Author's Note:
First of all, I have now topped over 7,000 reviews on — THANK YOU!
Even though I posted an extra chapter last week, in reminisce of old times LOL, I am still posting chapter 235 this week, but only chapter 235 I'm afraid. I haven't written anything in five days, which always makes me a bit nervous. But I do have up to chapter 245 mostly complete and Dusk has up to 240 waiting to be edited. To quote Doctor Strange, we're in the end game now, and it's making me nervous/anxious about writing LOL.
Review and Comments: To wildstyle_101: Congrats on almost being a lawyer! (I think LOL). I'm glad you enjoyed the bit of Fee and Monty, I've been wanting to do it for a while and have been looking for the right opportunity to do so. And you are completely right in saying that "the title's meaning has shifted from a second chance for Sirius to a second chance for Harry to grow up with a proper family. Now he has a wonderful mum, awesome and badass grandparents, and the greatest girlfriend he could wish for." I very much agree with that sentiment. As to Ron and Hermione, they will get there, I promise. To ABlackRaven: I wish you could leave more kudos as well, but saying kudos in a review is wonderful and I appreciate it! To say my characters are so human and incredible is a great compliment, thank you! To GryffindorHealer: Dreams are often a way to begin healing, I agree. It's part of why I like writing dream sequences. To Leapyearbaby29: I've loved your journey to catch up over the last few weeks, I look forward to your thoughts on what's to come.
To LifeOneEarth: First review on fanfiction as usual — I adore you for this! I'm glad you liked my line about saving the girl being Harry's move, it gave me a chuckle and I felt like it would be something his friends would tease him over. Yes, I think Harry would be a bit more withdrawn about doing that so in the open as well, but naughty dreams are naughty dreams for a reason ;) To Pottermum: If I knew where we could get a wine cellar that automatically replenishes itself, I would tell you! It sounded awesome in my head so, I figured why not? To speedsONEandONLY: Yes, Ginny had only seen Charlie and her mum at this point. But don't worry, there were definite bone-crushing hugs. And ah, Percy, well, I like to make him pompous sometimes. I hope you like Ginny's advice column, I'm quite proud of what I came up with. And no, it was not a joint dream.
To : Ron and Hermione are slow. And don't worry, we'll see Theo and Finn soon. To leolion6363: Thank you! I love exploring so many different characters and seeing where they go and looking at the wolves is fun, to show that they are not all evil like Greyback, but each one has their own backstory, their own personality, just like anyone else. Thank you, I love how I picture Ginny and it makes me smile to think others see her the same. To nesciamema: It will. Soon. To Tiyaxoxo: Thank you! I appreciate you reading all of my other works as well, I enjoy writing Marauder-era stuff.
To Moony The Sheep: Large families are definitely like that! Didn't mean to make you cry with the grandparents, but I'm glad you thought it was beautiful. As to Charlie, I see him as more bisexual. But he's not really into relationships. In my head, he's more of a take pleasure when you want it in whoever is interested kind of guy, whether that's a woman or a man depends on his mood and who catches his eye, and then go back to his dragons happily. To Menna Taha: I like dreams, what can I say? I know, I hate that Ron thinks he's not good enough for her, I always thought really that Ron was too good for her, but they're so perfect together. They will come to their senses, eventually. And ha, you don't have to remind me, I was just talking to Dusk about that the other day. To notthatchhavi: I know, I'm mean, but the real one is coming — soon! To lottie193: Thank you so much for making an account just to review! I appreciate it more than you know!
To Wolf's scream: I don't think it was insensitive. Ginny still keeps a diary, it was part of her healing with Na'eemah and Charlie knows that. I like to think that each brother is cool in Ginny's eyes, but in a very different way. To tim2604: Ginny's dream will not come true on her birthday, but it will come true soon, a few more chapters away. I look forward to your thoughts on the race. To HinnyMe: I agree, it was hot even if it was a dream, to watch Harry touch himself. To alix33: Haha, Ginny wants to be a lady, when she wants to be, and that's the key wording lol. To ManyGrey: I know I'm evil, but it was still hot Hinny smut so it still counts lol. To RSN12: Thank you! I appreciate you liking my long and epic tale. To NoxKnight: Thank you, I'm glad my many characters don't get confusing, I try to balance them out as best as I can. To Guest: Don't worry, I have plans for Nagini.
My posting schedule: Once a week.
Thanks to Dusk for her amazing editing skills.
As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!
Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!
CHAPTER TWO-HUNDRED AND THIRTY-FIVE:
Crouch stood up as the door clicked closed, licking his lips and sitting in the chair in the corner to put his shoes back on. He looked up when Rabastan stepped into the room.
"Did I miss anything?"
"No, the Dark Lord just left highly satisfied, might I add," Crouch said with a manic grin. "What was going on downstairs?"
"Nothing of interest," Rabastan admitted. "Bellatrix was throwing a fit. I guess the bint thought she was pregnant, but it turned out to be a false alarm. I left my brother to try to calm her down."
Crouch frowned. "All three of you can't be shooting blanks?"
Rabastan shrugged. "I don't care if she gets pregnant or not. The woman is bat-shit and honestly, I think that we can find someone better to pass along the Lestrange family line. But Father insists that we both have to help Rudy put a baby in her."
Crouch nodded. "The Dark Lord does her sometimes too."
"I know, and still nothing," Rabastan said cooly, his eyes on Bart. "And you? I see he has you on your knees again."
"I live to serve him, you know that."
"Since I'm the one who brought you here, yes I know that."
Crouch smirked as he stood up. "I need to go out for a bit, stretch my legs. Maybe visit some family." At Rabastan's raised brow, he grinned. "Come now, Rabbie, you know my bitch of an aunt has been talking to the Aurors about me."
"I heard that they were investigating your father just as much. It seems his dirty little secrets are starting to emerge."
Crouch shrugged. "Good. I hope they soil his name just like he soiled everything else. I'd still like to visit dear Aunt Vita and see what else she may have mentioned to the Aurors."
"I'll come with you. I need to get out of here for a bit."
Crouch nodded and the two of them headed downstairs and out into the front of the manor to Apparate. Walking alongside his friend made him feel nostalgic for old times. He remembered how Rabastan had befriended him in his third year. Rabbie had been two years older than him and he'd almost hero-worshipped the older Slytherin. His father had hated that he'd been sorted into Slytherin, hated that he would choose a path so different from his own. He'd been sullen and found it difficult to make friends, burying himself in his studies. And then one day, Rabastan had found him by the lake.
He had thought that he was alone, hidden on the outskirts as he'd carefully skinned the Kneazle he'd killed. He'd taken the animal from Kettleburn's animal paddock, taking great joy in snapping its neck. He used his wand to skin it, thin slice by thin slice, and it was only when he placed the ear on the ground next to him, did he hear the twig snap. He had his wand pointed quickly, but Rabastan had stepped out of the trees, his hands up in the air.
"No need for that. I've just come to admire your work."
Crouch only stared at him. "This isn't what it looks like."
"Oh? You're not skinning that Kneazle? Too bad, the person responsible is the one I'm interested in."
Crouch's eyes gleamed. "Why?"
Rabastan shrugged. "The person has talent and I'm interested in talent. I'm Rab."
"Bart," Crouch said quietly. "You're a fifth year."
"Basically sixth since school's done next week," Rabstan said with a smile. "You're going into fourth?"
Crouch nodded.
"Good. Tell me, Bart, what are you going to do with the pieces of the Kneazle?"
Crouch shrugged. "Nothing. The fun of it is over."
"Wasn't the fun over sooner? I mean, you did snap its neck." At Crouch's look, Rabastan smiled. "I'd imagine the fun would be in skinning it while it's still alive."
Crouch's eyes gleamed in delight. "I need to perfect the technique first."
Rabastan nodded. "I have a friend who can help you do that. Maybe one day I'll introduce you."
Crouch had corresponded with him all through the summer and come September, felt closer to the older boy than he had to anyone. That Christmas, Crouch had decided against going home and instead went to the Lestranges for the holiday. Linus Lestrange had taken the two of them to Madam Sweetlings and Crouch had relished in losing his virginity. The two of them had spent an entire week shagging girl after girl and Rabastan had claimed Crouch was his best friend.
For the first time in his life, Bart had felt like he belonged somewhere.
When the Easter holiday came about, he again went to the Lestrange house, but this time they had a guest for him to meet. He'd stared up at the good looking man with dark hair and the darkness in him had spoken to him in ways that he hadn't been able to understand. He listened as Rabastan had called the man Lord and claimed Bart had a knack for doing unnatural things.
The Dark Lord had touched his chin, held his head in place with a steel-like grip and admired him a moment before he smiled. He'd promised to take him under his wing.
And he had.
The Dark Lord wrote letters to him asking him about his life, about his family, and his interests while praising him for every little accomplishment. Crouch wrote back, feeling like he finally had someone who understood him as he complained about his father's righteousness. The Dark Lord's responses sprouted blood purity and claimed that it was men like Crouch Sr who had ruined and were the downfall of wizarding society. The Dark Lord sent him gifts, encouraged him, and admired him. He paid for him to spend his free time at Madame Sweetlings and on his fifteenth birthday, Rabastan had brought him to see the Dark Lord in person and he'd been locked in a room with the two of them.
Crouch remembered the fear he felt, the uncertainty. But the Dark Lord had only smiled and stepped out of his robe, standing naked before him and ordered Crouch to get on his knees. He had looked back at Rabastan, unsure, and Rabastan had only smiled and told him to do whatever the Dark Lord asked before he'd then left them alone. Crouch had refused at first, not wanting it, but then once he'd taken his lord and master in his mouth, he'd learned just how much he wanted it. He would do anything to please the Dark Lord. He spent the summer before his fifth year on his knees every day pleasuring the Dark Lord. When he finished, the Dark Lord would pull him to his feet, use his thumb to wipe Crouch's lips clean and tell him that he was a good boy and that the Dark Lord was so proud of him.
Crouch had never felt so appreciated in all of his life.
And then the moment came, the moment he'd been waiting for: His test. Rabastan had come with him to find the Muggleborn girl in Diagon Alley and they'd raped and beaten her together, taking turns to hold her down. Crouch had relished in hurting her, in marking up her beautiful skin. And when they returned to the Dark Lord to tell him what they had done, he had rewarded them with riches like they couldn't imagine.
The Dark Lord had held Crouch's hands in his and told him that he would be honoured to have someone so noble follow him, to join him, and Crouch had begged to be accepted. To have this family that he'd always wanted and that had never been offered to him. To have a father who was proud of him, a master who relished in his success…
He'd put on his ceremonial robe and strode to the front proudly and let Voldemort brand him with the Dark Mark. Crouch kissed the Mark after it was burned into his arm and then he'd been bent over the altar in front of all of the original Death Eaters, and the Dark Lord had sodomized him before he'd let the others do the same. It had hurt more than he'd wanted to admit, and at first he'd cried out when the Dark Lord had entered him, unable to handle the pain of it. But by the time he'd been taken by Abraxas Malfoy, Linus Lestrange, Thaddeus Nott, and Titus Avery - it had started to feel good. Not the act (which was more painful than he was willing to admit), but the sense of purpose, of acceptance by those he admired most… that was something he had enjoyed. He had given them something just as much as they had given him something in return.
The Dark Lord had presented him as a gift and nothing felt better than that knowledge. When Avery finally finished with him, the older man slapped his rump and had left him alone on the altar. Rabastan had cleaned him up and told him that his being used in that way was part of the ritual; that only those truly special to the Dark Lord were given that opportunity, that gift. He explained how those four were the Dark Lord's original followers, his most trusted, and that having passed Crouch around to them was a sign of great respect.
Crouch had relished in the attention.
And then the Dark Lord had given him his first Muggle.
He'd kept the man alive for six days while he'd tortured him and skinned him alive. Each of the original four had come in to check on his progress and finally on the sixth day, the Dark Lord had come and watched Crouch take the last bit of the man. He'd taken the man's hope and he'd torn him to pieces. Afterwards, when he was covered in the man's blood, the Dark Lord had praised him and called him his son.
Crouch had never felt more alive.
He was proud of the work he'd done for his master. He was proud of all of it and now, he could relish in the torture of anyone he wanted. He could play and prod as much as he desired. For the Dark Lord was proud of him. The Dark Lord accepted him for who he was. The Dark Lord didn't tell him how unworthy he was, how disappointing, how he could only do better than his best… no, the Dark Lord gave him family, gave him acceptance, and most of all, gave him freedom.
Crouch knew that the others were jealous of his relationship with the Dark Lord. Rabastan had told him that the Dark Lord wasn't overly sexual so it was rare for him to seek out a lover; had even hinted that no one else had ever been shared on an altar like Crouch had been. Crouch had watched the Malfoy boy get branded, but he hadn't been subjected to the same ritual just like Rabastan had said. He'd been branded and done with: No altar, no chance to be broken in the way he'd been… He'd asked the Dark Lord about it while he was on his knees that night and the Dark Lord had scoffed, cupping Crouch's cheek.
"The Malfoy boy is a means to an end, Bart. He's not special like you are."
Crouch pulled himself out of his memories and turned to look over at Rabastan.
"Do you think that the Dark Lord will succeed in getting Bellatrix pregnant if you, your brother, and your father can't?"
Rabastan scowled. "Like I said, I hope not. We need people who aren't insane to pass on the Lestrange bloodline. I've been considering finding a young pureblood and seeing about getting her pregnant myself. To hell with Rudy and Bella, you know?"
Crouch nodded. "I know. I think about that sometimes too, about how some of the family names are going to die out if we don't start breeding. I think I'd make a wonderful father. I would teach my son the respect that I was never given by my father."
"Hey," Rabastan said, putting his hand on Crouch's arm. "The Dark Lord treasures those who are loyal to him. We're loyal to him."
Crouch nodded as they Disapparated, arriving on the street outside of Vita Flint's house. "That we are, Rabbie. That we are."
He led the way across the street, a big smile on his face as he knocked on the door. It took a few moments, but the door opened and Vita Flint blinked owlishly at him through her glasses for a moment.
"You!"
"Hello, auntie! My friend Rab and I would like to talk to you. Why don't you let us in, dearie?"
She made to slam the door shut, but Crouch was faster and shoved her back. The old woman landed on her behind, her cane flying out across the hardwood and Crouch grinned, closing the door behind them.
"You need to leave!"
Crouch knelt down so that they were eye level and smiled. "But I just got here! Auntie Vita, we have so many things to talk about. It's been years and we simply must catch up!"
Rabastan pulled the old woman to her feet and Crouch used his wand to slice her cheek, putting his finger in the blood before bringing the blood to his lips and grinned maliciously.
"After all, we're blood, dearie."
~ ASC ~
Ginny was looking forward to celebrating her birthday with her friends and family today. After the vivid and rather naughty dreams that she'd been treated to, she'd slept until almost eleven and woke feeling good and very well rested. She showered for the day and made her way downstairs just after twelve with Arnold on her shoulder.
"Goodness, Ginevra! I was about to come see if you were still alive up there!"
Ginny grinned at her mum. "I think the jet lag and the being in my own bed finally caught up with me."
Molly smiled and pulled her daughter into her arms, kissing her cheek. "Happy Birthday, my love. You've grown up so fast, my baby. Fifteen… I remember giving birth to you like it was yesterday."
Ginny let her mother smother her in her arms for a moment before she let go. "Any chance on getting breakfast?"
"For my only daughter on her birthday, anything you'd like."
Ginny grinned and was soon eating a full breakfast of scrambled eggs with bacon and sausages with toast and jam. She was just cleaning her plate when Molly sat down across from her.
"Ginny, since we have a moment alone and all of the boys are for once, gone. I'd like to talk to you."
Ginny only stared at her mother. "About?"
"Boys."
Ginny blushed. "Mum! We've had this conversation! We've had it a few times and with Madam Pomfrey and with Na'eemah!"
"I know," Molly said carefully. "But you and Harry are getting quite serious, dear."
"You like Harry."
"Of course I like Harry. He's a lovely young man who I love like my own, but he's still a teenage boy and believe it or not, I have some experience with teenage boys."
"Mum… Harry and I… we haven't…"
Molly nodded. "Ginny, what happened to you when you were eleven… I know it worries you that one day you might not be able to be intimate with someone. But I've seen you with Harry and that trust that you have with him, that connection… one day you're going to want it all. And I'm sure that you and he might have done a few other… things… I was young once and I know that there's things you might —"
"— Mum, I love you, but please for the love of Gryffindor, stop."
"Ginny, I'm not trying to embarrass you, I just want you to know that if you ever need to talk, if you need to ask me something - anything - that I'm always here, Ginny. I'm always here for you."
"I know that, Mum," Ginny said quietly.
Molly smiled, squeezing her daughter's hand. "I'm so proud of the beautiful young woman my daughter has grown into."
"Thanks, Mum."
Molly squeezed her hand a moment longer before she stood up. "Well, what are your plans for your birthday, dear?"
"Nothing really," Ginny told her. "I'm just looking forward to everyone coming over later to worship me with gifts."
Molly chuckled. "That sounds lovely as well."
"Theo said that he might come by early. Colin said that he'd be here around two and Luna around the same time."
"Well, then it sounds like you have a good afternoon planned after all. Everyone else should be arriving between three and four."
Ginny smiled as she stood up. "Mum, when Zee comes by later, you need to help her okay?"
Molly's eyebrow rose. "I didn't know that you invited Zee today."
"Yeah, we've… she says that we need to stick together to help Harry and I agree. She's pretty great."
"I like her a lot myself," Molly told her. "She's a smart and driven young woman and I think that she did wonders for Sirius and for Harry. How was she in Georgia? Are they both still grieving badly?"
"They're coping," Ginny said. "Time heals all wounds, right? But I told her that she can come to you for advice and for help and I think that she was grateful for it."
Molly gave Ginny a confused look. "Well, I'm always honoured to give advice of course, but what did you tell her that I'm an expert on?"
"She's pregnant, Mum. With twins."
Molly's mouth opened in shock before her eyes lit up. "Twins! Godric, that's going to be a handful and without… oh Merlin, the poor woman. How's Harry dealing with it?"
"He's excited. He wants to be a big brother and he and Zee have really become closer over it, but they're both sad too. Sirius should be here to raise them and well, he's not. She just told her family when we were in America and she hasn't told many people here yet outside of Remus and Tonks. But her bump is getting bigger and well she's starting to freak out a bit I think. I told her to talk to you because you've been through it so many times plus twins."
Molly nodded. "Of course, dear! Oh my, twins! Her world is going to be flipped upside down. I hope for her sake they're nothing like Fred and George!"
Ginny gave her mother a pointed look. "We both know that Fred and George get that from you and not Dad."
Her mother looked appalled. "Ginny!"
Ginny grinned. "I've heard the stories and Dad wasn't the troublemaker in school, Mum. In fact, I would say that he was more like Percy, focused on his school work, and you corrupted him."
"I won't dignify that with an answer," Molly said, turning back to finish cleaning the counters.
Ginny smirked. "That's because you know I'm right."
"Ungrateful brat! Out with you!"
Ginny hurried out into the garden, still laughing. She had a feeling that her mum wouldn't be letting her live that one down. She wandered out into the garden, the warmth of the summer sun hitting her just as her mother called out her name. She turned back towards the house and her eyes widened at the sight of Theo coming outside.
"Theo!"
Ginny grinned as Theo wrapped her up in a tight hug. She hugged him back even tighter and he laughed.
"Don't break a rib, Ginny!"
"I missed you!"
"Me too, chick." He pulled away and looked at her. "Happy Birthday! You look incredible!"
She blushed. She had decided to wear the outfit that she'd bought for her and Harry's date with Harley. "Thanks. This is my 'Harry is mine' outfit." At Theo's look, she grinned. "Harry's ex girlfriend and I had to have words and this was the outfit Zee helped me pick out to wear."
"I love it. Tell me more about this boyfriend-stealing bitch."
Ginny gave him a smug look as they took a seat on the bench in the garden in the shade. "I may have told her that yes, she was once his girlfriend, but that it wasn't his name he said when he came."
Theo's mouth dropped open. "You naughty little tart! You're brilliant!"
"She didn't stick around much after that," Ginny admitted.
Theo laughed. "I can see why! So, other than the ex girlfriend - how was Georgia? How many times did you make Harry cry out your name?"
She elbowed him. "That's private!"
"Ah, but he did cry out your name?"
Ginny ignored him. "Georgia was incredible. I taught Harry how to surf and he bought me a surfboard for my birthday. He taught me how to ride a horse, which was pretty incredible. I fell in love with their newest horse Ebony. I was sad to leave her, but Grandpa gave her to Harry for his birthday. He wants to build stables so that when he finishes school she can come here."
"Horseback riding? Nice!"
"It was just so relaxing, Theo. We did some tourist stuff, but mostly it was the beach and the ranch, some cooking, some family stuff. Harry took me to a movie, which was so fun! It reminded me of a play, but you watched it through this giant moving portrait."
"That sounds interesting. We talked about those in Muggle Studies."
Ginny nodded. "It was even more fun to experience, though I've seen movies at Harry's before, being in the theatre and watching it on the big screen was something else entirely. How's your summer been? How's Finn?"
"My summer has been pretty incredible too," he admitted. "Blaise is staying with me for the summer and he helped me with my decorating. We've gutted and remodelled most of the manor. I can't wait for you to see it! Finn's been staying with me almost every night as well and he took me to Tara to meet his family."
"How was that?"
"Pretty brilliant. They're so nice, Ginny. Everyone seemed to accept me and... it was like when I come here. It's weird. I never knew families could be like that, you know?"
"The good ones are," Ginny told him. "So, Finn spends every night with you?"
Theo nodded, his cheeks heating. "He goes to Tara to do what he needs to do, but he comes back to Norfolk every night. He moved some of his clothes and things into my bedroom suite. There's only been three times when he's had to stay out all night and Merlin, I missed him. It's just... the way he holds me… I like snuggling up to him and waking up next to him. We haven't discussed it officially, but… I want him to move in with me there. I'm worried about going back to school and how much I'm going to miss him."
Ginny gave him a sympathetic look. "You'll still see him on the weekends again?"
"I think so," Theo told her. "I hope so. He's been teaching me how to fight with a sword and he had one made for me with the same core as my wand. It's fantastic! I can use the sword in place of my wand just as seamlessly; it even has applewood in the hilt. Tiernan said that it's the same thing - a tool to channel my magic - but he says that he's seen very few wizards take to it the way that I have."
"Tiernan?"
"Finn's brother," Theo said. "And Ciara... she's been calling me Uncle Theo."
Ginny grinned widely. "That sounds pretty amazing."
"It is," he said. He was practically glowing with happiness and every time he said Finn's name a goofy look would come across his face. "Blaise says that we make him want to vomit."
"How is Blaise?"
"Blaise is Blaise. We went to Goldstein's birthday party and he spent most of the night snogging Parvati. He says that he plans to spend more time snogging her when we go to school. We're both worried about Draco and Blaise is worried about his mum. He doesn't say much about it, but I know he is. His mum is a lot of things, but he loves her and I know that he misses her."
Ginny nodded. "I can't imagine."
"Yeah," Theo said. "Um... I also sort of joined the Wizengamot."
"What?" Ginny exclaimed in surprise.
Theo explained how Bill and Percy had come to approach him and how he'd been so unsure. He told her how the chalice and the family seat both have to accept you as someone worthy to serve and how his father had been denied when he'd been a child.
"But it accepted me," Theo said. "It was... powerful and kind of fantastic like a warmth came over me. I like it, Ginny. I like going and listening to these incredible changes that the Ministry is making."
"How does Finn feel about it?"
Theo chewed on his bottom lip before he answered. "He's always telling me that he's proud of me and he loves to listen to me talk about it. Aisling already said that she would write to me and keep me informed on what I miss while I'm in school so if I have anything that I want to add I can be given the opportunity. Your brothers told me the same. And Professor Dumbledore said that if it's something I want to be part of, he would concede to let me attend sessions during the school year."
"Aisling?"
"Finn's sister," he said with a grin.
Ginny grinned widely at him. "I'm so proud of you, Theo! You're getting everything that you've ever wanted and deserve!"
He nodded. "Sometimes I think it's too good to be true and that something will happen and..."
"Your father's dead, Theo."
"I know," he said softly. "But the Dark Lord isn't."
"You can't think like that. We have to believe that he will be stopped."
Theo nodded. "Yeah. I know."
Ginny watched his shoulders slump a little and she reached over to squeeze his wrist. "Tell me more about Finn's family. How many siblings does he have again? Did you meet all of them?"
Theo's expression brightened and he nodded. "I did! And the king and queen! Taliesan and Caragh are honestly the kindest people. They wouldn't even let me use their formal titles. They said that Finn had chosen me therefore I was welcome. They told me adorable stories of things that Finn did as a child. One time, he refused to take a bath and when his mum stripped all of his clothes off, he ran and hid in a tree. It took them an hour to find him and when they did, he'd somehow gotten into a hive and was covered from head to toe in honey, licking it off his fingers. Finn loves honey. He'd eat it on everything if we let him. Caragh said that she had to get Donal to hold him down so that she could get all of the honey out of his hair. That's one of his brothers."
Ginny chuckled. "That's adorable."
"It was. Finn's the youngest as you know, and he has six sisters and two brothers. First is Rosin who will be the future queen and her husband Ronan Mac Gabhann. They have four sons: Diarmid, Egan, Taliesan, and Cathal. Niamh is next and she's Ciara's mum, she married a wizard named David Casey. Then it's Aisling and her husband Roarke O Mordha, they have two sons: Dagda and Connor. Donal married Siobhan O Ruaric and they have three sons: Eoin, Eamnon, and Keir. Tiernan is next, then his sister Aoibheann, and his sister Fladh, none of whom are married. Part of the reason Finn loves Ciara so much is because she was his first and only niece and the one he really got the chance to adore. His nephews are all so close to his age that he said he kind of grew up thinking of them as more as brothers, you know?"
She nodded. "And you met everyone all at once?"
"Yeah, it was a bit overwhelming at first, but they made me feel so welcome and right at home. Telling you all of their names helps me remember them, though Finn speaks of them so much I felt like I already knew them. Plus, it helped that I had already met Tiernan and Ciara. Then after dinner, Finn took me on a tour of the castle. It's breathtaking there, Ginny."
Ginny's eyes twinkled. "What does a fairy castle look like?"
"Incredible," Theo admitted. "Nature literally runs through everything. In the dining room, there's an upside down oak tree that grows from the ceiling and the branches are a chandelier. The library has roots and flowers coming out of the walls, growing around the room. There's this beautiful hall where they hold the big balls and everything is made of glass and rainbows. The castle itself is built inside of trees and it all connects… its hard to explain, but it's breathtaking, honestly. Finn's bedchamber… it was like a forest that made room for his bed."
"His bedchamber, huh?"
Theo blushed. "It was part of the tour!"
"Sure."
"And we may have stuck around a bit longer… I told him that we couldn't because his family was downstairs and he said that his family was in their own rooms by now probably doing the same thing we were and well… it was an incredible night."
"Did you lose time? I thought that you told me that time works differently there?"
"It does," Theo said. "But the Fae can alter it to some extent. If they offer you food and drink, it can trap you if they so desire, but it can also help you. It's part of that whole, fairies are nothing but tricksters mindset. Basically, he picked me up and we went to dinner and spent the whole night making love. We returned to Norfolk Manor and it was only two hours later than when we had left, but I was there for over ten hours."
"Wow," Ginny said. "That's brilliant."
"It was. He said that to Macmillan, you know, when he… rescued me - how he could grow old and grey in Tara and no one would ever know that he was even missing - and I get it now."
"That's kind of fascinating that they can control the flow of time like that."
"Yes and no, it's more of where the kingdom is. It's part of the whole parallel dimensions and portals and different worlds idea all through the Realm Glass. One of the many reasons why the fae were worried about working with the Ministry. I guess they've been wanting an excuse to get into the kingdom for centuries and to… well experiment."
Ginny nodded. "That makes sense. I can see why. Time has always fascinated people, remember that time room in the Department of Mysteries?"
"More than I'd like to," he admitted.
"Are you going to go back to Tara?"
"Finn says that we might return for dinners or important events, but he said it's hard to get all of them together for dinner. Tiernan's been to Norfolk a few times though and well, Ciara will be at Hogwarts with me. Aisling and Ronan are in the Wizengamot along with Brigit, she's like an advisor to the king and queen, but not related to Finn. So, I guess I will see some of them fairly often."
Ginny grinned and he stared at her.
"What?"
"Nothing. I just love seeing you so happy."
Theo nudged her shoulder with his arm and grinned back. "I love being this happy. And you know, since Finn… I've been sleeping, Ginny."
"All night?"
He nodded. "No bad dreams, no anxiety… when he holds me I just feel… safe and loved."
Ginny kissed his cheek. "Does that mean that I get to be the Prime Minister now?"
Theo made a face. "I never said that I was giving up my title." His eyes widened when Arnold moved out from under her curtain of hair and made himself comfortable on the grass. "How long has that purple thing been in your hair?"
Ginny laughed and ran her fingers through Arnold's soft fur as the puff purred. "This is Arnold. He's a miniature Pygmy Puff created by Fred and George. Harry bought him for me."
Theo pet him carefully. "He's freaky and oddly cute at the same time." Arnold purred again and Theo's eyes softened. "Okay, he's freaking adorable, aren't you, Arnold?"
She chuckled as Theo played with the puff just as she saw the head of curly blond hair heading their way. She jumped to her feet to hug Colin. "Colin!"
"Hey! Happy Birthday!"
"Thanks," she said, hugging him tighter.
"Hey, Theo!"
"Hey, Ginny's trying to make herself Prime Minister of the Insomniacs Club."
Colin raised an eyebrow. "There's no way that Theo is giving up the title."
Ginny stuck her tongue out at both of them. "It's my birthday, you're supposed to be nice."
"Says who?" Colin teased.
Theo high-fived Colin and they grinned at each other.
Ginny smiled as Colin began to tell Theo all about Eline and his trip to Norway. She had a feeling that despite her friends teasing her, it was still going to be a pretty great birthday.
~ ASC ~
Harry was eager to get to the Burrow to see Ginny so he sighed when Zee ran up the stairs to use the toilet before they could leave. He hadn't seen her since they'd returned from Georgia a full week ago and he couldn't even explain how much he'd missed her. He knew that she had things that she'd wanted to do, her own friends to see, and to spend time with her own family, but all he wanted was to wrap his arms around her and snog her senseless. He had another gift for her, even though he'd already given her the surfboard as an early birthday present and the Pygmy Puff, but he wanted to make sure that she had something to open from him today as well.
"Don't give me that look," Zee said as she came down the stairs. "I have to pee a lot now."
Harry only chuckled. "I didn't say anything."
"I can feel it," Zee said, grabbing her purse. "Ducati?"
Harry shook his head. "I was thinking the '68 BMW?"
Zee smiled at him. "Sure."
Harry led the way out front where he already had the bike parked. He handed Zee the gift, which she put in her large tote-like purse before taking the helmet from him. Harry straddled the bike, putting his own helmet on and starting the engine as Zee climbed on behind him.
"Ready?"
"Ready!" she called out and Harry tore down the drive on the bike, the engine purring beneath them.
The Burrow was only a fifteen minute ride away, but Harry was glad that Zee was happy to take the bike. He loved that he had his motorbike license and that he could drive it and he loved that she appreciated the fact that he could drive it. Harry knew that within another two months, Zee wouldn't be able to ride the bike anymore and he had a feeling that was part of the reason why she had agreed to let him drive the bike to the Burrow. Healer Abby had told her it was fine since she was a regular motorbike rider, but that by the end of September, she recommended no longer riding.
Soon they were pulling up the long winding path, past the chicken coops, and up to the ramshackle house. Zee climbed off the bike first just as Charlie came outside and he grinned at them.
"Harry, driving a motorbike now, are you?"
"Yeah," he exclaimed, grinning back. "Zee took me to get my license for my birthday."
"Wicked," Charlie said. "Come on inside and drop off your helmets and then we'll head out back."
"Are you back in England just for Ginny's birthday?" Harry asked as he and Zee followed him into the house.
"I can't miss my sister's birthday," he said. "But no, I have a few things to do while I'm here as well."
Harry nodded as Mrs Weasley came down the stairs.
"Harry!"
He smiled when she tugged him close for a hug. He held her against him, her head barely reaching his shoulder. "Hi, Mrs Weasley."
Mrs Weasley pat his cheek as she pulled away and then her eyes fell on Zee. "Zahira, how are you holding up, dear?"
Zee shrugged. "Harry and I are holding it together."
Mrs Weasley's eyes dropped to Zee's baby bump. "And… how are you feeling?
"Ginny told you, then?"
Mrs Weasley took Zee's arm in hers with a warm smile. "She thought you could use someone to talk to who's carried twins before."
Zee gave her a grateful look. "More than you know."
Harry left the two women talking and made his way out into the garden. Charlie hadn't been exaggerating, the garden was quite full already and most of them all had bright red hair. Harry recognized the multitudes of Weasleys from different events over the years and amidst the gingers, the reddish browns, and the reddish blondes heads of hair, he recognized Colin's curly mop and Theo's dark head. When he got closer, he saw Luna's long blonde hair as well and he smiled, moving through the crowd to get to them.
He recognized the flash of red on his left and he slipped his arm around her waist, nuzzling her neck before she'd even comprehended that he was there.
"Harry!"
"Hi, Harry!" Colin exclaimed.
Harry gave an absent wave behind him before he bent his head and kissed his girlfriend deeply. "Missed you."
Ginny smiled up at him and he was pleased to see that her eyes were slightly dazed from the kiss. "I'll say. I missed you, too."
He kissed her again before he turned to where Theo, Colin, and Luna were merely giving him an amused look. "Hi."
He jumped when something soft landed on his arm and he looked down to see the purple Pygmy Puff walking on the arm he had around Ginny's waist. "Hello there."
"I love him, Harry."
"I thought that he was too cute to pass up. Hi, Arnold."
The Pygmy Puff only stared up at him, an adorable little fluff ball, and Harry carefully placed him back on Ginny's shoulder.
"Happy Birthday."
Ginny stood on her toes and kissed him once more, her eyes twinkling as if she knew a secret that he wasn't privy to. "It's been pretty good so far."
Harry moved away from his girlfriend when he saw Hermione step out of the house. He hugged her tightly as she kissed his cheek. "Hey! How was Spain?"
"Wonderful. How was Georgia?"
"Wonderful," he said, making her smile. "So, you and Ron, eh?"
Hermione's eyes flashed in surprise before her cheeks heated. "No. That was… no."
"Interesting," Harry said.
"What does that mean, Harry?"
Harry gave her a little shrug. "Just that — interesting."
Ron appeared next to him before Hermione could ask something else. Soon Mrs Weasley had all four picnic tables groaning under plates of food and everyone was eating, chatting, and laughing. Harry noticed that Fleur was sitting at the end of one table looking a bit lost so he moved to sit next to her.
"Bonjour."
Fleur looked over in surprise before her beautiful face broke out into a grin. "Bonjour! Comment ça va?"
"Good. I'm doing good. How are you?" She made a so-so wave of her hand and he smiled. "How's Gringotts?"
"I like it," she admitted. "It's challenging et it makes me theenk. I enjoy ze puzzle aspect of it et ze process of figuring out 'ow et why."
"It sounds interesting," Harry admitted. "I'm not as good at puzzles though."
Fleur chuckled. "'Arry, I am glad you came to seet 'ere, you must tell me what I can say to Ginny to make 'er like moi. I want 'er to like moi. I want 'er to… she is very important to Bill."
"Yeah, she is. I can't say anything to make her like you, Fleur. The thing with Ginny is that you can be a complete prat, but if you treat Bill with love and respect, you're already on the right path."
Fleur smiled at this and nodded. Harry turned when Ron called his name and he moved to another table where Ron's Uncle Bilius was holding his newest grandson Emmett, and making the boy giggle and laugh. Emmett had inherited a reddish hue to his hair, but was mostly strawberry blond. Harry looked out across the vast amount of Weasleys and it still blew his mind to think of anyone having a family so large.
Mr Weasley's parents were sitting in the shade holding hands as they spoke to Charlie and Percy. He recognized his friend's Uncle Alphard and Aunt Maureen talking to Mr Weasley, but he couldn't for the life of him remember all of the other Weasley cousin names. Ron seemed to notice because he grinned when they moved away.
"It's crazy, I don't even know half their names."
Harry snorted. "They're your family, shouldn't you know?"
Ron grinned. "Okay, I know, I'm just saying that there's a lot of us. Plus the age difference between Dad and his brothers is five years each, so we're all the youngest. Septimus and Bianca couldn't make it as they're living in Brazil now with their two boys. It makes Uncle Bilius sad as he doesn't get to see them as much. Gaius and Jillian are living in York, but they're here for the whole month of August so that Gamma and Grandpa can see Emmett. Marcus is engaged to that brunette in the red dress, Sarah. Tiberius couldn't make it either as he had a shift at the hospital. Caradoc and Holly are still living in America with their boys Jeff and Grayson. He moved out there to be with her, if you remember. Val is still travelling and his wife Daphne is a Healer too so I guess they travel all over the world working with that Healing Hands in Habitat corporation. They really love it. Gabe and Sandra aren't here as it's also their youngest son's birthday today, which means Gamma and Grandpa will be taking off soon to spend time with him. Maximus is engaged to a healer named Madelyn and Marius is studying history somewhere in Rome. Then of course, Mum's annoying cousin Lancelot is over there boasting about something in Lockhart fashion and well… great-aunt Muriel, she's over there complaining about the sun being too hot."
Harry only shook his head. "Right… one day I'll get it all right."
Ron shrugged. "I wouldn't hold my breath. Every time you think you know them all, someone's popping out another kid."
Harry snorted at that and turned when the elder Septimus tapped him on the shoulder.
"Harry, what's this I hear about you dating my one and only granddaughter?"
"Uh," Harry answered, feeling slightly panicked. "I am, yes."
The elder Weasley stared him down for a moment before his face broke out in a grin identical to his youngest son's. "You treat her right."
"He spoils her, Grandpa," Ron told him.
Septimus Weasley nodded. "Good." He looked at Harry for a moment before he spoke. "Cedrella and I were sorry to hear about Sirius."
"Thank you, Sir."
Harry watched him head back to his wife and he gave Ron a look. "A warning would have been nice."
Ron chuckled. "You can't be afraid of Grandpa! He's even gentler than Dad!"
Harry elbowed his friend lightly as they headed towards the table where Hermione, Ginny, Colin, Luna, and Theo were all gathered. Ginny was sitting on the picnic table happily tearing through her presents like a kid on Christmas and when her brown eyes met his, warmth speared through him. She was his family too, he realized, and he knew at that moment that one day, he would ask her for real - and it would be one of the greatest days of his life.
~ ASC ~
When Theo returned from the Burrow that night, he made his way up the drive to the manor and into his home. He found Blaise sitting in the living room, his feet up on the chair, and the wireless playing in the background.
"Where's Finn?"
"Hello to you, too."
Theo rolled his eyes and plopped himself down onto the sofa next to his friend. "Hi, Blaise."
Blaise smiled at him. "Hi, Theo. How's Red?"
"She's great and the Weasleys are all great and Colin's great, too. You were welcome to come, you know."
Blaise nodded. "I know, but that's not my scene. Glad you had a good time though. As to Finn, he sent word that something came up and he will not be back until probably dinner tomorrow."
"Oh," Theo said.
Blaise draped an arm over the back of the couch. "Want me to stay in your room tonight?"
"No," Theo said stubbornly. "I'll be fine."
Blaise only stared at him. "If you change your mind…"
"Blaise, I can sleep alone, I've been doing it for years."
"Yes, you have, and until Finn began frequenting your bed on a nightly basis, you didn't exactly sleep well."
Theo gave his friend a cool look. "We're all guilty of bad dreams."
"I didn't say otherwise," Blaise said. "I just meant that I've noticed the dreams don't seem to plague you when Finn stays over."
"I know," Theo admitted. "It's… I feel safe with him."
"You are safe, Theo."
He nodded. "I know. I'm tired now, so I'm going up to bed."
Blaise nodded. "All right. Night, Theo."
"Goodnight."
He made his way upstairs to his bedroom suite refusing to dwell on Blaise's words. Maybe he had just told Ginny that he'd been sleeping so much better with Finn holding him, but that didn't mean that he couldn't sleep without him. He just didn't want to, that was the difference.
He decided to take a long, hot bath first to help him relax, using some of the soothing bath salts that Ginny had given him for Christmas. Then he changed into his pyjama bottoms and climbed into the big bed. The pillow smelt like Finn, like greenery and trees, and he snuggled into it and soon drifted off to sleep.
He woke a few hours later with his heart pounding and his hands shaking from the nightmare. When he looked at the clock, he saw that it was two. It was always two in the morning, he thought bitterly. He knew himself well enough to know that he wouldn't go back to sleep. He put slippers on and decided to go down to the kitchen for a late night snack.
He refused to go to his friend on principle. He didn't want Blaise to know that he had been right, and that one night without Finn, had caused his bad dreams to return.
Theo scooped himself some ice cream and had just sat at the small island in the kitchen to eat it when Blaise stepped through the doors. He was wearing black silk pyjama bottoms and his dark chest was bare. He took a seat next to Theo, taking his spoon and helping himself to a bite of the mint chocolate ice cream.
"What are you doing?"
Blaise raised an eyebrow. "Eating ice cream."
"Blaise."
Blaise took a second spoonful before he spoke. "I know you like the back of my hand. Sometime between quarter to two and half past, you wake up from a nightmare. You're like clockwork." At Theo's look, he grinned. "I set an alarm. When you weren't in your bed I knew I'd find you in the kitchen."
Theo took the spoon back from Blaise. "You don't have to sit with me."
"I know. Want to talk about it?"
"No. I just... no."
Blaise nodded, but didn't speak. They silently passed the spoon back and forth before Theo turned to his friend rather suddenly.
"I love you, Blaise."
Blaise's eyebrows rose in surprise. "What?"
"I love you. I know that's not what we say, but I do. You and Draco are..."
Blaise nodded in understanding. "I know. And for the record, I love you too, Buttercup."
Theo elbowed him and he laughed. "Git."
Blaise grinned, taking the spoon back. "What do you say? Up for a late night chess match?"
"I think I want to practice with my sword actually."
"Why? One night without Finn and you forget how to use it?"
Theo elbowed him again. "Is everything sexual with you?"
"Yes."
Theo laughed and stood up. "Want to go in the garden and fight a bit?"
Blaise nodded, standing up as well. "Sure. That sounds like a good plan. Maybe you can tire yourself out enough and we can both get some sleep."
"Blaise —"
"No," Blaise interrupted. "I'm not going back to bed. Let's go outside and fight."
As Theo watched his friend head upstairs to change out of his pyjamas, he felt calm and he felt relaxed. It was nice to have people around who cared about him. It was nice having people around and not being alone in the big manor with a man who didn't care if he lived or died until it was convenient for him. It was a nice change and for once, Theo wasn't going to question it. He was just going to be thankful for it.
He put the empty ice cream bowl and spoon in the sink and made his way upstairs to get dressed, feeling better. He couldn't wait to defeat Blaise in this duel.
He whistled as he headed up the stairs, feeling lighter at the thought.
~ ASC ~
Blaise glanced over at Finn when the shadow fell over him the next afternoon. He was lounging blissfully in the sun by the pool.
"Hey."
"Good day to you, Blaise." Finn said, looking out at the pool. "Where is Theo?"
"He went upstairs to shower and get dressed."
Finn nodded and took a seat on the lounge chair next to Blaise's. "And you are napping?"
"Was thinking about it. I was up most of the night with him."
"Why?"
"Bad dreams," Blaise said. "He sleeps much better when you're here."
"What kind of dreams?"
"He hasn't told you about them?"
Finn shook his head. "He told me that he had them as it was how he and Ginny became friends but... he hasn't had any with me."
"As I said, he sleeps much better when you're here." When Finn only stared at him, he sighed. "He dreams about his father, things from his past. His father largely ignored him, neglected him for the most part, as you know. He was basically raised by Kiki and the Malfoys, but when Thaddeus Nott did pay his son attention — it wasn't good attention."
"He beat him?" Finn asked.
"No. One of his favourite things was to levitate him upside down and then splash whatever alcohol he was drinking in Theo's face. He liked to flip him backwards into the wall. He never beat him, but he did hurt him. The day the Wizengamot denied him his seat, he came home and levitated Theo and shook him so much in the air that he blacked out. If Kiki hadn't taken him to the Malfoys, he probably would have killed him. Or when he would come home drunk from whatever whore he'd just shagged, he liked to throw little jinxes at him. He'd wake him up from a dead sleep with a stinging hex to the face and when Theo would cry he'd tell him to stop crying and be a man. That little red mark on his left shoulder... his father put out a cigar on his arm when he was seven."
Finn's green eyes were full of rage. "If that man was still alive, I would murder him happily."
Blaise snorted. "So would I. My point is, around quarter to two to half past every morning... that was usually the time Thaddeus Nott came home drunker than a fish and looking for someone to hurt — Theo's like clockwork. He wakes sometime between that forty-five minutes and he's too scared to go back to sleep… not scared just, lost in memories, I suppose."
Finn's eyes widened as if he'd just realized something. "He stirs at that time... but I just hold him closer and he settles, never fully wakes."
Blaise nodded. "Because you make him feel safe and protected."
The back door opened and Blaise turned to see his friend come out.
"Don't tell him I told you."
Finn ignored him and moved across the way to kiss Theo passionately. The kiss was so intense that Blaise almost wanted to blush. He stood up and walked past them. "That's my cue to go shower."
Just as he was closing the door, he heard Finn say something in Irish and he smiled. He liked the damn fae and he knew that if anyone ever tried to hurt Theo again, Finn would stop them and it made his heart feel lighter to know that his friend was in good hands.
End Author's Notes:
King Taliesan Alexander m. Queen Caragh (6 daughters, 3 sons)
1. Princess Rosin Alexander (34) (future Queen) m. Ronan Mac Gabhann
(a) Prince Diarmid Mac Gabhann (18)
(b) Prince Egan Mac Gabhann (17)
(c) Prince Taliesan Mac Gabhann (15)
(d) Prince Cathal Mac Gabhann (14)
2. Princess Niamh Alexander Casey (31) m. Mr David Casey (wizard)
(a) Ciara Casey (11)
3. Princess Asiling Alexander (29) m. Roarke O Mordha
(a) Prince Dagda O Mordha (17)
(b) Prince Connor O Mordha (15)
4. Prince Donal Alexander (28) m. Siobhan O Ruaric
(a) Prince Eoin Alexander (twins) (14)
(b) Prince Eamnon Alexander (twins) (14)
(c) Prince Keir Alexander (12)
5. Prince Tiernan Alexander (26)
6. Princess Aoibheann Alexander (23)
7. Princess Fiadh Alexander (21)
8. Prince Finley Alexander (18)
And just a reminder, my Weasley family tree:
Arthur's parents — Septimus and Cedrella nee Black Weasley
1. Bilius Weasley m. Lucretia
(a) Septimus Weasley m. Bianca Sousa
(i) Mason Weasley
(ii) Silas Weasley
(b) Gaius Weasley m. Jillian Kinders
(i) Emmett Weasley
(c) Marcus Weasley eng. Sarah Francis
(d) Tiberius Weasley
2. Alphard Weasley m. Maureen
(a) Caradoc Weasley m. Holly Gibbons
(i) Jeffrey Weasley
(ii) Grayson Weasley
(b) Valerius Weasley eng. Daphne Hillman
(c) Gabriel Weasley m. Sandra Appleby
(i) Thomas Weasley
(ii) Remington Weasley
(d) Maximus Weasley eng. Madelyn Frost
(e) Marius Weasley
3. Arthur Weasley m. Molly Prewett
(a) William Arthur Weasley eng. Fleur Delacour
(b) Charles Septimus Weasley
(c) Percival Ignatius Weasley
(d) Frederick Gideon Weasley
(e) George Fabian Weasley
(f) Ronald Bilius Weasley
(g) Ginevra Molly Weasley
Molly's great-aunt: Muriel Prewitt
Molly's cousin Lancelot Prewitt
I just wanted to say a few things about the Crouch opening scene. I don't necessarily think of Voldemort as a being sexual person, but more a means to an end. Like in my head he likes blowjobs because it's quick and done with, gives him release without him having to do anything about it, almost like in a clinical sense. Actual sex is not so much his cup of tea. Though I do think that he had sexual relationship with Bellatrix, but I think it was more in the interest of trying to give her the child she wanted. I thought that if he sodomized Crouch after burning the Mark into him, it was like a cult ritual? He saw something in Crouch that he understood, something akin to himself, so he gives Crouch special attention in ways that the other Death Eaters never received. When Riddle sexually assaulted Ginny it was about the control issue. He wants control and feels like he has control in these kinds of situations. I've also hinted that Voldemort often likes to watch, but doesn't necessarily participate. He just watches, doesn't touch himself or get aroused, but merely watches. And I like the idea that he does orgasm, but it's not about the need for release, it's the euphoric joy he gets from hurting others. Like how serial rapists get off on the pain of it. And with Crouch I see it more of a gift he gives him. Voldemort understands what Crouch needs and wants and he uses Crouch to give himself a release and because he knows it shows that he considers Crouch to be special to him (another way to hold control) so he would let him do it like its a private gift that only he gets to have. It's extremely messed up, but I view Crouch as a very messed up individual and I think that he's the type of messed up that Voldemort would know exactly how to charm, how to use, and how to appreciate.
Thank you as always and please review!