Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Here is another chapter for you :) Hope you enjoy!

Chapter Fourteen

The Weasleys left about two hours after lunch. The group had left for the back patio to relax and chat. Harry caught up on what had been happening with everyone since he left the Burrow and he told them what had happened since he arrived here. He tried to be as honest about it all as possible but he skirted over the more heated arguments that had transpired.

The elves served them lemonade but Harry had quietly requested that something extra be added to his. And he savored the sting from the vodka that had been added. He knew he shouldn't have had alcohol so early in the afternoon but he compensated his worry by admitting it had been a trying and anxious day already.

Harry had just waved off the Weasleys. He had about an hour before Andromeda and Teddy were set to arrive and Harry debated where he wanted to go. The Slytherins all seemed to be occupying their time easily enough, why couldn't he? He decided on walking to the library to see if Hermione was doing well with her books. He creaked open the doors and stopped in his tracts. The scene wasn't horrendous and there wasn't a cause to be surprised enough to stop. But it was the simplicity that stopped him.

Hermione sat curled into the couch with a book on her lap thoroughly engrossed in the literature. It was a sight that he seen often enough in the common room but seeing it now sent a pang of nostalgia through him that had him frozen. Seeing her eyes feverishly absorbing the words on the page, flitting quickly across them made her look young and unhaunted. It was like nothing had happened. It was First Year when she wasn't worried about making friends or when she wasn't helping solve the mystery of what Fluffy was guarding. Or second year before she had been petrified. Third year before she became overstressed with her extra classes and worrying about him being killed by his godfather. Or fourth year before she became worried for his life in the tournament. Or fifth year when they weren't fighting off Umbridge and convincing the school the maniac was back.

Harry stopped himself there.

Had she ever had the chance to be young? Ever had the chance to not be worried for his life or the wizarding world? Had his friendship tainted her so drastically that he couldn't recall his time in knowing her when she hadn't been helping him survive?

Seeing her now, he saw her as relaxed as she had ever been since after the war. She looked comfortable. She was even responding to Theo's occasional murmured comments. Harry stood to far away to hear what the man was saying but it seemed harmless. Theo himself was reading his own book in the armchair next to hers and he would subtly glance at the witch beside him but for the most part his eyes were trained on his book, his eyes flickering leisurely as he read.

Silently swearing to himself that Harry would do all he could to make it up to Hermione, to repay her for the years she spent helping him. Ideas sparked in his mind about ways to do that but he pushed it aside for right now. He wouldn't disrupt her now, she deserved that much to read in peace.

Quietly, Harry backed out of the library unnoticed by the two scholars. At a loss for where he should go now, Harry decided to wander. His feet took him to the second floor and towards the Painting Room. Peeking inside, he saw Pansy was still there but now she had smears of paint on her porcelain skin. It was an odd sight, seeing the usually poised and elegant witch looking so casual with paint coloring her skin and her clothes, that he noticed were far grubbier than anything he had ever seen her wear before.

"You going to stand there all afternoon, Potter?" Pansy sighed, glancing up from her canvas.

"Oh, right. Sorry. Didn't want to interrupt." She gave an eye roll and went back to her canvas.

"What are you painting?"

"Nothing that concerns you."

"Didn't know you liked to paint."

"And?"

"Nothing. I just didn't ever picture you being a painter."

"I'm sure there was a lot of things you can't picture me as Potter. Just as I can't picture you as a decent conversationalist."

Suppressing a groan at the pointlessness of this conversation and how he knew it would only land him with a headache, Harry turned around and left a smirking Pansy still focused on her mysterious canvas. Back to wandering, Harry walked to the third floor and towards the observatory. It was a small staircase that led to a door in the ceiling. It reminded Harry of entering Trelawney's classroom all those years ago.

"Daphne," he started when he reached the top, seeing the blonde sitting in the center of the glass enclosed room.

"Harry." The woman gave a nod but said nothing more and went back to gazing out onto the expansive yards.

Harry took this moment to take in the room. He hadn't been there before and he was impressed by the sight. He wondered what it would look like at night with all the stars out. But even during the day the sun beat down warmly onto the floor with no walls to block it. There were some telescopes off to the side and a few blankets that looked like they had seen better days but were now inhabited by moths.

"What brings you up here?" Harry asked moving to sit on the ground next to her.

"Could ask you the same question."

"Right." Was it always so back and forth with these Slytherins? It was exhausting. They settled into silence.

"Go ahead and ask me," Daphne sighed.

"Ask you what?"

"Whatever it is you have been dying to ask me all day. I could think of a few things just from this morning alone."

"What makes you think I want to ask you anything?" Harry asked looking away.

"Because I can see the questions in your eyes."

"Fine. Why couldn't you be a professor when you were younger?"

"Well for one I wasn't old enough to be a professor when I was young."

"You know what I mean. You said at lunch that you had dreamed of it but knew it couldn't happen. Why?"

"Because I'm a woman."

"So are Professor McGonagall and Professor Sprout."

"Not what I meant. I am a woman and I am a Pureblood. Those two combined don't offer much room for dreams of the future. My job was to be married and plan parties and have children. Nothing more. Dreams of anything else were foolish."

"Oh. Well, I'm sure you'd make a great Professor."

"Stop being polite. You have no idea and I doubt you ever will."

"Fine." Harry raised his hands in surrender. Could he not give a simple compliment without having it thrown back in his face? Merlin, he would love a glass of whiskey right now. It was needed to hold even the simplest of conversations with these people. "I don't know what kind of Professor you'd be. I don't even know how you did in school."

"Better than you I'd bet."

"Ouch," Harry gasped, placing a hand on his wounded heart. "So next question on the list of questions that you are so sure I have. Why don't you want children anymore?"

"Because I know it won't happen so why I hope for the impossible? I would need a husband to have a child and there aren't exactly men jumping at the chance to marry me. Not anymore anyway."

"Oh."

"What no words of comfort?" Daphne smirked.

"What? I mean. I'm sure there is someone out there for you."

"Merlin, you aren't good at this are you?"

"Relationship advice wasn't my strongest ability." Daphne snorted at that and leaned back on her hands. "But maybe there is some way that you can teach now? Or do something with kids even if they aren't your own? Maybe both? Who knows, the world is yours now."

"Still needs work," Daphne commented, keeping her eyes on the outside. "So, since you are asking me all these questions. Why don't I ask you some?"

Harry swallowed hard. "Sure?"

"Oh relax, I won't ask you anything horrible. Not yet anyway." Harry wasn't sure if he should feel relieved or not. "If you were in our position, what would you do?"

"What?"

"I mean if you were given the chance to create a business to help the world, what would it be?"

"Oh. Dunno, really. Never considered myself the business type."

"Then why are you making us into the business type?" Harry glanced at her and her blue eyes stared at him hard.

"I'm-I'm just trying to help you. Give you a different chance. I'm not trying to make you something you're not." Daphne didn't drop her gaze. If anything her eyes turned harder and Harry gulped. "I mean how do you know you aren't a business type? You never thought to think in that direction. Now is your chance."

"Hm…" she replied but finally dropped her gaze and Harry let out a breath. "So what would you do to help the world?" Harry shrugged. "I mean besides what you've already done."

"Dunno. Never put much thought into that either. Wasn't even sure if I'd survive the war. But a Death Eater told me I'd make a decent auror and at the time I thought he was a teacher and so I kinda took that to heart. Figured fighting crime was something I was already doing so why not continue? And 'Mione said I was a great teacher when we had Dumbledore's Army back in Fifth Year and I enjoyed that. But don't think I'd make it a career or anything. Now it seems that my fate has been decided for me again by this Right of Conquest. Guess I'm to be a politician now and make the world better that way."

Daphne was silent and so was Harry, both staring out over the gardens and into the rolling hills and forest that were past the courtyard wall. Harry felt the whole situation was surreal and he wasn't sure how to proceed.

"So why did Ginny call you the Ice Queen?" Harry ventured.

Daphne stood at that and Harry glanced up in surprise. Her face had gone blank and her eyes were cold. "I think that is enough questions for one day. Somethings are better left unsaid. Goodbye."

"Wha-?" Harry gaped at the trapdoor the blonde had just left from. What had just happened? He thought they had been getting on well. She was the only one who would actually hold a conversation with him at least. What had he said to offend her? She had told him to ask his questions!

"Master!" Lopsy popped in front of him causing Harry to jump into a fighter's stance and grab his wand. "It's Lopsy, Master Harry."

"Right, can I help you Lopsy?" Relaxing his posture and dropping his wand, the rushing blood diluting itself so that he couldn't hear it in his ears any longer.

"Oh no, Lopsy is here to tell Master Harry that his other guests have arrived."

"Great. Thank you Lopsy. Can you let everyone else know."

"Of course, Master."

The elf disappeared and Harry went through the door in the floor and walked quickly to the front door. He saw the others starting to congregate on the colored furniture. Daphne didn't even glance at him and Harry frowned at that. Pansy had cleaned up the paint smears and changed, but Tracey had dirt stains on her blouse and jeans. Harry guessed she had walked straight from the Greenhouses. Hermione was even there and sat shrunk in on herself in the blue armchair, slightly apart from everyone else who merely glanced at her but said nothing.

For some reason, Harry wasn't as nervous about greeting Andromeda and Teddy. He felt that Andromeda would better understand what he was trying to do, seeing as she was also a Slytherin. Walking to the front door, Harry swung it open and nodded to Andromeda and felt a small grin tug at his lips at the sight of Teddy. The boy was only a few months old by now and had a small tuft of hair that was currently black. The baby gave a delighted squeal and gurgle at the sight of Harry.

"Andromeda, welcome," Harry greeted.

"Same to you Harry. Here, take hold of this godson of yours," she chuckled handing the squirming baby over to him. He grabbed hold onto the soft, squishy, tiny body awkwardly but Teddy didn't fuss at the awkward holding and settled easily into his arms. Harry hadn't gotten the hang of holding the boy during the first few visits between him and Andromeda. "I must say I was very surprised by your letter. A lot seems to have happened."

The woman looked so similar to her older sister that it always gave Harry's heart a jolt. But this woman was much kinder and gentler looking. He sometimes wondered if Bellatrix had looked like that before Voldemort and before Azkaban. "Yes, I have so much to tell you. We will go to my office and I'll explain everything. But I think you'll get an idea when you see who else lives here." Andromeda cocked an eyebrow but said nothing as she followed Harry into the lobby. If she was surprised by the congregation of teenagers, she said nothing only tilting her head in a calculating way. "Andromeda, please allow me to introduce you to Tracey, Gregory, Pansy, Astoria, Blaise, Theo, Daphne, your nephew, Draco, and of course you know Hermione. Everyone this is Andromeda and Teddy," he said nodding down to the bundle in his arms.

"Oh he is so cute!" Tracey squealed coming forward, her eyes on Teddy and her fingers looking like they wanted to reach out and grab him but she was mentally restraining herself.

"You think that now, just wait till you have to feed the tyke. Just like his mum, I swear," Andromeda remarked. "Well, it is nice to meet you but Harry I think you owe me some explanations."

"Of course."

"Oh, Harry, can you leave Teddy here? He is so cute. I can take him up to the nursery. I swear I won't hurt him." Harry stared in surprise at the woman and glanced at Andromeda who seemed amused by the exchange.

"Sure. We'll come back up after I speak with Andromeda." Tracey nodded eagerly and deftly shifted Teddy into her arms, cooing at the boy who didn't seem to mind the new person and Harry watched as the black tuft of hair changed to strawberry blonde.

"A metamorphmagus?" Tracey asked in shock, looking up from the baby.

"Just like his mother," Andromeda replied with a sad smile. "Now, Harry, explanations?"

"Of course, right this way." Harry lead the way to the office in the library, still anxious about having left Teddy with Tracey, though he doubted the woman would purposefully hurt the baby. Andromeda was silent the entire time. And seated herself easily into the chair facing the desk, the same one Daphne had resided in only a few days ago. Harry settled himself and watched Andromeda's wizened eyes take in everything.

"So, care to start explaining?" she asked finally.

"Right. Well, turns out Right of Conquest is a thing and when I defeated Voldemort I gained possession of everything he owned. And it turns out he owned a lot because every time one of his followers pledged themselves to him they pledged their accounts and properties as well." Andromeda's eyes widened slightly but that was the only indication she was affected by this news. "This book," he said bringing forth the large book from one of his desk drawers, "is an in depth account of everything. All the accounts and what is in them, all of the properties and where they are. All of it."

"That doesn't explain this place nor does it explain your classmates living with you."

"Yeah. Right. So, this is one of the few houses the I actually inherited on my own. This and Potter Manor. And well my fellow classmates. Turns out they belonged to Voldemort."

"Merlin," Andromeda breathed, bringing a hand to her heart.

"Yeah, their parents donated their children into his service and so I now….own...them. There were a few others but some have passed and some chose Azkaban."

"Hm...so that's it then? You are just owning these young people? I expected better of you Harry." Her disapproving frown made Harry's face flush.

"No, not it at all. I'm giving them the chance to work back their freedom. See if they live here and if they create a business or charity that will better the wizarding world then in five years they are free and have their accounts and properties back."

"That's more like it," Andromeda replied, resting her back against the chair and surveying Harry with approving eyes. "Nymphadora and Remus would have been pleased with your decision."

"Seems like they would be some of the few."

"Nonsense, others will come around, just give them time," the woman said with a dismissive wave.

"I'm glad you think so," Harry remarked, slouching into his chair.

"Now, is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

"There wasn't but now that you mention it, if you ever wish to. You can stay here too."

Andromeda blinked in surprise and Harry was surprised at his offer. He hadn't planned on offering Andromeda a place here, she was an adult and had a place of her own. But now that he had he was glad he had thought of it.

"You wish for me to live here?"

"If you want to. I mean, I'm sure the lot of us could do with someone with more experience. There is a room for you, there are lots of rooms actually, and Teddy has a nursery. I'd love to see more of him. And I'm sure that you're house is rather lonely now and I'd like to see more life in this one." Andromeda was silent as she gazed at him. The more Harry talked, the more he felt sure in his decision to extend the offer. "I mean this house is one for refuge and healing and rehabilitation and whatever else it can be. You don't have to stay here, but just know it is an offer."

"Thank you. But I must hold off on giving you an answer right yet. Quite a lot to think about."

"Of course and I'm sorry I sprung this on you. But you must know one more thing. Your sister, Narcissa. I'm meeting with her tomorrow and Draco has asked that I extend an invitation for her to live here as well. I don't know if she will accept but just know it is a possibility."

"Yes, thank you, Harry. Now how about you give me a tour of this house of yours."

Nodding eagerly, Harry gave the older woman a tour of the grounds and the floors and stopped at the Nursery where they heard childish squeals coming from within. Pushing open the door Harry saw Tracey, who still had dirt stains on her clothes but her hands had been cleaned, and Gregory kneeling on the floor. Gregory had Teddy in his arms and Tracey was tickling the child with a feather.

"Oh Harry, hi. Andromeda," Tracey said seeing the two enter. Gregory glanced up and nodded at the two and then went back to looking at Teddy. Harry had never seen the large man ever look so fondly at something other than food. It was impressive. Guess there was a lot he didn't know about the Slytherins after all.

"How have you two been?" Andromeda asked strolling forward.

"Great, Teddy is such a dear," Tracey replied, kneeling back beside the infant.

"You two seem to have a way with children, Teddy doesn't usually take to strangers so quickly."

Gregory shrugged and Harry saw the man's cheeks pinken slightly and Tracey just shrugged. "Oh I just love babies, I've always gotten on with them."

The rest of the afternoon was spent in the Nursery with Tracey and Gregory, the four adults playing with baby Teddy and leaving that room for dinner, Harry felt the stresses he had been carrying were gone. Teddy was a miracle worker.

Dinner was probably the easiest meal, Harry had experienced at Peverell Manor since he arrived. Hermione sat beside him and across from Daphne, and Andromeda sat beside Gregory at the end while Teddy was quite content to be passed between Gregory and Tracey throughout dinner, much to the amusement of the other residents. No one seemed to remain angry with a giggling baby present. It was comforting to see that life was continuing and growing after such a dark time. And even if Andromeda didn't chose to live at the house with them, he hoped she brought Teddy over all the time.

That night, Harry had managed to persuade Andromeda to agree to coming again early the next week before she left with the sleeping Teddy in her arms. "So, Hermione, how about you? Want to stay the night or head back to the Burrow?" He turned to his best friend as they sat in the informal sitting room after seeing his other guests off. Harry hadn't used this room yet but it was cozy and comfortable. Hermione shrugged and looked down at her hands. They both held wine glasses but while Hermione's was still full and hardly touched, Harry was about to need to pour himself another glass. She pulled at her sleeve, while watching the red liquid slosh about in her glass. "Come on Hermione, what are you thinking?" She shrugged again and Harry sighed in frustration. "Come on 'Mione, talk to me."

Silence.

"Well, if you won't talk, you can listen I suppose. I have an offer for you. Why don't you stay here permanently?"

Hermione jerked her head up and stared at Harry. It pleased him to see her mind working behind those brown eyes. Pleased he was receiving a response. "Live here?" she whispered.

"Yeah. I could do with a friendly face. And you were supported me before, figured you could help me see this plan all the way through. It will also get you out of the house a bit."

"Wouldn't object to that," she muttered.

"Is everything alright over there?"

"Yeah. It's all fine. Just crowded but at the same time so empty."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. Sadly, it's kind of the same here. But I saw you earlier, in the library; reading. I haven't seen you look that relaxed in a long time." Hermione glanced down and her lips twitched slightly.

"It was quite nice," she admitted quietly.

"And honestly I suppose it is mostly my fault that you haven't been able to relax like that. Being my friend does tend to get people in life threatening situations."

"I won't argue that. But you know I don't blame you for anything."

"Yeah, I know. Doesn't stop me for doing it though." Harry drained the last few drops from his glass to cover up his bitterly blaise tone. He started pouring himself another glass in order to avoid Hermione's eyes. "So come live here. Let me help you."

"Help me?" she huffed. "What makes you think there is something wrong with me?" The fire was alight in her eyes and Harry felt his lips twitching.

"Nothing at all. Nothing is wrong with you, of course. What I meant was let me help you relax, let me help you move forward. And in doing so I can repay you for all the times you had to stress over my life." Hermione just shot him a glare and slouched back in the chair.

"I guess living here wouldn't be so terrible. I have missed you these past few days. And the library is tempting." Harry chuckled but it sounded dry. "Alright, fine. I'll stay."

"Great! I'm glad to have you with me. Really, it means a lot." Hermione just nodded, ducking her head again. Sensing that his friend was done talking, he leaned back. "You can pick any room you want. If you want to go home and pack that's fine or I can ask one of the elves to go gather your stuff."

"I'll pick up my stuff in the morning. I'm tired now." She stood and turned to leave and Harry just nodded, watching her leave. Taking her cue, Harry also stood and followed her out. The two walked in silence towards the staircase. The lights were out in the house and the fading light from the sun shone dimly through the windows. It set an odd feeling for the house, Harry thought as they strode up the stairs. It was cold but the fading light made it warm and hopeful. Harry stood at the stairs while Hermione made her rounds around the second floor. Checking out empty bedrooms. She returned and shook her head.

"There is only one room left on the third floor." She just nodded and started walking up the stairs. The walked in silence towards the last empty bedroom it was stationed between Harry's and the Observatory entrance. Reaching the empty bedroom door, Harry gestured to the room and Hermione glanced at it, tilting her head and observing it. Finally she gave a definitive nod, as though the room had passed some sort of test. "Good night, Hermione. I'm glad you're here."

"G'night, Harry," she said softly, before stepping into the room and closing the door.

Sighing, Harry moved towards his room. It had been an incredibly long day and he was barely able to stand. Though he doubted sleep would come easy. It never did now. But he would still try to get some sleep. But he knew in a couple hours he would be downstairs with a glass in his hand. At least some things were becoming normal.