So, I promised I would post at the end of last week. I suppose I can say I failed once more, but you'll note that the delay was far less than last time! Just been a bit busy. My fiancee had a few things to do for her work, something that doesn't happen that often over the weekend. I was left in charge of my baby girl for most of Saturday and Sunday. I certainly didn't mind but it's kind of hard to type anything when you have a five months old baby to look after... :)

Anyway... Here comes a new chapter that can be called a filler, but in this one, some personal plot lines do advance a bit. Also, we discover a little more about the Longbottom family. I did enjoy writing this chapter and also rework the whole thing. I hope you will like it.

I'm trying to reply to the reviews I get, now, so here are a few shoutouts.

Wold-Redlance: Well, I'm sorry to disappoint, mate, but Julie getting a glimpse of Voronda isn't a sign that you will see any of your characters any time soon, other than Alwena, of course. No, I think what we have here is a simple case of EPIC FORESHADOWING. *suspiciously looks around for the weird echo effect of his voice.* Moving on. As for Kenneth, yes, I kinda felt that he needed to be shown somewhere else than in Hogwarts.

Scrappy8: Thanks, I'm glad you liked the chapter.

BlackAce2137: thanks for your kind words on my filler chapter. Does wonders for my ego. As for the story I plan... make that stories. Bunnies popping up in my brain in all directions. Some about the DC universe, some about Star Wars... Some about Harry Potter for a much more... Adult story, shall we say. We'll see if I give it a go, once I'm done with Staff. I'm trying to focus on finishing Staff and maybe starting the sequel, which concludes the trilogy.

Faithless: Oh, I wouldn't say Ron was doing that much of an effort about his Christmas gift. No, the moment you don't want to try and outmatch him on gifts is for Hermione's birthday. But Harry knows better, and let's say Dumbledore's gift is more for Hermione AND little Lily than just Hermione.

Moozga: I noticed how quickly you added/followed/faved the whole of my stories. I'm flattered, honestly. The thing is... When I first started writing on those fics... they weren't AU! The sixth book wasn't out yet. I can't believe how much cannon changed, since then. Anyway, welcome aboard. I hope you will like the continuation of the story.

Now, on to the chapter. It is party time for the grown-ups!

Homages and Memories

Very soon, New Year's Eve was here, and it was time to get to Longbottom Manor for the long expected party. Harry did look forward for this chance to finally get to know Neville's parents. His curiosity came both from the excellent reputation the couple had in his circle of friends and his personal curiosity. Most of the survivors of the first Order of the Phoenix had told Harry about the couple. Both Aurors in their days, both highly dedicated to the fight against the Death Eaters, Frank and Alice Longbottom were role models for a whole generation of Cadets, which included Tonks, by her own admission. Remus had also told him how close a friend Alice had been to Lily, Harry's mother, and Harry was eager to meet someone with ties to his Mum.

So on the evening of December 31st, he, Hermione, Ron and Ginny apparated early, and they materialised right in Neville's family manor's courtyard, as they always did, in order to avoid any prying eyes, whether it would be neighbours, or in the recent days, reporters. Despite the recovery of the Longbottoms not being common knowledge, there had been a few leaks and some reporters were trying to confirm it by getting a glimpse of the famous family. Neville, wanting to avoid the stress on his parents, had done his best to spare them dealing with the press.

Harry was also a target of the reporters on his own. Whenever he and his friends left Hogwarts, they often had to avoid reporters, who were stalking them like crazy. Since the official announce of Harry and Ginny's engagement, the press was dying to get a comment. The fact that Ginny was a reporter herself made it incredible that she still hadn't said a word about it. Now, to confirm that recently engaged Harry Potter was paying a visit to the newly-cured Frank and Alice Longbottom, for a reporter, would be very close to a late Christmas present of epic proportion for any reporter.

Mere seconds after they had knocked, Neville opened the doors of the reception hall, which looked right into the courtyard. He was beaming, which was quite unusual. Neville had never been a dour fellow, but to see him so openly joyous was rare. He had seen his shares of tough times, and it had turned him into a quite serious young man.

"Come in!" he said, grinning. "I'm so glad you made it. You're the firsts to arrive."

Luna came out of the kitchen to greet them and hugged Hermione, then Ron, Ginny and finally Harry. Harry once more marvelled at the change they had seen in Luna, over the years. While she would never completely let go of her quirky ways, and Harry was grateful for that, because he liked that side of her, the birth of her daughter Ambre had somehow connected her back to reality. As a result, she had grown closer to her friends.

"It is great to see you here," she said. "It means so much for Neville and I. And Frank and Alice wanted to meet you all."

Neville led them into the lounge, which had been prepared for a huge turnout. Longbottom Manor was a vast house, inherited from a long line of Pureblood wizards. But unlike a place like Malfoy Manor, that Harry had seen only once, the place looked cosy and warm, and welcoming, which explained why Harry never refused an invitation by Neville. In one of the armchairs, which had been settled near the huge fireplace, sat Frank Longbottom.

He got up at their arrival, his steps helped by a cane. He still looked a little frail, which was expected after all those years of illness and insanity, but he seemed so much more alive than last time Harry had seen him that this was a joy to behold.

Frank Longbottom still wore on his face some traces of his hard years, especially his completely white hair. But he was smiling broadly to his son's friends. Harry took the hand he was holding out.

"I'm so pleased to see you at last, Harry," said Frank.

"So am I, Sir," said Harry.

"Please, Harry," said the voice of Alice, who was entering the room, without any cane. "You're the son of James and Lily and one of Neville's best friends. "Sir" is a little out of place."

"Alright, M… Alice," said Harry, smiling.

He was a little surprised by Alice suddenly hugging him in welcome.

"You shouldn't be surprised," said Frank, who had seen his reaction. "Alice has always been one to act on her emotions. Given your ties with her, you shouldn't be surprised if she's hugging you like that."

"My ties?" said Harry, puzzled.

"Right!" said Neville, excitedly. "I learned that only recently myself. Mum's your godmother."

"Excuse me?" said Harry, thunderstruck.

"I didn't realise you didn't know about that," said Alice. "When I got out of my illness, I'll admit I thought only of Frank and Neville. But when I saw you, I remembered that I had obligations toward you, especially when I learned about what had happened to Sirius."

"So you're…"

"Your godmother, yes," said Alice with a smile. "And as such, I want you to know that you will always be welcome in our family, whenever you want and whatever you may need."

She opened her arms again, to offer him another hug. Harry found that gesture quite childish, but he gave into it nonetheless, moved to tears to find out he had a godmother. He was really proud to be a part of this woman's life.

"So," said Alice, when they finally broke the hug. "Will my godson introduce me to his friends again?"

Harry nodded, laughing.

"Sure," he said. "This is Ginny Weasley, my fiancée."

"Fiancée? You're engaged? Oh, right! Neville told me! I read about it, too. Your wedding, next August," said Alice, frowning in annoyance at her lack of memory. "I still have some memory problems, as you can see. So this is the young lady. I'm really glad to meet you."

"So am I," said Ginny, taking her hand softly.

"You remember Hermione Granger-Weasley," said Harry. "She helped…"

"Finding our cure," finished Alice. "This kind of things, I can remember. And there is her husband. Erm… Ron, is that right?"

Ron nodded.

"Last time I heard of you, you were making your first teeth," said Alice. "Molly was beside herself. By the way, where is she? She was invited."

"Mum is waiting for Dad to finish some urgent work," said Ginny. "They'll pick the Twins and Bill on their way."

Frank joined in the conversation, looking at Ginny.

"Well, beyond the fact you will be marrying my wife's godson, can I say that it's a pleasure to meet you, Ginny?" he said. "Since I woke up, I had the chance to read some of your work for the Herald. I do like your style a lot."

Ginny blushed slightly. Harry only smiled widely in pride.

They all took seats in the living room, and the conversation went on merrily.

"I'll admit I didn't know Molly and Arthur had a daughter," Frank noted.

"I'm the last child of the family," said Ginny, grinning. "I must have been only a few months old when..."

"I see," said Frank. "So what happened with the family?" he asked. "I mean, the older kids…"

"Well," said Ron, while Hermione was squeezing his shoulder. "Bill is a Curse Breaker for Gringotts. You will meet him and his wife, Fleur, tonight. They have a daughter, Nymphea. Charlie is in Romania, working in a Dragon preserve, with his fiancée Corina. Percy…"

His voice failed him a little.

"Percy died during the Second War, passing information to us about the Slytherin Rebellion and Voldmemort's plans," said Harry, with a look of apology to his friend. "He got the Order of Merlin for that..."

"I'm sorry to hear that," said Frank.

"Fred and George are doing quite well," said Ginny. "They own a line of joke shops for wizards. There's one in Hogsmeade, one in Diagon Alley, and they opened one in Paris, too. George is still single, even if he works on the problem, to quote him. And Fred... well it's a little more complicated. They'll both be here tonight as well."

"Good," said Frank. "And what about your careers? What are you all doing?"

"Well, Ron is working as a Curse Breaker for the Order of the Phoenix. You have heard of the Order's new status?" asked Hermione.

Alice nodded.

"Ron's an officer there, with other friends of yours, I think. Remus Lupin, Mad-Eye Moody, and Tonks," Hermione went on.

"Tonks? Ted Tonks?" asked Alice. "Andromeda's husband?"

"Nymphadora Tonks," said Harry, shaking his head. "She hates being called Nymphadora, by the way."

"Little Nymphadora? Is she doing well?" asked Alice. "I seem to recall her as a child."

"She's doing pretty well," said Harry. "She left the Aurors to join the Order during the War and she's now an instructor with special assignments."

"As I said, we've read Ginny's work often, since we woke up," said Frank. "That leaves us with Harry and Hermione."

"We're both in Hogwarts," said Harry. "Hermione is the Arithmancy teacher."

"Impressive," said Frank, with an approving face.

"And Harry's the Defence Against the Dark Arts Teacher," said Hermione with a smile.

"Really? Old Amos retired?" asked Frank.

"In fact, I do believe Professor Amos is dead," said Harry. "Hogwarts had quite a rough period for Defence teachers. The position seemed to be cursed as long as Voldemort was out there. When we got in school, none of our teacher lasted more than a year."

"Really? Who did Dumbledore hire, then?" asked Alice. "Even if it is a little late, I'm concerned with your education, kids," she explained with a smile and a wink.

"Well, when we got there, first year, Professor Quirrell was confirmed in his position, but he turned out to be possessed by Voldemort, and he wanted to get his clutches on the Philosopher's Stone, that Dumbledore was guarding," said Hermione. "He died when Harry defeated him."

"At eleven?" said Alice.

"Dear," said Frank with a smile. "Remember Lily and James at the same age?"

"Point taken," said Alice, with a wince.

Harry had to admit this was the first time he heard about that. He would have to ask either Alice or go to the source and ask Dumbledore and McGonagall.

"For our second year," Hermione went on, "Dumbledore had no real choice, so he hired Gilderoy Lockhart."

Ron gave a snort. That was all the comment he needed to make on the fop.

"Lockhart…" said Frank thoughtfully. "We had a Lockhart in our ward. He was amnesiac."

"That's the man," said Ron. "He was a fraud and had stolen heroic deeds from others. He tried to wash our memories of his secret, but thanks to my broken wand, he got hit instead of us."

"Wow, serious bad luck in teachers, huh?" said Frank.

"You can say that again," said Neville, with a smirk, taking over the story. "We had to wait for the third year to have a decent teacher: Remus. Dumbledore tried to hide the fact that he was a werewolf from everyone, but after Sirius Black sneaked in the school and then escaped Snape, the secret was blown and Remus had to quit."

"Nonsense!" said Alice. "Remus must have been a brilliant teacher."

"Tell this to the Board of Governors," said Harry, with a smile. "After that, Dumbledore called Mad-Eye Moody to teach us in Fourth year. But Moody was captured, before he could get to Hogwarts, by Barty Crouch Jr, one of those who…"

"Who tortured us," said Alice, darkly.

Harry nodded.

"He took Mad-Eye's place, with polyjuice. When Voldemort returned, Crouch tried to kill me, in order to please his master. But he was caught and received the Dementor's kiss," Harry went on, amazed that he could barely feel any pain, now, speaking about it. "In fifth year, Dolores Umbridge was posted on Hogwarts."

"That bloody hag? A teacher? It has to be a joke," said Alice, outraged.

"I take it you know her," said Hermione.

"Oh, we do," said Frank. "When we were Aurors, she was a power-hungry suckup to Fudge, who was on the rise."

"How so little has changed," said Harry. "Her nomination a pathetic attempt by Fudge to take over the school from Dumbledore. No need to say that she was a terrible teacher. After that, we got to follow Remus' teaching again in our sixth year, even if he was in disguise. And in seventh year, Dumbledore called Professor Bishop to teach us, as Remus was getting more and more involved in the fight against Voldemort."

"Bishop? The Head of the Department of Mysteries?" asked Frank.

"No, actually he was his cousin," said Hermione. "He died, facing a Death Eater, when some Slytherin students plotted to get a few of them inside the school. Then we graduated. And the school got lucky. Professor Armstrong had joined Dumbledore and he accepted to take over the task, for some years. And then Harry took on the job."

"We were still lucky enough," said Ron. "We still managed to avoid following Snape's teaching in Defence. I wouldn't have coped with that, no matter how much he wanted it."

"Snivellus is a Teacher?" asked Frank.

"Frank!" protested Alice, with a smile.

"Potions," said Harry, with a wince at the nickname that he remembered from Snape's memory. "He wanted to get the Defence job for years, but he never got it. He hates me even more since I apparently snatched it from under his nose."

"Snape hates you?" asked Alice. "But I thought he betrayed Voldemort…"

"Well, we were told that he betrayed Voldemort because he was going too far. But there was someone he did hate even more than old Voldie," said Ron.

"Really? Who would that be?" asked Alice.

"That's pretty obvious, Alice," said Frank, "James and Sirius, right?"

"More specifically my Dad, yes," said Harry.

Somebody rang at the doorbell, and Neville went to open the door. He soon came back with Tonks and her parents. Harry had met Andromeda a few times since the end of the war, but Ted was often traveling, so he hadn't gotten as many chances. Andromeda was a kind woman, who had to be a few years older than Remus and Frank. When Harry saw Tonks and her mother side by side, her realised that somehow, Dora had put on a face that was very close to her real one. Since they had talked about it, Tonks must have heeded his remarks about the Black legacy, because she again favoured her mother's look, though her hair was a mix of fluorescent green and pink, tonight. Alice stood up quickly and ran to hug Andromeda, and then the younger woman. Frank did the same with a little less haste.

Another doorbell's ring and Neville made another quick trip to the door, returning with Remus, who was carrying a large package. He set it against the wall, before to join them. Harry noticed the tension between him and Tonks when they saw each other, but they each managed a smile, and it seemed that there would be no drama, tonight. After greeting Alice and Frank, Remus turned to Harry.

"I'm glad you're already here, Harry," he said with a smile.

"Was that a smile, Remmie?" asked Frank. "Since when did you become such a joyful fellow?"

Remus chuckled softly.

"Since I got rid of my personal pet," he said.

"Good!" exclaimed Frank. "And the wolf gave you back your sense of humour as well. Excellent!"

"I'm sorry to hijack your party like that," said Remus, "but I had a gift for Harry."

"A gift?" said Harry. "Remus, we already exchanged presents for Christmas..."

"Ah, yes, but that gift is pretty special," said Remus. "Andromeda helped me to set it up, so I wanted an occasion to offer it when she would be there."

Harry turned to Andromeda, who smiled.

"You didn't need to..." he began.

"Of course, I didn't," said the older woman. "But that's what family is for, isn't it?

"Family?" repeated Ginny, surprised.

"Sirius was Andromeda's cousin," Harry reminded her.

"Yes, I loved Sirius very much," said Andromeda. "And I was a good friend of your mother, as well, Ginny."

"Above all, you were the shadow over our backs in school days, Andi," said Remus, trying to regain control of the conversation.

"I was trying to knock some common sense into you lot," said Andromeda. "I had very little hope for James and Siri, but at least, I had small hopes that you would learn some discipline."

"I did end up a Prefect, Andi," said Remus, smiling softly.

"Yes, convenient enough to cover up you friends' mischiefs, wasn't it?" she retorted.

"I seem to remember some prank you organized on behalf of Lily," said Remus. "One where you wanted to make James believe Lily was having visions of getting married to Snape!"

"What?" exclaimed Harry, and his friends, all at the same time.

"I had to," said Andromeda. "The poor child couldn't take it anymore. You wouldn't quit harassing her endlessly in second year. And honestly, wasn't it brilliant? If something could have finished James off, back then, that would have been the thought of Snape and your mother in love. And you all had it coming, anyway. You were quite the pests, honestly."

"Thanks a lot, Mistress Black," said Remus, comically.

"Did you take over the task of making fun of everything from Sirius, or what?" she protested. "Why don't you offer Harry his present, so we can go back to our lives?"

She smiled to soften her remark.

"Fine, fine," said Remus. "If you can excuse us, for a moment, we need to borrow Harry. Ah, Ginny, I think you should come too. Frank, can we use the study?"

"Sure," said Frank. "Go right ahead."

They led Harry and Ginny in an office, which looked like Neville's. Harry then noticed that Remus had brought the package with him. He put it on the table, managing to make it stand straight, in front of Harry.

Remus smiled a little timidly.

"As you know, I'm a painter, as an amateur, of course," he said.

"Yes, I know," said Harry.

"And you misjudge yourself," said Ginny. "Your work is excellent."

"She's nice," said Andromeda.

"Sounds like it," said a voice that came in the room, like muffled by something.

"Anyway," said Remus, raising his voice. "I made this for you some time ago, and Andi here bewitched it. So this is…"

"A painting?" said Harry.

"Wizard painting," corrected Andromeda. "And we were waiting to give it to you, as soon as it would be completed."

"Oh, will you cut the talking, Andi? We're dying here!" said again the voice from nowhere.

A voice that was awfully familiar to Harry. A knot formed in his stomach. And then another voice echoed, and Harry was now sure it was coming from the rectangle! And that voice was touching his heart deeper than any other.

"Be nice, Sirius," said the voice of a woman.

"Come on, let's open us!" shouted again the voice of a dead man.

Harry walked slowly to the drape that was covering the frame of the painting. He slowly took it off the fabric and froze before the painting. There was a living room. A living room Harry had only seen once in his life, in Godric's Hollow. A living room that was now dusty and full of old ghosts. But in the painting it looked warm and full of life. And before the fireplace, three people were sitting in armchairs. And these three people were the persons Harry missed the most in the world.

"Ah, there you are, Harry," said James Potter. "I'm glad that we finally get to see you in person… so to speak."

"Yep," said Sirius, bouncing up his armchair. "I thought old Remmie would never finish the thing."

"I would have liked seeing you at it, Padfoot," said Remus, from behind Harry.

"Oh, will you shut up, all of you," said Lily Potter, impatiently, staring right into Harry's eyes. "He's about to fall into pieces."

She was looking at him with such tenderness in her eyes that Harry couldn't fight back the tears. Ginny came next to him and put her hands on his shoulders.

"This is wonderful," Harry finally managed to whisper.

"Aha!" said Sirius in triumph. "I knew he would like it. Like a true memory!"

"They already know all that happened, Harry," said Andromeda, softly. "They know about your grief, your fight, your losses, and your achievements. They are like they should have been."

"Thank you so much," said Harry, turning to Andromeda and Remus. "This is the best gift I ever got."

Sirius started coughing in his mouth and Harry just got a hidden word. "Firebolt". He started to laugh at that.

"Can't you be serious, a second?" said Lily.

"I'm always Sirius," said Harry's godfather, with a grin.

"Oh, no," wept James. "Not that old joke again."

"Oh, Harry," said Lily, forgetting about the two men behind her. "You've grown so tall and handsome!"

"He got that from me," said James, joining Lily in the foreground of the painting, so that they were now in a closer look.

He passed his arm over Lily's shoulder, and smiled to his son. Harry smiled back, unable to say a word.

"Will you stay mute like this all the time?" asked Sirius, stumbling into his friends.

"He's too moved to say anything," said Ginny. "I can feel it from here."

"And the fiery Miss Weasley is here!" said Sirius, brightly. "My, my, haven't you grown into a fine woman."

Ginny had to fight a blush at the look the painting was giving her. Lily looked at her, curiosity burning in her eyes. Harry took Ginny's hand again.

"Mum, Dad, this is Ginny," said Harry jerking out of his reverie. "She's my fiancée."

"Do you hear that, James?" said Lily, delighted. "Our little Harry is getting married."

"Nice," said Sirius, with another look at Ginny that made her blush even a deeper shade of red.

"Hey, keep your dirty eyes away from my future daughter-in-law," protested James.

"Oh they are unbearable," moaned Andromeda.

"They have their moments," said Lily, with a shrug. "Mind you, I still wonder when I'll see those, but…"

Andromeda laughed.

"Alright, we have a party to attend," said Remus. "You'll have all the time in the world to discuss when you'll be hanging in Harry's office in Hogwarts."

"His office? You mean he won't place us in his bedroom?" said Sirius, making his lower lip tremble.

"Sirius!" protested Ginny and Lily at the same time.

Harry laughed at this situation. This painting was just fantastic!

When Harry rejoined Ron, Hermione and his friends, he described what the gift was. Alice insisted on seeing the painting and there was a funny exchange between Lily and Alice. After that, everybody got back in the lounge, where many people had now arrived.

The Weasleys were all here, now, and so were some families that Harry didn't know. Harry caught a glimpse of Damien Lockenburn who was chatting joyfully with Frank. Harry joined them shortly.

"If I remember that?" was saying Frank. "Come on, that was classic. Ah, Harry! Did you know about the only time when your father's hair had been tamed at last?"

"That happened one day?" asked Harry, astonished at the thought and getting his hand in his own hair. "Hard to believe if he had the same hair as me."

"Well, it happened when James made a bet with Sirius," said Frank. "It was about being able to make him flinch, or something. Anyway, after the team had won the Quidditch game, Damien, here was designated to shave James' head."

Damien winced but Harry burst into laughing.

"You shaved my dad's head?" he said, almost chocking on his drink.

"Yes, I'm afraid so," said Damien, smiling. "But I was interrupted once because James needed to argue with Lily, before I could at least finish the job. That was weird. I had never used a Muggle razor before."

"What was weird was the result," said Frank, chuckling. "Imagine James without his hair..."

"Impossible to figure out if you hadn't seen it," said a voice behind them, echoing with laughter.

Harry turned to see a tall black woman and a man that was clearly her brother came over to talk to them.

"Hello, Des," said Damien.

"Hello, Damien," said the woman. "Harry, I don't know if you know us, but we were friends of your parents in Hogwarts as well," said the woman. "I was in her year in Gryffindor. I'm Desdamona Johnson Carey."

"Are you related to Angelina?"

"Actually, Angie is my daughter," said the man beside her. "My name's Iago Johnson."

"He knows Angie?" asked Desdamona, surprised. "Of course! The World Cup! You were in National Team at the same time."

"And in the Gryffindor team for five years," said Angelina, joining them, grinning broadly. "So, how's it been Harry?"

She hugged him warmly.

"Dad really wanted to meet you, and I was astonished when Aunt Des told me she knew your mother in school," said the tall black woman, grinning.

"I had no idea at all," said Harry.

They began to chat casually, exchanging news, learning about each other, until Angelina brought up his work.

"So, how is the little cousin doing?" she asked.

"Kalindra?" asked Harry. "She's doing pretty well, even if her spell work could be a little more accurate."

"Would you listen to that? He's going all teacher on me!" exclaimed Angelina, laughing.

"So Othello's daughter is doing well?" asked Desdamona.

"Othello?"

"My Uncle Othello," said Angelina. "Kalindra is the daughter of Dad's youngest brother. Don't ask. My grandparents were huge fans of Shakespeare. I doubt they considered the implication of calling Dad like a villain and my uncle like a jealous murderer, but I guess they turned out alright."

"Young lady that is enough," protested her father, without losing his smile.

Angelina kissed him on the cheek, and then gave Harry a toothy smile.

"Anyway," said Harry, "Kalindra's quite gifted with a wand. And she has her heart in the right place, I can vouch for that. She gave us all quite a fright when she joined up in the rescue mission, last year."

"I bet she did," said Angelina. "I still can't believe she did that."

"I'm not that surprised," said Desdamona. "Kallie is a great kid."

There was some commotion at the other end of the reception hall. Someone was getting inside quickly, trying to avoid snow that had started falling over the Longbottom House after they all got here.

Harry knew her at once. She was in his office, not so long ago, discussing about the Defence Club. Before he could head to greet her, a voice echoed from the other end of the living room.

"Amelia!" exclaimed Alice, and she ran into the arms of the witch.

Amelia held Alice tight against her, her eyes closed, with tears running on her cheeks.

"I'm so sorry to be late," said the grey-haired Witch. "I was abroad and I received your invitation only this afternoon."

"You're here, that's the only thing that matters, Amelia!" said Alice. "I'm so happy to see you again."

"And I was so happy when Harry told me you were cured," said Amelia. "I should have come earlier!"

"Don't be sorry," said Frank, joining the two women. "As long as you are here, we don't care to have waited for you."

Amelia burst into tears and fell into a hug in Frank's arms.

"I'm so relieved to see you okay now!" she said. "I was…"

"Shh, Amelia, it's okay," said Frank.

Everyone around was moved to tears by the reunion of old friends. Frank then turned to everyone.

"Now that everyone is here, Alice and I would like to give a toast," he said. "So make sure everyone has a glass."

Glasses passed to everyone. Frank raised his, followed by Alice, and then everyone.

"To all of our friends that are missing now, to those who had given their life to save ours," he said solemnly. "And also to all who had looked after our beloved child while we were away. And those who helped Harry to grow up and become a man. As you may know, Alice is Harry's godmother, so if we're grateful to all those who have taken care or just worried for Neville's fate, we're also grateful to those who stood next to Harry, in his darkest hours. So I want to thank all of you. To friends."

Harry and Neville exchanged a long look before to drink to friends. Harry nodded with a smile, that his old friend gave back. Harry had never seen Neville so happy and that somehow felt like something was finally right with the world.

The party was pretty fantastic. The food was excellent, thanks to small part to Luna, the music was nice and the company was exceptional. Harry was learning quite a lot about his parents' years at school with their old friends. None of what he learned felt tainted with regret or sadness. He felt pretty good about the whole thing.

But, despite the evening being a joyous affair, something was off.

Harry was one of the first to actually spot trouble, this time, as the evening proceeded. He wasn't sure of what was going on, but soon, he was convinced that he wasn't the only one feeling something wasn't right. The way the two wouldn't look each other in the eye, or even speak to each other, or generally avoid being caught in the same group conversations… At some point, during the party, Neville came up to him, with Susan Bones, who had joined the party, shortly before the arrival of her aunt, and Hermione in tow.

"What's the deal with Fred and Angelina?" he asked.

"I wish I knew," said Harry. "I've given up on trying to keep up with these two."

Ginny had a groan of annoyance.

"Those two are going to kill me," she said. "You remember what I told you, Harry, about Angelina claiming she couldn't use Fred as a rebound guy?"

Harry nodded, and both Susan and Neville jumped in surprise.

"No way, Fred and Angie?" asked Susan.

"Oh, Suzie, you should really try to keep up with these things," said Ginny, on a gently teasing tone, which only made her smile. "Anyway, I heard from Katie Bell that the two idiots, that is Angie and my dork of a brother, apparently had another row about this, and that Angelina felt the need to lash out, somehow. I'm not sure what Fred could have said to piss her off that way, but she decided to go on a date with Solomon Keller."

"You're kidding," said Harry. "The beater from the Kestrels? Isn't he a stupid jerk?"

"I guess that's not the issue," said Neville, wisely.

"Explain that to me, please," said Harry.

"The guy she dates isn't important," said Neville. "The point is that she did it, so that it would annoy Fred. The more of a jerk the guy is, the better, actually."

"I think Neville got that right," said Ginny. "She didn't care about who…"

"No, sorry, that doesn't explain what's going on tonight," said Harry. "I mean, look at Angelina. She's not pissed off, she's ashamed."

"Yeah," said Ginny. "That would be because she finally realised her mistake. If Fred is so furious about all this, doesn't it mean that he's serious about her? And now that she knows that, she could be finally coming to terms with her own feelings… and realise she blew it."

"Seems an awful waste," said Neville.

"I hear you on that, Neville," said Ginny. "Since when did you become such a psychologist, by the way?"

"I read your articles about men being insensitive gits, a few years back, dear," said Neville. "So I tried to improve the average…"

"Well, I was in a bad day," said Ginny as a defence. "My boyfriend of the moment was on a mission abroad at the time, so I was venting out."

"That's understandable, then," said Harry, with a grin to Ginny.

"I'll be only gone for two weeks," said Ginny with an impatient sigh, since he was referring to a trip she was about to make in Finland.

"That will feel sooo much longer," said Harry on a feigned weeping tone.

"Yes, as if you won't jump on the occasion to have some Boys' evenings with your buddies," said Susan, smiling teasingly.

"Evening with buddies?" asked a voice, from behind them. "I'm in, then."

Harry then saw a tall wizard joining them, at the very moment Tonks was joining them with a glass in her hand. The newcomer had really broad shoulders, and a very smiling face, with short dark hair. And he had the same brown eyes as Neville. But he looked quite older.

"Hey, Nev, introduce me to your friends so I can sneak in the next buddies party!" said the man, on a friendly tone.

Neville smiled.

"Alright. Everyone, get ready to meet the worst our family has to offer. He's an idiotic, clumsy, rude bonehead without an inch of moral sense and dreadful manners," said Neville, with a comic grin across his face. "This is my cousin, Azarias Longbottom."

"Ouch!" laughed the man. "You're getting good at that, now? When did you get your tongue sharpened?"

"Maybe I taught a few things," said Hermione, smiling. "Sorry about that. I guess we must take all what he said with a grain of salt, then?"

"Only a small grain," said the man, grinning. "Well, except for the clumsiness," he added. "That's a real problem with me. Also true is that we are cousins. But please, nobody calls me Azarias, except for Gran'. Derrick. It is my middle but I like it better."

He held out a gigantic hand that reminded Harry of Hagrid's.

"You must be Harry Potter," he said.

"If I must," said Harry, grinning. "Since you're from Neville's family, for you, this is Harry."

"Right! I like that! Now I can show off and say I'm on the first name terms with Harry Potter. 'Like Harry said, the other day…'; 'What Harry?' 'Well, Harry Potter, of course!' I'm going to be soooo popular!"

Harry chuckled at the comic wince that Derrick made while saying this.

"And you are?" he asked Ginny, taking her hand with curtsey and kissing it lightly.

"Ginny Weasley, his fiancée," replied Neville.

"Well, I guess I'm too late, then," said Derrick. "Maybe that lovely brunette I see behind you…"

"I'm sorry," said Hermione, with a laugh. "But I'm afraid I'm not available either."

"And this is Hermione Granger Weasley," Neville went on, rolling his eyes at his cousin's act. "Her husband is around, so behave."

"This is Susan Bones," Neville went on, introducing Susan.

"I already know Derrick, Nev'," said Ginny. "Auntie speaks very highly of him, and I met him once or twice."

"You tell him, Sue" said Derrick, kissing her on the cheek. "How is work?"

"Bearable," said Susan, with a smile.

"And last, this is Nymphadora Tonks," concluded Neville.

"Neville," said Tonks, getting out of her discreet looking at Remus, something Harry had caught her doing all night. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me Nymphadora."

"I'm handing all the data of the problem, Tonks," said Neville, with a grin.

"Well," said Derrick. "You should have told me you had such a beautiful friend."

He took Tonks' hand and did the same as with Hermione and Ginny. Tonks smiled at that, and seemed to notice him finally.

"Really, I have rarely seen such a beauty," insisted Derrick.

Tonks laughed lightly.

"I wasn't under the impression of being funny, on this one," said Derrick, turning to Harry, as if to take him as a witness.

"Not at all," said Tonks. "But for someone like me, beauty is quite relative."

Derrick looked a little bemused, but suddenly, Tonks' face morphed into an awful, old lined face, with a crooked nose, and ugly greasy grey hair. Derrick raised his eyebrows.

"Metamorphmagus," he said, smiling slightly. "Fascinating. So how do we know your real face?"

"You usually don't," said Tonks, getting back to the previous one, with a smile.

"I see," said Derrick. "So I guess you use your gift for disguise."

"Aurors found this handy," said Tonks.

"You're an Auror? How come I never crossed you in the alleys?" asked Derrick.

"I left the Office years ago."

"Tonks is instructor for the Order of the Phoenix," said Neville.

"The Order? Now, that's impressive," said Derrick. "I was named Auror three years ago, after a long training in the States. The FWI is quite full of praise for the Order," he added.

"The FWI?" asked Susan.

"The Federal Wizards Investigating," said Derrick. "Also known as the Fabulous Weirdos Incorporated."

"If they're weirdos, no wonder they like the Order," said Ron, grinning to Tonks.

Harry and the others went on with talking with Derrick and Neville. Harry noticed then something odd. Tonks wasn't looking at Remus that much anymore. She was smiling and laughing at Derrick's jokes. The older cousin seemed to have distracted her from her melancholy.

Remus looked across the room and saw her talk to that man, in elegant, yet simple robes. Remus knew of him. Derrick Longbottom, Auror like his famous uncle and aunt, a very sharp one, mostly working overseas. He was known to be a little goofy sometimes, but he was a decent fellow. Remus allowed himself a bitter smile. Strong, handsome, but goofy… just the kind of man who seemed cut out right for her.

To see her talk to him should have reassured him, told him that she would be alright, in the end, that she would be happy, since it was the only important thing. It should have been for the best.

But all he could feel right now was rage, a slow, silent rage at seeing her with another man, which almost turned to a growl in his throat. It simply made his skin crawl. And all that rage was directed at himself, for being so stubborn and stupid, because he had no one else to blame than himself.

His resolve, all the reasons he had summoned to keep Tonks away were now tumbling down and now, he berated himself.

You're a bloody idiot, Remus, and now she'll move on, he told himself. Another chance you blew to ashes. Well done.

Just as he had this thought, a voice from the past, so perfectly relevant to his current dilemma, came to take a stab at his heart, from behind his shoulder.

"And here I was, thinking you were finally alright, Remus," said Amelia Bones, as she walked to stand beside him. "But you're still doing it, aren't you?"

Remus turned to face her. He hadn't seen her in years. Not since James and Lily's funeral, when he had begun his travels and the bitter life of a reject, full of rage at a betrayal he believed had come from his best friend. She had barely spoken to him, back then. She had been too broken by the pain, and he had felt too guilty to intrude on her grief. Later, as she had risen through the ranks of the Ministry, he had chosen to stay away, to spare her from the inconvenience of a werewolf acquaintance.

And since the end of the war, he had been way too busy to ever attempt to reconnect with Amelia. He detailed her outlook. She had lost weight since last time he had caught a glimpse of her. She now looked more like the girl from his years in Hogwarts. He remembered her kindness and her patience and compared it with the steely determination she had shown in the defence of the Law in her career. That was quite a contrast, but as she smiled at him, he could find traces of the gentle soul he had known.

"How are you, Amelia?" he asked, with a smile.

"Quite well," she said. "As you must have heard, Ambrosius has convinced me to return as Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. I guess we'll get the chance to work together after all."

"I look forward to that," said Remus. "Congratulations, by the way."

"Right," said Amelia, with a doubtful wince. "Given the amount of trouble this job got me in in the first place, I wonder whether it's a good thing to return there."

Remus nodded. With the stance she had kept as Head, Amelia had become a target for the Death Eaters throughout the entire war. She had dodged a few assassination attempts and had been severely injured by one of them.

"I doubt it will come to that, in the current climate," he said. "It's nice to see each other for such a good occasion."

"You mean wonderful, don't you?" said Amelia, beaming. "To see Alice in such good health… I never dared to hope to see it one day."

"So what did you mean, by 'I'm doing it'?" asked Remus.

"Oh, you know very well what I mean, Remus," she scolded him gently. "I'm not naïve, you know. I may have been a little, back in school, but my eyes have been open. The moment I knew you were a werewolf, all of your behaviour became crystal clear. The disappearances, the bouts of illness … your rejection of me... As soon as Lily told me the truth about you, I understood why you never gave in, although I knew you were attracted to me."

Remus could only hang his head in shame at that, but she patted his shoulder.

"I got over it, Remus," she said, reassuringly. "And I understood. But I know that something in all this was unfair: beyond the fact you were cursed, you also inflicted all of this loneliness and isolation to yourself. It's no wonder James and his bunch had to force their way into being your friends. You didn't need to put yourself through this, back then, and you certainly don't need to do this, now. It's sad already that victims of werewolves should be treated that bad. If those who have recovered can't shake the habit, it's tragic. Your curse is lifted."

"My symptoms only," corrected Remus. "I still have a wolf inside of…"

"The immediate danger is gone, Remus," Amelia gently cut him. "Wasn't it why you wouldn't accept our relationship, back then, because of the danger it put me in?"

"I could have killed you," said Remus. "I couldn't take that chance."

"I can understand that it was true, at the time," said Amelia. "But right now, what is your excuse? It's not like she can't take it."

Remus looked sharply at her, but she was looking toward Nymphadora, at the other end of the room. She made sure he knew what she was looking at, before to turn and smile to him.

"I've seen the way you're looking at her, Remus," she said. "Andi's daughter. I've studied her, that one, back when she was under my orders. Tough, brave, resilient… and she's beautiful, too. But if someone can understand what it is to be different, it'd be her."

Remus looked at Tonks, who was chuckling at a remark made by Derrick. He turned a helpless look to Amelia. She had a sympathetic smile.

"Don't do this to yourself, Remus," she said. "After what we've both been through, I think we both earned a shot at happiness, don't you? I've found mine, don't deny yours, please."

"You've found yours?" said Remus.

"I keep it private, because I don't want the press to hound my every move," she said. "That's also the reason why I never married. Draws too much attention."

"So, you're happy, then?" asked Remus.

"Yes, we are," said Amelia.

"Well, he's a lucky guy," noted Remus.

"In all modesty, I'd say she is," she said, with a grin.

Remus must have looked startled.

"Does that shock you?" she teased him. "I thought a former werewolf would be at least open-minded."

"I'm not so much shocked," said Remus. "But I had no idea… Can I ask who she is?"

"You can," said Amelia. "Her name is Vivian. You should visit, sometimes, I'd introduce you."

"Why not?" said Remus. "It's not like I'm very busy socially, these days."

"Good, will you think about what I said?" asked Amelia.

"I'll try," said Remus.

"As much as I will be able to get, I see," she chuckled. "Now, Alice tells me you've created a wizarding portrait of James and Lily. Can I see it?"

"It's in the next room," said Remus. "Sirius is also in there."

"Oh, she said so, as well, but I was trying to forget that part," said Amelia with a wry smile. "I can't wait until that Sirius Black hears about my couple with a witch…"

"That would have been something he would have liked," said Remus.

"Oh, I'm sure of that," said Amelia with a laugh. "But I can live without Sirius' dirty comments on my private life. Come on, show me that painting."

The holidays were coming to an end. The students were expected to return in four days. The Castle was still mostly empty, though. It did feel somehow curious.

Kenneth was walking in the Entrance hall, his trunk levitating behind him as he went. A surprise assignment had led his father to head for Ireland. Kenneth could have remained at the Hall and spent his time with Bohor's family until the train ride, but as he had still a little bit of homework to do and Professor Potter had also offered a few extra training sessions, he had chosen to return to Hogwarts early. While the practice wasn't common, nothing in the rules forced the students to be away from school for the entirety of the holidays, except for the summer.

So here he was, making his way toward Gryffindor Tower. The silent atmosphere of the place was both soothing and somehow eerie to him, for some reason. There was something in the air, as if something important was about to happen.

Was it Aria's warning? He couldn't really say, but he admitted that he felt slightly on edge, like at the eve of a battle, if that made sense.

Quickly stepping inside the common room, Kenneth brought his trunk back up in his dorm. He wondered why Julie wasn't in the common room, since he knew that she had stayed in the castle. Then he remembered that her family was supposed to visit. Surely, they couldn't get inside Gryffindor Tower, so she had to be staying with them.

Once he was settled back, he went in search of another missing Gryffindor: Thierry. Beyond the fact that he wanted to see his friend, he had a few questions he wanted to ask, about a point of his History of Magic essay.

This had become a new habit, very quick to take. Given Thierry's vast knowledge, Kenneth and his friends had become used to ask for his insight whenever they were working on any work for Binns.

Kenneth walked out of the Tower, in search of the novice.

He walked into Thierry not far from the Tower, in fact. But he wasn't alone. He was speaking with his Master. Kenneth was, let's be honest, relieved that it was Master Amanio and not the unpleasant Anselme. How Thierry or, for that matter, Amanio could put up with the guy was just beyond Kenneth's comprehension.

The older wizard looked very concerned as he spoke. Kenneth, sensing the tension, slowed his pace and waited for their talk to be over.

"I sense you're keeping something from me, Thierry," said the old man calmly.

"Master, I…"

"I am not accusing you of anything, dear boy," Amanio cut him. "I know you too well for that. But I see it, day after day since you entered the Novices. You're consumed by something. Something you refuse to share with anyone. But I see that it's hurting you. You have to believe me, Thierry. If I can do something, I will. You can trust me. I don't want to see you hurt."

Thierry sent him a sad look.

"Thank you, Master, but this is something I must face alone," he said.

"Why do you think you must be alone all the time?" asked Amanio.

"Some things can't be shared," said Thierry.

"I'm sure that you're wrong," said Amanio. "I hope you'll realise it and that you will change your mind and talk to me."

Kenneth was puzzled by what he was hearing. Was it linked to that strange behaviour Thierry was sometimes showing? Maybe that would explain why Thierry sometimes got back in the common room and was going to bed without eating. Kenneth, lost in his interrogations, backed up involuntarily and touched a nearby curtain, causing a part of it to swing into a shield that was hanging on the wall. The Master and the Novice turned to him, a little startled.

"Erm… sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," said Kenneth.

"Nonsense, Young Lionheart," said Amanio. "As a matter of fact, it is a strok of luck that brings you here. I had meant to ask Thierry to invite you for a talk."

Thierry shot his Master a surprised look, which must have reflected Kenneth's, for the old man chuckled lightly.

"I guess you must have wondered why we, in the Brotherhood, appear so interested in your fate, young Mister Lionheart," said Amanio. "You must have realised that it is as much linked to your name as it is linked to your gift."

"Well, in fact, yes," said Kenneth. "Although I still don't know why you would pay so much attention to my family, or me , as a matter of fact."

"On another note, you sure have wondered why Thierry wasn't really surprised when Ivoire came to see you," continued Amanio. "I think it is time you knew the truth of this. Why don't you and Thierry follow me to my office?"

Kenneth nodded and followed the Master, both puzzled and curiously excited. Words were suddenly echoing in his mind.

Your fate is bound from all eternity with the one of the Brotherhood.

Somehow, he felt he was about to understand the meaning of it.

Right, very slight cliffhanger, there. The next bit will bring us straight back into the main plot and focus more heavily on Kenneth and his place in all of this year's events.

Hope you liked the chapter. Even in the days of the first draft of the story, the party at the Longbottom was a fixed point in time, if you allow me that 'Doctor Who' reference. It's changed a little, to include Tonks and Remus' situation, Angelina and Fred's antics and the small bit about Amelia. The portrait was in there since the beginning and so were some other characters.

About that, I need to give, once more, credit to Beth, AKA Phoenix_song, who has created the characters of Desdemona, Iago, and Othello Johnson., Angelina's family. If I remember correctly, once she included Damien, Alex's father, into her continuity, she even invented Othello, just to be Kalindra's Dad. Also, you now know where Kalindra's obsession with Shakespeare, cited at the end of book one, comes from.

If you're wondering where Alex was during the party, well he was abroad, visiting Phyllis' family in Ireland. Not that her family is big on the Holidays, but now that they have a kid... Also, he has never known the Longbottoms personally, so only his parents showed up.

As I said, next chapter tells us more about the Brotherhood and what the hell they want with Kenneth.