Harry's afternoon started out rather eventful.
After the girls had walked off with Narcissa Malfoy, he and Ron went up to his room with Victor. The getting ready wasn't such an ordeal as Harry thought it would be. Victor had chosen for him silk dress robes of emerald green that matched his eyes, black slip on snake skin boots that would magically fit to his feet, and a large ruby silver ring that Harry thought would make an excellent bludgeoning tool for anyone who got fresh with his sister.
When Harry had first moved in with his grandfather, he had gotten new glasses as his old one where rather broken. They were a shiny black steel frame but today he wore a new pair that where silver ones. When his grandfather tried to give him a hairstyle closely resembling Draco Malfoy, Harry began to wonder if there was more to the green robes than his eyes. He had objected and his hair was the same as always.
Ron wore a set of robes made from lion's skin dyed light red. The lion's mane around the collar and going down the front was dyed black. He had borrowed a pair of slip on dress boots from Harry made of an expensive brown leather.
Upon returning to the Parlor, they were meet by the entire Auror team from America. Agents Caitlin Todd, Anthony DiNozzo, Timothy McGee, Ziva David, and Leroy Gibbs. At the sight of Gibbs, Victor got very tense.
"Afternoon." Leroy began. "I'm Senior Field Auror Leroy Gibbs. I believe you've met my team already. We'll be handling security for the party this evening. My team has already scouted the manor and grounds and we have a few last-minute wards to install. We also need to discuss how everyone will be arriving so we can set up a security check point. I will also need to see a complete guestlist detailing press members so as I can keep a close eye out. Any questions?"
"No, not really Gibbs. The fireplace will be sealed off and all magical transports, such as apparition or portkey, will be redirected to the front gate. You may set up your check point there." Whitehall said coldly.
After the Auror team left, Victor turned to the boys and said. "I have a few last-minute things to do in my study. Why don't both of you go outside and see the front yard, by now the House Elves should be done setting it up."
As Whitehall walked out, Ron turned to Harry and asked. "Did I miss something? Your grandfather seemed really tense and angry."
Harry looked at Ron sadly and said. "That was the Auror who killed my uncles." Harry looked at the left-hand wall where a few paintings of Whitehall family members where hanging. Almost in the middle was a 10' by 20' of three boys wearing Hogwarts robes. It was the first year for the youngest, Tavin.
"You're tree uncles that where Death Eaters." Ron stated awkwardly.
"Ya." Harry said. "Looking at this painting makes me wonder how they grew up to become what they became. How do you go from being an eleven-year-old attending Hogwarts for your first year, to being a Death Eater?"
"I don't know Harry. Malfoy may be a right git at times, but I have a hard time seeing him in Death Eater robes like his dad. Mind if it came down between Death Eater or death, he would chose Death Eater. He's a coward by nature." Ron explained shrugging.
"They say my grandfather is to blame. I've lived with him only a short time but can't see how it was his fault. I heard that he may have gave gold to Voldemort, but no one can prove it. On the other hand, Lucius Malfoy is guilty as sin but no one can prove that either. I don't know really." Harry said thoughtfully.
"Harry, I really don't know what I could say to you as not to offend or anger you, so I'm just going to say what I've been taught. Victor Whitehall was a Pureblood elitist and raised his sons as such. He supported causes that would segregate the Muggle and Magical Worlds, and tried to limit Muggleborn rights by passing unfair laws. Those are facts Harry." Ron said.
"I know Ron, but it just makes me wonder about a lot of different things. What would it be like right now if one of my uncles where still alive or, what my mom would have been like if she had been raised by my grandfather?" Harry pondered.
Ron had an uncomfortable look on his face at Harry's last question. "Your grandfather was old school Pureblood elite. If he had known about your mom, Harry, he would have tried to cover it up in some way. He might have tried adopting her and lie, saying she was in fact his and Lady Whitehall's daughter, or he might have just decided to get reed of her altogether."
Harry gave Ron an angry look. "How could you possibly say that?" He yelled.
"Look Harry, I answered you to the best of my knowledge. Your uncles dying had a big impact on your grandfather. The man he is now is not the man he wants was, that's what a lot of people say. Everyone I asked, including my mom and dad, have all told me that. I don't doubt that there isn't anything he wouldn't do to keep you and Willow safe but, it took losing everything for him to become the grandfather you know." Ron said.
Harry took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down. It wasn't like he had never had similar thoughts before. In fact, he had wanted to live with the Weasleys or Dumbledore before he got to know Victor Whitehall. He was just really confused about the whole thing.
"I don't want to fight Ron, let's just go have a look at the front yard ok." Harry said.
"I'm sorry to upset you mate. If it makes you fill better, I believe your grandfather would love your mom right know if she was still here." Ron said sincerely.
"Thanks Ron." Harry smiled. "Let's go have a look shall we." With that both boys walk outside.
Willow's afternoon started rather tense.
She, Hermione, and Ginny had gone to get dressed with the help of Narcissa Malfoy. Sr. Huggs coiled up on the Wicca's bed and kept a close eye on their unwanted guest. He didn't trust her around his mistress. His presents made Willow fill safer as the three Witches sat on the bed with the snake.
Narcissa was all smiles as she tried to have conversations with the girls. She mainly tried to stick with topics about magic that she could relate to.
"So, Willow, your grandfather tells me you are actually an extraordinarily talented young Herbololgist. Maybe you could show me your greenhouse later, as I'm sure it's lovely." Narcissa said.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Malfoy, but I've closed off access to my gardens this evening as I didn't want guests to accidentally stumble into it. They could get hurt by some of my more dangerous plants." Willow replied with a straight face knowing full well she had done no such thing. She just had no intention to let this woman see her special sanctuary from the world.
"Oh well, maybe another time Willow. So how have you found England and the Wizarding World?" Narcissa asked. She had been hoping to have a look at the greenhouse as she was hoping Willow had some more hard to obtain items that she could borrow.
"So far, I don't really have any complaints. Mind I haven't seen very much sense I've been sick." Willow said.
"That's too bad dear." Narcissa said while digging through Willow's closet. Narcissa soon emerged with a small black dress. It was long sleeved and made to hang of the shoulders and be tight all the way to the waist and flow around the feet all the way to the floor. She held it up as she walked towards Willow.
"This would be perfect for you dear. It would help bring out your complexion nicely, as well as your lovely red hair." Narcissa said.
Willow had no idea where that dress came from and had a sneaky suspicion that Narcissa had in fact brought it with her. It was so not her style. Buffy had let her and Dawn dress up in some of her more adult clothes, as Ms. Summers called them, but Willow just didn't fill comfortable in them yet.
"Actually Mrs. Malfoy, I already picked out my outfit for the party. Maybe Ginny or Hermione would like to wear it though." Willow said as she stood up from her bed.
The Wicca walking to her closet and returned with a dark gold silk dress robe that was decorated with a light gold willow tree that raped around it. Narcissa looked at the outfit and scoffed. "People will think you are nothing but a silly girl in that dear, why not wear the black dress? It would show much more of your feminine beauty."
"I like cute clothes Narcissa, and this will make me look cute. I would rather look cute than grown up." Willow replied.
"Well dear, if it makes you happy than I have no objections." Narcissa lied. "Would one of you lovely girls like to wear the black dress?" Narcissa asked Hermione and Ginny.
"I would Ms. Malfoy." Ginny stated. "I've never seen anything quite so beautiful."
"Very well dear. I'm sure it well look just as beautiful on you as it would Willow. After all, you both have such lovely red hair." Narcissa said.
Ginny put the dress on in the bathroom and returned to Willow's bedroom. Willow gave her a lovely black silk dress robe to wear over the dress. It had small diamonds sown into the fabric.
Hermione ended up choosing a lovely pink dress with a see threw golden silk robe. Both girls were allowed to pick a set of diamond earrings and a matching necklace to complete their look.
The girls thanked Mrs. Malfoy for her help. The Malfoy Matriarch told the girl's it was no trouble and stood to leave. However, at the door she stopped as if something had crossed her mind. She reached into her black silk bag and pulled out a lovely silver butterfly hair clip that she presented to Willow. "I just remembered Willow dear, I found this old hair clip and thought you might like it. Your Grandfather mentioned you liked butterflies; I believe."
Almost instantly, Sr. Huggs gave a warning hiss as he rose from Willow's bed. "Be careful my lady, I sense a subtle enchantment upon the item."
Willow looked at the snake and hissed. "Are you sure? I don't feel anything wrong. I'm not doubting you, Sr. Huggs, it's just that it would take powerful enchantments to fool me."
"I'm sure mistress. I believe they have found a way around your abilities to sense magic." Sr. Huggs said.
Willow was in deep thought, the only way they could have fooled her abilities was with her grandfather's help. He would have to have willingly betrayed her for it to work, as force would never achieve the same result. Willow looked at her guests and realized that everyone was glancing between her and Sr. Huggs.
"Sorry everyone. Huggs, my snake, thought that the hair piece was a threat as he had never seen one before. Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy, I would love to wear it." Willow said.
Narcissa places the butterfly on the left side of Willow's hair. "It looks so beautiful on you dear. You may keep it if you like, just call it a birthday present."
"Thank you Narcissa. Do you need to go home and get ready yourself? Guests will be arriving soon, and I know you wouldn't want to be late to the party." Willow said.
"Yes, my dear I do. I'll just head down to the Parlor and floo home. I'm sure your Victor can open the network for me briefly." Narcissa said. With that Lady Malfoy left threw the door.
"That wasn't as unpleasant as I thought it would be. She at least seemed nicer than her husband and son." Said Hermione.
"Don't be fooled, Hermione, it was all an act. I could sense her emotions no matter how much she tried to hide them, and they were not pleasant. She didn't like the fact you and Ginny where here, and she really hates the fact Ginny is wearing that dress and not me. She was rather disgusted with my childish clothing as well." Willow said.
"Dose that ever get tiring Willow? You don't seem to be able to turn off your empath ability, so you constantly read people and always know what there felling. I'm not complaining, I'm simply curious." Hermione said.
Willow smiled at the bushy haired girl and said. "It can be frustrating at times. I can turn it down real low, as it were, but if I'm not careful it creeps back to full power and I read more than I mean to. It's also pretty much useless when it comes to demons as they don't have souls or emotions. Granted some demons do but most don't, they just act like they do, and you have to be careful because those are usually the most dangerous."
Hermione and Ginny where both impressed that Willow didn't take a single breath during that entire explanation.
"Come on, let's go see what the boys are doing." Ginny said. With that the three witches went out into the hallway. They meet up with Harry and Ron as they were heading out the front of the manor.
"What are you guys up to?" Willow said.
The young Californian felt a little anger coming from Harry as well as a little shy guilt coming from Ron, as if he was nerves about something. Willow hoped everything was ok between the boys. Harry didn't fell mad at Ron just angry in general. They had probably talked about something that had upset him.
"Nothing much, just going to look at the front yard and see what all the House Elves had done to it." Ron said. The young man blushed slightly as he looked at Hermione.
"You girls want to come with us?" Harry asked. Willow noticed him look at both Hermione and Ginny appreciatively. She also noticed both boys looked them over cautiously as if checking for signs of injury.
"Alright." Willow said.
The group existed the manor and where greeted by a magnificent sight. All along the left- and right-hand sides of the house where statues of various magical creatures done in marble. Each one was posed with its mouth open and a large stream of crystal clear water pouring out. The large torrent of water flowed down marble slab channels towards a large pond in the front. The solid gold pathway, that lead from the front door all the way to the front gate, had a bridge that went over the pond. The pond itself was so clear you could see all the way to the bottom and the multicolored fish swimming inside.
As the group walked down the path to visit the American Aurors, they noticed two people at the gate with security. Augusta Longbottom had come earlier than expected and had brought her grandson Neville Longbottom. Harry, Ron, and Hermione hurried ahead to great their friend and fellow Gryffindor.
It was as Willow and Ginny walked up slower that Willow finally noticed the ring on Harry's right hand. It was a large ruby set in silver with almost no decoration. It looked expensively grand and showed Harry's status as a nobleman and young lord, but Willow felt that it had a darker purpose. Felling out with her magic for enchantments, the Wicca discovered she was correct. Thinking quickly, the young Witch linked her opal necklace with the ring and took the enchantments into her jewelry. She would figure out what to do later, she just wanted Harry safe now. She was also glad Sr. Huggs had stayed in her room as he would have probably told Harry about the ring.
Augusta Longbottom and Auror Gibbs where arguing. "I know I'm early, but I thought Neville would like to see his friends before the party and all the hassle that it came with." She said.
"Yes, ma'am I understand that but my instructions where very clear. The magic red carpets will not start operating until 6 o'clock, and no one is allowed in until then. I'm sorry but you and your grandson will have to return later." Gibbs explained.
Neville seemed to notice Willow over Harry's shoulder as she and Ginny walked up. He instantly bowed at the waist and said. "It's a pleasure to meet you Lady Potter."
Willow laughed a little at this and extended her hand to shake. "You can call me Willow, Neville. My brother, Harry, has told me a lot about you. I hear you like Herbology as much as me."
Willow felt a small amount of apprehension as Neville brought her hand up and kissed the back in an old-fashioned formal greeting. Her brother and Ron smirked and quickly turned their heads. Hermione and Ginny where no better than the boys. Neville was starting to remind Willow of a young Lord trying to court a young Lady. It was the approving look that Augusta gave her grandson that made Willow nervous.
Willow turned to Auror Gibbs and his team. "Neville can stay till the party starts if he wants. Perhaps Madam Longbottom should return later as not to upset others who might fill unfairly treated." Willow finished looking at Augusta.
Augusta seemed to think about it and agree. "That would be a good idea dear. I'll be back later when the party starts, and Neville can stay and in joy some private time with his friends." With that Augusta apparated away.
Willow turned back to Neville and said. "Come on, I'll show you my greenhouses." With that the group made their way back towards the manor. Willow now wore two pieces of enchanted jewelry that weighed heavily on her mind.
"Hold on, I thought you told Narcissa Malfoy that all access to your greenhouses were temporarily down?" Hermione asked shocked. Willow just gave the girl a playful smile as she led the way to Whitehall Manor Library.