Thank you once again for reading, reviewing, and putting this story and me on your various lists. We are winding down, and I am truly grateful for all the attention this story has gotten. There are new readers all the time, and the intrepid readers who have followed this story from the beginning until now (and, I suspect, until the end, which will be only a couple more chapters) warm my heart beyond words. I will, of course, offer cyber pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, jelly doughnuts, and potato pancakes, but they are mere trifles to show how I truly appreciate your support.

Disclaimer: I do not own Danny Phantom or Harry Potter.

Chapter 53

On Sunday, February 16, many students noticed a few more adults at the Head table than normal at breakfast. Professor Dumbledore stood up to make an announcement.

"The morning owls are about to deliver most wondrous news: yesterday, Voldemort was vanquished. He was killed, and the members of his innermost circle were either killed or captured."

The cheer that rose from the Great Hall was nearly deafening. There were those who didn't give voice to the fact that the Dark Lord was finally gone, as they had more pressing matters in mind.

After the first roar had quieted, the Headmaster continued. "As we did on November 1, 1981, we shall have a feast at dinner to celebrate Voldemort's fall and the saving of the Wizarding World, joining the parties that have begun since last night. Feel free to invite your families to come and join us."

A second cheer erupted, and the few who were solemn before became more tight-lipped.

"But this time, as with last time, the cup of joy is filled with bitterness and wormwood for some, who experienced profound loss of loved ones. A quieter, less festive dinner (no less sumptuous, but perhaps less boisterous) will be available in the ballroom in the dungeon for those who require a calmer atmosphere to deal with their reactions to the whole situation."

Professor Dumbledore met the gaze of Draco, Gregory, and Danny. "There is no shame in taking part in either party. The need to mourn personal loss is as important as celebrating the downfall of this generation's Dark Lord. Enjoy the rest of breakfast, and enjoy the rest of the day."

One more great cheer rose, which was followed by a dull roar of chatter amongst the students.

Danny put his arm around Draco's shoulders. "I'm sorry to hear about your Mom, Draco."

"Thanks for saying so." He was comforted for a few seconds, but anger took him over shortly thereafter, and he slammed a hand on the table. "This is just great – now everyone will know about my mother and Goyle's father."

Danny looked at Greg, who raised his eyes in resignation at this. "Da's in Azkaban now, with Crabbe and Malfoy's fathers."

"Sorry to hear it, Goyle." Danny patted him on the shoulder. He wasn't actually unhappy about the fact – the man WAS a Death Eater, but he was sad about how that would affect Greg.

Danny came back to Draco's conversation and shook his head. "Actually, Draco, no, they won't. No one besides who was there knows about what actually happened, or who took what losses. So, there is no real reason that anyone should single you guys out. From what I understand, Harry lost his parents on Halloween in 1981. I can't believe that he'd think of 'Voldemort being vanquished' without remembering his own loss, so many years ago. I could easily see him opting out of the party in the Great Hall."

Draco closed his eyes for a moment. "I didn't think of that. I suppose you're right." He opened his eyes. "Where were you last night?"

Without missing a beat, Danny answered, "Yesterday, I had a bad allergic reaction, and while it cleared up enough that I didn't have to stay in the hospital wing, Pápa wanted to keep me where he could monitor me. So I stayed in his rooms last night." The fact that Pápa kept him close and didn't want him anywhere near wizards last night was also a major factor.

Danny sat back and looked up at the Head table, and noticed the two new non-Weasley adults give Draco an encouraging glance and nod. "Draco, who are those people with Auror Tonks?"

The blond looked at Danny. "They are my Aunt Andromeda and my Uncle Ted. The Auror is my cousin, Dora. (She doesn't like being called Nymphadora, unless you have a death wish.)"

Danny chuckled slightly. "Like my friend Sam. Let's say she wasn't big on being called Samantha, and her Grandma Ida was the only person allowed to call her Sammy."

Draco smiled. It wasn't often that his dark-haired friend shared information about his friends in America. "Aunt Andromeda is my mother's sister. She was disowned by the Black side of the family (except for Harry's godfather, Sirius) and was never acknowledged by the Malfoy side of the family because Uncle Ted is Muggle-born." He found it hard to speak around the lump in his throat.

Danny raised his eyebrows. "Really?"

Draco took a deep breath. "Yeah. I met them and cousin Dora last night. The funny thing is they were all so very gracious. I just… I just figured that they would hate me as much as the rest of my family hated them. But… they didn't. They don't."

Danny patted him on the back. "I figured they wouldn't. They have no reason not to like you. My Aunt Alicia, my mother's sister, is interesting. She might not have approved of Dad, but I'm not sure whether it was more of a personal thing, or more of a 'divorced is a preferable state to be in' thing with her." He rolled his eyes. "I love her anyway. And she probably loves me, in her own way. But it's no wonder that I prefer to be with Pápa on a more regular basis."

He sighed. "You'll do fine with your newly discovered aunt and uncle."

Draco breathed, "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

Danny smirked. "I'll tell you a not-quite secret." Draco raised an eyebrow. "I believe your cousin Dora is soon to be engaged to Professor Lupin."

"Lupin! But… he's a werewolf."

"And?" Draco opened and closed his mouth a few times to no good effect. "I don't know if it makes you feel better, but because of the tremendous support he's given to me and Pápa, I've recently started calling him Uncle Remus."

Draco stared at him. "You've been calling… Professor Lupin 'Uncle'? But…"

"But what?"

Draco's worldview was falling apart. "I'm having difficulty dealing with all of this. My uncle is a Muggle-born, and my half-blood cousin is either engaged or soon to be engaged to a werewolf. I just… My parents taught me to revile everything about this, but Professor Masters has made a lot more sense. And without batting an eyelash, you've been calling my soon-to-be cousin… Remus, 'Uncle.' I guess… I don't know. It hasn't hurt you."

"It won't hurt you, either." The blond furrowed his brows as he tried to process this. Danny decided that telling Draco, at this point, that Harry also called the former professor 'Uncle' (though sometimes it was Remus, and sometimes it was Moony) would be information overload. "Tell you what… I'm going to be joining you at the quieter dinner."

"Thanks, Danny." Goyle smiled and nodded his agreement.

Professor Snape appeared at their table. "There will be a House meeting immediately after breakfast. I'll see you all there shortly."

Goyle looked up at Danny. "The good professor doesn't miss a beat, huh?"

Danny gave a gentle smile. "No, he doesn't. Let's go."

Once all the Slytherins were assembled in the Common Room, Professor Snape addressed them. "As you have heard, Lord Voldemort is no more. That will mean many things to many people.

"For some of you, this will mean there will be no joining the Death Eaters, now or ever. For others, this will be a release from the conflict between family pressures versus choices of conscience. For still others, this will be a time to reflect on family members who have been killed or imprisoned because of any battle of Death Eaters (or Lord Voldemort himself) and others.

"I would like to repeat the Headmaster's sentiments. If you choose to celebrate heartily, this is a fine decision. If you choose a more… sedate situation, this, too, is a fine decision. I am aware that there are those who will judge you harshly, regardless of your choice or reasoning." Many students grimaced in frustration. The joys of belonging to Slytherin were simply unbounded, sometimes. It just wasn't fair. It really wasn't.

"Regardless of all of this, I will not judge you for either decision. Personally, I will be at the quieter dinner, comforting mourners and others who need succor at this time." A number of students relaxed and sighed in relief. There was at least ONE constant – Professor Snape's care and support.

"You may be surprised to know that there will be students attending this second dinner who will not be Slytherins. Voldemort's reign as Dark Lord has touched the lives of many, and many will be of the mind that boisterous celebration is not for them. I would expect that wherever you choose to be tonight, either upstairs in the Great Hall, or down here in the ballroom, you treat your fellow revelers or mourners with respect and decorum.

"I will be here for you, either here or in my office, until 11:00 this morning. I will always be there for you, but there will be need of me elsewhere in the castle at that time."

After a respectful silence, Terence asked, "Professor, who do you expect to be at the second dinner from outside of Slytherin?"

Severus raised his eyebrows. "There may be others, but for one, I believe that my newly adopted son is so inclined."

The entirety of the House looked on in curiosity except Danny, who was puzzled for a different reason. "Sir?"

The professor smiled. "I believe I can convince Madam Pomfrey to liberate him for long enough to eat dinner." Danny smiled back – the rest of Slytherin was in for a severe surprise.

When the House meeting was over, Danny found Vlad in his office. Between them both, it was taken as given that they would join the quiet party, and for more reason than Danny told Draco that he would. Location was the last thing on Danny's mind. "Pápa, you did a great job finishing off Tom."

Vlad smiled. "Yes, I did, didn't I?"

Danny chuckled, but sobered quickly. "You know, I would have done something."

The new father raised an eyebrow. "I understand your desire. After all, I did the deed. However…" Vlad's demeanor changed from smug to concerned. "Daniel, you have been through countless hardships. You have seen death and unquantifiable evil. While I have no doubt that you are powerful enough to pull such a thing off, I sought to maintain the remnants of your innocence. Your 'policy' is born from your hero complex, and while it annoys me at times when I find your moral code inconvenient, the fact remains that the killing of a human is something you have no need to taint your soul therewith.

"You are more than capable, physically. However, just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should do it. On the whole, I'm rather proud to know that my son is a true hero, a knight in shining armor, and now that I can appreciate the value of such a status, I intend to preserve the treasure that I own." Vlad smiled proudly and possessively at Danny.

Danny wasn't sure what to make of Vlad's attitude. While the sentiments were flattering, he wasn't sure he liked the idea that Vlad objectified him. Then the boy rolled his eyes; on one level, Vlad always thought of Danny as an object, or a prized possession to be won, or at the very least, acquired by any means. But Vlad also learned to love him as a person. The boy sighed in resignation; after all, he did sign up for this. Kind of.

He sighed again. "Pápa, I… Harry told me to kill Voldemort's snake, and I did. But Voldemort killed Mrs. Malfoy. I was right there, but… I didn't do anything to help her. I failed."

Vlad sighed. The boy's hero complex was downright inconvenient. Here was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the destruction of the reason for their temporary exile, and the child focused on the one person who counted who wasn't saved. "Daniel, you were suffering from a massive headache. I'm amazed that you were able to concentrate enough to stay and keep yourself and Severus invisible. Further, your aim was not only true, your power was intense enough that you completely incinerated the thing. If you were completely functional at the time, it would have been an incredible feat of multi-tasking. As it was, it was even more praiseworthy since you were operating under the serious handicap of pain and disorientation.

"However, if you were fully functional, I understand that you would have held yourself to a higher standard, and you might have been able to save Narcissa. Regardless, no one faults you for her death."

"But I…"

"No, Daniel. Narcissa's death is not your fault. But if the reaction of others is concerning you, let your heart not be troubled. The people who were present at the time know how we suffered and wouldn't blame you. The people who weren't present didn't even know of your supposed missed opportunity. No one blames you but you, and I find this unacceptable. The fact that you rallied enough attention to destroy the snake is praiseworthy. Remember that."

Danny looked at his hands in his lap. "I guess." He wasn't convinced of his lack of guilt, but there would be no point in arguing further. "But I still don't feel like partying."

"Then isn't it fortunate that the Headmaster set up a non-party dinner?"

Between the owls delivering mail at breakfast and students who needed to send home to their families, the school was in an uproar for the better part of the day. The idea that Voldemort's final battle ended in the Dark Lord's defeat put many people in mind that Harry Potter was probably involved. As such, Harry received a few visitors in the hospital wing.

Severus was present when Harry was visited by Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville and his Gran, and Luna and her father. Augusta Longbottom and Xenophilius Lovegood nodded to Professor Snape, acknowledging his presence before addressing the student they came to visit.

Mrs. Longbottom fixed her gaze on Harry and stated, "It's good to see you again, but this time we're in the hospital wing of Hogwarts and not St. Mungo's." Neville cringed as he thought of the last time this crew, sans the Lovegoods, met his Gran.

Mr. Lovegood said, "Luna's mentioned all five of you before. You were all at the battle in the Ministry last year. I must thank you, young man, for being such a good friend and a good teacher. You have a great many gifts, and I thank you for sharing so many of them with my Luna."

Harry sat, temporarily bewildered. So many people knew of him in the Wizarding World at large, but Neville's grandmother and Luna's father remembered him almost personally. They didn't thank him for being a hero but for doing things he not only did, he would readily do again gladly. It took him a few seconds, but when he found his tongue, he said, "Thanks for saying so. Luna and Neville are great friends to have. I…"

The Longbottom matriarch nodded. "I hear that you were present at the final battle with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named." Harry refrained from rolling his eyes. Riddle was dead, and people were still afraid to say his name.

Before he could say anything, the professor raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How did you find that out?" The members of their strike team were members of the Order of the Phoenix and/or otherwise personally motivated to be discreet. He couldn't think of who would have carelessly announced who was present in their sting operation.

Augusta studied the professor for a few moments. "Who was present was in the official Ministry report. I hear the details were sealed, but the list of people who were present for the final battle was in the Daily Prophet: Aurors, professors, Weasleys, Mr. Potter, and a couple of ghosts. Although I'm not sure what use ghosts would have been on such a mission…"

"Bloody hell!" Ron blurted. "Have they no shame? They can't…"

"Language, Mr. Weasley. Five points for prattling on." Ron looked stricken. Ginny rolled her eyes at her brother. Professor Snape might be Harry's adopted father, but he was still a teacher in the school, and really… Ron cursed in front of three adults. What did he expect?

Hermione shook her head at the siblings' reactions and sighed. "But still, Ron has a point. It's not like Harry looks for fame. I just don't see why they can't leave Harry alone. I get that his name sells papers, but surely he deserves some privacy."

Harry smiled wryly. "Thanks for saying so, Hermione. But apparently, the Wizarding World doesn't believe that 'privacy' and 'Potter' belong in the same context."

Mr. Lovegood cleared his throat. "Yes. Well, the Quibbler has a policy about releasing information about underage children only with the consent of said minor or said minor's guardian. There are laws about such things, you know, and I don't see how the Prophet can disregard such things out of hand…"

A truly evil, predatory smirk crept across Severus's face, causing all five Gryffindors to shudder. Luna nodded impassively.

Augusta sniffed, annoyed at the interruption, and regained her momentum. "In any event, the article says that the Ministry wants to interview Mr. Potter. They want the perspective of the Boy Who Lived Yet Again, so it would seem."

Harry looked to his new father, pained. They should have seen this one coming, as when did the Ministry ever respect the fact that Harry was just a kid? Severus closed his eyes, collecting his temper. When he opened them, he purred, "I imagine they've forgotten that 'the Boy Who Lived' is no longer adrift on his own. We'll have a few surprises for them, won't we?"

Harry raised his eyebrows. Professor Snape might be his new father, but Severus was still the cruel, vindictive man he always was, and Harry was more than grateful, certain that he didn't want to be on the receiving end of this 'surprise.'

Neville came to the same conclusion, and decided that he might be afraid of Professor Snape, but the Ministry people were in far worse danger than he was ever in. He said, "Anyway, Harry, I wanted to thank you for being a teacher who inspires confidence, and for being a great friend." Severus raised an eyebrow in response. Neville shrugged.

Xeno and Augusta agreed. Mr. Lovegood said, "Indeed. Thank you again, Harry. And thank you, Professor, for taking care of Harry."

Severus raised both eyebrows in amusement; the two adults before him were not yet aware of the adoption. They would discover it in due course. For now, he accepted the unexpected praise. "I assure you, it is my pleasure."

"Didn't say that a few months ago," grumbled Ron. Ginny punched her brother in the arm.

Luna smiled. "Harry, whatever your plans for your evening meal, my father and I would like to join you."

Harry smiled back. "I'd be honored. Thanks."

Ron rubbed his arm where his sister hit him and asked, "So, mate, is Madam Pomfrey releasing you for the celebration?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I'm not especially concerned."

Neville sighed. "I know how that could be."

Ron frowned. "But You-Know-Who is gone for good!"

Harry rolled tired eyes. "I know. I was there. But you know… Draco's mother was killed, but more than that… I just… You know, Tom's gone, but so are a lot of good people who didn't deserve to die. Ron, it's hard for you to understand, but don't you see how yesterday is similar to October 31? Yeah, Voldemort is gone, but so are my parents, and…"

"But that didn't happen this time!"

Ginny scowled at her brother. "You're right, Ron. This time, Harry didn't lose anyone. If you didn't have the emotional range of a teaspoon…"

"Oi!"

"You'd get that the similarities between yesterday and that day long ago are many. This wasn't simply Tom's downfall. Professor Masters was hurt…"

"But he got better!"

Hermione grabbed the shoulder of Ron's arm that Ginny didn't hit. "Ronald, are you seriously going to tell me you have no empathy for people who suffered and just don't feel like celebrating? Harry mentioned something about that last Halloween." Ron blushed. He remembered that now. But… "While I hope Harry can come, I – for one- am going to join the ballroom dinner."

Ron sat disgruntled. He understood what Hermione said, he did, but it would be a shame to miss the party.

Harry smiled wanly. "Thanks, Hermione."

Ginny nodded. "As I will. Mum is rather keen on being wherever Harry is tonight. So if you want to party in the Great Hall, enjoy. The rest of us… well… Harry, will you be coming to the ballroom?"

Harry sighed. "I don't know. That's not what Madam Pomfrey said yesterday. What do you say, Dad?" Neville gasped and his eyes grew wide. The senior Longbottom and Lovegood also registered their own surprise.

Severus smirked. He surmised that the adults present didn't know. The students not knowing – that was an unexpected bonus. Once the initial shock wore off, students would no longer act with fearful surprise that Harry was now his son. But this reaction from Mr. Longbottom was oddly gratifying.

Still… his son (it gave him a warm glow to think thus) asked a question. "Last night, I believe I convinced Poppy to let you come to the quiet dinner, if and only if after two hours – win, lose, or draw – you come back here for the night.

Harry smiled. "Can do."

Ginny nodded. Looking askance at her brother, she continued her harangue. "The rest of us will stay with Harry and Professor Snape. You can do what you like."

Ron blushed furiously. "Alright, alright, I get it. Enough already!"

Ginny smiled in feigned innocence, and Harry grinned at the by-play. "Thanks. Both of you." Severus continued to smirk in amusement at the Gryffindor antics.

Augusta Longbottom announced, "That's all well and good. But Neville will be joining me and Algernon at the upstairs feast, properly celebrating the death of the Dark Lord and the monster who destroyed the sanity of my Frank and his wife Alice."

Harry cringed. Mrs. Longbottom had a way of cowing Neville the way no one but Severus could.

Neville's bottom lip trembled as he considered. Then he came to a decision. "No, Gran. I understand why you and Uncle Algie might want to celebrate. Personally, I want to honor my parents more quietly."

"Nonsense! You're…"

"Going to be where I can think, in peace, of my parents, what they've done, and what they've become in their fight against… him. Beside – I fought with Harry in the Ministry. I get Harry's reasoning. Actually, I have lots of reasons. I've made my choice."

"Now, see here…"

"Pardon me, Madam Longbottom," Professor Snape interjected, "but with all due respect, this division of celebration is about emotion. And Mr. Longbottom has cogently expressed his wishes based on his emotions. Your grandson deserves to have his wishes respected."

Augusta was momentarily speechless. She wanted to reprove the professor for gainsaying her in front of her grandson – the young professor, youngest on staff, was of the same age as her son, Frank! How dare he!

Then she remembered that message from Professor McGonagall, telling her that even though Augusta thought Charms to be silly, not to discourage Neville for playing to his strengths, and those strengths involved Charms and Herbology. Of course, the boy was better at Herbology than Frank ever cared to be…

Professor McGonagall reminded her that Neville was not Frank, Professor Snape forced her to consider the boy's feelings, and both professors somehow made her feel like… she was holding Neville back. Neville was almost 17, and she thought of the fact that he was a day older than Harry Potter.

While Neville wasn't 'the Boy Who Lived' or 'the Chosen One,' he was at that Ministry fiasco. And of all the teens present, Neville and Harry were the last ones standing.

She frowned. Neville was terrified of Professor Snape. He's made multiple mentions of this fact on numerous occasions. But here, her Neville practically reproved the Potions Master while praising Harry. Perhaps… Perhaps, if Neville could overcome his fear of this very professor, he might also be mature enough to make an emotional determination.

While Augusta wanted to heartily celebrate the destruction of the evil witch who tortured her son and his wife into insanity, the fact is that Neville might have a different perspective on the matter. And if Harry Potter was granted the opportunity to express himself on the matter (or, he would, if he didn't have health issues that determined the situation for him), there was no reason Neville Longbottom should have any less.

Augusta closed her eyes as she collected her thoughts. She opened them and said, "You are right, Professor. My grandson does deserve to have his wishes respected."

Neville raised his eyebrows. "Gran?"

Her pride took enough of a hit with the remonstrance of two professors. She wasn't going to explain herself in a room full of people. Still, Neville deserved an apology, and she would give it privately. "We'll discuss a few things later. I'll let Algernon know of my… our change in plans. He'll do whatever suits him. I'll… support you as you wish. I am proud of you, young man."

Surprises never ceased. "Thanks for saying so, Gran."

At a quarter to 6:00, Draco entered the dungeon dining room with Andromeda, Ted, Dora, and Remus. The ballroom tables were not arranged in room-length House tables and a head table for the professors and visiting adults. Instead, there were tables set for nine in small family arrangements. Draco knew that Professor Snape would never lie to them, but he couldn't believe that this room wouldn't be either almost abandoned or stuffed with Slytherins whose parents were Death Eaters and weren't clever enough to recognize the political implications of seeming to mourn for the Dark Lord. He was rather surprised to see the room set to receive at least 100.

Danny suggested that Harry Potter might show up here, of all places. That didn't make much sense; everyone knew that Voldemort specifically targeted the Boy Who Lived since he failed to kill the 15-month-old toddler. While Danny explained that Harry might connect this fall of Voldemort to the day that Harry's parents were killed, it was hard for Draco to conceive of Harry being less than jubilant at hearing of the death of the man who set a death warrant on him for as long as he's been alive.

"Aunt Andromeda, between us, the Crabbes, the Goyles, Danny and Professor Masters, and Professor Snape and his new son, what if we're the only ones here?" Normally, the blond boy was proud and confident in who and what he was. However, he had too many paradigm shifts to deal with in less than twenty-four hours. Between the presence of Professor Lupin, who was soon to be Cousin Remus; Uncle Ted, who was a congenial Muggle-born wizard; Aunt Andromeda, who utterly rejected the Black family motto 'Toujours pur'; and Cousin Dora, who toned down her bright pink hair to a darker, muted purple in mourning for Narcissa; Draco was so surrounded by informality that he allowed himself the liberty of acting the part of the scared, sad, and hurt teenager that he was.

Andromeda smiled gently and put an arm around his shoulders. "If we're alone, we'll have a quiet moment to reflect, mourn, and grow closer. But I can guarantee you life is never that simple."

"How do you know?"

Remus fought a smirk. "Severus's new son has come to expect that life is never that simple, especially where he is concerned. I hope to help change that, soon."

Draco turned to him. "Who is this person? The professor never told us. Professor Snape told us in a House meeting that he would be here, and his adopted son was from a different House."

Remus held a fist to his mouth. "Oh, dear. It never occurred to me that… Draco, I believe he wants it to be a surprise. It's not a secret, but Severus has a flair for presentation." The werewolf gave in to the smirk he fought before. "If it makes you feel better, we'll probably be joined by a number of Slytherins who are as curious as you are to learn the identity of your Head of House's new son."

The boy crossed his arms in frustration. "Do you know who he is?"

"Yes, and so do you."

Before Draco could come up with a retort of any sort, the five of them were joined by Danny and Professor Masters. The presence of his friend helped Draco regain his confidence and his general poise. "Aunt Andromeda, Uncle Ted, I would like to introduce you to my best friend Danny and his newly adopted father, Professor Masters. Professor, Danny, this is my Aunt Andromeda and Uncle Ted Tonks. Dora, I think, you already met in a professional capacity. And you already know… Remus."

Danny smiled at the werewolf. "Hi, Uncle Remus. And I guess that… since it looks like 'romance has winged its way into the scenario', I guess you are soon to be… Aunt Dora, right?"

Tonks raised an eyebrow. "Remus?"

Lupin laughed. "It's complicated. It has nothing to do with blood ties and everything to do with reconstituting family when… Well, when disaster strikes and you need to hit a cosmic reset button."

Andromeda and Ted shared a glance, and then the mother said, "Well, Dora, it looks like with this one wedding proposal, we will have gone from having practically no family to having more family than have recognized us in a long time."

Vlad smiled proudly, as Madam Tonks could have as easily spoken about himself as herself and her husband.

Danny, on the other hand, pieced a few things together. "Mrs. Tonks, you look an awful lot like…" No.

"Danny, Aunt Andromeda was my mother's sister." Draco sighed. "You know, Danny's right. You do look… um…"

She smiled. "Yes, I know I look a bit like Bella, much to my misfortune."

Danny's eyes grew wide. "You're…you're…" He grasped Vlad's hand, unable to form a coherent thought.

Draco took immediate notice. "Danny?"

The dark-haired boy looked miserable. "I'm sorry about…"

Vlad rolled his eyes, and put his free hand on Danny's shoulder. "Daniel, what did I say?"

"Not... It wasn't my…" Danny sighed sadly, looking at the floor.

Dora tapped Vlad's hand, getting him to let go, and she grabbed both of Danny's hands. "Hey… You'll be fine. And…" She peeked back at Draco, then smiled warmly at Danny. "I hear you have a way with wordless Incendios. You should be proud of yourself and your accomplishments. Remember that."

Danny cocked his head and realized that Dora told him she knew what he did, and that she was proud of him. "I'll try." He took a deep breath. "I'm sorry for your loss." Vlad raised an eyebrow and nodded. The boy was still understandably sad, but at least he wasn't blaming himself at present.

Draco was confused about why Danny looked guilty and appeared to be as mournful as he was, if not more so. Then he processed part of what Cousin Dora said. Wrinkling his brows, he asked, "When would you have seen Danny's Incendio?"

She turned an amused smile at her younger cousin. "I was at the Head table this morning. I hear things." Danny appreciated the subterfuge; Tonks didn't lie, exactly.

Vlad smiled at Draco, and it was practically a sneer. "Why, Mr. Malfoy… Fancy meeting you here, and in such company…"

Draco turned bright pink. "Indeed, Professor. I'd say I learned my lesson rather well, wouldn't you?" The Tonkses were confused and Remus frowned.

Vlad's sneer turned to a smirk. "Yes, yes of course. Life has a way of teaching us precisely what we need to know."

Danny elbowed him. "Pápa, I think he gets the point. Leave him alone."

Vlad chuckled quietly in a way that always made Danny feel awkward. After having teased his formerly tactless student, Vlad cleared his throat and addressed said student's aunt. "Madam Tonks, I wish to extend my condolences. You have been bereft of both of your sisters on one day."

Andromeda raised her eyebrows. This gentleman was a complicated individual. He comforted his son, and in the next breath chided Draco for his 'Malfoy' sensibilities, unsettled his son, and then offered condolences to her. She would be cautiously gracious.

"Professor Masters, thank you for your sentiments. I'm very much aware of what my sisters were." She glanced sadly at Draco, giving him an extra squeeze. "I expect I'll miss Narcissa quite a bit more than Bellatrix, but no where near as much as I miss Sirius."

Draco sighed. "I guess I can understand that." He thought for a second. "Wait a minute. Sirius Black…" She nodded. "He… was…" Everyone knew that he was a convicted felon, but the papers said he was an innocent man.

Professor Masters smirked again and raised an eyebrow. "Harry Potter's godfather."

The blond knew that, of course, but something in his mind just clicked. Then he paled. "No. That means…"

Vlad enjoyed the boy's discomfort far too much. "By parental decision, you're practically related to Harry." Draco swallowed hard.

Danny piped up, "If it makes you feel better, that means so are we."

Draco relaxed. The idea that he was actually almost related to his best friend really was a comforting thought. "It does. That's the best news I've had all day."

Greg and Vincent joined them, accompanied by their mothers. Mrs. Crabbe and Mrs. Goyle widened their eyes when they saw the Tonkses, but graciousness abounded. After general pleasantries were exchanged, the four boys stood close in a not-quite huddle. Draco gave the bigger boys a half-smile.

"Guess what? Danny and I are practically related!"

Goyle cocked his head. "How does that work?"

Danny smiled as Draco said, "It's complicated, but it has to do with marriage, family blending, and personal choice."

Danny raised an eyebrow. "Smooth."

Other students started dribbling in with their families. General socializing and posturing were not a part of what anyone was interested in. Draco specifically took note of a few Slytherins from their anti-Voldemort crew, most particularly the Greengrass sisters, Terence, Blaise, Theodore, and Tracey, and all of their parents who came to shake hands.

Draco furrowed his brows. "Thank you, I think."

Daphne and Astoria nodded. Others wore bemused expressions. Terence said, "You're welcome but…"

"But what?"

Terence looked at Tracey who raised an elegant eyebrow. He blushed, and after a knowing nod, she turned back to Draco and continued Higgs' unfinished sentiment. "We offer our condolences, particularly to you and Goyle. But we are rather curious about who Professor Snape adopted. He's been the Head of Slytherin since before Auror Tonks was a student. While he's always cared for us, actually adopting a student is something new. You can't tell me you aren't curious."

Draco nodded. "True. Look – I don't believe it!"

Severus walked in with his arm around Harry Potter's shoulders. The professor directed his new son to Madam Tonks, Draco, Madam Goyle and Greg, and Danny. "I offer my sincerest condolences."

Every one of the students besides Danny stared, but Tracey was the only one brave enough to venture, "Harry?"

Harry closed his eyes. He could almost feel the insane number of questions everyone had for him. With his eyes closed, he said, "Look – I don't want to be the Boy Who Lived. I don't want to deal with a major celebration. I just… want a chance to be with my new Dad, and just… not deal. Alright?"

The students who came as spectators were in a bit of shock. Terence knew from their photo shoot that Harry wasn't the starry-eyed celebrity the press made him out to be, but this declaration rejecting all of that was more than most people here were ready to understand. There were murmurs, but a glare from Professor Snape ended that.

Danny walked over to Harry and gave him a hug. "I know almost exactly what you're talking about."

Harry whispered back, "Thanks."

Severus and Vlad nodded solemnly at each other.

The next people down were the Lovegoods, who received little attention but for the Masters, Snapes, and Remus. They were followed by Hermione, the Weasleys, Fleur, and the Longbottoms.

The Weasleys and Fleur made much of Harry and Danny, comforting, hugging, and slapping backs and punching shoulders as necessary. Neville shared a nod of confidence with Harry, and Danny and Luna shared a shy smile.

Draco's jaw dropped. "Well, isn't this cozy?"

Ginny glowered at him, and Danny sighed and said, "It is what it is. Everyone here has a story and a reason for being here. Some are a bit more obvious than others."

Professor Snape closed his eyes to collect himself. He recognized that, as the only Head of House likely to be at this particular gathering, he was going to be the Master of Ceremonies this evening. "Please find seats. The arrangements will suit well for nine to a table."

At Draco's table, a quiet but animated conversation took place over where Draco was to stay. At present, Aunt Andromeda and Uncle Ted's house was the best location. Some time after the wedding, the Lupin household might become a frequent destination for visiting, and a reworking of plans could be made if it seemed like a good idea. After all, Remus was old enough to be Draco's father, and the boy might prefer guardians of that age group. Or not. The whole situation could be renegotiated later. After all, family was family, and the comfort of all was top priority.

The Crabbes and Goyles were invited to visit both the Tonkses and the Lupins, regardless of where Draco chose to live. The mothers did a double take, as they had to reassess things rather quickly. They were invited to spend time with Mudbloods, blood traitors, and a werewolf, but they were asked so sincerely, it was difficult to imagine rejecting the offer, particularly because whoever else might be in the household, Draco Malfoy would be there. They accepted the offer, for which the three boys were grateful.

At Danny's table, Vlad and Xeno discussed the possibility of visiting sometime in July, but that would take place sometime after Vlad's planned sightseeing with Danny, visiting friends, and other projects back in America. By that time, Severus and Harry should come back from their journey to Godric's Hollow with Professor Dumbledore, and the lot of them might visit Ottery St. Catchpole for a time. But this is time that could be negotiated around Remus's wedding to Dora and Bill's wedding to Fleur. Severus and Harry agreed, and were looking forward to spending more time together with Danny, Vlad, the Weasleys, and the Lovegoods. Ginny was delighted with the beginnings of the arrangement, and was eager to share tentative plans with her parents who were at a different table.

Augusta and Neville offered their home for hospitality, and Vlad was sincerely touched. He was being offered social connections that were purely that – social. The Longbottoms had no clue that he was a billionaire, with a vast corporate empire that stretched all over the world. They had no notion of the fact that in the Muggle World, Vlad was more famous than Harry Potter was in the Wizarding World. They were simply offering a professor and his son a place to visit when they passed back in their direction. Vlad was happy to agree, and was glad that Danny and Neville were friends enough to make the trip worthwhile.

Vlad also planned to spend some time with the Lupins and the Tonkses, and hoped to arrange for Harry and Severus to join him. Harry was excited at the prospect of spending more time with Moony, and he was sure Remus would agree. Severus gave it a moment's thought and then agreed.

While Severus was getting a bit freer about building a cool (and slowly becoming warmer) friendship with Remus, Vlad was privately thrilled that it would annoy Draco to have Harry in close quarters. With all the things he had to do, places to go and share with Danny, and people to see, Vlad decided that it would be particularly entertaining to see this particular relationship develop. Of course, if Draco and Harry actually became far more friendly, the 'annoying Draco' factor would no longer exist, but then Vlad could be quite helpful in arranging family get-togethers. He had such plans…

At the Weasleys' table, Ron and Hermione started to make visiting arrangements, and Arthur and Molly looked forward to spending more time with Hermione's parents. Arthur was particularly thrilled; imagine - pure Muggles in his own house! Much was made of Bill and Fleur's wedding, and the siblings present were able to speak far more peaceably with Fleur when Bill was around. Who knew? They might even grow to like her.

Percy renewed his family's acquaintance with Penelope Clearwater, and the twins were relatively (but temporarily) subdued. Being present for the deaths of Rowle, Bellatrix Lestrange, and Voldemort left them shaken. It was necessary, but the experience left their nerves a bit jangled for the nonce. Charlie attended to them, telling them he would stand a week of this. Then he might help them plan some gentle teasing of Percy on his upcoming romance.

The students from the anti-Voldemort Slytherin group and other students who were there from various Houses for various reasons and their families comforted each other and looked in wonder at the three central tables. While they spent their energies on their own mourning and comfort, they were curious about the assorted arrangements, particularly at Draco and Harry's respective tables.

Dinner was as delicious as advertised, and the assorted folks stayed on after dinner was finished until news was given for the details of Narcissa Malfoy's funeral. They were told that more details would come in a couple of days. A passable time of mourning, contemplation, and quiet reflection was had by all.

18