(a/n): First, thanks for the reviews. Made for good reading. A couple quite lengthy.

The fight just had to be broken into two parts. One for Voldemort's end and then for Grindelwald. The most enjoyable part for me to write was the monster battle in the duel. I've seen quite a few of those monster movies by Syfy and some of the imagery fit. Ron now is nearly as famous as Harry.

So now we're into the Post-war period. Life goes on. And, the little girl is the major crux of this chapter. Someone who, despite their long history of animosity, forces Harry and Draco into a lifelong association. A theme I've used before.

Now I know I owe a minor credit for the elevator scene toward the end of this chapter to someone. I just can't recall where I read it, other than to say it was a Ginny giving birth scene.

And, as a preview, next chapter has the answer to Hermione and Dobby's disappearance. As I'm getting that going I do understand what made JKR write such a chapter. I didn't as I read the end of HP-DH.

So welcome to the beginning of the end of the tale.

47 – Joanne Kathleen Slytherin

The Auror Corps had a long history and throughout it the general Wizarding Public believed they were a solid body of troops loyal to and employed by The Ministry. This was, at best, a half-truth. There was not a single Auror who did not supplement his or her income from one Ancient and Noble House or another. The clever, or greedy, ones managed extra income from multiple sources. Such informatihxon went between the Nobles of Wizarding Britain in this manner. In this way, Draco learned of Neville's scheme. He was loath to leave the girl lest Potter poison her mind, yet simple logic was that his mere reputation made no place in the world safer. So, a full-dressed Duke Malfoy greeted a Lady and her Grandson "Madam Speaker, I trust I am not disturbing you?"

"Greetings, My Lord." Augusta Longbottom bowed, politely in return "How fares you, this day?"

Neville stiffened in offense "Grandmother, need we have dealings with this, individual?"

"More than well, Madam." Draco answered "In fact my Family will have significant announcements in the near future. I hope there will be time available in the agenda?"

Augusta smiled "Well that is novel. A House requesting time on the agenda. Instead of walking in and taking it. Procedure being you informing my office of a date and time and my office either confirming or offering an alternative if needed."

"Naturally, Speaker." Draco half bowed and clicked his heels. With a sly look he continued "Your permission to have a moment with my old school chum? By your leave, Speaker?"

Augusta offered a regal nod of her head. She extended her arm as an invitation and departed. As she did so, exchanged a look with her Grandson.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Neville looked ready to kill.

Draco smiled, actually smiled and said "A noble woman, your Grandmother. A pleasure to remake your acquaintance, Neville."

"What do you want, Malfoy?" he repeated "And make it brief. No matter what you said to Grandmother, we were never chums.. You and I both know that."

Draco waved it off airily "Come, come boys will be boys. A few harmless pranks. No different really from some of the things the great James Potter did to my Godfather."

"Snivellus was the worst teacher in the history of Hogwarts." Growled Neville. "The best thing he ever did was die."

Draco just shrugged "In a way, he never grew up. Maybe you will, maybe not. But that is not what we need to discuss. I understand you have a certain project in mind. In this your interests align with mine. As I see it you need a couple extra ingredients. Information and-"

"I suppose you don't believe I can do anything without your priceless advice" Neville sneered "That is assuming you have any idea what you're talking about."

Smiling, Draco patted his bicep and said "I concur in broad with what you intend. And while you are wrapped up in your own suffering you might remember, The Dark Lord killed my Mother himself, Lucius would not have dueled Sirius if not for his misguided loyalty. And worst, I might never have tasted my fiancée's beauty thanks to his plotting."

"Not an image I care to keep in my head, Malfoy. And DON'T touch me." Neville made a sickened face "Now come to the point. I'm a busy man."

Draco pulled a small box out of his pocket, fired an Engorgio at it and explained "Ministry files on the captured Death Eaters. Lists of charges. What attacks they participated in."

"One of your spies, no doubt." Neville accused, hoping he would actually learn who it was.

Draco laughed briefly "Somehow I doubt you'd believe me even if I told you, Longbottom. But is not the fact I hold them worth more to you than the source? Tell me your plan and I will tell you how to improve it."

"How well can you handle being around Muggles?" Neville wanted to know.

This time, Draco laughed genuinely "More than you, probably. Why between being in Granger's room and living with our mutual friend's Muggle family, I've probably spent a year with them."

x

Thus it happened that some weeks later, and just as the trials were beginning, several particular Aurors were on duty at the Ministry cells that held the accused Death Eaters. All belonged to either House Longbottom or House Malfoy. As hidden loyalties were largely unknown, specific assignments caused no suspicion. Then or ever. Their careers suffered setbacks as a result of negligence, but both Houses amply compensated them.

Thirty Death Eaters, apparently the last of Voldemort's followers paid for their crimes in particularly gruesome ways. All different, the only thing they had in common was no method was magical. One had dozens of bullets in her, no wound in itself fatal. Another gutted. A man drawn and quartered. And so on. Delores Dolohov fell victim to Michelle Granger and Mr. Creevey. Both now hated magic to a degree not even second to Harry's Uncle Vernon. A Dental drill ran quite well on an Automobile Battery and what could drill through bone had no trouble with flesh.

"You stood with You-Know-Who." Neville walked into the isolation cell holding Kingsley Shacklebolt. It was decided he be held separated from other lesser Death Eaters. "Do you know, or even care, how many innocent kids you murdered that day?"

The former Auror replied "I was working for Minister Dumbledore. If it was not for me, Moody would still be hunting them." He went on as Draco entered "As for you, you little shit. Open these bonds and I'll make you pay for what you did to my family!"

"Hehheh" Draco had the same decorative Snakehead walking stick handle his father used for his wand, he drove it savagely into the man's stomach then cracked it on the base of his skull. "That's a bit hard to prove, you piece of garbage. Dumbledore was killed by his own lover."

"Any of them will confirm I turned them in." Shacklebolt countered as he recovered.

Mr. Creevey caressed a set of brass knuckles then punched, breaking several teeth. "There wasn't even anything of my sons to bury!"

"For the evil you did, I take your hands." A Scottish brogue declared and a broadsword flashed, impacting within a half inch of the magical bonds binding Kingsley's wrists.

Next came Michelle Granger and her oral skills. And not with any of the delicate tools of her profession, but with a larger than necessary knife. She intoned "I take your tongue for the evil you spoke."

When the group left, at 4AM, twenty-nine prisoners were dead. At 7AM, when the morning shift came on, #30 had too little blood for even Magical Medicine to save. He died before the shocked Aurors even reached his cell.

x

Harry and Susan were breakfasting in Kiln Keep that morning. Without much detail, Draco had left them a guest. They were still trying to wean Joanne off of the very House Elf like behavior that had been pressed onto her by the administration of St. Mungo's (Several of whom recently retired). But, she had most of her human characteristics back, including hair. The almost completely straight lines of a House Elf had also been replaced by a normally shaped Human child.

"Godfather Harry? What should I clean first?" asked Joanne, when she finished eating.

It was something the adults in her life managed carefully. Harry was especially sensitive to this and was highly active. The Slytherin painting was no less concerned "I'll not have an heir that scrubs floors for a living." He'd demanded "Further House Elves are to be treated WELL!"

"You may HELP" Harry emphasized the word "Xiddy with the breakfast dishes. And thank you. Uh-uh, two at a time is plenty."

And the Elf popped in showing signs of distress as one of her charges was already doing her job. Which is when Susan stepped in "WE talked about that Xiddy."

"Yes Miss." Replied the Elf instantly, then "But!" and there was another subdued "Yes Miss."

At that moment was a knock on the door that sent the little girl screaming to answer. "Godmother Luna! Godmother Luna! Godmother Luna! Godmother Luna!" And she hit the ward that prevented her from opening the door. Or, more precisely, only allowed Harry or Susan to open it.

x

To understand just how this particular six year old came into Draco's care, we must go back a couple of years. To precisely the time when Harry discovered a room behind the Chamber of Secrets. This room stretched out under Hogwarts and beneath Black Lake. It contained the long-concealed personal wealth of Salazar Slytherin, the frontline guard of which was the one fully grown Basilisk. And, within this vast vault were three juvenile Basilisks and literally billions of Galleons in hoarded wealth.

This was the basis of the four cornered alliance that fought the Second Voldemort War. Each had something the other wanted. Susan and Harry were the front line, the active leaders who were fighting for their lives and losing loved ones. You couldn't replace the dead, but Slytherin's money ran the war without wiping out either Ancient and Noble House. Draco provided the appearance of greater wealth which was more than both and insider Death Eater information. Last, the Slytherin painting needed a successor and it was the Gryffindor who controlled that connection.

Nor did this become a short term affair, advisors, living and dead pointed out numberless problems. First, about the wealth, to dump that much into the Wizarding economy overnight would send the Galleon into a nosedive. A century-long plan was agreed to. Enough money would flow to the Bones and Potter Houses to make them top-level Wizengamot Houses with ten votes apiece instead of their six and five, respectively. It was Draco who would control what would ultimately be a new Slytherin line until the chosen heir came of age.

To ensure a clean start, the heir had to be approved by Draco who would raise him/her and Harry and Luna who would serve as Godparents and be expected to have an active part. This meant someone from all four Founder's Houses would be involved. And, of course, Salazar himself would have the last word.

Two others won unanimous approval and met the Portrait. One early on, they were at Privet Dr. and it was a girl from Wisteria. Only a toddler, but Ginny had caught the feel of magic. The parents would not, under any circumstances surrender their child. Luna caught a Fourth-Year Pureblood boy doing professional level Quidditch moves, who had never been on any team. That boy was to meet Draco that very day, but refused to separate himself from his Muggleborn girlfriend.

By the time Harry was awake, Draco had all but adopted the girl who he had seen in Susan's thoughts and he had to admit "She worships him." He commented, but couldn't help baiting Draco "Shame to turn her over to the Magical equal of Uncle Vernon."

"I rather think of myself more as Auntie Petunia." Draco retorted, unabashedly.

How were adoptions handled in the Wizard World? That is really quite interesting. Any prospective parent must go before the Wizengamot, first, and present proof that the child has no blood tie to any Ancient and Noble Houses. Next to the Vetusgamot and the Magnusgamot, these bodies were right below the Wizengamot in authority. The first made up of long existing Nobility that just did not measure up in wealth, the second consisting of the upper class that have no titles.

Once proven to not be a potential heir, or hostile claimant, to any member of the top ranks of society the whole affair was left to the common Wizard courts. Then several hearings over the course of a year. Although, an Ancient and Noble House adopting a child was unprecedented. To ensure honest testimony, Joanne was given veratiserum and asked how she was treated.

"The Department of Justice is surprised by the involvement of one of the Great Families." A Ministry official stated.

Susan spoke for House Malfoy "The Lord Draco found in young Joanne what he calls the truest sense of Slytherin Values and could only see to it that she has every opportunity and advantage."

"And the choice, Mrs. Potter, of your husband as Godfather?" was another comment "We cannot see anything positive coming from the child being exposed to such an adversarial relationship."

Joanne chose to interject "Oh that's not true, sir. Father and Godfather Harry really like each other."

"How did you decide that, young lady?" asked the Administrative Judge

You could hear a pin drop in that courtroom. Word of the schoolmates' battles were epic within Hogwarts' walls and hardly secret outside. Six year old Joanne did not flinch at all the eyes focused on her "Yes sir" she replied "It's like this. I seen them all tease each other."

"By all… you mean?" he followed up.

"Godmother Luna teases Grandpa Sirius terribly, makes his face go red." She replied innocently, or maybe not so, before continuing "And Auntie Susan is always whispering in Godfather Harry's ear and giggling. I don't understand what Father sometimes says to Godfather Harry but they laugh too, mostly."

The Judge tapped his wand slightly on the bench for a solid minute then decided "There is more to this than meets the eye."

"That is often true in our world." Luna interrupted "Sir."

After nodding to her, he concluded "Something is odd about this whole affair. That said, the minor is in excellent health. Nor can I see any sign of maladjustment. Final hearing set for three months from today."

x

"Your Quidditch reporter, Ron Weasley, here talking to Harpies Seeker Ginny Weasley." He announced then turned to his sister "So, Gin, a bit of a surprise, huh?"

Sister gave brother a teasing look "Yeah, Won-won, not many men get into the Harpies locker room."

"That was a long time ago, Gin." He blushed, reminded of his brief, disastrous, flirtations with Lavender Brown "Of course I was talking about your first game since joining the Harpies. And not in your official position."

This Ginny was eager to talk about "Well, Coach Columbus agreed with Coach Radcliffe that it would be exciting for the fans. I like the idea. And it's early in the season so the teams still have lots of time if we screw up."

"Harry's been a pro longer than you." Ron commented "How do you feel about that?"

Ginny shrugged "I've been training as hard as I can. And I guarantee I'll run him all over the pitch. He better get used to this view of me." By way of demonstration, she spun around and slapped her rear.

"But you've been training as a Chaser, not a Seeker." Ron pointed out "And Harry's record is still perfect. If he's out there, he's never missed the Snitch except that time the Dementors were on Hogwarts' grounds."

Ginny replied "I don't go into games expecting to lose, Ron."

"Think he'll cut you slack, because you're-"he began

She glared at him "A woman? He better bloody not! If he plays one whit below his abilities - well, The Harpies have never asked odds of any man. I won't be the first. And, frankly, I'd be disappointed in Harry. We pushed ourselves beyond yesterday's limits every day when training him to fight Voldemort!"

"Actually, baby sis, I'd be crazy to suggest that … especially in a room full of women." Ron replied, looking about nervously. Death glares were all around him "What I was going to say…well…it doesn't really matter. You answered it either way. Fun watching you get all fired up, though. Reminds me of Mum. Hahaha. This is Ron Weasley, LEAVING the Harpies locker room! Hoping Romilda will save me! OUCH!"

x

Harry Potter was awake long before his wife, limbering up for the game. Nothing strenuous, you never want to hurt something on Game Day. He would not even get on his broom until apparating to the pitch. It was on Chudley's home ground, but this would be a 100% sellout crowd. Everyone was predicting it. The idiot from The Prophet wrote that it was 'A sensation to rival The Duel' Harry wanted to beat her senseless.

"Morning hottie." Susan came out in a light robe "Ooops I meant Harry. How long have you been up?"

He gave her a glare "You know perfectly well there's no sex before a game. Coach's orders."

"Radcliffe is evil. And I bet I won't like this Columbus either." She complained "Well at least put on a shirt, or I might just rip off your pants."

Harry smirked at her "I'll help you. Tonight."

**BLLLAUUUWWKK*** Susan abruptly threw up. That is all it was. By the time he got there to support her, the thing was over. "I'm alright." She said, then added less certainly "At least I think so."

"Xiddy!" he called out. The Elf appeared instantly and began cleaning the mess. Harry waved her off "Never mind that! Get Susan some clothes. Then pop ahead to St. Mungo's, let them know we're coming. Go!"

Susan protested "Oh come on Harry, that was nothing."

"Dress, or I'll dress you." He ordered, curtly.

For an instant, she was angry, then recognized the concern behind the tone. In minutes they were in the hospital; Susan being examined, Harry pacing a ditch in the waiting room. "Well, can I go tell that worrywart of mine there's nothing wrong with me?" she asked

"Harry Potter? Quite a catch." The witch healer commented "Must be interesting, married to him."

Susan was a little short of patience, and quipped "Just like most men, I imagine. Although instead of putting on his pants one leg at a time he jumps into them. But a Dark Lord killer is entitled to his quirks."

"That wasn't-" the Healer began, then realized "Apologies, Ma'am, that was unprofessional of me. You are in excellent health. What is obvious is that while you worked out hard in the past, that is not true now. You should. Your figure will appreciate it later in life. Now, I must admit you are somewhat early to be showing signs but they are unmistakable. You are pregnant."

Susan blinked owlishly "Really. Wow. I mean I probably shouldn't be too surprised. Should I … No, Harry needs to know right away. Can we have some privacy?"

"But of course." The Healer readily agreed and departed, bringing him just three minutes later. "You may remain as long as you wish."

After the door clicked shut Harry asked worriedly "Are you alright?"

"Oh Harry." She said affectionately "You really suffered didn't you? I have a very common condition. Needs some careful monitoring, but it solves itself in just nine months and results in a squirming, crying, pooping bit of flesh that weighs somewhere around five to nine pounds."

Harry gave an impatient look "Come on Sue! You know I'm no good with riddles!"

"Dunno, Harry, you did pretty good against one Riddle." She countered.

He snorted then complained "That's not funny." Shrugged, then admitted "Right. Yes it was. But that's beside the point." Then that same corner of his brain he was not even watching got it and he shouted "YOU'RE PREGNANT! AAHHHH!"

"!HARRRRRRRIIIIIEEEEEEEEEE!" squealed Susan as she was spun round and round "Ow ow ow ow ow."

That made him stop, he set her down with exceeding care and ask worriedly "What happened?"

"I hit my foot on the chair while we were twirling." She grimaced at him "Wouldn't be surprised if I didn't break something."

Harry deflated and apologized "Umm… sorry."

"He just gets too excited at times." Susan explained to the Healer who was treating her broken heel. 'You should try putting soft leathery chairs in these rooms."

Harry just gave her a miserable expression and muttered "Sorry."

That was when an owl arrived carrying a Howler swept in "HARRY POTTER IF YOU ARE NOT HERE IN THREE MINUTES YOU WILL REGRET IT!"

"You're more important than any stupid game, luv." He told her, meaning every word.

She flicked at his cheek sharply, but with affection "Don't be a dope. This is nothing. *Ouch*! You want Ginny to win by a forfeit? Damn that hurts! I'll be along … Oowwwww!" And she bit her lip so savagely against the Healer's actions that it bled.

x

"Sorry Chattway, Harry was late for the game." Ron apologized as he entered the Announcers' Booth. As usual, he ignored the third member of the team.

Rita Skeeter jumped right in, observing "Some interesting facts here. Harry Potter nearly missing check-in time. Which would have meant disqualification from the match. Then there's his dear Missus, I see the Bones box is empty. Well, that'll wait! Here come the visiting Harpies! And Chudley! Here are your Cannons!"

"So, Ron, just who are you rooting for?" asked Chattway.

Ron shrugged "Y'know Chattway, I spent that couple of months in America doing reports on Quadpot from the English point of view. I picked up a clever turn of phrase. I refuse to answer on the grounds I might incriminate myself. I think I'll just enjoy the matchup between two outstanding teams."

"Well, I've seen thousands of pre-game handshakes before." Rita commented slyly "But I'm pretty sure that's the first time I've seen Captains share a pre-game snog."

Ron rolled his eyes "Now, obviously, Ginny would never snog Harry. Bloody people don't want the world knowing until they can announce it proper like they shouldn't do things like that. The reason Harry was almost late AND that congratulatory hug was because they JUST THIS MORNING found out Susan is pregnant. She WILL be along as soon as the Healer at St. Mungo's releases her. Now stop bloody looking for scandal where none exists! Stupid bitch!"

"My my my!" Rita was much more amused than angry at the barrage from the younger reporter "Methinks he doth protest too much." And through the magical sound system the entire audience heard the entire exchange.

This included the teams, and particularly Harry and Ginny, who merely nodded to each other. And as soon as the ceremonial beginning of the game was announced, the two Seekers acted. Fouls were immediately called but the pair ignored them, snatching the Bludgers out of the air and charged the Announcers' Booth. The glass wasn't really designed for direct hits from Bludgers so through they went and out the other side, leaving in their wake two perfect holes exactly three inches away from either side of Rita Skeeter's head. They did some celebratory acrobatics before returning to their starting positions precisely as if nothing had happened.

And Susan did arrive, while the game was well under way. The action was such that no one noticed immediately. She'd limped in supported by Neville Longbottom on one side and Hannah Abbott on the other. Those two would be married after Hannah completed her time in the Messenger Corps. Hannah was probably the least obedient, but most talented member of that elite organization.

Harry Potter was the first in that entire throng to notice his wife's arrival. He paused alongside that prominently placed box, dipped his broom in acknowledgement and inched close enough to just touch fingers with Susan then streaked off in pursuit of a glint of gold. On that occasion, the Snitch avoided both Seekers, this match was worthy of the hype it garnered.

Over an hour later the score was Harpies 310 Cannons 270. This well within the Snitch award, so either team might win. This was the third appearance of the Snitch in the game, and the two Seekers had been loafing at opposite ends of the Pitch. Ginny had a slight advantage at being higher and able to pick up speed in a dive. Nevertheless, Harry got to the spot just barely second and a race was on. This was where both excelled. Ginny bumped Harry's left side and smirked, he hit her back, harder, clearly indicating he was not going to give an inch. This was what the crowd had come for, a pair of competitors doing their all. Perfectly legal, one or the other threw forearms at the other. As they closed, he noticed she was leaning entirely too far forward on her broom. Harry slowed slightly and shoved up on the rear of Ginny's broom. The action sent her into a spin and she rolled into a crash landing on the pitch below. He kicked in an extra burst of speed and swept the Snitch into his palm. The Cannons won the game 450 – 360.

"Here to gloat, Potter?" demanded the Harpies team healer.

Harry glared at the man "Go bugger yourself. Hey, Gin, you ok?"

"Nothing serious" she laughed/groaned "as you can see, just my right arm not where it belongs." Which did not quite cover it. Ginny had taken a bad bounce while her arm was extended so it was up and backwards from its normal position. "Thanks, by the way."

He smirked at her "For knocking you off your broom? You're welcome."

"No! You dope!" she laughed "Well yeah, kinda. Just for treating me … well, not like a little girl."

He shrugged, and self-depreciatingly retorted "You're taller than me. Especially in heels."

"You know what I mean." And despite the pain, now was in a spasm of laughs. That, naturally, is when the Healer shoved her arm back into its correct position. And no crybaby was Ginny Weasley, but nevertheless "Owwowow! Waawawawaawaah!"

About then, several Weasleys, among them. Molly who glared at Harry as she soothed her adult daughter with cooing and baby-talk. Then Arthur, who while distressed about Ginny's injury, paused to comment "Don't worry, Harry, she's not mad. Not really. Congratulations and all."

"Thank you, sir." Harry breathed a sigh.

Ron and The Twins, all Quidditch players of old acknowledged the legality of the move. Ron, the sportscaster, took over flung an arm around his friend and asked "A Tail-Twister, must admit, haven't seen it in a while. What inspired that?"

"Well, Ron, I'll tell you the truth." Harry admitted "Ginny had enough of a lead, and especially after that last elbow of hers … Left a bloody bruise, she did." He lifted his shirt enough to display a black and blue mark the size of a bludger over his ribs "I swear the only thing worse than her elbow is your Accio Teeth."

That last to which Ron blushed vividly.

Harry just laughed it off "Don't sweat it Oh Slayer of Dark Wizards! Anyway after that last elbow I knew she'd get the Snitch. Ginny had just enough of a lead that I wouldn't catch it, quite."

"There it is Quidditch fans!" Ron gushed "You heard it first here. My baby sis is as good as The Youngest Seeker in a Century! And THAT'S his own opinion!"

Harry flung a casual arm over his friend's should and fake whispered "One thing, my friend, if you don't want that elbow in YOUR side I'd avoid the 'baby' in her presence."

x

"Order! Be Seated" the judge who had administered the case of Joanne Kathleen's adoption by Draco Malfoy said "I have finally puzzled out two oddities about this case that have been troubling me. I have two questions that need answering before final approval. First, why would five Ancient and Noble Houses become so involved in the case of a six year old orphan? And why would a Ruler of an Ancient and Noble House even adopt when he has every expectation of a long life with plenty of time to father multiple children?"

Draco stood and bowed, though the judge was far below his rank socially. "Excellency" he said "it is on record with the court, the minor Joanne Kathleen shows such an affinity for Slytherin values I cannot help but feel a sense of duty as an alumnus to help her rise to those heights."

"By choosing, as Godfather a Gryffindor wedded to a Hufflepuff? And a Ravenclaw as Godmother?" asked the judge, with obvious incredulity.

Draco's shrug was as eloquent as it was arrogant "But of course. How can you fail if you have an understanding of all modes of thought? Sun Tsu phrased it in terms of war, but I am sure you get the point. It is something I lacked as a child."

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Greengrass." The judge commented "What is your position, as Lord Malfoy's fiancée, on this?"

Astoria rose from her seat. She was as fully informed as any of the others as to the ultimate plans for Joanne. And, if she was to be Draco's equal, instead of a trophy she would have to rise to the challenge here "Excellency, the outline of our marriage agreement makes it clear I will give birth to the next Malfoy heir. There is sufficient wealth to provide very generously for Joanne without affecting my biological child's inheritance. Nor, do I find the girl in any way objectionable."

"Now, to you young Miss." The judge addressed Joanne "Do you understand what has been said?"

Joanne stood and nodded twice "Yes, Your Honor. It's up to you to decide if Father gets to keep me for good."

"And what do you think that means for you?" he asked

There was a childish shrug "No more meddling judges."

A muted ripple of laughter swept the courtroom. "A-hem!" the judge coughed indignantly "And where might you have heard that?"

"I didn't see who said it, Sir." Replied Joanne "I snuck down after they sent me to bed. It sounded like Godmother Luna's voice."

Draco glared at her "We shall address your late night wanderings later." He said sternly.

x

"It is time." The painting of Salazar Slytherin announced that very night. It was considerably past Joanne's bedtime, being minutes before midnight.

Present were Harry, Luna, Draco, Astoria, Susan and Sirius. Thus, living magicals totaled that most powerful number 7.

For the first time since discovery, Salazar's familiar left the painting without the painting disappearing. The black Phoenix brushed his head comfortingly over Joanne's right forearm.

"It'll hurt, hun." Draco never used such a word in public, he spoke soothingly to his adopted daughter. He strapped her wrist down then tested the restraints against his full effort "I wish I could take this pain for you, Jo." He took Harry's hand with his right and Astoria's with his left. The linked hands formed a circle around the child.

Fearfully, but bravely, she nodded at the Phoenix. Joanne knew full well what was about to happen. That powerful being drove its beak into the soft, smooth flesh of the girl's forearm, and she screamed at the top of her lungs. Pulling away was impossible. After minutes, the Phoenix slumped down, its beak simply fell out of Joanne's arm. It did not burst into flames, however. It was truly dead.

"She's alright, Lord Slytherin?" asked Draco. He was first to break the circle, as he lifted the limp form into his arms.

The portrait seemed less … something … it nodded "Of a certainty Lord Malfoy. I shall advise only from now on. The future of a new House Slytherin is in your hands."

"If Ron saw you like that, he'd be shocked." Harry commented.

Draco grunted as he headed for Joanne's bedroom "Then you must make sure we do not disappoint him? Shant we, Potter?"

So, while publicly for the next dozen years or so, Joanne would attend school and be known as a Malfoy, when the time was right she would claim and have at her disposal a thousand years of magic and wealth that was hers as the Heir of Slytherin.

x

Susan's pregnancy progressed. Much to her annoyance, her husband referred to the stages in entirely Quidditch terms. Somehow, the Snitch Phase did not particularly trouble her. But when she passed the Bludger Phase and entered the last Phase "My child IS NOT a Quaffle!" echoed through Ministry hallways one day.

"You may remain seated, Mrs. Potter." The judge took pity, as did most everyone on the ballooned, otherwise petite young witch.

Pregnancy did not excuse the still most junior prosecutor from grunt work. Such was today's activity. "A 50 Galleon fine, Judge?... The offense is most serious, your Honor, the Ministry seeks remand... The Ministry agrees to an extension. The Ministry disagrees to an extension..." And so on. Until, not long before Noon, when "I wonder, if Your Honor would grant an early lun-Ahh!"

"Early is apparently too late, Mrs. Potter." The judge's tone was sympathetic even if the words weren't.

For Susan had, as the descriptive, but unscientific, term declared gone Gush/Splash. She'd suddenly felt a cramp, stood and grunted. Thus, almost fifty people knew Harry Potter's baby was on the way before Harry did "Don't just stand there like Petrificused dolts!" she snapped. Then pointed to a pair of Courtroom Aurors and ordered "Flip this table! Move it! Now float me to Mungo's! Come on! Or do YOU wanna deliver this baby!"

"I really bloody hate bloody floo!" Harry complained. But one did not apparate from North York National Park to London, in which a magically cloaked area of which the Cannons held their practices, it was much too far. Thus, Harry made his way to The Ministry via Floo and then apparated to St. Mungo's. Susan had been in labor for almost two hours when he'd learned of it, and it took him nearly another hour to reach the hospital.

Thanks to the conflict between Dumbledore and Harry, and Ginny's negotiating skills, the Hospital now had a Sixth Floor. Nowhere in the previous Floor Plan and there been provision for Births. So, The James and Lily Potter Memorial Ward, which was the entire Sixth Floor included Magical Births and Other. This, therefore, was Harry's destination. Nor did his troubles end at the door, he waited outwardly politely and calmly at the back of a line of visitors that must have been fifty deep and waiting for two elevator cars.

Meanwhile, a mere one hundred feet away, albeit straight up Susan was comprehensively and venomously cursing her husband.

Finally, in an elevator, Harry muttered as a wizard barely middle age hit the #2 button "Couldn't have walked? C'mon!" Then he silently cursed himself for not doing so himself. He could have reached the Sixth Floor long before now. The others, families, also hit the #6. The car stopped at The Second Floor. A witch, a Hufflepuff he recognized from Hogwarts stepped on and hit #5 further taxing Harry's patience. She was followed by an older witch and her giggling son "Watch this Mummy!" he announced, reaching for the panel.

"Petrificus Totalis!" Harry didn't actually have his wand out, but it scared every passenger. "Glad I got your attention."

She glared at him and said "That is outrageous! Even pretending to hex a child!"

"Mummy! That's Harry Potter!" the youngster exclaimed.

Nodding, Harry acknowledged "Yep! That's me. Now, I also happen to be in a hurry because my wife is in labor and ANYONE who touches ANY buttons will be in trouble. Am I clear?" He managed to mollify the group by handing out tickets to the next Cannons' game.

"Bout time you got here, Harry!" exclaimed Hannah Abbott "You should've heard some of the things she was calling you."

Susan caught her best friend, and future Godmother of the cause of her screaming, by the throat and squeezed "Quiet! Harry! get over here and help me!"

Help, however, was not what was necessary. Harry's mere presence was apparently all that had been required. Even as he took her hand, the birth moved along almost easily. Ten minutes after his arrival Harry, all but panicking, held his newborn daughter. "Am I doing this right?" he wanted to know.

"You're doing fine, luv. She's already a Daddy's Girl." Susan was stroking a tiny arm, without a hint of jealousy in her tone, she added "Looks like I'm not the most important woman in your life anymore. Am I?"

The as yet unnamed infant had seized Harry's middle finger and was busily gnawing on it, which he found totally fascinating. He blushed at her comment, gave a sheepish nod and answered "She's perfect. She has your eyes."

"She's going to get cranky if she keeps sucking without getting anything." Susan said softly and held out her hands.

The infant's face took on a look of distress as the changeover occurred, but upon finding Susan's breast began suckling most contentedly.

"Never got milk outt'em before." Harry quipped "Tried. Often."

Hannah slapped his shoulder lightly and called him a "Pig"

A squeal of protest came from the infant at which Susan raised an eyebrow "That was the Don't touch Daddy cry." She commented.

"Yes Ma'am." Hannah bowed her head and pouted her lip. "So have you dutiful parents thought of a name?" and at the blank expressions she rolled her eyes and scolded them "See that's what Godparents are for. When's Ron getting here? Naturally, it's good to name a baby after a Godparent."

The suckling infant squealed just then. Susan looked down and was transfixed by a brown eye that was identical to the pair she saw in the mirror every morning. Anything anyone in the room might have said went unheard. She relived in a flash every instant with her Ghost from the Future. One name that she said was always, in any future, was Lily.

"Really?" asked Harry, surprised and pleased "Then, how about Amelia for a middle name?"

Susan had not even realized she spoke, she choked on an "Ok." Looked at her friend and said "Hey, keep everyone out for a while."

"Sure. My job's done." Hannah declared "Lily Amelia Potter. Not too bad." She lightly touched her lips to the top of the small head and left.

Harry's hand was on Lily's side and hip. Susan slid hers over it and began talking about something she never had "It always seemed like some Law of Magic to never talk about it." She began "It is, for lack of a better description, A Ghost Story…"

"Some story, Sue" he whistled softly "That future... it gives me the screaming meemies… I don't even think that's normal in the Magical World. That's even weird for Harry Potter." At that last he chuckled "How about we put this aside? Everyone, I'm sure wants to meet little Lily there. Well, if you're done eating? I know lots of people who want to see you. And Mummy looks pretty tired, anyway."