Author's Note:

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I wish everyone a much better and safer 2021!

So glad that everyone seemed to love my name choices. I just love Mina and Leo! I thought it was a happy ending that we all needed — and a happy beginning!

I have finally gotten my mojo back and am getting to the end of sixth year. I hope to have some surprises your way in that sense. Without further ado — here is chapter 258.

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 FIFTY-EIGHT:

Zee stared down at the precious little face that was currently attached to her breast. She had a son and a daughter; a daughter and a son. It still seemed completely surreal. But here she was holding little Mina, her firstborn, her daughter.

Harry had gone back downstairs with her father after seeing the twins. Healer Abby urged Zee to hold them skin-to-skin. Ian explained how this was very important for both the babies and for Zee as it would help them create a stronger bond. It helped regulate the baby's body temperature and soothed them. One baby lying vertically across each breast and shoulder, her arms around them, listening to their gentle breathing and the feeling of their beating hearts. She hadn't been able to stop the tears from welling up in her eyes.

They were hers.

They were here.

And she wished Sirius was here to meet them.

She held them happily, a soft smile on her face as she listened to Ian list the benefits of skin-to-skin contact after birth. Her family slowly came in two at a time to say hi and to see the babies, still resting on Zee. McGonagall teared up when Zee told her the names, claiming that she had never been more honoured in all of her life. Sorcha and McGonagall held hands as they cooed over the babies lying on their mum's chest until Healer Abby told her that it was time to try to breastfeed. Only Sorcha stayed as Healer Abby walked her through the process. They were just over an hour old and it still felt amazing that they were actually here. Now, here she was sitting in her bed and breastfeeding her daughter for the first time, something that was more of a challenge than she had anticipated.

She looked over at Healer Abby who was nodding at her in approval. While Zee trusted Ian and his healing skills, she was grateful to Healer Abby Jacoby for sticking around. The healer had more insight on nursing than Ian would be able to give merely because she'd been a healer longer, not to mention a woman. As knowledgeable as she knew her cousin was on the topic, talking to a woman who had breastfed herself just made her more comfortable on the subject. Knowing that Healer Abby was going to stick around a little bit longer just to make sure that she and the babies were settled made her feel much better about everything as well. She didn't want to say the words aloud, but she was nervous. Now that Mina and Leo were here it was starting to really hit her. She was a single mother to twins and she definitely had her work cut out for her.

Zee was tired, yet oddly energized as she looked down at her daughter. She wanted to sleep, but more than anything, she wanted to make sure that they were good. Zee was holding Mina across her abdomen as she cradled her against her breast. The little girl had taken to breastfeeding without a problem. It had only taken two brushes with her nipple across Mina's lips before her mouth had opened and she'd immediately latched on.

"Most babies will eat for twenty to thirty minutes. You'll know when she's not hungry anymore. If she falls asleep while eating, don't worry about it. She's still a bit sleepy and new to life and she'll eat more the second time around," Healer Abby assured her.

"What about Leo?" Zee asked. "Should I take turns when feeding them? How do I know who is more hungry?"

Healer Abby smiled kindly. "Two babies, two breasts. I'll show you how to breastfeed both of them at the same time. It will take some trial and error to get them comfortable, but you'll find it much easier to keep them well fed."

Zee nodded, her eyes on Mina. "Oh, she let go."

Healer Abby moved closer to her. "Hold your breast towards her again and place your thumb and fingers around your areola. Yes, just like that. Now tickle her lips with your nipple and yes, see how her mouth opens."

Zee helped scoop her breast back into Mina's mouth, tilting the baby's head to get a better angle. "She's sucking again."

"Good. Mums and babies have been breastfeeding for centuries, but first time mums have to realize that it's also the first time their babies are learning to feed. It takes some practice for all of you."

Leo began to fuss a bit and Zee looked over to where Sorcha was rocking him.

"He's fine, Zahira. He can wait for his sister to eat," Sorcha assured her.

Zee nodded, looking back over at the healer. "How will I hold them both to feed?"

Healer Abby smiled. "The best way is to use a nursing pillow."

"I don't have one of those," Zee said, her eyes widening. "I didn't think to get one."

"I brought one for you," Healer Abby assured her. "It's my gift to the new mum. Now, it's important to remember to switch breasts as well. Mina is currently feeding on the right one, next time she eats, I want her to take from the left and so on. It's important to alternate so that each breast is equally stimulated."

Zee nodded as she cradled her daughter, slowly taking in the information that was being given to her.

Healer Abby watched for a moment, a soft smile on her face. "Mina's doing well and so is her mum. I'm going to go get the nursing pillow and I'll be here to show you how to feed both of them when it's time for the second feeding."

Zee watched the healer leave, feeling a bit better. As much reading as she had done on the subject, nothing could really prepare one for suddenly being a mother. She looked over at where her own mother was rocking Leo and her eyes filled.

"Mama."

Sorcha's eyes met hers and her lips curved. "I know, my darling."

"I wish he was here to meet them."

Sorcha's eyes filled. "He will always be here with them and with you. You're not alone. Papa and I are here to help."

Zee was incredibly grateful for that. She sighed when Mina's lips fell off her nipple. "Okay, I think Mina is done so, I guess it's Leo's turn now."

Sorcha stood, depositing Leo into Zee's opposite arm before she picked up Mina, moving to snuggle the babe on her shoulder and pat her back as she stood next to Zee. Zee adjusted Leo, holding her left breast out to him. She carefully did as Healer Abby instructed, tickling his lips with her nipple. It took him a full minute before he grasped it and once he did, she winced.

"He's a strong one."

"They're both so beautiful, mo nighean. You've been blessed."

"Mama, you know how much I love you, right?"

Sorcha bent to kiss Zee's forehead. "I sometimes forget that we're not blood, mo nighean. You are mine and I love you more than life. And I already love these babies more than life. You've blessed me with three beautiful grandchildren to spoil. I love being a grandmama."

Zee smiled at her mother. "I know you told me not to add Sorcha to Mina's name, to use Magnolia, but you're the mum of my heart."

"As you are to Harry," Sorcha said. "Blood doesn't always mean family, Zahira. You know that better than anyone."

She nodded as she watched Leo nurse. He fed for about twenty minutes before he finished. She adjusted him to her shoulder, patting his back and kissing his cheek. She carefully pulled her nightshirt closed, buttoning it back up.

"Let's call Harry back in to hold one of the babies. I think that he's nervous to do so."

Sorcha nodded and called for Misha. It was only a few moments before Harry and Misha came into the bedroom. Harry stood in the doorway as Misha moved to take Mina from his wife.

Zee smiled warmly at Harry. She could see the nerves in his eyes and the awkwardness of his stance as if he wasn't sure what to do. She found it entirely endearing. "Come sit with me, sweetie."

Harry moved across the room, sitting on the bed next to her. Lady Godiva, who had been lying across the end of the bed since the babies had been born, only lifted her head to look at Harry before making herself comfortable again.

Misha smiled. "You vant to hold your new sister, da?"

"She's so small," Harry commented, his eyes on where Mina was tucked into Misha's arms.

Zee's eyes were on her daughter as she spoke. "Yes, she is. Hold her head, don't be afraid."

Misha handed Mina to Harry and he carefully adjusted his arms so that she was nestled in the crook of his left elbow. "Wow. Hi, Mina."

The baby blinked up at him and he grinned as she let out a soft yawn.

"I can't believe they're really here."

Zee grinned. "I think that we waited long enough for them."

Misha bent down to kiss his daughter's forehead. "Give me my new grandson."

Zee chuckled as her father took Leo from her and snuggled him into his arms. Zee shifted closer to Harry, resting her chin on his arm. "What do you think?"

"She's beautiful," he said, his eyes meeting hers. "I think she looks like you."

Zee's lips curved. "You think? I mean, she's only an hour old."

Harry nodded. "I think so. But her hair is so dark like Uncle Sirius."

"Well, a baby's hair and eyes can always change up to the first year."

"Really?"

Zee nodded. "Yes, but I think Mina has her daddy's eyes. Leo's are already a bit darker, like mine."

Harry grinned when Mina's tiny hand clasped his finger. "They're both so beautiful, Zee. Uncle Sirius would be so proud."

"I think so, too," she said, kissing Harry's cheek noisily and making him grin.

"Papa and I are going to transfigure a bed in the sunroom for tonight just to help Zee adjust and then tomorrow night we'll move next door. It's going to be a lot of work with two babies," Sorcha told them.

The knock on the door had them all looking up and Healer Abby smiled warmly. "I see the new family is getting comfortable. How did Leo do?"

"He ate with no problem," Zee told her. "It took him longer to latch on, but once he had it, he had it."

Healer Abby nodded in approval. "I'm glad to hear it." She held up the large pillow in her hand. It was shaped like a thick crescent moon. "You place yourself in the centre and cradle the babies on each arm of the pillow and under your own arms so that their faces are perfectly in place with each breast. It allows you to hold them close both securely and safely while still making sure you have control over their feeding."

"Er," Harry began, looking down at Mina. "Want me to come back later?"

Zee smiled. "Don't be silly, sweetie! Breastfeeding is a perfectly natural way of life. How else do you think I'm going to nourish Mina and Leo?" She turned back to Healer Abby. "What about getting them there when I'm alone?"

Healer Abby smiled. "Get both babies in a spot on the floor or in their cots. Get yourself comfortable with easy access and you can easily pick up each child and get them into place. See here, how the pillow indents? It will hold the babies securely. It's perfect for when you're alone. But having an extra set of hands always helps. We'll practice."

Zee nodded, feeling better. "And you'll make sure that they're both holding my nipple correctly? Mina earlier kind of let it fall out?"

The back of Harry's neck flushed. "Um, I think I'll just… do you want to take Mina?" he asked.

Zee's dark eyes landed on him. "Better get used to this, Harry. Talk like this will be happening a lot now."

"Yeah, but I don't need to know about your… you know…"

Healer Abby smiled. "I know it's hard to hear, Harry, but even mums have tits."

Harry's neck flushed darker.

Zee chuckled and squeezed Harry's hand. "How long again until they have to eat again?"

"Newborns usually feed every two to three hours. They'll let you know."

"And you'll be here?" Zee asked.

"I will be here," Healer Abby assured her. "I told you. I always stay the first twelve hours with the new parents so that we can monitor the babies and the mum. I'm here if you have any questions and so is Ian."

Harry was still holding Mina, his eyes on her little hands. "She's sleeping now."

Zee carefully took Mina from Harry's arms as Misha handed him Leo and Harry grinned.

"Hi, Leo."

Leo yawned, his eyes already drooping.

"How come his eyes don't fully open?"

Healer Abby chuckled. "Because they were just born. A baby's eyes need some time to adjust. Coming into the world is a big thing. Don't worry, they'll be fine."

Harry nodded, holding Leo close. "We're all going to be just fine."

Zee kissed his cheek again. "Absolutely."

When she looked down at her children once more, her eyes on the young man she considered her own, she knew that everything was going to be all right. They were a family and nothing was going to change that. She closed her eyes, imagining Sirius' smiling face and all she thought was: Thank you.

For he had been the one to give her this incredible family and despite the pain his death had caused, she was grateful for it, for them.

Her eyes met Harry's across Mina when he said her name.

"When the twins are hungry, I don't want to be in the room when you feed them, okay?"

Zee chuckled. And sometimes, she thought, embarrassing the son she already had made everything else even more worth it.

~ ASC ~

Theo thanked Kiki for the tea she brought him as he stared at the empty living room around him. He'd been back at Norfolk Manor for two days and he already felt lonely. He knew that he would be welcomed back at the Burrow with open arms, but he had no desire to be there either.

Charlie coming home for the holiday with a new daughter had been a lovely surprise. The talk had been full of babies and weddings and while he had enjoyed his time immensely, he was thankful for the quiet. He'd placed the vase of forget-me-nots in his room, unsure of what to do with it. The flower was already wilting and he felt like it expressed his emotions. Life without Finn had left him wilting. He watered the flower, hoping that Professor Sprout could help him keep it in bloom when he returned to school, but in the meantime, he just needed to keep it alive for the rest of the week.

He walked through the house, remembering moments that he'd spent with Finn that summer and the more he found, the more he thought about what could have been. He twirled the claddaugh ring around and around on his finger, thinking about the future he wanted to have; the future that had been pulled away from him.

Finn was gone.

Blaise and Draco were missing.

And he was once more alone.

Theo stopped his pacing in front of the huge portrait of his mother holding him as a baby. Kiki had found it in the attic and he'd insisted that it be hung in the living room by the big window. He stared up at it, looking into his mother's eyes and seeing his own reflected in the painting. Finn had allowed him to speak to her, to see her again and he would never be able to repay that.

"I miss you, Mum," he whispered aloud.

Kiki's voice at the door had him jumping. "Sorry to interrupt, Master Theo, but Mr Bill Weasley is here to see you."

Theo nodded, moving to take a seat in one of the armchairs. He wasn't sure why Bill would need to see him when he'd just left the Burrow a few days ago. When Bill took a seat across from him a few moments later, he smiled.

"Miss me already?"

Bill's lips curved. "Caught me. I thought I'd swing by and see how you were doing."

Theo shrugged. "I'm fine."

"Well, fine isn't the word I'd use, but it's a start. Listen, I know that we went over your family wards last time we stopped by, but as I told you, I want to make sure that you have the manor fully protected before you go back to school."

"And you're offering your services as a curse breaker?"

"More or less," Bill said, his lips curving. "As I told you the last time, I needed to study up on fae magic and I did. I spoke directly to Brigit and Princess Aisling about it as well. The magic that Finn used to keep this place protected is still strong and it will stay as such."

"Even with him… with his death?"

Bill nodded. "He tied it into his family's magic, Theo. He wasn't willing to risk you being exposed if something happened to him. He planned ahead. As long as a member of the royal family still lives, his magic will protect Norfolk Manor in the way that he intended."

Relief coursed through Theo at those words. He hadn't realized how concerned he was by it, until Bill told him that he had nothing to worry about.

"And what about… Blaise has access to the manor. I locked Draco out when Blaise told me to because we were worried about his grandfather, but Blaise has access."

"We can change that," Bill assured him. "Norfolk Manor is unplottable, hidden, and protected. This place was built on enchanted privacy centuries ago and that hasn't changed. It has every ward imaginable on it and you're the Secret Keeper."

"And I told Blaise the secret."

"You did," Bill said. "And I know a way to fix that. Blaise cannot give anyone the location of your home, but he himself still has access. It's all about rewording things, which I can help you do right now."

Theo nodded. "But what… what if he needs help and he tries to come to me… I don't know what side he's on, Bill, not really. I keep thinking that he can't be a Death Eater and then…"

Bill closed his eyes. "Let's fix the wards to be safe and then I'll tell you what I know."

"You know something?"

Bill sighed. "Not much, but yes, I know something. Wards first."

Theo agreed. Together they changed the warding to make sure that no one could find the manor without Theo's permission. Old pureblood families always had strong protection wards on their properties, but Theo had increased his when he'd stepped out from his father's shadow. He wasn't going to risk the Dark Lord or any of his followers finding him here or gaining access to his home.

Kiki came in with tea for Bill and he thanked her before the elf left them alone once more. Theo sipped his own tea before he spoke.

"So, what do you know, Bill?"

"I was going to tell you the moment that I found out, but Mum, Dad, and I agreed to wait. You were still obviously grieving and we didn't want to add to that."

Theo's eyebrow rose. "What did you find out?"

"We now know that Zabini was corresponding with Andromeda Tonks," Bill told him. "He'd written to her explaining that he was trying to help Draco get away from Voldemort and in doing so, was going to have to make some choices that he was going to regret. He wanted to know that if the time came for them to need sanctuary, if her offer to help them, as Draco's aunt, was still open."

Theo's eyes widened. "Claiming sanctuary? So, he's not with the Dark Lord?"

Bill shook his head. "I don't know where he is, Theo. He and Malfoy have disappeared. But Andromeda told us that he showed up in Shoreditch with an unconscious Malfoy directly after the attack in Hogsmeade. He claimed sanctuary and Andromeda granted it. Then he proceeded to remove the Dark Mark from his arm."

"What? How?" Theo exclaimed.

"Andromeda didn't say, only that he'd figured out how to do it. She said that it almost killed him and when he came to, she helped him remove the Mark from Malfoy."

"So they… they're not Death Eaters? They don't have the Mark anymore?"

Bill stared at him for a long moment. "Honestly, Theo, I don't know. From what it sounds like, I'd say no, but they took off again. No one knows where they went or what they're doing. At this point, we're assuming that they're in hiding or dead and no one knows the answer. I do know that it was Blaise who told Ted to get my mum. He said that you needed family before he told Andromeda anything else."

Tears welled up in Theo's eyes and he blinked them back. He remembered how Molly Weasley had held him, how she'd comforted him and he'd never thought to ask how she'd known that he needed someone. He'd been so grateful to her and now he knew it hadn't just been her. Blaise had sent her to him.

"He didn't betray me. He was trying to help Draco."

"That's what it sounds like to me," Bill agreed. "But we still don't know anything else, Theo. Keeping him away from access to your home is still a smart move until we do. Right now, they're both missing. That's all that I know."

Theo nodded. He agreed with Bill on that even as relief coursed through him. His eyes found the picture on the end table and he picked it up. It was of the three of them during the afternoon of the Quidditch World Cup. They looked so young, so carefree, so innocent. Blaise was in the middle, his arms around both of them. They were laughing.

"Draco didn't want to hurt Finn and he… he stopped."

"I know," Bill said quietly. "I don't know what they have planned, Theo. I just hope that they're somewhere safe and that they stay that way."

Theo's eyes met his. "I'll be at the next meeting. I know that you're going to ask."

Bill smiled. "I think getting back to your normal routine will be good for you. And the Wizengamot has missed having you around."

"I'm not going to miss anymore sessions," Theo assured him. "Dumbledore said if I want to attend them during the school year, he would work it out. I want to attend them."

Bill nodded. "Good. I'm glad to hear it."

"Thank you."

"Families help each other," Bill said as he stood. "And Ginny claimed you as family long ago. That's enough for me. Speaking of family, Zee had the twins early this morning. A boy and a girl, Leo and Mina. I thought you'd like to know."

"That's great," Theo said, a smile on his face. "I'm glad to hear everyone is doing well. When Ginny sent word that she was cancelling our plans due to the babies coming last night, I wondered on it."

Bill nodded. "Any time you need to talk, we're around."

Theo appreciated that more than he could put into words. He said goodnight to the elder Weasley and smiled as he leaned back against the front door. They were his family and he'd never been so grateful for them in his life.

~ ASC ~

Lavender was lying in the middle of her girlfriend's big bed, Padma's lean body on top of hers, as she kissed those soft lips over and over. She'd arrived at the Patil home early that morning and this was the first time she'd managed to find time to snog Padma. She sighed happily against Padma's lips as their tongues met. She could taste the spices on her tongue from their dinner mixed in with the sweetness that was just Padma. Her lip gloss tasted like watermelon.

Padma's mouth moved to her neck and she tossed her head back happily, letting her hand slide under the jumper she wore. Lavender's hands gripped a breast through her bra and Padma rubbed herself closer.

"Mmm, touch me, Lavender."

Lavender let her hands wander over each breast, stroking her nipples through the lace as they peaked and Padma's mouth hungrily met hers over and over. Lavender left one hand on a breast and the other she moved lower, dancing along her girlfriend's abdomen, dipping a finger into her belly button. Padma's lips crushed against hers, moving over her jaw and neck and then back to her lips in greedy, deep kisses that left her breathless. She'd missed her more than she'd expected with two weeks apart. She'd just slid her hands down over Padma's behind, wondering if she could slip her trousers off, when the bed dipped next to them.

"I'm interrupting and I don't care. Budge over."

Padma kissed Lavender's neck once more before she rolled over to the other side of her, her breathing heavy. "Vati, we just wanted some alone time."

Parvati turned to hug Lavender. "I need my bestie, Mae."

Lavender hugged her friend back. "Did something else happen, Parvati?"

Parvati shook her head. "No. No one knows anything. The only thing we do know is that Blaise had the Dark Mark and that he's left school."

"And you really never saw the Mark?" Lavender asked in disbelief. It wasn't the first time it had come up in conversation, but she was still surprised. "Not once?"

Parvati, her face still buried in her friend's shoulder, shook her head. "He never took his shirt fully off. I mean, it was always open, I definitely got a look at those fine abs of his, but his arms were always covered. Even that time I licked strawberry jam from his collarbone all the way down to his —"

"— Got it," Padma interrupted. "We know you and Blaise shagged like rabbits."

Parvati rolled over to stare up at the ceiling. "I mean, I knew he wasn't going to be the big love of my life, but he was so bloody sexy and he made me feel so bloody sexy. He made me feel so special."

"I know," Lavender said, kindly.

"And to think the whole time he was following that evil, sadistic... he never once gave off a vibe that he supported You Know Who!"

Padma reached out to grip her sister's hand. "I know."

Parvati sniffed back her tears. "It's stupid for me to still be crying over him. It's been almost a month."

Lavender didn't disagree, but she knew that heartbreak was difficult sometimes and sometimes it hit you out of nowhere. Blaise and Parvati had been going strong. In fact, the Friday night before Hogsmeade, Parvati had told them how they'd found a secret room in the dungeons and how they'd shagged four times. Then Blaise had met her in the morning by the door, taken her for a walk on the castle grounds and told her it was over. Just like that.

"Vati, this has been great, but it's over now."

"What?"

He'd kissed her cheek. "We're done. Now, I have another date to meet in Hogsmeade. See you around, baby."

Lavender and Padma had found her staring blankly at the castle on their way into Hogsmeade. Padma agreed it had been the lowest of the low for Zabini to do so, but now Lavender wondered if he'd actually had a date. He'd known he was leaving the school, nothing else made sense. Zabini was known to sleep around, but he'd always broken up with his women on good terms.

"Did you love him?" Lavender asked.

Parvait sniffed. "No. Merlin, that sounds awful. But, I loved the idea of him. I cared about him. He made me smile and feel beautiful and who wouldn't want to date a sexy, Italian heir, but no, I didn't love him. It was just… Merlin, it was pure lust and I knew it. I know that he didn't love me, but I thought we might still be friends or something, but he just… He just dropped me like a sack of potatoes and the morning after we spent the night shagging! I gave him a blowie!"

Lavender's eyes widened slightly at that statement. She knew that her friend hadn't felt comfortable enough with anyone to do that yet. "Parvati… I know you cared for him."

Parvati rolled onto her stomach, clutching the pillow as she cried. Padma jumped up out of the bed, tugging her twin to her feet.

"No more crying over that tosser! We're going shopping."

"I don't want to go shopping!" Parvati sobbed. "I want to lie here feeling sorry for myself."

Lavender jumped up as well and grabbed Parvati's other arm. "Not just shopping. We're going to get our hair done and a makeover. It will feel great! What do you say?"

Parvati hugged the two of them tightly. "I love you both so much!"

They both kissed her cheeks and she smiled.

"Makeovers and shopping and when we get back, I'm locking the two of you in here and giving you time to snog and scissor, if that's a real thing, and whatever else it is you want to do."

Lavender blushed furiously. "Parvati!"

Padma grinned and turned to kiss her girlfriend on the lips. "Shh, come on, love. A locked room just for the two of us? I'm holding her to that!"

Lavender grinned. "Right, sounds perfect."

Parvati linked her arms between both of them. "Now, let's go spend Baba's money."

~ ASC ~

Harry stepped into Clevedon Court, smiling at the house elves who immediately came to greet him. Dobby, as usual, was the most cheerful and eager to please. Rosa and Darby were polite as they eagerly told him about the finished renovations and led him through the house to see them. Everything was touched up and redone from fresh paint to polished floors. The kitchen was renovated and when Harry stepped into the master bedroom, he was incredibly pleased. It looked great.

It was all refurbished in brown, taupe, gold, and greens and the ocean of a bed took up most of the room. The big windows overlooked the garden and the French doors led out to a small balcony with a little table and two chairs sat. He knew that one day this was exactly where he wanted to live.

After complimenting the elves on a job well done, he made his way down into the study to where the portrait of his grandparents resided. He took a seat in the big chair and smiled warmly at them.

"Harry! So happy to see you!"

"Hi, Nan, hi, Pop," he said, taking a seat in the desk chair.

"How are things?"

"Things are good," Harry told them. "Zee had the babies two days ago."

Euphemia's eyes widened. "Tell us everything!"

Harry grinned. "A boy and a girl. Uncle Sirius would be so proud."

He told them when the babies were born and how big they were. When he said their names, tears welled up in Euphemia's eyes.

"After me? Really?"

Harry nodded. "Zee thought that she should be named after two of the most important women in her father's life, you and Professor McGonagall."

Euphemia asked a million more questions and Harry did his best to answer them. He explained how Zee's parents were staying over, how he'd held the babies, helped rock them to sleep, and how he'd even changed a nappy that morning.

"The proud big brother," Fleamont said, a wide smile on his face as he adjusted his glasses. "James and Sirius would be so proud of you."

Harry blushed a bit at that statement. "They're just so little and all they do is sleep, eat, and poop."

Euphemia chuckled. "Enjoy it. They grow up so fast and having two, Zee's going to have her hands full."

Harry nodded. He knew that was true. Zee was getting good with the nursing pillow and was starting to get a good rhythm when it came to breastfeeding both of them. The idea made him a little embarrassed and he did his best to stay scarce when that happened. Sorcha was always there to help, which he was grateful for. The house had seemed to be constantly full of people as of late.

Misha and Sorcha were there most of the time and Remus and Tonks had stopped by to visit. McGonagall had already rocked both of them to sleep in her arms and changed nappies. Mrs Weasley had come by to see them, bringing baby gifts of onesies she'd made that said 'He did it' and 'She did it' with respective arrows. Not to mention the gifts that had arrived from Zee's magizoologist friends from all over the world. It seemed like owls were delivering packages almost every hour. From new clothes to plushies to toys, the twins were definitely getting spoiled already.

That wasn't even including Zee's family. With Colt and Flo visiting from America, the twins were just ushered from arms to arms. The Browns were over constantly, an influx of people looking to spoil the babies. Jenny had even brought Josh Sterling over, her new fiancé to meet the twins. Then the Russian side had stopped by and it was a whole other influx of cousins and aunts and uncles to meet the babies. Healer Abby had left around five the first evening, promising that if Zee needed anything she would return. Ian was around to help, offering his expertise and giving advice as needed. Zee was feeling great and doing great as were the babies.

It didn't even seem strange. To Harry it felt normal, like they'd always meant to be there. He loved having so many people around the house to help Zee and it made him feel better about going back to school. The idea of leaving her home alone with two babies to care for hadn't been something that he'd wanted to think about. But he knew that she wouldn't be alone. Between her big family and Remus and Tonks and McGonagall, Zee would definitely have people to help her when she needed it.

It was why Harry had taken the opportunity to escape to Clevedon Court. He wanted to tell his grandparents about the babies, but mostly he wanted to ask his grandfather about the potions book. It must have shown on his face because Fleamont gave him a look.

"Fee, he looks just like James when he has something on his mind."

Harry's lips curved at that. "I do have something on my mind, it's true. I found an old potions book that Uncle Remus said used to belong to my dad. And well, Uncle Remus told me that you edited it."

Fleamont laughed. "Advanced Potion Making? I sure did! My son wasn't going to be learning anything from Lib's book! That man is a complete fraud!"

"Here we go," Euphemia murmured, making Harry smirk.

"Okay, he's not a fraud," Fleamont conceded. "But he thinks that he's smarter than he is. He doesn't even know how to brew perfect potions. There are tricks of the trade that he couldn't even be bothered to teach people. Any good Potioneer knows that you must crush Sopophorous beans instead of cutting them and any good Potioneer knows that one must clean their wand properly between stirs so as not to contaminate the potion with any other magical residue! Does he mention this? No! His complete lack of common sense is nothing more than hindrance to a future Potioneer! It's absolute blasphemy!"

Euphemia rolled her eyes. "Harry, he rewrote most of the text. When he gave it to your father, James only laughed. James thought it was rather amusing, but he used it and told us that it helped."

"Of course it helped, Fee! I'm an infamous Potioneer! I know what I'm talking about much more than that dried up old Borage does!"

"Yes, dear."

Harry grinned, incredibly amused by their bickering. "And the half-blood prince?"

"Who?"

Harry quickly launched into the explanation of the book and how he figured out it was Sirius, Remus, and James' writing before he'd learned that the other majority belonged to Fleamont. He explained how there was more handwriting in it, writing that didn't match the four of them.

"So, you're saying that someone else wrote in this book?" Fleamont asked, adjusting his glasses.

Harry nodded, opening the book to show them the text. "This here, about adding peppermint in the Elixir to Induce Euphoria. It really did make the potion better. It countered the excessive singing and made it more manageable. Slughorn said that it was one of the best brews he'd ever seen when I made it in Defence Club."

"Brilliant," Fleamont said, adjusting his glasses as he read the text Harry held out to him. "Adding peppermint is quite brilliant. I should have thought of that, but to be honest, brewing an Elixir to Induce Euphoria was not one of my specialities. I always liked to brew healing potions or cosmetic potions as much as possible. What else does this prince write?"

Harry flipped the pages, pointing to other little potion ideas and Fleamont frowned.

"That last one, adding a brick of chocolate to the Pepper-Up, that was Lily's idea. Your mum claimed it would change the taste, but not alter the result. In fact, when we tried it, it made the Pepper-Up even stronger and more efficient and drastically reduced the heat of the steam that emerges from one's ears. The bitterness of the dark chocolate counteracted the sweetness of the berry. It was quite ingenious for a sixteen-year-old-witch to come up with."

"Is that my mum's writing?" Harry asked, pointing to the cramped writing of the prince.

Fleamont shook his head. "No, and she wouldn't have been a prince nor a half-blood. But the chocolate was her idea."

Harry frowned. "So, this prince bloke stole one of my mum's ideas?"

"Or heard her talking about it. It was in her sixth year that she attempted it. Lily loved working with potions and often spent time experimenting and brewing with Professor Slughorn. Jamie told me about the Pepper-Up example and I sent her a letter. We ended up corresponding back and forth about Potions for most of that year. Your father accused of me trying to steal his girl, especially since they weren't even together yet."

Harry grinned. "How did my mum react to you writing her?"

Fleamont smiled. "She was quite skeptical at first, as it seems my son had tried many ploys to get her to date him. Lily thought this might be another, him dangling his famous Potioneer father before her. But, I never told James I had written to her until afterwards and she soon realized that I was only interested in her work. Lily was quite brilliant. She understood that potions are about patience, determination, and focus and something only someone with true skill can delight in. I think given the opportunity she would have done some amazing work as a Potioneer. Getting her potions licence was one of the things she was most proud of."

Harry nodded. It made him feel a bit sad to think that his mother might have created some amazing potion had she lived. She could have helped change the course of history in some way. He shook the sad thoughts from his head, his eyes on the writing from the prince. "So, you have no idea who this prince bloke is then?"

Fleamont shook his head. "No, but whoever he is, he's intelligent and clearly a master at potions himself if he took the advice in there and added more."

"If he did it himself," Harry said. "The chocolate bit belonged to my mum after all."

Fleamont nodded. "True, but I think he was intelligent. Making additions to potions I had already edited with more additions is not a small task. This prince knew what he was doing. Have you had a chance to read any of my potion journals yet?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I forgot them here last time. I'm going to take them back to school with me. Uncle Remus said that you'd even started writing your own Potions book?"

Fleamont nodded. "I did. Never got to finish it, much to my dismay. I was close to coming up with a cure for Dragon Pox. Ironic considering that's how I went out. Most people can beat it with a healthy immune system, but for the elderly and those under the age of ten, it's quite deadly. I was close to something, I know I was. Maybe you can figure it out."

"Pop, I am not the Potioneer you were. I get by, but creating my own? I'd never have the ability."

Fleamont smiled. "Potions is in your blood, Harry. Never say never."

Harry appreciated the sentiment, but he knew that was reaching. He was never going to be a Potioneer. He spoke to them a bit more before bidding them goodnight, promising to kiss Mina and Leo for them. His grandmother tearing up at Sirius' daughter having her name again before he left.

He made his way up into his grandfather's potions tower, still thinking about the half-blood prince. He tended to agree with his grandfather, the prince clearly knew what he was talking about, but how many of those ideas were actually his? Was he a genius Potioneer as well or was he simply a genius Potions student? Not to mention that spell… it had been his father's writing, but there had been a question mark beside it as if he hadn't known what it did. He found himself with more questions than he did answers which made the book even more intriguing.

He sorted through his grandfather's journals, piling them up to bring them to school with him. He wasn't sure if anything in there would even be considered helpful, but he wanted to sort through them. He wanted to see what his grandfather had written. There might be more in there to help him become a better Potions student and if he was honest, he was hoping for maybe a little bit more insight into who his grandfather was and into his family. He felt that reading the journals might give him more of that.

When he stepped into the living room of Black Cottage, his eyes widened at the sight of Charlie sitting in the living room holding his own daughter. Aydin was a month old now and Charlie was very much the proud papa. Mrs Weasley was cooing over Leo in her arms while Zee held Mina and the three of them were deep in talk about babies.

Harry made his way into the kitchen and found Flo and Sorcha cooking up a storm.

"Just in time," Flo said, gesturing for him to take a seat. "Try this sauce."

Harry opened his mouth as Flo's spoon passed his lips; tomato sauce with the perfect mix of spices. "Delicious."

"More garlic?"

Harry shook his head. "No, I think it's perfect."

Flo nodded her approval and moved back to the stove. "Smart man. Get some plates down. It's time to get everyone fed."

And just like that, Harry felt comforted. He was home and he had this huge and incredible family around him to remind of that.

~ ASC ~

When the Dark Lord called a meeting for his circle of Death Eaters that evening, Narcissa took the opportunity to wander down into one of Wiltshire Manor's guest suites. This one was being used by Ophelia and Rabastan and visiting the suite was something that she'd been putting off. The Dark Lord had been simmering in rage since Abraxas had been killed, but after the ceremonies, he hadn't said or done much concerning the man's death. The Dark Lord had merely locked himself away in his throne room and kept to himself. Calling a meeting four days into January had surprised them all. But it had given her the opportunity to do what she wanted, which was to speak to her son's ex-girlfriend without being disturbed.

She found Ophelia Rowle Lestrange brushing her hair at the dressing table in a white satin nightie.

"Ophelia?"

"Hello, Lady Wiltshire," Ophelia said quietly, her eyes meeting Narcissa's through the mirror.

Narcissa gave her a polite smile. "I wanted to check up on you and see how you're doing."

Ophelia shrugged. "I'm actually all right. Rab is good to me."

Narcissa nodded. "He can be."

"He didn't hurt me, if that's what you're worried about. He made sure that I enjoyed myself. He... he didn't rape me."

Narcissa's eyes softened. "I'm glad to hear it. You're one of the lucky ones."

Ophelia continued to brush her hair. "Mother found us a house to live in, well, one of the Lestrange properties, but since he's wanted by the Ministry, we can't go there yet. He says that once I'm with child, I can go. I've been drinking the fertility potion that Professor Snape made for me every morning so it shouldn't be long now. We make love at least three times a day."

Narcissa stared at her. She knew that the girl was right. If she and Rabastan were both healthy, the fertility potion would only exacerbate their ability to conceive. "Another few weeks and you should have an answer. Have you spoken to anyone else?"

She nodded. "Pansy and Greg. They've moved into the Goyle Estate in Chalcot Crescent and Pansy says that things are good. His mother has moved out to live in one of their small cottages to let them be newlyweds. I think... Millie and Hestia are having a hard time."

"Anyone would. Bart is... not quite sane."

Ophelia nodded. "I wish that I could help them, but he… he scares me. He snuck into our room one night and he watched us and... Rab kept saying that it was fine, but he... he was touching himself while he watched us and it made me very uncomfortable."

"I can imagine. Ophelia, this isn't going to be easy for you."

Ophelia turned to meet her gaze. "You didn't think that I was good enough for Draco."

"I never said that."

"No, but you still thought it," Ophelia said. "I loved him in my own way, but I knew we would never end up together. I knew that I would have an arranged marriage to a pureblood of my parents' choice. I know how lucky I am to have been chosen by someone like Rabastan Lestrange. I know he's older than me and I know that he might not be the ideal husband considering he's currently wanted by the Ministry of Magic, but he loves me. He treats me like a queen. He's attentive and kind and he plays my body like an instrument; makes me feel things that I didn't think were possible. He worships me and when I tell him that I'm with child, he will worship me even more."

Narcissa stared. She knew the blinders that the girl was wearing, had experienced them herself once upon a time. Rabastan was one of the nicer ones, but he was still dangerous and she hoped to Merlin that Ophelia didn't experience just how dangerous. Right now, he was charming her, courting her. Narcissa hoped that he didn't grow bored of that any time soon.

"I just wanted to stop by and tell you that if you need anything, my door is always open. Being married to a Death Eater is more than you think it is. He may be all of those things right now, but as you've already realized, he doesn't come alone. Crouch is his closest friend and if he lets him watch the two of you, I wouldn't be surprised if he lets more happen later on."

Ophelia shook her head. "He won't. I told him that I was uncomfortable and he promised me that he wouldn't let Crouch watch us again. He's good to me, Lady Wiltshire."

Narcissa nodded. "I'm glad of it. As I said, if there's anything else you might need, let me know."

When she closed the door behind her, she knew that the young woman behind her really hadn't grasped the severity of her situation just yet. She knew the others had already grasped it. Millicent and Hestia, being married to Crouch, were seeing the horrors of that first hand. He made no effort to quiet them when he raped them. Alecto's fourteen-year-old-husband was usually left tied to the bed as she rode him, and the sound of him crying could be heard echoing down the corridor. Young Graham and Shanae had not only been forced together by the Dark Lord, but had been watched by his most trusted followers to make sure that they consummated their relationship and continued to do so. Narcissa knew that there were those sent in to touch and to inspire lust between the young bride and groom before they were forced to shag. They were forced to rape each other which she knew was even more traumatic for the two of them to deal with. Narcissa knew that some of the relationships of the young ones would last, but she also knew which ones were built on fear, and it was those that worried her the most.

Beatrice Macnair Parkinson was already with child; it was the son that Castor had been waiting for, and the Dark Lord had praised him in this regard. She knew the others wouldn't be too far behind. Snape's fertility potion was potent. He was a brilliant Potioneer and she knew that by the end of the month, most if not all of the new brides, would be with child, many of them still children themselves.

She just wished that there was something more that she could do to help them. She made her way down the hall, letting herself into her son's bedroom. She was so thankful that Draco hadn't been there, hadn't been forced to marry someone against his will. But Salazar, she was worried about him. Where was he?

Narcissa's eyes fell on the photo on her son's nightstand and she picked it up. It had been taken at the Quidditch World Cup. Draco, Blaise, and Theo, all with their arms around each other, laughing, eyes alight. It seemed like a hundred years ago. Now, Theo was against them. He'd lost the man he loved. Blaise had taken the Dark Mark and had been spying on Draco and now they were both missing. She wished she knew what was happening. She wished she knew why Blaise had spied on the young man he'd once considered a brother. Had it all been a lie? Was he with Draco now? Had they been separated? She clutched the photo to her chest, tears in her eyes. Was Draco truly even alive?

She didn't know and all she had to go on was a mother's intuition that told her one thing: He was alive.

Nothing else mattered but that.

~ ASC ~

Lucius sat at the table, his eyes on the Dark Lord as he listened to the plans for the new year. Now that he'd done his part in getting some of the purebloods married off with potential heirs on the way, the Dark Lord wanted to move into the next stage of his plans.

Voldemort wanted to move into the Ministry of Magic.

It was risky. Lucius knew that, but he also knew that if anyone could do it, the Dark Lord could. He wanted to work on getting eyes and ears inside the Ministry. Most of his inner circle was on the Most Wanted List which made most of them well known and made people less willing to listen to what they had to say, but Lucius knew that a few well placed Imperius Curses were going to get him exactly what he wanted.

And for once, it made Lucius feel useful.

Having served on the Wizengamot for as long as he had, he had insight into how the council worked. The Dark Lord understood that he himself could never get into the Wizengamot. He never said the words aloud, but Lucius knew that the Dark Lord understood that he would never get past the Sovereign Chalice unless he destroyed it. Destroying such a strong part of their culture wouldn't win him any supporters. No, the Dark Lord had other ways of getting inside the minds of the people and it all started with the man sitting at the other end of the table.

Having Greyback and some of his troops there, made Lucius nervous. He didn't trust the wolves. Greyback was sneaky and conniving and he had his own agenda. The Dark Lord was well aware of it, but he needed them and their vile nature to get what he wanted. One of the first ways of getting under the Ministry's skin was to prove that their new alliances weren't as successful as they thought.

Greyback was getting his own pack of misfits together and planning strikes around the country; strikes that they could blame on the wolves of the alliance. Greyback had no love for the other pack leaders and had made those intentions clear. His pack had gone after a few more Muggleborns, turning them and killing them over the last few months. His pack fed on Muggles and they left mangled bodies in their wake. Muggle law enforcers had no idea how to explain the influx in wild animal attacks.

"And what about Lupin?" Snape asked, causing Lucius to look up. "Last time you claimed he was the problem and that you would take care of him. I haven't seen any sort of move towards him. Are you afraid of him?"

Greyback sneered. "Of that coward? The one too afraid to even accept his own nature? To deny what he is? I assure you, Severus, he is still high on my priority list. Bael may have failed me, but that wasn't the end of my plans for him or his mate."

Snape seemed to accept this before the Dark Lord brought the conversation back to the Ministry of Magic. He wanted to undermine some of the new initiatives and to create unrest within the council. Lucius answered his questions as honestly as he could, trying to give as much insight into the Wizengamot council members as possible. The Dark Lord needed to know of anyone who had a slight lean against the new reforms; anyone who might agree that Minister Bones was changing too much too fast. That was how to find the cracks and how to widen them.

When he left the meeting, his head was pounding. Some of it from the information and some of it from the Dark Lord's mental prodding. It was all starting to be more than he could bear. The lying, the violence, the in-fighting… he didn't know where he stood. What he did know was that he was tired of it. The last two years had been nothing sort of awful. Between his father ordering him around, the Dark Lord moving into the manor, and now with Draco missing, he felt like his life was some huge landslide swooping towards him that he couldn't control.

He woke most nights from dreams of Draco's eyes staring back at him, that look he'd never quite managed to get out of his head; the one of horror and disappointment from the moment the Dark Mark had been inked into his skin. Never before had Lucius felt more like a failure as a father. He'd always promised himself that he would be a good father. He would do everything he could to protect his son, to not be the man his own father was. Yet, here he was, having made the same mistakes. No, his mistake was worse because he had asked his son to take the mark and had put the responsibility of Narcissa's life upon his own son's shoulders. At least Abraxas had forced him to take it for his own reasons.

Abraxas had held Lucius down as the Mark was inked into his skin, as he was forced to accept it, but he'd never put the guilt upon him of what would happen if he didn't. Lucius was positive that was much worse, and he knew that Draco felt the weight of that responsibility more than any sixteen-year-old-boy should have. He'd had the chance to get his son to safety. Andromeda Tonks wasn't someone he had ever considered before. She'd disgraced herself with marrying a Muggleborn and he couldn't grasp what it was that Ted Tonks had done to make the Black sister admire him. Frankly, after she'd married him, he'd never thought about her again, but now… she had been willing to protect his son and his wife and he'd done nothing to give her the chance to do so, determined to protect them himself.

And he'd failed miserably on all accounts.

Lucius buried his face in his hands before he moved to the liquor cabinet to pour himself two fingers of brandy. Taking the Dark Mark had never been something he wanted. The Dark Lord had always been a powerful wizard and an intelligent one. Lucius liked his general ideas and principles. He liked the idea of bringing the old world back, of keeping the power among the purebloods. Not that he had anything against Muggleborns, not really. He just didn't want them around or working in his Ministry. It didn't make him a bigot. It wasn't like he didn't want them to exist or anything, just for them not to be around him.

He didn't think that was unreasonable.

Of course, if the Dark Lord got his way, it would be more than them not being around. Half-bloods would be safe, but considered second class citizens for the most part. Half-bloods were okay. It was the ones who didn't even know about their world that was the problem. How could they invite them in and then just let them take over?

He gulped back some of the brandy, not even taking it in outside of the warm burn, as his hands shook. The Muggles were fine, after all, they had their own lives and own government systems; they just needed to stay out of magical affairs. He'd met the Queen of England and all that went with it and she was lovely, but it wasn't his world. It wasn't his people. It would be like asking house elves to rule over them; preposterous. He gulped more brandy.

What had the Dark Lord done for him, really? He'd forced him to spend time in Azkaban. Forced him to lose a young man's trust that he loved like his own flesh and blood. Forced him to make his own son see him for the coward he was. Forced him to do things that he'd wished he hadn't. Forced him to lie to his wife.

Lucius rubbed a hand over his heart. Lying to Narcissa had always been the hardest. But Salazar knew that he could never tell her what he'd been forced to do over the years. He couldn't bear to see the look on her face, the disappointment, the shame, the pity.

The pureblood weddings were one thing, but he couldn't tell her that his business that night involved him helping to tie down Malcolm Baddock. That he'd strapped the fourteen-year-old to the bed and bore witness as Alecto Carrow Baddock raped him… that he'd watched the boy cry and beg for her to stop. That he'd forced the lust potion down the boy's throat himself when ordered to, only after he'd been raped. Carrow had laughed as she rode him and the moment he'd left, he'd vomited in the corridor. Rabastan had seen him. He'd seen the look, the one that told him they knew he wasn't truly one of them.

He couldn't tell her about the Muggle baiting he found himself doing. The times they'd gone out and tortured Muggles just for sport. He couldn't bring himself to tell her that he had nightmares about the things he'd done; the things he'd allowed them to make him do. The things he'd never been strong enough to say no to.

Lucius poured himself a second glass of brandy and looked at himself in the reflection of the window glass. He didn't like the man he'd become and he knew that it wasn't someone he wanted to be anymore. He shot back the brandy, the burn making his eyes water. He poured himself a third shot and gulped it back before he leaned his head against the coolness of the window pane. The cold glass eased the pounding, but it didn't help the pounding of his thoughts.

He finished his brandy and slowly made his way upstairs, locking the door to the master bedroom behind him. His mother still roamed the house and he felt safer with the door locked, not knowing who else she may grant access to. Not to mention many of the newlyweds were still staying in the other wing of the manor. He moved through the sitting room and into the bedroom, his eyes on his sleeping wife in the moonlight.

Her blonde hair was plaited at her neck and she wore white silk that outlined her soft curves. He thought she grew more beautiful every day. He undressed slowly before he crawled under the covers with her, pulling her close and nuzzling his face into her neck. Holding her made him feel better, made him feel more alive than his life did. He thought about the members of the Wizengamot that he had given information on tonight; thought about their wives, their husbands, their children and for the first time, he wondered what made his life better than theirs.

He let his hands glide down his wife's body, his lips on her neck until she turned towards him in sleep. He kissed her slowly, teasing her until she woke and then he let his mouth trail down the silk and beneath it until she was squirming beneath him. When he finally slipped into her, she sighed his name as he made long, slow love to her. She kissed him and whispered that she loved him before she fell asleep in his arms.

He didn't sleep at all.

He just stayed there, holding his wife in his arms, his fingers dancing along her soft skin, and thinking about the information that he had provided the Dark Lord. When dawn rose, he knew that he'd made his decision. He'd made it before he'd come to bed last night. He'd made it the moment Draco hadn't come home.

And now it was time for him to go through with it.

He slipped from the bed to shower, relishing under the hot spray before he came out to dress. Lucius stood a moment and looked down at his sleeping wife before he bent down to kiss her cheek tenderly.

Narcissa blinked owlishly at him. "Lu?"

"Get dressed and pack your trunk."

Narcissa's eyebrow rose. "A trunk?"

"Do it. You have ten minutes. Now, Cissa!"

He watched her jump from the bed and do as he tasked her.

"Get your jewelry as well, all of it."

Items flew from all directions as he helped her pack, clothing, jewels, books, and photos flying from the room.

"What about your things?" she asked as she looked around at the six trunks full of her clothing.

Lucius looked around the room. Everything that belonged to his wife was now in the trunks surrounding her. "Get dressed and don't ask questions."

She made to protest and he grabbed her arm, gripping hard enough to leave a mark.

"I said, don't ask questions."

Narcissa's eyes widened. "Lucius —"

"If you talk again, I will stun you. Do you understand?"

The flicker of fear in her eyes had him recoiling slightly, but he didn't let go of her arm. He took her wand from the bedside table and tucked it into his robes before he levitated her trunks to follow them as he dragged her down the stairs. They made it to the entranceway before his mother came out of the living room.

Isla Malfoy had been walking around in a daze since her husband had been killed. Lucius knew his father had controlled her most of the time, but he also knew that she was still a dangerous woman. A woman he had learned long ago that he couldn't trust.

His whole life she'd been a background figure to his father's imposing form. There was never anything his father had said that she didn't quote as gospel. When Abraxas claimed he must marry Bellatrix, she'd agreed. When Lucius had complained that he thought he and Bellatrix weren't suited to each other, she told him to shut his mouth and bear it. When he'd run off to marry Narcissa behind their backs, she'd claimed he was spoiled and nothing but a disappointment to the noble Malfoy name.

He remembered the day Abraxas had asked him to join the Death Eaters, to follow the noble Lord Voldemort on his quest. He'd hesitated and his mother had immediately used the Cruciatus on him, claiming that hesitation was for the weak-minded. Abraxas had laughed and said that he knew that Lucius would come through. And he had. Barely eighteen and newly married, he'd agreed to take the Mark. After watching how it was done, the pain of it, he'd stepped back, recoiled in fear and second guessing his choice. Abraxas had merely held him down so that Voldemort could ink him.

Watching Abraxas hold down Draco had given him flashbacks to that day and it made him hate his parents for forcing it upon their grandson the same way they'd forced it upon him. It had made him feel like a failure to see his own son making the same mistake he'd made with no way out in sight. Draco… he was the pride of his life and it had taken so much hardship for him to come into this world.

When Narcissa suffered her first miscarriage, they'd grieved together and Isla's only words of comfort were that the child must have been an abomination anyway, otherwise they would have been strong enough to survive. She'd claimed that the child's death had been a sign, a punishment for the two of them marrying without permission. Lucius had been promised to Narcissa's older sister and the little whore had reached in and stolen her sister's man. Sins of the mother would trickle down, Isla warned.

When Lucius had told his parents that Bellatrix was causing Narcissa to miscarry, Isla had laughed and said that Narcissa needed to be stronger. Malfoy women were meant to be strong and fierce and Narcissa was nothing but a daft bint who knew how to spend gold. They'd never seen eye to eye and on moments when they had, if Abraxas disagreed, he'd merely Imperius his wife into agreement with him.

Isla Malfoy followed her husband's orders like an obedient little puppy dog and Lucius had never once felt supported by her, loved by her. She idealized Voldemort and his cause, idealized the man she'd gone to school with, and idealized the dark arts. He was ashamed to say that when news had come of his father's death, he'd been disappointed that hers hadn't followed.

"Where do you two think you're going?" Isla demanded. "The Dark Lord doesn't deal with cowards! After everything your father and I did to lead you on the right path and now you're deserting his cause? You're spineless, Lucius! A disappointment for a son!"

Lucius' wand twitched in his hand and he turned to look at his mother without hesitation. "Avada Kedavra!"

Narcissa gasped as Isla fell painlessly to the floor. "Lu!"

"Shush, Cissa."

"Lucius, what are you going to do? Please, you must tell me! This isn't… I can't lose you, too."

He gripped her hips tightly, tugging her forward and towards him, his forehead resting against hers. "I'm going to do what I should have done after they broke me out of Azkaban."

Tears welled up in Narcissa's eyes as she shook her head desperately. "No! We talked about it and you promised me that we'd find another way."

"And it was cowardly of me, Cissa. I'm tired of being a coward, my darling. I want to be the man you deserve."

"I love you. You're who I want."

Lucius bent his head and captured her lips to kiss her deeply. "But not who you deserve. Go with Binky. Please."

"I won't leave you! I've already lost Draco and I won't leave you to do something so foolish!"

"Narcissa! I am ordering you to obey me! I want you safe!"

"You can't order me around like some mangy dog, Lucius! I am your wife, not your servant!"

He glared at her. "I'm not... I love you. You gave me my son and you've made me happier than I ever could have imagined. I love you, Cissa." He kissed her again, harder and bruising before he pushed her away from him. "Take her away, Binky. Now."

Then he turned and Disapparated on the spot, ignoring his wife's cries before she changed his mind.

Lucius appeared in London and made his way into the Ministry of Magic through the Floo, standing tall. He knew that Binky would remove Narcissa from the manor as quickly as she could. He knew that killing Isla Malfoy had been for the best. The woman was nothing without his father; a shell who only lived to serve those around her. With Abraxas gone, she now waited for word from the Dark Lord to make her choices. She would have stopped them because it was what the Dark Lord wanted. He didn't even think his mother had her own mind left anymore. If anything, her death had been a blessing.

He walked to the security desk in the Ministry of Magic and handed the guard his wand.

"Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, Earl of Wiltshire. I've come to turn myself in."

The security guard's eyes widened in alarm. He accepted the wand, using his own to bind Lucius' arms behind his back. He didn't protest.

Ten minutes later he was handcuffed and bound in an interrogation room looking up at Kingsley Shacklebolt and Maverick Proudfoot.

"Explain yourself," Kingsley declared, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

Lucius stared at them. "My son is missing. I've come to turn myself in."

"Do you think that we know where your son is?" Kingsley demanded.

Lucius shook his head. "I don't know."

"Why now, Lord Wiltshire? What set you off?"

Lucius looked into Kingsley's face as he swallowed. "Werewolf attacks to turn the tide on Ministry alliances. Forced marriages to children. My father being beheaded by a fae warrior in a death I think was much too swift for what he deserved. I want my wife to be safe. I want to know what happened to my son. A lot of things… I'm just so tired."

Proudfoot leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "I think it's time for you to start talking, Malfoy."

Lucius' eyes met his. "I'm here, aren't I? What do you want to know?"

~ ASC ~

Tonks took a seat just as an owl dropped a package off. Higgins plopped his butt on the corner of her desk as he handed her a cup of coffee.

"Running late this morning?"

Tonks rolled her eyes. "Only by two minutes and only because the lift was acting up and I had to take the stairs. It seems someone thought it would be funny to turn the lift into a waterfall every time it goes up. Maintenance is all over it."

Higgins nodded. "Did you hear the news?" At his partner's look, he grinned. "Lucius Malfoy turned himself in this morning."

"What?" Tonks exclaimed. "When?"

Higgins sipped his coffee. "About two hours ago. Atwell says that Shacklebolt and Proudfoot have been interrogating him all morning."

"He turned himself in?" Tonks repeated in bewilderment. "Why?"

"Search me," Higgins shrugged, bringing his coffee to his lips again.

Tonks frowned, her mind going into overdrive. Lucius Malfoy turning himself in was extremely suspicious. It didn't make sense. The man was a known Death Eater and a coward. He had to know that turning himself in meant that he would be spending a minimum of the next thirty years in the Azkaban Crypt. Depending what he gave the Aurors, some of that sentence could potentially be knocked down, but he was a follower of Lord Voldemort, an escaped prisoner, a known Death Eater, a known murderer… there was no getting away from that.

She pulled the package closer to her as she untied the brown strings and unrolled the paper. The wooden box inside was painted black and had red stripes on it. She searched the paper, but found no note as she lifted the lid. She paled at what was inside.

Nestled on black velvet was a bloody human heart. Written above it in what looked suspiciously like blood were the words: Lupin's Whore.

Tonks slammed the box shut and Higgins looked up from the desk across from her.

"Everything okay?"

Tonks nodded as she stood up with the box. "Yes, everything's fine. I need to speak to Robards."

She carried the box down to Robards as Higgins frowned after her. She didn't even bother to knock on his door, she merely held the box out to him.

Gawain Robards merely raised an eyebrow when he looked inside. "You know who it's from?"

"I suspect Greyback or one of his wolves. It was him who sent Bael after me in August."

Robards nodded. "I'll send this down to the Autopsy Department to see if we can figure out who the heart belongs to. Do you need to take a day?"

Tonks shook her head. "No, Sir."

"Good. If you get anything else like this I want to hear about it. I'll let Shacklebolt know when he comes out of interrogation. Back to work, Auror Lupin."

Tonks let out a slow breath when he headed back to her desk. On some level she'd known that the attack from Bael had only been the start of something, but to send her a human heart… what did that do? Scare tactics, she thought, thinking back to her early classes at the academy. Greyback couldn't get to her so he was trying to get her off balance.

Well, she wasn't going to let it affect her. Not one bit.

But flowers were delivered to her during lunch. Not just any flowers, but red roses wrapped in bloody human intestines. This time the words were more clear: I'm watching.

And she hadn't quite been able to stop the shiver from moving down her spine.

Robards had sent the flowers to the Autopsy Department as well, but Tonks didn't feel assured. She assumed that they were both from the same body, she certainly hoped so. Higgins was sticking extra close and when Remus came in an hour later, she knew that Higgins had been the one to call him.

"I'm fine," she assured him, standing up.

Remus pulled her close anyway, tucking her head against his heart. "Well, I'm not."

She hugged him close as Robards walked over to them. "Lupin. Shacklebolt and I would like to speak to you and your husband."

Tonks held Remus' hand as she led him down the hall and into one of the interrogation rooms. The four of them took a seat before Kingsley spoke.

"Lucius Malfoy turned himself in this morning."

"What? Why?" Remus exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"I'm still trying to figure that out. We've been talking to him most of the morning and he has given us some information. It seems that Greyback is planning out coordinated attacks made to make the packs look dangerous; to turn the Ministry against them once more. He also hinted that Greyback has plans for you and your wife and seeing as she received two disturbing packages today, I think those plans may have been put into motion," Kingsley informed them.

Remus' fingers clutched his wife's tighter under the table. "He's a dangerous man and a dangerous wolf. I've been saying that for years. He doesn't need the moon to attack and relishes on hurting people even when he hasn't turned."

Robards nodded. "It seems that he's circling Auror Lupin in order to get to you. Now, Lupin is a professional and a great Auror. I know that she's not going to want to stop working, but she will agree to keep Higgins with her at all times or another Auror if she has to go out into the field for any reason."

"Agreed," Tonks said. "I won't jeopardize my safety."

Remus looked a little more relieved by that. "What do you need me to do?"

"Scrimgeour has contacted the alphas in order to let them know and we're staying on alert, but anything you can do in the meantime would be of assistance."

"Robards, with all do respect, I'm not going to hide. He's trying to play some bullshit psychological warfare with me and I'm not chasing the Quaffle here. He's nothing more than a Bludger who I plan to bat away," Tonks insisted.

"I'm glad to hear that," Robards assured her. "But we still need to be cautious. Psychological warfare is one thing, but eventually he's going to move forward and use something other than fear tactics and we need to be ready for that moment, however it may come."

"And Malfoy?"

"He's talking," Kingsley said. "But he's not talking enough. The man knows he's going to the crypt and he seems to have accepted that. His son's disappearance has crushed him and I think on some level, he believes his son to be dead."

"His wife?" Tonks asked.

Kingsley shook his head. "He won't say. He's a broken man and I don't know how much he truly can even tell us. We're working on it. The bit about the wolves is interesting and a decent start. As I said, Scrimgeour is calling the alphas forward to warn them."

"And he won't tell you where his wife is?" Robards demanded.

"No. He just said that she's safe."

Remus nodded. "You think that he might have sent her to her sister's home."

"It crossed my mind," Kingsley admitted. "Andromeda has made contact with her, hoping to get information from time to time. He knows that she would keep her safe."

"I want to take my wife home for the rest of the day," Remus said as he stood up. "I'll check with my mother-in-law and see if she's heard anything from her younger sister."

Tonks shook her head. "Remus, I just said that I'm not going to run away. If he truly has eyes on me, I'm not going to show him that this is affecting me. I won't show him any sign of weakness."

"Take the afternoon, Lupin," Shacklebolt insisted. "And tomorrow you will come back fresh and ready to go. You can use this opportunity to see what your mother knows about her sister. I won't have my Aurors distracted." He held up his hand when she made to protest. "Home."

"Yes, Sir."

Tonks didn't speak until they arrived at their home and then she turned to glare at her husband. "I know that you're worried about this and I know that you want to keep me safe, but I'm an Auror, Remus! You can't just go in there and insist that I come home because you're worried! That makes me look weak! It makes me look like I can't handle myself! I was trained to keep others safe!"

"And yourself," Remus insisted. "I think you sometimes forget that you need to keep yourself safe as well. This isn't just another case or mystery be solved, Dora. A dangerous and psychotic werewolf is after you."

"He's stalking me," Tonks agreed. "I know it. Frankly, I'm surprised it took him that long to do so after Bael's botched attack, but we both knew that he would. You said it yourself, he's focused on me because I'm important to you."

Remus grabbed her arms, holding her in place. "He's hunting you because I love you. He knows how much you mean to me. That's why he sent you a heart, Dora! It was a symbol, not to you, but to me. He was telling me that he's going to take my heart from me."

Tonks hand gripped the heartbeat necklace that dangled between her breasts. "He won't get me, Remus. He won't."

"Living without one's mate is like losing part of your soul. The intestines mixed with the flowers, that was a fear tactic, but the heart… I won't let him hurt you, Nymphadora."

Tonks' hands cupped his face. "He won't. You have to trust me to keep myself safe."

"I do trust you," he whispered. "But I also know what he's capable of."

Tonks stood on her toes to kiss him. "And you know what I'm capable of."

Remus signed in defeat, resting his forehead against hers. "Promise me that you'll always have Higgins with you or Atwell?"

"I promise."

She let him wrap her up tightly in his strong arms and as she listened to the beat of his heart under her ear, she wondered what Greyback's ultimate goal was. Bael had tried to turn her, but she didn't know if that was what the werewolf actually wanted. The only thing she did know, was that she wasn't going to let fear stand in her way.

And she was damn well going to find out exactly what Lucius Malfoy was up to.

But first, she had to talk to her mother.