Disclaimer: As always I own nothing and my beta is my wonderful other half
The residents of Longbottom Manor had fallen into a routine, Neville and Harry would spend the first couple of hours having potions with Narcissa while Draco often went flying with Augusta but other times the pair would just spend time reading together. Later the three kids would have dancing and fencing lessons before the rest of the day would be them doing whatever they felt like although Harry and Draco had convinced Neville to allow them to teach him to fly so often when it was warmer the three would go flying.
Before any of the residents knew it, it was Christmas Eve and lessons were all cancelled for the day. Harry was constantly flanked by Draco, the blonde beginning to get on her nerves with her constant fussing yet at the same time her sister's reactions were helping her get over her worries. Harry wasn't the only one who was on edge, Neville was alternating between twisting his fingers nervously and glancing out of the window. Finally he seemed to have decided on something, "Harry…" The raven haired girl looked up, eyes wide, "Do you think Lily would like a Fire Lily?" Neville finally asked softly, his eyes down cast fully expecting a scoff despite the fact the two had been nothing but nice to him since the accident.
Harry however beamed and nodded frantically, "I think she'd love it…but Neville," she bit her lip, "You've put so much work into them, what if your creation is destroyed or stolen?"
The sandy haired boy just nodded, "I'm sure, I made them for her and always intended for you to be able to plant one on their grave."
Harry's eyes filled with tears and she bit her lip unable to voice the words she wanted to instead settling for rushing Neville, flinging her arms around him and nodding frantically. Draco smiled softly at the pair and spoke softly, "She's trying to say, Thank you." The boy nodded at the blonde, he'd understood that much from Harry's reaction but he was grateful to Draco for the clarification non-the-less.
Narcissa and Augusta exchanged looks, stealthily wiping their eyes, before the younger of the two cleared her throat softly. "Did you want to get sorted? We've got a busy day." She spoke gently trying not to startle the three teens but aware that the day was going to be a draining one for all of them.
The kids all nodded, swallowing before seeming to vanish while they quickly got sorted. Narcissa found herself smiling despite the mood when Harry returned with her hair neatly French-platted, especially when she met Draco's eyes and the blonde gained a faint pink tint to her cheeks. Neville had soon returned with the plant cradled carefully in his arms, considering he'd just been outside he had managed not to get a trace of dirt on himself. Augusta quickly explained that they'd be apparating and that she'd take Neville while Narcissa would take the other two, at Harry's quizzical look she'd elaborated that there was an apparition point in Godric's Hallow and they'd arrive there.
Harry hated apparition. She really hated apparition. Narcissa was gently rubbing her back while the dark haired girl bent over heaving slightly, the other three were busying themselves not paying attention to the pair to not further embarrass Harry. After what felt like years to her but it was in reality just a few minutes, she'd regained control of herself and nervously straightened up, mumbling apologies but all she got was a gentle smile and soft calming words. They waited for Harry to take the lead and no-one mentioned the fact that she hadn't let go of Narcissa's hand, Draco slipped her hand into Harry's as the approached the statue in the centre.
Before their eyes it shifted shape and Harry swallowed hard, her eyes not leaving the statue and her mouth fell open. "Arcturus Black paid for it before he disappeared from society." Augusta spoke softly, Narcissa's head whipped around, she'd not been aware that the head of house Black had done so. The Lord Black had stopped speaking to any of the family during the war and hadn't been seen since the Potters death, although the whole of the Black family felt him pass during the kid's first year.
Harry however just nodded wordlessly as she gently tugged the pair onwards, pausing when she spotted the cottage, her eyes narrowing at the plaque which adorned the gate. She scowled and turned her back on it, closing her eyes briefly. Draco gave her a worried look and gently tugged her towards the grave yard gate, Narcissa had told her the way the night before when she was afraid that Harry wouldn't be able to lead them. The Raven haired girl had seemed to break out of her trance the instant they reached the ornate iron gates.
Harry slipped her hand out of Narcissa's to gently push the gate open, for a moment she stood there taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes. A wry smile on her lips as Draco squeezed her hand, finally meeting the concerned look in the mirrored eyes before she inhaled deeply smiled weakly at the blonde and stepped inside. There were many stones and for a moment she was overwhelmed but with another soft squeeze of her hand she headed away from the oldest crumbling stones. Narcissa slipped her arm around Harry's shoulders and steered her towards where she knew the Potters were buried. Harry bit back a sob as she bent down and running a finger over the words, 'the last enemy that shall be destroyed is death'.
"It looks wrong but it's something which is written on all Potter graves," Augusta explained, recalling how she'd felt when she'd first heard what was written on the stone, "I don't know the origin, it should be in one of your family Grimoires."
Harry nodded thankfully and resumed staring at the stone, Neville stepped forward to stand beside her and with a look from Augusta the Fire Lily was planted. The two adults had backed off immediately, when Harry had sat down in the snow before the grave, Draco and Neville exchanged a look before joining her on the floor.
"…Hey Mum, Dad." She started, unware of the tears running down on her face, "Bet it made Dad laugh when I got turned into a girl," She took a deep breath, words choking in her throat for a moment, "Apparently my godfather never got a trial and now there's one agreed, no-one knows where he is, but if that's the case then I…" She broke off unable to continue and Draco slung an arm around her.
"Lily, James." Draco took up the speaking, biting her lip, "Cause of the accident, I can remember you and I…" She paused, "…I was horrid to Harry originally and if it hadn't happened I dread to think what would have happened to me." She coughed, wiping her eyes, "…my dad…" She shook her head. "Professor Dumbledore thinks that the accident gave me and Harry an extra parent each, so Lily I guess if he's right I might be your daughter as well. I promise I'll protect my little sister!"
Harry wiped her eyes smiling at the blonde, "I wasn't great to Draco either so the blame is on both of us, but so much has changed even from this year! I never have to go back to the Dursley's and I'm sorry Mum but Aunt Petunia really doesn't like me and…well she's never helped the others accept me so I'm glad! It's better being a girl, even if I did keep my name…I…" She broke off again, "I hope you'd still love me."
Neville squeezed her hand, "Aunt Lily, Uncle James, Harry is incredible. She's generous, always been kind, and so very brave. She's saved us all at school at least twice and…" He licked his lips, "I'm sorry I wasn't there earlier…" He broke off unable to finish his sentence.
How long the three of them sat there just telling random things to Lily and James, none of them knew but when Augusta and Narcissa placed a hand on their shoulders, all three were shivering. Narcissa wrapped her arms around her shaking children, both were cold and emotionally drained, and before she apparated them back to the manor she exchanged a worried look with Augusta. The three teens had all wanted to go and see both sets of parents the same day and now both adults were wondering the wisdom of them going along with the plan.
Harry had crawled into Draco's bed that night, seeing her parents had been more emotionally draining yet also freeing than she'd ever have imagined but despite that she didn't want to be alone. The blonde had just mumble something and moved over so her sister had room in the huge bed.
"It's weird." Harry muttered, "I don't remember them but…"
"You miss them." Draco pulled the quilt up higher. Feeling rather than seeing Harry nod, she smiled slightly, "of course they do, you have some memories even if they are mostly bad, you remember the feeling of being around them." Harry sniffed and she sighed, hugging the younger girl, "Try to get some sleep, I'm not going anywhere I swear."
Neither of them were aware of the eavesdropper at the door, Narcissa pulled the door closed moving silently down towards her own room even as she wiped her eyes. Hopefully Christmas morning would bring them some much needed cheer to the children, they all deserved it more than anything.
When morning dawned, the girls were quick to dress and charge into Narcissa's room, jumping onto her bed with shouts of 'up!' and 'it's Christmas!' Harry was excited as this would be the first time she'd had her own family and they were going to the burrow for dinner. Apparently, their running across the hall and into Narcissa's bed had woke the rest of the house as Augusta knocked softly on the door and called 'breakfast before presents.' Whether she'd intended to bring the kids downstairs, she soon footsteps hurtling across the floor and protesting from Narcissa. Chuckling softly, she knocked on Neville's door before heading downstairs.
Filch woke to his usual presents on the end of the bed; a garishly wrapped one which could only be from the headmaster, a few from his family and a couple from the other professors but one which was wrapped in sparkly paper which could only be muggle and he prodded it cautiously yet it didn't do anything so he cautiously tore it open. A box of Honeydukes chocolate, several muggle treats fell out along with a pair of books. One which was full of potions, he scowled but upon a further glance he realised he recognised the author and he laughed out loud. Potions designed for squibs and a muggle prank book, a gift from the three girls who he'd given tea to.
Severus Snape glared as he poked the innocently wrapped gift on his desk, he heard a chuckle from the doorway as Dumbledore stood there, "It won't bite Severus. It's from young Miss Malfoy and Potter. Myself and Minerva got one as well although I doubt ours is as good as yours, we're having bets on what it is."
"I'm aware…why do you think I'm hesitant." Severus drawled in response, at a full bellied laugh from the Headmaster which only grew louder at his glare. With a scoff and a moment of derision, he flicked his wand to reveal an innocent looking book, slowly his jaw dropped open and he carefully lifted it. Studying the cover to see if it really was what he thought it was and he almost dropped it but recovered keeping his hold on it. Dumbledore raised his eyebrows at him, approaching to see just what it was that had Severus so intrigued. "…I doubt they even know what it is." The younger man spoke softly, "I've only ever seen a newer version of this book and that was in the Dark Lord's possession." He froze for a moment recalling what the elder man had said, "What did they get you?"
"Socks!" The aged warlock beamed happily at him.
Hagrid had merrily opened his presents, the usual gifts from the Headmaster and other professors were there as was the usual fudge from the Weasleys' a staple since young Charlie had spent so much time with him. Yet this year, his third year class, secretly his favourite, had grouped together to buy him a book on animal healing and treatment and even as he was putting on his coat to head up to the school for dinner, there was a knock on the door. "Come in." He shouted making both dogs raise their heads and whine.
Remus Lupin strolled in through the door and Mr Snuggles (also known as Sirius Black) cowered behind Fang but the werewolf raised his head almost visibly sniffing the air and smiled at Hagrid, "Sorry for disturbing you, I wanted to know if you've see hide or tail of Sirius."
The half giant frowned, "I tole Professor Dumbledore. I haven't."
"He didn't do it Hagrid." The dog hiding behind Fang, poked his head out and cautiously wagged his tail. The half giant just looked confused, so the Remus continued quietly, "Narcissa, Andromeda and Amelia figured it out. Sirius never even got a trial."
Hagrid dropped his coat, "You serious?"
The younger man just nodded with a smile, "They've arranged for him to have a trial as soon as they can but unfortunately no-one can find him."
"I'll keep an eye out for im."
Remus laughed studying the cautious looking dog, "I think you already have. You see when I was a student, three very curious boys found out about me. I was intending to leave thinking they'd be disgusted but two of the three had come up with a solution, you see animals aren't affected by a werewolf's bite, so they became animagus to stay with me through the full moons. I thought the wolf had been more relaxed this year but it wasn't until Professor Dumbledore had mentioned to me that you and Miss Parkinson had found a black dog that I thought I'd better check…I remember what he looks like." The dog padded forwards, his head down, "This is Sirius."
"Why 'aven't he changed back then? We know he's innocent and he knows we know."
"…I…" Remus studied the shifter, "you can't can you?" The dog whined and shook his head.
"Well we'd better take 'im to Professor Dumbledore then hadn't we."
The girls were delighted to see a heap of presents waiting for them after breakfast, as both remembered having many Christmas' without even if the memories didn't belong to Draco, she still recalled the pain of watching though the cupboard door but the two suspected that Narcissa hadn't got much money so any was a surprise especially as Draco knew she wouldn't have anything from her Father. Harry reached over and squeezed her hand a soft smile on her face as she pulled her sister along. Neville beamed at the pair pushing them towards the comfortable chairs, "Gran said we should open our presents before we head over to the Weasley's for dinner!" He laughed as the pair began to bicker over who got to give their presents first.
Harry seemed to have won the argument and with a shout of "youngest first!" Ran to the tree and scooped up her armful, passing them around to everyone. Augusta snickered when she realised that the girls had gone in together to buy both her and Narcissa's presents. A beautiful bracelet sat on the velvet cushion within the box, she was quickly aware that the children hadn't just been bickering about what to buy Narcissa but also what colours would suit her as well. It had a few gems set simple settings and Augusta smiled widely thanking the girls who to her amusement went different shades of bright red. A flush of red spread across Narcissa's cheeks when she opened her own to see a necklace set which would be perfectly co-ordinated with her new dress robes while also being dainty enough to do for daily usage, it contained emeralds and sapphires, however it wasn't until she inspected the gems that she laughed softly in delight, somehow the girls had found ones which perfectly matched their eyes. The two of them found themselves going bright red as the delighted mother who wrapped her arms around them and pulled them to her sides.
The three kids had a selection of sweets from Honeydukes from their friends whereas Hermione had bought them all new unusual quills and ink sets. Harry had gotten a few books on unusual defence spells, Draco had runes while to Neville's amusement he'd gotten ones on Herbology. All three had laughed and hugged each other, all of them were bemused and delighted that they'd all thought along the same lines. The adults had gotten the girls their first jewellery which Narcissa had explained she'd added runes to protect them potions and poisons, but also new seeker gloves to their delight. Neville frowned intrigued at his own gift of rare seeds and unusual fertilisers, while his Gran had bought him his usual new gloves and boots as well. Narcissa had explained that she'd gotten the seeds from the Greengrass' but they were all ones which they'd always struggled to get to grow as they were almost completely extinct however she had no doubt that he'd manage. He'd been in such shock and surprise at her thoughtfulness that the blonde found herself being hugged tightly by the shy boy as well as her two girls.
Dumbledore had been surprised when he'd gotten a patronus message from Remus, but had quickly called Minerva and Severus to his office and filled them in, not long before the door opened to admit the young defence professor followed closely by Hagrid who was carrying an exhausted looking black dog.
"He wanted to walk." Remus said by way of explanation, to which the dog wagged his tail sheepishly. "For whatever reason he can't shift back and from what Hagrid has said about the state the unicorns found him in, I didn't want to force the change just in case."
Minerva nodded muttering "Wise," before she flicked her wand over the sickly creature, a frown on her brow as she studied information that only she could see. Albus left her to it, flicking his own wand to create enough seating for all the new occupants of his office, the three men sat in nearly perfect silence waiting for her to give her verdict and allow Hagrid to place Sirius down to take a seat himself. "You can put him down," She smiled gently at the huge man who did as he was bid, placing him onto a plush chair that had been created, "He's exhausted." Minerva spoke up about the condition of the young escapie, "Physically I can't tell how his human form is, however the dog part is slowly improving…but…" She paused thinking, "He's magically exhausted."
Albus' frown deepened, as he himself checked the stuck wizard, while he might have been more knowledgeable of Transfiguration he didn't have too much pride to admit that the younger witch knew far more than him about the animagus transformations. "It's partly in his head, Severus would you?"
The dour potions Master rose and joined the headmaster by the injured dog's side, his own wand flicking in complex patterns as he did his own checks. "He's dying." He waited for the fervour to die down before he continued, "The dog side is healing but the man is dying. Ordinarily from what Minerva has said…the animal side reflects the primary, however in Black's case the dog is becoming stronger and his own mind won't let him try to change because he has neither the physical, mental nor magical strength to do so."
Remus frowned, his own understanding not up to par with the other three who were carrying out the examination, "So we wait for the dog to be completely healed?"
Severus was unable to prevent himself from rolling his eyes and muttering, "Dunderhead." Before he regained his self-control to explain exactly why that was a bad idea, "We could but by the time that had happened. Sirius Black would be dead." He held up his hand, "Oh sure Hagrid would still have another dog, but Sirius Black would no-longer be with us."
"We can't force the transformation though. It would do more harm than good." Minerva interjected, a frown marring her face.
Albus sighed, meeting the young Potions Master's eyes, "He has to do the transformation. It is possible to boost his magical power using legilimency which would also help on the mental side…however…both involved would experience everything that the other has gone through."
"You can do it right?" Remus looked as though hope had been restored, his expression falling when the headmaster shook his head.
"Unfortunately due to the complexities it would have to be someone close in age to him." As Albus had expected, Remus was quick to volunteer but the aged warlock shook his head, "I'm afraid that you wouldn't be able to. The Wolf gives you natural Occlumency shields," The headmaster rubbed his brow tiredly, "adding in that we don't know what Sirius' mental state is going to be like, especially considering that he has always had shields himself, anyone who isn't competent in legilimency would get lost." A blank look was all that greeted him from the majority of his audience. "Like how the Longbottom's are lost in their own minds…only both would be lost in the other person's mind."
"So he's doomed." The werewolf rubbed his head tiredly. He felt as though his world had just been restored to him only to be ripped away from him again.
"…." Severus met the headmaster's gaze and closed his eyes thinking of how devastated the girls would be when they found out which led to his traitorous brain reminding him exactly how Lily's eyes would look when they found out it was his fault he didn't at least try. "…he's not doomed Lupin. If Black would allow it. I can do it."
The girls were bouncing by the door, excited beyond belief that they'd soon get more food as well as getting to see their friends. The other three just laughed in amusement as they walked far more reservedly towards them. Before long they were being lead into the Burrow by a delighted Molly.
"Harry!" Yelled Fred rushing the brunette, even as he spoke George hollered "Draco!" and rushed the blonde just for them to scoop them up to swing them around.
It was mere seconds later that Ron, who was growing annoyed with his brothers antics "Neville!" he shouted, rushing his dorm-mate giving him over exaggerated handshake. "So good of you to come old friend. Surely your presence will enable the two morons to be far more restrained!" The twins had slowly lowered the girls and were giving their younger brother the evil eye. The girls however started to giggle, and Molly had been about to yell at her sons until she'd realised that Ron had calmed the twins for the time being.
The adults were already helping her to finish her preparations, both women were enjoying the change of the busy house while talking about the change in all of the children as they did. A game or two of exploding snap later and the kitchen was full to bursting, Molly had done the smart thing of putting Ginny and Percy between the twins and the girls much to Narcissa and Augusta's amusement but thankfully for the two Weasleys food distracted the twins quickly that and their Mother sitting opposite them. The food as always was delicious and rapidly vanishing into the hungry children, before long the turkeys were picked clean as was almost everything else other than a fair number of surviving sprouts and the adults watched bemused as the kids all looked like they were close to falling asleep. Molly however winked at the other two and clapped her hands, "Presents." She'd spoken softly but it was as though she'd shouted it, all of the heads raised and the kids abruptly vanished into the other room. Laughing the adults followed them at a far more sedate pace. Once everyone had found room it was Weasley jumpers all round, Ron as always muttered that Harry's looked like she'd put more effort into it only this time he'd added Draco and Neville to that. A blushing Molly pretended not to hear as George piped up 'seems like you get more effort if you're not blood family.' But the group all laughed before the three honorary Weasleys quickly rushed to give her hugs. Neville was still staring at his, fingers running carefully over the vines shaped like an N.
The adults pretended they couldn't see the new prank supplies that the three had gotten the twins. Neville had gotten all of the other three sweets from Honeydukes, while the girls had put their brains together and proudly bought Ron a couple of books on quidditch management and tactics, but also Harry had found a book which was simply titled 'Chess Masters and How, they made their skills work.' Along with new gloves they were quite proud of their gifts for their friend. Ron had flushed and stuttered slightly as he'd handed them a rather lumpy parcel each, as always chocolate frogs were included but both girls jaws dropped open when they found they each had a scarf each which to their delight was in both Gryffindor and Slytherin colours the only difference the S on the corner of one end of Draco's and the G on Harry's. Red covered the tips of Ron's ears as the girls gave him hugs and his siblings teased him especially when he very quietly admitted that Molly had helped him to knit them.
It was after dessert that the wizarding wireless went on and while quietly playing games the children found themselves falling asleep to the back ground of the others talking softly and Celestina Warbeck's warbling.
"They act so much younger." Molly whispered to Narcissa not wanting to disturb the children.
The blonde nodded a regretful smile on her face, "I tried with Draco but Lucius was always very much against boys being given hugs and too much affection, adding in Harry and the two of them are rather starved of affection. Now they know no-one is going to mock them or prevent them from getting it, they're taking every opportunity to take it." She didn't add that the two had a feedback loop and seeing how Lily and James had died had shook them both more than either teenager wanted to admit.
"Neville is the same." Augusta spoke softly, "I tried but I'm not one who's big on physical affection or praise and unfortunately it wasn't until I saw him with Narcissa that I realised how much I've failed him."
None of the three realised that Ron had woken up and heard the whole conversation, the boy made sure that they didn't realise that he was awake but resolved to get the girls to talk to him about their childhoods.