Ramblings and Dribbles

by WolfgangNH

This is a posting of ramblings, dribbles, one-shots, unfinished ideas or other stuff I just don't think deserves it's own storyline. Some I plan to finish someday, others are what they are. This is mature reading for some posts. Some items may be well developed, others are not yet, and may never be. There will many different pairings, and sometimes none.

9. A Different Type of Bond

A/N: This is a dribble that I got from reading a few stories that were similar theme. I liked the idea, but didn't really have the drive to go further.

A/N: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights.

A/N3: This is the exerts and post events for A Different Type of Bond. As I was going, I realized this was the good basis for a whole new story, but it is not in my list of planned projects for now. For those that enjoyed A Different Type of Bond, I hope you enjoy this dribble.

-oOo-

A Different Type of Bond: After the Book…

-oOo-

June 30, 2001

London, England

Harry sat at the desk of the junior Healers station. Three others were in the room with him, all of them filling out the paperwork as they all wanted to leave and go get a drink. Harry had aced the six NEWTs he had needed, spend two years as an apprentice and was was just about to celebrate his first year as a certified Healer, one of the youngest in a generation.

Katie Bell, his former Quidditch teammate, sat in the desk next to him. She had gone through the standard four years to get her full license and they were going to be celebrating her tonight as well. Daphne, Neville, Hermione and her fiancé, Rene Dubois from Beauxbatons, were going to meet them. Hannah was bowing out, being eight months pregnant now. Seeing Hannah so large, he knew Daphne wanted to have a second child now.

Hazel was going to be turning five later this year, and she kept asking for a sister like Aunt Tori or Aunt Hermi. He still laughed internally to see the way Hermione doted on the girl to call her that, but would go after anyone else that called her that. Tonight Uncle Sirius would get to deal with their four year old terror, he thought affectionately. She seemed to be channelling the spirit of his father and Uncle, much to Daphne and his consternation, and joy at times when she would giggle, laugh or give you that smirk she was up to no good. Oh, the girl knew how to be good when needed, but otherwise she did her best to cause mayhem.

"You about done," Jack Croaker asked from behind them. Croaker was set to move up to full healer soon, having done his three years as a Junior Healer.

"I need another ten minutes," Harry told him.

"About the same here," Katie said.

"Just finished," their fourth companion called out. Stephanie was late comer to healing and was the eldest out of them all. She had two small kids and had waited for them to both be Hogwarts age to start. She was in her second year.

Croaker leaned back in his seat and put his hands to his eyes. "How about Steph and I meet you there?"

"Greg will be joining us too. I want to go home and get him. We'll be there in about an hour," Stephanie said, standing up and collecting her stuff.

"Sure, Steph," Harry told her, stretching himself. "Tell Greg I'm happy to see him outside of St. Mungo's this time."

Steph shook her head. Greg was part of the Magical reversal squads and the first time Harry had met him was with a nasty curse on his arm from some job out in the field. After the mostly quiet year after Voldemorts defeat, some people hard started to try to fill the void in the Wizarding underworld. It wasn't bad, but the Aurors and a few others had been kept busy the last year or two. "I'll let him know."

Jack and Steph stepped out as Katie and him worked to finish up.

He was just about finished when he heard the clack of boots he hadn't heard echoing down a hall in two years or so. He looked up towards their door of the office. Katie had as well. Anyone that had gone to Hogwarts, and especially had been a Gryffindor, knew that sound. A woman stopped in the doorway and looked around. "Not exactly top floor," Minerva MgGonagall said in her sever voice.

"Yeah, well, it's not like I'm a full Healer yet," he commented. "How are you, Minerva?"

Katie flashed a look at him. Few knew that Harry and their Transfigurations Professor were so close now. It was a relationship that had really struck up when Daphne and him had gone back for their seventh year. He was a totally different person by then, much more mature than most of their classmates, and Daphne and him had become good friends with Minerva and Filius. Of course, have their little girl in the married couples apartments and having their professors checking up on them had helped. It had also been the push for Neville to become his best mate, Ron to drift away, but they were still friends, and Hermione and Tracey to grow up more than they had.

"Evening, Professor."

"Evening, Healer Bell. I can say this is quiet a sight to see two of my best Gryffindors here."

Katie looked a little abashed. "I just did my work."

"Six outstandings and two exceeds expectation on your NEWTs is nothing to be shy of, Healer Bell."

"Can you just call me Katie?"

Minerva gave the young woman a broad smile. "As long as you call be Minerva. Now, I do hope I am not disturbing anything, but I was hoping to talk with Harry for a few minutes?"

Katie nodded. "I was just done anyways. I'll see you Grathams in a short bit?"

"Yeah. Just let Daphne I got held up for a few," he told her. Katie nodded and walked out.

Harry looked at Minerva as she took Katie's vacated seat. "I take this is not just a social call?"

"Just as quick as Lily," the old woman smiled. Minerva was never one to beat around the bush and Harry liked that about her. "I have a proposition for you?"

Harry regarded her. "I am not going teach anyone how to fight. I deal with enough of those types of injuries."

She chuckled. "Sirius, Remus and Moody keep saying you could be the best Auror out there."

Harry shook his head. He was almost twenty-one, and wanted nothing to do with that now. "Is Jones retiring?"

"Afraid not. Now that the curse has been lifted, she has found she really enjoys teaching, though she has asked for you to come back. We are looking for a third teaching in most Departmets now with the increased in students."

He shook his head again. "I know how to defend myself and will do so for my family, but I won't teach others how to do the same harm."

Minerva gave him an easy smile. "That is why I was hoping you might accept an Assist Professor position in our new program for Healers. Babbling would also use you to run some new labs for her Runes students. She is still amazed that you were able to pull off those special marks on your OWLs and NEWTs."

Harry blinked a few times. Daphne was still telling he was an excellent teacher and he had help the other trainees in his meteoric rise though the program here. "I'm not even a full Healer yet," Harry told her.

"True. Poppy is retiring after next year and I will need a replacement."

He had to admit there was a certain appeal. He did miss Hogwarts after having such a fun time their seventh year, even with a baby in tow through most of it. "Andi won't ever release me to do that before I get me general license. I'm still a good year or two away."

"Andi is the one who asked. She has accepted a position as Head of Department for our new Healer and Mind Arts programs. There were some some very high praises for you and she is willing to support your last year or two at Hogwarts, along with Poppy." Minerva gave him a critical eye as he looked at her dumbfounded. "Plus, I think Horace would like to have a proper excuse to rope you into returning to his club. You and Daphne. That woman of yours is proving quite adept in the business field and the Wizengamot."

Harry smirked at the praise. Daphne was giving as much time as she could to those endeavors, but she was trying to have it not interfere with Hazel time.

"The man really is a spider, isn't he?"

Minerva chuckled. "That is one way of looking at it. He is also very well connected and an excellent resource if you know how to use him as much as he uses you."

Harry tapped his fingers on his desk. "Do I need to decide right now?"

"Do you think I would ambush you like that?" She laughed at his glare as she pulled out scrolled up bundle of parchments from her coat. "Here is the contract. I am looking for three runes labs and up to four classes a week on healing. The rest of your normal work hours will be in the infirmary, and I will expect you to be on call or to stay at the castle every three weeks to man the infirmary. There is a generous compensation package. With so many students and the Ministry taking in better taxes, I find getting top end Professors easier. You need to let me know within two weeks though, in case I need to find another candidate."

Harry took the parchments. "Let me read this over, probably pass it by Ted and talk with Daphne."

"I would expect nothing else. Do you have any questions?"

"Do I get my own office," he asked.

She chuckled. "That can be arranged. You will also be offered apartments if you and Daphne and your family wish to live at the castle."

He shook his head. "Not this year. I like home too much."

Minerva nodded. "The offer is always there."

"Thanks, Minerva."

"Any time, Harry. The sooner you let me know, the better."

He nodded and followed her out. Daphne was supposed to meet them there since he had been working late. When he apparated to the side alley and walked out to Muggle London, he was quickly surprised to find she wasn't there.

Excusing himself, he went back to the alley and apparated home.

"DADDY!" a girl screamed out in joy just after he stepped through the front door. He turned to have a streak of dark hair rushing towards him out of the parlour. He bent down and caught her as she barreled into him. "It's good to see you too, angel," he greeted his daughter. She hugged him tight and then bounced out of his arms.

"Are you coming to play dolls with me? Uncle Sirius and I are have a lovely tea party," she said, taking his hand and pulling him in. He chuckled to see the old Marauder sitting on the floor, a small teacup in his hand and pinky out.

"Oh, it is quiet enjoyable, Mr. Potter-Black. You must join us," his godfather said, a twinkle in his eye and his daughter grinning ear to ear.

Harry held in his laughter and made an over flourished bow. "As lovely an invitation that is, Lord Black, Heiress Potter, I would find my wife first."

"Oh, mummy is the bathroom. She rushed in there just before she was to leave." The green eyes girl with her mother's dark brunette hair dropped her voice to more of a stage whisper. "Uncle Sirius thinks she had a bun in her oven, but I didn't see mummy eating anything."

Harry raised an eye brow to Sirius who was smirking like a loon. "It's just a theory. Hazel is the one that thinks is that excellent oat bread Winky makes."

Harry did laugh this time. "Let me go check her. Which bathroom?"

"Down the hall," Sirius said before turning back to Hazel. "Do you have any more of that delicious tea."

"Of course, Lord Black," Hazel mimicked Harry from earlier. This little girl had them both wrapped around her little finger.

He went down the hall and to the hall behind the stairwell. There was no sound comming from the bathroom so he knocked. "Daph, you there?"

The lock on the door clicked and his beautiful wife was in the door way. Her dark brown-eyes had more of the golden flecks shining tonight. "I thought you would be out."

"When Katie and everyone said you hadn't shone, I had to come see what was up."

Her eyes looked watery at his caring. "Well, it's probably a good thing you did because I couldn't keep anything down after apparating earlier."

He gave her a big smile. "So, are you?"

"I think I should see Andi tomorrow to make sure," she told him.

He rolled his eyes. "I am a Healer and have spent the last few months in the maternity rotation," he told her.

After a hit on his arm and a few wand movements, he looked at the runes before him. He studied them, taking his time. He felt the nervousness from Daphne. "Well?" she demanded.

"Well, this says you are in good health," he told her. "Your blood pressure is good, but you could use a little more iron and some salt. Here..."

She hit his arm. "Harry James," she scolded him.

He laughed. "We have another little one on the way," he told her with a huge smile. She smiled back and jumped into his arms. He spun her around and she held him tight when she stopped.

"I'm having a sister," Hazel screamed out.

"Where did you come from?" Daphne asked as Hazel ran to them and clasped herself around Daphne.

"Uncle Sirius said you had a surprise for me. When do we go get my sister? Or does a stalk really drop her off?"

Harry chuckled at his daughter, ruffling her hair. "It's a couple more months. I think your mummy is only about five weeks along. You'll have to wait until February. And we don't know if its a boy or a girl yet."

"When is that?" Hazel asked. When she spoke again she sounded so much like Daphne when she was sure of something. "It's going to be a sister."

"We'll see, little miss," Daphne said affectionately to Hazel.

"Is the bun in your oven all gone now? Uncle Sirius said that was why you were sick earlier."

Harry kept his laugh in as Daphne looked up to see the man leaning against the wall down the end of the corridor. "He did, did he?"

Sirius shrugged. "Figured it was something like that. Congrats, pups."

-oOo-

December 25, 2006

Longmarche, England

"Will you stand still," a laughing Daphne said to the youngest Potter-Black who was only three. Lily was as raven-hair as her father with her mother's dark eyes, though she had more green in them than Daphne's.

Hazel was waiting quietly as Harry ran his wand over her, cleaning the soot off. He had grab quickly for James as his five year old wanted to run off as Neville and Hannah came into the large atrium of Neville's family home.

"Uncle Neville," James cried out before coming up short.

"Let me get the soot of you first," Harry gripped at his son. The six year old blonde girl that looked the spitting image of her mother was holding a nice doll and holding Hannah's hand. Harry knew that image of a nice little girl would be shattered the second James ran after her and she ran away screaming in delight. The two of them were thick as thieves when ever they got together.

"Just a moment, Ophelia, then you can go show him our tree," Hannah told the girl, who lit up with delight.

Neville had a smaller boy resting on his shoulder and with a hand in his mouth. The three year old Longbottom heir was going to look a lot like Neville. Tiberius looked like he had just woken up.

"Are we the first," Daphne asked, finally letting for of Lily, who rushed over to hug Neville and Hannah.

"Hermione and Rene came last night. I think Gabriel kept them up so we didn't bother them. Marissa is in the sitting room though," Hannah told them.

Marissa was Hermione's and Rene's four year old daughter, in line for the Black's after Daphne and their brood. "Are they still going over to her parents later today?"

"Marissa is with her grandparents. Hermione drove them with them yesterday. Dan and Jane are excited to see all this," Neville responded at Ophelia squeaked and James took off after her.

"No running," Daphne called after them. Lily wasn't leaving Neville's side at the moment. Next to them, her Uncle Neville was her favorite person for some reason. "Is Aunt Astoria and Tracey going to be here today?"

"Astoria will, dear," Daphne told Hazel. "Aunt Tracey is in France for the week. Why don't you go make sure James and Ophelia don't destroy anything."

Hazel straightened up. "I am not his keeper, mum."

"Go, little miss," Daphne commanded and Hazel walked past the Longbottoms. "Happy Christmas, Uncle Neville and Aunt Hannah."

"Happy Christmas, Hazel," Hannah said giving her a hug before Hazel dissapeared.

Neville grew a little long. "So, I take it you heard?"

"Yeah," Harry said quietly and Daphne took his hand. "How long?"

"Sprout is retiring end of this year. Minerva asked me to take over as Head of Department."

"Is there nothing to be done?"

Neville shook his head. "I know Harry has checked her over and can't say anything, but she told me the incident last year with the poisonous tentaculars left more scaring than she let on."

Harry pursed his lips. He had been surprised she had gone back to work with how she had been attacked by the plants. It was some stupid third years that it was a good prank to lock some firsties in Greenhouse three. The three boys didn't realize that were really dangerous plants in the greenhouse, thinking it had been Greenhouse four. Pamona had saved the firsties, but had taken some nasty bites because of it. The three had gotten lucky is was only a two-week suspension and then every Saturday the rest of the year in detention.

"Well, I know it's not the best way to get it, but congrats," Harry told his best friend.

Neville nodded. "I heard you got a promotion too?"

Daphne stood tall, very proud of him. "He is going to start teaching the NEWT level runes next year."

Harry felt a little heat. Even after all these years, he still didn't like alot of attention. "That's only because Minerva decided she needs a full time Healer with so many students now."

"Over a hundred muggleborn this year," Hannah said. "Neville said he been pretty impressed with some of them."

"Yeah. One-hundred and ninety-three students. One hundred and three of them muggleborn. Minerva says there haven't been that many students ever in a first year class," Neville added.

"The old purebloods in power were berks."

"How many times do I have tell you not to swear," a familiar voice came to them. He turned to see Hermione coming down the stairs with a baby only a few months old in her arms.

"I am not apologizing any more," he told her.

She rolled her eyes and hugged him. Harry was gentle with the boy in her hands. "Happy Christmas, sis," he told her.

"Happy Christmas, Harry."

She let him go and turned to Daphne. "You look beautiful as always," Hermione said to Daphne. Harry had to agree. He did recognize that sleep deprived state they all had gone through those earlier months of a new child.

"You do to, Hermione."

Hermione made a disgruntled sound. "I do not. Yes, that is your Aunt Daphne," Hermione said kindly as the boy grabbed for Daphne's hair.

"What me to take him for a bit?"

Hermione looked grateful. "That would be wonderful. Rene should be down shortly. He was taking a shower. Where are all yours?"

"Probably trying to figure out what presents are theirs," Hannah said. "Ophelia has been bouncing around waiting for everyone."

"It's only a little after ten. Personally, I didn't think you would be here yet," Hermione said looking at them.

Daphne was cooing at Gabriel and not paying attention. "Our three were up by five-thirty and dying to tear into the family presents."

Hermione yawned. "Madeline did the same, and then mum and dad took her so Rene and could get a little more sleep."

"Mummy, aren't you coming? Hey, Aunt Hermione," James called from the doorway.

"Happy Christmas, James," Hermione replied.

"Happy Christmas," the boy yelled out with a smile before leaving all the adults standing in the atrium.

"Let's go see if we can hold them off until Astoria arrives and Rene comes down," Harry said.

Neville chuckled. "Come on you," he said to the still quiet boy in his arms.

The large sitting room had a ten foot tall tree decked out in silver and blue. Ophelia was looking over the packages while James was trying to guess what was in them. Hazel as sitting tall and proper talking with Hermione parents, who were asking her when she would go to Hogwarts.

It was a very nice morning, and after only ten minutes, they decided to let the kids all open their presents from their Aunts and Uncles. James was soon having a blast with some animated knights and dragons while some nice clothes and a few other twos lay forgotten. Ophelia was on the chair above him, protecting her cloth doll and a new one that Hermione had given her. Her other presents on the chair behind her as she cheered on the knights.

Lily was having fun with Tiberius and Marissa playing with some colorful muggle blocks, making tall towers and then breaking down into fits of laughter after one of them would knock them over.

Hazel was opening her last gift from Daphne and him. They had sent it here, wanting everyone to see her reaction, which didn't disappoint them. She took the long package that was just a little wider than her own arm. Smiling and talking with them as she told them all about the Muggle salon he mum and Aunt Hermione had treated her to on her tenth birthday a few weeks ago, she stopped talking as she opened the box.

Her eyes were wide and most of them were looking at him. "What did you get, angel?" he asked his daughter.

She looked up at him. "Is this real," she asked, her voice hushed.

"Try it on and you tell me," he told her.

"Dad, this is a wand holster. I don't have a wand yet. You and mum said I can't get one until next year," she told him.

He shrugged. "Try it on and see if there is anything else in the box."

She took it and gasped. There was a note there with a draft note to her inheritance vault. Looking at him, and then Daphne with huge eyes, she asked again, "Can I really?"

"There is some law that any house that has muggle repelling wards up, can allow a witch to get her wand at ten and practice under supervision," Harry told her when Daphne nodded to him this was his show.

Hazel squealed with delight, shot up from where she was sitting crossed legged and rushed over to him. Harry happily accepted her hug, as they were starting to become rarer from their eldest daughter. "Thank you, dad. Thank you."

He patted her back before she moved to Daphne and then tried to get the holster onto her small arm over her dress sleeve. He laughed at her. "Come here, Hazel."

Hermione leaned over. "Are all the muggleborn being told of this?"

"Only after they accept a spot at a magical school the summer they turn or after they are eleven. The Wizengamot thought it too much a risk to let them do that before their first year of study, especially since they don't have magical parents," he whispered back to her.

Hermione thought about for a bit. "I guess that makes sense. Still gives others a leg up," she told him.

"It does, but from what I have seen, many catch up to their magically raised peers with the first two years," Harry responded.

Hazel's reaction and now her non-stop prattle about getting a wand in the next few days was the highlight until the shock that came with Astoria's arrival. She walked into the sitting room with her long time beau, Hector Smythe, a Ravenclaw from her year. They were all eating the lunch spread that had been laid out for them.

"Happy Christmas," Astoria said cheerily, a huge smile on her face and looking more chipper than Harry had even seen her.

Daphne looked at her, her own questioning curiosity travelling between them.

"Happy Christmas," a few of them echoed.

"Aunt Astoria!" It was a chorus from their three children, and joined by Madisson.

Astoria took them all in happily in one big hug until Hazel grabbed her hand. "Oh, Aunt Astoria, is a pink diamond?"

They all looked to the offending hand and Daphne put her hands to her mouth. "You said yes?" Daphne asked all excited.

Astoria beamed. "Of course I said yes," she snarked to Daphne. His wife got up and rushed to her sister, trapping Lily between them, who was still hugging her Aunts leg. He gave her his own congratulations before stepping back.

Neville was next to him. "I better go tell Nipsy to break open the good elven wine."

Harry got up too as his sister-in-law became the center of attention. "I'd better go too," he told Neville. "You coming Rene and Dan," he offered the other men. Hector could deal with all the woman for a few.

Dan shook his head. "I'm good right here," he told them. He had Gabriel in his lap and was playing with his grandson.

The three men in their twenties all went to the large kitchen where two house elves were busy cooking. "You still doing your big party tomorrow night," Harry asked him.

"Hannah's parents things its good for us to be freindly with everyone in out alliance. Personally, I thought all this tripe would have dried up after they reorganized the Wizengamot and Ministry. Nipsy," Neville said to a tall female elf.

"Yes, Master Neville," the elf replied.

Harry turned to a tired looking Rene. "How's the research going?"

Rene stifled a yawn. "It's not. On a bit of a leave right now. Hermione is just barely holding it together some days," the sandy hair man told him in a decent English accent, just a hint of his French upbringing coming through.

"Well, when you get back to it, I have a few more patents I'd like you to take a look at. Some of my NEWT students are geniuses at trying to adapt the newest Muggle technologies and medical research. Some really impressive senior projects."

This seemed to catch Rene's interest. The man was very similar to Hermione when you gave him something like this. He was bright, a bookworm to a fault at times, but one of the most genius people Harry had ever met when it came to runes and technomancy. He was turning out to be a brilliant and prolific inventor that Minerva had been trying to entice to start up a program at Hogwarts for the last three years now.

"How about you set up a workshop like you did last year? I can give you a day or two for that," the man said before accepting a beer that Neville held out to him. Harry turned it down. That was one thing he would always respect of Daphne. She didn't mind him drinking a little, but she hated the smell on him.

"It's just butterbeer for you," Neville told him.

Harry took it, "Thanks."

Neville chuckled as he leaned against an island counter. "You think I want Daphne to had words with me again?"

Harry chuckled. "The three times I can ever remember getting totally pissed is with you, mate."

"I had no clue that punch was spiked at the Diggory's party that year," Neville said in his defense.

"I don't think most of the party did. Daphne left me on the back porch to sleep it off."

Both of the other men cringed. "I've only ever merited the couch a few times," Rene replied.

"Hannah just threw the duvet at me when I passed out on the floor."

"Lucky bastard," Harry griped.

Neville shrugged and took a drink. "So, is that a bright idea to get Hazel a wand?"

"It was Daphne's suggestion, I did the details and buying," he told him. "I am telling you she is going to be a right troll with one. She already gets me and Sirius more than we ever get her and she has this innocent look to her that she had even talked her way out of trouble with Daphne a few times now."

Neville gave him a sympathetic look while Rene laughed. "Do I need to worry about Madi spending time with her cousins?"

"Just Sirius and Hazel. She is so much like Daphne at times its scary," he said affectionately about his daughter. "She is going to be near the top of her class once she goes though. She had already gone through all the first year books we got her last summer and asking me things I don't think I thought about until seventh year."

"To be fair, you didn't really have time to thing about things until seventh year," Neville quipped back.

"True," Harry replied, raising the butterbeer in a salute. The other two followed.

"Master Neville, the elven wine and sparkling grape juice is ready."

"Thank, Nipsy. If you would just take it out, we'll join you in a moment. "How are you two holding up with Gabriel?"

Rene leaned against the door jam and sighed. "Madi would sleep all night. Gabriel doesn't."

"We had the same issue with Ophelia until we figured out the lights from cars on the road kept shining in her room and waking her," Neville told him.

Rene seemed to think for a bit. Hermione and Gabriel lived in the same muggle neighborhood her parents did. It was mostly quiet and only busy in the mornings and evening as people went or came home from work. "Not sure that is it, but we can see."

"If you need us to take Madi off your hands for a few days, just let us know. Lily loves having her over. Hazel also wants to go a Harpies game New Years day. I can still get a few tickets if any of you want to go," Harry offered.

"I'm sure Ophelia would love too. Tiberius isn't one for the crowds."

He looked to Rene. "Not really a Quidditch fan. I'll ask Hermione if she wants to go."

Both he and Neville just shook their heads. "Only two then," he asked Neville.

"Sounds good."

"Harry, can you have your students prepare a paper," Rene asked, clearly thinking about what Harry had dangled before his face.

"I'll send over the reports that due when we get back."

-oOo-

September 1, 2008

London, England

"Come on, mum," Hazel called to Daphne as she took off towards the train. Harry and James were with her, trying to make sure he didn't loose his overjoyed daughter. The red stream engine languidly let out a haze of smoke.

"Hazel, wait for a moment," he had to tell his daughter. It was about twenty minutes to eleven and the platform was busy. Hogwarts not hosted almost thirteen-hundred students every year and the train was almost twenty cars long, each one having expansion charms on them to hold so many students.

She stopped, looking impatient for Daphne and Lily to catch up.

"Can't I go," Lily was asking with a few tears. "In a few years. You are only five," he told his brown-eyes daughter. James stood tall. "I only have to wait about four years."

"Can we just get to the train? I want to find Teddy and Roxanne," she told them.

Teddy Tonks had been born about two months after Hazel and they had only really become friends the last two years or so after Remus and Dora had moved back after a while teaching at Ilvamorny. Roxanne was the daughter of Fred and Angelina Weasley.

"We won't see you for the next few months. At least let me say bye," Daphne told their daughter.

"Dad and Uncle Neville will be there. It's not like I won't see any of you," Hazel replied impatiently, even if she did move to hug her mum. Hazel hugged Daphne for longer than normal before letting go.

"I don't want hear you got expelled before you get your OWL's," Daphne warned their green-eyed daughter, who took on a totally innocents face.

"I never cause trouble. I was raised to be a perfect lady," Hazel said, taking on the pose she had been trained to have for certain occasions.

"Merlin help us," Harry muttered.

When Hazel was on the train and Lily was holding his arm as tight as she could, Harry felt a great deal of pride in his daughter as she was totally oblivious to them as she talked with Teddy, Roxanne and to other first-years they had seemed to already collect.

"You will keep her from getting expelled, right," Daphne asked, a little concerned.

"I'll do my best," he told Daphne.

James tried to wave as the train started to pull away, but Hazel was already in her own little world. "Is she really going to Hogwarts," he asked Daphne.

"Yeah. Come on. Let's get these two home and then you can head up there, Deputy Headmaster," she said.

Harry smiled. That had been a huge shock. Minerva had announced her retirement end of last year and had asked him to take up Filius position as he stepped up to Head Master. To do so, though, he was going to have to half his class load. He was a little disappointed, but to help steer the vision Minerva had started and to see the drastic changes in their world and the outside world was actually fun to do.

"I still think she's going to be a Slytherin," he told his wife and they led their other children away.

"With the way she like to prank she is a Gryffindor, luv."

"She is sly enough to never get caught. No Gryffindor is ever that good."

"A full body massage to the winner?"

He smirked. "I'll give you one anyways."

She pecked him and James made a disgusted sound.

Later that night, he gave his daughter a huge smile as she walked proudly towards the Snakes. The House wasn't the same it had been ten years ago. Now, it was a respected House turning out some truly ambitious and talented members of their society. He knew she would do well there and trusted she would be safe and happy.

He also smirked at the many gasps to see the Potter-Black going there. He knew it had been many generations since a Potter had gone to anything put Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. He didn't see any of his children going to the Badgers. Not because they wouldn't do well there, but James was already to brave for his own good and Lily was starting to show signs of being very intelligent. If they had a fourth kid, Daphne and him would have a chance as a clean sweep of the Houses.

Hazel gave him a big smile from the table. She cheered loudly when Roxanne joined her, but Teddy went to Hufflepuff.

Harry felt very pleased that the Houses were almost equally split, and the Muggleborn that went to Slytherin were being welcomed and his daughter was chief among them.

That night, Daphne was more than pleased to get a rub down, even if she had lost the bet, before climbing on him. They both went to bed with satisfied smiles.

-oOo-

November 7, 2009

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hazel was staring him down across his desk. Roxanne, Teddy, Doug Shaffer, Geraldine Gregor and Tom Sutton were all in his office. He knew Neville, Professor Otternold and Professor Westford were going to be having words with their students later as well. Two Slytherin, a Hufflepuff and three Gryffindors stood before him.

His daughter was clearly the ring leader.

"Dad, before you go off," Hazel started.

"I think in this situation it is Deputy Headmaster, Ms. Potter-Black," he said angrily to his daughter.

She didn't back down, but she did take a step back. "Care to explain why Professor Hagrid had to save you from a acromantula? One that was not on the grounds of Hogwarts?"

Tom Sutton, a rather tall boy with blue eyes and strawberry blonde hair stepped up next Hazel. He fought to keep his cool as the way he looked at his daughter and she seemed to relax a little. He had seen her hanging out with this boy and his friends, but they were all only twelve. Did it start this young?

"Professor Potter-Black, it was my fault. I dared them all to go in. We were supposed to follow the path and get a golden acorn that some seventh years said they found," Tom told him.

Ah, the only golden acorn that would give you intelligence. He thought Hazel and a few others of these students too bright to fall for that. His daughter knew he thought her to bright. I didn't miss the confused look that disappeared almost instantly.

Harry was going to need to keep an eye on this boy. He was going to be very handsome in a few years and Hazel was going to have a figure like her mother.

The question was did he let them off or not? They had gone far into the forest, and from what Hagrid had said, it seemed like they were looking for something. But what were they looking for?

Hazel held his eyes. if she wasn't so cunning and ambitious to follow in his footsteps, she would have been a Gryffindor. "You all have two nights of detention in the stables and ten points each for going out of bonds and after curfew. Ms. Potter-Black, you are to stay for a few minutes."

Most of her friends looked concerned. Harry had not gone easy on Hazel, not wanting to seem like he was giving her favoritism. He hadn't really called her out on most of her antics either. It was time for a chat.

When the door closed, he motioned for the seat. "Dad, I really should get to bed," she told him, for the first time looking like she realized she was in a world of trouble.

"Tomorrow is Saturday, you can sleep in."

"Can I explain first before you go off on me?"

He eyed her for a moment. "Alright, explain, and then maybe I won't tell your mother everything you got up to."

She visible gulped. "Ah, you see, we found a secret room, with a map and, ah... ah, journal that talked about some hidden Chamber under the forest. A full moon was the only time the entrance was supposed to be visible. We thought it would be neat to find it. Well, it was actually Geraldine's idea thinking it could be related to Gryffindor since the room was in Gryffindor tower, but none of them knew how to read the runes, and some of them were moon glyphs, so they didn't appear until tonight, and... and..."

She trailed off to see his unimpressed expression. A part of knew he would have run off to do the same thing, but he knew now how dangerous it was and how concerned he had been for her. He was sure he would have to tell Daphne all this. There was no way she wouldn't have felt it.

"And you didn't find a Professor why?"

She bit her lip. Something she had picked up from her Aunt Hermione. "Uhm, you wouldn't have let us go."

"And do you know why?"

"Because the Forbidden Forest is forbidden."

"And you never bothered to find out why it was forbidden?"

Hazel finally adverted her eyes down. "No. You and Uncle Neville and everyone else just said it was dangerous. I had no idea there were real werewolves and acromantula in there."

Harry sighed. She was still so young. Top of her class. Brilliant. Devious in a good way. But she was still so young. "No one was hurt this time. You got lucky. I will need to take the cloak and the map for a few weeks."

Hazel's head shot up. "Dad! You can't! I need it."

He eyed Hazel. "Your pranks will have to wait for a few weeks. You do something like again and you will not get them back for your entire time at Hogwarts. Do you understand me, my little miss?"

She cringed as her mother's favorite pet name. "Are you going to tell mum?"

Flashes of his own run in with the same creatures at her age flashed through his mind. At the time Ron and him had had a nervous laugh. Now he was going to have nightmares she had died. "That you were almost killed by an acromantula? I will try to keep that hidden, but this is not funny, Hazel. You and all your friends really could have been killed. You are lucky you survived. I will be telling her about everything else."

Hazel's shoulders sagged and her green eyes showed her understanding. "I will get you the cloak and map tomorow."

Harry held out his hands. He knew she carried them on her at almost all time in the beaded bag Hermione had given her last the Christmas before she had come to Hogwarts. She sighed, taking the bag out of her pocket and handing the cloak, the map and a few other supplies. "Roxanne's dad gave her a few things to help with out next prank on the Ravenclaws."

"And you figure it is better to confess now then face my wrath later?"

"Well, face mum's," she said with a cheeky grin.

He couldn't help but chuckled at her. "Hazel, I understand you all thought this was some great adventure, but you need to think more. You act too much like me when I was your age. This is one of the time to act more like mum, Aunt Tracey or Aunt Astoria."

She sighed. "I know. It would have just seemed so cool."

He eyed her for a few. "I know it's close to one, but do you want to take a walk?"

The look she gave him looked half apprehensive, and half mischievous. "Are you my dad or my Professor right now?"

"Your dad, angel" he told her, standing up. "Come on."

When he crawled into bed at close to two in the morning, Daphne rolled over and put an arm over his chest as she snuggled into his shoulder. "Why are you so late?"

He sighed. "Your lovely daughter," he told her.

"I didn't think Lily was up to anything," Daphne told him, just barely sounding awake.

Harry chuckled. "Can I claim the good one tonight?"

"What did Hazel do?"

"I love that girl. She really should have been a Gryffindor though."

Daphne kissed his neck. "It couldn't have been that bad, and she is to sly. This is only the third time you have caught her," Daphne reminded her.

"I have let others go because they were innocents pranks," he countered.

"She has you wrapped around her little finger."

"Some days."

"Every day. You going to tell me what happened?"

By the time he got done, the light was on and Daphne was pacing across their room. "I am going to ground her for a year once I get my hands on her."

"I did alot more stupid things when I was her age," he pointed out.

"That is no excuse. She has been raised with proper parents and has been taught what she should do. A bloody acromantula. What were they doing playing with an acromantula!"

"I don't think they were playing with it, luv. She had been punished."

Daphne gave him a hard look. "What, you just gave her a few nights of detention and House points?"

"I also took my cloak and the copy of the Marauders map back for a bit."

This brought Daphne up short. Harry didn't let his kids get away with everything, but he was as hard a disciplinarian as he could be either. Actually, as much as all three of their children seemed to be afraid of Daphne, Harry usually was the one that gave the punishments. "And how much of a tantrum did she throw?"

"None, actual," he said, quite impressed.

Daphne looked a little surprised. "Really? What is she up too?"

Harry shrugged, giving a big yawn. "Not sure. I'm sure I'll find out sooner than later, but I'm pretty sure she won't go back into the forest until she is older and knows she can handle what is in there. Hazel isn't stupid."

"No, just a little niave and once she thinks she has a clever plan, she doesn't look at much else."

"She should have been a Gryffindor."

Daphne gave a little smile. "Told you so."

Harry threw the covers back. "Come to bed?"

She crawled in next to him, planting a big kiss on his lips. "Are you that tired yet?"

Sliding his hands to the hem of her shirt, he commented, "I'm always ready for you."

After a rather rowdy round where he found himself behind Daphne and her being a little loud as he took her hips and guided her onto his shaft, his wife lay half on him, no clothes between him. His smirk was half for the feel of her on him, the other was the look of wonder on Hazel's face when he introduced her to the Room of Requirements. He hadn't really told her what it could do fully. He just hoped that it would keep her out of any more big trouble for a while.

His thoughts came back to the naked woman pressed into him and put a leg over his.

-oOo-

February 10, 2013

Holyhead, Wales

It was a cold day with a blustery wind. That didn't lesson the smile on James face as they walked the concourse around the stadium. All he asked for his eleventh birthday was to go to a Quidditch game with his father. Harry was pleased to do so.

It gave him a nice day off with his favorite son - of course James was his only son - and to watch the Harpies get closer to the cup this year.

"Dad, can I get a new set of omnioculars?"

"Sure, kiddo. I could use to replace mine as well."

A short time late, they both had the latest model and new cases to carry them in. James was bouncing as he dragged Harry towards the stands. "Not that way today," Harry told him.

James turned and looked at him. "But we always sit in the second tier towards the center."

Harry held out the ticket. "Special treat today. Your mum and I thought it would be nice to see it from one of the boxes since we will miss your birthday the next couple years once you go to Hogwarts."

"But you teach there. Are you quitting?"

Harry laughed. "No. Fine, your mum wanted to give you a special gift. Come on," Harry motioned for them to go up the stairs.

James took them two at a time until coming up short at two wizards at the top of the stairs. "This is for reserved seating only," one of the men said. As Harry came around the corner to see James standing tall to the men he shook his head. There was no way his youngest son was not going to be a Gryffindor. "My dad said we are sitting up here and I have these tickets," James said, holding the golden tickets out before him.

One of the men saw him and quirked an eye. "One of yours, Professor?"

Harry chuckled. "My middle child, James. A special treat today for when he turns eleven this week. How are you, Russ. I assume we can just go through?"

The man winked at James. "Looks good, James. Third door down. It's nice to see you again, Professor."

"Harry. I am not your teacher anymore," Harry told the man. He had had Russ as a student in Runes. The man had graduated six years ago, if he remembered correctly.

"I know, Professor, but you helped me to get and EE on my Runes NEWT. I just thought it respectful," the man said with a nod.

Harry shook his head. "Thank you, Russ, but please just call me Harry."

"Sure, Harry. Have a good birthday, James."

"Thanks," James beamed at the man. As they walked away, James look to him. "Dad, how many people do you know? You always have someone saying hi to you."

Harry chuckled. "Well, that is a complicated question. Some, like Russ, I know because I was their Professor. Other still know me as someone that saved their world when I was just a baby. Others, know your mum and respect what she does on the Wizengamot or are business partners of hers."

"Are you talking about Voldemort?"

It was nice that so many of the younger generation didn't fear the name anymore. Of course, with so many muggleborn in their society now, that helped to lessen the impact. "Yeah. That is a story for when you are little older. Today, this is about you."

He knocked on the door three times before opening it.

James rushed in and stopped as the room exploded with noise. "SURPRISE!"

Yes, James had wanted just a day out with his father. Daphne wanted a day with her son. So, naturally, the entire family was here. James stumbled back as Ophelia jumped on him, hugging him tight and whispering 'Happy Birthday' to him. He had to chuckle, along with Neville, at the way James went beet root red.

Others hugged or shook his hand and James beamed to be the center of attention. Hannah stepped up next to him as they watched her golden hair daughter shadow James, or stand at his side whenever she could.

"I think my daughter has developed a crush on your son," she said.

Harry shrugged. "Could be worse things than then eventually falling in love."

Hannah chuckled. "Neville says the same. Did he enjoy his morning with is father?"

Harry smiled. "I enjoyed it. Pretty sure he did too."

Seeing James so happy, any of his children happy, was a good feeling. "Neville is thinking of going off to Switzerland for a few days over Easter Break. My love struck daughter asked if James could come."

"I don't see why not. Did you ask Daph yet?"

"Not yet. She has been a little frazzled planning this and I didn't want her to loose it."

Harry nodded. "Eleven is a big day for a wizard."

"Or a witch. Ophelia doesn't go anywhere without that little bracelet James got her."

He could see the silver bracelet with a few charms of the girls left wrist. "Like I said, could be worse things."

As James got settle in, a beautiful young girl came over to them. He hardly recognized her from the baby he had first held in his arms a little over sixteen years ago now. "Hey, dad," she said. Hazel looked almost exactly like Daphne had that year this all started. She had the same lithe frame, with long dark hair, but with his eyes looking back at him.

"Hey, angel. Glad to see mum freed you today," he said jokingly.

Hazel rolled her eyes at him. "You aren't as funny as you think you are."

Harry and Hannah laughed. "Maybe. What do you want?"

"Who says I want anything?" She had now perfected the innocent look, and he had to admit she had grown up too. She was taking school alot more seriously this year, and he hadn't been able to link any pranks to her since mid last year.

"You don't usually just come up to me like this," he pointed out.

Hazel took a parchment out of her pocket. In the box it was warm and they didn't need their cloaks or coats. "I actually wanted to thank you. I got my third outstanding on my Defence tests."

He took the paper and smiled at his daughter. "Your welcome, Hazel. If you and your friends need any more tutoring, I am sure I can find the time."

She smiled and gave him a quick hug. "Thanks, dad. I should get back to Tom."

He quirked an eyebrow at her, not realizing that her boyfriend had come along today. He quickly found the sandy hair boy. He was tall, trim and handsome. Hannah leaned in. "He is cute," she teased him.

Harry crinkled his mouth for a second. "I don't want to let her go yet."

"I don't think that is your decision," Hannah pressed.

"And when Ophelia finally gets to that point?"

She looked to her daughter. "If she is with James, I won't say a word or worry."

"If she is with someone else?"

"Merlin help that boy when Neville gets his hands on him," she smirked. Harry laughed before his third kid wafted over to him. She was tall for a girl of nine, with long raven hair that was slightly messy and her her mothers brown eyes.

"What's wrong, Lily," he asked, seeing something was bothering his more bookish child. She was as out going as James, or ambitious as Hazel, but he had a feeling she would challenge Hazel's outstanding grades. She also had her mother's grace and love of dancing.

"James got a new omniocular set?"

"It is his birthday, and I remember you wanting me to take you the playhouse for your birthday and getting some very nice ballet and other dance gear," he replied.

"But the Harpies are my favorite team and the ones I have are already full with my favorite plays," she told him.

He took the case off his shoulder. "You can have these for the day."

Lily's face lit up. "Thanks, dad!" She jumped up to hug him and took the case to go join Madeline and Tiberius, who all started to talk animatedly with each other as she took out the new golden omnioculars.

"She looks so much like you with Daphne's eyes," Hannah commented.

"I think I am going to have a harder time letting her go than Hazel."

Hannah patted his arm. "It is the way of things, Harry. If you don't mind, I'm going to go find my husband."

"Sure, Hannah. Let Nev know that James will be going with you."

She nodded and drifted away. He was content just to watch the crowd. Daphne, his beautiful wife, was talking with Astoria, Tracey and Hermione. Tracey's kids, the age of the younger ones, were playing a game of gobstones in the corner with Gabriel. She had twin daughters with the light brown hair of their mother. Astoria was looking big being seven months pregnant with her second child. Their four year old, Edmond, was at her side, watching everything.

Rene, Mike and Neville were all talking by the railing, waiting for the game to start.

Yes, Harry Potter-Black was happy.

-oOo-

September 1, 2013

Hogwarts, Scotland

Hazel was sitting with her friends a they watched the first years come in. This year was a smaller year, only one-hundred and sixty-three students, but Harry still had a hard time finding James in the crowd until he saw the unmistakable golden hair of Ophelia. They were both looking around the hall in awe. He couldn't stop from smiling as he held his half of the list with the new sorting hat. With how many students were hear every year, Harry had helped to find a way to copy the original sorting hat so they could have two at one. It made for a more chaotic sorting, but it also took less than an hour. Much better than when they only had one.

As Deputy Headmaster, it was his honor to do this. He was looking forward to putting the hat onto his son's head.

Having the list split in half, meant Ophelia would be towards the end while James be towards the front on his side. When he called out, "James Potter-Black," James came up, a nervous smile on his face.

"It doesn't matter, James," he whispered, trying to remind his son of the conversation they had earlier. For some reason he thought it would be a big deal if he wasn't sorted into Gryffindor.

James swallowed and nodded as he sat on the stool. The hall clapped as the original sorting hat called out, "RAVENCLAW!" A mousy hair boy jumped off the stool and went to his new table.

The new hat didn't take long before calling out, "GRYFFINDOR!"

James jumped up, made half to move to hug his father before realizing where he was and walked off to the Gryffindor table, redder than Harry had ever seen him. He caught Hazel's eye as she clapped for her brother and looked to be fighting off her own laughter.

The surprise was to see Ophelia skip off towards the Gryffindor table. Neville was sure to be proud, but Harry thought her more of a Hufflepuff by her disposition. Then again, she had been right besides James side for years and had been just as involved in the same trouble. Out of the two of them, she might be the one he had to watch more careful.

-oOo-

September 13, 2013

Hogwarts, Scotland

James had received an anonymous letter earlier today with hand writing that looked suspiciously like Hazel's. His older sister had gotten the upper hand on Lily and him for years as he tried to catch up to her on her pranks. Even Uncle Sirius hadn't been able to best her by the end of her second year.

So, yes, James was feeling cautious of his now sixth-year older sister.

When he came into the room, he had his wand out and ready to light the room if he needed. It was close to curfew though and he didn't want to get caught. That would be just like Hazel.

"I was afraid you wouldn't come," Hazel's voice said from behind him. He whirled and when he didn't see her, he huffed.

"Are you under dad's cloak," he asked her.

A second later, a mischievously grinning Hazel appeared. "You're quicker than you look, runt."

He gave a unimpressed eye and tried to keep his temper down. "Will you stop calling me that! I'm eleven now."

She shrugged, so much like dad. "Sure. So how has the first two weeks been?"

Now his gaze turned to suspicion. "Why? Did I miss a prank or something?"

Hazel shook her head. "Believe it or not, I'm trying to be good now. Professor Tillinghast threatened to take away my Prefects badge last year if I did anymore pranks to his Ravenclaws. Since then I've been an angel."

James snorted. "I know dad calls you that, but you are no angel, Hazel."

She shrugged her shoulders again. "Well, I am now. That doesn't mean that another Potter-Black can't take up grandpa's or Uncle Sirius and Remus title." Her mischievous grin was back.

"What do you mean," James asked confused. Hazel held out dad's cloak and a thick wad of folded parchment. His eyes widened. "You are bloody joking!"

Hazel shook her head. "Nope. I have caused my mischief and can't do any more if I want to be Head Girl next year. I think you and Ophelia could put good use to this."

It took a moment before he realized Hazel was being honest. "You really want to be Head Girl?"

"I am the Heiress Potter. You are the Heir Black and Lily is the Heiress Peverell. All seats mum said she would give up when we are old enough and responsible enough. I want to sit my seat when I turn eighteen. Mum would never let me if I kept up what I was doing," she told him.

James tentatively reached for the prized Peverell cloak. Technically, it was his, being Heir Peverell, but dad was still the owner and could do what he wanted with it. "You really want to be on the Wizengamot?"

"I want to work at integrating the Muggle world more into ours, like mum and Uncle Sirius have been doing. I plan to apply for the Muggle Liaison and Integration Department next year."

James smirked as he took the map. "Can I prank you?"

She smirked back. "You can try."

Looking at Hazel, he asked, "Has it been fun being in Slytherin?"

She smiled. "I have made some really good friends and it's not the same place that mum and dad or Aunt Tracey, Trisha and Astoria talk about at times. There may be a pecking order in the house, but we all help those that need it and always stick up for each other. I still think dad and mum were disappointed though."

James shook his head. "No, all Lily and hear is how proud they are of you, but I've heard dad say he thinks you should have been in Gryffindor just because of the trouble you got into."

Hazel shrugged again. "Maybe. If you or Ophelia need anything, just send me a letter. I'll meet you."

"Can I say hi to you in the hallways," he asked, having been too afraid too yet.

"You are my brother, James. I won't ever deny that and I will greet you back," Hazel told him. "Besides, mum asked me to keep and eye on you and Ophelia. She has this insane notion you might be expelled before your OWLs."

James laughed. "Like you almost were third year?"

Hazel took a little colour as she eyed her brother. "Lesson learned. Don't use the House Elves to pull a prank."

James smiled at her. "I'll try to remember that. Uncle Sirius said..."

"James, it's not the same. Head Master Flitwick doesn't allow the house elves to do that anymore, and dad will know too. He is the Deputy Headmaster."

"Oh, right," James replied.

Hazel looked at her watch. "It's after curfew and I need to meet the fifth year Hufflepuff prefects for rounds. I would recommend not getting caught. If you can manage that for the year, I have other places to show you."

The smirk she had before her face went passive had James asking, "What other places?"

"Places. Oh, and I would make sure your 'Mischief is Managed' after you 'Solemnly Swear You Are Up to No Good'." She just winked, her wand touching the paper before she walked out of the room.

James looked after her open mouthed, not understanding anything of what she just said before looking at the cloak and paper in his hands. The blank folded parchment was thick and on the surface it said:

Messiers Prongs, Padfoot, Moony and Scabbers would like to say the grandson of Prongs should get up to a lot of mischief.

James face split into a wide grin. Uncle Sirius had told him about this. Possibilities started to whirl around his head. "Merlin, dad gave her this? I need to tell Ophelia and we need to go exploring tonight," he whispered to himself, wrapping the cloak around him and leaving the room as quietly as he could.

Maybe Hazel was a good sister after all.

-oOo-

December 24, 2014

London, England

Harry was putting the pink diamond daphne around Dahne's neck. She was in a very elegant red dress that showed off her shoulders. He kissed her shoulder. It may have been nineteen years, but he still found her as sexy and elegant as that first year they had been together.

"You look beautiful," he told her.

Daphne smiled. She was was now thirty-five, but he still say the blushing sixteen-year-old he had fallen in love with.

"You clean up well. If only that had been when we first met," he told him, turning to kiss him after she touched the necklace. Harry had gotten her a decent collection of jewelry now, but this one was still her favorite.

"Are you ready to give her away," he asked Daphne.

"I would have preferred Tom to wait until next year, when they were both graduated, but they are eighteen," she sighed.

"I don't think they will marry that soon, but you know Hazel will want this."

"I know. You ready to hobnob with the Great Alliance?"

"You just tell me where you need me to be."

"You are too good to me," she told him, the echo of that uncertainty still in her voice after all these years.

"I love you, Daph." They kissed again before he he help up her up and they want down to the atrium. As they walked through the house, It was apparent that it was not the same place it had been.

All the gloomy dark wood and silk wallpaper was gone. It was light colours. Pictures hung on the walls. Some of them the childhood scratches, others that of a family and friends that loved each other.

In the hall, Hazel was preening herself in a mirror as James fidgeted with his tie and color. Hazel was in an elegant dark green dress that showed she had grown into a young woman. A new diamond necklace was around her neck. A gift from a father to a daughter that was of age and ready to enter womanhood.

Next to her, ten-year-old Lily was watching her. She was in an age appropriate gown of silver and blue highlights. "Here, let me get that," Hazel said as she looked away and helped Lily adjust a comb in her hair that Daphne had gotten her.

"Thank you, Hazel," Lily said.

"Any time, Lils," Hazel replied before making sure her lipstick was on just right.

"Do I have to go," James whinged.

Sirius, now in his sixties and still with a full head of black hair, laughed at James. "If I am going, pup, you are too. Besides, don't you want to see Ophelia all dolled up."

James flushed. He would be thirteen in February, and Ophelia had tuned thirteen last month. It was already apparent that their relationship was changing from childhood best friends to something else they didn't understand. Harry hoped is was another three or four years before they understood the change.

Daphne went over to James and straightened out his tie. "You have to look presentable through dinner, than you can loose the tie. Though, Ophelia may like you dancing with her looking so nice."

James looked at Daphne. "Do you really think she will like it," he asked in a whisper. He gave Sirius a look to keep his mouth shut. The old mutt just grinned.

"I think she will like in very much," Daphne whispered back.

Harry walked over to Lily. "Heiress Peverell, would you do me the honor of escorting you tonight," he said very regally to his youngest.

She straightened out, like she had been taught for the more formal affairs like this. "Why thank you, Mr. Potter-Black."

She took his arm as Daphne did the same with James. "You look very lovely, Lils."

She gave him a big smile. "Hazel helped."

He winked at his eldest as she smiled at Lily. "Mum used to help me, though it is fair I pass it along."

Yes, Harry was very proud of Hazel. He was proud of all his kids. "Hazel, you look beautiful."

"Thanks, dad."

"Dobby," he called. A second later the elf came up from the kitchens. It was just Dobby, Winky and their two elflins now. Kreacher had finally passed last summer. It had torn Daphne up for a while when he had passed.

"Yes, the Great Harry," the elf asked.

Lily giggled as he shook his head. The elf would never stop that, especially since Daphne encouraged it. "I am not sure what time we will be home tonight, but if we need, will you take James and Lily home if we ask?"

Dobby smiled. "Yes, Master Harry."

He nodded and asked Lily, "You ready, princess?"

She nodded and soon they had all apparated to Longmarche. This year Neville and Hannah were putting on the annual ball for the Great Alliance. Last year it had been at the Entwhistles. Susan and Kevin had put on a very good ball at Grace Manor, the family home of the Bones.

Hazel joined them a short while later after picking up Tom. This was the second year the Muggleborn Gryffindor had come with her.

When they finally found their hosts, before sitting at the head table with the Longbottoms and Bones, Harry had to to hide his laugh when James froze as Daphne greeted Neville and Hannah.

Ophelia was starting to go through the change from a girl into a young woman. In two or three more years, she would be as stunning wit her mother. The elder of the Longbottom children had her hair in a fancy plait, silver gown and what looked like diamonds borrowed from Hannah.

He had to admit she was a pretty girl and had to nudge James. His son shook his head and looked to be fighting down a blush that had started at his neck. His training kicked in and he bowed to Ophelia. "Evening, Ms. Longbottom."

Ophelia tried to act demure, but he saw the smile peaking out at the edge of her mouth. "Evening, Heir Black."

Neither of them said anything until Neville leaned over towards his daughter. "Why don't you go take James to the table and show him your book."

Ophelia's lit with joy. She reached out and took James hand, who looked a little shocked but had his trademark smirk on his face as she dragged him away.

"Anything I should worry about," he asked Neville as he took his hand.

"I hope not. I'm still hearing about their last prank when all the Hufflepuff's hair turned yellow," Neville told him.

Harry chuckled. He was still hearing about that himself, but no one had any proof those two were responsible. He doubted he would ever find any if Hazel had been teaching him her tricks. At least they were getting along. "You did have to admit that it was pretty funny to see the Hufflepuff section in the stands a sea of yellow."

Neville shook his head. "I still wonder why they made you Deputy Headmaster. Half the school thinks you cover for them."

"I would never do that," Harry told him, knowing he had handed out some stiff punishment when James or Hazel had been caught.

"You do help," Neville accused.

Harry shrugged and smirked. "We never really got to enjoy Hogwarts are first few years, I figure they should."

"If you ever become Headmaster, I think you'll be more popular than Dumbledore," Neville replied.

Harry frowned. Even after all these years, he still hadn't forgiven the man. "I will let the students have fun, but I would stand for bullying or bigotry."

Neville nodded. "I know."

Someone tugged on his sleeve. He turned to Lily. "Dad, can I go off with Tiberius and a few others?"

"How about we eat first and then you can go off with the others," he told Lily.

She nodded.

Neville saw the downward glance. "Once dinner is done, there is going to be some games and entertainment in the games room for our younger guests. I even opened the back gardens tonight."

Lily brightened. "Oh. Did you get fairies again, Uncle Neville?"

"Possibly. You'll have to wait to see."

When they finally sat, Daphne was to his right, Lily to his left, then James and Hazel. Her beau was sitting at a table with Hermione, Tracey and their families. Next to them was Astoria and Trisha. There must have been close to fifty Wizengamot members here tonight, with a good twenty-or more from the elected block. Daphne, Hannah, Sirius and Susan had worked hard to maintain the base they had and to grow it.

Daphne leaned over as after Neville finished his welcoming speech. "You and your son need to stop fidgeting," she said with a small laugh on her voice.

Harry couldn't help it. He had always hated being the center of attention and being at the Head table with all these people looking at them made him uncomfortable. It was different when it was the Great Hall, the children didn't look at him like many adults did.

Daphne took his hand while food appeared on their plates.

Once the dinner was done, and the children had been whisked away to the games room and gardens, Harry found himself talking with most of the top who-was-who in the Wizengamot or Ministry.

"Undersecretary Dubios," Harry greeted Hermione.

She shook her head. "You are a prat, you know."

He shrugged. "So I have heard."

Daphne slipped her arm into his. "You just figured that out now?"

Hermione gave a very unlady like snort. Even if it was a high society ball, most acted more like themselves tonight. "I've known that for longer than you."

Daphne chuckled. "I'll give you that. Where's Rene tonight?"

Hermione sighed. "He's home with Madi. She caught something when we were in France last week."

"I'm sorry to hear that, will she be alright?"

"Yeah, she's already getting better and tried to convince us she was good to come here, but she was still running a fever just over a hundred," Hermione replied. "She should be better in a few days."

"Why not give a fever relief potion," Harry asked.

"She didn't look that bad and some of the new research from St. Mungo's is showing that using potions too much is reducing the immunity in the wizarding population to many mundane bugs," she stated.

Harry nodded. "I have seen some of that, but not enough to make me think its enough to treat someone."

"Maybe. What I was hoping for tonight, Daph, was to have you finally come with me to nail down Benshaw to talk about the new Goblin's Relations Bill," Hermione told his wife.

Daphne made an over dramatic sigh. "If I must," she told Hermione.

"Just make sure you find me by nine," he told Daphne.

She said she would and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "What happens at nine," Hermione asked.

"You will be coming out to the gardens with Harry and I," Daphne told her as she steered Hermione away to find this Benshaw guy.

He wandered and met with a few of the Hogwarts Governors. He had his own politicking to get some more funds for the growing Technomancy department. Flitwick had asked him to do this, to gain 'more experience', even though he had been doing this for six years now.

About nine, he met his wife, Hermione, Tracey and her husband, Astoria and Mike and the Longbottoms. Tom, looking extremely nervous, had taken Hazel out to a small gazebo that Neville had made sure was empty for the night.

From a little distance, they watched as he took her hands. They talked for a few minutes, Hazel giggling at him before her eyes widened as he dropped to one knee. Harry looked at the scene, happy for his daughter, but slightly jealous that she was able to experience this the way she should. Daphne took his hand. He knew she was feeling the same way. Pride and joy for their daughter, but she felt cheated in a way too.

He would never wish for his life to have come out in any other way. If it had, there was a strong chance he never would have had this beautiful woman at his side or the three children he loved so much.

Harry had a broad smile on his face as the ring slipped onto Hazel's finger. She looked at it before throwing herself into Tom's arms and snogging him. "Eh, is a boy going to do that to me," Lily commented, obviously disgusted by the display.

He turned to her to stop for a moment as James went absolutely stiff as aboard as Ophelia kissed his cheek. A small twig of mistletoe had floated over them. Neville was eyeing James, a rather hard look at Harry's son. Harry knew what his best mate was thinking, but he didn't like when that look was targeted at James.

"They are still kissing. Can I go back in now," Lily asked.

He chuckled at her. "You'll understand some day," he told Lily.

Her face said she didn't want to understand. Hannah elbowed Neville and his face softened at what ever she said. Daphne pulled him over. "Lily, you can wait to say congrats to your sister," Daphne told her before capturing his lips.

Lily made a disgusted sound as they kissed.

When Daphne pulled back, Hazel and Tom where making their way over to them. "I love you," Daphne told him.

"I love you too," he told his wife before turning to his daughter and her fiancé.

-oOo-

July 2, 2014

Hogwarts, Scotland

Filius sat behind the spindly desk he preferred. The Headmaster's Office had changed to match the man's more whimsical and light side. Harry liked it, but had never really cared about having this office so separated from the rest of the school. The Headmaster should be among his pupils, not in an ivory tower.

"What did you, Filius. I am leaving with my family tomorrow for one last family vacation with Hazel," he told him as he sipped on the strong tea that Filius preferred.

"Oh, where are you going this year?"

"South American. Lily wants to see the pyramids and the old cities the Mayans and Incans built. It didn't take much to convince James when I said we would probably see some Vipertooths."

The man chuckled. "I would have thought you would have enough of dragons for one lifetime."

Harry snorted. "Wasn't that funny at the time."

"No, but you did a superb job."

Harry looked at the aged man. He had had a very jovial relationship with him for well over a decade now, but it was uncommon for him to call Harry like this during the time he always took off with is family.

"Filius, I always love our conversations, but I don't think you called me hear to talk about my plans for the next three weeks."

"Just as blunt as your mother used to be," the man said affectionately. He had said to Harry many times over the years. "No, I didn't call you here for that."

Harry had an inkling of what may be coming by looking at the man's features. "You're retiring next year, aren't you?"

The half-goblin smiled. "This year, actually. I wanted to announce at the end of year feast, but thought it best just to slip away silently." He pushed an envelope towards Harry. "The Governors have agreed you are the best candidate for Headmaster."

Harry blinked. "I'm only thirty-three this year. No Headmaster has ever been that young," he said surprised.

All the pictures in the office were looking down at him. "I understand, but you have already done more for Hogwarts than most. We have now how an apprentice program for Healers, Ward Weavers and Technomancer all due to you. You have lead a Department of seven Professors, been Deputy Headmaster, the youngest ever, and now have been working on making the Mugglestudies program better. I can't think of a witch or wizard that deserves this more."

Harry blinked at Filius. "Andi got the Healer program up and it was Bill Weasley to get the Ward Weaver program going..."

Filius laughed. "You organized all that and got all those programs going with their help, but you are still the one that made it happen. Like Minerva, I think you are the student I am most proud of and where you have gotten. You also have the temperament to let children be children. Something very important that I think many forget."

Harry just sat there for a few. "You and the Governors have already signed the paperwork, haven't you?"

The old half-goblin smiles, his sharp teeth showing. "I wasn't about to let you slip out of this. I recommend you ask Neville to be your Deputy."

"Does he have a say?"

"You always have a say," Filius told him.

Harry shook his head. "Good think they are coming with us. Is that other envelope for him?"

Filius picked them both up. "When you get back in August, I will make sure everything is ready for you and have the new rolls already filled in."

"Thank you. You and Minerva always saw more in me than I did," Harry told him.

"I never bought into that whole Boy-Who-Lives thing. I just saw someone with the same potential I see in all my students," Filius told him. "If you don't mind, Headmaster, I put in to teach the NEWT students for the next few years before I fully retire."

Harry nodded. "I may need some of your advice, so you better stay," he threatened the man.

Filius laughed. "I think I have asked more for yours the last few years than vice versa, Headmaster."

There was a general applause and congratulations from many of the paintings around the room.

"I want my office moved. There is still two empty classrooms on the first floor by the Great Hall that should be turned into the Headmaster and administration offices. I don't want to be so far away from the students," Harry told him.

Filius smiled. "Done."

-oOo-

July 20, 2014

The mountains in Peru

Lily was standing near the edge of farm on the mountain side watching the hedgewizards tending them. Harry stepped up to his daughter. "That is really interesting," he said as she wrote something else down in her notebook.

"They aren't even using wands," Lily told him as she watch two women working together to levitate water from a cistern and sprinkle it over some green plants.

"It's in the tattoos," he told her. "They use lodestone in the paint and that works at a way for them to channel the magic like a wand, its just not as powerful unless you get more people."

"How do you know that," she asked, looking to him.

"I asked. The guide belongs to this tribe. He has a sacred site we can go visit tomorrow before we go."

"Really," she said excitedly. "All the others were just ruins. Is this one they still use?"

"Yes. But if we go, you need to promise me two things."

"Anything," Lily said without hesitation.

"First, you touch nothing unless you are told you can," he told her.

She nodded her acceptance.

"Second, you are not to use any notebooks, cameras, omnioculars or anything while there. After you leave, you record any notes you want, but not while there."

"But dad, there is not record of anyone seeing them in recent memory..."

"Exactly, princess. This is a secret that we have been deemed good enough to see. We respect their wishes," he pressed.

After a moment, her brown eyes showed her acceptance. "Yes, dad. Can I show you something," she asked, looking excited again.

"You can show me anything," he told her.

She smiled and looked around before starting to hiss and spit. Oh, beautiful snake, may I see your plummage again? I have another speaker that will vouch for your safe passage.

Harry rose an eye at her. "How long..."

She put a finger to her mouth and heard the hiss. The residence keep my secret. Will this speaker keep them?

Harry still looked at his daughter. Lily had not told him she could speak with snakes. He knew James and Hazel couldn't. He replied, Beautiful snake, I am snake master and will vouch for your safety.

Lily's eyes widened. Harry had so much to teach her now of what he learned over the years. She had always been the one he struggled with most to relate to, and now he would have something they could share.

The movement came from a rock near them. A snake about four feet long and thick for its size came out. Harry had only heard legends of this snake and he couldn't believe his eyes. It was an amaru. A snake that was light blue, with a band of feathers around its head and down its back that ended at bird like wings.

"It's she beautiful," Lily asked, clearly smitten with the creature.

She is very beautiful, Harry agreed, making sure the amaru would understand.

It reared up and he heard someone gasp from behind them. Don't! She is my mother!

He felt the surprise from Daphne. "It's alright, Daph, she isn't going to hurt us," Harry told her.

What did you tell her, the snake questioned.

He told his spouse you will not hurt us, Lily replied. After a moment, the amaru nodded.

I have young that need moving. Would you help, Snake masters?

Lily looked shocked for a moment. "I'm not a..."

Harry took her hand. "Don't question it. We will talk later," her told Lily.

She nodded and they spend a while moving the amaru and her eggs away from the busy fields. Daphne watched. "Where are the others," he asked as Lily gently carried the eggs to a new den.

"Hazel and Tom went into the town and Neville and Hannah took the others to the ocean for the day," Daphne told him.

"Why didn't you go?"

"I was enjoying watching you spend time with Lily."

Lily was leaning down and talking to the amaru. When it took flight, it circled her head before flying towards them. Daphne looked at the snake. "She won't your you, luv."

Daphne still moved a little closer to him as it flew a figure eight over them before landing heavily on his shoulder. As I a gave your spawn, the Snake Master still coming into her power, I give you a gift. May your mate and your spawn always be fertile and prolific for as long as you show kindness to me kind, it hissed into his ear.

Harry nodded his head as the amaru moved towards Daphne, it's tongue moving quickly. She is a good mate. Still fertile. I would bless her if you want more spawn.

Harry's eyes opened a little. Three had been enough for them and they were thirty-four now. "What is she hissing at me," Daphne asked a little apprehensively.

"She is saying that she will bless us if we want more kids," Harry told her.

Daphne's eyes went a little wide. "We already have three, and I would be surprised is Hazel has one sooner than later."

"You are still beautiful and we make some nice looking kids," he teased, not really wanting more.

Daphne really didn't look that sure. "Harry, I think I am happy with the three we have."

Great snake. We thank you for your blessing, but having three spawns is enough for us.

The snaked bobbed his head. Then my blessing for your spawn to be fertile and prolific shall be increased. Thank you, Snake Master. I shall spread word of your kindness.

Harry nodded and the snake dove off him, it's wings spreading and it flew back to its nest. Lily and the snake talked for a few more before it slid off her and went into its new den. Lily knelt down and then came running to them, something clutched in her hands and a radiant smile on the young girls face. Daphne moved into his side. He hadn't realized that a few of the villagers was watching them now.

He looked around, most of them nodding their heads in deference to him and his daughter. She made it to them. "What do you have in your hands," Daphne asked.

Lily opened them, two leathery looking eggs that shone a shimmery opulescence blue. His eyes opened wide. "Uliqui has gifted me two of her young. She said I earned them for saving her and the rest of the clutch. She said they should hatch any day now. I can hear them. It's like a song."

Harry could hear something too.

"Oh, really," Daphne said surprised. "Are you sure you want to accept this responsibility?"

Harry had never seen Lily look so serious. "Mum, they are mine. I saved their lives."

"Good thing I am going to be Headmaster, otherwise this would be harder," Harry muttered. "I will sent in the parrot to the Consulate to let them know I am registering two familiars for our return trip."

Lily hugged him, being careful to protect the eggs.

When Lily ran back off to the hut they were staying in, Daphne looked after Rose. "How long has been able to speak Parselmouth?"

"No clue. Today was the first time I heard her and the amaru said she was still coming into her powers, so probably not long."

Daphne wrapped her arms around his waist. "So, Headmaster, when are we telling everyone else?"

"Whenever you want to brag about me," he said in a teasing voice. "I haven't told Neville yet."

"Maybe you should wait until we get back or you are going to make him fret," Daphne said in a knowing voice.

Harry laughed. "He won't be happy to cut his class load. He already gripes about it being Head of Department. He will probably only be able to take a half load. That was the most I could handle some years."

"Definitely wait until we get back," Daphne agreed. She knew how much Neville liked to teach, but he was proving to be just an adept at administration work as Harry had. Harry could think of only other at the school he would trust to become Deputy Headmaster and he would prefer Neville.

"So, Headmaster," Daphne said in a sultry voice. It took him out of his musing and he looked down to Daphne, her eyes half lidded and a look that made his blood move. "I don't suppose you need to teach a bad student how to behave?"

Harry tried to keep a straight face. They had gotten into roleplaying some the last few years and he found he really enjoyed. "I take it you've made and infraction that needs correcting?"

She moved so he could kiss her. "Will, we have a room all to ourselves. I think Lily will he busy for a while and everyone else is gone. I might need some education."

"Well then, Miss Potter-Black, lets go step into my office."

-oOo-

September 1, 2014

Hogwarts, Scotland

After trying out a few chairs that other Headmasters had used over the years, he had diced to use the more austere one Minerva had used. Maybe it was because he was feeling a little nastoligic. Shortly after coming back, he had gotten word from her neice that his once Professor, and long time friend, had finally passed at one-hundred and eleven. After such a wonderful holiday, that had been a downer. Hundreds showed up at her funeral, and he had heard thousands had paid their respect at her wake two days prior.

Looking around the hall at the eleven hundred students already in the hall, he found himself hoping he got half as many. He had respected her more than she could have known. More than any other person he knew, besides his wife and Sirius.

Tonight wasn't a night to mourn though. Unfortunately, there wasn't a single student that would remember her know, having retired eight years ago.

He would see his last child be sorted tonight, as Hermione's first. He was able to pick out Madisson and Lily in the mass of first years. One-hundred and ninety-two this year. Neville was waiting with one of the hats, while his Head of Slytherin, Professor Hast, was with the other. He felt a little regret that Lily would not get to spend any time here with Hazel. Looking towards James and Ophelia, he saw them holding hands over the table as they talked with their friends. At thirteen, it was still innocent, but he had a feeling he would be chasing them out of broom closets in a year or so. At least Hazel had been sixteen before he got the first report.

Turning to the sorting, he was able to see Madison go first. It was no surprise when she went to Ravenclaw. She was just as brilliant as her parents, with her fathers more fanciful traits of the inventor. When it came to Lily's turn, he felt himself rather surprised. She was just as brilliant as Madison, so he forgot to clap for a moment when the hatt called out, "Hufflepuff!"

She jumped off the stool, a huge smile on her face and turned to him. He smiled back and clapped. She actually hugged Neville, probably forgetting her was her Professor at the moment, not her Uncle, and quickly moved off to the Hufflepuff table, the heads of her two familiars poking out of her robes. Looking at the amaru, he realized he shouldn't have been that surprised.

As brilliant as she was, she was very loyal to her friends and family. She loved being outdoors, more so than James. She had an affinity with animals, as he was finding out, and she worked very dilligently to be as bright as she was. Hufflepuff probably just gained who might be one of thier brightest stars. Already, she was talking and the amarus were coming out more.

He nodded. Hufflepuff would also be the most accepting of her ability, one she didn't want to hide and which he was very proud of her courage.

It was the end of the week when he slipped a note and she showed up on a Friday afternoon. "How is your week," he asked as the door closed and he held out his arms. Lily came in and hugged in.

"Oh, dad, it's been amazing. My dormmates love Hestia and Brom. They aren't afraid of my Parselmouth because they know you are and everyone says you are the best Professor. We got into a little spat with the Gryffindors though. One of them was making fun of Ben because his father is a Muggle sanitation worker. It's not like that is a bad thing, it is just what he can get. I am so upset at that Maximillian Higgs. He acts all uppity and a prat and how is he a Gryffindor! Madison said Aunt Hermione said his grandfather was a Death Eater. I don't even know what that is! What is a Death Eater?"

He chuckled. Lily had never opened up to him like this before. He was never happier that he had made the habit during Hazel's first year to meet with each of them at least every other week.

"...you know, I had to correct her though. She had given Professor Greene the wrong information on the difference between aconite and wolfsbane. Uncle Neville taught us that years ago.."

Yes. Harry was going to enjoy having Lily here.

-oOo-

November 18, 2014

London, England

Daphne was agitated as she paced the kitchen. "The hags in the ICW are threatening to step in if we don't stop our muggle integration program. I'll give them a wand up the arse like they want to do to us," she fumed.

Sirius, now greying at the temples and clearly enjoying how worked up his daughter-in-law was, just sat silently as Harry ate his dinner. It had been a long day, but Daphne needed his time too.

"The ICW can't do anything if we aren't breaking the Statute of Secrecy, right," Harry asked before taking his glass of milk.

"You would think! Apparently they feel threatened with the rising population we have after breaking the jinx on how many muggleborn can enter our world. They are all decrepit old biddies that just want everything to stay the same. It's the same thing they did Poland twenty years ago. We had not idea about that though. Bloody feckin' arses!"

Harry had to admit he couldn't remember the last time Daphne had been so worked up.

"So what if our Auror force is now the largest in Europe next to the ICW! We have the money. We have needed them with how busy our Aurors have been with so many new magical citizens in the last eighteen years and I won't bloody just bend over to them because they are uncomfortable with how we want to run things."

"Well, you know there is an option," Sirius said casually.

Daphne huffed. "We have our own traditionalist that would never accept that option."

Harry looked at them. "What option?"

"Talk to you hot bride. It has been her and Hermione working on it with Minister Cain and the International Relations Department."

He looked to Daphne. "You aren't talking about the MACUSA?"

She paced up and down the length of the kitchen, Winky moving every time she approached the stove. "We have actually been in talks with the MACUSA and a few other governments to make a new Intercontinental Wizarding Alliance because we are all getting frustrated with the ICW."

"This is news. When were you going to tell me?"

"When the details were worked out. It's not like you tell me everything going on at Hogwarts," Daphne told him.

"Well, some things I can't until they are public. Others you just don't ask," Harry told her before eating more of his chicken and potatoes.

"This is one of those things," Daphne retorted. After a moment, she huffed and sat next to him. "It's just so frustrating. The ICW is threatening to undo everything we have accomplished in the last fifteen years."

She leaned her head on his shoulder and he kissed her head. "Then we just need to get the votes to ratify this new idea of yours. I'm sure Hazel will agree and vote with you."

"She already does, but she doesn't fully understand how to play the game yet," Daphne told him.

"She has two good teachers here," he told her.

Sirius toasted them. "That's the master there. Between her, Hermione, Hannah, Astoria and Susan, they have been the ones really leading this charge for a few years now. You now I back you."

"I know, Sirius," Daphne sighed. "Are you done eating?"

Harry put another mouthful in his mouth and moved to get up.

"Harry, finish up. I'm gong to go take a bath." She kissed him on his cheek.

"Love you, Daph. I won't be long."

"You better not," she said playfully.

Sirius chuckled at them. Harry sighed when she left and rubbed his face. "Your life is never simple with a girl like that."

Harry laughed. "I don't want it to be. Merlin, Sirius, I still love her. And my kids."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You want to tell me before you tell her?"

Harry shook his head, trying not to laugh. "So, they call themselves the Buccaneers."

"Who? My grandkids?"

"Yeah. It' probably a good thing Hazel graduated. The name Potter-Black is going to become just as notorious as you and my father," Harry said and then laughed again. "The entire Great Hall. No one was spared so they wouldn't get caught."

Sirius smile was ear to ear. "And what did they do?"

"It took us an hour to clean up all the feathers after they all molted. There were more than thirteen-hundred canaries in the room for about fifteen minutes. Neville and I almost didn't keep it in. Of course, Lily and James and the group around them were innocent, but I know, Sirius. It couldn't have been anyone else besides them. I hope those two would get along, but not like this."

Sirius was roaring in laughter. "The little blighters were able to pull it off," he managed to get out between laughs.

Harry laughed to before throwing a roll at the man. "You put them up to this!"

"James asked for some advvice over the summer and Lily sent me a letter about a month ago, asking how to get to the kitchens," Sirius told him.

"Thanks it. Detention for a month and go to your room," Harry yelled at Sirius. The man just laughed louder.

When they finally calmed down, Harry looked at Sirius. "Sirius, why didn't you ever find anyone after the war was done? I see how you have treated my kids and how much you love them. Why didn't you ever have any of your own?"

Sirius held out his glass. "Winky, could please get my fire whiskey?"

"Mistress Daphne has said you had enough," the elf told him.

Sirius sighed. Before looking to Harry. "I can't have children, Harry. I didn't think it fair to find anyone and not be able to provide something most woman want. You, Daphne and Hermione have been all the children I need and your kids are like my own." Sirius sighed. "I figured you would ask me this years ago."

"I never wanted to offend you. You and Daphne, our three little hoodlums, you are all I have ever really had for direct family."

"I know, pup. Your other friends are family too," Sirius pointed out.

Harry nodded. "I think Neville will be real family in a few years," Harry told him.

"James and Ophelia are only second years, have they started to snog already?"

"Merlin! No, you lecherous old mutt," Harry yelled at Sirius.

Sirius just grinned. "One can hope."

"They are both only thirteen. I hope they aren't finding places to snog yet. Hazel at least waited until she was fifteen," Harry told her.

"You certain about that?"

Harry glared at his godfather. "Yes. Daphne has her ways of knowing. It was also February of her fourth year when she finally got caught. Pretty sure her and Tom didn't kiss for the first time until that Christmas."

"Let's hope Hazel is as good an influence on them then," Sirius replied.

"I can hope. Well, I should get to my wife before she calls for me."

"Go bed her, pup."

Harry gave the man two fingers. "I think you are the one I need to worry about corrupting my kids."

Sirius barked in laughter again. "Too late, pup. The Buccaneers. Not as good as the Marauders," Sirius chuckled to himself.

Harry laughed and made his way up the stairs, debating how much he wanted to tell Daphne. Hazel had left enough of a reputation and now their younger two were solidifying it.

When walked into the room, Daphne was toweling her hair, completely in her all and looked at him as he admired her body. She was still trim, not as slight as when they first were together, but definitely sexy as all Merlin and her breast where still larger after three kids. "Merlin, Daph, you are beautiful," Harry complimented her.

The smile on her face was seductive and appreciative. "Glad you approve. Now, are you going to tell me what our two darlings have gotten up to, or are you going make love to me first?"

He started to undo the buttons on his shirt. "If you give me a choice, I plan to bury my head between your legs and then make you call out my name," he told her, his own lecherous grin on his face.

She dropped her towel and sauntered over to him. "After that, you are telling me why you didn't expel James and Lily."

He smiled and kissed her. "And why do you think I wanted to expel our children?"

She laughed and undid the belt on his pants. "I felt your annoyance and hilarity early. I have only ever really felt you that way when they get up to something."

His pants fell to the floor and she took his not stiffening member in her hands. He took in a breath before chuckling. "Some days I really love this bond, and others it can be annoying."

"Like when you can't hide anything from me? Don't touch," she ordered as he went to run a hand up her body. It wasn't a command through their bond, but she seemed to be getting into a mood where she wanted to be in control. Daphne usually was this way when things didn't go her way in the Wizengamot or for a business deal. He had learned to go with it because at some point she usually gave herself over to his whims and some of those times were still seared into his memories.

"I never want to hide anything, but sometimes I wish I could tell you after the fact. Like long after the fact," he confessed. He remembered that time Hazel had been attacked by the acromantulas. Daphne wanted to march to Hogwarts, cuff her up side the head and drag her kicking and screaming out of the castle for a week.

Daphne shook her head as she stroked him to full hardness. "Tell me," she cooed.

"You are a little minx," he accused.

Her smile send a pleasant thrill through his body. "This is how it is going to work. You are going to tell me what your children did and why you didn't expel them. In the mean time, I am going to make you suffer."

"Is it really suffering," he asked.

"Oh, it will be," she told him, reaching for her wand.

If it had been anyone else, Harry would panicked to suddenly has his hands pushed behind him and has them bound with ropes. Daphne stepped up to him, her breasts on his chest and she stoked him as she pushed him so he was between her legs and the head of his dick on the outside of her folds as she stoop on her toes. Harry's breath stuttered. She leaned to his ear. "Not, tell me," she whispered before kissing his neck.

"Lord, woman!" He exclaimed. She was going to tease him until he was begged her for a release. She did this every once in a while and he was desperate after a little while to spend himself in someway.

It took a long time to tell Daphne as she edged him a few times before finally riding him. He loved seeing her above him like that.