Heirs of the Founders

by Animekitty2

A more mature, knowledgeable and motivated Harry Potter goes to school. His fated encounter with Hermione Granger comes sooner as they share a compartment aboard the Hogwarts' Express during their first journey to school. With greater self-confidence, the muggle-born and halfblood will start the long needed reformation of the magical world, hand in hand. HP/HG/DG/LL/OC

18. Chapter 18

Heirs of the Founders

Author's notes, excuses and apologies:

Not that I have either a reasonable excuse or a worthwhile apology other than life just happens, I suppose.

Anyways, this chapter presented a bit of a conundrum for me; there wasn't enough or a good break point to split it into two comfortable chapters and I didn't want to have to think up what would amount to filler. It's long, yes, but I decided to post it as is. I think this also, in many ways, marks the end of the first arch, finally. The next chapter begins at Halloween; I promise.

Thanks again for your continuing interest and a fond welcome to my new followers. I wish I could promise a better update schedule but I think life is running a conspiracy against me. At least the ideas continue to flow; they're just not making it to print in a timely manner.

Animekitty

Obligatory blah blah blah:

I do not now, nor have I ever and only will if I'm the last person on Earth (at which point the whole concept of rights, royalties and responsibility, etc. . . becomes moot, to say the least) own Harry Potter or the characters therein, they belong to J. K. Rowling; I'm just playing with them.

Chapter Eighteen

Little could've prepared Harry and Hermione for the sight of a panicking house-elf but Floozy's behavior; alternating between tugging her ears and clenching her little fists while shifting her weight between her tiptoes was an education they could've done without. Hermione's helper was beyond her ability to soothe, that was obvious. That Floozy suddenly grabbed their arms to pop them from the corridor, just outside of the Great Hall, was unexpected. Thankfully, only Tipzee witnessed the recently bound and fledgling elf's 'elfportation' of two young students.

Hermione and Harry collapsed to their knees as their unexpected and harsh elf-popping deposited both of them in Hermione's bedroom at the Granger's. On the floor nearby they saw someone in familiar black robes; they knew it was Professor Snape. They stood, drew their wands, went to the downed figure and heaved a sigh of relief; he was conscious and sneering. Floozy, her ears folded back and nervously shifting her weight, looked on and knew she'd be punished later.

"Professor Snape are you alright?" Hermione asked.

Weakly, their Potions' Master replied humbly, "C-can't feel magic; head spinning; c-can't stand."

"Wingardium Leviosa," Harry intoned; nothing happened.

Severus didn't move and while the levitation charm wasn't covered until later in the Charms' syllabus; he knew the young wizard had done it correctly. Not that it mattered since, for some reason, Potter's magic wasn't reaching him; just like the elf's.

"Magic not reaching; elf magic neither," he said feebly.

Looking worried, Hermione said, "What's happening, Harry? I'm sure you did that spell perfectly; why didn't Professor Snape move?"

"It must be the Gringotts' wards, Mione," he replied. "I know there was a Dark Mark component that is intended to detect and detain but I never thought to ask what 'detain' actually meant: nor did I really care. I guess I just thought it meant locking the Mark bearer somewhere until help arrived. I must admit, this is far more Goblinesque and sinister though; it's like a Claudō hex stretched into a curse."

"What's the difference?" Hermione's inner bookworm had to ask.

Regardless of the dire circumstances—especially for Severus Snape—Harry found smiled a little and asked, "Between hex and curse?"

Hermione nodded; Professor Snape mustered the strength to answer, "Hex simple, transitory; curse usually needs counter."

"Don't talk Professor, let's just see if we can help you to your feet," Harry said and with Hermione's help got their downed professor to his knees as the door burst open; they found themselves facing the business ends of two wands.

"Mr. Potter; Miss Granger what are you doing here!" Professor McGonagall exclaimed then hastily added, "What's wrong with Severus?"

"It must be the wards, Minerva," replied an unknown wizard with dirty-blonde hair and very big, blue and slightly crossed eyes. "I'm a bit surprised he's inside, though; nargles must've glitched the wards."

Minerva rolled her eyes. Xeno hasn't changed since his school days, she thought then evoked, "Wingardium Leviosa."

She failed, much to her shock and surprise.

"Never underestimate Goblin magic, Minerva, like Cornelius Fudge does: he'll pay for those Goblin-pot-pies he likes; mark my words. Anyways, Severus' core is black; no magic is reaching it and all magic directed at him dissipates without affect. We're going to have to move him the muggle way," Xeno said then abruptly addressed Harry and Hermione. "You two are quite strong for children, physically and magically; I hope my Luna will be the same after spending time with the Goblins." Looking thoughtful, he added, "It'll be really helpful on our next expedition searching for the ever elusive crumple-horned Snorkack. It might turn invisible or teleport when wizards are around."

Harry and Hermione looked confused and Minerva couldn't keep the sly grin from her face. She took Hermione's place beside Severus and Xeno took Harry's. Together, the adults got Professor Snape on his feet but he was too weak to stand: let alone walk without aid. Minerva will never let me live this down; Severus ruminated as they aided him to the top of the stairs. What he saw, when he arrived, was a harsh reminder of the things he'd forgotten about non-magical England and the weapons muggles could muster. Bloody hell, those are some nasty looking guns; big too, he thought as he looked at the—sort of—familiar adults aiming rifles at him and regarding him in a manner only describable as predatory. Severus felt like very small prey. He shivered, not because firearms had been aimed at him but because the two holding them looked coldly efficient and emotionless.

"Mum; dad, what are you doing?" Hermione asked urgently as she appeared at the top of the stairs and saw what her parents held; not to mention where the dangerous ends where pointed, "Professor Snape is a teacher; what's going on?"

"Hermione?" Daniel said in surprise. He and Emma lowered and made safe their rifles. "Kitten, why are you here? Oh, hello Harry; you're here too."

"Daddy, why do you and mum have rifles out?" Hermione asked, the young witch's foot tapped with impatient expectation.

"The wards alerted us to a breach by an unknown and possibly hostile force, Hermione," Emma explained.

"Dan; Emma what's happening?" Narcissa asked as she cautiously stuck her head out, glanced about and suddenly said, "Severus, why are you here?"

Professor Snape was as surprised as the witch who had addressed him, he wasn't expecting to see her; he said weakly, "Narcissa?"

"Oh, dear," said the blond witch, "I'll adjust the wards."

Narcissa crossed to the study as Xenophilius and Minerva tried helping Professor Snape down the stairs. They were struggling. Dan glanced at Emma, handed her his rifle and went to assist the laboring magicals. Taking Severus from Minerva, he put his arm around the weakened wizard; easily supporting his weight.

"I got this Xeno," he said to the wizard attempting to aid the professor.

"Oh my . . . thanks Dan," the wizard said in relief; wiping sweat from his brow, "Perhaps I need to follow my daughter's example and do something about this weak wizard flesh of mine; especially if the snorkacks are surprisingly vicious."

Snorkacks again? What's a snorkack? Harry and Hermione asked themselves as they followed Daniel Granger as he effortlessly helped their weakened professor. Upon reaching the bottom landing, Severus Snape felt magic slowly refill his body, his strength return and soon felt strong enough to stand on his own; the lightheadedness remained.

"Now, will someone please explain what's going on?" Emma asked sternly. "Why are Hermione and Harry here? And just who is the man in the basic black? It's not flattering at all, he's far too tall and gaunt to wear all black; especially something cut like that. And just how long does it take to do up all those buttons in the morning, my dear sir?"

Hermione and Harry couldn't help themselves and snickered at their professor's expense but at least it was a good-natured titter.

"Let's get him to the sitting room and settled first, Emma," Dan grinned as he helped Severus across the floor; the Potions' Master was suddenly feeling quite small and silly.

With the help of the man called 'Dan', who had to be Miss Granger's father, Severus was assisted to the room from which Narcissa had peeked from. He was aided inside and to an expensive yet comfortable chair to sit on. He still felt weak but it wasn't nearly as bad as it had been and after a moment or two of further recovery he began looking about. The first thing he saw was his goddaughter standing beside a blonde waif of a witch who had to be Xeno's daughter. Danielle looked obviously concerned but the rather large eyes, belonging to the blonde witch, stared at him cryptically. He then noticed three rather attractive (despite their pale green skin and pointy looking teeth) and petite females of obvious warrior descent; they stood guard by the two young witches. The 'warrior' part was easy to identify; two held long, narrow and graceful looking swords while a third gripped a rather nasty looking dagger with a gem-encrusted, silvery guard and pommel. The three weapons were obviously goblin forged, which granted Professor Snape a surprising epiphany: she-goblins looked absolutely nothing like their he-goblin counterparts. An observation made doubly evident when he spied—to one side—a well-dressed goblin: at least he wasn't holding a weapon. Within moments of his initial observations, he noted that Narcissa, Xenophilius Lovegood, Minerva and the woman who had been pointing a rifle at him, had joined them. As had Harry and Hermione. A heavy silence permeated the air.

"So, back to my initial question; why are you here Severus?" Narcissa asked as she took—as Professor Snape saw it—her natural place on the left of Mr. Granger and the Potions' Master knew he was seeing Danielle's father for the first time.

"Let me explain," said a house-elf with a young she-elf in tow. Their arrival had been silent and his voice had startled everyone.

"Seneschal Tipzee!" Dobby popped in and exclaimed; his arrival not even in the slightest, stealthy, "Dobby be honored by visit from such an esteemed elf as the Seneschal of Hogwarts."

"Hello Dobby, it's been a number of years since I last saw you," Tipzee said, "you should've visited me on Thursday; that was rather rude of you."

"Sorry Seneschal, Dobby was instructed to deliver Mistress Lady Hermione's gifts without being seen," Dobby said in the deference he usually reserved for his masters. The Granger/Granger-Black house-elf bowed his head and folded back his ears.

"I'll let it go this time," the elf replied before he said, "Floozy?"

"Seneschal?" the demure young she-elf replied.

"What have you to say to your mistress and Professor Snape?" Tipzee instructed.

Dan, Emma and Narcissa exchanged glances then looked at Hermione; Emma asked, "Is there something you've yet to tell us, Hermione?"

"Sorry mums; dad, I've been busy and haven't had a chance to write," she replied with a bit of a blush coloring her cheeks, "I was going to this afternoon but . . . well . . . now that I'm here I suppose that won't be necessary. Anyways, Floozy came to me on Thursday," Hermione continued before muttering, "um . . . as a gift?"

"What was that, young lady?" Narcissa asked; her ears as Slytherin-sharp—just as Minerva's were cat-like—as ever: the Transfiguration Professor was curious too.

"Um . . . Floozy was a . . . a surprise birthday present, m-mum," She answered; the manner she addressed the former Lady Malfoy surprised Severus and Minerva.

"From who?" Narcissa asked; her tone quite reminiscent of one Hermione sometimes used, both Professors McGonagall and Snape observed. Whoa, Severus thought, how did I not see the similarities between Narcissa and Miss Granger; it should've been obvious now that I can see them together.

"Floozy was a gift to the young Lady," Tipzee interceded and surprised all when he stated, "a gift from Hogwarts Herself."

The four adult magicals looked stunned by the revelation; Hermione looked embarrassed.

"I never . . ." Minerva began but couldn't find more words.

"How Floozy came to be in young Lady Hermione Granger's possession is unimportant; it was both legal and proper, although done in unexpected haste," Tipzee said, "Floozy what have you to say for yourself?"

"Floozy be sorry Professy Snaky, I be making big big mistake in anticipating Mistress' orders," Floozy said very apologetically; she turned to Hermione and humbly said, "Floozy mistake be very big and Floozy expects to be punished but please don't be giving Floozy clothes."

Her plea was so poignant that Hermione went to her elf, dropped to her knees and gave Floozy a hug; she said, "Floozy I'm not going to 'give you clothes' you just made a mistake by not waiting until I had finished speaking. All I was going to ask was that you deliver Professor Snape's letter; not deliver Professor Snape. Just wait until I've finished speaking before acting next time, okay?"

Floozy's ears unfolded and she said, "Floozy be having the bestest mistress an elf can be having."

"We're going to practice your diction when we get back, Floozy," Hermione said softly.

"Yes mistress, Floo . . . I was nervous and be forgetting," said the house-elf.

Hermione smiled and kissed the top of Floozy's head before releasing her elf. She stood and faced the others who were intently looking at them. Her mother and father looked a little uncomfortable with the idea of their daughter 'owning' a sentient creature but at least they understood thanks to Dobby. To the magical adults (human and nonhuman alike), the idea of Hogwarts bestowing an elf upon a student was unprecedented.

Following Floozy's heart-felt apology to her mistress and Professor Snape, the young she-elf departed with a pop on the heels of the Hogwarts' Seneschal; Tipzee's departure was near silent, which surprised those who were the most familiar with house-elves. Severus Snape, the uninvited and unexpected guest was still feeling weak and calculated that his magic was—at best—half what it normally was. He felt exceptionally vulnerable; especially in his current company.

"How are you feeling, Severus Snape; somewhat gelded I suppose?" Griphook addressed with bitter rancor, "If you're looking for someone to blame, blame yourself and your misguided choices. As I'm sure you know; some marks never fully fade and some acts never fully forgiven."

"Griphook," Harry said in firm warning; he could sense the acrimony rising from his non-human friend.

Professor Snape glanced between his student and the well-dressed goblin but instead of the usual dislike and distrust between goblin and wizard, he noticed a polite and almost apologetic deference to the young lord. Griphook replied. "My apologies, Lord Potter, I've allowed history to cloud my opinion of the humbled wizard before me."

"How so?" the green-eyed wizard asked.

"Prior to Voldemort's fall," he replied and, like most magicals, Narcissa, Xenophilius and Minerva flinched. The Potions' Master was as bad, or worse, than the others. Griphook continued, "Severus Snape was regularly seen in the company of certain individuals known to have captured and tortured members of The People on behalf of their Master in a futile attempt to intimidate The Nation. One such member was an older brood-mate of mine."

"Yes, I can see how that might cloud an opinion," Harry agreed, "but this is neither the time nor the place to pursue vengeance masquerading as justice."

"By your leave, My Lord, I understand but is it possible that I might speak to Severus Snape on behalf of the Nation?" He asked.

"As I am not the host, I must defer to the Grangers and Granger-Blacks," he replied and glanced at Emma, Dan and Narcissa.

Hermione's three parents looked towards each other and seemed to share a silent conference before Dan said, "Thank you, Lord Potter, as this would be within your rights to decide based upon how our families are now related; it is quite considerate of you."

"This is your house Mr. Granger," Harry replied simply.

"Very well then," Daniel said and turned to their Majordomo; he said, "You may use the study, Griphook; I trust you'll abide by the Host Edict?"

"I will, Lord Proxy (Emeritus) Granger," the goblin replied formally and then asked Harry, "May Sapphirella, Emeraldella and I be excused Lord Potter?"

Harry nodded but said, "Griphook, for the time being at least, Professor Snape is under the Aegis of House Potter."

"By your will, My Lord, we will remember," he answered, looked at the weakened wizard and said, "Severus Snape, are you strong enough to accompany me or are you in need of aid?"

"I will manage, goblin," the baritone voice of Professor Snape's retorted as he stood defiantly but he silently cursed the light-headiness that came with rising; he refused to allow his weakness to be seen.

"Professor Snape," Harry said sternly, "aside from being my Majordomo, Griphook is my friend and almost brother; do not make me regret my offer of Aegis. Remember, you're not in Hogwarts anymore and that Griphook and his companions are also under the Aegis of House Potter."

"Mr. Potter . . ." Professor McGonagall began; surprised that a student—a first year no less—might speak to a professor in this manner.

". . . Minerva," Severus interceded, holding his hand up, "Pot . . . I mean Lord Potter, my apologies."

"Why are you apologizing to me, Professor Snape?" Harry asked but his unspoken intent and obvious.

Severus scowled and bit his tongue's in his almost too rapid retort, "My apologies Majordomo Griphook, I am unaccustomed to the circumstances I find myself in and have spoken in haste."

Griphook offered a goblin's grin and politely replied, "Professor Snape; there still remains much animosity between wizards—some more than others—and The People. I too spoke with undue haste and apologize; shall we retire to the Granger's study, Mister Snape?"

"Please lead the way, Majordomo Griphook," Severus said in obvious discomfort.

"Griphook?" Narcissa said as they were leaving.

"Yes Lady Granger-Black," he replied.

"Severus is my friend and the godfather of my children," she said firmly, "I've known him for a very long time and he has always been good to me, Danielle and—yes—my son Draco. Please see him in light of circumstances that were perhaps not too dissimilar from my own."

"By your will, My Lady," Griphook replied and led Severus—followed by two she-goblins—from the sitting room. He took his party to the Granger's study, indicated a chair and invited the professor to sit. He took a seat on the nearby sofa; their two companions remained standing and guarded.

"Are you not going to close the door, Majordomo Griphook?" asked the Potions' Master.

"No, that would be most inappropriate of me, Professor Snape," the goblin replied, "and please dispense with the 'Majordomo'; just call me Griphook, The People prefer efficiency over ceremony whenever it is agreeable and not inappropriate."

"Thank you . . . Griphook; allow me to be as informal and ask you to call me Severus."

"Very well, Severus, let's hope we remain as civil when we are done and we'll try not keep you long," Griphook stated in agreement, "I understand your desire to spend time with Danielle, since you are here."

"Again, I thank you; I had not expected this accidental boon, which allowed me to see my goddaughter on her birthday."

"Yes, accidental boons are quite common around young Lord Potter; I too have benefited—in many ways and no less than others—from his inexperience," he agreed candidly.

"I take it you are speaking of Narcissa and our young Lady Granger?"

"I am," replied the goblin, "Myself and my brood have profited quite handsomely in both gold and status within The Nation thanks to Harry, I'm proud to admit but I'll not crow about it: let us get down to business, Severus."

The wizard nodded.

"First a necessary bit of formality," Griphook replied and then said in formal evocation, "I, Level Three Chronicler Griphook, Majordomo to Houses Potter, Granger and Granger-Black and a recognized envoy for the The Nation and The People do evoke House Granger's wards of confidentiality. Anything spoken in this room as of this moment may only be spoken of to those present or by the agreement of all."

Surprised, Severus felt a swirl of magic bind him by the ward as if he had voluntarily spoken the vow himself. He looked at the goblin and said, "H-How can you do this? I've not seen nor heard of such magic—goblin or other—that can impose an oath upon another without swearing it; that I experience it in a muggle house is even more unfathomable. How is this done; who created the ward."

The House Granger-Black part of the evocation had surprised him too but he decided not to comment on it.

Griphook replied, "The how I cannot answer, the who is someone who was once quite close to you and the why—which you didn't ask—was her son who has licensed much of his mother's warding concepts and schemes to Gringotts."

"Lily . . ." he whispered and hung his head in guilt.

Griphook recognized Severus' silent and unintended confession and when putting one and one together he got three. He now had the answer why Voldemort had targeted the Potters and the Longbottoms; it had something to do with the wizard beside him. The goblin checked his anger.

"Yes, Lady Lily was very accomplished and a tragic loss to both our cultures; many of my brood-elders have told me," he said to Severus. "Just how big of a loss only became evident when young Harry unsealed and took possession of the Potter Chambers at Gringotts; he has earned a significant number of Galleons, for himself and my brood, by exclusively licensing some of her warding components to my family. House Granger/Granger-Black has been both the proving ground and first recipient of Lady Lily's cleverness; you fell victim to two of them. If she'd been able to cast them at Godric's Hollow; we'd not be having this conversation nor would Harry have had to grow up with his aunt and uncle."

"Bah, Petunia; yes I know," Severus stated sourly.

Griphook replied curtly, "I take it you are familiar with Mrs. Dursley."

"I am," the professor replied tersely. "We were once . . . neighbors; Petunia's festering envy created an unbridgeable chasm between her, her sister and I when we were young. Lily was quite despondent at the start of our fifth year. Petunia had moved out by then and Lily felt that her sister had abandoned her and her family: to my undying shame, I did the same later that year."

"Remorsefulness aside, Severus; what happened 'happened' and can't be changed," said the goblin, mindfully, "Now, yesterday aside, it is today that is important and that is why we're having this conversation. What I'm about to tell you is all true, whether or not you choose to believe it is up to you; it is also secret."

"Why are you telling me then?"

"It's really quite simple, Severus, I am threatening you," he stated flatly, "and ensuring you understand who's threatening you; to be precise."

"I would imagine that's you," Professor Snape said icily.

Griphook smiled toothily, shook his head and said, "I'm just the messenger; the voice you might say. May I introduce my lovely companions?"

"The she-goblins," he said in a disagreeably tone, "what have they got to do with threatening me?"

"Much, my good professor," he replied just as disagreeably. "Allow me to introduce Emeraldella and Sapphirella; they're tutoring your goddaughter and Miss Lovegood in Goblin Arts, Crafts and other things . . ."

". . . And?" Severus said with a scowl, "I can hear it, the unspoken 'and'; it's quite loud actually."

"Indeed," Griphook agreed, "it is a very loud 'and'; perhaps the loudest 'and' you'll ever hear."

"Kindly get to the point," Professor Snape almost growled, "What do my goddaughter's tutors have to do with your threat?"

"Sapphirella and Emeraldella are Overlord Ragnok's youngest wives," Griphook stated flatly.

Severus Snape, much like a certain bushy-haired witch in another room, was rarely struck speechless. He might hold his tongue; his life had depended on it more than once, but being stunned to silence left a very bad taste in his mouth: much like one of Albus' lemon-drops. My god, Severus thought, his oath a reminder of his pre-Hogwarts' youth. I thought Potter's arrival at Hogwarts had been like drawing Death from a Tarot Deck, he mentally scowled. Great, another Twelawney reference; still, I doubt she's seen the goblin forged blade, which Potter is or is holding, pointed at our throats and Albus is so caught up in his 'Greater Good' he's not see it either. His calculating mind then considered what Griphook was implying and he didn't like the sum. Something didn't add up or, in goblin terms—as was applicable in this case—the ledger didn't balance. Subterfuge is not a goblin trait, he knew, if Griphook is being this overt then the goblins are holding a big stick; a very big stick indeed, but how does Potter fit in? Lily's son is not carrying himself like a puppet; that is obvious and he's operating at a level and knowledge beyond expectations of a muggle raised or any his age for that matter. His closest confidant is a muggle-born witch who just so happens to be connected to the wizarding community at the highest tier and is now an undeclared peer of the Wizengamot; Narcissa is one too, now, but how? Severus' attention focused on his hated rival's and his lost beloved's son, whose godfather was at least number three on his 'the people I most universally despise' list; the pieces of the puzzle were beginning to form the picture, which came fully to focus with a mental snap of his fingers. Potter is Black's heir designate and Black is in Azkaban! Potter is an emancipated minor and Lord of House Potter; he's standing as de facto Head of House Black! House Potter and House Black are Ancient Houses and part of the Four Families; Harry petitioned and elevated Narcissa and Granger under the First Wizengamot Charter and a little clause, which was never repealed and conveniently forgotten about: perhaps not so conveniently, after all. He thought with an acumen, which hit like a bludger to his stomach. Unlike the Founders' Four, the Four Families have seemingly allowed their power to wane in relevance and influence; Severus recalled, according to the official history of Magical England: he was beginning to think someone had lied to him; not to mention a lot of other people. It appears, he cynically concluded, that some history is better than another's and Potter has access to it; I suspect that Lily's son is the first in generations to learn of it, let alone use it.

"Has a kneazle got your tongue, Severus?" Griphook asked, disrupting the professor's train of thought. "I suspect that someone of your keen intellect does not need me to say more; quite a bit to swallow, I suspect too."

"Indeed," he replied, thankful for his well-practiced Occlumency; it allowed him to remain calm, even when much of what he had thought to be true had been swept away with only a few well-spoken words. What has complacency cost us? He asked himself as the big picture dawned in unwelcome revelation. We have willing provided creatures, which we claim are beneath us, with the weapon of our economic and societal destruction but where is the other stick? Wait, we're in a muggle home with war worthy wards owned by muggles with obvious military backgrounds hosting—casually—senior members of the Goblin Nation. I won't believe for a moment that former members of the muggle military would freely renounce their oaths to the muggle Crown—for all they aren't magically binding—but they still must've sworn a pledge of allegiance of some sort; the goblins would insist upon it, but how? There must be an overarching authority under which a common bond could be avowed.

Severus didn't like where his reasoning was leading but the only acceptable and—not to mention—unwanted conclusion was: The muggles know more about us than we do about them and they are more aware of Wizarding England than we've been led to believe and have always been so, at least at the highest levels. Merlin's bollocks! The Crown ceded the Four Families their authority and we've been manipulated to forget that little bit of history; obviously the Monarchy hasn't. Wizards (for what, five hundred years; maybe more?) have been allowed to run around thinking themselves superior and untouchable, while the Crown dealt with muggle casualties, secretly, so as to not show their hand unless they had to: how Slytherin of them. Well, I suppose that explains the mysterious disappearances of a few noble purebloods of questionable honor throughout the years. I suppose they've been forced to change their approach because things can't be covered up the way they once were; modern technology can not be obliviated and it's almost everywhere now.

"So, Professor Snape; have I sufficiently threatened you?" The goblin asked with another toothy grin shared by his companions.

Forced to concede and hating it, Severus said, "I believe you have sufficiently supported your position, Griphook, but tell me; was Professor McGonagall treated to a similar discussion or am I special?"

"Professor McGonagall is the product of the 'acceptable' History of Magic and has a very old and strong family lineage," Griphook replied. "And for all she visits the non-magical world fairly frequently, in her capacity as Deputy Headmistress, she doesn't really pay attention to what she sees; beyond the families she meets. Then, as soon as the meetings are concluded, she apparates back to Hogsmead or Diagon Alley, has a drink and maybe a bite to eat before returning to Hogwarts. She has no curiosity towards non-magical society. I'm sure that much of each journey is filtered and forgotten; leaving her feeling as if she has earned a well-deserved pat on her back.

"From her point of view,' he continued, "I'm sure she thinks she saved another new-blood from the misery of living in a backwards world and the back-breaking toils needed to eke out a marginal, dangerous and un-self-fulling existence. Let's face it Severus, for all you spend little time in non-Magical UK you still grew up here and have a better knowledge of things than Arthur Weasley; the supposed expert on muggles and muggle culture. And let's be honest, you just had a rather startling reminder of 'muggle' power when you arrived. You faced two powerful 'muggle' weapons, which can fire high-velocity 'muggle' projectiles faster than you can think 'Protego', let alone cast it. The Grangers are interesting humans and have an interesting history; they're both quite efficient with those weapons and were trained not to hesitate: honestly Severus, do you think you can draw your wand faster than two small chunks of copper-cladded lead, traveling at nearly twenty-eight-hundred feet per second, can reach you?"

Well, I suppose that explains why the goblins and the Grangers get on so well, they're all warriors, Professor Snape thought; it wasn't a comforting revelation, I guess that explains Lucius' very bad mood the other week; I wonder what happened exactly.

"Lost in thought, professor?" asked the goblin.

"I was thinking about Lord Malfoy and what happened a couple weeks ago. He came by—reeking of cheap fire-whiskey—and was as angry as a kneazel in a washtub. He was rambling about muggle whores and slags who neither know their place nor confer their betters the proper respect. Never did get the whole story before he passed out, after he reprimanded my godson. He left Sunday morning without a word, before I woke."

With an amused lilt, which sounded quite odd for a goblin, Griphook said, "I'm not surprised; his ego would never accept its castration at the hand of mere slip of a non-magical female. I'm sure he believes it was all just some 'filthy' goblin trick designed to separate him from the gold in his vault."

"Was it?" Severus asked, "He mentioned something about a penalty and has been trying to rally the Wizengamot without really saying anything."

"Of course not," replied the goblin. "Lord Malfoy fell victim to a standard clause found in all Ancient and Most Noble House of Black wedding and betrothal contracts. Lady Granger-Black fulfilled her end of the contract: she bore her first child by Malfoy seed and it was male. Neither the Malfoy Family nor their solicitors noticed that all the articles within the contract hinged on that one clause and all their cleverly crafted amendments, to hoodwink House Black, came to naught since they were succinctly overwritten by that one clause. The Malfoys were not the first—nor likely the last—family to think they were cleverer than a Noble House with more than a thousand years worth of experience in putting themselves first."

"Indubitably," commented the professor, "but what of the Wizengamot? Lucius will be pressuring them to pass laws that would correct this perceived insult."

"Yes we expect Fudge and his lackey, Umbridge—or is that her lackey?—will be outraged but neither are from families that hold or ever held seats in the Wizengamot, which came before and supersedes the self-promoting Ministry or its agenda. If they chose in concert to become difficult with us . . . well . . . we'll just close our doors, shutdown the Wizarding economy for a while and wait for Harry and his allied families to claim their seats. I'm sure that will remind the Chamber of how much power is wieldable by a member of the Four Families: it was never relinquished; just unexercised."

"Griphook," Severus began, "does Potter know how powerful he is?"

"Who Harry?" the goblin asked innocently; then replied, "Of course he knows; for all his father, his grandfather or his Great Grandfather did not. If they did, do you think Voldemort and his slaves," Severus winched at 'slaves', "would've been able to do what they did? We think Lady Lily had uncovered it but was killed before she told or convinced James of the implications. I'll never understand why Harry's father invested so much faith in Albus Dumbledore. Lady Lily was always leery but by the time James started to listen they were ensconced behind a Fidelius Charm. Lady Lily didn't want to risk adding her own protections to their home; she feared they'd conflict with Dumbledore's. She should've risked it: the only result that could've been worse was if Harry had died without vanquishing Voldemort. Well, speculating on 'what might have been' never produces any gold and I think I've said my piece; do you have any questions—won't guarantee I'll answer—or shall we rejoin Danielle's party."

"Actually, I do have a couple of questions if you don't mind."

"Go ahead and ask, Professor."

"If Harry grew up with his muggle relatives, why does he know so much?"

"Come now, Severus, why waste a question? Harry's relationship with Filius should've answered that already; obviously Gringotts took a more than passive interest in our young lord and facilitated his pre-Hogwarts' education."

"Indeed," Severus began, "Perhaps, I misspoke my question, Griphook: how did he have time to learn what he knows? From my understanding, Potter knew nothing until Hagrid met him on his birthday."

"I can't answer that," the goblin replied curtly.

Knowing it would be pointless to pursue answers from a closed-mouth goblin, the professor asked instead, "Very well then, can you tell me what happened upon my unexpected visit?"

"Only superficially," replied Griphook, "Let me h=just say, you had the honor of being the first test subject of a patented Lady Lily 'if/then-actuating' warding scheme. If she had used it—even as untested as it was—she'd likely still be with us today and driving the Department of Mysteries crazy with her unorthodox and scandalous approach to the understanding and use of magic."

Severus actually smiled, albeit sadly, he remembered the thought provoking conversations they had shared before their fifth year. Regrettably, many of Lily's ideas were antithesis to the 'known' facts promoted by that department. Of course, that a muggle-born witch might suggest and then be able to logically argue and support theories, which differed radically—at times—from the hidebound establishment's, didn't win Lily any support and far too many enemies; when all was said and done.

"Well, the DoM's loss was Gringotts' gain and Ragnok was so enthralled by Lady Lily that he granted her near unfettered access to The Nation and The People's archives," the goblin continued. "Unfortunately, until Harry unsealed the Potter Chambers, no one profited or was protected by Lady Lily's cleverness. The Grangers and Granger-Blacks are the first family to benefit and you, Severus, became the first victim of her Dark Mark Detection and Detention Ward. Still, don't feel too bad, Professor; Minerva McGonagall was caught by a rather nasty anti-apparation ward and then by the house's magic dampening field. When she crossed the ward line, her magic was halved—or there abouts—until Lady Cissy added her to the Ward Log."

"My magic was not just halved; it was removed," the professor stated sullenly, "and I still remain significantly weaker than normal. Why is that, Griphook? I heard Lady Malfoy . . . I mean Granger-Black say she'd add me to the Log."

"It was your poor choice in body-art, Professor Snape, which affects you now. The dampening component of the ward works in conjunction with the D and D component and holds you at your current levels. It is a failsafe; intended to minimize a threat posed by someone who received the Mark after being included in the Ward Log. You will never be more powerful than you are now, while in this house or on the property, Professor. Of course, the affect is amplified since Lady Narcissa is in residence; she's passively overcharging the 'quick charge runestone' we installed to power the wards. Originally, we thought that only Lady Hermione would be charging them when she was home. We never considered, let alone planned for, two witches—especially witches as powerful as weither Lady Narcissa or Danielle—to become residents as well. This forced Gringotts to hurriedly install and link a few extra power stones into the matrix to divert that excess magic: after all, blowing up the Grangers' and their neighbors would be rather rude of us; not to mention hard to explain. Well, that's neither here nor there. Like I said, Professor Snape, if Lady Lily had had the opportunity to use these ward schemes at Godric's Hollow; a muggle-child, bearing a blunt pair of scissors, could've stopped Voldemort. Rather humbling, wouldn't you agree, Severus?"

"Undeniably so," he replied, silently cursing the 'Dumbledore knows best' creed that killed far more than it saved in a misguided attempt to redeem the unredeemable. I feel sick, he thought bitterly, Lily could've protected them but was denied when Albus hid them behind a passive ward that had a massive hole in its design. How could Lily be so stupid?

"I suspect you've reached the same question that has bothered The Nation and The People for nigh on ten years," Griphook stated succinctly.

"Why?" Severus simply said.

The goblin nodded, "Indeed, Gringotts suspects that the Potters were compelled to hide behind the Fidelius Charm; when it wasn't in their character to hide. As well, we don't believe—for a moment—that either Lady Lily or her husband could be ignorant of the inherent flaw that comes from having their Secret Keeper outside the charm's protection; again, out of character from what we knew of them. As we would say, 'the ledgers don't balance' with what we knew of or expected from Lady Lily or her husband."

"Dumbledore," Severus spat, reaching—he knew—the same conclusion the goblins had, "For all I didn't like James Potter—or his friends for that matter—and thought him a spoiled and arrogant rich kid, I couldn't deny his intelligence and Lily's was never in question. Even the Dark Lord didn't question Lily's abilities; although many of his disciples did, to their great dismay: if they lived through an encounter with her. Lily was 'a take no prisoners' kind of witch and knew she was playing for keeps; I don't think James Potter ever fully understood that about her, his background was too far removed from Lily's to really get it."

"You are likely correct, Severus," Griphook agreed, "We are certain that if James Potter had renounced Lady Lily and Dumbledore and withdrew from the fight, he would've likely been—at least—left alone; providing he stayed neutral of course. Be that which it may, there is little point in rehashing things that happened ten or more years ago; as long as we remember, learn from them and then prevent their repeat by being prepared. On final note, professor; before I close the secrecy ward and let you get back to Danielle, Albus Dumbledore is correct: Voldemort in not gone; Gringotts knows this and we are—as are others we'll not speak of—preparing for his inevitable return. If your Ministry or the Wizengamot does not respond appropriately and with great prejudice, this time, they will be winnowed and, like chaff, shall be swept from their unearned and undeserved positions."

"How uncommonly metaphoric for a goblin, Griphook," drawled the Potions' Master.

Griphook chuckled and said, "My goblin cynicism has been polluted by my close association with Harry but it has been profitable at least."

Severus Snape studied the goblin before him but things were still not adding up. There is something important I'm missing or not being told, he thought, Griphook and Potter's relationship runs deeper than I'd expect after only the month or so they've known each other. If Hagrid was not duped, Potter has only known about the Wizarding World since his eleventh birthday but he's forged relationships and gained knowledge that suggests a much longer time; how? Even Potter's age seems 'off'; he looks and sounds a great deal more mature than an eleven-year-old wizard should. I doubt Albus' 'Greater Good' will survive Potter's return to our society and the great Dumbledore is either oblivious or dismissive of the harbinger that stands before him.

"Well I suppose we should rejoin the others don't you think, Severus?" The goblin suggested, "We don't want to be rude to our hosts or the witch of honor, now do we? Close conversation. Harbor memories. Lift privacy ward."

—}{—

Harry and Hermione watched Professor Snape and his escorts leave the sitting room; his departure left an uncomfortable Professor McGonagall looking on, since Griphook had been quite clear in his—and Gringotts'—opinion of the generally surly Potions' Master: it wasn't positive.

"I wouldn't worry, Professor McGonagall," Harry said with a reassuring smile, "Professor Snape and Griphook are both under aegis; the worst they can do is yell and give each other headaches if things turn nasty."

"I believe I understand, Mr. Potter, but with all the other revelations I've had today I'm feeling a mite overwhelmed I suppose," the professor replied.

"I understand 'overwhelmed' professor," the green-eyed wizard said with an amused lilt. "That's how I felt when Hagrid took me to Diagon Alley; after springing me from my ever-loving, over-indulgent—in my cousin's case that is—relatives. Oh, come to think of it, I have a question Professor McGonagall."

"Yes Lord Potter?"

Harry scowled for a second and said, "Please call me Harry or if you must Mr. Potter: I do so hate formalities; they have their place but they also interfere in the establishment of rewarding relationships."

"I'll try to remember your preference Mr. Potter; what do you wish to know?"

The young wizard tilted his head a bit and asked, "Why did Hagrid come and get me? I imagine that you're here for Danielle and she knows about Magical Society. Even if she didn't, before last year, you did deliver Hermione's invitation. I would think the address alone would have just warranted an owl this time around. Bloody hell . . ."

"Harry!" Hermione warned.

"Sorry Mione," he replied automatically, bringing smiles to the gathered Granger/Granger-Black women and witches; then resumed, "My Aunt and Uncle's house faced a deluge of owls before Hagrid finally found us in our cozy little vacation shack by the sea. Wouldn't it have been easier if you had visited four Privet Drive yourself?"

"I . . . I don't know Mr. Potter; the invitations are controlled by Hogwarts' itself. Your circumstances should've triggered a visit by me; that you received yours by owl doesn't make sense, especially with you living with muggles in a muggle area. The owls themselves would risk breaching the Statute of Secrecy, in and of themselves, and you said there were a lot of them?"

"Hundreds, or perhaps the same dozen or so over and over again," Harry said with a grin, "It drove my uncle spare but it was quite amusing, I might add: rarely did I have an opportunity to be amused."

"Your amusement aside, it still should not have occurred and I'm not even sure how to look into it; perhaps Professor Dumbledore might know: he delivered the invitations before I did and is the Headmaster."

"You needn't concern yourself overly, Professor," the young wizard said, "especially today; it is Danielle's birthday and that's a lot more important than stuffy letters and invitations." He then turned to the celebrating witch and said, "Happy birthday, Danielle; I'm very glad to see you."

Before she could answer, Hermione stepped to her sister, gave her a hug and said, "Happy birthday li'l sis."

"Th-Thankyou Harry; big sis," Danielle said emotionally, "I'm really glad you came and you brought Uncle Sev with you too; I wasn't expecting any of you. I'm really really happy to see you: won't you two get into to trouble for leaving Hogwarts?

"I suppose I can overlook their absence, this time," Minerva said warmly, "After all, they did arrive with an acceptable chaperon. Tell me Mr. Potter; Miss Granger, should I be expecting Professor Sprout or Flitwick next?"

Harry and Hermione shared shy smiles in response before the hazel-eyed witch said, "I-I don't think so Professor but if you want I'll ask Floozy . . ."

Pop.

". . . Mistress calls for Floozy?" Hermione's house-elf asked as she appeared.

"Um . . ." Hermione began.

Narcissa, smiling at her usually articulate older daughter—now suffering a bout of house-elf exasperation—rolled her eyes and said with amusement. "Get used to it Hermione dear, house elves are very sensitive to their master's use of their names but as your bond grows they learn to distinguish the difference between saying their names and calling their name. I remember when I first got Dobby . . ."

Pop.

". . . Mistress Narcissa calls Dobby?"

Narcissa shook her head and said with warm acquiescence, which had been nurtured over the years. "Never mind honey; sometimes, it's just easier to get used to house-elf eccentricities, depending on the elf. I do hope Floozy will improve with time. Nevertheless, since you are here Dobby I'd like to introduce you to Hermione's elf Floozy."

Dobby looked at his Mistress' sister and then at Floozy. As he looked at the young she-elf he noticed her ears were drooping a little, she was shifting her weight back and forth and avoided looking him in the eye; to his surprise he found himself doing much the same. Forcing himself to look composed, Dobby timidly said to Floozy, "Hello, I be Dobby and Dobby be's Mistress Dani's personal elf after being Mistress Narcissa's personal elf for many years; it's nice to meet Floozy, she be a very pretty elf—worthy of her very pretty Mistress—but why be pretty Floozy be wearing pretty clothes?"

Aghast, Dobby (realizing what he had said in front of his Mistress, his Mistress' family and the pretty she-elf) noticed a very interesting single mote of dust on the carpet, which required his study.

Floozy said, without looking at Dobby, "I-I be's Floozy. I be's recently bound to Mistress Hermione. You's a lucky handsome elf having such a nice and distinguished family. My Mistress said she didn't like Floozy wearing a Hogwarts' pillowcase. Since Floozy be a good she-elf to her mistress, Floozy be making pretty clothes for herself; like Mistress Hermione asks. Does handsome Dobby not like Floozy's dress?"

"Cuuuute!" Danielle, much to her mother's dismay—as such behavior was below a daughter of House Black—squealed but Narcissa wasn't that upset; her daughter was far happier than she'd ever been at Malfoy Manor; a little lack of decorum never hurt anyone, at least once in a while. I'll talk to her later, Narcissa thought.

"Dobby, if Hermione doesn't mind," said Lady Granger-Black, "why don't you show Floozy the kitchen, I'm sure she'll be fascinated with the muggle appliances. By the way, I recently bought a different type of tea I'd like to try; could you and Floozy please test it for us and let me know, tomorrow, if you think we'll like it."

The house-elf looked at his former Mistress and said, "Dobby will show pretty Floozy, if young Mistress not be needing Dobby and if pretty Floozy's pretty Mistress be allowing pretty Floozy to join Dobby."

Blushing, Hermione said shyly, "Yes, Floozy's Mistress be letting her . . . AAUGH! . . . yes, Floozy may accompany you Dobby and please—both of you—try to maintain proper diction."

Harry smiled at Hermione as the two elves' replied that they would remember and then vanished with resounding pops.

"Dani, I think you and Hermione Granger are gonna be sorta in-laws and not just sisters, soon," Luna said airily before adding, "Hello, Hermione Granger, hello Harry Potter; I am Luna Lovegood. Dani's my only friend; will you be my friend, too?"

Hermione, taken aback by Luna's open admission and request, replied hesitantly, "Um . . . well, I suppose any friend of Danielle's . . ."

". . . Oh goody! Another friend to have pudding with," Luna exclaimed. The odd blonde girl, with the disproportionately large blue eyes, then skipped—at least it looked like she skipped to Hermione—across the sitting room. She stopped in front of the hazel-eyed witch and, very unexpectedly, wrapped her arms around the taller girl and hugged her. What followed stunned everyone: Luna planted a less than chaste kiss on Hermione's lips.

"Luna!" Danielle exclaimed, "You can't kiss people you've just met that way."

Luna stopped hugging and kissing Hermione, turned to face her friend and queried with sincere innocence, "Oh dear, did I do it wrong Dani? Maybe we should've practiced more, earlier. Should I've used my tongue?"

Emma and Narcissa looked like they were fighting the giggles. Daniel was innocently looking at everything and everyone but Hermione: now released from the unexpected hug—not to mention rather adult kiss—she had just received from. Minerva vacillated between scandalized and stunned, not to mention speechless. Poor Xeno just looked at his daughter and thought in resignation. I think Luna and I need to have a little chat, hopefully the nargles will leave us alone since mistletoe isn't in season; perhaps I should ask Narcissa and Emma for some advice first.

Meanwhile, Hermione—after a momentary lapse of coherence—said, breaking the deafening silence, "Wh-wha . . ."

Danielle looked flabbergasted, this wasn't how she thought introducing Luna to her sister and Harry would go. However, before she could say anything Luna had turned towards Harry; put her arms around him and did the same thing to him but for one difference: Harry felt a moist intruder press through his partially closed lips that stopped when it reached his tongue. His eyes bugged out and he turned beet-red, as the assembled adults—but for Minerva, who looked shocked and Xenophilius who looked confused—observed with mirthful surprise as Luna finished giving Harry his first real 'adult' kiss, too. He sputtered and glowed red as Luna released him; he had even less to say than Hermione.

"Xeno," Narcissa began softly as she noticed the wizard's rather befuddled state, "Emma and I were wondering if we might speak to Luna about certain matters; there are things she needs to know, which are usually taught by a girl's mother. We'd be honored to help."

"Oh thank you, Narcissa," Xenophilius said with relief, "I was thinking of asking Molly Weasley to . . . you know . . . give Luna 'the Talk', since she has a daughter Luna's age and is really the only woman—other than you two now—that I know reasonably well. It's too bad that she has had such an awful infestation of wrackspurts and nargles since Pandora passed on and I didn't want to impose."

Narcissa cringed at the thought of Molly Weasley giving her daughter's friend 'the talk'. Molly had always been a hypocrite about certain things and the prudish witch she now was, was entirely different from the former Gryffindor of her Hogwarts' days. At least she was practiced and consistent with her contraceptive charms during her broom-closet explorations; Lady Granger-Black cerebrally scoffed. That's if what Bellatrix told me was true and not just some snobbish Slytherin vitriol towards a member of our most hated house. Uugh, now I'm thinking about Molly Weasley and broom-closets, she mentally cringed. I could've done without those images, yuck!

"Nice to meet you, Luna," Hermione and Harry said in unison as their composer returned. Luna's eyebrows rose when she heard her friend's sister and Harry Potter speak in perfect cadence. Harry added, "Um, why did you kiss me Luna?"

Luna turned her uncommonly big blue eyes to the young wizard and replied dreamily, "Well, I didn't want Harry Potter to feel left out after I kissed the pretty Hermione Granger. Especially after all you've done for us, it would've been quite rude of me don't you think? Still, maybe I should kiss Hermione again; it's not fair that I used my tongue with you and not her."

Blazing red and disconcerted by Luna's uninhibited manner of self-introduction and reasoning; Harry sought for a distraction, which he found by the door. He felt very relieved, since he'd just been rescued from a looming and awkward conversation and greeted with forced vivacity, "Ah, welcome back Professor Snape, Griphook; Ladies. I hope your meeting was profitable or at least illuminating."

"Indeed," retorted Severus in a thoughtful manner, "It has left me with much to think on, Lord Potter."

"Harry doesn't like being called Lord Potter, Uncle Sev," Danielle declared brightly as she crossed the room. She gave the Potions' Master a hug, which the Professor awkwardly returned under the surprised and watchful eyes of the Deputy Headmistress; she'd never seen her co-worker display any kind of warmth—parental or otherwise—since his fifth year at Hogwarts. Danielle asked, "Will you be staying; we're having cake later . . ."

". . . and pudding," added an ecstatic sounding young witch named Luna.

Severus looked at the petite blonde girl who had just spoke. She looks like her mother, Pandora Lovegood, he thought, but sounds like her father: the Xenophilius Brightwing I knew from Hogwarts. He somberly replied to Dani, "I think not, my visit was unplanned and I still have the abhorrent and inexorable task of trudging through reports from scarcely literate and injudicious—but for a few—fifth years. Why Hogwarts doesn't have an obligatory basic literacy aptitude class during the first-year is beyond me."

"Ahh, Uncle Severus . . ." Dani nearly whined, to Narcissa's dismay; she thought her daughter knew better than to carry-on like Draco commonly did.

"Dani," Daniel Granger gently reprimanded, "no whining, it's unbecoming of a proper young lady: you don't want people to think you're spoiled do you? We can invite Professor Snape for a visit another time; when he's not pressed for time."

Danielle used the 'I'm adorable' look on her father but it didn't have the desired effect; it was one of the many things that made him different from Lucius, who'd usually cave when her bother used it. At least daddy's isn't weak-willed, unlike some adults I know, Danielle thought warmly. The Imperious Curse, riiiight; I can almost—not really—believe Lucius' claim on that: he's usually and noticeably quite spineless where Draco is concerned.

"Indeed," Professor Snape drawled in agreement, "that would be far more preferable for all concerned, Dani; I'd rather not rush a visit with my favorite goddaughter or impose upon your . . . atypical family."

Professor McGonagall stifled a scowl; she thought Severus' tone was rather tactless, especially at the end but she couldn't help but smile on hearing Danielle's facetious reply, "I'm your only goddaughter, Uncle Sev."

"Regardless of being," Severus said, his lips forming the mere hint of a smile, "my 'only goddaughter' or not make's no never-mind: I still have things I must do today. We'll make plans for another day; I'd really appreciate the opportunity to get to know your father and . . . uh . . . other mother in the future. Miss Granger has shown impeccable manners, Slytherin cunning and intelligence. She also has a thirst for knowledge that's very reminiscent of someone I went to school with and who was once quite dear to me; you will do well here, Dani, of that I'm sure."

Hermione blushed hearing Professor Snape's candid praise. I doubt I'll be hearing that again, any time soon; especially at school. She thought but didn't notice Minerva McGonagall's stunned expression. Merlin's grace, did I just hear that correctly? The deputy headmistress thought in disbelief. Did Severus just complement a muggle-born Gryffindor, without being prompted? Still, I suppose Miss Granger and Lily Evans do share many similarities; our young Mr. Potter and James do seem to share their tastes in witches. I'm glad Harry is already more mature than his father: I don't think I could tolerate another five or six years of Marauder madness, especially at my age.

"I understand, Uncle Sev," Danielle conceded, "but I'm not waiting until Yule to see you; if I hafta, I'll ask Dobby to kidnap you."

"Danielle," Narcissa's tone warned, "let's not be petulant, Severus is a busy man . . ."

". . . and I'm certain it's very bad manners to use your house-elf to kidnap someone, Dani," Emma finished with a smile, "but she is correct, Mr. Snape, Dan and I would appreciate the opportunity to meet another of Hermione's teachers; the idea of magical potions fascinates the biochemist in Dan and I."

"Undoubtedly, as I am fascinated by non-magical means to achieve similar results but it is as your mother says, Danielle; I have things to attend to, which can't be put off." He said before turning to Hermione and asking, "Lady Matriarch, may I impose upon you and your elf and request transit back to Hogwarts?"

"Immediately?" the young witch asked.

Severus glanced at his goddaughter and saw her forlorn expression; he said, "I suppose a cup of tea will not delay me overly much but that's all the time I can truly spare."

"Thank you Uncle Sev," Danielle said as she bounced happily on the balls of her feet.

—}{—

Holding onto Severus and Minerva, Floozy appeared at the Hogwarts' gate after the single cup of tea, at Granger Manor, became two and a piece of birthday cake. Professor Snape didn't begrudge the time spent with his goddaughter, her true family or her truly interesting friends and associates but the lost two or so hours would seriously cut into his private brewing time this evening; he still had a fair few papers to mark before Monday's classes and they wouldn't mark themselves.

"Is this be what Professors Snaky and Kitty be wanting?" the young she-elf squeaked, "It's a fair walk from here and Floozy would be happy to pop you closer."

"No, Floozy, this will be fine. Moreover, it's a nice afternoon for a walk," Professor McGonagall replied kindly before, it seemed, adding with almost a snicker, "Besides, Professor Snaky and I would appreciate an opportunity to chat before we return to the castle."

The dismissed house-elf quickly bowed and vanished, leaving the professors in each other's care. Severus glowered at his deputy Headmistress, when he heard her call him Professor Snaky but it was also surprising; rarely did the usually staid Transfiguration Professor speak informally to him. At times, he'd heard that tone when she spoke with Professors Sprout or Flitwick but those three had been together and teaching at Hogwarts for almost as long as Albus Dumbledore had been headmaster. If Severus was to be honest with himself, which he usually was these days, he knew that in the senior co-faculty's eyes he was barely out of Hogwarts and little more than a young wizard; when compared to them or their experience. He hadn't forged any ties with his younger peers or Hagrid either, which left him in the unenviable position of only having the headmaster to socialize with. Perhaps, he thought in sad self-admission, it's time to broaden my social circle beyond Albus, Lucius and my former associates with more gold than honor. I suppose I'll being seeing the Grangers with some frequency, if I wish to maintain my relationship with Danielle and Narcissa. They seem decent enough for non-magical folk—much like Lily's parents were—and it's a much better environment for my goddaughter, undoubtedly; they have money without arrogance and Miss Granger is a far better sibling than Draco could ever be. Severus added with a mental chuckle, House Granger and Granger-Black, I see a stormy Wizengamot on the horizon and feel the winds of change already.

"Severus," Professor McGonagall began; pulling the Potions' Master from his thoughts, "what do you think?"

"About today?" He carefully metered his reply, "It was . . . eye-opening."

"Eye-opening, that's all? I'd say it was more than that. Never would I've suspected . . . when I first met the Grangers last year."

"Indeed."

"Yes indeed, Severus," Minerva agreed, "To meet Lady Malfoy . . . I mean Miss Black . . . I mean Granger-Black, there and goblins; I've never seen a goblin beyond Diagon or outside of the Ministry and she-goblins; I've never even seen a female goblin before today and in a muggle house no less. And what about the wards? I've never encountered nor heard of such strength, outside of Hogwarts, Gringotts or the Ministry. What is going on, Severus? What did you and that goblin, Griphook, talk about? All my questions were either masterfully deflected or answered without answers; it was like talking to Albus in the middle of the war: he never answered questions either."

"Your inner cat is showing, Minerva," Severus said; he had to hide his smile.

"That's all you have to say?"

"It's all I can say; the rest I can't speak of."

"You . . . You made a vow with that goblin; a vow not to say anything; why?"

"I did not make a vow, Minerva, it was . . . imposed."

"Imposed? A vow of secrecy, or any vow for that matter, must be volunteered; it can't be forced upon a witch or wizard," Professor McGonagall stated indefatigably, "who could do such a thing? Or create those wards?"

"Who indeed, Minerva?" he replied, "Who is at the root of what we saw today?"

Minerva looked thoughtful before answering, "Mr. Potter, I suppose, but how? He's just eleven and only a first year. He's not even a month into his studies, yet."

"You are making the same mistake I did, Minerva, and the one Albus continues to make," replied Professor Snape, "You have forgetten who Mr. Potter's parents were."

"Lily!"

"Indeed," Severus concurred.

"I don't understand," was her uncommon admission.

"All I can say, Minerva, is that there is far more at stake than what Albus, the Dark Lord or the Ministry and the Wizengamot are aware of or ready to believe."

"Whatever do you mean by that? And He-who-must-not-be-named is dead and gone."

"Albus believes him just gone, Minerva."

"What do you believe, Severus?"

"My beliefs are irrelevant."

"That was not an answer."

"Indeed but that is all I can say," Professor Snape stated unequivocally.

Professor McGonagall looked at the Potions' Master and noted the wizard had withdrawn into himself; having reached the limit of what he could or would say openly. The remainder of their walk passed in silence but at least it was a nice afternoon. They arrived at the castle and found the doors standing open to the fresh autumn breeze, which was unseasonably warm; the two stepped inside.

Before their eyes could adjust to the torch lit interior, an unwelcome voice hailed from the greeting shadows, "Ah, what's this I see; two very unlikely companions returning to the castle. An afternoon spent in Hogsmeade perhaps; my good Professors McGonagall and Snape? Not spent at Madame Puddifoot's, I imagine, but it's not a Hogsmeade weekend so I suppose it won't be rumor fuel if that was the case."

"I think not, Albus," Minerva replied, impassively, as Severus glowered, "I was delivering an invitation to a new student; I happened upon Professor Snape after I delivered the letter."

I just keep finding hidden Slytherins everywhere I look, don't I, Professor Snape thought with a bit of bitter amusement as he took a sidelong glance at Professor McGonagall. I think 'cunning' has found a new home. Still, she's a cat—at least some of the time—I shouldn't be too surprised I suppose. I could do without this Albus interlude thought; if he says 'Greater Good' I'll likely lose the tea and cake I had earlier and that would be a pity: they were both quite good.

"Hmm . . . yes, I see," the headmaster commented, inquisitively, "And what of you, Severus my boy?"

"An unexpected personal matter, Headmaster," answered the potions master as he battled with scowling, "I have papers to mark and must get back to them, Albus; please excuse me. Minerva, I shall see you at dinner I suppose."

Marginally content that this time he beat Professor McGonagall at escaping from the nosy headmaster, Severus brusquely nodded his head at his colleagues and departed for his office.

"Minerva, my old friend," Professor Dumbledore began, "can I interest you in a cup of tea? Term started almost four weeks ago and I'm interested in your opinion about our new and returning students; I've heard interesting things about that muggle-born—what's her name? Ah yes Granger—in your house: she seems quite close to our young Harry; I do hope she's not a bad influence on him: we do have the Greater Good to consider and we can't have our young Harry misled, now can we?"

Minerva McGonagall cringed.

"I wonder why she's not in Ravenclaw; she does seem to get along surprisingly well with Filius," Albus continued, "I believe she spends more time with him than her housemates. Come to think of it: haven't I seen her in the company of a couple of first year Slytherins surprisingly often, how very strange. I wonder how she's getting on with her housemates; I'm sure that young Weasley lad of yours would make an excellent tutor about Wizarding customs and such; he'd help her integrate into our society better I'm sure. It's a pity that young Harry declined to join your Quidditch team as seeker; he would've gotten to know the Weasleys better and they're such a nice, light family. I believe they have a younger daughter, if I'm not mistaken; young Harry will like her a lot and she'll not be nearly as serious as Miss Granger, who's nearly a year older than her house and year-mates; as I understand it. After all, a lad needs a chance to just be a lad sometimes, I know you agree."

Minerva stared at Dumbledore incredulously, pursed her lips for a moment and then replied, "Yes, it would've been nice to add Mr. Potter to my Quidditch team this year but I must admit I appreciated his maturity on the matter. When I asked him, he said he didn't want people to think he's getting preferential treatment because he's the Boy-who-lived. Even after I told him that once others saw how well he flew, they'd see he's on the team because he'd earned his spot but still he declined. At least he said he might try out next year; I'd so like to separate the Quidditch Cup from the constrictive embrace of Professor Snape after all these years but I suppose that will have to wait. Still, young Harry is a natural on a broom; perhaps even better than Charlie Weasley, who could've gone pro but for his love of dragons."

"A pity then and I was so looking forward to an exciting Quidditch season; particularly after hearing about young Harry's proficiency with a broom," Albus said, "I wonder if I might ask a favor of you, Minerva."

"It depends on the favor, Albus."

"Yes, yes I understand Minerva but I'm a little worried about young Mr. Longbottom; he seems a mite timid."

"Yes, I've noticed," Professor McGonagall concurred, "What have you got in mind?"

"I thought that, perhaps, you might partner him with Miss Granger in your classes," he replied, "that way she can help him with his work and become fast friends as they learn about each other's world and if young Longbottom made fewer mistakes I'm sure it would boost his confidence. I'm sure young Harry and young Ronald Weasley will get along, famously; they have so much in common and much to learn from each other as well. Poor young Harry, he missed so much by being raised by muggles. Still, better a loving muggle family than the constant scrutiny and rigors of fame that would've happened being raised in a wizard's home. Fame is such a cruel and fickle thing, if he had been raised by a family close to James or Lily, he would've been—I'm sure—quite unhappy and maybe arrogant. Wasn't Lily close to Pandora Lovegood? Xenophilius is such an odd wizard and doesn't understand that sacrifice is sometimes required for the Greater Good and Pandora and Xeno could well have been his guardians if not for the Dursleys."

"What are you playing at, Albus?" Minerva didn't bother to hide her displeasure.

"Nothing, nothing at all; I just want to see everyone be successful and I'm sure other's would benefit from Miss Granger's cleverness; while other's might benefit from young Mr. Weasley's levity."

"Levity is not a word I'd ascribe to Ronald Weasley, Fred and George maybe but not him; the Weasley twins put an effort into what they do, they just don't put it into the things we'd like them to and Percy Weasley is—without a doubt—one of the most studious student I've had in quite some time. Ronald would do well to emulate them; yes, even the twins Albus."

"He's just a child, Minerva."

"Child or not Albus, I'd still prefer not to interfere with the natural partnerships in my classes," stated the Deputy Headmistress, "and, for your information, Harry and Hermione already spend a lot of time helping Neville Longbottom, much to Ronald's displeasure, with his classwork. The young Longbottom scion is already becoming more confident in my class and shares top spot with Miss Granger in Herbology, with Mr. Potter nipping at their heels; according to Pomona. I see little reason in interfering with those dynamics, even if Ronald Weasley would benefit—likely greatly—from a closer association with Miss Granger and Mr. Potter. Regrettably, his temperament would I'm sure place him at odds with them, sooner rather than later; Molly and Arthur's son has shown no work effort and has an inflated sense of entitlement, much like the Malfoy Scion; who's causing Severus and his house grief."

"Minerva," Albus Dumbledore began with subtle displeasure, "young Draco and Ronald are children; they just need guidance not castigation. You've known Arthur Weasley as long as I have; I'm sure his youngest son will grow up to be just as respectable as his father and look at Lord Malfoy these days. He's become such a fine upstanding citizen he's even on our board and a major philanthropist since coming out from under the shadowy influence of Voldemort's thrall and look at Lady Malfoy: she's a Black and look at her now, a pillar of our community; after we gave her another chance, she changed her ways."

"Albus," Minerva said incredulously, "you're beginning to sound like Cornelius Fudge and I don't think second chances had anything to do with the change in Lady Malfoy. Besides, you do know that she was recently expelled from House Malfoy, don't you? By Merlin, Albus, the Prophet posted a notice the other week about it; confirmed by Severus no less. She's using Black in her name again, I heard."

"I thought that was just a nasty rumor by Rita Skeeter; it's true? Poor Draco, no wonder he's being difficult. The staff must take that into account, he needs our support and love: not condescension when he causes trouble. Losing a mother is hard on a boy, few are as lucky as young Harry when it comes to loving relatives who'll look after him."

Professor McGonagall opened and closed her mouth but, thankfully, she managed to choke back her 'almost' response of: Are you senile, Albus! Before saying, through clenched teeth, "Excuse me Albus, like Severus I have things to do and should get to them before dinner."

The Deputy Headmistress stepped around Professor Dumbledore and he heard the click of her heels receding as she made her way to the stairs. He said quietly almost muttering to himself, "Did I say something wrong? Perhaps I'll visit Sybil; I really wish she'd join us for meals more often, being by yourself as much as she is, is bound to make you rather queer eventually. Poor young Draco," he tutted in sympathy, "I do hope he allows Narcissa to keep using Black in her name when he ascends to that family's title and seat; he is the closest remaining male in succession to House Black, what with young Sirius being in Azkaban and all. I still don't understand why James and Lily would change their secret keeper; Peter Pettigrew was such a pleasant and trustworthy young fellow and had none of the darkness that came from being a Black, the Black actually. I wish I knew how Lily Potter changed my charm I didn't think her able to use such dark magic and switched to Black. James should've known better than to trust a muggle-born especially one as outspoken and smart as Evans with such an important matter.

"I really must find a way to put some distance between young Harry and Miss Granger;" Albus continued in un-witnessed monologue, "she's intelligent but doesn't understand her place in our world. The Greater Good can't afford to lose another Potter to a muggle-born's influence especially before he meets what fate has deemed necessary for the Greater Good. I do hope the Potter line can be saved, though; but Molly's daughter is still too young, eight or nine I believe. Still, I suppose we still have time and if we don't I can fix that, even if those spells are rather dark and costly. Besides, a long life isn't necessarily a good life for a young witch and a child will fill the emptiness of lose, which poor Ginevra will have to face. It's all rather sad, actually, but it's for the Greater Good; at the end of the day. I've been chosen to bear this yoke, by myself, and I must guide our world and all those poor muggles to their proper place and future; Fate chose me because only I know the way."

From the shadows by the stairs, a frightened young she-elf heard the Headmaster's rambling whispers and self-lies and thought. I must protect my mistress and her Harry, Professor Whiskers is not a good wizard; he does not like my Mistress Hermione. I will speak to Fiona and the others and beg for help; I will tell them I think Professor Whiskers' thinker be broken and he be thinking bad things for everyone. Floozy popped away as quietly as she could but she felt reasonably certain that the Hogwarts' Headmaster had heard her; it terrified her. She popped away in search of Fiona or Peeves.

—}{—

Hermione, Danielle and their friends (the first any of them had ever truly had) entered the Granger/Granger-Black library that Daniel Granger and Dobby had recently completed. The four, having become bored with all the adult talk upstairs, had excused themselves shortly after Andromeda and Edward Tonks had arrived to wish Danielle a happy birthday and the departure of Professors Snape and McGonagall. Harry and Hermione had promised to return to Hogwarts, surreptitiously and before dinner, after Severus urged them to be 'Slytherin' in their comings and goings and not draw unnecessary attention to themselves. Minerva had agreed, although she didn't appreciate him telling her cubs to be 'Slytherin' in anything; she did understand his intent. She had pursed her lips and clicked her tongue over his wording but didn't correct him; it drew smiles from Hermione and Harry and a snicker from Narcissa. That had surprised Minerva and Severus; a casual former Lady Malfoy nee Black was a new experience for any of them. All the same, the tow students promised they'd not be seen returning to Hogwarts.

"Wow," Hermione, the bibliophiliac, whispered breathily, "this is great and so much shelf space and a table big enough for lots of books and very comfortable looking chairs and a really nice chesterfield and there's a small fridge and a few cups and an electric tea kettle."

Luna tilted her head quizzically and said, "You're a weird witch Hermione Granger."

"Hermione likes books, Luna," Harry said with a smirk; Danielle looked at her sister in confusion.

"She's breathing funny; does she do that often Harry Potter?" asked the odd girl.

"Um . . . Hermione likes books a lot," he corrected himself.

"I think it's more than just a lot, she sounds all tingley to me; I like tingley, I've felt that way three times today," Luna said innocently.

"What do you mean 'tingley', Luna?" Hermione asked, "'tingley' isn't even a word."

"Of course tingley is a word, I just used it and you heard it so it must be a word; if it wasn't a word it wouldn't make noise and saying words that don't make noise would make conversation difficult, don't you think Hermione Granger?"

"I think my sis means it's not a 'found in the dictionary' word," Danielle interceded.

"Just because something isn't in a book—like crumple-horned snorkacks—doesn't mean it's not real," Luna stated earnestly. "I'm certain that if you asked Hermione Granger about dragons or hippogriffs or thestrals before she turned eleven she would've told you they don't exist, but they do; just not in the non-magical world or what witches and wizards call the non-magical world. Actually, there's only one world; at least I think there's only one world, I've never been to another as far as I know. Perhaps I shouldn't make such wild presuppositions; another world might be like the snorkacks and just keeps hidden because it's scared of us."

Harry, Hermione and Danielle found themselves plowing through Luna's convoluted but admittedly logical argument for all its odd assumptions about other worlds and cryptozoology and, as each silently considered the strange witch's words and rhetoric, their contemplation was interrupted by a loud pop.

"Floozy?" Hermione said in surprise, "I wasn't expecting you until I called; is something wrong? Did you get Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape back to Hogwarts without a problem?"

With her ears folded, the young elf replied in anxious haste, "FloozybegettingProfessorKittyandSnakybacktoHogywartslikemistressbeasking . . ."

". . . Floozy stop, breath," Hermione crouched down, embraced her little friend and gently urged, "Now slowly and focus on your words; please tell me what has upset you?"

"Headmaster Whiskers a good wizard he's not; Mistress Hermione he's liking not and Floozy be thinking he doesn't want Floozy's Mistress to be the Great Harry Potter's friend: from shadows, Floozy be hearing this."

Harry smiled and asked, "A good wizard the Headmaster is not, why . . ."

"Stop that Yoda Potter; Floozy is really upset," Hermione said sternly, "apologize."

"Sorry Floozy; sorry Mione," he replied repentantly, "but we still need to know what she meant."

"Is that why you came back before I called," the hazel-eyed witch enquired, "because you heard him say something?"

Floozy nodded her head, "I saw Princess Hogwarts and she took me to see her mothers and fathers; Seneschal Tipzee and Prince Hogwarts came too: they were all very worried but told Floozy that it was a matter that required great consideration."

"And they asked you to tell me this, now?" Hermione asked and released her much calmer elf. "Do they want us to return?"

The young she-elf shook her head, "They told me to let you and Master Harry know, to be on the safe side, when I delivered Mistress Luna's Hogwarts invitation and a letter from her grandmother. They do want to see you, Master Harry; Mistress Hermione, as soon as you get back or right after dinner."

"Grandmother?" Luna said in confusion, "My grandmother died when I was an itty bitty baby and all my other relatives are gone too; there's only daddy and me left. That doesn't make sense Floozy; do . . . um . . . your friends have an infestation of wrackspurts. I didn't know Hogwarts had a prince or princess, have the nargles been hiding them?"

Harry, Hermione and Danielle exchanged amused glances; Floozy looked puzzled but approached Luna and handed her a yellowish envelope.

"Thank you, Floozy," she said and accepted the letter.

With everyone watching, Luna opened her Hogwarts' invitation and a nervous silence filled the library. As she withdrew and unfolded the parchments, a second and smaller envelope fell to the floor. The she-elf retrieved the dropped missive and dutifully tried to return it to its owner. Luna smiled at Floozy and asked the she-elf to hold onto it for her.

"Yippee!" Luna squealed and then said in a sing-song voice, "I'm going to Hogwarts with my bestest friends in January."

"January?" Hermione and Harry said with obvious perplexity.

"That's great," Danielle exclaimed and said with certainty, "We're going to have to work hard, Luna; Silkenrobe will see to it but I can't wait. Wait until my brother sees me at Hogwarts early, he's gonna to be so jealous; I can already hear him: 'My father will hear of this!'"

Harry and Hermione snickered (Danielle had Draco's cadence and pitch down perfectly) before Hermione sounding a little jealous asked, "I don't understand, why are you two starting a half-year early; is that even allowed? You never told me you're going earlier, Danielle, when did you find out?"

"I'm sorry, sis, but with everything that happened today it kinda slipped my mind," Dani apologized, "but we found out this morning when Professor McGonagall delivered my invitation; she didn't understand it either. Maybe Luna's second letter will explain."

All eyes turned to Luna as Floozy gave her the other letter. Tearing the envelope open, she read the single piece of parchment and looked even more wide-eyed than usual. She handed the letter to Danielle and her friend began to read: as did Harry and Hermione, who stood shoulder to shoulder with the birthday witch.

Dear Luna, they read. With you the circle—that began long ago—now closes. I am our alpha; you are our omega of ancient lore now thought to be myth. Open yourself to your friends: your future lovers. Reveal your true self and look to them for support. You will be my voice and face, as others will be your aunt's and uncles'. Harry and Hermione will show you where to find us. I eagerly await you arrival. Love, Your Grandma in canvas R. R. PS: we think that Harry and Hermione should tell you and Danielle (Gryff told us about Hermione's sister) who we are—were—whatever. R. R.

"Who's this R. R. person who calls herself your grandmother, Luna?" Danielle asked; Harry and Hermione exchanged knowing glances but were obviously surprised: the younger witch nibbled her bottom lip and asked, "What is this 'future lovers' and 'reveal your true self' stuff?"

Harry smiled, surprised by how much alike the two sister; after all, they'd only met two weeks ago and had not even spent a full day together. Granger witch's don't abide a mystery, the young wizard thought before he glanced at Luna; the young witch seemed to be alternating between relief and terror. The green-eyed wizard asked softly, "Are you okay Luna?"

Luna's big eyes stared at him for a moment and then she turned to Hermione's elf and asked, "Floozy, in my bag in Dani's room there is a book; would you please get it for me. It will help explain what this is all about. I now know why mummy told me to keep it with me always; she must've foreseen this day."

"Floozy will be happy to get Mistress Luna's book," she said and then popped away, only to return seconds later, with a large and very old looking book.

"Thank you Floozy, please hold onto it for now," she said to Floozy.

Glancing nervously between Danielle, Hermione and especially Harry, Luna took a deep breath and steeled herself before she—very unexpectedly—took off her shirt.

"Luna!" Hermione and Danielle exclaimed as Harry almost gave himself whiplash; when he quickly looked away. Luna didn't say anything; she knew they'd have to see to believe and hopefully understand without fear or rejecting her. It was unlikely she knew.

As if happening in slow motion, the sisters watched in amazement as Luna's long blonde hair acquired bluish highlights and the blue of her pupils spread across her eyes, which became a uniform shade of azure. A moment later (as if dye was poured onto her head) Luna's hair changed from a dirty blonde to a golden blonde in a progressive wave that began at the roots and finished at her hair tip. The highlights became a shiny almost metallic hue of blue and for all an extraordinary sight in itself; Luna's eyes took on the same metallic shade of scintillating blue. They gave the young witch a gaze only describable as ethereal. Moreover, within the glassy and preternatural blue depths of her eyes, golden flecks sparkled and randomly danced to an unheard harmony of the spheres. So enthralled by those unearthly eyes, it took a moment for Danielle and Hermione to notice the leaf-shaped wings of blue and gold that sprouted from Luna's back. Her new wings flapped languidly, like the indolent tail tip flicks of a contented cat, and enthralled the minds and imaginations of the witch sisters even further.

"Y-You're beautiful, Luna," Hermione managed after a moment of silent astonishment; her words broke the iron grip of Harry's shy propriety and curiosity turned his eyes. Stunned, the green-eyed wizard gazed in awe at the new appearance of Dani's now more understandably eccentric friend.

"You're fae!" Danielle exclaimed with astonishment and a hint of fear.

"Well, there's something you don't see every day," Harry somehow managed to deadpan, despite the unexpected sight before him; his gaze fixated on the topless and winged witch-girl, with the exotic gold speckled blue eyes, and he felt a third tug at his magic.

"Faerie actually, many creatures are fae; like pixies, sylphs and sprites but faeries are the Duchesses of the Seelie Court," Luna whispered in correction as a few stray tears leaked from her otherworldly eyes. "I suppose me and daddy should go now; it was nice being your friend Danielle Granger-Black and I really liked meeting your sister and Harry Potter."

"What do you mean by 'leave' Luna?" Dani asked in disbelief, "You are my friend, why are you leaving?"

"Witches and wizards don't like faeries, you're afraid of us and our magic; not that I can wield that much of it, I'm only part fae more fae than mommy or daddy undeniably but not wholly fae after all; I can't open Between," she replied.

Danielle, Hermione and Harry, contemplating Luna's words, remained silent as they truly looked at her fae form. At first glance, many subtle changes weren't obvious and only became apparent upon close examination. Aside from the most obvious changes and her slowly fluttering wings: the delicate restructuring of her face had shrunk her nose, rose her cheekbones and broadened her now slightly engorged lips and, while still overly large by human standards, Luna's eyes now enhanced instead of distracted from her countenance.

The young witch's transformation, from human to fae, went beyond the addition of wings and her now—apparently—shortened stature. Whereas Luna's physique once presented an appearance of being slightly younger than Danielle she now looked slightly older than Hermione and with her maturation came the associated broadening of her hips and the evident enlargement of her breasts. The sister witches appeared slightly envious of Luna's emergent looks but envy was rapidly supplanted by certain feelings—unequivocally Sapphic for them—that were shared with a certain green-eyed wizard: obviously hormonal in nature and provoking squirrelly sensations in their chests. Overall, Luna presented an otherworldly visage, both playful and sensual, which evoked a startling effect only definable as erotic. Danielle and Harry felt their faces grow uncomfortably warm and looked away but Hermione looked on; she accepted and embraced her precocious responses for what they were and without shame, as had her two mothers long before she had been born.

Hermione harrumphed and stated in stern gentleness, "You look awfully fairyish to me, Luna; just how I imagined fairies would look when I was little. And what's this about witches and wizards not liking fairies; I like you and I'm a witch, just like Dani and Harry are: well Harry's a wizard, but you know what I mean."

Luna sniffed, brushed a tear from her eye and dreamily lilted, "Thank you Hermione Granger, I'm glad you're muggle-born; can you be my big sis too?"

"I . . . I suppose that's okay, Luna, I guess," the hazel-eyed witch sounded uncertain.

"Oh goody," Luna twittered happily and flutter-hopped to Hermione, she wrapped her arms around the older witch and laid her head against the older witch's chest in awkward intimacy.

Hermione felt compelled to return Luna's embrace but didn't know where to put her arms, which remained hanging stiffly by her sides; she didn't want to crush the delicate looking leaf-shaped butterfly-like wings. The bushy-haired witch asked, "Is it safe to hug you back, Luna? I don't want to hurt your wings."

"Of course it's safe, silly Hermi," Hermione cringed but said nothing about her shortened name or the discomfort with having a topless and cute fairy-witch who she had just met hugging her, "you can drape your arms over my shoulders or wrap them around anywhere below my shoulder blades. You can even put your hands on my behind if you want; I'm sure I'd like that at least as much as I like pudding and you are a very beautiful witch Hermi. Did you know that you and Dani look a lot alike but for your different hair and eye colors?"

She wrapped her arms around Luna under her wings as instructed and returned the younger witch's hug. Following a few anxious moments, Hermione began to enjoy their embrace in a less than innocent manner. These feelings and a change in how she was breathing reaffirmed her status as her mothers' daughter explicitly and a few distinctly adult thoughts crept to the forefront of her mind. She held Luna tighter, earnestly wishing that the layers of fabric between them didn't exist and Hermione's hands began to roam perilously close to areas best left unexplored, at least for today. She lost herself to the ethereal allure, which Luna was knowingly or unknowingly radiating, and their gazes locked. As hazel eyes met scintillating blue ones, a silent invitation passed between and was accepted. Hermione tilted her head towards Luna's and their lips grew closer until they softly met.

"Ahem . . ." Harry, torn between watching and looking away, cleared his throat.

The young wizard's words pierced the bubble of sweet surrender surrounding the two entwined witches and drew Hermione from the beguiling fog that was clouding her mind and impelling her actions. Releasing Luna, who remained—nearly—hovering in place, Hermione essentially leapt from their embrace and stammered; "Oh m-my g-god! I'm s-sorry Luna!"

"Oh pooh!" Luna exclaimed as her hands went to her waist and she stuck out her tongue before adding, "And that kiss felt loads better than our first, silly Hermi, I liked how you were touching me too; is that how older witches kiss? I've still got lots to learn: me'n'Dani will have to practice more."

Flustered, Hermione remained self-admonished and said, "I shouldn't have done that, especially with Harry and Danielle here . . ."

". . . Okay, silly Hermi, next time we'll go somewhere else; where they won't see us."

"Th-that's not what I meant, Luna; I-I'm older than you, I shouldn't take advantage of you that way: I d-don't know what came over m-me."

"Listen to me, Hermione Granger," Luna began, her tone belying her age and usual dreamy cantor, "you didn't do anything wrong or anything I didn't like or anything I wouldn't let you to do again; you made me feel really good in a sorta funny way but it felt really really nice. I know you liked it too; after all, whose hands went naughty wandering? Anyways, I suppose it's all kinda my fault . . ."

"But . . . but how can it be your fault?" she faltered

"No buts, Hermione Granger," Luna said soothingly, "It's my nature, I'm fae. Mommy once warned me that I might be more fae than others who have faerie blood, like mommy and daddy, and that when I got older my magic might call to a companion or two," she glanced between Harry, Hermione and Danielle then added, "or three or four. She told me that faerie magics are primal magics and that they differ in frequency from a wizard's but can complement and entrain with them. They aren't flashy and quick like wizard magic; they leave little in the way of outward appearance when worked but witches and wizards still feel us and our magic. They're unconsciously drawn to it and us because we are amplifying founts of ancient and ignoble as it's come to be known magic; it calls to their cores and entices like a sweet smell and if they ever get a taste they'll always want more. It can be even more intense, when there's an emotional bond between fae and human and whenever there is a bond, magical interlacement may occur. When that transpires, their magics weave a tapestry of shared magic and it makes each more powerful but there is the cost."

In harmony, Harry, Hermione and Danielle said, "A cost?"

Luna smiled and replied, "There's always a cost when doing magic, it's just usually too small to sense; the price of an Arcanaarras is that of entwining fate: for bondings between faeries that means neither survives if the other one dies."

"I've never heard of anything like that, Luna," Hermione stated as Dani and Harry shook their heads in agreement, "why do you know? Is it in a book?"

"Lovegood Family Lore, which is why I asked Floozy to get my book, Hermione Granger; it tells a story a story that my mommy told me is not a fable. It's not a long story but you should read it, Hermione Granger and Harry Potter. Dani probably already knows it; it's quite a popular fable, especially amongst young witches."

Without being asked, Floozy handed Hermione Luna's book. It was a large and heavy leather-bound tome that looked very old but well cared for. With Harry and Danielle standing by each of her shoulders, she opened the book and read the title page: The Witch and the Fae.

Danielle smiled when she read the title but she was confused as well. She said, "My mum used to read this to me when I was little; it was my favorite story. I liked it even more than I liked the Adventures of Harry Potter stories."

Harry grew very red, he glanced at Luna (still topless and almost but not quite fluttering in place); he became even redder; Luna giggled and Hermione had to fight an urge to snicker: her success was questionable, if her unladylike snort was any indication.

"Har, har," Harry managed as he glared at them; he then said rather meekly, "At least I get royalties now and the author agreed after Gringotts kinda sorta twisted her arm a bit to not write or publish any more without my permission. Anyways, what has a fairytale got to do with all this?"

"It's not just a 'fairytale' my mommy told me so; look at me, I'm real aren't I," Luna stated, "Please, just read the story; it'll help you understand me and my family."

"Okay, okay we'll read Luna," Hermione reassured their young faerie friend. She turned the page; the story was written on the left page, while a very beautifully painted image, on the right-hand page, showed a stunning looking witch walking through an enchanted forest: if the fairy lights dancing amongst the trees was any indication. The witch in the picture winked at Harry and Hermione; they glanced at each other in surprise and then looked at Luna. Hermione pointed to the image and asked, "Um, Luna who is this?"

"I don't know her name but my mommy told me that when she was little she was told that it was our really great great grandmother or something like that."

"Harry," Hermione whispered, "do you think . . ."

". . . Maybe, looks like it," he replied as softly.

"What are you two whispering about," Danielle asked.

"Um, Mione and me might've seen a picture of this witch at Hogwarts, Dani; that's all," Harry said.

"Who is it?" Luna asked eagerly.

"The picture Harry and I are talking about isn't titled, Luna," Hermione countered cagily before she and Harry focused on the book; Danielle glanced at her sister and Harry, with suspicion. They're hiding something, Dani thought but her Slytherin nature knew better than to ask.

Once, amongst the fens of yore and vales of Highlands wild, a beautiful witch sought eldritch lore 'neath boughs of elder trees; trees where once fair Seelie passed twixt walls of realm for men and Fae. Harry and Hermione read. And then as night's dark canvas drew 'cross the setting sun; the witch she sought a dell for night so that she might make camp. Then as the moon in full midsummer's face ascended to her place, the witch upon a coppice found of tangle thorn and hiding song of cascade's sound of waters' play. But as the brambles, too thick to pass, were standing in her way; the witch took flight on wings of black and feathered in a raven's wealth.

The witch looked up from the picture and winked at the young lions in a manner suggesting both intellect and recognition before she changed into a raven, flew to the top of the image and vanished. Hermione turned the page.

Unseen in night through moon cast shadows, the black of feathered wings flew sure and true o'er brambles sharp the witch did soar and found a glade mere with water o'er rocks and falling. They continued silently, glancing briefly at the facing image of a pond and waterfall. Fluttering about the painted glade, they saw pastel lights of red, yellow and blue; which were likely pixies they figured. They watched the raven fly playfully amongst the dancing fairy lights before it landed by the pool's edge and turned back into the witch. Noticed again, Harry and Hermione saw her smile at them and wink.

They resumed reading. 'A place of beauty such,' the witch in softness sighed, 'is not of this our realm or time but delightful still is private safe from fauna on the prowl, and here I'll take my earned repose and see what might follow.' Shedding robes now dirty and torn, she felt night's zephyr kiss away the sweat upon her brow. With feet unshod, by pond she sat; to let her toes now weary dip in waters crystal, warm and tranquil. In awe of reflection, as Luna rose higher, she noted no ripples by the flume notwithstanding. 'How can this be?' she wondered aloud, 'the pond is mirrored and yet water's falling.' So kicking her feet with nary a splash, she rose from the ground and to the fount she did look. 'From upon yon crag from whence water springs,' she said into the night. 'I'll see this sight from upon of that height.

Hermione flipped to the next image, which depicted the familiar witch walking from the pond's edge and to the bottom of the bluff; she began climbing as Harry and Hermione resumed reading.

Padding her way across soft grass green as emeralds the witch found a way that allowed her to climb. And upon her bare soles on moss padded stair she ascended to the top and passing moonflowers that dotted a ledge few mere strides to precipice edge. O'er the forest that ringed this fae glade, trees stood as the guardians twixt mundane and light. With Luna on high and Luna below, the witch felt the mirror to her soul did it call. And in thoughtless abandon, she dove from the edge and still waters welcomed in reflection of night. Into the moon the pond had presented, her body passed surface and then became lost. Deeper and deeper she plunged to no bottom and the moon did lead downwards until it was up. Breaking a plane both different and same, she gasped for a breath in the warm air of a night and pondered the wonder of what was in sight. 'O raven haired beauty,' a woman voiced from the bank, 'tis a strange summer night when it summons you here.'

Looking up from the book and towards a still fluttering Luna, Hermione asked, "This is interesting and all but what are we looking for?"

"Silly Hermi, the story is the answer," Luna replied, "that's what mummy told me."

"Turn the page, Mione," Harry said simply, "I think I know where this is going; I suspect you do too."

The next plate showed the witch treading water in a pond that looked similar to the one found on previous page. Nearby, an ethereally beautiful faerie combed through the long golden locks of green highlighted hair.

Upon yonder bank, the witch espied, a she-fae just in glory clad and in wonder of this sight now seen, she called forth to the winged being. 'O stranger there on wings and fair, whose eyes doest beguile mine what of you and of this place, which finds me now before thy fair grace.' 'By Avalon Between was named by scribes of lore now old and worn: from whence the Seelie once did roam to sing of powers to newly born. We are the Elder, the teachers of yore, the givers of knowledge to forebears before.' 'Such wonders now before me lie but of my fate I wonder why that upon these shores beneath these skies belies the space that reigns as mine. And thankful for the chance confronting, I hope my return will not be daunting.' 'O Raven-haired mistress of magic less ancient, thy passage sets Between's direction and changes not till once anew in bright and full thy moon is risen. So tarry not to know me better; learn of lands that will not fetter. End for me my isolation in exchange for awe and wonder.'

In thought, the witch did briefly stare and pondered if the Fae was fair but since a curse upon her lay, little was the cost to pay. 'Such congress for my recompense offends me not nor is a hardship and well relieves my bane's condition to stem the tide of tribulation.' 'Then well met you my new companion; come to me and be my consort. Let my arms and wings enfold to ease thy lust from curse now old and upon your being my lips shall play to soothe the heat of blight's dark way.' So welcomed by the Seelie's whispers, which called forth to the witch essential to satisfy her urge now heating she swam ashore with heart fast beating. And into arms both soft and warm she found relief.

Absently, Harry and Hermione watched the image run through the cycle of written events, as well as an illustration might possibly relate to such, a few times before turning the page once more. They glanced at the next picture and noted the a large narrative leap from the former plate.

For a year and a day, the witch and her fae learned and they played under the moon's soft face and stars smiling with grace. And bestowed there upon them by Gaia and Aether came daughters to mothers and fathers to sisters. Together but apart, like twins and yet not, Luna and Selena knew love as begotten of a witch and a fae and their profligate play. And they grew as they knew the wonder Between until they reached the fair size of an eleven-year-old child. Then the witch and the fae to their pond they returned, with their children in company they sought for a way to breech the realm's hedge to the sovereign of men, where half of their heritage had found life and still dwell. And linking their hands, the family together, entered the waters and swam deep to the moon but the fae torn asunder in turbulent water, let only the witch and their children make passage. And the three found the surface of a pond crystal clear, filled by cascading waters quite warm and quite near.

Enthralled, Hermione turned the page and she and Harry resumed reading.

Saddened by the loss of her fae and their mother, the witch did look skyward to the moon and the stars. 'What is this that I see,' the witch said in surprise, 'the heavens are drawn to one full moon longer. And can it be true that our children and I, now stand beneath heavens I knew as a child and if my eyes hold true, we must make our way yonder, as mere human beings to the vale of the castle.' Then the witch in instruction cautioned her family, to take human form and to hide their true wonder. And Selena and Luna, drew their wings to their backs and their eyes became common but their souls left intact. 'My children I must warn that your truth be not known to witches or wizards or others forlorn. For many are jealous and fearful of fae, they know only stories now faded away and wishing for gifts from you they'll implore for what you can't give them of cost notwithstanding. And yet take some solace that some who might come, will want you as someone they're willing to love. So let's tarry onward; over hill and through dale, and make for the castle long hidden in vale.

Hermione closed the book and glanced at Harry; he had reached the same conclusion, which was rather obvious when considering that Luna Lovegood was looking very fae with her wings indolently aflutter as she hovered above the floor.

The bushy-haired witch took a breath and said, "If I didn't see you like this, I'd think you were teasing me, Luna."

Harry nodded in agreement and added, "So, obviously you are a descendent of either Luna or Selena; the halfling children born to an unnamed fairy and Rowena Ravenclaw."

"Yes, I suppose; at least that's what my mum told me . . . wait, did you say Rowena Ravenclaw?"

"Obviously," Hermione answered, "the image of the witch in your book, Luna, is of Rowena; I'm certain of it."

"I-I've never seen a proper picture of any of the Founders, no one has; how can you be sure?"

"Um . . ." the Hazel-eyed witch hesitated.

Harry just smiled and said, "I think we should tell them like they suggested, Hermione; they'll be joining us at Hogwarts come January and obviously it took somebody or somebodies of great authority to pull this out of the Sorting Hat. If not the work of the Founders; it's the work of Hogwarts or magic itself."

"Sis?" Danielle implored.

"I know, Harry, it's just that it seems like Fate just rolled her dice again and they came up Dani and Luna, I'm rather frightened by the implications: I mean who or what next?"

"I think we can dispense with the dice, Mione; this wasn't random at all, it was quite deliberate. I understand how you feel about the implications, though; this has been my life since the day after my birthday and I'm still not comfortable with what's happening around me," Harry replied. "All the same, I'll have to admit one thing though; things are obviously more dire than we thought or moving faster than expected. Between your parents and sister; Luna and her father; and the involvement of The Nation and The People we are obviously nearing a crisis point."

"So, what do Hermione Granger and Harry Potter know that the rest of us don't," Luna asked, back to her usually dreamy self, which seemed appropriate to her new looks and explained much about the odd witch.

"Our society is being weighed and the survival of the Wizarding World now hangs in the balance; the slightest thing may tilt the scale to our destruction," the young wizard replied flatly.

Danielle looked uncomfortable but Luna just shrugged her shoulders and said, "I'm not surprised; the nargles and wrackspurts have been hinting the same thing."

"What's a nargle . . . or a wrackspurt for that matter?" Hermione asked skeptically.

Luna turned her big fae eyes to Hermione and said, "As a descendant of the Fae, I see magic. A nargle is how I see magic affecting a witch or wizard's emotional state and a wrackspurt is magic affecting their intellectual state. You and Harry have a lot of nargles about you but very few wrackspurts; I imagine the nargles are because of puberty, especially in you Hermione Granger: you must be at least on the cusp of the big change. It's rather obvious to me because of the way my aura affects you. Can we kiss again, Hermione Granger? It felt very nice. You can even touch me however you want, I'm sure I'd like that. You and Dani are a lot like your mums and Harry is a lot like your dad; we are going to have so much fun once we all have our adult bits working properly: who is our sister four?"

"What!" Hermione and Danielle exclaimed together.

"You know, our fourth sister," Luna said, "There are four ribbons, one reaching and three connected to Harry. Hermione's is the strongest and then Dani's is the next strongest. My ribbon just connected to Harry today but I feel a fourth reaching for him; so I was wondering whom it might be. Whoever it is, is going to be very important to Hermione because her ribbon is reaching for Hermione just as mine has reached for and connected me to Dani as Dani's has connected to me.

"So, you've seen pictures of the Founders Four; is that what's calling the three of us plus one? I can hear their whispers in the ripples of magic; they are like leaves dancing on the breeze right now but soon they will settle on the same stream. Is my great grandma Rowena nice? I am sure she'll know a lot about my family. I know Luna adopted the surname of Lovegood before becoming the Matriarch of the Lovegood clan, according to my mummy, but something happened in Selena's Brightwing's—my Daddy's line—and they lost their family lore. My daddy's family became patriarchal at some point but none know why . . ."

"Wait a second, Luna," Hermione interjected, "are you saying that you are a descendent of Rowena and her half-fae daughter Luna . . ."

". . . of course, silly Hermione; why else did she name me Luna Lovegood if that was not the case?"

"Well . . . yes, I suppose but what I was getting at was that you are also the descendant of Selena? That seems a little I don't know weird, I guess," the bushy-haired witch said.

"It does?" Luna said nonchalantly, "I never thought about it, before, but if my parents were not descendants of the sisters then I would not have wings, now would I? I'm the first to have them as far as I know and while my mummy helped me explore my heritage and history she never told daddy; she didn't want to make him sad: I never understood why it would make him sad and mummy died before she could tell me."

With Luna leaving all with much to think about, the foursome didn't notice the stealthy approach of Silkenrobe until the she-goblin entered the library and said, "It's been many generations since of The People have been graced by the glow of the Fae, Miss Lovegood . . ."

"Silkenrobe? How; when?" Harry exclaimed, as he and his friends flinched in surprise.

"I just arrived but be thankful I'm not Ragnok; if I was, I would've hit you for being unguarded and unaware," Silkenrobe stated bluntly, "Has Hogwarts' less than demanding curriculum so eroded the skills we worked so hard to hone in you, Lord Potter? I shall have to speak with Filius. Also, you two; yes you Danielle and Lady Luna, have raised my ire as well but I'll be a little forgiving of my apprentices; they are new to their training and facing a life-altering revelation. And, while I'm at it, Lady Hermione: you'd do well to focus more of your profound intellect and natural talents on what Filius has been teaching you. You, above all others close to Harry, are in the most sensitive of places; you can't afford too many diversions, no matter how attractive she might be."

Harry, Hermione, Danielle and Luna bowed their heads in shame; feeling appropriately chastised by the older she-goblin. Harry finally managed a quiet, "I'm sorry Silkenrobe."

The goblin, having made her point, said, "Remember my words well my young friends and hopefully future brood-mates; I'll not tell your other teachers that the four were caught with your proverbial pants down. Nevertheless, I will need to speak to Ragnok, Griphook and your vaultlords, Lord Potter and company. Lady Luna's rather unanticipated revelation requires an alteration and the refocus of some of our training; we need to support and take advantage of her unique abilities since a Faerie in our midst allows for some radical possibilities."

She gave each witch and wizard another piercing glare but her eyes lingered on Luna; it was obvious that Hermione wasn't the only one affected by the young faerie's enthralling aura.

"Silkenrobe," Harry began, "I'm not sure Luna likes being stared at, like that; I know I don't."

"I kinda like it, Harry Potter," Luna said dreamily as she flutter-hopped to the she-goblin, wrapped her arms around her and instigated another, torrid, interspecies kiss. Silkenrobe's usually pale green skin grew darker, which was likely a goblin blush, as the kiss with the Luna lingered and grew heated like it had with Hermione and even the she-goblin found it hard to escape from the young faerie's embrace.

"Ahem," Harry and Hermione said in unison. Thankfully, for Silkenrobe, it was enough to stop her from demonstrating how passionate goblins could become with their brood-mates. Slipping from Luna's arms, the she-goblin took a step back.

"Oh pooh!" Luna exclaimed before adding, "You know, you don't really notice those sharper teeth when you kiss a goblin. Silkenrobe has very soft lips and a very firm and talented tongue . . . I think. I think she has a nice body under her clothes I could feel it pressing against me. She's more curvey than she looks, too."

Harry blushed; he remembered how Silkenrobe looked when they were swimming.

"Luna!" Danielle exclaimed from the periphery of the heat radiating from her friend and Silkenrobe. It was enough to make her want to doff her shirt as well. Hermione looked the same and both witches looked a little envious that if Harry had wanted to, he could remove his without facing social issues or other restrictions but for modesty to prevent him.

"Well, that was . . . unexpected," Silkenrobe uttered quietly and her confession was enough for a few giggles to rise from the humans in the room. She scowled and said, "Such things will have to wait but for now I'd suggest, Lady Luna, that you retake your witch form and put your shirt on; other's might come looking for the four of you. Now, as I approached I heard Lady Luna say that her father did not know about her . . . other form. While, as one of The People, I don't abide by keeping secrets from one's brood-mate or parent; I'd suggest that Lady Luna speak with her father about it. If she is uncomfortable with that, then I'd suggest she speak with the Lady Regent Granger and the Lady Granger-Black at least; Lady Luna needs some maternal support for her changes now and soon to come."

"I think that's a good idea, Luna," Danielle agreed, "Mums are great when it comes to stuff like this . . . well perhaps not exactly like this . . . but I'm sure they'll be a great help to you."

Luna, her faerie features fading back into her body, said, "I . . . I don't know, Dani; I want to think about it first."

Hermione, nibbling her bottom lip a little as she picked up Luna's shirt and handed it to her new friend, added, "I think Dani and Silkenrobe are right Luna. You should be glad this came out now and not when you're at Hogwarts this January; at least you can chat with our mums about things if you need to talk."

"What's this about Hogwarts in January?" Silkenrobe asked.

"Me and Dani are joining Harry and Hermione at Hogwarts this school year, Silkenrobe," Luna piped in happily, "that's what our letters said."

Danielle nodded and said, "Professor McGonagall was quite surprised too; she'll be even more surprised by Luna's invite. Especially in the manner it was delivered; hers was delivered via Hermione's house-elf.

"That changes things," said the she-goblin thoughtfully, "our timetable for training has been obliterated; we'll have to rethink our plans on the morrow. More's the pity, too, we thought we had nearly a year to train; you two are about to become very busy depending on yours and your parents' decisions about accelerating your training. It gets all the more compacted since we now need to plan two training regimes in light of Lady Luna's . . . condition."

"I'll sprout wings too if that makes things easier, Silkenrobe," Danielle said facetiously.

The she-goblin gave the birthday-witch a long look but only Harry, courtesy of his time spent with Silkenrobe, could read her expression.

"Silkenrobe," the green-eyed wizard began, "please don't tell me you just hatched an insidious plot to take advantage of Dani idly volunteering to sprout wings."

"Harry?" Hermione said but she was looking at the she-goblin, "what do you mean?"

"Um . . . well, The Nation in the past has sometimes 'enhanced' The People; if a skill set or an ability proves itself to be of tactical or strategic value. They have certain rituals than can . . . er . . . graft the desired properties onto another. There really are a lot of very good reasons for wizards to fear the goblins; instead they just foolishly despise them or think they are lesser beings than themselves. Really quite foolish if you ask me but who am I to judge my betters?"

The last was said with a defiant smirk from the green-eyed wizard.

"Lord Potter!" Silkenrobe growled, "You may be favored by the Overlord and the Council but that also means you'd face Ragnok's ire as one of The People should you expose things you know. I'd rather not see you fed to a dragon."

"I'm sorry, Silkenrobe, I said too much and agree with the whole 'fed to a dragon' thing; it's something I'd rather not see either," he said humbly.

"Excuse me, Harry; Silkenrobe," Danielle interjected, "does that mean I might be able to you know sprout wings and stuff?"

"Um . . ." Harry began.

"It's possible," Silkenrobe surprisingly, not to mention candidly, stated, "At least between Lady Luna and Lady Danielle it might be. They, after all, have natures much closer to each other than they do with those who went underground many tens of millennia ago as ice covered our world."

Harry stared at his she-goblin friend, sparing partner and tutor in near stupor; Hermione's mouth was agape, a definite sign of a groundbreaking revelation. Danielle and Luna, being of magical descent, didn't have their friends and family's knowledge regarding things like evolution, geology or a genealogy that went beyond the simple family histories so near and dear to many a purebloods' heart.

"Silkenrobe?" Hermione, the first to recover thanks to an incessant need to know things, began.

"Like Lord Potter, I've said more than I should Lady Granger please forgive me and ask nothing more for the time being," said the she-goblin in a very measured tone, "I've much to discuss with the Overlord and my comrades. It seems, my likely future brood-mates; it is not just Lord Potter and you three suffering from an infection of Fate. Many questions need to be answered; many more need to be investigated so that we might proceed both rationally and honestly. As one of The People, such uncertainty and ignorance unnerves me."

Smiling, Harry said, "I'm surprised you'd admit that Silkenrobe; The People do not like to show any type of weakness."

"It's as you say, Harry, but to deny such feelings means to lie to myself; the greatest sin for a goblin, after betrayal, is not being who we're meant to be and true to ourselves. It is a fundamental difference between The People and our human cousins. Please do not speak of these things; many on both sides of our family would not understand."

"Well," Harry began with a touch of levity, "we know where Professor Flitwick comes from now."

Hermione nibbled her bottom lip and added, "Can it really be that simple?"

"The Nation and The People have a very long history, much of which is covered by dust so thick that they no longer even resemble something made by goblin hands and cleverness," Silkenrobe said, once more with surprising candor.

The silence of deliberation swallowed the library for a few moments until Luna said in bright curiosity, "Are you our fourth sister, Silkenrobe? I wouldn't think you've known Hermione long enough for a ribbon to form between you two, although a connection to Harry wouldn't be surprising; I've heard how you speak of him and have now seen how you look at him. Can we spend more time together too? I really want to practice more kissing with you; just like I want to with Dani, Harry and Hermione."

Three faces grew pinker and another became a deeper green as Silkenrobe said, "Bah! Faeries, they seem worse than a Veela in heat. This was never mentioned in any of our records, which scribed our dealings with Faeries and their kin."

Harry chuckled and said, "I'm not surprised, Silkenrobe, when have The Nation and The People's records ever been even a touch bit risqué or salacious?"

"Be that which it may, Lord Potter, but I suggest we return to the others lest someone else comes in search of us; thinking we might be investigating interspecies relations in an inappropriate manner. I'd rather not face an amused Griphook or the advances of Ragnok's youngest brood-mates. I'm not sure I'd have the stamina needed for those two and I doubt four young witches and wizards would be of much help with an amorous she-goblin, let alone two. We shall have to address this matter at a later date."

"Silkenrobe, did you just utter a naughty comment?" The green-eyed wizard asked in a playful manner.

"Griphook is not the only member of The Nation to have been corrupted by a cheeky Lord Potter but a cheeky Lord Potter is a vast improvement over the dire Lord Potter we met when he first arrived," Silkenrobe teased, their ages and backgrounds notwithstanding and contrary to how Dani and Luna had historically seen goblins. "Now, children, let us get back to the others; there are questions I'd rather not answer, rumors I'd rather not hear and suspicions I'd rather not rouse: at least not yet."

"Yes Silkenrobe," the four said in unison and she-goblin found it surprisingly creepy, for all it reminded her of things she had read about the Founders and their first Patrons. I need to speak of this nascent connection between them, she thought, Ragnok told us to watch for a sign of it but it seems like there's a missing piece. I wonder if it relates to that Greengrass heir Harry asked us to look into; I believe the Overlord said he was expecting a report this week. I hope Griphook, Emeraldella and Sapphirella don't notice the smell I fear I may be carrying.