him a bright smile. "Good morning, Ron. You're late, I presume."

My mocking tone sets him off. His face flushes and he tenses, hands tightening into fists. I take a half step backwards, staying in the ball of my feet and getting ready to dodge. He's got six inches and five stone on me, so getting punched by him is absolutely not on my morning plans. Luckily, he suddenly deflates, catching his temper before he can damage our friendship beyond all repair, and I relax too. "Yeah." He answers. "Good morning." He turns to the nymph on the tapestry. "Would you tell..."

I sigh. So, she still hasn't given her boyfriend the password. I whisper. "Leontes". Hermione, is sitting on her little couch, wearing a pink muggle jogging suit, hair tied in a messy ponytail, barefoot and, surprise, surprise, has her face stuck in a scary-looking book entitled 'Arithmantics and Spellcrafting". She lifts her eyes with a soft smile, which turns into a frown when she sees Ron. "You're late."

Ron looks embarrassed and mumbles "I'm sorry."

She dismisses him with a curt hand wave and turns to me with her soft smile back. By the set of her shoulders and the tightness in her voice, she's both tense and angry. "Morning, Harry." She marks the book with a thin silver strip, closes it and sets it on top of her tea table.

"Morning."

She slides to one side of her couch, gives me an inquiring look and taps the seat next to her. I sit and look at Ron, who is getting ready to explode again. Hermione gives him a cold stare. "Just leave, Ron."

He starts screaming at her. "What the hell do you think..." In mid sentence, he stands stiff as a board, and falls down. By the time I look in her direction, Hermione has already put her wand back in the wrist holder. Ron should have known better.

"Nice."

She looks a little less angry. "So?"

"Andromeda had a serious breakdown. She's severely disoriented and delusional."

The anger is replaced with concern. "Oh, Harry! I'm sorry." She gives me a quick hug. "You did mention she wasn't doing well lately. Do you know if anything triggered it?"

"Perhaps, I guess, but I don't know what. It looks pretty serious. She needs a mind healer, and, as you know, there isn't one available. I talked with Fleur last night and she might be able to help finding one. Someone close to her family."

"Good idea." She looks at Ron and frowns. "Oh!"

"What?"

"What about Teddy?" She squeezes my arm as if she was in pain and whispers. "You're dropping out."

I just nod.

She gets up, her eyes brimming with tears. "No!"

"It can't be helped." I get up and stand next to her. Her hands are curled into fists and her shoulders tense. She starts breathing fast, and her magic swirls around. The anger she was displaying before is turning into a full panic attack.

"No! I can't..."

Trying to head it off, I hold her face between my hands and look straight into her eyes. I send a legillimency probe into her defenses and speak loudly. "Clear your mind, Hermione!"

I catch a glimpse of two boys fighting in a corridor and Sinistra's face before her defenses clamp down and kick me out of her mind. Her face goes blank as she regains control of her emotions.

We've been very quietly studying the mind arts. At first, just meditation, occlumency and a little intuitive legillimency during our camping trip. Afterwards, more. Obliviation, compulsion, confundus and illusion from a couple of books we found at Grimmaulds Place. Hermione is a natural occlumens, her disciplined mind going smoothly into mastering her memories and her emotions. She's also fast at grasping basic theory and has become a frighteningly subtle obliviator. I'm a poor occlumens, but I've shown some aptitude for the more aggressive side of it. More of a sledgehammer than a scalpel, as Hermione would put it.

She blinks slowly a couple of times. "Thanks."

"You're welcome." I give her a soft kiss on the forehead and she responds with a weak smile.

I look at Ron, lying stiff there, and suddenly looking scared. Hermione follows my reasoning and points her wand at Ron. "Obliviate". She wipes out the last minute from Ron's memory, leaving him a little dazed in the process.

She shakes her head sadly. "This is really selfish, but I don't know how I can make it without you here."

I smile softly at her. "You've endured worse, Squeeze."

"I wasn't alone, you bastard! And don't call me that."

"Besides,." I look at Ron, "You won't be alone..." I much prefer her angry to sad.

"Right." She turns to Ron. "Are you going to behave? Next time is going to be a stunner." He moves his eyes in a way that might be charitably construed as yes. She casts the counterspell and Ron sits up, still a little dazed by the obliviation.

I snap my fingers next to his nose to call his attention. "Hey!" He turns to me. "I respectfully suggest you try not to annoy her, mate. If you want to keep your bits, that is."

Hermione puffs in annoyance. I grab her hand. "I have to go."

"But..."

"I'm sorry. I have to see the Headmistress, and I need to get back home soon."

"I need to talk to you." Her tone is a little whiny, which goes right over Ron's head, but surprises us enough that we laugh a bit.

"There's a Hogsmead weekend in two weeks. Picnic lunch. Sirius cave at noon?" I look at Ron and smile. "Take care of her."

"All right, mate." I turn around after squeezing Hermione's hand one last time and head for the door. Ron stops me. "Hey!"

"What?"

"What about Ginny?"

I turn around and put a hand on his shoulder. "Ginny! Right on. I knew I was forgetting something. Tell her... no. Tell her I'll write a letter. A long one. Cherrio!"

Ron and Hermione stare at the closed door after Harry departs. Hermione asks the question. "What's with him? I don't recall seeing him so... bubbly."

Ron scratches his head and snickers. "If I didn't know better, I'd say he shagged someone last night."

Hermione stares at him, a crease on her forehead. "Fleur?"

Ron is shocked. "She wouldn't!"

Hermione doesn't hate Fleur like Molly and Ginny do, but she doesn't really trust her in that way. She's seen the hungry way Fleur looks at Harry sometimes. She shrugs. "He wouldn't"

+O+O+O+

After a breakfast, and a two minute chat with Neville, I head to the Headmistress' office. I stop and stare at the gargoyle. Using a muggle catfood brand as password is one of the rare signs that the Headmistress has a sense of humor. "Whiskas"

The rising staircase deposits me in front of the oak double door, which opens silently. The old office has changed a bit. The cabinet of the pensieve is still in the same corner, and the paintings of former Headmasters still grace the walls, rearranged to make space for a smug looking Dumbledore. There is no painting of Snape, and, as far as I'm concerned, there will never be one. He played his role. A hero, in his own way. But Hogwarts is a school, and what he allowed to happen inside these walls left a stain that will never really be erased.

There's also books, but few personal items. After Dumbledore, the office looks spare, matching the dress and manner of the current occupant. She sits behind her desk, a pile of blank parchment to one side. "Good morning, Headmistress."

"Mr. Potter." She gives me a dry look over her glasses. "What brings you to my office this fine morning?"

Before I could answer, Dumbledore's portrait decides to intrude. "Oh, good morning, Harry. So good to see you!"

His smile reminds me of Lockhart. I glare back at the portrait and turn to McGonagall. "Can you shut him up?"

She's taken aback by the venom in my voice, but nods. Tradition is pretty clear on that. Portraits are not owed courtesy. "Of course." She waves her wand in a broad arc, mutters something, and the Headmasters paintings become so much frozen paint on canvas. She looks at me curiously. "What's your problem with Albus?"

I sigh. "That's a long story. Good for a cold winter night and a bottle of single malt."

A reluctant smile. "That can be arranged." She plants her elbows on the desk and steeples her fingers. "Again, Mr. Potter. What brings you here."

"I'm very sorry, Headmistress. I have to quit Hogwarts."

She purses her lips and looks disappointed. "Would you mind telling me why?"

"Andromeda had a mental breakdown yesterday. I can't leave her and Teddy with a house-elf."

She nods and looks concerned. "What about your studies?"

"I'll work on my own, maybe find tutors."

"Is there nobody else?"

"You tell me."

She frowns, stands up and stares through the window. "I suppose not." She pauses for a bit. "You realize this is awkward news."

"Of course." People are still very nervous. About a quarter of the students currently at school only decided to come after news of my returning came out. "Would a letter to the Prophet help?"

She gives me a level stare. "It would. A public interview would be better, specially if you encouraged parents to keep their children at school."

I snort. I've been trying to keep myself out of the public's view, in the hopes they forget about me a bit. My primary worry is Andromeda and Teddy's safety. Making things public may paint a target on them. Hogwarts is important, though. "All right. As long as you're there with me."

Her face softens. She knows the interview is a big concession. This is a woman with the weight of our world on her shoulders. She speaks en a near whisper. "I'll set it up. I'm sorry to see you go, Harry."

"I'm sorry to leave as well, Headmistress."

I get up to leave, but she comes around the desk, and grabs me in a hug. It's so bloody unexpected I just stand there, stunned, for a few seconds. Finally, my mind reboots and I return the hug. This old witch means more to me than I can possibly ever express. Her bony frame feels frail in my arms. "You may call me Minerva now, Harry."

It takes all my self control not to start crying on her shoulder.

Hermione

Anger. Twelve-year-old blood supremacist, spouting poisonous garbage. Harry dropping out and leaving me here to deal with things... without him. The stupid red lump in front of me. Damned deserter... Still too tasty for my own good. He's smiling vacantly. Lights are still a little out from the memory charm, oblivious. I don't understand where all this anger is coming from. It goes away, sometimes, and then it comes back, doubled. A hate potion? I check food and drink regularly. Constant vigilance and all that. Some compulsion charm? We've learned the detection spells... Maybe I'm just angry that's all. It's not like I don't have reasons... Maybe someone can help me a little. "Ron!"

"Ehh... what is it, honey?"

"Don't 'honey' me you useless waste of space. Follow me."

"Yes, honey..."

I growl as I walk into my bedroom and he follows me. I close the door behind us, casting locking and privacy spells. I walk back past him and snap my fingers near his face. "Ron! Look at me!"

"What?"

I take off the top of my exercise suit and unhook the bra, tossing both at a corner. This is the first time he actually sees my breasts, so he gets flushed and his eyes look like saucers. "Look at my face, Ron, not at my baps!"

"Y-yes..." He lifts his eyes a bit.

I hold them up. "Do you like them?"

"Yes."

I pinch the nipples and raise my voice. "Do you like them, Ronald Billius Weasley?"

He raises his voice too. "Yes!"

"Good. Two rules. You will do exactly as I say, and you will not make one sound, unless I ask you a question. Understood?"

He looks confused and whispers. "Y-yes."

Again, I raise my voice. "I asked you a question! Do you understand?"

"Yes!" A little firmer now.

"Say yes m'am."

"Yes, m'am!"

"Kneel."

He hesitates, but does it. "Yes m'am."

I scream at his face. "Did I ask you a question?"

"No m'am. S-sorry."

I raise my left hand and slap his face with everything I got. His pale face pinks up nicely and the surprise and hurt in his eyes are just perfect. I soften my voice. "That was for being late." I get near him, dangling my breasts in front of his face and whisper in his ear. "That will never happen again. British punctuality, you miserable oaf. Or else..."

I stand back and wait for the message to sink in. Then I let him have it with my right hand to the other side of his face. "That is for raising your voice to me. If it happens again, I'll hex your bits until you cry like a little girl. Do. You. Understand?"

He actually smiles. "Yes, m'am." He's beginning to enjoy it. What a surprise.

"Hands to your back. Together." I conjure a bit of rope around his wrists. Not too tight. I walk around, taking in his large, strong frame, rough features and long, unruly red hair. An attractive physical specimen.

I stand in front of him and grab his head by the hair on the back. I squeeze my breasts to his face. "Lick them." Little shivers of pleasure. I thrust my hardened nipples into his mouth. "Suck them." My idle hand goes inside my knickers. I'm fingering myself as he suckles. "Bite." Pain, mixing in with pleasure and savagery. "Bite harder." He does. I enjoy the mixture of pain and pleasure.

I pull his head away. "Good job, little bitch." I'm still fingering myself, my knickers soaked. "Get up."

His stare is vacant, lost in the moment. I vanish the ropes. "Take off your robes." He does. Sleeveless tee and tented boxer shorts underneath. "Boxers too."

He's a little embarrassed, scrunching around his erection. I study it. A nice, healthy looking member, with size consistent with Ron's height and built. It seems almost to vibrate, waiting.

He's is rather primed, I think. It won't take long. "Sit at the edge of the bed." I kneel in front of him, keeping my eyes on his face. I stop fingering myself, and squeeze his member between my slightly abused breasts. His eyes cloud with pleasure. I grab him in one fist, pumping a few times, while my other hand goes right back between my legs. I take his head in my mouth, licking and sucking while pumping with one hand, and rubbing myself harder. He smells of sweat, a bit of urine and old socks. He begins to tense, and I take him deeper into my mouth. All the way to my throat and back, humming and pumping and sliding in and out faster. It takes only a few seconds for an involuntary moan to escape his lips and spurts of semen to fill my mouth. Salty and a little harsh. I swallow it all, while a little orgasm spreads from my core, burning up some of my anger with it. My own moan is muffled by the quickly deflating flesh in my mouth.

I get up and step back a little. A glimpse of everyday Ron makes an appearance. "That was brill..."

I cut him off with a glare. I grab my wand and cast a scourgify on him, a rough cleaning spell, not usually used on people. He takes in a sharp breath with the pain and looks hurt. I try to make myself sound calm. "This wasn't roleplay, Ronald. When we are alone, the two rules apply and you're my little bitch. Understand?" He nods. "You left us, Ronald. I haven't forgiven you." I cancel out the spells at the door and head to the bathroom. Before I close the door I add. "Get dressed and leave. I don't want to stare at your stupid face for a while."

It hits me in the middle of my shower. Great wracking sobs, and my knees bend, as I curl into a ball at the floor of the stall. What am I doing? What's happening to me? Stupid, fucking Harry... I hug my knees and sob.

+O+O+O+

I walk in close to the end of dinner, sit near a group of fourth years and serve myself. I'm halfway through when Ginny sits next to me, an earnest smile on her face. I feel an urge to wipe that smile off with a punch or a curse. I find myself understanding our old potions master's behavior. "What?"

"What have you done with my brother, Hermione? He's been doing a great Luna impression all day today."

I chew my food and say nothing. "C'mon girlfriend, talk to me. Did you do it?"

I realize I'm not going to get rid of her if I don't give her something. "We reached an understanding."

"What understanding, you sorry slag? I need details." I sigh and change subjects.

"Harry came by this morning."

The hurt in her eyes is immediate. "Where is he?"

"He just had a few minutes. Andromeda had some kind of bad breakdown. He's dropping out of school."

A shocked look. Then sadness and tears. "He didn't look for me." A statement, not a question.

"He was in a hurry. He said he would write you. A long letter, he said."

She gets up and runs away. I'm worried about her and Harry. A little, maybe. But the anger is still around, and gets a little satisfaction out of hurting her too. I shake my head and get back to my food. I can do this. I know I can.

Fleur

It's a sapphire pendant, a mouthwatering ten carat star sapphire on what I presume is a Goblin silver setting and a long chain of the same material. It's supposed to hang a little inside the cleavage. A magnificent piece, worthy of royalty, and it's heavily enchanted too. I'm at one of the curse-breaking workshops at Gringotts, a spare, heavily shielded room with a couple of long rough tables and shelves with books, tools and supplies. I can't feel any darkness coming from the piece, but feelings can be deceiving and this wouldn't be here if there wasn't something more.

There's amusement in my master's voice. "It is magnificent, isn't it, Apprentice Weasley?"

"Yes, Master Silverjaw. It certainly is."

He runs a clawed finger through the setting. "What can you tell me about it?"

"A star sapphire, about ten carats. Goblin-made silver setting..."

A low rumbling noise, denoting amusement. "Yes, you might think so. But no." He points at some of the detail work. "You see the wing motif at the edge?"

Indeed, the edge of the setting is finished by tiny angel-wing shapes incised in the metal. I nod. "Yes."

He continues. "This motif is characteristic of the D'Amici workshop. Have you heard of him?"

"Only vaguely, Master."

"A Florentin goldsmith, one of only three wizards ever allowed to work with Goblin silver. He apprenticed under Bardunk. This setting, Apprentice, is almost six hundred years old. It was originally sold to a wizarding family from Venice, with a garnet. The sapphire is from a tomb find in northern India and, together with the original piece made its way to the Witold family, from Bremen. Three hundred years ago, one of the Witolds had the garnet replaced with the sapphire, and gifted the necklace to a nameless Veela mistress. It became known as 'The star of dawn.'"

I can't hide my smile at that. "'Pretty name. Per'aps the nameless Veela's name was Dawn.."

"Perhaps." Again the rumbling sound. "Quite a few treasures have come across the your people's claws. It then passed from mother to daughter, and over a hundred years ago, it disappeared, together with its owner."

"Kidnapped and enslaved, I presume."

"A reasonable assumption. It surfaces again shortly before the Grindelwald war, around the elegant neck of Maritza Fawley, a famous beauty, then recently married to Barthold Fawley. She died mysteriously a few years later. The current Lady Fawley requested a description of the enchantments present, prior to placing it for sale." He shows his fangs, in a nightmare version of a human smile. "So, Apprentice. What are the enchantments?"

I look at the piece with newly found disgust. Its link to a Veela's disappearance a touchy subject, which I would report to the Council, if my employment contract didn't forbid it.

I begin working on it. My magic sense just tells me that the necklace is enchanted and that there are no dark curses. I examine the minute runes engraved on the clasp and on the setting and I use several diagnostic spells. But this is just the beginning. After checking the rune books, filling several parchments of arithmantic calculations, and casting more complicated diagnostic spells, I'm confident I have a full picture. A rather disgusting full picture.

"Master Silverjaw, I have completed my analysis."

"Then report."

"Zere are four enchantments present in ze necklace. Tied to a single Seph rune at ze clasp, a weak compulsion charm to discourage ze user to remove the necklace."

"Very well, what else?"

"Zere is an advanced cosmetic charm, to make ze user look younger and more beautiful. Eet is fairly standard, similar to cosmetic enchantments currently in use, but a bit more powerful. Eet is tied to a runic array built around Ekaz, at ze bottom of ze reverse side of ze mounting. Zen zere's a subtle 'ealer's spell, similar, but not identical to a cheering charm. Eet makes ze wearer feel a pleasant 'ealthy glow. Eet is tied to a single Noz rune at ze top of ze reverse side of ze mount."

I look at the goblin and he is nodding slowly. "Very good so far, Apprentice. What else?"

"Etched directly on the stone, partially 'idden by ze mount, zere is a complex runic array. Eet is based on a 'ealer spell used to accelerate the treatment of severe injuries. In zis case, eet accelerates body processes, increasing the aging rate dramatically. Ze spell slowly drains magic and life from ze wearer, storing eet in part in ze stone, and using ze rest to power ze other spells."

"Do you know by how much aging is speeded up?"

"By a factor of fifteen to twenty-five."

He grunts. "So, how would such a thing be used?"

"On one hand, it's a slow assassination weapon, Master. Ze victim puts on ze necklace and its beneficial effects, plus ze compulsion charm will make ze user very reluctant to take it off. After a few years, ze victim dies of old age, and ze death may be explained as an unnamed wasting disease.

Ze fact that no dark spells or curses are used make it 'ard for ze victim to defend against it with the usual detection methods."

Loud, interrupted rumbling. The Goblin version of gleeful cackling. "Anything else?"

"Ze worst part. Once charged, ze stone may be used to power up a dark rejuvenation ritual."

"Ha!" Master Silverjaw slaps the table. "Do you know how to remove the enchantments?"

"I would like to check my calculations first, Master, but I believe I do. By luck, ze bottom loop of one of the runes etched on ze stone is visible outside ze mount. Eet is part of ze powering loop for ze other spells. I would use corrosive potion etching to deface the loop. Zat should disable ze ozzer enchantments and allow for ze sapphire to be removed from ze mount wizzout destroying eet. Zen I would remove ze mount runes with localized 'eating, and ze stone runes with acid. Finally, standard jeweler repair spells would restore ze original appearance of ze stone and ze mount."

"Very well, Apprentice. Pending your calculation check, I approve of your plan. Before you put it into practice, we must inform our client."

"Yes, Master."

"We'll request a meeting for tomorrow at nine. Bring your formal robes." Curse-breaker apprentice robes are a horrible blue and orange, but that can't be helped. He walks towards the door, and turns back to me before he leaves. "And excellent work today, Apprentice Weasley. You may go home after you finish your calculations."

"Zank you, Master. May your enemies bleed and your vaults overflow."

"May you find a powerful, wealthy and brave mate, Apprentice, and may your womb flourish with his seed."

Master had never used the traditional formula for unmated Veela before. Him using it now is both a flattering sign of respect and a disturbing show of knowledge about my personal life..

+O+O+O+O+

I greet Harry french style, one peck in each cheek. He is happy to see me, but his smile falters a bit at my invasion of his personal space. "Hi Fleur." He steps back. And looks at me "You're early. And you look quite pleased with yourself."

I try to do a pirouette and stumble a bit, holding onto his shoulder to avoid a fall. It's a strong, solid shoulder too. "Oh, sorry." I giggle. Then I note the puzzled frown on his face. "I'm not drunk, all right? Just 'appy."

The frown turns into a soft smile. "Any particular reason? Is Bill coming back early?"

I wave my hands dismissively. "Ah, non. I 'ad a good day at work, that's all. I was given a very 'ard puzzle to solve, and I did it! All by myself too. My Master was very pleased."

"Your Master?"

"I'm an apprentice curse-breaker. An apprentice must have a master."

"And your master is a goblin."

"Yes! A very clever, crusty old goblin. And today, 'e was pleased. So, I'm 'appy."

Harry's eyes gleam. "Congratulations, then. Well done." His pleasure at my success seems genuine, even if he has no idea what is involved. In contrast, William tends to be a little condescending.

It's unavoidable, I think, since I'm following in his very accomplished footsteps... annoying, though. I shake my head. I'm pretty sure I shouldn't be comparing them.

"Thanks. What were you doing before I came?"

"I was revising for my NEWTs. Potions, to be precise. Andromeda is in her bedroom, watching the telly, I think. She will move around, but she hasn't spoken in two days. Teddy is napping."

The little raven comes flying across the room and lands on my shoulder, pecking at my hair. I caress his head and neck. "'ello, Braddock. Good to see you again."

Harry laughs a bit, pointing at my hair. "He likes shiny things."

I ignore him, and speak in a stage whisper. "Between us birds, your familiar is silly. Obviously eet is me you like, not my 'air."

Harry comes closer and caresses Braddock with a finger. The bird responds with a thrill and jumps to his shoulder. "I suppose you're right.".

"Caw!"

Harry laughs. "All right." He turns to me. "He is going flying outside and he hopes you will join him."

I speak to the bird. "Unfortunately, my bird form only shows up if I'm angry or upset. Otherwise I would gladly fly with you."

"Caw!" He flies away, out through a window. "That's too bad."

"Are zose your words or Braddock's?"

He thinks for a few seconds. "Both, I guess. I wouldn't mind seeing your bird form."

I nearly laugh. Most wizards would like to see my breasts. "Eet looks like a phoenix, just larger. But you wouldn't want to see eet. Angry veela, sharp claws, fireballs... you know? Eet is quite scary."

His eyes flash in annoyance. "I don't scare easily."

I suppose he doesn't. Better change subjects."I almost forgot. Good news. Tante Anais is coming, ze day after tomorrow. I'll bring 'er 'ere after work. She can stay with me at ze cottage afterwards."

"Well, that is very good news. Thank you, Fleur." He comes close and gives me a peck in the cheek.

Suddenly it's too hot. Maybe it's the work robes. "Give me a moment. I'm going to ze guest room and change. Zen, per'aps I can 'elp with Potions."

I move towards the stairs. He speaks to my back. "Can I offer you something? Maybe a glass of wine?"

"A glass of wine would be nice. Red, is you 'ave it."

We work for a few hours. At some point, his house elf comes with Teddy and a bottle. "Can I feed 'im?"

"Sure."

He hands me the baby, who squirms restlessly, probably because of my unfamiliar scent and magic. Finally he settles on my arms and changes his 'air color from raven black to white blonde. "Oh!" It surprised me, because I met him briefly on my previous visit, but he didn't change colors then.

I give him the bottle and he starts suckling hungrily. "I miss 'er. We were good friends, you know?"

"I don't think I realized that."

"We shared a bedroom at Headquarters. She told me stories about William at Hogwarts. She's one of the very few girl friends I ever had."

His eyes lose focus, and he seems to lose himself in grief for a moment. "She was special."

There is a world of pain in his words. "I didn't know you were close."

His smile is pained. "We weren't..." his voice breaks. "I'm sorry. It's stupid."

"What is eet?"

"She came to me on a dream, Samhain evening. To thank me for watching over her family. I hadn't realized it, but it brought back old feelings."

I look into his eyes. "Feelings?"

"Grief over losing her. And more."

"Ah! You liked her."

He sighs. "I had a stupid teenage crush on her, all right? You remember. We were stuck in that horrible place. Then she would come, and fill the place with light and laughter."

"She was very fond of you. Maybe something more too."

He gives a bitter laugh. "She did make that clear in the dream."

I surprise myself with a bit of jealousy, both at his teenage crush and at whatever happened in his dream. I decide to play it light. "So, you like zem older, Mr. Potter?"

He gets jolted out of his funk by my tone. He looks into my eyes, and a soft smile appears in his face. "Maybe."

I tease him. "Are you flirting wizz me, Mr. Potter?"

A broader smile and a light tone. "I wouldn't dare, Mrs. Weasley. Your husband is scary."

I almost laugh. Harry Potter calling William scary. "Pof! My 'usband is a kitten. I'm ze scary one. And I say you can flirt all you want. A girl needs to feel appreciated."

He gives me a sharp look and I feel I might have overstepped. "I seem to recall you were not very appreciative of the attentions of my colleagues during the tournament."

"Eet all depends on where ze attention is coming from."

He tosses my words back at me. "Are you flirting with me, Mrs. Weasley?"

Two can play that game. "Non. Your girlfriend is scary." I hate that little tramp.

He laughs, and there is genuine amusement in his laughter. "She can be." He gathers himself and gets up. He picks up the baby from my hands and the empty bottle. He seems lost in thought.

I get up. "I must leave."

"You won't stay for dinner? I was planning on ordering some pizza."

"Hmm. Tempting. But I must wake up very early tomorrow."

"Well, thank you for coming. And for the help with revision."

"Eet was nozzing. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Bye."

I floo back to my lonely cottage and I fill the bathtub. As I soak, my mind goes back to the old Headquarters. I had just begun dating William. I do remember feeling a little put out that a certain green eyed teen showed no interest in me.

Tonks and I talked about him after the lights were off. We were both falling for older men we would eventually marry. But we were both a little captivated by the young green eyed hero with the world on his shoulders. Apparently, for one of us, it wasn't entirely one-sided. I wonder how that dream visit of his went, as my fingers search for a little nub between my legs...