[a/n]: Thanx for the reviews.

Up first I was surprised to read in a review "Voldemort is Gellert Grindlewald's grandson!? :" Just to make sure everyone is clear Snape was Grindlewald's grandson.

Next "JK Rowling in an interview stating before how dark wizards can't cast a patronous" Sorry, never saw it. And canon need not be adhered to in Fanfic. Voldemort may well have plenty of Patronus-worthy memories. Or, when discussing Potions class, I'm reminded that Gryffindors had Potions with Slytherin, but who was sitting next to Ron in HPSS Movie?

I chuckled at BJH's "Dark Lord Handbook" In the same tongue in cheek I'll reply::Harry is a good guy so it don't apply *grins*

I'm foreseeing 2 or 3 more chapters/

46 – Aftermath

Weak from effort, magical exhaustion, and blood loss as he was, Harry rolled away from Susan's lap and painfully rose. He was not quite upright when a gentle Expelliarmus disarmed him. "Get away, Sue!" he ordered.

"I don't bloody think so!" she snapped back "You protected me enough! Ossifus Fractum! Who are you anyway!"

Grindelwald slapped the spell away almost contemptuously "Children these days! I'll deal with you in a moment, girl." he sneered and marched menacingly forward. He was healthy, fit and well trained, feeling almost as good as he'd been at his peak. "Only Brian ever defeated me! I can defeat any number of you!"

Ginny's Bat Bogey Hex had as little effect as Susan's bone-breaking spell.

"Confringo!" came from Sirius, who'd taken a position in front of Susan.

This spell was deflected into the stands, which had not yet been fully protected by the returning Wall. The explosion killed people on the level it hit and more on the one below when it collapsed.

"Accio Teeth!" it was Ron who ended this battle after the Battle. Harry's teeth came out of his mouth at high speed, circled Ron once, then raced toward Grindelwald.

The Dark Wizard was distracted, thoroughly amused by seeing his Grandson's murderer writhing about on the ground. He ignored the tiny bits of white bouncing harmlessly off his body.

"Sorry Mate." Ron said, but he did not let himself be distracted. The last desperate act meant to finish Voldemort was now used. He did just as his Father-in-Law explained, lifted the red cap, pressed the blue button under it, then twisted the red dial left-right-left. And B O O M!

Fortunate it was that the protective walls were back in place, because that explosion might have taken out another set of stands. For Harry had obtained far more plastic explosive than was needed to kill any human being. When the flame and smoke dissipated there was a hole in the ground three feet deep and ten feet across. That protective wall which stood up to Basilisk tails and dragon fire was also cracked and burnt, although not penetrated.

"What did you do?" asked Molly of her Son.

As his parents helped him to his feet, Ron shook his head "Not important." He declared "I really hurt Harry. I didn't know!"

Even the violence of the explosion had no effect on Harry, 28 teeth had been torn from his mouth. He writhed about, attempts by his friends … first singly, then in twos and threes … were futile. Ultimately, wearing a look of utter distaste, Sirius aimed and fired "Stupefy!"

"You did the right thing, mate." Remus told him "Now we can help him. Well… once we find out what happened."

Ron finally joined them, hobbling up "He wanted Voldemort to die. No matter what. I never thought it would hurt that much."

"Well, stunned, he should be fine for a while." Madam Pomfrey stood "Get him to St. Mungo's. I must join the relief efforts here." She dashed off.

Susan, while her prime concern had been trying to help Harry, had been fully aware of what happened in the instant before blood erupted from his mouth. After Sirius and Remus vanished, she found Ron and pierced him with a lethal gaze. "I don't care how sorry you sound." She said, coldly "And don't bother crying at me. What did you do? Why? And how?"

"Now see here, young lady!" Mrs. Weasley immediately interposed herself between angry witch and her youngest Son. Her wand was out.

Susan shifted her glare, not the least bothered by the wand "He'll either answer me now. Or he'll answer them in court. Voldemort is dead! This was supposed to be a happy time! WHY DID YOU HURT HARRY!"

"I didn't mean to." Answered Ron.

That stripped Susan's emotions away "That's the stupidest thing you've ever said. And that's saying something." She retorted, ignoring a tear on her cheek "You'll have to do better than that. Or should I call the Aurors?"

"Harry's been my friend longer than he's been your husband." Ron growled at her.

She gave a primal shout and smacked him. Hard. "Don't compare us! Just answer the Fucking QUESTION!"

"Well, if you wanted to avoid attention, Bones, you failed." Ginny pointed out "Meanwhile why don't you explain, Ron?"

Mrs. Weasley gave a look of betrayal to her youngest child, but was silenced by an expression she'd given her kids thousands of times.

"It'll take a while to explain." Ron got to his feet, stiffly, as he always did these days "Why don't we go somewhere and sit down."

Susan shook her head, crossed her arms and said "Here. Now. And I'll stand, thanks."

"It all started with a conversation we were having with Slytherin." Ron began "Harry was starting to win almost all of the practice fights and he still doubted he'd be good enough. So, that was when he and you went to see the Muggle Queen."

That clicked "So, she got him these teeth that explode? What I don't get is - no I take that back - He hates your Mother-in-Law and with good reason, but her Father is a different matter. I don't get why he'd want you to-"

"No? Really?" Ron's voice dripped with contempt "One thing Harry's always done is try to protect you. He asked me to do this because he didn't want you to have to press that button. And you heard him … umm … It might be a real good idea to finish this up somewhere else. Ahh… Lord Slytherin?"

Susan was too focused on interrogating Ron "NO! Weasley!" she demanded "Keep talking! That's not enough by half."

"Not now! LOOK!" Ron was pointing to where the Basilisk was.

Of common sense, people had little. The spectacle of a 20 foot snake working to consume an even larger dragon drew the curious.

"Engorgio! Engorgio!" Susan fired twice, producing a Slyjtherin painting three times the size of the average wizard.

The painting floated over to the Basilisk and spoke as befitting a giant "The first of you fools that gets crushed will have family yelling for revenge! Leave this being to her own affairs! Do not return!" Rays of light surrounded the Basilisk. And a most odd visual was that no matter where a person was standing it appeared that Salazar Slytherin was glaring right at them.

After that, the Coliseum, except for relief efforts truly emptied. It was later reported that 837 people were killed in the collapse. St. Mungo's only had 109 patients because most everyone in the zone of impact of the Confringo spell, it killed outright. Nor does a mass of concrete and steel landing on a person do anything good for one's health.

x

Harry Potter lay, quiescent, in a private room. Drapes were pulled tight and the room was only very dimly lit. Susan shuffled out and closed the door. There was a large crowd about the room which managed to both warm her heart and annoy her "Thank you, all, for your concern." She began in a diplomatic tone, then became rather cold "My husband is in no immediate danger, however, he will not be speaking publicly until both his Healer and I decide to allow it."

"We have a right to know!" one Daily Prophet reporter shouted.

Susan gave him a sugary smile and strode up. The wizard towered over her. "Do you really?" she asked.

Less sure of himself, but still adamant he retorted "On behalf of the public. Freedom of the press shall not be restricted!" Then he screamed in agony, and fell squeezing his crotch.

"His camera?" she asked of the crowd. Receiving nods, she picked it up and smashed it on the granite floor. Then stomped on it to finish the destruction. "Get Aurors to guard him. The door and outside the window. If they're not with me, they don't get in."

A hospital guard, there strictly for crowd control, asked "Outside the window?"

"Idiot!" snapped Susan "Do I have to draw a picture? Never heard of brooms? Get it done!" She stalked off, those closest to Harry in her wake. By dumb luck, she found a door marked CONFERENCE ROOM 7R. There were enough chairs for about ten people, but she was blinded by hot tears and slammed it shut behind her. And cried. She slumped down against the door, buried her face in her knees and kept crying.

Sirius asked of the Healer "What is Harry's condition?"

"Sir" she replied "I will only answer that in the presence of Mrs. Potter."

Ginny tapped on the door, pressed her ear to it, asked "Sue, you alright?" Minutes passed nothing but sobbing could be heard, but then it opened.

x

"Right. Come in. Guess the door slipped." said Susan. There was not a hint of crying. No tear streaks on her face, nor even a hair out of place. She had apparently resorted to a hairdo of her childhood. She made no other comment, and offered no apology, about making them wait. "Healer Columbus, please, the facts of Harry's condition?"

The witch was of Professor McGonagall's generation, somewhat older, had actually attended Hogwarts with the entity then known as Tom Riddle. In late middle age for a magical "Not many duel winners come out in such poor shape." She began "It would almost be simpler to tell you where he was NOT wounded. The good news is that, other than exhaustion, his magical core will recover. If he lives."

"IF? IF? I-F?" Ron protested loudly.

Susan eyed him angrily "If. And remember, you're partly to blame. Now shut up, or get out!"

"We cannot even deal with the ruined leg joint." Healer Columbus continued "Blood loss is the most immediate problem. What we call Grade Four. Much more and he would have died just from that. Replenishment potions are slowly returning it to normal. I plan to push his blood levels considerably above normal so I can replace that silver knee. Is there any record of how that was done? Truly fascinating."

Susan glared, actually snarled "Tina! Focus!"

"Oh sorry, Suz." The chastened Healer apologized "Well, since the patient so conveniently supplied replacement parts. We'll be using one of the knee joints from You-Know-Who."

More than one concerned voice asked much the same thing "Is that safe?"

"Oddly enough, yes." The Healer confirmed "Another mystery there. If we didn't know for certain where it came from, I would say both those knees ARE Harry's."

Ron scoffed at the statement "We should find a Healer we can trust."

"I trust her implicitly." Susan snapped "Tina Columbus is a distant relative and vassal of House Bones. Meanwhile, Healer, tell me about what RON did to Harry's teeth."

That began the drawing of lines among the occupants of the room. The Weasleys tended toward Ron. The girls, whose freedom was due to Harry leaned Susan's way. Ginny being torn, though she kept silent. Sirius immediately moved closer to Susan.

"Exploding teeth? No such spell." Healer Columbus scoffed at the very idea. "No. If those had been Harry's natural teeth his blood loss would have been total long before he was brought in. Judging by the scars, his own teeth were removed using Muggle means, roughly a week ago."

She was not guessing. Susan KNEW, "And who among us knows a Muggle dentist? Two even?"

"It wasn't my idea! It was Mrs. Potter!" Ron protested, pointed an accusatory finger at Susan "And you helped too!"

It was not hard to make the connection, especially as she was an above-average prosecutor. She wasn't even angry any more "Why would he do that?"

"Simple." Answered Ron "Harry wasn't going to let Voldemort win. Even if he lost." He tossed the Muggle box across the table and continued "And he gave me the job of blowing him up if … the worst happened."

Draco, hand resting on his fiancee's suddenly took to laughing "Well, that explains the trip to Gringott's that day!"

"What're you blabbering about Malfoy?!" Ron looked and sounded highly upset.

That only increased his amusement "Honestly Weasley. No one will ever need Legilimency on you! I'll spell it out. You and Potter emptied his cash vault that day. I'll wager a young fortune there's not more than a hundred Galleons in there."

"If that. Oh Bugger!" Ron punched the tabletop.

Susan found the whole thing entertaining. She was laughing, too, but not at Ron. She walked over to where he was sitting, kissed his forehead then laid her head on his "It would be good, it think, for Harry's recovery that he not hear how this almost tore us apart." She suggested "Ron, you're a good friend. The best."

"Awwwww." Draco drawled out, when eyes landed on him "Hey! Don't look at me. I'm going to get as much entertainment out of watching all of you keep this drama from Potter. Bones? You don't mind if I drop by from time to time?"

Ron snapped up from the tender moment and declared "No bloody way!"

"Your approval is NOT required, Weasley." Draco sneered. He managed to anger every Weasley male, merely by offering customary departures and kissing the hands of "Ginevra, know that I am not my Father. Molly, likewise, our last encounter was in my Father's presence. Fleur, I've not seen a veela since Fourth Year. Charmed. Susan, please owl me when Harry wakes. My dear."

Turnabout was fair play. And after all, Astoria was George's Sister-in-law.

Fleur's reaction was mildly negative as Draco clearly did not think her quite human, which actually she was not. But that did not mean she was less than human. Molly was quite impressed and lightly fanned herself. Ginny was fully in accord with her brothers and father "At least he didn't touch YOU. I'm gonna go boil my hand."

x

Days passed during which St. Mungo's continued to pour Blood Replenishment potions into the Man Who Killed the Dark Lord. In general, it was felt that title was too long, but no one had come up with anything better. Susan had been told, repeatedly, "Go Home!" or "We'll let you know when he wakes." And while maintaining a vigil at Harry's bedside, she managed to keep pace with her job.

"You do know, Ma'am" a kindly Administrator offered one day "St. Mungo's has adequate staff to ensure he will be properly fed, and bathed. Earl Potter will want for nothing."

Susan offered an annoyed smile. First time? Hardly! "I will be here when he awakes if I can at all help it." She declared "No, I'm not here ALL the time. But you might remember that what he's done for you, he is my husband."

Then, one day, something utterly unexpected occurred. A small form, tiny in fact, entered the room. Bucket, mop, broom trailing along. This was nothing unusual in itself as St. Mungo's had a rigid cleaning schedule. Harry Potter's room was often occupied by the wife of the patient, so the cleaning staff was warned to use caution. This night, a non-Elf was to clean Room 414.

"Huh? Wha?!" sleeping Susan was jostled slightly. Her eyes flew open, saw a tiny thin form in a tea cozy, and fluttered closed again. A combination of continued small sounds and a troubling sense of déjà vu kept her from truly sleeping. It was a kicked bucket and an entirely human curse word that completely woke her. Less out of anger, than mere shock, she sharply asked "What did you say?"

The small shadow froze, except for an obvious shaking "S-s-sorry Ex-alt-ed O-o-one!"

"Lumos!" Susan ordered. One of her comfort pieces from home came on, a skeletal hand with candles. The voice immediately alerted her that this was a human and not an Elf. Fearing, at first, an attack of some kind her wand trained on the still somewhat hazy figure. As it rushed the door, Susan slammed it shut and demanded "Who are you?"

Almost hidden by the cleaning supplies, a small girl whispered "I was just cleaning, Exalted One."

"That does not answer my question." replied Susan "And come out from behind there, so I can see you properly." It was the first time in days she thought about anything other than Harry or work.

Flinching, cowering, the girl obeyed. She said "I is sorry for waking you, Exalted One."

"Enough of that Exalted One nonsense." waving it away "My name is Sue." She waited, then prompted "Annnd yours issss…"

Eyes downcast, hands toying nervously with each other and feet crossed a tiny voice answered "Joanne."

"Come here Joanne." She said, gently. As the girl limped closer, Susan's déjà vu became a howling suspicion. Forcing her voice to stay calm and even laughing at the slow approach added "Come on. I don't bite."

Girl in tea cozy answered, and in all seriousness "Miss may if Miss wishes."

"NO!" exclaimed Susan, unsure whether to be angry or disturbed or both, then softened her voice "Look at me, Joanne. Why do you look so familiar?"

Joanne turned away "I is being told not to. Not worthy."

"Look at me. That is an order." Susan repeated and reinforced the instruction. Elves, and that was exactly how the girl was acting, obeyed. She knew how to give orders that Elves obeyed. And so she got the full and close inspection that was needed to confirm her suspicions "That day at the station." After just a few seconds "You're the little girl with the burned hand and broken leg."

The girl looked about nervously, pulled away, and limped back to the bucket and mop. "Joanne must clean. Please excuse, Exalted One."

"I'm so glad you're alright!" Susan exclaimed "When the fight started I got pulled away. I hoped someone helped you when I couldn't find you. I was afraid-" She cut off that line of thought and impulsively hugged the girl.

"Joanne is late!" she complained, though made effort neither to return the hug nor break it "Must be cleaning!"

Susan recognized the compulsive House-Elf behavior and realized she would never find out what was going on if the girl left. So, feeling guilty, she said "You failed to clean the loo. Get it done."

"Yes Exalted One." Came clipped reply as she rushed almost joyously to work.

Susan tapped on the window and opened it fractionally. Two highly bored Aurors on brooms sat on guard. In fact, they often slept 'secretly' during the dull duty. "Hope I'm not disturbing you fellows." She said sweetly "I need one of you to bring me an Owl and one of the Administrators."

"Miss, our post is here." One of them said.

To which she nodded agreeably "True, however, my friend Alastair might be interested in how hard you work. Conversely - " and she allowed her voice to trail off. Shrugged.

x

An Owl pecked on the window of an upstairs apartment in Hogsmeade. It was not the Three Boomsticks or Madam Puddifoot's but one off the main streets. Known for decent rooms and discrete management. Students, male and female, would meet lovers (students or not) and friends would cover for them. This was the current abode of Draco Malfoy and Astoria Greengrass.

Felicitations Noble Ally,

I realize this might be somewhat disruptive, and I apologize. As you are aware much of my time is occupied with Harry. But while here I've come across a most interesting girl. Thinks the world of you, though I don't see it. She may just be worthy of passing on to Salazar.

And greetings to my friend the future Lady Malfoy.

See you soon

Susan Potter

Countess of House Bones

Countess of House Potter

Apprentice Prosecutor Department of Justice

"She knows perfectly well I will never get to sleep now!" Draco complained.

Astoria laughed gaily "You'll even be too distracted for another round of sex. Won't you?" Her fingers walked down his chest, stomach and between his legs.

"A Hufflepuff finding the successor to Salazar Slytherin is absurd." Draco commented "An extra hour or two should do no harm." The tightening of his voice betrayed his eagerness to get on with what his fiancee's fingers were insisting upon.

Now, she kissed her way down, replying "And never miss a chance to dig at her for even USING Harry's name? Right?"

"It shall always be Malfoy wisdom" Draco declared with great dignity "to never argue with a woman whose mouth is THERE!"

x

Healer Columbus finished examining Harry "The good news is, his blood levels are now 120% of normal. We can operate on the knee any time. After that I'll stop the Dreamless Sleep Potion."

"It is always pleasant to see you, cousin." Said Susan "And that is good news. But perhaps we can also get the Administrator I asked for? Or wait. Can you examine another person? Joanne? Stop cleaning in there."

Tina was as fooled as Susan had been at first "A hospital Elf? They have their own treatments."

"Look again." Susan told her "And she absolutely refused to show me her leg."

The Healer touched the girl here and there, then had to invoke her every Healer authority to compel Joanne to allow the tea cozy to be raised. From just above the girl's left knee to her hip was ruined flesh "This hasn't been treated, dear?"

"They promised it would be Miss Healer." she answered, politely "Joanne must work until she gets Hoggiewartz letter."

Susan kept a cheery tone to keep the skittish girl from bolting, but she was outraged "So Tina, do you want to explain this? Since when do hospitals withhold treatment?"

"I've never heard of such a thing. You have to believe that, Susan." Healer Columbus was rarely formal with her distant cousin "I will help you get to the bottom of this." She turned to the girl and gave her a glass, lying outrageously, told her "This is a potion to help you work faster. Drink it, then you can go."

Some people can go months, even longer, and still be able to read each other's expressions. Susan initially glared at Tina, then almost laughed and nodded. The pathetic little form fell over almost instantly and into Susan's arms. She scooped the girl up and laid her across the foot of Harry's bed, which was overlong for her 5'6" husband. "I don't understand." Susan complained "She was wearing Slytherin robes when I saw her. She's nowhere near old enough."

"Six years 94 days old to be exact. Give or take a day." Tina replied "How do you know her?"

Susan told the story of the little girl who worshipped Draco Malfoy and, who, thanks to the appearance of Lord Voldemort she simply lost track of "She looked so hurt." Susan finished with a sob "I was sure she died."

"At a guess, someone was a little too concerned about the bottom line than patient care." The Healer commented "From the way she acted, I wanted her out FAST. And judging by your surprise, you were not expecting a Healer. Who did you want?"

Susan nodded "Outstanding read. I wanted and still want to talk to someone in charge of St. Mungo's. How long will she be out?"

"Longer than I'll need to bring someone, I should think." Answered Tina "Just what should I say? To whomever I manage to buttonhole?"

Susan had learned well from her Auntie, but for this it was Ginny that inspired her "You will tell that distinguished elder Mr. Malfoy" she smirked "that the Head of Houses Bones AND Potter is very seriously considering whether she will continue to support St. Mungo's. And I want him to have available…when he comes… everything on Joanne."

It was not the place of Healer Columbus to be seen supporting even her cousin against her employer. Nor did Susan want her to. So Tina's role ended with delivery of the message. Such a one, though, produced the requested Head of St. Mungo's' Board of Directors in under an hour. Even before dawn, Nigellus Malfoy appeared "This is the second time one of young Potter's women has summoned me." He said "Instead of apparating directly here I took the time to read. This can be defended, legally. If you just read pages 35, 47 and 50 it will speed the conversation."

"So you put this child into indentured servitude because her family was wiped out?" Susan was an impressive shade of purple as she spoke. Those three pages told her that Joanne Smythe had two brothers in Hogwarts. Both Slytherins, a Fifth Year and a Second Year. She and her Grandmother, Commoners, were at King's Cross to meet them for the Christmas Holidays. Evidence showed the youngster had run to the bathroom just prior to the Express' crash. There were no remains even of the Grandmother, or her brothers who were in the now infamous First Car. Her Mother died in childbirth and her Father was the Chief Engineer of the Hogwarts Express, until December 23. Susan was just plain angry.

The ancient Malfoy was unaffected by her look "As I already said, such are legal."

"Two million Galleons in relief voted by the Wizengamot." Susan pointed out "All of that and somehow none filtered to a six year old girl?"

He shrugged "The money only went so far. And again, there is no violation of the law."

"Voldemort may be dead, but the attitudes that allowed him to rise to power still exist." Susan retorted.

Nigellus snorted "Voldemort? HA! An immature child! Now Grindelwald, he was a serious power-"

"Killed by 18 year old Ron Weasley" she sneered "Or is MY memory faulty? Enough of that. Now, you will see to it she is treated. Fully. And, just so we're clear, any harm comes to Joanne and not only will all donations end but I will personally and publicly announce exactly why."

The scene was interrupted by a laughing Draco Malfoy "I'd do as she says, Uncle. Your encounter with the Weasley girl wasn't half what this one can do. Remember whose Family she's from." He did not hint at the Slytherin painting, even if it was now publicly known to exist.

"That will be determined by the full Board." Nigellus declared, as he walked off, after offering a nod to Draco.

Draco gave a respectful bow to his Great-Grandfather's brother as he departed. It was technically inappropriate as the youngster was Head of House. But the oldster was nearly ten times his age. Although in numerous encounters he had kissed Susan's hand, he felt no need just now. First, Harry was not conscious, so there was no amusement to be had and, second he was mildly annoyed "Do you know what you interrupted?"

"Hmmm, I got a fair idea." Susan smirked at him "And you do know Astoria is underage? And not supposed to be in Hogsmeade overnight? Poor innocent child!"

Draco crossed his arms and looked away. Completely changing the subject, he asked "How is Potter?"

"Nearly healed." She answered crisply "He'll be fully recovered in a couple more days."

"Hmpf!" he grunted "You do know you could help me avoid having my fiancée swear a blood debt to Potter? Right?"

She shook her head "Not a chance, Draco. That is not a House matter. That's a personal matter. So to cover my reason for summoning you, I'd like you to meet Joanne. She was orphaned in the Express Attack."

"A House Elf?" he asked, looking at the little, sleeping hairless, girl "Sue, it'd be one thing to even talk about a Muggleborn…"

She glared back "That's the kind of cursory conclusion I'd expect from Ron, bless his soul. Now take a closer look."

"Ok" and Draco obeyed. He noted the serious and partially, or completely untreated, wounds. Then cast a spell that measured her magical core, his eyebrows shot up and he whistled softly "Who are her parents?"

She handed over the paperwork just obtained by the Senior Malfoy "Commoners, actually." She summarized "Puts an interesting perspective on dear old Dad's views? Don't it?"

"Speaking for Potter?" he sneered "Or even worse, Weasley?"

She shrugged "I know you're not the same, anymore. Can't help it, once in a while. Here let me show you my first encounter with little Joanne." And she drew a silvery strand from her temple with her wand.

"AHHH!" screamed Draco in horror. For his ally in this had left a surprise in that strand of memory. In addition to the complete memory of Susan's arrival at King's Cross, the completely ego-boosting comments of little Joanne and her battling Death Eaters, Susan dropped a very first person image of Harry leaning in to kiss her.

Susan laughed, a great big belly laugh, the like of which she had not known since prior to The Duel. "Oh! I'm so sorry Draco! But Harry would never forgive me if I hadn't pulled at least one practical joke. Please forgive me."

"Probably." He growled "And as long as you DO NOT tell the Weasle twins… I take that back… NO ONE with red hair, I won't even strike back." His wand went to his temple and drew off a much shorter strand. He flicked it off like it was a cockroach. "As to your little orphan here, well … who am I not to requite such affection. And she was wearing Slytherin robes. We'll have to explore that little detail."

x

Neville Longbottom visited Harry more than once in the last week. And every time he did he measured himself against his fellow Gryffindor and found himself wanting. And Ron, he may have been the comic relief and at times a lousy friend. But twice, he had come through unbelievably. Thwarting Justin Finch-Fletchley's murder attempt and then killing Gellert Gindelwald. Third, if even third he was, was DISTANT 3rd indeed. Even his former girlfriend showed more backbone than him. So he was focused on completing his training to Head the Longbottom Family.

"Heya, Nev." It was Dean Thomas, a good friend from school. And an ever more famous artist, who lived in both worlds. He learned both Wizarding and Muggle painting techniques. Today he was still an apprentice, but in a couple decades, he would be the top. In the long term he could get himself into The Wizengamot, certainly at least a Noble House. Right now, he was just visiting a friend.

Neville grinned "How ya doing, mate? Wanna Pumpkin Juice?"

"I really wish wizards would take up drinking Coke." He complained good-naturedly "But sure. Hear the latest?"

Neville scratched his head and tossed a cold Pumpkin Juice at his black friend. "Nope, what's news?"

"Moody got the last bunch of You-Know-Who's followers." He replied, with a significant look "Including your buddy. So far, word has it he revealed the hiding place. What they're telling us peasants, anyway. You could learn more probably."

Neville blushed as his friend belittled himself "I don't think of you like that, Dean." He said "But, Grandmum can certainly open a few doors for me. Do you think a few Muggleborn families would want a shot at payback?"

"Mr. Creevey even hates Harry." Replied Dean "Remember the look he gave Ginny?"

Neville gave a soft smile "You defending Ginny? That pleases me, my friend. Do me a favor? Get a few together, that don't want to wait for justice. And are willing to get a little bloody."

"What?! You can't mean!" Dean was shocked "You're not the revenge type!"

Neville was not angry, or disappointed "Don't worry about it, mate. You don't need to get involved. Remember how that lowlife almost killed Luna? And you saw the list. Any doubt where you would've been that day?"

"Fighting to my last breath for younger kids." replied Dean "At least I hope so. But that's killing in hot blood. Even Voldemort got that. Harry killed him, he did NOT murder him."

Now Neville lost his friendliness "I've about done with comparing myself to Harry." He said "I don't need it from you."

x

"AAAAAUUUGGGGG!" Harry woke screaming in pain. Then, to his embarrassment, realized he was not in pain. He sat up and studied the room, then glared at his smirking frenemy and growled "Malfoy! What happened to me? Where's my wand."

Draco just sat there for a couple minutes, flipped a couple pages of a Muggle book and after a lonnnnnnng wait answered "Look under your pillow, Potter. And don't make so much noise or you'll wake my daughter, there."

"Whoa!" Harry scratched his head with his wand and demanded "Explain that! The short version. Last thing I remember was everyone running toward me after I finished Voldemort."

Draco's smirk became more amused as he asked "The short version? Potter?" and on receiving a curt nod, continued "Well, let me seeeeee … Weasley ripped out your teeth. You've been out cold since. You got a new knee, and grew new teeth. That taste in your mouth is Skele-grow Potion. The girl? Joanne is her name. Heh-heh Sue had her for me."

"HUH? WHAT?" Harry was apoplectic "I don't believe it! How long as it been? Ron?"

Draco went from smirk to giggle to a full on belly laugh "You are too easy Potter!" he said breathlessly "Probably not fair of me given you just woke up. But then … ehh… So how about the long version? And settle down before half the Hospital ends up in here!"

"Well?" Harry snarled "And where's my wife?"

Having dished out some well deserved, from his point of view, payback Draco proceeded to untwist his highly twisted interpretation of the last nine days. In a highly disgruntled mood some half hour later, he concluded "You … Harry … have a very aggravating way of creating Blood Debts. I have no desire to be indebted to you, in a way I hate you all the more for it. But, never mind your responsibility for destroying my home, I owe you for the life of she who is to be my wife."

"You're- I didn't like the way you talked, back then, that first day." Said Harry, apologetically "Do you wonder, Draco, if things would've been different? Us shaking hands?"

And Mrs. Potter, exhausted from a day of hearings and preliminary motions concerning the captured Death Eaters and their involvement in The War as a whole turned the corner. Susan's brain was full of dates, places and crimes. Her arms were full of a chaotic mess of papers and scrolls that she had to put into some semblance of order. Such is the drudgery of the bottom Apprentice Prosecutor. The papers hit the floor and every thought left her head just as fast as only one thought filled her brain 'Harry was talking to Draco' which meant 'HARRY WAS AWAKE!' She flung herself at the bed and cried "HAAARRRRYYY!"

"Sue!" he replied, softly, weakly. After a moment stroking her hair, he gave Draco a hard look over her shoulder. It was a demand for privacy.

After initially pretending to ignore, or not know, what was required, he complied with Harry's look. He flicked his wand to close the privacy screen and threw a Silencio at it. Then, naturally, helpful friend that he was … collected the discarded court documents into a pile … and settled down to reading them.