Alright!

Time to get in the real pace of things, here. Her comes the first chapter of this story, and we rejoin our dear heroes only shortly after they all parted ways in King's Cross.

So, what has happened in the summer? Well, let's see.

Summer Revelations

"There is my train," she said, pointing at one line. "Platform Twenty-two."

Kenneth followed her to that platform. By the time they reached it, the speaker systems were announcing the train's imminent departure. Kenneth helped Julie to heave her trunk inside her car. The train looked weird to him, very smooth on the outside. The locomotive didn't have any chimney, and no steam at all was going out of it. How this train could even circulate was a mystery to Kenneth. But Julie assured him it was very fast.

A voice repeated that the train for Paris was about to leave, inviting the passengers to get aboard. Julie turned to Kenneth.

"Well, see you next term," he said.

"Yes," said Julie.

She suddenly seemed to take a decision as one siren was warning the passengers to get in for the last time. Julie stepped up on the first step leading to the car. She hanged from the door frame and leant to him.

She kissed softly on the lips.

"See you soon," she whispered, smiling tenderly.

And she rushed inside the train, as the door was shutting down on its own, leaving Kenneth thunderstruck. He was tied between surprise and pure joy. All he could do was to watch Julie's face appear at the train window. She waved, as the train started. It was really fast, and soon, Julie was out of sight. But Kenneth stood there motionless for a long time.

"Wow," he finally whispered.

Lionheart Hall, August

Kenneth dodged a fireball that went to explode against the wall behind him. He didn't leave his opponent out of sight, just stepping away from the possible flames, before to resolutely resume his guard. The next attack came at him in a high arc above him, but he was ready. He blocked it with a quick shield and countered by a lightning bolt. The attack nearly caught his adversary off guard, but it was still blocked and deflected across the training hall. Kenneth didn't wait for the next move and summoned a wave of fire, hurling it at his opponent, who had to summon a shield as the flames engulfed him. Kenneth's flame didn't harm him, but it kept him occupied long enough for Kenneth to aim his next attack at his ankle, trying to trip him.

But his ruse was caught on and the attack was blocked. His adversary retaliated with a blasting spell that caught Kenneth by surprise and send him rolling on the floor, signalling the end of the duel. Kenneth stayed a long moment lying on the wooden floor, staring at the ceiling.

"Damn," he groaned.

"Don't feel bad, son," said Lancelot Lionheart, coming into view, as he towered over his son. "I saw that ankle trick way too often to fall for it now. That's your uncle's favourite, whenever he's sparring with me. Bohor's has tried to slip this one past me for years. I guess he showed it to you, huh?"

"He could have told me you knew about it," grumbled Kenneth, with a wry smile.

His father caught his hand and helped him back up.

"I suppose he hoped that to see you use it against me would be a surprise," said Lancelot. "Or it could simply be his idea of fun. You know Bohor, don't you?"

"Yeah, I guess," smiled Kenneth.

"Anyway," said Lancelot, putting his large hand on his son's shoulder. "Excellent fight. You're growing more skilful by the day. It's amazing to think you've manifested less than a year ago."

Kenneth took his father's compliment with immense pride.

"Well, that would be Professor Potter's doing," said Kenneth, modestly. "He's been hell bent on observing the inner workings of the Wand Gift, so he's put me through so much practice that I caught on a lot of things just by watching him."

"I can believe that," said Lancelot. "I remember that he was already one hex of a duellist, even when he was sixteen. If I heard right, he's grown even better, by now."

They walked to the bench near the wall of the training room in Kenneth's family manor, to get a glass of water. They had been doing this since Kenneth had returned from Hogwarts. They would spar roughly every two days. Lancelot had managed to obtain a special dispense for Kenneth to be able to practice Magic inside Lionheart Hall, in order to refine his Wand Gift. This was the only privilege a Wandmaster clan allowed themselves, when it came to their gift, because it was a matter of responsibility. Kenneth's talent was no toy, and it needed to be trained constantly. So far, he hadn't been able to defeat his father, which came as no surprise for him. No matter how talented Kenneth could be, Lancelot still had years of experience with the Gift and as an Auror. Without any false pride, Kenneth did seriously believe that Lancelot was among, if not the best duellist in all England. And he was able to hold his ground against him.

Of course, the spells they were using were 'blunted' ones. At no time the fire wave he had just sent at his dad would have truly hurt him. But the reflex and the reactions were essential in fighting with a wand and Lancelot intended to have his son ready to face anything by the time he graduated Hogwarts. It had given Kenneth the chance to spend more time with his father. Lancelot wasn't distant as a parent, but between the time Kenneth spent in Hogwarts and the tight schedule of an Auror of Lancelot's calibre, it was difficult for them to come together. But this summer had seen Lancelot impose to his boss that he needed some time to help his son to train. Even the Auror Heads realized that an untrained Wandmaster wasn't something they'd wish.

So they had bonded more deeply over this summer than ever before. Lancelot had been briefed on the whole events of his school year and he had expressed his pride at Kenneth's actions. Kenneth didn't care for either fortune or fame, but his father's pride was something he craved and cherished.

He caught a curious look from his dad, until Lancelot spoke up.

"So, tell me," he said, with a knowing smile he only had for his son. "This girl. Who is she?"

Kenneth was taken aback by that offhand question, and it took him a few seconds before he could react.

"What girl?" he asked.

"Oh come on, son, I know you," chuckled Lancelot. "You've been acting dreamy all along this summer I can recognize the symptoms. So who is she?"

Kenneth felt like he would protest for a second. Then he remembered that it was his father he was talking to. Lancelot was a lot of things, but he wasn't an idiot. His son wouldn't be able to fool him like he had tried to do with his friends. Kenneth sighed.

"Well," he said. "Her name is Julie."

"Ah, that French girl you rescued, then," noted his dad. "Didn't you say she had a boyfriend? Well, at least, you could say you made a good impression, right?"

Kenneth snorted a little. Lancelot chuckled again, without any mockery.

"Maybe it's the problem," said Kenneth. "I mean, I saved her, but, now, won't she feel obliged to…"

"I doubt it," said Lancelot. "The way you told me about her, she seems to be quite independent. So you saved her. It doesn't mean she'll love you out of the blue. At most, it will make her act friendly if she wasn't already."

Kenneth hoped it was true. That Julie had only given him this kiss to prove her feelings for him, and not out of gratitude, because it would be going against his principles to benefit from gratitude over his gifts.

"Well, given the way you seem to dream about her… have you talked to her about it?" asked his father.

"It's not that easy, you know," said Kenneth, hoping his father wouldn't notice...

"You did," said Lancelot, pointedly. "You did, didn't you?"

"In a way," said Kenneth. "I wrote to her… but I got no reply."

"Oh," said Lancelot. "Well, she may want to respond in person, then. I know that some people won't express their feelings in a letter."

"It's just very complicated," sighed Kenneth.

"Oh, don't I know that," said Lancelot, grinning. "Dealing with love may be the most difficult thing on earth. For us, it's even harder than fighting. I've been through quite complicated times when I met your mother, you know."

"But she loved you," said Kenneth. "You were sure of that."

Lancelot sat down on the bench. Kenneth joined him. Lancelot ruffled his hair, who were free from the ponytail Kenneth was usually wearing every day at school.

"If only I was," he said, smiling. "She was a stubborn one, your mum. We were just friends when she manifested, and I was trying to help her understand. She was convinced my interest in her was only because of her Gift. Of course, I was already at her feet. To be honest, I think I fell in love with her even before I knew she was a Wandmaster. I had to be in my second year."

"So you started dating in school?"

"In our seventh year," said Lancelot, smiling at the memory. "When she was sure that I didn't care about her blood, or her gifts, we went along quite nicely."

Kenneth smiled at the idea of his mom and dad flirting as teenagers. He wasn't sad anymore, when he evoked his mother's image. To think of her raised now happy memories in his mind. That had taken a lot of time to get there. But now he was able to move on, even if he never would forget her.

"It's strange," said Kenneth. "I can't really picture you and Mum dating. Or Grandfather and Nanny, for that matter."

"You think I could picture Grandfather and Grandmother dating?" said Lancelot, chuckling lightly. "Of course, at that time, it was called 'courting', but still…"

Kenneth joined him in laughter. Both his grandparents and his great-grandparents fitted the image the Wandmasters had in the public eye quite well: mysterious, with stiff manners, and a deep sense of honour and decorum, although they had a heart of gold. Kenneth had never known Percival or Hannah, two of the numerous casualties of the War against Grindenwald, in which they had been prominent fighters. And he had only known Gahenis, his Grandfather, briefly, before the man died on an Auror assignment. But Kenneth had seen enough pictures of both of them to figure what kind of men they were. Dorothea Lionheart, Lancelot's mother, was out of the same mould, and she was quite respected in the family.

"When do we get to meet Nanny again?" asked Kenneth.

He was calling her Nanny to contradict her manners. She was tolerating this, of course, but Kenneth found that funny.

Lancelot looked a little embarrassed.

"Well, since you're now a full grown Wandmaster, the tradition is that you must finish your studies before to be admitted to family reunions. You're in a phase of transition. Before, you were a kid. After, you'll be a man. And the family mustn't interfere with your maturation as a wizard. You must find your own way."

"What? That means I won't be able to see anyone before I get back to school?"

"That's the tradition," said Lancelot, grinning. "But it's also a tradition to turn the rules."

Kenneth raised his eyebrows.

"I invited Sonia and Troy over for dinner," said Lancelot, getting on his feet, and heading out of the training room. "You see, the family can't meet you, but that's meant as a whole, in an official and formal way, you know, with all the cousins gathered in the same place. What individuals in the family do is their own business."

"Is there any place in the world large enough to house the entire family?" asked Kenneth, smiling, as he was following him.

Clan Lionheart was one of the most ancient and large wizarding families in England. They were spreading all over the world, from the United States to China, where one cousin had settled himself with some beautiful Chinese witch, named Li. Most of the family lived in Europe, and the core of the Clan still dwelled in England.

Unlike many wizards of this ascendancy, the Lionhearts didn't care much about their blood in terms of prestige. If the Stiller, the Macke, and the Malfoy had been families proud to see their blood go back to the fourteenth century, the Clan Lionheart was making very little about that, even though the line could be traced to a Knight of King Arthur's court, back in Merlin's days. The important for them was the tradition of the Wandmasters: fight for the right cause, and avoid politics. And the whole family was adhering to that code, even if every child born in the Clan wasn't a Wandmaster every generation.

Kenneth's family had suffered many losses, in the course of the 20th century, with the victims of Grindenwald and all the people involved in the two Orders of the Phoenix. But the clan was still strong, and Kenneth knew many of his relatives, however distant, by name.

And among those relatives, Sonia was one of Kenneth's favourite cousins. She was a direct cousin of Lancelot, ten years older than Kenneth. She had been playing with him when he was a baby, and she had been a great help for Lancelot, when his wife had died. Sonia had been a real close friend of Sarah, Kenneth's mother. They had enlisted in the Order of The Phoenix at the same time.

Sonia was now married to an Auror named Troy Jenkins. They were often working together as a team. They were travelling all around the world, in search of Dark Wizards in hiding since the end of the Second War. The couple was always nice and more than ready to drop by Lionheart Hall. And Kenneth was always happy to see them.

Lancelot's revelation about the Clan's tradition did a lot to explain that Kenneth and his Father had basically had the ancestral home all for themselves during the summer. Bohor, who lived with his large family in the Hall on a permanent basis, had taken his whole 'tribe' away on a trip, even taking his old grandmother Gwenever with him. Kenneth usually lived in a little house in London with his Dad, but was used to spend the summer in Lionheart Hall. He had enjoyed the time spent with his father, but to have guests now was a welcome change.

Sonia and Troy showed up at eight, and Kenneth opened the door to face his cousin.

"Oh, Merlin!" exclaimed Sonia. "How did a little rug-rat like you grow up so fast!"

"It's been only two years," said Kenneth, hugging her, warmly. "I guess I just grew up like everyone else."

"And look at that," said Troy, playing with Kenneth's ponytail. "When I heard about your new status, I thought that was a joke."

"We don't usually joke about this, honey," said Sonia, frowning but smiling at the same time. "You can't imagine how proud I was when I heard about your Gift awakening so early," she said to Kenneth.

"I guess I got this from Mum," said Kenneth.

"I bet you did," said Troy. "She has always been ahead of everyone."

Kenneth smiled and led them into the living room where Sonia jumped in Lancelot's arms. They all settled down in the couches of the wooden decorated living room. Sonia and her husband began to exchange news with them, just about anything: the travels they had made, the missions abroad they had been on. Sonia proudly informed Lancelot that she had personally caught one of the last member of the inner Circle of Voldemort that had been at large, a Death Eater called Goyle. His accomplice Crabbe was still out there, but he had escaped her by an inch.

Soon, they adjourned to the dining room and Lancelot offered them a very refined dinner, with the mastery he had always shown. Lancelot was already cooking for his wife, and since she was gone, he had done the same for his son. Kenneth just loved his father's cooking.

At some point, the family was brought up in the conversation.

"We crossed path with Gareth," said Sonia.

"Really?" said Lancelot. "How is he?"

"He seemed to be doing good," said Troy. "But we didn't have the opportunity to chat with him for long. He was on some kind of mission."

"He wasn't very communicative on the subject, so we didn't insist, but is his relationship with his father still that strained?" asked Sonia.

"I'm afraid so," said Lancelot, sombrely. "They haven't spoken in years."

Kenneth sighed. Gareth Lionheart was the son of Lancelot's elder brother Bedevere. He had the Gift, but he hadn't been behaving like the clan was expecting him to. He had started to rebel against his father, and he had finally chosen the life of a wanderer, lending his wand to whoever was able to afford his services. Bedevere had never admitted that his only son was a mercenary.

"That's a shame," said Sonia. "Gareth would do so well if he joined the Aurors."

"He couldn't," said Lancelot. "He never finished his studies."

"Why not the Order of the Phoenix, then?" asked Kenneth. "I heard that Dumbledore and his aides were more interested in recruiting valuable talents than high grades in school."

"Yes, he could have joined Remus Lupin's team," said Sonia.

"But I'm afraid that Gareth simply does not share our views on what should be the duties of a Wandmaster," said Lancelot. "He's never been one to abide by the rules. The code is simply to constraining for him."

"And he chose to turn his back on the family for that?" asked Sonia, sceptical. "I just don't understand that. He was such a good friend when we were kids. We were always together. And now, I only see him once in a while."

"He's just acting like some distant relative to us, too," said Lancelot, sadly.

"Maybe he wants to be away from his family," said Kenneth. "Uncle Bedevere isn't the sweetest of men"

"Don't put the blame on your Uncle, Kenneth," said Sonia. "I'll admit Bedevere is strict, but he's never been harsh or violent. He has a strong sense of ethics. And Gabrielle had always been a loving mother. Gareth is just following his views, in spite of the gap that it creates between us."

Kenneth sighed. That seemed such a waste, according to him. Gareth was a good man, and he had been a magical friend of his own childhood, the great cousin playing with him. He found this very sad to see him grow apart with his own family for a stupid difference of opinions.

"So, Kenneth," said Sonia. "I heard that you've started to establish your own track record. The way they tell it in the Auror office, you've decided to save half the Hogwarts school all by yourself."

"That's nonsense," said Kenneth, grinning. "I was a part of it, but I wasn't alone. The teachers, other students... I mean, Harry Potter and The Entropist were involved."

"Alright, keep the modest stance, that suits you," said Sonia, with a smile. "But about that rescue mission. Kingsley Shacklebolt said you went on your own to save that abducted student."

"Again, I wasn't alone," said Kenneth.

"Is that right?" joked Sonia. "Can you give me a name or do you only try to minimize your actions?"

"Actually I can give out some names," said Kenneth, smiling.

"Go ahead, then," said Sonia.

"Kieran McDougall has created the artefact that we used to go to Julie's rescue. And there were Kalindra Johnson, Terry Longwand and Joel Andrews, joining us. And to be quite honest, the whole rescue idea didn't come from me in the first place. The one who set the whole thing was a Ravenclaw boy. His name is Ian Malcolm."

It was a hot evening in the Outskirts of London. The sunlight was falling through the windows of the two-story house in Hawthorne Street. You could tell by the sounds outside that the sun was now getting down. The sky was painted in red, pink and blue. The sunsets were always beautiful in summer.

Ian Malcolm was sitting on his bed, looking vaguely through his bedroom's window. He was back in his home after having passed the last two weeks in his friends Terry Longwand's home, in Brighton. These had been cool weeks, and the three of them had a great deal of fun. The three meant Ian, Terry and Joel Andrews, who had escaped the 'horror', according to him, of an entire Muggle summer by escaping two weeks in his wizard friend's home. Joel was a Muggleborn who was more fascinated by the wizarding world than by his own.

It was great to be back home, in his family. Yet Ian had an indistinct feeling of melancholy. He couldn't quite tell what it was. Well, quite honestly, he could, but to admit it was a strange notion for him.

She hadn't written.

"Are you unpacked?" asked his mother, Neve, through the door frame.

"Yes," said Ian, giving a start. "I just finished."

"For once, you lie very poorly, Ian," said his Mum. "You've been up here for two hours since you got back from Terry's. What's wrong?"

"I'm fine," said Ian. "It's just that I was thinking of a lot of things."

"You were expecting a letter from Kieran, weren't you?" said his mother.

Ian raised surprised eyes to her.

"That was the first thing you asked when you got back home," said Neve. "You asked if some letter hadn't arrived to the House."

"Well, maybe she was too far to use an owl to find me, so…"

"What's worrying you?" asked Neve.

"Nothing," said Ian. "It's just that it's the first summer where I don't get any news from her. It's weird, isn't it?"

"Well," said Neve. "It will depend on the way she has spent her vacation. Maybe she was unable to write. Did you send an owl to her?"

Ian nodded.

"Yeah, we wrote to her from Terry's and I had sent another letter in July," he said.

"I'm sure she'll give you news soon, Ian," said his mother, smiling reassuringly. "Come on, it's time for dinner."

Ian nodded and followed her mother downstairs to join his Father and his younger brother Ewan at the table of the dining room. Ewan had grown taller during the year, and he was now as tall as Ian, when he was his age.

"So, tomorrow, we will get to Diagon Alley," said John Malcolm, Ian's father. "We must pick up Ian's new books and get the whole of Ewan's things."

Ian suddenly remembered that Ewan was starting his first year in Hogwarts in September. His mood lightened suddenly, forgetting the fact that his best friend, Kieran McDougall, hadn't sent him any letter in two months. The thought of having his brother in the same school as his was great.

"You'll have to show me around the school, Ian," said Ewan.

"You'll have your housemates for that, dear," said Neve patiently. "Ian may be a little busy this year. And you are not even sure to end up in the same house as him."

"Why not?" asked Ewan, acting a little offended.

"Well, given your profound interest for studies, I'm sure you'll be allowed in Ravenclaw," said his mother, sarcasm evident in her tone.

Ewan winced. Each time his brother was trying to teach him something about magic, between his school years, Ewan's attention was quickly distracted by just about anything. And they usually finished the day by a wrestling match on the bed. Match that Ewan usually won, as he was as fickle as an eel.

Ian smiled to his brother.

"Don't worry," he said. "If you don't get to Ravenclaw, I'll have my friends in Gryffindor watch over you."

"How do you know he will be in Gryffindor? There's Hufflepuff… and Slytherin, too," said John Malcolm.

"No way Ewan will be in Hufflepuff or Slytherin," said Ian, pretty sure of himself. "Hufflepuffs are loyal and hard-working. Ewan always denounces me to Mom, and I would rather kill my little brother than seeing him get into Slytherin. So he will be in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw."

"Well at least, you don't despise Hufflepuffs," said John, who was out of this house.

"Nah," said Ian. "I always had friends there. Puffs are pretty cool. They're always willing to help. But I'm sure Ewan is not fit to get there."

"Well, I guess you must be right," said John, smiling nostalgically. "Too bad," he said. "Seems like your mother gave you too much of herself."

"John!" protested Neve.

"You were the trouble maker at school, honey," said John casually. "I was the prefect."

Ian and Ewan exchanged amused looks. Their parents were always teasing each other like this over anything. It was always fun to watch.

As they were washing up, after the dinner, something suddenly jumped on Ian's shoulder. Ian let out a shriek of pain, as the claws of his pet owl were scratching at his skin. The bird looked pretty upset.

"Merlin, please!" he exclaimed. "What's wrong?"

The owl hooted indignantly, trying to pull Ian to his bedroom.

"You'd better go and see what's wrong, Ian," said Neve. "Or else he won't let us sleep tonight."

"Alright, Mum," said Ian. "Okay, Merlin, I'm coming, stop tearing my shoulder open!"

But there was nothing that could calm Merlin down. Ian followed him to his bedroom. And when he opened the door, he understood what had troubled his owl so much. There was a bird on his perch. But it wasn't an owl. Merlin was usually tolerant to other people's owls. But this bird was a hawk. Ian opened wide eyes, while Merlin was hooting madly, taking him as a witness of the bird's insolence to get inside the room and perch on his home!

The Hawk took off and flew to Ian, making Merlin rush to his perch, where he landed, scowling at the other bird of prey. The hawk dropped something into Ian's hand. Then he flew to the windowsill, where he perched silently, with just a little screech. Ian looked at the parchment that had been dropped in his hand, and recognised the writing style.

It was from Kieran!

Ian forgot completely about the Hawk in his room and opened the letter, beginning to read eagerly.

Dear Ian,

I'm so sorry I couldn't write to you earlier. I couldn't be found by Merlin, so I just summoned your letters from my bedroom when I got back to civilisation. It was so nice of you to write. I hope your vacation went well. How was this stay at Terry's?

My parents and I went to South America, to visit the Pre-Columbian sites of Magic. It was fascinating, but we spent most of the time in trekking and camping, so we couldn't stay in touch. Mum cast a spell, so none of the owls sent to me would have to cross the sea to find me. It would have been exhausting for them. I hope you won't be too mad at Merlin if he hadn't brought any answer to your letter. It wasn't his fault.

I had such a great time there! It's a fascinating place. And I learned so much about Incas' spells that I have now some ideas to try with Professor Flitwick as soon as we're back in Hogwarts. We'll talk about it when we'll meet on the train.

Right now, we're back in Europe, in a hotel of Seville. We will spend the rest of our trip there. From the hotel, I could get back my mail, and so I thought I'd reply, this time. The bird that carried it is a bird I bought in Spain. His name is Diego and it's a Mystic. It's a bewitched bird of prey who has now the cycles of an owl, and which can carry the same kind of things as them. And it's very clever. If you can, give him some piece of meat, That would be nice of you. He just loves that more than pieces of toasts. He'll wait for your answer.

I will get back to England the day before we take the train. I already ordered my books for Hogwarts from here. I will meet you there.

See you soon,

Love,

Kieran

"Ian?" said his mother's voice through his door. "What is it?"

Ian opened the door and smiled to his Mum.

"Kieran just wrote back to me. She was in South America, so she couldn't send any letter. Could you get a piece of meat for Diego?"

"Meat?" said Neve, surprised. "Diego?"

Ian nodded to the Mystic, and his mother looked very impressed.

"Will she ever do the same as the others?" she mumbled. "A Hawk, honestly…"

She came back with some meat for the Hawk who shrieked gratefully. Ian wrote quickly an answer to Kieran, saying that he was glad she had a great summer and that he was looking forward to see her on September the first. He attached the letter to the foot of the bird, which flew out the window with a last shriek.

Ian was now feeling better. He had felt quite disappointed by the fact that Kieran hadn't written at all, in the summer. It was a relief to think that she hadn't forgotten about him. And now he was really anxious to see her again. Suddenly, the strangeness of this thought struck him. Why was he feeling this way? It was the first summer he was missing her so bad. That was curious.

Of course, the previous years, there had always been a time where Kieran would have been around, as she was living in the same town as him. She was always dropping by, when she wasn't on a trip. Maybe that was the difference. He hadn't seen her in two months. And he had really missed it.

Then another, stranger thought passed through Ian's mind. Maybe it wasn't the only difference. But the idea that his feelings for Kieran could change was just too weird for Ian to face it. Change to what? Was he falling in love with his best friend? That was too much! But that could be the explanation for his reaction to Terry's constant flirting with Kieran, over the last year.

It hadn't been only worry for Kieran. It could have been jealousy.

Huho, thought the young boy.

And now he was here, in the middle of his room, trying to sort out his feelings. But his thoughts were interrupted by the sudden charge of his little brother who jumped on his back, laughing.

"So, your girlfriend finally wrote to you?" he mocked.

"Get off me!" said Ian, pushing Ewan on the bed. "Kieran is not my girlfriend!"

"Oh, is that right?" grinned Ewan. "When I looked in your eyes when you asked if she had written, you seemed to be expecting some Christmas gift! Ian's in love with Kie-ran, Ian 's love with Kie-ran!" he started to sing, while jumping on the bed.

Ian raised his hand.

"Shut up or I freeze you!"

"Ooh, empty threat, since you still have the trace on you. But… touchy on the subject, Ian!" said Ewan, only laughing. "Ian's in love with Kie-ran!"

"Will you shut up? I'm not!"

"Oh yeah? Prove it!" said Ewan.

"What?" said Ian. "How on earth, do you want me to prove it?"

"You can go to the ball, this year!" said Ewan. "You just don't go with her!"

"I won't go at all!"

"That wouldn't be a proof," said Ewan, grinning. "If you want to prove you're not in love with her, you must go with someone else. A galleon says you won't be able to resist and you'll show up with Kieran. And beware, Ian, I'll be watching."

The thought of his little brother spying on him was too much. Ian burst into laughing and he jumped on the bed, starting again a wrestling match on the mattress. Soon, he was too much busy trying to catch his brother, to listen seriously to this little voice inside of him, which was telling him that maybe, only maybe, Ewan was right.

Merlin, I love this woman.

That was the only thought that could echo in Alexander Lockenburn's mind, as he was watching his wife Phyllis taking care of Christine, their lovely daughter. Christine was now five months and a half. She was a beautiful baby, who was giving quite a hard time to her parents, with her very short sleeping periods, and explosive temper.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a discreet knock on their apartment's door. Alexander went to open and was surprised to find himself facing Albus Dumbledore. Even if Alexander and his wife had settled in Hogwarts Castle, it was rare to see the Headmaster visit the apartments. They would usually meet in the teachers' lounge or in his office, or at the meals.

"Hello, Alexander," said Dumbledore.

"Hello, Sir. Please, come in," said Alexander.

The old wizard entered the apartment and Alexander led him to a couch. Before he could seat, Dumbledore received a little kiss on the cheek by Phyllis. She had always liked the old man and now she could allow herself to show it. Dumbledore smiled wider.

"I'll make some tea," said Phyllis.

"No, please, don't bother," said Dumbledore. "I can't stay too long. I just got some message, and I thought I had to warn the inhabitants of the Castle."

"What message?" asked Phyllis, sitting on Alexander's armrest. "Something serious?"

"Yes," said Dumbledore, "although I do not yet know to what extent. An old friend of mine, named Walter Amanio, is seeking refuge. His school's security has been apparently compromised at the beginning of the summer. He has a group of young pupils, and he must consider their safety. I offered Hogwarts as a sanctuary for them."

"Do we know the nature of the security breach?" asked Alexander.

"Not precisely," said Dumbledore. "Walter was quite laconic. I think he didn't want his message to be intercepted, which means it could involve enemies. I still accepted to welcome them here for the next term. He's a very trusted friend."

"I see," said Alexander. "Yet it could be a reason for these enemies to turn their attention to Hogwarts."

"Unfortunately, it is a possibility," said Dumbledore. "But Hogwarts has always been more secured than Walter's school, and with the new spells I installed around the grounds after the attack by the Warlocks, I guess they will be safe in here."

"Where are they, now?" asked Alexander.

"They'll join us at the start of term," said Dumbledore. "They're taking the long road to England, to shake off possible pursuers."

"And why do you exactly expect from me?" asked Alexander.

"From us," rectified Phyllis, frowning at her husband.

Dumbledore smiled.

"Well, your powers and skills have proved to be a very important asset in the recent defence of our school. So I would like you to be careful and ready, should the need to defend it again arise, this year."

"You know you can count on me, Sir," said Alexander.

"On us," rectified Phyllis, grinning this time.

"I intended to warn Harry about this," said Dumbledore, standing up.

"He's not home, right now," said Alexander.

"Where is he?" asked Dumbledore.

"I think he went to the Burrow," said Phyllis. "With Ginny. He had some announce to make to someone, regarding the wedding. They should get back tomorrow."

Dumbledore winked at her.

"Then, some tea would be great," he said.

He sat back on the couch.

"So, aside from these guests, how do you foresee this new term?" he asked Alexander.

"Well, the arrival of the twins in the Castle could be a subject of worry, but I can't help but think that, since I dealt with Ian's case for so long, I can manage with those two. I don't see what could really trouble us this year."

The sun was shining in the bright blue sky over the British country, when Harry Potter apparated near the Burrow, a magically extended cottage near Ottery St Catchpole, hand in hand with Ginevra Weasley, his fiancée. A quick check with all of the young woman's brothers had ensured that not only her parents, Arthur and Molly, were home alone, but that none of said brothers, from Bill down to Ron, had let his mouth run away with it and spoiled the secret of their announce. Ginny certainly didn't want her mother hearing about her engagement from one among the tribe of dorks that were her brothers. Her tone had been deadly enough to ensure that no mistake had been made.

Engagement… That thought kept blowing Harry's mind. He was still wrapping his mind around the notion. Not that he was uncomfortable with it, of course. After all, he had been the one to bring it up. He had proposed in June, but between a trip the Weasleys had taken abroad to visit Charlie, and Hermione's last month of pregnancy, Harry and Ginny had chosen to delay the moment of telling her parents about it, if only to avoid 'stealing Harry's goddaughter's thunder'. But now that little Lily Weasley, his adorable godchild, was born and clearly healthy, Ginny didn't want to delay any longer, if only to avoid the legendary wrath of her mother.

As they headed toward Ginny's old house, Harry could sense her nervousness increase with each step.

"Ginny? Love, are you alright?" he asked.

She had a tense smile.

"I'm just worried about their reaction," she said.

"Well, you've been with me for three years, now," Harry replied, soothingly. "It's not like it will be a shock for them. I mean, we do live together, don't we?"

"Oh, I know," said Ginny. "I get enough remarks about you and me 'living in sin'."

"Do you?" said Harry, surprised.

"Well, they don't bring it up with you, because they don't want to pressure you, but I get a regular earful from Mum, yeah," Ginny smirked.

"Well, they'll be relieved, then," said Harry. "At least we didn't rush into it. I remember clearly your mother telling Ron and Hermione about that, when they got out of Hogwarts. The blush on Hermione's cheek was memorable."

"Well, there's rushing in and there's us. We sure took our sweet time," scoffed Ginny. "What took you so long to ask me, anyway?"

"I was kind of waiting for us to ready for it," said Harry.

"Harry," said Ginny, with a patient sigh. "I've been ready to marry you since the day I met you."

"Sure," said Harry, grinning. "Because marrying at twelve wouldn't have gotten me in trouble."

Laughing, they walked through the back yard, toward the kitchen. As they poked their head through the window, Ginny called.

"Mum! Dad! Anyone home?"

"In the living room, dear!" the voice of Molly Weasley called back.

Harry and Ginny made their way there, and found Arthur and Molly enjoying tea, on the couch. Molly got up and caught both of them into a quick hug. Arthur followed.

"So nice of you to drop by, dears!" said Molly. "What brings you here?"

"Well, actually, there was something we needed to tell you," said Ginny, sitting down, facing her parents, Harry taking his seat right next to her. "We have some news. We couldn't tell you through a letter, while you were at Charlie's, and..."

"Oh, by the way," said Molly. "Did you know Charlie and Corina still don't have settled a date?"

Ginny looked startled by the interruption, and it showed enough for her father to catch the signs.

"Molly, dear," he said. "I think our daughter is trying to tell you something important."

"Oh... er... sorry, love, go on," she said, flushing.

"Er... thanks," Ginny went on. "We didn't want to bother anyone because of Hermione's baby, but we wanted to tell you in person..."

Molly suddenly paled.

"Oh, Merlin! Ginevra Molly Weasley, do not tell me you got yourself pregnant!" she said, under panic.

"What? No!" exclaimed Ginny, outraged.

Arthur had a chuckle and Harry caught something in his eye. It told him that Ginny's dad had a pretty good idea of where this was heading. He managed a weak smile to him, while Ginny pacified her mother.

"I'm sorry, dear," said Molly, after collecting herself. "I didn't mean to imply you're not responsible, nor you, Harry, of course, but you know the kind of trouble that poor Laufey girl got herself into..."

"Mum," said Ginny, firmly. "I am not pregnant."

"It's quite a relief too," Molly went on. "You can't imagine..."

"Mum! Please!" groaned Ginny. "I'm trying to tell you something, here!"

"Oh! Right," mumbled Molly, a little embarrassed by the whole outburst.

Harry smiled.

"Just go ahead, love," he said to Ginny. "Your Mum's anxious enough."

"Right," said Ginny, blushing a little, in a striking echo of her mother's attitude. "So… Harry has proposed to me."

Arthur's smile was enough to tell Harry that he had guessed what it was about. Molly's eyes were rounder than he had ever seen them before. Her look of utter shock mixed with intense emotion, tears starting to form at the corners of her eyes was priceless. Harry gave himself the luxury to smile. Ginny held out her hand to reveal Harry's engagement ring.

"And I said yes, of course," she said.

"As I expected you to," said her father, brightly. 'Well, it's about time you two got to it, indeed!"

He got up and Harry felt the need to do the same, Ginny springing to her feet next to him. Arthur caught his daughter into a gentle hug with a kiss on the forehead. He then dismissed Harry's offered hand and caught him in the same hug, minus the kiss, for which Harry was grateful.

"I should say 'welcome to the family', but that would be a little superfluous, at this point, don't you think, Harry?" he said with a grin and a wink.

Molly was still shell-shocked, apparently. Ginny was starting to look worried for her. Arthur smiled.

"It's quite alright, love," he said. "She reacted the same way when Ron announced that he was marrying Hermione. I have no idea how she can be so observant about the love life of all her children and still get sucker-punched by this kind of news."

He sat back next to his wife and patted her on the shoulder.

"Margaret Maery Prewett Weasley, will you please get up and congratulate your daughter?" he asked sweetly.

Molly seemed to jerk away from her shock and jumped off the couch, before to capture Ginny into a crushing hug, tears flying everywhere.

"My little baby is getting married!" she managed between sobs. "Oh, it's so wonderful, Ginevra!"

Ginny's smile was radiant. Molly only let go of her daughter long enough to catch Harry into an embrace that threatened the very survival of his ribcage.

"I'm so glad that it's you, Harry!" she said. "I knew! I got that feeling you would be the one for my daughter, when I saw the look in your eyes, when you told me about your couple!"

Harry couldn't reply, first due to the lack of oxygen, and mostly because he was deeply touched by her acceptance. Arthur had a laugh.

"Be honest, Molly," he mocked. "You've been secretly selecting flower patterns from the moment you heard that Harry had rescued Ginny from the Chamber of Secrets."

Harry and Ginny both were aghast at this.

"W... er... what?" Harry blurted out.

"Mum!" Ginny was shocked.

This seemed to pull Molly from her emotional state, and she had that knowing smile that would annoy her children so much, on a regular basis.

"A mother feels this kind of things, dear," she said.

"Well, I didn't!" said Ginny, feigning outrage. "If you were so sure about it, why wouldn't say anything? It could have saved me both time and a rather impressive amount of frustration!"

"You two needed to get there on your own, love," she said, with a friendly pat on each of their cheek, which proved once and for all where the legendary Weasley sense of humour took its roots.

"Well, if it isn't the git who thinks he's good enough for my little sister!" exclaimed Fred as Harry and Ginny entered Weasley's Wizard Wheezes' shop.

The outrageous hat he wore suddenly flew off, blown to ashes. Ginny just blew at the tip of her wand, like a muggle cowboy gun, before to grin widely.

"Anything more to say about my fiancé, O brother of mine?" she asked casually.

"Ah, no, I think I was done, actually, Ginny," said Fred, with a cautious smile.

Ginny walked to hug her brother. Harry joined them and did the same.

"You know you make me doubt my decision of picking you as my best man," he said, with a scowl.

"Finally!" exclaimed Fred. "I've been hoping to escape the chore for weeks."

"Don't overdo it," said Harry. "I can still ask George."

"Yeah, why not!" said George, emerging from the back-room. "I heard best men get to score at weddings."

"And I don't need to score?" said Fred.

"Not if Angie has anything to say about it," countered George. "That is when you get your brains in order and put an end to our suffering by finally ASK HER OUT!"

"You mean it's not done, yet?" said Ginny, astonished. "What the hell are you waiting for?"

"I do not like the turn this conversation is taking," said Fred hauntingly. "What does bring you two around, anyway?"

"Just passing through to say hello. We have a lunch date on the Alley," said Ginny. "Oh, and the engagement is no longer a taboo subject near the parents."

"Well, isn't that a relief," joked Fred. "I mean, I knew I could keep the secret, but that idiot over there is an entire story entirely."

Harry chuckled as George protested loudly. They chatted for a little while before to head back out in Diagon Alley for the real reason of their visit, which was to meet the last 'best man' that Harry wanted to 'recruit'.

"How do you reckon he will react?" asked Ginny.

"I don't know," said Harry. "But I could bet he will be pleased."

"Harry, Ginny! Over here!" called a voice over the crowd, not very far.

He was waving from the table outside a Café. Harry and Ginny joined him and He stood up to greet them warmly.

Remus Lupin had the skin tanned by a trip in Spain. He was beaming at the two of them. Harry was pleased to see him in such a good shape. No matter how much better Remus was faring since his lycanthropy had been cured, he was still working so hard in the Order of the Phoenix that Harry often worried about his health.

"Sorry we're late," said Harry. "We stopped by to say hello to the twins."

"No problem," said Remus. "I've got an Owl from Headquarters about a minor problem. It kept me busy while I was waiting."

As a director of operations of the Order, Remus's opinion was sought by so many people that one could barely see him without an owl flying after him, carrying a message. And he was also one of the most eminent experts on Werewolf cases, given his very particular experience of the problem. So he had been travelling this summer, on a case. But he had been back in England for three days now. Harry had wanted to catch him before he could go into another trip or disappear into his office again.

They settled with him at the table and ordered chocolates for the three of them. They talked about random things for a moment. But Remus had this little smile on his face, who made Harry suspect that he knew that something was going on, which wasn't really surprising, since Remus was far from stupid.

"So, do I finally get some good news from you?" he said.

"Well, you probably know it already, or else you wouldn't have this cunning smile across your face," said Harry, frowning.

Remus opened large innocent eyes. Harry stared at him a little, and then smiled.

"We're engaged," he finally said.

"I was expecting something like that," said Remus, grinning. "Congratulations."

"Can't you just pretend to be surprised for once?" grumbled Ginny.

"Well, as I said to Ron a few months ago, it's my business to be informed. But it doesn't prevent me from being very happy for you two," said Remus. "But you had it coming, honestly."

"Wotcher, Harry!" called a voice from the crowd walking in Diagon Alley. "Hi Ginny, girl, How are you!"

Nymphadora Tonks walked out of the crowd, her hair died in a bright blue fashion, today. She smiled as Harry and Ginny stood up to hug her. She then kissed Remus on the cheek, which Harry found a little curious, since he was her boss. She then settled with them, comfortably.

"I asked Tonks to meet us, as I have things to discuss with her. I thought it would be a good occasion to meet," said Remus, who was a little uncomfortable after the kiss. "I was expecting some good news, so I thought some celebration was in order."

Remus was usually the kindest man and the most discreet friend, even if he was now more happy looking than he had in decades. But today, he wore that unbearable expression of self-satisfaction of the one who had outmanoeuvred his friends. Harry forgot his will to announce it humbly. Remus wanted to play, after all.

"Well, let's see if you expected this one," he said with a smile. "I'd like you to be among my best men."

Remus eyes shot out of his head, and he opened his mouth, completely taken by surprise. His expression was so funny that Tonks burst into laughing.

"You should look at you, Boss," she said, grinning broadly.

"Well… Harry… I… I don't know what to say," said Remus.

"You can start by saying yes," said Ginny, helpfully.

"Well of course!" said Remus, giving a start. "I'm really honoured, Harry. James had done the same for me, when…"

"I know," said Harry. "That's partly why I want you to be on my side when I will marry Ginny."

"Awww, Boss, you're his 'something old'. Isn't that sweet?" cooed Tonks, with a bright grin.

"Tonks," groaned Remus, while Harry and Ginny were chuckling.

"So, who else is in?" asked Tonks.

Remus threw her an accusing look.

"You knew!"

"Of course I knew," said Tonks on the tone of evidence. "Ginny asked me weeks ago. So, apart from me and the dear old branch here, who will be next to the altar?"

"Well, Ron and Hermione, of course," said Harry. "Ron will be on my side and Hermione on Ginny's. Then... Neville, Fred and Bill Weasley, and you. George wanted to be in, but I had to make a choice."

Ginny smiled.

"On my side, there will be Luna, Fleur, Susan Bones and Nymphadora."

"I'm warning you only once, girl," said Tonks, frowning.

"It's not my fault if I just love your name," protested Ginny.

"Anyway, I couldn't refuse that," said Tonks. "I'll make everyone jealous by going to this wedding with a very hot and distinguished man."

"Tonks…" said Lupin, rolling his eyes.

"I'm talking about Neville, Boss," said Tonks.

Remus burst into a light laugh, and Tonks joined him. Harry exchanged long meaningful looks with Ginny. The complicity between Remus and Tonks was kind of strange. Harry was sure that something odd was going on. Could it be that…?

"By the way, how's Neville?" asked Remus. "…Haven't heard from him since his wedding."

"Well, you would have if you were around more often," said Ginny.

Remus shot her a sarcastic smile.

"He's currently completely dotty with his daughter Ambre," said Harry. "He's doing very well in his job in this herbology lab. I heard he's become some reference in his field. And Luna is getting more and more influent in the Quibbler. She seems to try and get it more realistic. I know, I was surprised, myself," he told Remus, when he raise his eyebrows. "They're both fine," he concluded.

"Good," said Remus. "I've always been interested in Neville's fate a little like I was interested in yours. Frank and Alice were good friends of mine, in school."

"Still no change in their state?" asked Tonks, sympathetically.

Both Remus and Harry shook their head, sadly. Thinking of the Longbottoms, tortured into insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange, her husband Rodolphus, his brother and Bartemius Crouch, was taking him back to days of terror and darkness. The shadow of the Death Eaters and Voldemort came to glide over him again, and with it, the faces of his victims. The Longbottoms, his parents, Sarah Lionheart… Sirius.

He sometimes hoped that there would be a way to erase the horrors of the past and to right the wrongs of Voldemort and his followers. But there were things even a wizard couldn't do.

Remus hadn't seen that Harry was lost in his thoughts.

"When do you plan to do this wedding?" he asked.

"Next summer," said Harry, going out of his reverie. "To be sure to have time to invite everyone and prepare for the whole thing…"

"I'll have to book my whole two months, then," said Remus.

"Great," said Ginny.

"When do you intend to visit Hermione?" Harry asked, back in the conversation with his old friend.

"Did she give birth to her child by now?" asked Remus.

"You sure claim to be informed of everything and you don't know? You really should keep up with this kind of stuff, Boss," said Tonks, haughtily. "You work with her husband, for Merlin's sake."

"I just got back from Spain, Tonks," said Remus. "Besides, Ron is on a leave. So how's the baby?"

"The baby and the mother are both fine," said Harry, smiling broadly.

The thought of Hermione's baby, born two weeks ago, was still a pure joy for him. He remembered him holding his godchild. It was a little thing, so fragile, but at the same time, it was the most beautiful thing he had seen in his life. Well, alright, close second to Ginny, but...

And Hermione had given him a wonderful present, by naming her daughter.

"So?" asked Remus. "Daughter or son?"

"Daughter," said Ginny. "The little wonder is named Lily Minerva Weasley."

"Lily?" asked Remus, in amazement.

Harry smiled.

"I'm her godfather, after all," said Harry. "You imagine a girl named Minerva Harry Weasley?"

"No, I can't," chuckled Remus, smiling.

Harry chuckled. Hermione had been back at Hogwarts Castle for some days. She refused to take a complete break, which Harry found completely amazing. She was working on something. She said it was really important. All the time she wasn't dedicating to her daughter, she was spending it working on the huge book she had retrieved from the Maze of Era. Harry didn't know what she was looking for, but she looked decided. Ron was making sure that she would take the rest she needed, helped in that by her mother-in-law, who was now watching over her granddaughter like she was her own. As the same went for Mrs Granger, Harry wasn't worried at all regarding the sake of either Hermione or Lily.

"A huge party is set for next week end, at the Burrow, both for Lily's birth and our engagement," said Ginny. "I'm sure Mum and Dad would be much pleased to see you."

"I'll be there," promised Remus. "So ready for the next term?" he asked Harry, changing subject.

"You're very well placed to know that you can't ever be ready for a term," said Harry, ironically. "I just hope it will be calmer than last year."

"Yes, if you had to face a dragon every year, that would star to get old," said Tonks, in sympathy.

"I faced only one dragon in my entire career, thank you very much," said Harry. "It's Alexander who took on that one," he added, smiling. "All I did was good old fashion fighting against the Dark Arts. But I guess that we must expect some surprises, again."

"Dumbledore knows how to make a year interesting," said Remus, with philosophy.

"Trouble is that now, students sure know how to do it, too," winced Harry.

"They can't be that bad," said Remus, surprised. "There's nothing that you can't really handle."

"Remus," said Harry patiently. "I have a Chaotician in school, along with a Wandmaster, the daughter of a King of Atlantis, and a genius that will probably outsmart Hermione before she reaches seventeen. And you saw what that bunch has conjured up for for my first year as a teacher. I just can't imagine what they have in store for me, this time around."

Arthan was kneeling deeply in the darkened room. The Council Chamber was always plunged in darkness. The faces of the members weren't meant to be seen. They were the voices of the Warlocks, not individuals. The only person in the light was the person summoned before the Council. Arthan was kneeling right behind his Mistress, as she was reporting before the Council. On his right, he was resolutely ignoring Einon, his new commander, as he was attending to his Mistress.

"Any sign of them?" asked one of the Elders.

"Not yet," admitted Lilia, High Priestess of the Warlocks. "But I have a lead that could tell us exactly where they are going."

"What kind of lead?" asked one other darkened figures.

"We have informants in the Ministry of England. "It seems Albus Dumbledore has made arrangements for special guests for this term in Hogwarts."

"What of it? I know you have a grudge against the people of Hogwarts, but do not let it cloud your judgment, Lady Lilia," said the same Elder. "You were distinctly told not to move against them again. They are too exposed and we cannot afford open war with the English Ministry or the Order of the Phoenix."

"It's not about a grudge," seethed Lilia. "Albus Dumbledore and Walter Amanio are old friends. They have fought together during the war against Grindelwald. They even thwarted us once, in our attempt to capture the Heir. Hogwarts is a fortress. This could be a likely place for Amanio to seek sanctuary. And wherever he goes, they will be."

"That may be true, but we cannot go about this the same way you went before," objected another Councillor. "We have lost the Maze because of it and a lot of people."

"I didn't plan an attack on the school," said Lilia. "I have something else in mind."

"Go on, Lady Lilia," said the leader of the council. "Explain your plan."

Arthan had a smile as he listened to his Mistress go over the plan she had elaborated. Oh, yes, revenge against Harry Potter would be his after all.

And that's it, for the moment. Next, back to the Hogwarts Express, and we find out what's been keeping Hermione busy, beside her baby!