(a/n): As always, reviews appreciated. And a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Britpicks noted : There is no Royal Army ...Royal Navy, Royal Air Force... hmm. Royal titles, also interesting. And mostly I picked titles for how it sounded with a character's name, but feel free to rank them so in the story. I didn't see anywhere that rank equals wealth.

Susan Bones firing at Sirius & Harry in the CoS? I don't view as the same as firing a gun. It was the start of a mock duel. No different than throwing a punch in a karate lesson.

There was a mix of thoughts on the talk between Mr. Granger and Harry. And I'm satisfied with that. Both sides gave some, but neither was ready for a major change. You don't end a year of hostility in one chat. And another take on canon Hermione; Never thought of that first train scene quite the way magitech described it "points ... at Harry's face & lets rip..." "...no letters from the Ministry" Is, I think, explainable as if it's on the train, there's no violation.

Back to titles & rank, I depicted Susan a notch above Harry just by the Bones having more votes in the Wizengamot. Slytherin's story pushed her heritage up several notches. A matter of debate as to whether her practical standing would change. Something for Brit-pickers, would an absolutely provable descendant of King Arthur be able to stake a claim?

Last, a lengthy objection (going back to chapt#17) of Hermione's parents and their then total hate for Harry. Why did I take that route? For about the same reason as others write a raging Ron. And because there are a lot more of those stories. The assumption she could never be his ally again... Friend? Still in the air... Ally, easily.

Starting off this installment with a visit to the Malfoy mansion. Not a pretty scene.

30 – Black and Quidditch

One wonders if Butterbeer would be Harry Potter's favorite beverage if he knew almost 40% of the ingredients were grown, or manufactured, by the Malfoys. Additionally, some 25% of the grapes used for Firewhiskey were grown in the vineyards of the vast estate. The family owned additional productive areas in France and California, making Lucius an extremely wealthy wizard. Substantially more so than Harry. Despite the trouble he'd gotten himself in, he was one of just eight members of the Wizengamot who held ten votes in that august body.

However, due to his involvement with the Death Eaters, it was his wife Narcissa who oversaw the business. Especially the local operations. Lucius may have married her for the political benefits, and to possibly acquire control of House Black. And despite her exceptional beauty, his only sexual interest in her had been to produce an heir for House Malfoy.

Moving to current affairs, the vineyards were Narcissa's domain. She ensured that the House Elves, whose magic maintained a proper temperature for year-round growth, were well treated (pampered would be a more accurate term). These elves were utterly loyal to her. "Taffy," She addressed the chief among them "Master Malfoy is not acting in the best interests of the Family."

"Mistress knows us worker elves obeys her in all things." The loyal female replied, bowing low.

Offering a soft smile, the witch knelt beside the elf and replied "And I am grateful, Taffy. What you and your friends do here is miraculous."

"Thank you Mistress." Replied the deeply blushing elf. She busied herself with one particular grape on a nearby vine.

Narcissa turned the little face up to hers and continued "I do not say this to embarrass you. I say it because it is the truth. Master Malfoy would never understand. I do. But, I regret to say I will not be with you much longer. And I must ask more of you than you have ever given."

"What is Mistress' orders?" asked Taffy shyly.

Narcissa steeled herself and said "If you hear my life is threatened, you are to disregard it. Your priorities are to preserve your lives-"

"Mistress Malfoy!" Taffy, and a new arrival, Donnie, exclaimed as one.

Entering full Pureblood mode, the witch glared them down and continued "You will be silent! This is an order! Now, all of you elves are to abandon the fields. You will not obey any summons by Master Malfoy. You will, all of you, report to Draco and follow his instructions. Above everything else, including any orders he may give, defend yourselves and my son."

"Buts the plantings and the harvestses!" protested Taffy.

Narcissa sighed, most definitely not her public persona "I love this place with all my heart and soul. But, the preservation of House Malfoy, and likely the Black line as well, comes first. This harvest, we both know, is damaged. The next will be worse. Only if this Dark Lord is-"

A hissing sound came from behind the two elves, alerting all three to an intrusion.

"Stupid snake." Declared Narcissa, dismissively.

Taffy shook his floppy ears "No ordinary snake, Mistress! You must flee!"

The creature reared up. Obviously intelligent eyes glared at the trio. It hissed angrily "Traitor!"

"GO! Both of you!" Narcissa ordered. She, of course, recognized it for Voldemort's. If not fully for what it was. "And remember my orders!"

Taffy, reluctantly, but almost instantaneously, disappeared. Donnie, the male, and much younger, remained and lashed out at the large snake. The elf's red magic struck Nagini, only to be repelled by a black glow. With reptilian swiftness, Donnie was seized by the throat, wrapped around by thick coils and crushed.

"Avada Kedavra!" Narcissa yelled. And, despite her expectations, Nagini did not die.

Nor was her situation to improve any when Voldemort, ripping through the night air, apparated into the field. "CRUCIO!" the Dark Lord screamed. "Finish your snack, my pet." He added almost tenderly.

"YEEEEAAAAAAAHHHHRRGGGGG!" despite all her Pureblood training, Narcissa emptied her lungs in agony. She felt a wave of revulsion as the giant snake lowered its mouth on Donnie's body and consumed it. Seeing the bulges of the hapless elf's shape pushing from inside Nagini's skin actually broke the torture curse.

Nothing brought Voldemort more pleasure than the suffering of another being. His delight was redoubled as a wave of satiation came through the link between himself and Nagini. It had been a while since she fed properly. Were he fully human, the Dark Lord's behavior could be described as erotic.

Narcissa knew, beyond all doubt, that her mortal existence could be measured in seconds. And she had never hated her husband, nor this monster that ruled over him, more than she did this moment. Disgusted, she swallowed the bile she tasted and flung herself bodily at Nagini. It was the stuff of cold calculation her father taught her. She could not possibly harm Voldemort. But, if she could rob him of the merest pleasure by doing even the tiniest harm to his beast, it would be good enough. Her wand, made of American Redwood and containing a Phoenix feather, used not as a magical tool but a stabbing weapon, caught Nagini in the act of a final swallow. Her mouth was wide open, point of Narcissa's wand penetrated the soft flesh inside the snake's mouth. It continued on through, popping out Nagini's left eye from the inside. Narcissa's hand, coated in gore, followed the hole thus made and pushed out.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! YOU FOOOOOOOLLLL!" screamed Voldemort in an incoherent rage. "YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!"

Tortured, knowing her life was over, sickened both by the death of a treasured elf and even by the result of her attack, Narcissa's mind was fracturing. She laughed, not evilly but a resigned sort. With her last words she forsook her marital name, proclaiming "Never underestimate a Black!"

"You pay now!" Voldemort snarled "You will see your son, soon….very soon."

Narcissa Malfoy's last thought was 'At least his beast didn't have my body.' Ultimately, drawn out though it was, she died.

x

At Hogwarts, no one was yet aware of the events at Malfoy Manor. The major goings on this weekend were the semi-finals of the 1997-98 Inter-House Quidditich Tournament. For Slytherin House, it had been a tremendous year. With Harry only playing in the Substitute Seeker role due to his eye injury, Gryffindor was solidly in last place. Ginny Weasley simply was not as good as Draco Malfoy. She had only caught the snitch once against him, and still Gryffindor lost the game 290-220.

"But, Draco" complained Greg "Potter's back!"

Of course, the Malfoy heir was Quidditch Captain "Shuddup Goyle!" he snapped "You Beaters have one job! ONE! Take out Potter! After that, it doesn't matter how many points the Weaselette scores!"

"Yes Draco." The pair replied dully.

Then he glared at the Rosier triplets "And you! Chasers! I wouldn't half mind it if either of those blood-traitor Weasleys crashed the pitch!"

x

"I know we've had it rough this year." Harry was giving the pre-game pep talk to his team.

And he wasn't entirely popular with the outspoken, ambitious, Third Year Beater "Well, maybe if we'd had a playing Captain!"

"Watch it Parkinson!" Ron growled at her.

It was the surprise of the year. Naturally, Harry had not been there for the arrival of Esmeralda Parkinson. That was the year in which Harry had been in Azkaban. It was quite a shock to have a mostly Slytherin family land a member in Gryffindor. Equally surprising was that, in need of Beaters, the House team for the second time in history (and rather reluctantly) got another First Year. But, she filled all the requirements. She weighed as much as Dennis Creevey before he started his growth spurt. And she could whack just about any ball you threw at her half the length of the pitch. With accuracy. "I don't have to explain myself to you Weasley!" she sneered "at best, you're playing your next to last game!"

"Lighten up, Ron." Harry chuckled, easily "And Essie, I think it's a little early to be hoping for scouts. You still got a few years."

The bulky, but still shortest member of the team, waved her bat in his direction and declared "You'd just better catch that snitch this time, Oh Captain!"

"And I remind you." Ginny jumped in "Harry Potter has NEVER missed the snitch against Malfoy."

Harry hushed her with a look "It's fine Gin. I'll be happy if everyone has a good time. That's what it's all about after all."

"And you're delusional, Potter!" the young Beater complained.

Harry winked at the girl and howled "Now let's go kick some Slytherin arse!"

"That really doesn't make be feel better", Esmeralda mumbled as she elbowed past him.

Susan Bones was waiting outside the tent as Gryffindor thundered out. She caught Harry by the hand and spun him around "I'm there for you 100 percent today. You know that, right, Harry." She whispered in his ear.

"Thanks hun." He replied, nipping at her neck. "I feel like I can fly when you're cheering for me."

She giggled in response "Good thing, that. You'd look pretty dumb standing down there mid-pitch with your broom under your robes."

"Yo!" he protested, slapping her as much on her butt as he could conveniently reach.

Susan kissed is nose, sensuously and said "Love you, be careful."

"That's much woman." Seamus Finnegan was heard to comment as he watched her hips sway off, bouncing red hair from side to side. His brogue much in evidence.

Harry fired an itching hex at the exact middle of his back, and laughed as he tried to reach it.

Poor Seamus, his Finites couldn't hit the itchy spot. And using his wand to scratch the spot only relieved him while he actually scratched. "Come on, Potter! Have mercy!"

"Harry Potter!" shouted Headmistress McGonagall "What! Pray tell! Is the meaning of this?"

Completely unabashed, he replied "Just looking out for my Lady's honor."

"Was eyes only, Harry!" Seamus pleaded "Not like I actually touched. Come onnnnn! Gryff pride and all!" The Irish boy was now dancing a jig.

McGonagall just flicked her wand, didn't speak, did not even look at the suffering student. But he abruptly straightened and sighed. "Potter, five points from Gryffindor for that. Mr. Finnegan, six points to Gryffindor… for…for well… dancing so well." She ended with a grimace.

"Wicked!" declared Seamus, walking off imitating, badly, Susan.

The game was about to begin "And now! Live from Hogwarts Quidditch Pitch! Sponsored by the Home of Pranks Pratfalls and Practically Popular Practical Jokes… Weasley's, or is it Weasleys'? Professor what do I do with the apostrophe?"

"Just proceed Miss Lovegood." The weary voice of Deputy Headmaster Flitwick echoed.

Luna looked up and around then resumed "Today's game is sponsored by Weasleys Wizarding err… Widgets… I shall have to check with George on the correct spelling."

Although Ron's brothers were later to grumble at that misnaming, by the time they got their sales totals, they'd discovered the unique, wrong, advertisement boosted sales that day by almost a thousand Galleons.

"Games are easy to announce these days." Luna's voice filled the pitch "Here comes Slytherin! Led by Draco Malfoy, N\ext Crabbe, Goyle, Rosier, Rosier and Rosier and finally Lynch!" She rolled right on as Gryffindor came out "For the Lions today are Potter, Creevey, Weasley, Weasley, Rosier – just kidding folks – "

Flitwick bellowed "MISS LOVEGOOD!"

"But it is such a lovely sounding name, Professor." Argued Luna "It just rolls off the tongue. OH! Look, the captains are about to shake. Such good sports. Why? I wonder, does everyone think Harry and Draco hate each other?"

In spite of most of the spectators' opinions, the two career-long rivals were actually having a semi-polite moment up there "Going down, Scarhead!" Draco called out.

"Been saying that for seven years blondie!" Harry jeered back as he settled into position. Neither young wizard gave the slightest sign of concern at being 100 feet up. "Oops! My fault! You've only been doing this for six!"

Draco smirked and brought himself within inches of Harry "Plot. Piggies. Badgers." He whispered in a code they'd worked out over the past year. It wasn't perfect, but they could exchange a lot of details in a few short words.

In this case, a brief look of worry and a raised eyebrow was Harry's way of clarifying that Draco had learned of a plan to attack either the school itself, or at least students, which meant Hogsmeade. Badgers meant Hufflepuffs were being targeted. To Harry that meant danger to Susan. He nodded in understanding and offered his hand.

Draco slapped it away and the crowd booed at the poor sportsmanship thus shown.

"Don't you ever get tired of it?" asked Harry.

Something only meant for his nemesis, the Slytherin grinned and replied "Must live up to my rep Potter."

"Haven't beat me in seven years, Malfoy." Harry retorted. "And, didn't best Ginny every time."

Madam Hooch confirmed the two captains were ready and she heaved the Quaffle into the air between Ginny one of the Rosier Slytherin Chasers.

"And they're off!" exclaimed Luna. "Evan Rosier with the Quaffle. Ginny Weasley hot on his bristles. An impressive semi-mer flip by Rosier, throws Ginny off. Excellent save by Ron Weasley! Who back tosses it to his sister who is off down the pitch! Ouch! That one stung! Ginny takes one in the knee, dropping the Quaffle and this time Slytherin scores. First point of the game. Parkinson nails Draco with a Bludger! Clearly the Gryffindor/Slytherin rivalry is alive and well for the next generation."

Again, the Head of Ravenclaw warned his student "Careful Miss Lovegood!"

"But is it not just fascinating, Professor?" Luna argued, suddenly oblivious to the match "Even a member of a traditionally Slytherin Family like the Parkinsons-"

Flitwick cut the girl off declaring "Miss Lovegood! Quidditch!"

"Oh my!" she exclaimed "Well folks. I hope you were all keeping watch. The score is now Slytherin 40 Gryffindor 30. Checking in with the Seekers, Harry is at mid-pitch circling rather tightly. Meanwhile, Draco, who is a quite handsome bloke-"

Again eliciting a protest from her chaperone.

"As I was saying" continued Luna, almost glaring at her Head of House "An interesting tactic. Malfoy seems set on buzzing Ronald. Rather like a human Bludger. That was an impressive fractal arc-loop- And another for Slytherin! Score now 90 to 40 Slytherin lead." Luna's main commentary for the next twenty minutes was either Ginny's Chasers scoring, or Harry dodging yet another Bludger assault. And at the 100 minute mark Gryffindor was leading 250 to 150.

Madam Hooch suddenly shouted "Penalty! Weasley! Charging the goalie! Three minutes!"

"Not true!" Harry swept down to argue "Lynch hit her!" Regardless, Gryffindor's lead chaser went into the box and they'd have to play down one at the critical time when, as the two hour mark approached scoring was becoming wild and the snitch was being seen more. "Huddle up, Team!" he called out "Right! Real quick. Chasers, no offense unless you see an easy goal. Do everything you can to keep Slytherin out of our zone. Ron, behave yourself. Use all that anger to keep the Quaffle out of the hoops. And Beaters, not to seem selfish or nothing, but I've been hit four times in the last hour. If nothing else, think of your own stats, huh?"

By the time Ginny was out, the score was tied at 220 and the Seekers were in hot pursuit of the snitch. As in years past, Harry and Draco were darting all over the pitch as the gold ball winged its way through players, stands, spectators and under the towers. Ginny flashed a look at Dennis who instantly obeyed. With pinpoint accuracy, a Bludger rebounded off his bat and took the nose off Draco's broom. It skidded out of control, tracing a jagged black line across the sky. While despised in many circles, Draco was a talented flyer who practiced long and hard. If such was only to defeat Harry, well it did not do any harm. And in this case, brought him in safely.

Quidditch rules allowed the replacement of a player, but only AFTER the one being replaced was on the ground. The damaged broom took almost a full minute to splutter to the ground. In that time, Harry had the pitch to himself. Oblivious to anything else, he snared the Golden Snitch and shook his fist in triumph. He was, frankly, a little disappointed at the lack of cheers. He twisted and looped down to the Gryffindor student stands. Everyone was looking the opposite way. At least twenty House Elves, by Harry's quick count, had surrounded Malfoy.

"YOU BLOODY IDGIT CREATURES!" a red-faced, furious Draco Malfoy was screaming at them. While Luna's, Flitwick's and of course Madam Hooch's voices had been magically enhanced for the game Draco was effectively almost as loud as he raged "WHY ARE YOU NOT IN THE VINEYARDS WHERE YOU BELONG! RUINED THE GREATEST GAME OF MY LIFE!"

His teammates attempted to surround him and shower him with congratulations, but Harry ignored them. Trying to get close to the knot of elves. He was sternly barred by every elf he approached, whether it be from forward or behind, left or right, above or below. Harry had seen sneering hate from his nemesis, racist insults toward his former friend just because of her origins, but he had never seen the utter emotionlessness now radiating from Draco Malfoy.

"Bugger off, Potter. You too Weasel." He barely spared the Gryffindors a look "This is none of your affair. Have this infernal game. Taffy, and the rest of you. Slytherin Dungeons! Now!" And, with that, the entire globe of elves and wizard vanished.

Regardless of events, Madam Hooch declared "Gryffindor Winnnnnsss!"

"Well done Harry!" yelled Ron. He hugged his friend and pounded him on the back. A win was a win in the redhead's book.

And easily enough, Harry took to it. Though in the back of his mind, he wondered what happened to his spy. And, further pushing it away was the delighted approach of another redhead. Harry enjoyed watching his girlfriend bounce his way. And there was really no other way to describe it. Seeker timing caught Susan just under her arms as her foot touched grass and lifted her over his head. He intentionally allowed her chest to slide down his face, came eye to eye with her grinning.

"You!" she accused "You planned that!"

He kissed her chastely and answered "Huh? What?"

"Well, you're entitled, I suppose." Susan allowed, in a regal tone "But with Hufflepuff beating Ravenclaw, you do understand I will have to support my team."

Harry didn't care, he just laughed roamed his hands up and down her sides and planted a firm kiss on her lips. Feeling his arms around her Susan returned with only the restraint of knowing a crowd was around them.

x

"I can well imagine you could use my expert advice, Potter." Draco Malfoy commented with a smirk.

Harry crossed his arms and glared "Bite me Malfoy!"

"Now, now boys. Cousins really should love each other." Sirius Black joked amiably. Being in the Chamber of Secrets for the past month might have seemed cruel to many, but it was infinitely preferable to a Dementor's Kiss and besides he was well fed and had the long company of Salazar Slytherin.

The painting found cross-snapping among the young nobles shocking "In my day, such behavior would only have occurred during the first passes of an honor duel."

"This is friendly compared to what they usually do." Offered Susan with a grin "Come on, Harry, he's actually offering to help. You should listen."

Harry gave her a surprised look and retorted "Thought you were rooting for the bad guys next week. Oh fine! Master Malfoy… please share with me your years of expertise!"

"Much better!" Salazar praised. "Though the tone is still rather brusque for proper Lords."

Draco inclined his head to the painting. He did owe Harry a Life Debt in the wake of his Mother's murder. The very night of the disrupted Quidditch match, there had been two attempts on Draco's life. Five of the Malfoy Field Elves died protecting him. It was Harry who opened the Chamber and offered his nemesis/spy sanctuary. "Whitby really isn't competition for you as a Seeker." He remarked "But it's Cadwallader that worries me. He's the best Beater in a decade. Got on the 'Puff Team in his Second Year and bloody accurate with one of those bats."

"He's going pro." Offered Susan "He'll be a spare with the Canons."

Sirius winked at her "Giving aid and comfort to the enemy?" he teased.

"The Lady Bones is merely offering a detail to ensure the protection of her chosen mate." The painting defended her "Of course, she would not be expected to inform on detailed Hufflepuff strategies. That would be treasonous."

Susan offered Slytherin a bow of her head "I appreciate the support Lord Salazar. But, to be honest, I could not begin to betray those strategies you refer to, anyway. Quidditch, to me, seems as organized as the traffic pattern in the Ministry's Hall of Fireplaces. All I care about is that Harry comes out unhurt. And Hufflepuff wins. Naturally."

"If I needed a reason to want Hufflepuff to lose." Said Draco, in an offended tone "It's enough to make me root for the Weasles. Both of them."

Angry for Ron and Ginny's sakes, Harry still could not help being amused "What an image it makes." He laughed "Draco Malfoy cheering. Go Gryffindor Go!"

x

"Sit, Lucius, sit." Voldemort waved a hand congenially "Your conduct in this recent unpleasantness has been beyond exemplary. I do not, perhaps, reward loyalty sufficiently. I now have no doubt of yours. In council I shall give you authority second only to my own."

The Head of House Malfoy dipped his head and folded himself into a chair. The first time in two years that he'd sat in his own master bedroom. "Service to you is its own reward, Master." He declared "However, Narcissa's …err… accident is highly problematic."

"Indeed." acknowledged the Dark Lord "It is regrettable that more of her remains could not have been found. Perhaps that Devil's Snare. You need to get replacements for those Elves that deserted you."

Lucius knew they were both lying. His wife had clearly been planning some action. His Master had caught her in the act and slain her without the slightest compunction. "Humans will have to do, My Lord." He replied "There is no reason to concern yourself. What I must have, to maintain my position and reputation, is an immediate replacement for Narcissa."

"My dear Duke Malfoy, every once in a while we are fortunate enough to have the opportunity to get what we want." Voldemort smiled/sneered "Harm to Potter through those he loves. You, my loyal friend, get choice retaliation at the Weasleys who have repeatedly embarrassed you. And, we can even reign in your wayward son."

Lucius frowned in thought, trying to follow his Master's thought "Are you suggesting, My Lord?" he asked "The Bones girl?"

"Regrettably, no." replied a disappointed Dark Lord "My spies within the Ministry have confirmed the filing of a Marriage Contract between those two. Her availability must wait for Potter's death. No, I was contemplating Weasley's daughter. There would be direct, immediate access to the wealth stolen from my Basilisk. Influence over her dear father's behavior. And, after appropriate conditioning, at least an indirect line to all my enemies' schemes against me."

Still not quite following Voldemort's idea, the Malfoy lord asked "Possibly bringing Draco back, My Lord? How can this resolve my own weakened position? Of course, I am only thinking of your overall strategy."

"Naturally, that is only the primary plan." Replied the Dark Lord, waving a careless hand "There is no reason our friends in the Wizengamot cannot be persuaded to issue a blanket order. House Weasley is to present its daughter, Ginevra, to House Malfoy in marriage. You, my servant, are better with flowery words than I."

Lucius practically forgot in whose presence he was "Proclamation… so and so… Best do it late Friday or early Saturday morning. This day in Council… Legally, not even a majority required. Just plurality…those present."

x

"Oh!" a girl in Hogsmeade squealed. She and her escort were just exiting Quality Quidditch. A compromise between the couple. His place, first and now hers. The girl would not allow a Hogsmeade visit without at least an hour in Madam Puddifoot's. A symbol… one never seen around here, flashed in front of her face. It pointed toward Gryffindor Lane. She nodded at it, then back to her escort, she said "Sorry, Dennis, umm… I just remembered something I need. Be right back."

And a confused boy was left standing at the entrance to the insanely pink room. He belatedly yelled after her "I'm not going in there by myself!"

"I'm here, Father!" the girl panted. The symbol and arrow led along Gryffindor Lane, a left on High St. Then down the alley between it and Rowena Rd. "This wasn't a good time!"

Clamping a hand over her mouth, a powerful man pulled her close and threw an Invisibility cloak over both. "Useful source of information, I trust."

"One never knows who might be useful, Father." The girl pointed out "And he did spend a lot of time with Harry last summer."

The man pushed the girl's chin up and spoke coldly "Do you not mean Objective Potter? I have warned you repeatedly about emotional involvement in your task. You are here to do a job, not become attached to these people. What, my dear, is your ultimate goal?"

"Well, here…" she replied "To ensure this civil war doesn't affect the rest of the world. Long term? Score myself enough points to supplant you. I would rather not kill you unless absolutely necessary."

He smiled, although it did not reach his eyes "I had similar sentiments at your age, my dear. They will fade as you grow. Now, your report?"

"Yessir!" she almost barked "Potter … let me back up… It started as a normal enough day. Then a Ministry owl landed in front of Bones. She unfolded what looked like a Daily Prophet. That struck me as odd. Why would the Ministry be delivering newspapers? … Yes sir, facts … In seconds, and I'm as certain of this as I can be, it must have been right on the headline. Whoever sent that paper knew about the murder. If we assume it was sent from London, that owl had to have started its flight BEFORE the murder even occurred."

The man nodded "Your suspicions are noted. Proceed."

"You know about the screaming fit that followed?" the girl asked. And her father gestured for her to continue "What isn't known is that Potter visited the Hufflepuff girls' dormitory before his two month adventure."

Dark eyes found cold amusement. The spymaster chortled "Looks like the saintly boy-hero is an ordinary teenager after all."

"There's that." she agreed. The girl's like colored eyes only imitated the emotionlessness of her father's genuinely calculating ones "But Abbott's confession to stringing up the Mudblood was a lie. Harry did it. Amazing really, the gleam in his eye as he stood there watching his captive suffer. Then how he turned away to go on his mission."

This time the older eyes did smile "There is nothing, Daughter, like the satisfaction of victory over an enemy. It is well the Potter boy has learned that. He might be useful after all."

"I would prefer Harry not lose this war." She commented, with a pink coloring on her cheeks. Then suppressing the warmth she felt "I have completed your other task."

His eyebrows almost left his forehead, a rare display of emotion "Well done, my dear!" he praised "Show me!"

"More than fulfilled, actually, Father." Said the girl in a gloating tone. She produced a scroll and unrolled some of the parchment "You asked for just one. I was able to obtain nine strands of Dumbledore's hair."

The spymaster was awed. He took the scroll with one hand and stroked his daughter's cheek with the other "I must admit. I truly did not expect you to succeed in this. Tell me how."

"I suppose you expected me to storm the Minister's office." She said, scornfully "Tear them from his beard. It really wasn't any more difficult than acting up in class and getting sent to the Headmistress' office. All it cost was some House Points and three evenings in detention."

He praised her "Elegant, simple, and efficient. Well done." Then, when she least expected it *crack* Slapped her across the cheek "Let us not forget your place! Now kiss your father and take your leave."

"A last item." The girl said, as calmly as if the smack had not happened "Potter seemed to have acted without any outside influence. I did congratulate him on a job well done, after the fact." Then she complied with his order and returned to her ordinary 'date at Hogsmeade'

x

The entire affair had been observed. An owl, perched in a corner on some decaying bricks. Busy with a mouse clutched in its talons. But this particular owl was not all it appeared. It was the Animagus form of a mid-level spy. One high enough to know of his superior's desire to see certain Brits eliminated and of some of the plans at work. And an owl feeding on a rodent would raise no suspicion in the Wizard village. For safety sake, the owl fed and finished its meal, then napped. Some time later, it flew to a tree on the outskirts of town and turned into a plump, blond witch. She cackled "One of the chief's top rivals! Definitely a feather in my cap!"

"Name" ordered a bored security guard "Identification and purpose of visit."

A small middle aged man, just 5'3", slightly grey in a few spots approached the main entrance of one of the largest embassies in Central London. He looked enough similar to the guard to be vaguely related. Palm up, he presented a gold numbered badge and quietly ordered "Touch this."

"Alright." The guard was immediately tense and alert. He obeyed and something spoke inside his brain. Under his seat was a button he knew existed but had never been pressed. He did so.

The spy never had cause to contact the head of his country's agency before now. But he really had something and eagerly tossed some Floo powder in the fireplace and spoke a code from memory "Ford 6 9 52 Job Teen enable."

"Yes?" a shadowed head appeared in the flames. There was no way to tell its identity.

All the spy knew was that his chief was reputed to be a woman "Ma'am" he bowed his head slightly "this intrusion is necessary. I just witnessed one of your rivals personally receive reports and give orders to an operative, here in Scotland. What's more, this operative is his own daughter."

"No names!" the distorted voice ordered "Put the whole affair into a pensieve and I will have it retrieved." Never, to the knowledge of this leader of a superpower's elite, had one of them known the identity of another. This, if true, provided enormous power.

x

Things were finally coming to a head. All the arguing, claims and counter-claims, and Wizengamot speeches had run their course. All Harry had to do was present Sirius at the Hall of Oratory and, if the plan went well his Godfather would be free. Life with the Dursleys, his wrongful conviction and torment in Azkaban, even the loss of his eye, were all forgotten in this happy moment. At Ron's suggestion, he was cutting a class. There was little, if any, consequence to a nearly graduated Seventh Year missing one History of Magic session. He wasn't thinking these thoughts consciously, being entirely absorbed in his favorite lumps of flesh on his favorite female.

Likewise, most of Susan Bones' brain was all abuzz with processing the sensations of having her breasts kneaded, fondled, kissed and sucked on. This pleasant Fire-whiskey induced fog crowded out the admittedly minor guilt from skipping a class, her loyal best friend was ably managing the task of ensuring her good attendance. She had suffered no less than the young wizard in her arms. But not even at her grieving worst had she blamed him for Amelia's murder. A tingle of pleasure pushed away rational thought.

"I can't believe we did …that." Harry said delicately into the post-coital warmth.

Susan's legs felt like so much jelly. She, however, found all the little involuntary twitches of his stomach as she stroked it a sign he was at least as affected as her. "Little ticklish, Harry?" she teased.

"Hmm…hehe…mmm" mumbled Harry, lazily "Keep tha'up you'll get'it."

She laughed throatily, dragged her fingers up and down his thighs, "Seems I already got it pretty thoroughly. And - Merlin's Beard! You are not getting stiff AGAIN!"

"All your fault, really." He retorted as he pulled his fingers through her hair. "Most beautiful girl on this whole island."

She smiled sleepily and replied "Liar. But full marks for shameless complimenting your girlfriend."

"Been thinking about that a lot lately." He said, suddenly serious and rolled her on top of him, their naked bodies pressing together "Amelia wrote up that marriage treaty. But still, it's up to us. Been carrying the ring around for a week or two-"

Pushing herself up on her arms, she looked briefly about then down at him "You're proposing to me here? Now? At the foot of the Quidditch rings?"

"Well, why not?" he asked "I think I'm at home here more than anywhere else in the world. I'd have to get up to get down on one knee. But the ring is-"

What probably surprised Susan the most was that, especially given the amount of attention he lavished on her chest, that his eyes never left hers "You're rambling." She told him lightly "I probably didn't imagine this would be the place I first had sex either. I'm not really inclined to move, either. Ask your question."

"Yes ma'am." He grinned at her tone which made the answer obvious "Would you marry me?"

Susan leaned down, brushed their noses together, then kissed Harry. At first, softly and lingeringly, then aggressively and hungrily. Later, with the Sun beginning to redden and the couple panting heavily, "In case… you didn't (whew) get it… that was …a yes!"

"Good thing that." he replied through short breaths "Be… that is… can't imagine topping that."

She playfully licked his tongue and said "Pretty sure it gets better with practice."

"Like Quidditch" he suggested "The more you do it, the better you get."

Susan laughed at him "You are such a boy!"

"Hey!" he protested "You ever pay attention at Quidditch? Gryff has three girls. Don't forget the Harpies!"

x

Hannah Abbott was waiting for her best friend in their shared room. And in an unpleasant mood indeed. She was attempting to prepare for her post-Hogwarts education. Only one or two students a year qualified to join the Messenger Corps. And of those, perhaps every five years one was willing to actually commit. "About time you showed up!" she slapped down her Advanced Occlumency scroll "Skipping H.O.M. is one thing! But it's almost 8PM!"

"Sorry Auntie Owl." Replied the red-headed Hufflepuff, who for the first time since parting from Harry allowed her face to show emotion.

The blonde frowned slightly at the derogatory reference to her chosen career. It was normal for the Ancient and Noble Houses, who despite using the Messenger Corps to exchange only the most sensitive communications, to insult the people who performed the vital task. "Don't try to distract me, you … You got shagged! Well!" Hannah knew her friend was teasing, it wasn't the first. But, for her, the expression told the whole story. She was not above retorting, asking "Harry?"

"Wha-d-ya mean? Harry?!" flared Susan "Of course Harry! Oh… hehehehaaaahahaha. Yeah sorry about the owl comment. Ohhhh I seriously need to sit down."

Hannah's extreme loyalty immediately kicked in "He hurt you!" she growled "I'll rip him a new hole!"

"Stop it you berserker!" Susan giggled "Besides I don't think you're much of a threat to someone that killed a dragon-sized snake. And anyway… get a look at this." At that, the red-head extended her arm and jiggled her hand.

Hannah's eyes bulged, almost leaving her skull "No bloody way!" she whispered, in awe. And turned critical just as fast "Seen bigger before. Is that even a real diamond? And that metal? I think it's steel."

"It's white gold!" Susan gave an exasperated sigh "And of course the diamond is real! And you're just having me on again. Aren't you? That's fine…really I don't mind. No, Harry didn't hurt me, outside a trickle of blood. Bit of stretching on the insides."

Hannah relented "No, size doesn't count, at least in diamonds." She waggled her eyebrows lecherously, then studied the ring "Very tasteful actually. A good setting and the stone can't really be much bigger without being gaudy. Wouldn't expect it of your average male."

"Harry is not average." Susan said emphatically, then blushed at the double entrendre that could be inferred.

Hannah caught the reddening and said "Well, you obviously enjoyed that. Should we get Harry's old wheelchair to push you around tomorrow?"

"UH! UH!" red hair flew about "Not a guilt trip he needs. And he'd take it that way too. I'll just lean on him a little bit more than normal. The clever ones will get the idea, what with the ring and all. So… just for the record?"

These friends practically from infancy did not need to finish questions. The blonde girl nodded "He convinced me a long time ago. You have my blessing."