The party was in full swing around seven and Willow was starting to wonder if it was possible to leave when you were half the reason being celebrated. There was a nice stack of presents in the corner divided into two piles for her and her brother. Each family had brought one for a Potter of their choosing, but Willow had noticed a pattern. Suddenly, things where starting to make a whole lot more sense when she realized families that brought a boy gave her a present, and families that brought a girl gave Harry a present.
Willow knew that some Wizarding families still believed in the old tradition of arranged marriage, but she had thought it was only families like the Malfoys. Apparently, there were still some Light Magic Families that followed the custom to. Pretty much every family here wanted their child to marry a Potter. Which was why she cornered Ron about Ginny.
"Ron!" She said smiling. "Dance with me."
The look on Ron's face was priceless as he gapped at Willow. His best friend's sister was asking him to dance. Wasn't there some kind of code or law against this. Not knowing what else to do, Ron let her lead him out on to the floor while shooting Harry and Hermione desperate looks.
There was a large buffet table on the left-hand side of the room with smaller tables set just in front for dinning. Classical dance music magically filled the room but could only be heard on the dance floor, which was set up in the back of the Ball Room. Ron wrapped his arm around Willow's waist nervously, and away they went. The Wicca was leading sense her brother's best friend was in no shape to.
"So, Ronald, are you aware of what is really going on her? That this isn't some simple birthday party, but a match making party?" Willow asked.
"Yes, I am but please don't be mad. Dumbledore came and told my family what was happening and asked us to help. My Mom is furious with the whole situation, but your grandfather most of all. Me and my sister aren't here for some marriage contract if that's what you're thinking. We're only here to watch out for Harry and You." Ron said.
Willow could fell that he was completely sincere. He was a good friend when he didn't let jealousy get in the way of his heart. Though Ron was truthful, he may not know everything. The Wicca had never meet Momma Weasley, but Harry spoke very fondly of her. Even still Willow wondered if the older Witch had wedding bells ringing in her ears, just like every other mother at this party.
Ron and Willow had only danced to one song and then headed back to Hermione and Harry. Holding the larger boy's hand seemed to deter any other boy from asking Willow to dance, which she was extremely grateful for. Thinking back to the start of the party, Willow found that she now noticed certain things that at first seemed innocent, where anything but. All those annoying girls that had tried to flirt with her celebrity brother, or those Wizards that tried to flatter her with over-the-top compliments about her exquisite beauty, lovely dark red hair, or simple but elegant dress robes were nothing but sharks seeking out blood in the water. Some of the families, like the Longbottoms, where playing this game rather hard. It was the whole reason Neville had come buy earlier, rather than wait for the party.
She and everyone else had gone to the greenhouses to hang out with Neville. The boy had seemed nervous, but Willow just wrote off his behavior as natural. Harry explained to her Neville was a quiet boy that had a hard time socializing. Hermione blamed his grandmother as being to overbearing. Augusta demanded Neville be who she wanted and never allowed the boy room to grow into his own person. Madam Longbottom had a picture in her head of who her grandson would grow to be, and she tried extremely hard to make it reality. That was why the Longbottom Heir had shown up earlier, just so he could have the California raised Witch all to himself and try to woo her without competition.
Willow started out showing him the first greenhouse as it was filled with the safest plant she owned. The greenhouse was beautiful in its own way and Neville seemed to in joy himself. He and Willow had talked for a whole hour about the various plants they had ether grown or seen. The young Wicca had also shown him her Frozen Nursery and Underwater Nursery. He had inquired about the Midnight Nursery, but Willow explained that it was a closely guarded secret.
As the party began, they parted company so he could go and set with his grandmother who had just arrived. The boy kissed her hand in way of saying goodbye. Willow had tried awfully hard not to laugh, and only just managed to turn away in time so Neville didn't see her smiling. She didn't want to be rude, as she liked the friendly boy, but it was funny to her. She had observed the two Longbottoms having a hushed conversation in the corner, but Willow had been too distracted by the arrival of more guests to magically eavesdrop.
Willow and Ron made it back to Hermione. They noticed Harry was gone so Willow asked Hermione where he went. The Muggleborn girl giggled a little before saying. "Several girls kept pestering him, so he convinced Ginny to go dance so to avoid them."
Willow shook her head in annoyance. "You guys stay here, and I'll go find them."
The Wicca began to make the trip back towards the dance floor when Victor stopped her halfway. Standing next to him was a middle-aged man Willow had never seen. He was wearing a lime green bowler hat and a pinstriped suit. "Willow, I would like to introduce Cornelius Fudge, Minister Of Magic."
"How do you do dear? It's a pleasure to meet you." The Minister said.
"It's nice to meet you to sir. I love your hat." Willow replied. She was trying to be polite but still wanted to go find Harry.
The man beamed and straightened up his posture a little more. He was trying awfully hard to seam important. "Have you meet the Crabbe family yet Willow?" He asked.
He directed Willow's attention to a man and wife setting at one of the tables a little way from them. The man was husky built with muscle and slightly overweight, though not what the girl would call fat. He was balding but his remaining hair was black. He wore dark green leather dress robes. Willow noticed him looking across the room at various people and scowling.
The woman wore dark purple silk robes and large amounts of jewelry. She had long strait brown hair that was starting to gray. She appeared to be wore down and tired. She was small and frail looking as time seemed to have taken a rather hard toll, though she was probably remarkably beautiful once. Her eyes where a lifeless dull blue that stared down at her empty wine glass.
The boy was dressed up much the same as his father. Almost a perfect copy except his head was full of short brown hair, the color he gained from his mother. He wasn't overweight, just husky and broad shouldered.
At first Willow wrote them of as people she didn't care to know, but she wanted to be polite for her grandfather's sake and followed Cornelius over. Victor Whitehall fallowed close behind, dreading what was about to happen. As they approached, the boy turned to look at Willow and her hart skipped a beat. There was just something about the boy she was intrigued by, but she didn't know what.
"Hello everyone, may I introduce Willow Potter of Whitehall Manor." The Minister said formally. "Willow this is Lord Rigel Crabbe, his Wife Lady Irma Crabbe, and their handsome young son Vincent Crabbe."
Lord Crabbe stood up and took Willow's hand, bringing it up to his lips to kiss. Willow felt revolted by the act but didn't know why, she was more interested in Vincent. The young man stood up and copied his father. Lady Crabbe just looked at Willow and gave her a tired fake smile.
"A pleasure dear. How are you in joying your birthday? Your grandfather tells me you like plants." Rigel Crabbe stated bluntly.
Victor Whitehall wanted to curse the fool that stood before him. 'Your grandfather tells me you like plants' indeed. It was like the idiot was completely relying on the hair clip to win Willow's heart. It would only help her find Vincent attractive, it would not make her love him.
The charm was subtle yet powerful. It created the physical felling of attraction tricking the brain into thinking it was true love. Shortness of breath, elevated hart rate, and blood rushing to face where only a few of the charm tricks. If Willow found out she couldn't stand being around Vincent, then the charm would loss all power.
Victor watched as the Crabbe Heir gave a low bow and said in a soft voice. "Would you like to dance with me Lady Potter?"
'At least one of them has some sense.' Victor thought. Trying to look happy as he watched the children walk off, he turned to Rigel and said. "The hair clip won't work if you and your son don't put in enough effort to woo my granddaughter. Try and be more attentive to her hobbies and likes or the plan will fail."
Rigel didn't look happy as he said. "They'll marry as planned. Why do we have to go through with this stupid plan anyway. We could just get read of the vampire and make you the guardian of their Magical Rights. Then you could just order them to marry whoever you wanted."
Victor just sighed as he explained to the idiot once again. "It would look suspicious to the Americans if she died for no reason. If that happened, they could launch an investigation into all my possible illegal activities that would ultimately result in my loss of custody. Also, Drusilla left specific instructions about who would claim custody of Magical Rights should she be destroyed. It's a very long lest and I'm at the bottom. Albus Dumbledore and Rubeus Hagrid are in front of me."
With that Rigel Crabbe sat back down in a sour mode. His wife looked worriedly at her husband. He usually took out his bad modes on her. If things didn't go well tonight, she would be in trouble as it would somehow be her fault.
Harry Potter watched from across the room as Willow danced with Vincent Crabbe of all people. The moment Ginny saw what was happening she went to find Ron and Hermione. Harry noticed that he wasn't the only one watching his sister and Crabbe either. Across the room various people were looking on with facial expressions of curiosity, smugness, anger, or horror. He noticed that Lucius Malfoy seemed like one of the smug people, Augusta Longbottom seemed angry, and Dumbledore seamed curios about the situation.
He was about to go over and rescue his sister from a horrible idea, when a hand tapped his shoulder. He turned and looked into the eyes of a hated enemy, Pansy Parkinson. "Hello Harry, happy birthday." She said with a smile, holding out a colorfully rapped box.
She was wearing a light blue skintight dress that didn't leave much to the imagination. Her hair was done up in an elegant bun and if Harry was honest, this was the prettiest he had ever seen her. The effect was completely ruined by the fact the young wizard knew exactly what kind of person she was.
Next to her stood a man that had to be her father. Lord Parkinson was wearing expensive looking gold robes and actual silver boots enchanted to move with his feet. He had long blond hair like Lucius Malfoy only he kept his in a ponytail. His eyes wear cold gray and his face was thin and still young looking, despite the fact he had to be in his thirties.
There were quite a few rude responses that Harry wanted to say, but He bit down on his tongue and replied. "Thank you, Lord Parkinson and Pansy, I'm sure I'll like the gift. Please help yourselves to the buffet and bar." With that he tried to walk away.
"Wait Harry! Would you do me the honor of a dance?" Pansy asked. She looked to make sure Harry was wearing the ring. She began to feel nervous when she realized that he was, but it was having no effect. The plan was supposed to be fool proof. Could he really fined her so unappealing that even magic couldn't sway him?
Harry looked at Pansy like she had grown a second head. Was this the same girl that hung off Draco Malfoy so much that roots had set in? Why would she be hitting on him. Could it really be because he was related to the Whitehall family or was, she just putting on a show. Harry once saw a movie where a girl had hit on another guy just to make her true crush jealous. Was she trying to get a reaction out of Malfoy?
"I'm sorry Pansy, but I promised my sister I would dance with her before cake and presents. Maybe another time." Harry said. Secretly he thought. 'Yeah, like that would ever happen. I'd rather slow dance with my cousin Dudley.'
Ron, Ginny and Hermione walked up to see what was going on. Ron also wanted to ask Harry why he hadn't saved Willow yet. All three were confused when they saw Pansy trying to talk to Harry like they were friends.
"Well your sister seems to be dancing with Vincent Crabbe at the moment. Surely we could have one dance?" Pansy said as she tried to get a little closer to Harry, rubbing her body into his.
Harry looked from Pansy to Willow and said. "She won't be dancing with him for much longer Pansy. Please excuse me." With that statement Harry made his way over to Crabbe and his sister. Upon reaching the couple he grabbed Willow's shoulder. When his sister turned to face him, he said. "May I have this dance." He grabbed his sister and waltzed away.
Pansy looked on in shock. She had just been completely rejected by a boy that was supposed to be enchanted to at least like her. She noticed the Mudblood Granger and her friends staring at her. She crossed her arms and gave a huff. "What are you looking at?" She asked hotly.
"The embodiment of rejection." Hermione answered snickering. Ron and Ginny both chocked back laughter as they walked off with Hermione.
Back on the dance floor Willow was coming to her senses. She was angry with herself for letting the charm control her. She had known the stupid thing was there, and it still affected her and made her act stupid. She didn't even like boys. Hermione was more her type, though if what she felt from the girl every time Ron was around was anything to go by, that would never happen.
"You ok Willow? I remember a private conversation we had about this particular issue, so I'm wondering what you're doing falling for a guy." Harry asked smiling.
Willow looked around the room and smiled to keep up appearances. She looked back at Harry and said. "I know you don't like it when people don't tell you something for your own good. There is something I need to tell you which will explain what just happened, but I'd like to what until after the party."
Harry just scowled but didn't protest. Finally, he said. "Ok, but I want to know everything the moment everyone leaves tonight." With that both brother and sister ended their dance. Harry walk off and continuously danced with Hermione, Ginny, and another girl how was a friend of Ginny's named Luna Lovegood. Luna has been invited along with her father because the man owned his own paper, The Quibbler.
Willow, meanwhile, danced with her grandfather and a few other boys including Draco, Vincent, and Gregory Goyle, a friend of Draco and Vincent. Her grandfather got everyone's attention and said. "I believe it is time for presents and cake. If Harry and Willow will take sets in the middle of the floor, the House Elves will bring them to you."
People began to form a large circle around the Potter children as they sat on two chairs conjured up by Albus Dumbledore. Both where dreading this but didn't make a fuss.
As a family brought one gift for the child of their choice, the individual piles where not too big. Harry went first and received and several nice and useful gifts like self-inking quills and auto correcting mistake paper. Two of his most extravagant presents though where a gold and red ruby Goblin made wristwatch from the Greengrass family, and a Firebolt from the Parkinson family.
Willow got mostly clothes and books in her present pile. However, she got a Goblin made silver and pearl handle hairbrush from the Crabbe family and a very lovely Humming Rose Bush from the Longbottom family. It hummed a lovely song whenever you watered the flower petals. It was the Malfoy gift Willow found most disturbing. A hollow statue of a Bullmastiff that was sitting with its mouth open.
"You're Grandfather Victor told me how much you like History, so I thought you would love this. It once belonged to the Grandfather of our first Minister of Magic, Ulick Gamp." Lucius Malfoy explained.
Willow looked at him and said. "Thank you, Lord Malfoy, it will look lovely in my greenhouse." She quickly called Tilly to take the horrible thing away.
After everyone had given there presents it was Victor's turn. He brought out two large wrapped boxes and presented them to his grandchildren. "I hope you both like what I got you. I had a hard time on picking the best gift." He said.
Harry opened his first. What was inside was a full professional Quidditch set of balls and Beater Bats. There were also a set of Chudley Cannon robes that made Ron very envious. Harry looked at his grandfather and said. "Thank you, sir."
Whitehall beamed and said. "Think nothing of it Harry, think nothing of it. Now it's Willow's turn to open hers. I hope you like it dear, Drusilla helped me pick it out the other day and said you would love it very much."
Willow's box was much larger and heavier than Harry's. She unwrapped it quickly and the box simply faded away, leaving behind a marble statue of a House Elf holding a dagger pointed at the sky. Willow was shocked to see this statue as it was a piece of magical history that Wizards had long forgotten. Much like her grandfather's Dining Room painting.
Several people in the room started laughing at the statue thinking it was a joke piece. Harry, who was more in tune with Willow than ever before, started feeling his sister's temper rise. He had first felt it rise briefly when Malfoy had given her the dog statue and now it was boiling as people laughed at the House Elf statue.
The young Wizard clapped his hands together and said. "Thank you everyone for your lovely gifts. I think it's time for cake and ice cream now though." Everyone began to make their way to the buffet table, which now housed a very impressive brown dragon shaped cake with twelve different kinds of ice cream.
As everyone began to eat and in joy the desserts, Willow noticed the American Aurors standing guard at the front entrance. Aurors McGee and DiNozzo stood facing the door with their wands drawn, as if expecting an attack, while Aurors David and Todd took up positions at the rear to back them up. Auror Gibbs made his way towards the buffet table.
Harry noticed several supposed Death Eaters tense up as the famous Dark Magic Killer approached the crowd. Gibbs stopped short and called to Victor. "Whitehall, a moment please? We have a small situation."
Everyone went quiet as Victor approached the Auror with Lucius Malfoy close behind. There was a quiet but heated conversation between Gibbs and Whitehall for a few moments before Victor turned back to the crowd and called to Willow. "Willow dear, can you come her a second?" He asked trying to sound calm.
The crowd began to talk amongst themselves as the redhead approached her grandfather. Harry decided to go with Willow, but he waved Ron, Hermione, and Ginny off when they also tried to fallow. When they reached Auror Gibbs and Whitehall, they could see their grandfather was extremely nervous.
"We have a problem in the Dining Hall. There is a demon that wishes to talk with you Willow. It would not say what it wanted, only that it has business with you." Victor explained.
"What does he look like?" Willow asked.
"The entire right side of his face is a massive burn scar and his right eye is gone. His remaining left eye is pure black, he is extremely pale, bald, and has a goatee. He stands around six foot five wearing all black robes." Gibbs said.
Willow recognized the description even if she had never met the demon in question. She had asked Spike to find him as she had need of his services. The vampire hadn't been able to contact her about Raza but apparently, he found him. The redheaded witch looked between her family, the Auror, and Malfoy and said. "There's nothing to worry about. He is an old friend of Drusilla's and he just popped by to say hello."
"He is strong enough to walk through are wards as if they weren't there. I don't like someone that powerful and potentially dangerous walking around the manor with so many people about. If you could please make him leave." Said Victor.
"Perhaps Willow should not go and meet this creature alone? It would be best if others went with her for protection." Said Malfoy. "Perhaps even Dumbledore if he can?"
Dumbledore had just walked up and heard the dilemma. "I would be glad to accompany Willow to meet the demon. It would be rather interesting I think." Dumbledore said with the ever-present twinkle in his eye.
"I want to go with you Willow!" Harry said in a worried tone.
"Don't be worried Harry, I'll be fine with Dumbledore to protect me. Auror Gibbs will also be with us I'm sure." Willow tried to calm Harry.
"You bet I'll be there. Your protection is my top priority. Yours and Harry anyways." Gibbs said with a smile also trying to calm the young Wizard.
"See Harry, everything will be fine." Willow said. With that the three celestials went to the Dining Room leaving Victor to explain to the guests that everything was fine.
When Willow entered the Dining Room, she saw a tall demon studying the painting on the wall. His description matched what Gibbs had told her. He turned as Willow and her companions entered the room.
"Do you speak the tongue of Wrasp?" He asked in an unidentifiable language that sounded like rattling bones.
"Yes I do. I would like to keep this between us if you don't mind. My companions don't need to know what we really are discussing." Willow answered back in the same language.
"Of course. The Vampire Spike tells me you have a job that requires my special talents. He says you wish to teach someone a lesson." He asked.
"You are Raza correct? I heard you were a master at sowing magic into nonmagical living flesh." Willow questioned.
"Yes, I am Raza. I can sow magic into nonmagical flesh but there are limits. There must be a connection of some sort between the magic and the living creature." He explained.
Willow walked up to the Raza and shook his hand. The demon looked confused until Willow explained. "Keeping up appearances for my companions. What do you think of the painting?" The redhead turned back towards the painting in question as she stood beside Raza.
"I find it amusing that this painting is hanging in a Pureblood Wizards home in light of what it represents. Do your people even know the truth behind it or the historical depiction that it shows?" Raza questioned.
"No." Willow said a little sadly thinking of both the painting and the House Elf statue she had received from her grandfather. "I think we should conclude this talk before my grandfather and brother become too worried." Willow said.
"Very well, what's the job?" Raza asked.
After Willow explained it to him, they shook hands again and Raza left by way of a rift that opened behind him. Willow and her companions returned to the party. Dumbledore looked at Willow and asked. "Excuse me dear, but if you don't mind what was that language you were speaking?" Gibbs also listened as he was curious to.
"That was the language of the dead that are trapped between this world and hell. It was the only language he spoke that I could understand as he doesn't speak one mortal tongue." Willow explained.
"Where the hell did you learn that?" Gibbs asked.
"You just answered your own question Leroy Gibbs." Willow said as she left her companions and headed back towards Harry and his friends. Both Dumbledore and Gibbs shared a look as they both parted ways. Gibbs grabbed his team and they went back towards the front gate.
"Everything ok boss?" McGee asked.
Gibbs didn't say anything to his team as they made their way down the lawn. He was thinking back to what he saw, and he didn't like it. He couldn't understand the language being used, but the body language spoke volumes. Willow was not a particularly good liar and she knew it, which was why she kept her responses short. He just knew in his gut that something big was about to happen.
Back at the party things where settling down as everyone was assured by Willow and Dumbledore that the demon had left without fuss. A few people thought they quietly destroyed it so no one would know there had been danger. People began to head home soon after as it was getting late.
Several people walked up to Harry and Willow to say goodbye. Willow noticed a blond-haired woman in a horrible green dress with long red finger nails approach Victor. She extended her hand and said. "Greetings, Lord Whitehall, I'm Rita Skeeter, special correspondent for the Daily Prophet. If you would be so kind as to give a few quotes for my readers. They would love to hear about what it's like to raise your grandchildren that you never knew, and how interesting it's been with the very different Potter twins. The Boy Who Lived and a young Witch that grew up in the A.R.F.M."
Willow could fell her grandfather's anxiety. He was nervous about talking with this woman. He didn't show his nervousness as he gave her a polite smile and said. "I'm sorry Ms. Skeeter, but not today. The hour grows late and it's about time to end the party. How about a picture of me and my grandchildren? If you would like to schedule an interview for later, you can owl me and will see what can be done."
Willow could fell the woman's disappointment and frustration as she smiled at Victor and said. "That would be fine Lord Whitehall. I have more than enough for a story already from tonight's activities."
Harry, Willow, and Victor allowed the photographer to take a quick picture and then he and Rita Skeeter left.
As the Malfoys, the Goyles, and the Crabbes where leaving, they came up to Victor. "Thank you for a lovely time Victor, it was so much fun." Narcissa said.
"Thank you as well for helping Willow get ready. I'm sure she appreciated it very much." Victor said. Willow just smiled but didn't say anything.
Vincent walked up to the Wicca and took her hand. He brought it up to his lips to kiss and said. "I enjoyed are time dancing Willow. May I write to you." He had a look of concentration on his face as if he was trying to remember what he was supposed to say.
The young Wicca didn't really want to write to this fool but decided to be polite. "That would be fine Vincent." She said. Harry didn't look happy about it though.
Next to approach where the Longbottoms and Dumbledore. The Headmaster gave a slight bow as he addressed Harry and Willow. "I hope you two have had a very pleasant birthday. It was a wonderful party, but I must now be going."
"Yes, Lord Whitehall, it was a splendid gathering and the food was most delightful. Thank you for having us over to celebrate such a wonderful occasion." Lady Longbottom said in a dignified tone. She stood as stiff as a board.
"Also, thank you W-Willow for showing me your greenhouse c-clearing. It was most im-impressive. I hope we can get together later and discuss H-Herbology again." Neville said nervously."
"Sure, thing Neville, just owl me about a time we can meet." Willow said cheerfully. She really did like the guy and it was fun talking to someone about Herbology. Auror McGee was fun to talk computers with but Neville was the first person she meet that knew magical plants.
Eventually everyone made their way out. A lot of people, the Minister included, had to be helped onto the magical red carpet as they had drunk to muck alcohol. Why there was alcohol being served at a kid's birthday party Willow didn't know but there had been a lot of it. At one time Vincent Crabbe had offered to get her a shot of Fire Whiskey. When she pointed out that they were to young he had responded by saying no one would care. She had still refused the drink but later saw both Vincent and Gregory take shots.
After everyone had left Victor, Harry, Willow, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all met back in the Parlor. Hermione turned to Lord Whitehall and asked. "Do you need help cleaning up sir?"
Whitehall looked at the Muggleborn girl in confusion. "No dear, the House Elves will take care of clean up." He said. Hermione didn't like his response but said nothing about it for the moment.
The American Aurors came in to say goodbye to everyone as they were finished for the night. As they left through the fireplace Gibbs stayed behind. The American Auror walked up to the Potter twins and examined their jewelry. Willow could fell her grandfather get both nervous and scared as Gibbs stood back up.
"Could I speak with you in private Victor?" He asked. By the tone of his voice everyone knew the Auror wasn't giving Lord Whitehall a choice.
Willow looked between her grandfather and Gibbs; she obviously knew what this was about. "Anything you need to say to my grandfather you can say in front of me. I'm already aware of the enchanted jewelry anyway and I already told Harry I'd explain things after the party."
Everyone looked startled at Willow's statement. Harry and his friends that the jewelry was enchanted, Whitehall that she knew about it at all, and Gibbs that she hadn't said anything until now. Willow looked at Gibbs and Harry's friends and said. "I don't have a problem with anyone staying but, I ask we keep this between us and no one else."
"I'm about to file a complaint with child protection services in the A.R.W.K. for this stunt. I want to know who decided to give you two enchanted jewelry and why!" Gibbs exclaimed.
"What does the enchantment do?" Harry asked as he took of the ring and placed it on the table. He looked towards his grandfather expecting an explanation.
"It was created to make us fell the physical effects of attraction when we met certain people to trick are brains into actually becoming attracted to that person. For me, it was Vincent Crabbe and I'm guessing for you would be Pansy Parkinson." Willow told Harry. Turning to her grandfather she asked. "Who had this idea, you or Malfoy!
"It was Lucius Malfoy. He came up with the plan and the enchantments though, I agreed to it." Victor said while hanging his head in shame.
"Why though?" Asked a confused Ginny. "If you wanted them to date Parkinson and Crabbe could you not have given them love potions or charms?"
"Such things would void a magical marriage contract, I suspect." Willow told her. Hermione, Ginny, and Harry looked appalled while Ron looked quietly at the floor. Hermione noticed his actions and grew angry.
"You knew?" She accused.
"My mom told me that this party was really a matchmaking party. She told me to watch out for them both but not tell them as it would ruin their birthday. I wanted to tell all of you, but my mom is scary." Ron said.
"Why all the secrets? Why not just tell us what the Malfoys wanted? We would never agree to marry those people anyway. What made you think this would work?" Harry asked.
"You answered your own question Harry, you would never marry those people. Lucius wanted to secure the bloodline and fortune of both the Potter and Whitehall families for the Dark Magic Families' interests. He was the one how set up the matches and carried out the plan. Crabbe and Parkinson knew what was happening, as they were both given jewelry as well so the enchantments would work." Victor explained.
"Look, I don't care whose plan it was or who okayed what. You went along with it and used magic against your own grandchildren for personal gain. The laws in England and America are different. You didn't break any English law that I'm familiar with, but you did break two under America's Magical Child Protection Acts. I have every right to take all the children with me for their own protection and fully remove Harry and Willow from your custody!" Gibbs exclaimed.
Willow noticed the hurt in her grandfather's eyes. The old man's heart was breaking at the thought of losing his grandchildren. Jethro Gibbs wasn't entirely wrong in what he was saying but, he didn't have to enjoy it so much. She could fell his smugness at being proven right.
"No, me and Harry aren't going anywhere." Willow said forcibly.
Gibbs turned to Willow and said. "No offense Willow, but legally you don't have a say in the matter."
Leroy Jethro Gibbs had never had much luck with redheads and Willow would be no exception. The Wicca's eyes turned pitch black as she stared down the old Auror. The air became heavy with magical power as she showed everyone present that her magical core was fully recovered. Gibbs slowly began to reach for his wand but stopped when Willow calmed down.
"I had no choice. All my business and money are tied into several areas that Lucius controls. He could ruin me if he wanted to." Victor explained. He was still nervous about Gibbs' threat.
"He probably has illegal dirt on you as well I'm guessing." Said Willow while giving Whitehall an exasperated look. The old Wizard looked down at the floor.
"What happens now. If we don't marry them, what will happen?" Harry asked concerned. He didn't want to lose his grandfather.
"We will need to contact Drusilla. They need her signature to make a contract legal. She may have an idea on how we can beat this. Gibbs, please hold off on legal action unless we have no other choice, please." Willow said.
"For now, I'll wait but I don't like it. These people are dangerous and not to be played with." Gibbs said.
"I'm not someone to play with ether Gibbs." Willow stated.
Gibbs just glared at Whitehall and left threw the fireplace. Harry looked around and said. "I'm going to bed. Is anyone coming?"
Ron, Ginny, and Hermione fallowed Harry out the room but everyone stopped and looked at Willow when she didn't make a move to leave. "I won't be able to sleep tonight as my core is now fully healed. I only need around four hours every two days." She said. The others continued out.
Her grandfather looked at her and said. "I'm sorry Willow, but I didn't know what else to do. Please don't be mad at me."
Willow had learned years ago that people change. Unfortunately, it was usually after a tragic event that made redemption impossible. Victor Whitehall chose to ignore the monsters that his three sons were becoming and as a result innocent people died. It wasn't until after his own sons died that he realized the error of his ways. What Willow hatted most about the situation was that she didn't know if Victor regretted his world views completely after the death of his sons, or until he learned about Lily Potter.
"Samantha Villa." Willow said.
Victor looked at his granddaughter in confusion and asked. "Who is Samantha Villa?"
"Earlier today, when the Malfoy family first showed up, I became more entuned to the people around me. You had at one time wondered who the Muggleborn girl that died in this manor was. Samantha Villa." Willow said.
The Wicca payed close attention to Victor's emotions. She felt from her grandfather shock, sadness, and anger. He was shocked that she knew what he was thinking as well as the name of his sons' victim, sad for the pore girl who died, and angry at himself for not stopping it.
"I'll help you out a little with Lucius Malfoy by continuing to correspond with Vincent Crabbe threw owl post. I doubt Harry will ever write to Pansy Parkinson and I wouldn't want him to do so ether. There is no point in leading her on. After we talk with Drusilla will decide what to do." Willow told her grandfather. With that Willow left the Parlor to go see about the greenhouses. It was a long wait until morning. Neither one noticed as a small Beatle that left the room.