Chapter 14: Christmastime Bondings

Nicholas and Nathaniel arrived just as breakfast was being served in the Great Hall. Most of the student body were going home for the holidays later that day. Their Lord and Lady were also taking the Hogwarts Express due to their duties to the school. However neither Nicholas nor Nate were going to allow their Lady out of the compartment during the ride. If they had their choice their lord wouldn't either, but he would probably hex them into next week. They were there to guard them under the guise of escorting their intended mates to the castle.

Ginny saw Nicholas as he entered the doorway and literally launched herself at him. His look of surprise was priceless. Even Nate chuckled. The kiss drew cat calls from the surrounding students. Nate went ahead and greeted his two soon-to-be mates. Both girls squealed when they saw their own personal Adonis walking towards them. Those kisses caused several others to shift in their seats.

Nicholas and Ginny joined the trio and sat down. Nicholas looked around.

"Where are Harry and Hermione?"

"Hermione has a slight stomach upset and Harry stayed to hover." said Ginny, not wanting to reveal to the other girls why Hermione was sick. Fortunately Nicholas and Nate understood and accepted the explanation.

"I hope it isn't contagious. I think that it's great that Harry is that in love with his girlfriend. I mean taking care of her while she's sick. It's sweet and kinda romantic. I swear that they act like they're married or something" said Lavender.

Ginny and Nate snickered while Nicholas rolled his eyes slightly. All three could imagine the looks on the other girls' faces when they found out that Harry and Hermione were already married, in a sense, and had a baby on the way.

Ron entered the Great Hall slightly annoyed. He had owled home telling his parents that he wanted to stay at Hogwarts for the holidays. His mother had owled back demanding that he join the family at Harry's for the ball and the formal announcements. He wasn't going anywhere near Harry's home or his family until they came to their senses about Ginny and the vampire, who believed her to be his mate. He had actually looked the whole thing up. He refused to believe that this vampire was willing to wait for two years before bonding to Ginny. The one book he had read stated that such a long period of time would kill the vampire and it went against their nature to wait to make such a claim. No this vampire wanted something else and he, as one of her older brothers, was going to put a stop to it. Seeing his sister sitting with that creature made Ron decide to say something.

"Ginny, I'm ordering you, as your brother, to get up and leave the table. I'll take you to the Burrow where you can get out from under whatever influence this…. thing has you under."

"Ron, quit being a git and leave me alone."

"NOW, GINNY!"

Ginny stood up and turned her face towards her brother. Those that knew of her temper saw the signs and fled to safety. She had her wand pulled and in Ron's face before he could blink. "You dare order me, Ron!?! I wouldn't do a single thing you said if it was the last thing I do on this earth. Get this through that thick skull. I AM going to marry Nicholas when I finish school. You have no right to dictate my life, only Mum and Dad and now Nicholas do. If you'd get your head out of your arse, you'd see that I'm happy."

"Ginny, I don't know what he has done to you, but I'll take care of it. I'm sure that you're just confused and upset about Harry, but I'm sure that Harry'll come around and dump Hermione for you. Just give it time."

Now the two vampires stood. This was a veiled threat to their Lady and family. Nicholas wanted to tear his future brother in-law's heart out for ignoring both his sister's engagement and Harry's bonding, neither of which could be broken at this point. But before they could do anything the tall red head disappeared and in its place was a weasel. Ginny had a gleam in her eye.

"Now you'll have to listen, you git. Harry has Hermione now and has told me in very understandable terms that he will never leave her or she him. I agreed to accept Nicholas as my husband and do not regret it. I have fallen in love him much faster and stronger than I ever thought possible. That only proves that I wasn't really in love with Harry at all. If you don't want to be at Harry's home for Christmas, I understand. Given your attitude I don't want you there to spoil everyone else's holiday. Keep this up and I won't stop the twins from declaring war on you, not to mention what Mum will do to you." Ron the weasel cheeped and scurried off.

"Nicely handled, little sis," winked Nate. Nicholas, however, drew Ginny into a toe curling kiss.

"Thank you for that."

"You knew that I wanted Harry before, didn't you?"

"He told me of your infatuation with him. I think he wanted me to understand that he could never return those feelings for you."

"I'm glad that he did."

"This is one of the best Christmas presents I have ever received."

"These kind usually are."

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Harry helped a pale Hermione on board the Express. Junior was really playing havoc with Hermione that morning. Nothing would stay in Hermione's stomach. Harry even went to Madam Pomphrey for help. An anti-nausea potion had finally stayed down but Hermione's stomach was still very touchy. Harry insisted that she rest during the journey to the platform. Nicholas quickly volunteered to help Harry do the rounds on the train. Harry knew that she wasn't herself when she didn't object and went back to sleep.

It was during Harry's rounds that Nicholas told him about their latest capture.

"I have been asked to inform you, my Lord, that a small group of scouts captured Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy two days ago. Father felt that this news needed to be told to you in person instead of by owl."

"How were they captured?"

"Strange really. They were discovered in one of the Order supply houses, calmly drinking tea, as if waiting for us to show up. They offered no resistance."

"That is strange. Do you think that it's a setup?"

"No I think that there is something or someone else involved and waiting for the proper moment." Harry nodded but remained in deep thought.

A few hours later the train stopped at the platform. Harry saw the Weasleys and Hermione's parents waiting, along with at least twenty vampire guards. Harry had to roll his eyes at his uncle's obvious display of protection for his Lord and Lady. Harry said nothing as he agreed to it for Hermione's sake. She had slept most of the trip and was still pale, enough so, that both Mrs. Weasley and her mother noticed, but said nothing.

Molly Weasley looked around. "Where is Ron, Ginny?"

"He claims that he wasn't going to come. He's having difficulty accepting Nicholas, let alone Harry and Hermione."

"Mrs. Weasley, Ginny had to defend herself from your son's verbal attack on herself this morning. He ORDERED her to return to your home so that she could not be influenced by me. She took care of the problem before I had a chance to do so. I have never been more proud of her as I was in that moment." said Nicholas, trying to head off a furious Molly Weasley.

"Thank you dear. I believe that Ronald and I will be having a very long talk later. I am well aware that Ginny can take care of herself. Having six older brothers tends to do that and I know that rarely do they escape her temper. Is Hermione alright? She seems pale."

"An upset stomach Mum. Harry has already talked to Poppy about it."

"He certainly is taking care of her."

Meanwhile Padma had joined Pavarti and the guards gathered everyone together. Several portkeys were handed out and various couples disappeared.

Harry landed holding Hermione upright. He heard her groan and quickly gathered her up in his arms and made his way towards their rooms. Meghan was there waiting. As soon as she saw her Lady in her lord's arms, she ran towards the bedroom and turned down the bed. A knock on the door revealed Hermione's parents and Morgana. The healer went into the bedroom, followed by Hermione's mother, practically shoving Harry out of the room. He went to wait in their sitting room, dropping his glamour.

"Hermione catch some kind of bug?" asked Mr. Granger. Harry wasn't quite sure how to tell the man that he was going to be a grandfather in about five months. Fortunately he didn't have to. Hermione's mother did that with her shout of, "WHAT DO YOU MEAN PREGNANT? THEY"RE ONLY TEENAGERS!" Harry could feel the glare from his father in-law from behind and groaned. He was saved by the bedroom door opening and Morgana coming back out.

"My Lord, your mate will be fine. The child is very magical and strong, causing your mate to become ill. I have given her a special potion and it is working. She will need to take it for the rest of her pregnancy. Before you return to your school, I will have a supply ready for you. Do you wish to know the sex of the child?"

"Does Hermione want to know?"

"She is not awake right now. I will tell you if you wish and you may relay it to her if she desires."

Harry nodded. "You are having a daughter my Lord. A very mischievous one."

"Tell me about it," Harry muttered.

The old woman cocked an eyebrow before leaving. Hermione's father looked both stunned and amused. "Exactly what does that mean?"

Harry then told his father in-law everything that the baby had been doing for the past three months. Sometime during the telling Hermione's mother joined them and both were laughing at their granddaughter's antics. They almost felt sorry for the parents, almost.

"Sounds like my grandchild is going to be a handful." said Mr. Granger with a chuckle. Mrs. Granger went back into the bedroom to check on Hermione.

Harry just glared at him. "I'm beginning to realize that. How am I supposed to punish a child that isn't even born yet for doing magic?"

"You don't."

At that moment Andrew and Christopher arrived with a very pretty girl. She looked familiar to Harry, but he couldn't place her.

"Harry, I see that the new grandfather has found out."

"Yes and I've been getting glares for the last half hour. The grandmother hasn't even been out to hurt me yet." Every one of them laughed. Just then the bedroom door opened and Hermione's mother came out. Harry maneuvered himself to stand behind his father in-law.

"Dear, I understand that you feel that you are too young to become a grandmother yet but you can't kill our granddaughter's father."

"Granddaughter?"

"Yep, at least according to the old healer."

A dreamy look entered Mrs. Granger's eyes as she turned to Harry and said "I think that you had better start calling us Mum and Dad, dear."

Two hours later Christopher and Anne caught Harry up on what had been happening while he was gone. Harry still hadn't gotten over the transformation of Hermione's assistant. He soon realized that it was more to do with the attention that Christopher gave her then anything else. Somehow he knew that Hermione would be pleased.

After checking on Hermione, Harry then met with Nathaniel, his parents, much to Victoria's disgust, Lavender, her parent, Pavarti, and her parents. Padma had come along for support of her twin. All three couldn't stop looking at Harry. He had to sit through the final negotiations of the contract for the bondings. It had been decided that the trio would bond during the holidays. Nate would return to Hogwarts with them and to also help guard Hermione. The girls would be placed under a witch's oath in order to protect Harry, Hermione, and Junior. All three did so willingly. The bonding was set for two nights from now. It had been a full day and Harry went to bed more tired than he should be.

The next morning Harry awoke to find himself alone in the bed. Quickly donning a robe, he practically ran out into the sitting room to find Hermione calmly eating breakfast with Remus and Tonks.

He kissed the top of Hermione's head and sat down at the empty spot at the table.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine, that potion seems to have worked. Junior's settled down."

Harry heard Remus snicker. "Problem, Moony?"

"Nope" he answered, still snickering. "Junior?" He suddenly started laughing. Junior however was not one to be laughed at and caused her surrogate grandfather to have blue hair, purple eyes, and a nose that would rival Snape's. This had the other three laughing at the werewolf. "Yes Moony, Junior. After all she is the granddaughter to the marauders. We haven't picked a name out yet and Hermione didn't want us calling her 'it'."

Once the laughter died down, Harry talked his daughter into returning her 'grand father' back to his normal self, much to the amusement of the others. Moony asked, "What are you going to do about Snape and Young Malfoy?"

"I don't know yet, other than I probably will drain their magic at the very least. I told Andrew that I would deal with them at eleven and that I only wanted himself, Nicholas, and two other guards in the room. I assume that you want to be there?"

"Yes, Tonks too."

"Fine, but no interfering understand?" The young auror nodded her head.

"I want to be there as well." All three looked at Hermione. Exasperated she added, "I might be pregnant but I haven't lost my ability to think and I am still the Lady of the Clan. I have just as much right to be there as you three do."

"I wasn't going to stop you but do you think Junior will behave herself?"

"Probably not."

Later that morning Harry and Hermione were seated in the audience chamber, faces hidden from view. Unknown to all Nicola was hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to make her little announcement. She watched as her two 'mates' entered the room. Severus, showed no fear, but she knew that he was. Draco, however was very afraid, she could smell it on him. If she could then so could the others, except the mudblood. Her cousin began to speak.

"Severus Snape, you have been found guilty of the murder of Albus Dumbledore. Draco Malfoy, you have been found guilty of attempted murder of Albus Dumbledore and of leading the invasion into Hogwarts. How do you plead?"

Neither said a word.

"I take your silence for guilt." Harry sent a signal to Nicholas. Nicola stepped from the shadows and yelled "No, I claim them both as my mates!"

Every face turned and looked at the woman. She purposely walked forward. He father looked furious.

"Nicola! What ARE you doing? The young one I could understand being your mate, but not the other. I know for certain that he was mate to another."

"An unclaimed mate, Father. I realized that they were my mates when I went to the dungeons."

Andrew's eyes narrowed. "What were you doing there?"

"I was simply curious about the prisoners that the guards were talking about. Once down there I knew immediately that they were my mates. I knew that Severus was unclaimed and that I can claim him because of that. The law is very specific, Father." Both Andrew and Nicholas scowled at her.

"What is she talking about Andrew?" asked Harry.

"My Lord, it seems that my daughter has discovered that these two are her mates. While it is not unheard of for a woman to have two mates, it is not common either. In this case it is even more unusual in that Snape was unclaimed by his original mate."

Harry put two and two together. "You mean it was SNAPE that my father refused?!?"

"Yes Potter, you could have been my son if your father hadn't turned his back on his family and his heritage."

"SHUT UP! I WILL NOT BE SPOKEN TO LIKE THAT YOU GREASY GIT! I SHOULD KILL YOU NOW AND BE DONE WITH IT!"

"But you won't will you, cousin."

Harry glared at the woman and tried to gain some control over his anger, Hermione was holding on to his arm. After a few moments he calmed somewhat. "I will allow you to bond, tonight. You will not live within the castle. I wouldn't be able to stand it. I will provide a home for you. You will not leave these grounds for whatever reason. I demand a wizard's oath from both of you that you will protect Nicola, her family, and this clan from your so called Master. You WILL NOT answer his call. And you cousin will swear the same." All three stared at the imposing young man. This was unexpected and Nicola would have to do some rethinking on how she would be able to do her master's bidding confined as she was. All three had to agree and gave their oaths.

"Fine, Andrew, inform the Prophet that he has a bonding to do in an hour. You may invite Victoria if you wish, but only for the ceremony. Nicholas, find a suitable home for your sister and her mates. Place guards nearby. I don't trust any of them."

"Yes, my Lord." Severus and Draco found themselves being led from the room and into another room where they were prepared for the ceremony. As expected Harry was there to make sure that they went through it. What surprised both wizards was the presence of Granger. Both knew that Potter had bonded with her, but it was still a surprise. Also the fact that two other Gryffindor girls and a Ravenclaw were also there, not to mention the Weasley girl. It was later that they found out that the two Gryffindors were bonding with Nicola's younger brother the next day and that the Weasley girl was the intended of the older one. All Draco knew was that he was now surrounded by Gryffindors. His father would have had a fit.

His new mother in-law was really a piece of work. She was thrilled to have Draco marry her daughter because he was from an old family and had old money. Severus she reserved judgment about, although she did acknowledge his skill with Potions, but little else. She protested loudly over the fact that they would not live in the castle or near her, which Draco was thankful for.

Harry watched the magic of the ceremony, to see if it was accepted. He had harbored a slight hope that it wouldn't and that he could punish these two the way he wanted to. However the bond worked and Harry was forced to accept the Ice Prince and the Greasy Git into his family. What surprised him was the fact that Andrew and Nicholas, and later Nathaniel, all were suspicious of Nicola. She would bear watching.

Ginny, Lavender, and Pavarti all watched the ceremony with eager eyes. Each saw what their own bondings would be like and what personal things they wanted done for the ceremony. They understood why this one was rushed but couldn't help dreaming of their own.

HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

One week and two bondings later it was time for the Christmas Ball at Potter Castle. Hermione had worked almost non stop in worrying over the details. Harry only saw her in bed where she would promptly fall asleep and be gone when he woke up. He would be glad when all the fuss was over. Much to his anger, Hermione went ahead and invited Snape, Malfoy, and Nicola to the ball, not to mention Victoria. He realized that she wanted to prove to the older woman that she could handle being Lady of the castle. The rest were his family. She had even sent an invitation to the Dursleys.

As Harry readied himself for the ball, he could her Hermione giggling from the bedroom. He had been thrown out after his bath by his wife, Ginny, Lavender, Pavarti, and Padma, all of whom had taken over the room. He wouldn't go in there if Voldemort himself made an appearance. He sat down to wait, trying not to wrinkle his robes. Hermione had chosen black dress robes that had been lined with emerald silk. She said that they made him look 'tall, dark, and handsome', causing Harry to roll his eyes. He, in return, asked that she not wear any jewelry, except for her bonding ring. He had bought a special set of jewels for his wife. The sound of rustling silk caught his attention as each woman stepped out of the bedroom. Harry had no idea what the other girls were wearing because he was so focused on the vision of his wife. She had chosen to wear a muggle gown not dress robes. She looked like an angel on earth as she was dressed all in ivory. The dress sparkled in places which Harry later learned were Everlasting Snowflakes that had been enchanted on to the dress. Walking up to her, he kissed her gently and handed her the velvet box. Inside was a snowflake necklace, made entirely of diamonds. Harry's hands shook as he placed it around her neck. He had no idea that the others had left.

They made their way to the ballroom where they were announced. Hermione forced Harry to mingle so that he could meet his subjects. It was an hour after they had arrived that the Minister showed up, uninvited. The guards at the entrance to the ball room had stopped him and his entourage, including the press. Harry was far from pleased.

"Harry!," said Minister Scrimgeour loudly. Harry sighed and went over to the doorway, making sure that he wasn't in position of the flashing cameras.

"Minister, what are you doing here?"

"The Minster of Magic is always invited to The Potter Christmas Ball. It's tradition. I'm sure that the invitation was simply misplaced."

"Actually, you weren't invited."

Scrimgeour actually looked surprised at Harry's honest answer. Surprise went to veiled anger. "Well, this is awkward. However since I am here, I would like to speak with you."

Harry turned to one of the guards and whispered into his ear then returned to the ball, taking his wife out onto the dance floor. A young man come up to the Minister and said, "Minister Scrimgeour, Lord Potter will meet with you after the holidays, before he returns to Hogwarts, but not tonight. This is time for family. I'm sure that you understand. Have a pleasant journey home." The guards then forced the Minister and all those with him back to the entrance hall and into the floo. Never had anyone dismissed a Minister quite like that before. Scrimgeour returned to his office humiliated and angry at one Harry Potter.