Wheels Within Wheels
Iolanthe
Chapter Fifty-Nine
Potterdom: Adjustments and Adaptations
When Harry Potter made his decision on the Potters' way forward in establishing relations with his newly-discovered daughter he promptly put the issue away in a compartment and went back to spending time with Evans and Davis and getting ready for Black Christmas. Harry liked Black Christmas more than any other day of the year, especially when they could schedule it for Iolanthe's birthday on the first.
The weather in Cornwall could be frightful on or about the first of December, but if so the party would just stay inside with the Christmas trees, the red and gold ribbons, Tracey's beautiful decorations and floral designs, and lots of food, wassail and good feelings all around.
Moira arrived with the rest of the Hogwarts delegation on Friday night. James was in his Turley sweater, which everyone agreed was just the thing for December. Moira had one sample completed. She'd brought it to the Black estate so she could show it to Tracey and take any suggestions Tracey might have and apply them to the next piece.
Iolanthe and Moira shared the tower room again. Most of their conversations at Hogwarts consisted of two words: 'Moira' and 'Iolanthe.' Iolanthe took the initiative this time.
"Moira," she said. Moira didn't say anything.
"I know you're awake," Iolanthe went on.
"You would be correct," Moira said. "We just got into bed."
"Are you warm enough?" Iolanthe asked. "I can do a warming charm."
Moira pondered Iolanthe's sudden chattiness.
"I'm okay," Moira said. "Your family provided this nice down comforter, as you know. What are we doing, Iolanthe?"
"Oh, I just thought, we could start communicating more," Iolanthe said. "That is, if you were ready."
Moira interlaced her fingers behind her head and stared up at the ceiling.
"Iolanthe, I don't want to take your brother away from you," Moira said. "I love him. He knows it. Does that make me some kind of threat?"
It was Iolanthe's turn to stop talking and think.
"No," she said at last. "I did think that way for a time. Was it obvious?"
"It was obvious something was going on," said Moira.
"Sorry," said Iolanthe.
"I know," said Moira. "I give you credit for trying."
"I'll do better," said Iolanthe.
"You have been," Moira said, "And I appreciate it, very much. Iolanthe, we are profoundly different personalities. I'm not going to become an intellectual giant like you. I still think James is a genius, of course, but one with a very practical mind. He and I both like staying busy doing things and getting results. He is the most decent human being I think I have ever met, other than my mum. I believe with all my heart there is a good chance I will be able to make your brother happy for a long, long time. Will it please you to see him happy?"
Iolanthe sniffed her nose. She was glad it was dark in the tower room. She looked across the gap at Moira in the bed opposite. Moira's eyes shone as she stared back.
"Yes," said Iolanthe.
"Moira?" she continued. "Where did you pick up 'profoundly?' That is not a fourth-year word."
"I heard it, and could gist the meaning from context, so I looked it up," said Moira. "Used correctly, 'profoundly different' describes us accurately, I think. It should be useful in years to come, as I explain our relationship to new people."
Iolanthe couldn't answer until she restored her breathing.
"So we are ready to be more communicative?" asked Iolanthe.
"Haven't we been doing just that?" said Moira. "Ready to go to sleep?"
"Yes," said Iolanthe. "G'night."
Saturday was blustery and no one felt like a ramble meaning they all pestered Tracey for jobs. Fabio and Kendra arrived early, so Moira got to sit down for some quality time with her mentor. Kendra was very pleased with Moira's progress and told her so. Hermione joined them when the Granger-Weasleys arrived. She, too thought Moira was making strides as a rune-witch.
"What?"
Zelda was the first person Moira encountered when she left Hermione and Kendra.
"You're all aglow," answered Zelda.
"You're dressed, aren't you?" Moira asked. "I'm going up to change. Want to come? I'll tell you about it."
The rest of the weekend went well. Turnout for Black Christmas was good. The return trip to Hogwarts was incident-free for Millicent and the students. Everyone looked forward to the Christmas-New Year break just weeks away.
"She's seventeen," Daphne said.
She sat at the end of the sofa, feet up on the ottoman, in the salon at the Black estate, staring into the cherry red coals in the grate. Harry and Tracey filled out the seating. No one wanted to get up and add a log, so they sat in the dim light, staring as the last ones were slowly consumed.
"Officially a full-blown adult witch," Harry said. "Look out, World."
"I don't know what I'm going to do when Zelda gets there," Tracey said. "This is hard enough."
"You'll cope," Harry said. "I think that is what parents do. We aren't the first family to have our babies grow up. Did you see James and Moira? They were standing together, receiving people. Like a host and hostess! James told me he wants to go to Black Picnic, a little over two years from now, and get married the week after."
"And you said?" Daphne demanded.
"I asked if he'd proposed," said Harry. "He said no. Then I asked if he could at least wait and let Moira enjoy one summer as an adult before they went ahead. James didn't see the point."
"Of course he'd want to make it official and get on with life," said Tracey. "Moira is one beautiful girl. Did you see her skirt? That is the Isle of St. Magnus tartan, but she turned it into a sheath, not a kilt. She took the traditional material and perfect taste and gave it an original look. I can't see the little banshee anymore. She's a Witch Weekly cover-in-waiting.
"When I talked to them they didn't mention any compelling interests that require putting distance between themselves. James was talking about experimenting with greenhouses on St. Magnus. Moira thinks she can find some witches for a knitting co-op. They're serious. It's fun being around them."
"Maybe we'll move to l'Anse," Harry said. "James and Moira can run all of this. We'll come to visit regularly, then walk away from our mess."
"Brilliant plan," said Daphne. "Well-thought-out."
The coals were the only light in the room. Tracey and Daphne had shed their footwear and Harry was enjoying the way their bare feet looked, silhouetted against the red glow, while trying not to think in hubristic terms about how it was good to be the grandee.
Flames grew over the coals although no one had added anything to the fire.
"Harry Potter!" said a female voice.
"That depends," said Harry.
"It's Hestia," said the voice, adding, "Carrow."
"Hullo, Hestia," Harry said. "You're up late."
Hestia didn't respond.
"Can we do something for you?" Harry asked.
"Did you talk to Daphne?" Hestia asked.
"Of course," Harry said. "We're very close. How can we help you?"
No response.
A slightly different voice spoke.
"Can we come through?"
"Hestia and Flora?"
"Yes."
Harry looked at Daphne, who shrugged. Why not?
Tracey stood, muttered something about getting decent that Harry didn't quite catch, and crossed to the stairs.
"Sure," Harry said, drawing his wand. Daphne drew hers, just in case.
The fireplace filled with green flames and two women came through, the second stumbling slightly as she caught her balance. The ash on her cloak fell to the carpet as her feet hit the floor.
"Sorry," she said, but Daphne wasn't perturbed.
"Melon!" she called. "Melon, a little cleanup there, the ash from the floo. Then the ladies' cloaks to the closet, please. After that's done I expect we might all like a beverage of some kind."
Daphne stood while Melon got rid of the ash and relieved the Carrows of their traveling cloaks.
"So," she said.
Harry stood and started thinking about seating. They needed two more places. Harry did a little wand work and made room for two stuffed arm chairs from the other side of the room. He brought a small side table for each chair, then lit two more lamps to give the room better light.
"Are we interrupting anything?" Hestia asked, realizing Daphne was wearing a long emerald caftan with silver trim. Harry was shoeless, wearing the black trousers from the Black Christmas party and a white shirt, open at the neck.
"Nothing worth worrying about," said Daphne. Melon was back and ready to take orders for refreshments.
"I recommend tea, if you're all agreeable," Daphne said, not getting any demurrals. "A pot of the black tea, Melon, and perhaps a lemon square for each of us."
Melon came right back with a tray holding a teapot and four cups and saucers. Harry distributed the china and Daphne poured.
"Milk? Sugar? Lemon?" Daphne offered.
The lemon squares arrived and everyone took their time eating.
The Carrows had learned social graces from somewhere, it was plain. They complimented Daphne on the house, the seasonal decorations, and the furnishings. They heartily approved of Melon and her obvious skill as a member of household. The lemon squares were the best they'd ever had. They wondered if they were made there at Potter Manor. Daphne gently corrected them, noting they were at the Black estate, but they'd undoubtedly be visiting Potter Manor at some point.
Flora looked from Daphne's hands to Harry's, then back at Daphne's. The Potters didn't make a fuss about titles. On the other hand, there wasn't any need to be coy. They were magical nobility, so the Carrows needed to make their peace with that fact.
Hestia finished her lemon square, put her plate and fork on the table next to her chair and took a sip of tea. When she'd returned the cup to its saucer she looked at Harry.
"Harry, there is something I have to tell you," she began. "Flora and I called on Daphne in London and made a clean breast of it, but decency requires that I tell you, to your face. After our time together, when we were all still very young, Flora and I cast some spells according to some old, old witchcraft, and we used them some years later to try to become pregnant. I conceived and had a daughter. She is in your son James' year at Hogwarts. Her name is Hester. Flora and I raised her ourselves, but she is going through some youthful trials and I worry she may be experimenting. I also think she may be discovering her connection with the Potters. She and James share some features."
Harry looked at Daphne.
"Go ahead," Daphne said, adding, in a very low mutter, "Within reason."
"I'm not going to judge," Harry said. "Tell us why you're here. What do you want us to do?"
"She's your daughter!" Hestia began. "She needs…"
"Exactly," said Harry. "You have never confirmed the facts of her paternity, have you?"
"No," Hestia said. "We didn't think it would matter. I got pregnant and it wasn't possible for her father…That's as far as it ever went. Flora and I raised her together. A little muggle town in Surrey. We barely made it to eleven. She's full of magic. We thought we'd have to move."
"Not Little Whinging, was it?" Harry asked, hating himself for it.
Flora and Hestia sat up straight.
"Right next door," Flora said.
"And now she's figuring out who she is, with no idea how she got here," Harry said, leaning back and looking up at the ceiling. "So she is filling in blank space with speculation, if I remember my own fifteen-year-old mental processes."
Harry looked at Daphne. Daphne smiled and nodded.
"Before we go further, let me say I want to help, and I have no idea why anyone would approach this the way you did, but I will try to keep an open mind," Harry said. "My only goal will be to help our daughter. Are you willing to accept that?"
"I think so," said Hestia, "But could you tell us a little more? What do you mean by help?"
"I owe our older children some information regarding Hester," Harry began. "They have another sister and they need to know the story. I've been holding off until you and I could have this conversation. Hester will have some adjusting to do. An adolescent doesn't go from fatherless girl from Surrey to member of a Noble and Ancient lineage overnight without some issues. If you tell her about me, she'll have expectations. She sees James and Iolanthe and all the people they associate with at Hogwarts. I will try to work out a role she can tolerate. She might need a little help learning to live with it all."
"I thought you could just talk to her," Hestia said. "Give her some advice."
"Hestia," Harry said. "Come on, please. After fifteen years I'm supposed to fly in to see a young woman on the brink of adulthood and say what?"
"Hi, let me introduce myself. I'm your dad, your mum thought you could use a little wisdom from your male parent, so study hard, don't drink alcohol, don't experiment with drugs, don't let the boys manhandle you, and you'll do fine. Owl me if there's a problem."
"More tea?" suggested Daphne.
Everyone welcomed the break, as Daphne suspected they would. She heard a stair squeak and looked to see Tracey about to descend. Daphne waved her over.
Tracey had changed into an emerald silk pajama set that closed up to her throat with fancy silver loops over hammered silver buttons. She had brushed her hair up and back and let it fall freely over her shoulders. Harry noticed her nails were silver, although they'd been crimson just a few minutes before. She had put on a little perfume, something musky, herbal, earthy, smoky, that put Harry in mind of the later stages of a summer solstice revel. He wondered what kind of effect it had on witches, or if it was just something they concocted to put distracting thoughts into the minds of wizards.
"Ladies," said Tracey as she floated across the carpet, her feet silent in their emerald green silk slippers.
"Flora," Tracey said, leaning over to kiss Flora on both cheeks before pulling Flora's head close and holding it to her breast for several beats. Tracey repeated the performance with Hestia. Both Hestia and Flora raised their teacups to their lips, faces flushed and eyes ablink. Harry smiled at Tracey when she looked at him.
"Thanks," he thought, hoping it conveyed.
"Another cup, please, Melon," Daphne called. She looked around for another chair.
"Would you mind one of the chairs from the dining room, Tracey?" Daphne asked. "There's room right here by me."
Melon made quick work of the chair and had a place for Tracey with a snap of her fingers.
"So," Tracey said as she lowered her teacup to her saucer. "We have another quidditch star to deal with."
Daphne leaned against the back of the sofa and let Tracey work a little social magic. The Carrows relaxed, told some tales out of school from Hogwarts days, and settled into the circle. Harry held back, tried to listen and pick up useful facts while letting the Slytherins talk and talk.
"…so maybe she could meet Harry and we could start there," Hestia summed up.
"If it helps Hester," Harry said, "I want to do it. At some point it may be necessary to take the chance it will all be screwed up worse than before. She might be angry at me for being absent, or at you, Hestia, for keeping the truth from her. People in their mid-teens do not always think rationally. Emotion plays a role, or so I've heard."
Harry and Daphne shared a look.
"How do you want to do it?" Hestia asked.
"Pick a weekend when she isn't playing quidditch, bring her home on Friday night and come to the house for lunch on Saturday," Harry said. "James and Iolanthe will be at Hogwarts so we can all sit down around the table and have a meal and talk it through. After that point we will have to take Hester's views into account at each step. You understand, don't you? We can't spring this on her and expect her to return to the status quo ante. It all changes as soon as you tell her about her origins. Another thing, keeping this back is a form of lying. Be prepared for trust issues. You'll have to be honest to a fault. I'll own up to our time at the Leaky Cauldron and you will have to tell her the truth about how she was conceived. She's a witch, if we get lucky, she might think it is the coolest thing ever."
Some of the Black grande dames cackled at Harry's comment, relishing the tricky magic and suddenly-unstuck deception. Harry got the impression the Carrows were making a good first impression.
Hestia and Flora looked at each other.
"Okay," Hestia said as she stood. "Thank you for seeing us, and the refreshments. Everything was wonderful, including our reception. Better than we deserved, perhaps."
"Nonsense," said Tracey, standing up. "If you did what you thought was best at the time, that's all anyone can ask."
She pulled the Carrows in for good-bye hugs once more. Following handshakes with Harry and Daphne the Carrows took the floo back to Surrey.
Tracey stood before the fireplace, hands on her hips, looking at Daphne.
"They haven't changed since school," Tracey said. "Connive, connive, connive, then 'Ooops! Someone tell us what to do next.' Talk about biting off more than you can chew."
"Well, some conniving is to be expected," Daphne said. "By extension, it will get out of hand once in awhile. Otherwise we'd be muggles, wouldn't we? Nightcap, anyone?"
The nightcap ended up being a small glass of elven-made black cherry wine each, hardly enough to make a fuss over. On top of Black Christmas and the meeting with the Carrows it soon had eyes drooping. Daphne saw Harry's head begin to nod and gave his arm a little shake.
"Go on up, we're almost done here," Daphne told him, and Harry got up and headed for the stairs. Daphne took a tiny sip from her glass. The sound of the door closing made it down to the salon.
"Lovely perfume. Did you distill it yourself?" Daphne asked as she set her glass down on the end table. "It's very well-balanced, or perhaps it just works harmoniously with you and your current hormonal state."
"Whatever do you mean?" Tracey asked. Daphne eyed her.
"I like the way the world works around here," Daphne said. "We aren't going to start treating it disrespectfully."
"Of course not," Tracey said. "In fact, I did distill, and decant it, extra carefully, precisely to insure against unbalancing your world. Which I recognize I inhabit by your grace."
"It really does smell lovely," said Daphne, breathing in deeply through her nose as she stood and reached for Tracey's hand. They climbed the stairs that way. Daphne stopped in the hallway in front of the bedroom door.
"You will not go wicked witch on me," Daphne said. It wasn't a question.
"Harry, make some room," she said, leading Tracey inside.
The wizarding world that had been speculating about the three of them for the better part of two decades would have been sorely disappointed had the Daily Prophet published a full report the next morning. Harry and Daphne made sure Tracey knew how much they appreciated her social skills, that were critical to success in their getting-to-know-you hour with the Carrows. Davis got restless and started talking to himself and Daphne was absent until she could get him back to sleep. They learned that they liked cuddling in the beginning but if three cuddle the one in the middle quickly gets too hot and has to move to the outside.
There weren't even any sheepish looks over breakfast. Instead, everyone wanted to talk about the Carrows and when they could expect to have to make good on their offer of dinner.
Harry and Daphne returned to Potter manor with Evans and Davis while Tracey remained at the Black estate to stage her midwinter events. Daphne had taken Black Christmas off from St. Mungo's, so she went in around ten on Sunday morning to see her patients, read charts and consult with staff.
The Hogwarts calendar set the beginning of winter break for a Wednesday. Students who were not struggling were welcome to stay for the Hogwarts Express, or, with their parents' permission, could leave any time after Friday afternoon by private means. Hestia went to Hogsmeade on Saturday morning to meet Hester. They used the floo to go directly from the Three Broomsticks to Potter Manor, where Flora awaited their arrival.
Daphne was having tea with Flora in the salon when they arrived. She called for Periwinkle's assistance with cloaks and hats then stood waiting for one of the Carrows to begin making introductions. It seemed they hadn't worked that out in advance so no one did anything, until Daphne stepped over to Hester and extended her hand.
"I'm Daphne Potter," she said. "You must be Hester."
Hester looked at Daphne for a beat or two before putting her hand forward.
"Hester Carrow," she said, curtsying as she took Daphne's hand.
"Very nice to meet you, Hester," Daphne said. "Can I offer you tea, juice, mineral water? Do you drink coffee?"
"I like coffee," Hester said. "A little mineral water to go with it would be nice."
Daphne asked Periwinkle to take care of everyone's refreshment needs and invited Hester to sit.
"So, Hester, you're a seeker," said Daphne.
Hester looked at her and nodded.
"Four snitches so far this season," she said.
Periwinkle came back and distributed everyone's drinks.
"Where is he?" Hester asked.
"Hester!" said Hestia. Flora looked very uncomfortable.
"Out walking," Daphne said. "If he's not back when you've finished your coffee we can go run him down. I know the way he went. Do you have any questions for me?"
"Do you hate me?" Hester asked. Hestia reached over and touched Hester's forearm this time.
"Hester we are guests!" she said.
"No, I don't hate you," Daphne said. "You haven't given me any reason to. We've been looking forward to meeting you. Do you hate me?"
Hester flinched. She didn't say anything right away, she just looked at Daphne.
"No," she said at last. "I hear you are a good person. You're a healer, aren't you?"
"Yes, I specialize in mental maladies," Daphne said. "There is plenty of work among wizards and witches for my kind of healer."
Hester stopped scowling for the first time since she had arrived. She thought over what Daphne had said.
"Yes," she said, getting a half-smile. "That stands to reason. Iolanthe works with Madame Pomfrey, doesn't she?"
"Yes, she plans to stay for her seventh year and go on for her mastery," Daphne said. "Have you gotten to the point of making career plans?"
"I'd like to play quidditch, if I'm picked up," Hester said. "If not I could teach flying."
The great front door opened and someone called "Hullo!" from the central hall.
"In here," Daphne called back, getting up and crossing the room to open the door. She stepped out into the hall. Harry gave her a questioning look, and Daphne tilted her head, just slightly, toward the salon. Harry took off his cloak and handed it to Periwinkle. He stopped just outside the door and took a deep breath. Daphne touched his cheek with her fingertips and gave him a wink.
Harry stepped into the salon and looked around. He knew the Carrow twins, of course, but he didn't recognize Hester through elimination. The young woman sitting between Hestia and Flora could have been James' twin. She had the same cheekbones, perhaps softened just a bit, a headful of rowdy black hair, and Harry Potter's green eyes.
"Hester," Harry said, extending his right hand.
"Lord Potter-Black," said Hester. She stood, took his hand, and dropped into a curtsy. "I'm so honored to meet you."
"We are so pleased you are here," Harry said. "Periwinkle?"
The elf appeared with a 'pop.'
"Lord Harry?" she said.
"Let's freshen up the drinks for everyone, please," Harry said.
"Of course, Lord Harry," Periwinkle said before disapparating.
Harry waved to everyone to sit.
"It's good to make your acquaintance, finally, Hester," Harry said.
He thought about going on and decided against it. He'd almost said something clumsy about making up for lost time. Harry was improvising. He tried to make himself edit before he opened his mouth. Of course a fifteen-year-old wouldn't countenance her father trying to reverse reality. The best he could do would be to minimize further damage. Even if it wasn't his fault, considering he'd just been apprised of her existence, she would not readily fill the emotional gap caused by his absence.
Harry chose his next words carefully, thinking them through before he started to talk. This left a long silence in the salon, because no one wanted to be the first to speak any more than Harry did.
"Hester, Daphne and I are thrilled your mother and Aunt Flora have brought you to our attention. I'm sorry we didn't know about you sooner, but what's past is past. With your kind permission, we will start over from right now," Harry said.
"Do you want to make up for lost time?" Hester asked, her eyes frozen, staring straight into Harry's.
"No, that's impossible, and I would be insulting your intelligence to try and convince you we can do that. What's done is done. We'll walk and talk for now. Have something to eat together," Harry said.
"Make introductions," he added, as an afterthought. "How long have you known?"
Flora and Hestia shot looks between them.
"Harry…," Hestia tried, but Harry raised his hand, the right one, with the Black signet.
"Miss Hester," he said, "Has the floor."
The Carrows sat there, and took it.
"Mother confessed a few weeks ago," Hester said. "Don't frown Mother, you did. It's true. We sat down and you confessed. You never would tell me the truth."
Hester turned back to Harry.
"First year, some people told me they thought I looked like James, and maybe a little like Iolanthe," Hester said. "I thought it was possible we were cousins, somehow. Half of Hogwarts are third cousins or closer. We don't always know."
"When we went back this year it was obvious we have someone in common, and close. I asked Mother again, after the Slytherin match," Hester finished.
"Mm-hmm," Harry said. "We had our talk here around that time. You figured it out. You're a credit to Ravenclaw. What would you like to do now?"
"I was going to ask you," Hester said. "What is next?"
"I'm not a lawyer," Harry said. "I will be consulting a good magical family law specialist with a view to coming up with options. At the very least we would like to get you familiar with your Potter family history to start. You have a right to know how half of you came about."
The Carrows both took in sharp, audible breaths. Neither said anything, but Harry resolved to have a private conversation with them as soon as possible. If there were still gaps hidden around the truth of Hester's origins he didn't want to find them by accident.
"Let's take a walk," Harry said as he stood up. "Everyone. Periwinkle!"
Periwinkle and Daphne collaborated on getting Evans and Davis dressed for outdoors, then returned downstairs. Outerwear distributed and put on, the little group walked through the house to the patio. Harry led the way across the lawn to the area they maintained for the woodlanders.
"Some old, old species live in these woods," Harry said. "Very traditional creatures, close to the old ways of Earth, the kinds of things that barely come through in a few myths and fables. Wouldn't you say, Daphne?"
"Yes," Daphne said. "They've been here forever. They're kind of shy, with one exception."
"Maybe we can introduce everyone," Harry speculated. "Plum?"
"We'll just wait here for a few minutes," Harry said. "Have you had Magical Creatures yet?"
Plum didn't make a lot of noise as he moved through the woods, so the Carrows could be forgiven if they said he'd just appeared.
"Plum," Harry said. "How is everything? How are the woodlanders?"
"Normal, looking forward to spring," said the faun. He looked at the Carrows.
"Plum, let me make some introductions," Harry said. "This is Flora Carrow and Hestia Carrow, who are Hogwarts classmates of ours. Ladies, this is Plum, who is quite prominent in the woodlander community here."
The Carrows nodded and muttered they were pleased to meet Plum.
"Plum, this young lady requires her own introduction," Harry continued. "Hester is my daughter. I have just made her acquaintance. I hope she will receive the same reception our other children do whenever she visits the woods."
"Of course, Lord Harry, the Potters are always welcome," Plum said. "Miss Hester, I hope we will see you often."
Plum finished with a sweeping bow.
"Wonderful," Harry said. "Best regards to your colleagues."
Harry led the way back to the gardens. They walked the paths as far as James' Exquisite Conservatory. The Potter twins amused themselves by finding little depressions with puddles of water which they attempted to splash on one another.
"This is where James spends his time when he's at home," Harry said. "He started working with my godson, Teddy Lupin, who got interested in plants and gardening when he was young. They both grow magical plants for Daphne's father, Fabio Greengrass."
"What's that?" Hester asked, pointing down to the valley of the Dart.
"At the bottom?" Harry asked. "The River Dart is in those trees. The river made the valley. Let's go this way."
Harry didn't say where they were going but Daphne figured it out soon enough. Harry walked with Evans and Davis so everyone matched the twins' pace. Even so, they reached the outer boundaries of the Mill property in decent time. Harry led the way to the front door, opened it, and motioned everyone inside.
Daphne started a fire in the fireplace, lit the lamps and went ahead to the Baths.
"Bathrooms are through here, if anyone needs them," she said. The Carrows took her up on the offer.
"Hester, have you met the twins?" Daphne asked, then answered her own question. "I don't think we introduced you. This is Fabio Evans and this is Kingsley Davis. Don't try to tell them apart right away. The differences are extremely subtle. They know their names though, so if you want one just ask for him by name. Oh, we don't call them Fabio and Kingsley, they go by Evans and Davis."
"O-kay," said Hester, a bit of hesitation apparent in her tone. "When do I get introduced to the rest of the family?"
"No one has gotten that far yet," Harry said. "We arranged this with Hestia and Flora to let us meet you without a lot of distractions around. We didn't know how you would react to your situation, or to us. Or both. You might have felt negatively toward us from the start. Never wanted to see any of us again."
"It's a lot to take in," Hester admitted.
Flora and Hestia returned to the main room. They stood together, looking around, giving every indication their thoughts were, "Now what?"
"Harry, what is this?" Flora asked. She waved a hand at their surroundings.
"It's an old mill, for grinding grain into flour," Harry said. "I don't know the full history. An ancestor of mine named Iolanthe Peverell married into the Potters. That generation had no male Peverells, so she brought the Mill with her to the marriage. According to my mother-in-law, this site has been a hotspot for magic since the Stone Age, and perhaps longer. Lots of significant Potter history happened here.
"How about some refreshments? Periwinkle?"
Periwinkle materialized next to the table that sat in front of the fireplace.
"A pot of black tea, five cups, some juice for Evans and Davis. What do you think, Daphne? Should we have lunch here at the Mill?" Harry asked.
"We have to eat somewhere," Daphne said, "It's time."
Harry asked about preferences and restrictions before settling on a tray of sandwiches in meat, egg, cheese and eggplant parmigiana versions. While everyone was eating, Harry tried to get some idea of Hestia's plans. She must have some. Hestia, though, seemed content to let Harry and Daphne direct the socializing.
"Are you going back to Hogwarts for Monday and Tuesday, Hester, or are you starting break today?" Harry asked.
Hestia looked at her daughter as if Hester's reply would be news to her.
"I'm caught up in all my subjects," Hester said. "I'm free until we all go back. What do you use this for?"
Harry looked at Daphne.
"Well-l-l," they both began, before Daphne caught Harry's eye and they took a moment. Evans and Davis heard the suppressed laughter and burst out on their own.
"What's so funny?" Daphne asked them, but of course they didn't know.
"Daphne and I started working on it the year before we got married," Harry began.
He went on to tell about the honeymoons, Astoria's affection for the mill pond trout, Iolanthe's friendship with a dragon, Astoria's spectacular funeral, and all the family picnics they'd hosted under the arbor. Harry made the story last until Hester appeared to be done with her lunch.
"We need to see one more thing," Harry said, pushing back his chair. "Out here."
Harry opened the door and led Hester outside. He left the door open.
"Sitting on this bench," Harry said, waving, "Is good for thinking. In fact, I don't recall a problem that I couldn't think through sitting on this bench. Granted, the problem was sometimes there when I got up, and I might have to exert myself a little, but I knew what I had to do."
Hester and Harry sat on the bench looking across the clearing. Little points of light began rising up from the grass and descending from the trees. Before long the fairies had formed their buzzing ball and were hanging in the air in front of Harry and Hester.
"Hullo, Harry," the fairies said. Hester gave a little start, and Harry laid his hand, very gently, on her forearm.
"Hullo, fairies," said Harry. "How are the fairies today?"
"The fairies are as always," said the fairies' voice. "Who is this?"
"This is my daughter, Hester," Harry said. "We just met. I brought her to the Mill, for lunch, to sit on the bench, and meet the fairies."
"Hullo, Harry's daughter Hester," said the fairies' voice. The buzzing increased in volume, getting to beehive intensity.
Harry nudged Hester with his elbow and nodded.
"Hullo…fairies," said Hester. "Pleased to meet you."
"The fairies are pleased to meet you," said the collective voice. Some of the bits of light peeled away from the ball and began circling Hester's head. Before long they made a crown as they did for Daphne and Iolanthe.
"Mr. Potter…" said Hester, a little anxiety showing.
"It's alright," Harry assured her. "They like to make crowns for witches."
"The fairies have been around here forever," Harry explained. "They will be here until the end. THE end. So I've been told. They live outside of time."
"How…," Hester began, but went no further.
"It's hard to wrap your mind around, like a lot of magic, and the concepts underneath magic," Harry said. "They're immortal, so they don't have any use for time. It wasn't useful for them so they never developed the concept. Everyone who has ever sat here on the bench is still here, for the fairies. My advice is be aware, but don't dwell on it. I suspect that way lies madness."
Harry turned toward Hester and looked serious.
"I limit my exposure to things that could drive me mad," he went on. "My suspicion is I may have absorbed too much already."
Harry's comment broke through Hester's reserve and she chuckled.
"They'll be wanting to go back," Hester said, tossing her head toward the door.
"There will be time," Harry said. "Oh, that's presumptuous. If you want anything further to do with us, there will be time."
Harry sat, musing on his word salad.
"You're welcome, here, whenever your mum can give you up," Harry finished.
"What about Lady Daphne, and James and Iolanthe…"
"Here's the thing, Hester," Harry said. "I'm not one to go around flaunting, because I remember, every day, that I was once a poor orphan boy with nothing but my magic and a good wand. Still, I am Harry, Lord Potter-Black, and when I ask the Potters and Blacks to accept a decision, they tend to see things my way.
"Hester and I will be going soon," Harry said to the fairies. "So we will be saying farewell, to the fairies, and Hester's grandmother."
"Lily is sitting on the bench, Harry," said the fairies. "She is very pleased Hester came to meet her today."
"Well," Harry said as he stood, "There you go. Your Grandmother Lily Evans Potter says you're in, if that's where you want to be."
Hester asked Hestia if they could walk back to the manor and leave from there. She fell in next to Harry and appeared to be trying to maneuver him away from the rest of the party. Harry caught Daphne's eye and gave a slight flick of his head toward the house, then walked just a little slower so that he and Hester dropped back.
"I came here this morning wanting to scream and shout," she said. Harry glanced over and saw tears leaking from the corners of her eyes, running down her cheeks.
"Just what one would expect from someone in your position. It is all totally unfair," said Harry. "BUT, always remember you didn't do anything wrong. None of this was your making. Now that you're here, you can make of this what you want. Positive, negative. You're a Ravenclaw and a fine quidditch player. You have a future. If you have to scream and shout and say abusive things to get it out of your system, we can arrange that. Not in front of your mum and your aunt. Their only sin was wanting a family. My sole request is you do it once, and do a good job of it so we don't have to do it a second time."
Hester took Harry's arm and fell in step.
"OH!" she said, "Sorry. May I?"
"Sure," said Harry.
"That was funny. The screaming and shouting?"
"I meant it."
"I know," Hester said.
"You did come into the world in a very magical way, if that is important to you," Harry assured her. "I myself think there is something to be said for that."
"It's actually…" Hester began, before taking a long pause. "I thought she got careless and I was just an accident. Lots of those about. No shame in it, but I do like this story better.
"Mr. Potter?" Hester went on. "Are you angry? At any of us?"
"I regret that Hestia didn't let me know at the time," Harry said. "It would have seemed complicated, but this IS complicated. Plus the time we lost. How about you?"
"No, sir," she said, "Lady Daphne has been so gracious. It's a bit intimidating. Everything."
"Your mother thought you might be having some issues," Harry said. "Learning about this piecemeal. She's worried you're treating your own stress. You know people who are experimenting-drugs, alcohol, sex, dark magic. I know you do. I hope you have some constructive means of discharging any conflicts you're feeling."
"How…?"
"Experience," Harry said. "All that time with the aurors, from the street all the way up to Head. Plus I was young. It's wise to remember old people were young, once. Hester, if you feel pressure to the point…"
"Not to worry," Hester said, her words icy. "I fly and I study. I did get my hands on a bottle of wine last year and got good and drunk in the dorm. It took me two weeks to get the sludge out of my head. I know she thinks I'm doing something. How could I not? I'm the bastard she made in the garage and kept in the dark about my origins my whole life. There is a word for what she's doing."
"Projection?" Harry offered.
"I think so," Hester said.
"So we're getting somewhere," Harry said. "Can you talk to her? Calmly, I mean? Even a little bit, honesty without screaming and shouting. We feel what we feel. That is the difference between emotion and intellect. You might possibly be the one with genuine insight into the other's thinking. Conveying that, calmly, deliberately, lovingly…"
Hester and Harry had caught up to the Carrows, Daphne and the twins. Hester looked at Harry and nodded her head 'Yes.'
Hester walked up to Hestia and laid her arm around her mother's waist.
"About ready? I've had a wonderful time, but these nice people have lives. I was assured there is a possibility we'll be invited back," said Hester. "Plus I brought homework."
There were good-byes all around, then Flora and Hestia stood on opposite sides of Hester, linked arms and disapparated. Harry looked at Daphne, who looked back.
"So, not a bad day's work, for an accomplished grandee," Daphne said. She bent to pick up Evans, while Harry went for Davis.
"Oof, I won't be doing this much longer," Harry said. "Now we need to get ready for Wednesday, don't we?"
"That would be very forward-thinking of you, husband," said Daphne. "Well-done."
When Wednesday afternoon arrived the Potters were able to clear their schedules and take Evans and Davis to meet the Hogwarts Express. Harry and Daphne stood with Tracey, each with a twin in hand. Zelda arrived, followed shortly by James, followed by Iolanthe and Rose.
"So?" said Iolanthe, looking between faces.
"Merry Christmas, darling," Daphne said.
Iolanthe knelt down to young wizard height so she could share some of their observances of the passing parade. Davis pulled his hand from his pocket and showed Iolanthe a toy snake. It was a design that had been popular for a century or more, a green snake made up of jointed sections so that it made a convincing imitation of a real snake's wriggling action.
"Sy-OSS!" said Evans.
"Sy-OSS!" answered Iolanthe, switching to parseltongue.
"Do you speak the sacred tongue, young Potter?" she asked. Evans looked at Davis.
"I told you," he said, all S and Y sounds and broad vowels.
"Did not," Davis said. "I already knew."
"Lads, we're going to have to go home," Iolanthe muttered. "When we get there, I promise…"
"YAY!" said the twins, in English.
"So…," came a voice from over Iolanthe's shoulder. Rose smiled at the twins.
"Have you young wizards been discussing a snake?"
Davis held out his snake for Rose to inspect.
"Oh, my," she said. "Such a fine specimen. Look, it even wiggles!"
Davis basked in the approval. Evans made a grab for the snake, but Rose anticipated his move.
"Have we learned to share yet?" Rose asked Iolanthe.
"Perhaps some lessons over break," Iolanthe suggested. The twins did not put on their enthusiastic faces. "Maybe a game. An exciting game. With points!"
Rose fell in.
"We'd get lots of points for sharing," Rose declared. "The biggest sharer wins."
"That would be an excellent game," Iolanthe confirmed. "Want to see the snake, Evans?"
Evans held out his hand, accepted the toy snake and handed it directly to Davis. Evans had shared before Davis caught on. Davis was not pleased, but didn't know what to do about it.
"I have to go home," Rose said. "I'll be seeing you soon, though."
Rose gave both of the twins melodramatic hugs, being careful not to overdo the squeezing.
"Floo?" asked Rose.
"How about seven?" Iolanthe asked.
"Perfect," said Rose. "You're at Potter Manor?"
"Think so," said Iolanthe. "If not I'll let you know. Chez Weasley, oui?"
"Mais oui," said Rose. She and Iolanthe bumped cheeks, right and left, and Rose took off, trying to keep Hugo in sight. Hugo might have a location for the Granger-Weasleys. Possibly.
The Potters had only added two to the number that had departed to meet the Hogwarts Express but the six that returned took the manor by storm. James went straight to his room and came down in a wool shirt overlain with his Turley sweater, ready to make his initial visit to the Exquisite. Iolanthe took a little longer, bathing and changing into her winter at-home clothing of dark green tights under a black canvas skirt, topped by a gray wool turtleneck she insisted on calling silver, thus echoing her mother's known propensity for continuing to wear her house colors.
Evans and Davis hunted Iolanthe down and wanted to talk. Their parseltongue was excellent, with vocabularies well ahead of the English counterparts.
"Does Father know?" Iolanthe asked.
"We think he does," said Davis.
"We don't know," added Evans.
"So you suspect," Iolanthe summed up. "Mother?"
The twins looked at one another.
"We're pretty sure she heard us," Davis said. "We were playing and talking and she came in the room before we knew she was around."
"She wasn't angry," said Evans, "But she wasn't happy, either."
"She looked at us funny, though," Davis said. "Like she was surprised."
"Oh, that happens sometimes," Iolanthe assured them. "Nothing to worry about. Those who can't speak the sacred tongue can be wary of those of us who can. Have you met any snakes?"
"No," the twins said together.
"Wait until spring," Iolanthe said. "I'll introduce you. The brothers and sisters will want to meet you, since we will all be living here together."
Iolanthe hated to break up her herpetological play group, having just discovered it, but she thought she should probably seek out her parents for some chatter. It seemed odd, since she was very good about utilizing the owls to stay in touch. She wrote mostly for Daphne's reading pleasure, but she knew her mother didn't keep anything concerning her or James from Harry. In theory they should be up to date on any actual news, but they still enjoyed their face to face chats, as did she.
Daphne collected everyone just before six and decreed they would all sit down for dinner together at least once during the holiday season. When everyone had finished the main course, ricotta and spinach ravioli with alfredo sauce, Harry suggested they have dessert in his study.
"It's cozy and encourages conversation," he said.
Periwinkle brought coffee and tea to go with the warm cherry cobbler. James had his with a little vanilla ice cream, which Iolanthe declined.
"We have some news to share," Harry announced, causing Iolanthe and James to stop with their spoons in mid-air.
"We have discovered another member of our family," Harry continued. "A half-sibling to you two…"
"Hester Carrow," Iolanthe blurted out. "I knew it."
"Darling…" Daphne tried. She was going to ask Iolanthe to keep an open mind, but Harry spoke first.
"It's fine, Daphne, Iolanthe is very fair-minded," he said. "She will listen before passing judgment."
James was silent, although he did put his spoon back on his dessert plate.
"Years ago, right after the end of the second war, I…," Harry began. "I spent a few days with the Carrow twins. Hestia and Flora. It was not a responsible thing to do, for any of us. Those were crazy times, it was becoming apparent we would actually have reasonable life expectancies. There was a lot of celebrating. The pressure was off.
"No one said anything about wanting to continue and we went our separate ways," Harry continued. "I didn't reach out to them, nor did they to me. There is some witchcraft involved that your mother can tell you about, if you're interested and she is willing, but some years later Flora and Hestia managed to get Hestia pregnant, and Hester is the result. She is your half-sister."
"Of course," Iolanthe nearly shouted. "She looks more like James every day."
Iolanthe put her spoon down on her plate, which she placed on an end table.
"We had the twins bring Hester over on Saturday," Daphne said. "Everyone was very civilized. We want to have a good magical family lawyer advise us, of course. The Carrows didn't make any demands, for anything. I think they got in contact because Hester was figuring it out. As you say, she shares a certain look with James."
"Comment?" Harry asked. There was quite a break in the conversation, but Harry waited patiently, as did Daphne.
"Is 'How could you?' too trite?" asked Iolanthe.
"It is or it isn't. Doesn't matter, I can give you the how," said Harry. "Young people who have just been through Hell, firewhiskey, a room at the Leaky Cauldron, nowhere to be. I had no ties to anyone, not even your Aunt Ginny, because we were in a period of 'Off Again.' It took two days, but rational thinking returned. I question their judgement, sixteen years ago. Hester, though, was polite and respectful on Saturday. I have been given a chance to do the right thing, with your support."
"Father!" Iolanthe began. She needed a moment for an inarticulate expression of frustration, which sounded like 'E-ughhhh-ngh!'
"Of all things," said Iolanthe, back in control. "Hester is fifteen and we have to get used to her now? How is that going to work? How is magical Britain going to be told about this? An ad in the Daily Prophet?"
"That's not bad, really, Iolanthe," said Daphne. "Something to think about."
Harry thought about Daphne's comment, wondering how she got so good at managing conversations. He was always having the same internal debate, whether it was something she was born with or if Kendra had begun the process and Daphne's professional training finished it. At any rate, Iolanthe thought Daphne had said the funniest thing ever and burst out laughing. Tension broken, the Potters returned to the subject at hand.
"We haven't decided how to go forward," Harry said. "Saturday was just for Hester to meet us and for us to meet her. We took a walk and had lunch at the Mill, told her some basic Potter stories and established contact. The other stuff will get worked out, eventually."
"She seems alright," James said. "I don't really know her. Hugo probably does. You should floo-call him, Iolanthe. Or invite him over to work out and chat him up. You like to wheedle. You pride yourself on it, as a matter of fact. Get him cornered and give him a good wheedling."
Iolanthe looked at James, eyes narrowed and mouth set. She managed to hold it for longer than James thought she could, right up until he mouthed a silent 'Wheedle.'
"One thing to remember, everyone," Harry said. "This was intentional on Flora and Hestia's part. Yes, and I contributed too. It's not any of Hester's doing, any more than our own existence is any of our doing. Agreed? We will all do our best to be cordial. If we don't become best friends we will endeavor to be friendly, at least until it becomes obvious that we can't find any common ground."
"She can fly," James offered. Iolanthe looked over at him.
"Yes, she can," said Iolanthe. "You and Moira can take her up one of these days."
James picked up his dessert and worked his spoon carefully so that he captured a cherry along with a little ice cream. He looked at Iolanthe as he raised the spoon. Iolanthe looked back. James looked at his bite of dessert, then back at Iolanthe. She picked up her plate with one hand, then grasped the handle of the spoon with the other.
"What is she, then, in the family?" James asked. "Is there a word?"
"Excellent question, and I'm very glad you raised it, James," Harry said. "Hester herself used a hateful term on Saturday, in self-disparagement. She called herself a bastard. It hurt me to hear it. Maybe I've brought it up too often, but please remember I didn't grow up in the best material conditions, or with a lot of understanding from the family that raised me. I will try my hardest to be understanding, to everyone. I know you didn't ask for this. If you can join me in trying to be understanding toward all the Carrows, I'll be very grateful.
"As for your question, James, it appears Hester is your half-sister, and my daughter. I don't know if there is a word for Hestia or Flora, or anyone else, for that matter."
"We will take things one step at a time," Daphne said, speaking to James and Iolanthe. "You are the result of the joining of several ancient and noble lineages. You are highly accomplished and I think we can foresee many more decades of achievement ahead, so we won't tarnish that with youthful displays of ill-temper, hmm? As your father said, life was not very kind to him when he was young, and we won't follow that up with more ill-treatment, of anyone. If you feel snappish, or worse, remind yourself who you are, and act accordingly."
"Wow!" Harry thought to himself. "There is nothing she can't do."
"I'm very grateful to your mother," Harry said. "She has been more understanding and supportive to me than I had any right to expect."
"And I am grateful to your father," Daphne said, "For you four. I love him just as much as ever. Maybe more. He has conducted himself as a gentleman. A noble. No excuses, no lies. His only part in this was getting a little celebratory after the end of a very bitter time in our lives. Even so, all he wants is to do what is right by your sister, and to protect her from being hurt by the small-minded. Can we live up to his example?"
Iolanthe stared down at her dessert plate. Her mother was right, of course. She wondered if Harry and Daphne had had words. Did Daphne have to get it out of her system? Probably not. Her priorities were children, husband and her duty to her patients. Everything Daphne had just said was consistent with those.
"Works for me," James said.
Iolanthe wanted James to ally with her, at least long enough to put on a little show of resistance.
"What does she do, besides quidditich?" James asked.
"According to her, she flies and she studies," Harry said.
"Really?" James asked. "Is she in that group of yours?"
Iolanthe looked up.
"I see her in the stacks. She has a study partner from Gryffindor. Zelda would know who it is.
"So, moving along," said Iolanthe, "Do we meet, officially, and acknowledge our new family member? What do we say to people outside the family? Who knows so far?"
"All to be determined," said Harry. "The Carrows are supposed to be thinking this through. We would prefer to have a cooperative approach, of course. If we work together for the next few months, the magical community will find new ways to amuse itself. Maybe we'll take some time away and visit Caroline in l'Anse."
"That would be great!" James said. "I need to meet her gardener."
"Mmm…" Iolanthe semi-agreed. "Can I tell Rose? How about the Malfoys?"
"No on the Weasleys, no on the Malfoys," said Harry. "If Rose just has to know or your cauldron will boil over, why don't you see if you're welcome over there and tell her in person? Keeping in mind the Granger-Weasleys might be having some family time themselves, first evening back from Hogwarts and all, just like we are."
Once she took the time to think things through, Iolanthe decided to put off consulting with Rose on the topic of Hester Carrow. She had a floo-call scheduled for seven, but she resolved to keep the conversation off the subject of Hester and the Carrows until she had had a good night's sleep and was fully in touch with her new emotional responses.
Iolanthe rose Thursday morning determined to face the situation with magnanimity and grace. In fact, she felt she could out-grace any half-sister Fate and her father elected to throw at her. She gave herself plenty of time for a thorough workout, not stopping until she felt she would be winded for an hour. Iolanthe was fully recovered after ten minutes, of course, done with her shower in another five, and downstairs in fresh clothing prospecting for breakfast shortly after that.
Harry, Daphne and the twins were making quite a mess of the dining room when Iolanthe walked in.
"James?" she asked.
"Gone looking for an owl," Harry said. "Probably getting current fishing conditions."
Periwinkle stood at Iolanthe's elbow awaiting a breakfast order.
"Porridge, I think, with skim milk, no sweeteners, please," Iolanthe said. "Is there juice? Orange? Mango? Orange-mango?"
"Yes, Miss Iolanthe!" said Periwinkle, "Which would Miss Iolanthe prefer?"
"Orange-mango?"
"Of course," said Periwinkle. She snapped her fingers and disappeared, returning almost immediately with Iolanthe's breakfast.
"Since I have you both here," Iolanthe began, "I would like to visit Rose this morning, with your permission, of course."
"Fine with me," Harry said. "Thank-you for asking, as an adult witch who can come and go as she pleases."
Daphne looked at Iolanthe, who was exhibiting a little blush on her cheeks. When Iolanthe looked back Daphne sent her a wink.
"That's very polite of you, sweetheart," Daphne said. "Your father is completely sincere."
Iolanthe looked at Harry, who nodded his agreement.
"I…" Iolanthe began, then paused. "There is no one on Earth luckier than me. I think of that, and you, every day."
Everyone had to touch a knuckle or fingertip to the corners of their eyes.
"We appreciate that, Iolanthe," Harry said. "We have enjoyed every minute of every day since we got you. If we said it as much as you deserve we'd speak of nothing else."
That was too much. Iolanthe stood behind Harry's chair and wrapped both arms around his neck. She gave him a kiss on top of his head.
"All you need to do is give us our orders, Lord Harry. That's for James, and me. Never think otherwise," said Iolanthe.
"Oh, that's good to know, Iolanthe," said Harry. He twisted in his chair so he could put an arm around Iolanthe and hug her back. "We'll try to give you time to finish your mastery before we become a distraction."
Iolanthe sat back down on her own chair and applied herself to her breakfast.
"Rose doesn't have any work lined up for break," said Iolanthe. "Neither do I, really. I had a vague notion about visiting St. Mungo's, if there is anything I can do to be useful to you."
Daphne and Iolanthe continued consulting on work opportunities for the mid-winter break, a conversation that went off into branches of branches of branches. Harry sat silently until James came back. Instead of talking over the healers, Harry invited James to the patio, scooping up Evans and Davis as he left the dining room.
"Owl away?" Harry asked as he bent to put the twins down on the floor of the main hallway, grabbing a coat and hat for one, which he tossed to James before taking the other set down.
"Gone," James confirmed. "I sent the big guy. He might have some flying to do. With luck, I could get an answer back by dark."
"Let's go this way," Harry said, opening the front door. They took their time working around to the rear of the house.
"Just wanted to make the offer," Harry went on. "If you feel like screaming and shouting, I'll listen while you get it out of your system."
James broke out laughing.
"Please," he said. "It could have been anyone. It's not like you're the first people to experiment upstairs at the Leaky Cauldron. There is a statistic for the percentage of the members of each first-year class who got started there. It's a lot."
Harry looked off into the distance.
"I don't think I ever heard that, James," Harry said. "I would have sworn I had heard every bizarre theory and most of the legends haunting Hogwarts, over time, but that is new. We learn something every day, don't we?"
"I did want to ask, though," James went on, "The Carrow twins were Slytherins. Were they out to get you?"
"I don't think so," Harry said. "At least I never saw any signs of it. They did very well in potions in our sixth year. I just thought they were grinds. Maybe a bit snobbish. That whole pureblood thing was still pretty strong in Slytherin back then."
"Why'd that change?" James asked.
"Voldemort the half-blood preached that pureblood supremacy drivel, then Harry Potter the half-blood finished the fight, which kind of undercut the whole supporting structure," said Harry. "The premise of their doctrine no longer applied. Sadly, a lot of the purebloods who fell for it were killed or locked up, so the next magical generation was correspondingly lower on pureblood children. Just mathematics. It's a shame, really. The traditional purebloods could be very good at teaching the children about the old holidays, magical culture and ethics. Your mother is an encyclopedia of old magical knowledge. I recommend you talk to her about it every chance you get. Same for your grandparents. You might want to let Moira know you're collecting old wisdom. She's going to be seeing a lot of Kendra. You two will be hosting the Samhain Ball someday."
"Gosh," James said, then stopped. He frowned and watched Evans and Davis poking around in a bed.
"Sy-OSS!" said Davis, holding something up over his head.
"Is that a snake?" Evans asked, in parseltongue. "There isn't a snake inside it."
"It's a snakeskin," said Harry, using parseltongue with the twins. He repeated himself in English for James, adding, "Sorry."
"It's okay," said James. "Genetics says it had to skip one of us."
"Well, since it's magic, it could have just violated all the laws," Harry said, then, to the twins, "Let's see."
They talked about snakes and snakeskin for a bit, Harry doing the necessary translations. It was warm in the sun, for December, and everyone was dressed for out-of-doors, so the little group meandered back to the patio. The twins stretched the snakeskin out on a table and commenced an uninformed discussion of snake anatomy.
Harry ordered up hot chocolate for everyone.
"How are you going to handle this, Dad?" James asked. "As the chief of the clan?"
"Be honest with everyone," Harry said. "As far as I know right now, I'm Hester's father. If that is established, there's no point in dancing around. A lot depends on what she wants."
"I just wondered," James began. He seemed to lose his thread, then picked it up again. "I wondered what will happen when we go back?"
"That is something I hope to work out between Hestia and Flora, Hester, and ourselves. A joint approach," Harry said. "My own opinion is we will have a harder time keeping a semi-secret than if we all just acknowledge the truth at once. It's not only that Hester figured it out. Some of the other students may have. Iolanthe just needed confirmation. We'd just as well let magical Britain know, that is. Of course, there may be other perspectives."
"I get it," James said. "The seed is germinating, even now."
Harry looked at James and nodded as Davis set up a howl.
"What happened?" Harry asked.
"He hurt the snake!"
"Did not," Evans protested.
The injury turned out to be a tear in the paper-thin skin. Harry drew his wand and motioned for the skin. A quick reparo charm had the skin mended and Davis calmed down. Daphne appeared at the patio door.
"What's going on?" she asked. She cast a warming charm before stepping down onto the flagstones. She gave her feet a moment to luxuriate in the feel of the warm pavers.
"Nice."
"Very," Harry said. "The young men found a friend in one of the flower beds."
Evans held the snakeskin up so Daphne could see it.
"Sy-OSS!" he said, even though he knew she couldn't speak parseltongue.
"Snake!" said Daphne. "Even I know that one. Let's see."
Daphne took the snake skin and stretched it out on the table.
"Grandmother Kendra showed your Aunt Astoria and me a little charm to use on these," she said. "Let's see if it still works."
Daphne pointed her wand and touched the snake skin. It only represented part of the snake, starting some distance back from the head and ending approximately where the tail would have begun, but it assumed the shape it had been in life and began to crawl. Davis and Evans were delighted, spreading their arms out whenever the reanimated skin crawled too close to the edge of the table, guiding it back toward the middle.
The charm was fairly short-lived, lasting around a minute. The twins petitioned for a re-do but the snake skin tired easily.
"We'll put it somewhere so it can rest," Daphne said. "Maybe this evening it will feel like moving."
Iolanthe appeared in the doorway.
"All," she said. "Mother and Father are required in the salon. Floo-call."
When Harry and Daphne had gone inside, Iolanthe sat down with James, Davis and Evans.
"Hester," she said.