A\N: Hey now, here we are in December. And here's the next chapter. Now, I must confess. This chapter hasn't been beta'd yet. Things have been... difficult for me as of late. Computer decided to go on the frizz for a bit, only got it back to almost normal last week. No data lost thankfully. Howver the muse is just not biting like it used to. As such I've got nearly a whoel chapter complete for a Christmas day update (which'll have some hot lemony goodness), but after that... well, I know where I want to go, but if the muse isn't biting... I'll do my best.

EDIT 24/12: Now beta-read.

Amelia Bones groaned as she rubbed her forehead before looking towards the clock. It was gone midnight, and things were still frantic in the Ministry. The attacks had stopped a couple of hours ago, but the clean up was still ongoing. In addition to the main attacks, there had been half a dozen incidents of 'muggle baiting' and at least one murder and two rapes. The auror's and obliviators would be working through the night. Yet despite the hour reporters had already been pounding on the door, demand answers... not least of which was 'how could this happen?' Once again she mentally cursed Fudge for his totally useless and corrupt administration. The fool had frozen auror recruitment and training, leaving them with barely enough to cover all positions.

Truthfully, she couldn't blame it all on Fudge. Part of the blame rested squarely on a certain Hogwarts professor. Ever since he'd taken over as potions professor thirteen years ago, Severus Snape had set the bar for NEWT entry almost impossibly high. Only a handful each year managed to achieve an 'Outstanding' on their potion's OWL... and those that did more often or not were not the sort who wanted to be aurors. It wasn't just the aurors who were affected though; the country was having to look abroad for healers. Couldn't Dumbledore see the harm he was inflicting on their world by keeping Snape where he was? Was he blinded by other considerations?

Sighing in resignation, Amelia took a long drink from her coffee, though it was nearly cold now. She had far bigger problems right now, namely dealing with the aftermath of the Death Eater attacks. Her team leaders were writing up their formal, full reports now, but they had given her a brief one when they got back.

It had been a mixed night for both sides. The Weasleys and Longbottoms had both managed to repulse the attacks on them... quite a feat, considering that the bulk of the Dememtors had been at those two homes. From the initial reports, credit for that was due to the children. All of whom had been part of the club that Mister Potter had run. In both cases, the Death Eaters had suffered injuries, Madam Longbottom's furious defence making up for the Weasley's numbers. The aurors had arrived just as the Death Eaters had withdrawn, leaving behind one at the Burrow and two at Longbottom Manor. All three now rested in ministry holding cells, patched up enough not to die on them until after Amelia had wrung everything she could out of them. None however, were the suspected remaining 'Inner Circle' members, so what they could get out of them would be limited.

The others had not been so fortunate. By the time they got there, Greengrass manor was aflame, along with the roof of the building downwind. The muggle fire-fighters were swarming the area dousing both buildings, though their attention was mainly on the other structure to stop it burning down like Greengrass manor was. There had been no way to get close to check, but a discrete check of the people in the area revealed no signs of the Greengrass family. With no clue as to their fate, they had to assume they were either captives of the Death Eaters... or they were cremated with their home.

Worst of all however was the fate of the Bells and Lovegoods. Amelia found her stepped over to look out of her office, and into the 'rest area' of the auror office. Both Miss Bell and Miss Lovegood were sat within, both looking totally devastated even while asleep. Katie's parents had been brutally murdered while she had been out, while little Luna had fought off Dementors while her father held back the Death Eaters. He'd died of his wounds just after the aurors arrived to drive the Death Eaters off, only bagging one of the bastards. It also featured the only auror casualty of the night, though it had been close for a couple of others.

Amelia's heart went out to both young women, but they also created a major headache for her. Both were now orphans, and she feared vulnerable to the Death Eaters within the Ministry. Katie Bell would turn seventeen in August, legally making her an adult in their world. But, she was a muggleborn, and still a Hogwarts student as she had just finished her sixth year. Amelia was under no illusions that Malfoy would try something if he thought he could get away with it. It would never lead back to him, of course, but Amelia knew what type of man he was... and who he served. He may have managed to claim innocence years ago, and his money made sure that he was believed, but Amelia had never believed him.

Luna Lovegood was just as much an issue. Malfoy was almost certain to get involved there. She was under-aged, and a pure-blood. Amelia could see the unfairness of the Orphans Law: as a pure-blood, Luna was on the fast track to finding a new home, while muggleborns were more often than not left to rot. Given that all the major attacks had happened against Mister Potter's friends, she expected the Death Eaters to try again. She didn't like to think about it, but Amelia could easily guess the fate of any young attractive woman who fell into the clutches of those monsters. What easier way to capture one than to have the ministry itself deliver her to their door? She had to find someway to block him...

Movement at the entrance drew her attention. Tonks stepped through the office, her hair a no longer pink but a mousy brown. That set alarm bells ringing in Amelia's mind; Tonks hair was a truer indicator of her mood than anything else. Amelia hadn't expected her to come in.

Tonk's approached her. "Director... we need a clean-up crew."

Amelia took in the shocked expression on the younger woman's face before gesturing her inside her office. "Make your report Auror." She stated firmly. The official tone and language seemed to help Tonks pull herself together, as she stood up straighter.

"Acting on a hunch of Har... Mister Potter's, myself and Mr Lupin travelled via apparition to the home of Miss Grangers family." Amelia felt a groan try to escape her throat. Of course, she should have thought of Hermione's parents. She had heard from Susan in previous years how the brilliant muggle-born was making a mockery of all the Pure-bloods supposed superiority. Even if she hadn't been Harry Potter's friend, she'd have been targeted as a matter of pride.

"How bad are they?"

Tonk smiled slightly. "Mr Granger's suffered cruciatus exposure, but is otherwise unharmed. Mrs Granger is a little bruised, but nothing serious. She's suffering more from emotional stress."

Amelia frowned. "That doesn't sound like normal..."

Tonk's shivered. "Having a relative who very recently was a member of the British Army visiting had an effect."

Amelia looked at Tonks with concern. "I take it he did not hesitate... or hold back?"

Tonks shook her head. "No. The Death Eaters left five of their number in that house. All dead. The other four were wounded when they escaped... including Malfoy. He was leading them." She shivered once more. "Their kitchen looks like a war zone."

"Where are they now? I'll need to see the bodies, get a magical reversal squad on..."

"Lily Potter's looking after them at Potter manor madam. And... You don't want to inspect the bodies." Tonks looked ill. At her bosses raised eyebrow she took a deep breath. "He broke one guy's neck, stabbed another with a six inch blade, and shot the other three. One was a double head shot from behind at point blank range."

Amelia blanched. She was not as ignorant as others in their world were regarding muggle weapons... and their effects on people. Pushing those thoughts out of her mind, Amelia considered the situation.

"I assume Harry and Lily have granted them sanctuary?" At Tonks nod, Amelia pressed on. "Good. They should be safe there. In fact..." She trailed off, thinking about something Hestia Jones had told her in her brief initial report. "Perhaps they would be willing to do the same for others affected by this?"

Tonks shrugged. "I think so. The Greengrasses are already there..."

Amelia bolted up right. "They're alive? You saw them?"

Tonks nodded slowly, a little startled at her bosses' reaction. "Almost all of them. Mr Greengrass is still to catch up... he stayed behind to give his family time to escape."

Amelia slumped in her chair once more. "He's most likely dead then. We haven't been able to get close to their former home yet."

"Former?"

"They set it ablaze." Amelia said softly before she continued her previous thought. "I was thinking more of two other victims of last night."

Tonks looked worried. "Who?"

Amelia sighed once more, filled with regret. "Xenophilius Lovegood died holding back the Death Eaters while his daughter Luna held off a half-dozen dementors until we arrived. His last words were for her to go to Harry. Also, the muggle parents of Katie Bell were also killed. No..." she corrected herself as she shook her head, the scene Kingsley had described running through her mind. "Butchered is the right word."

Tonks summed up the news with one word.

"Bugger."

At Potter Manor the mood was sombre. The Greengrasses had arrived a couple of hours ago, terrified. Both Dobby and Winky had been back and forth from their manor and the Potter's, bringing their clothing and valuables when the attackers backs had been turned. But the last time she arrived the poor little female elf had been in tears.

She had brought the news of Erikson Greengrasses murder.

Then Dobby had popped in, to report that the Manor was now in flames. It took an order from Harry to stop the little guy punishing himself for being unable to rescue any more items.

The rest of the Greengrass family were currently in one of the ground floor rooms off the Central Hall. From the little they could hear, Eleanor Greengrass was a total wreck, while her daughters were not much better. When the twins had started crying Harry had retreated quickly. He could not handle crying girls.

Though now he was almost buried in one. When Remus had brought her father in, Hermione had gone to pieces and had clung to him desperately. Lily had taken one look before directing Remus into the infirmary, another of the side rooms off the Central Hall.

Now they could only wait, sat in the hall itself, while Lily tended to Mr and Mrs Granger inside. Emma had refused to leave her husband's side, even while Lily treated him. Daniel Granger also had refused to step away from his brother, his tone and steely eyes promising a lot of pain for anyone who tried to enforce a separation. Lily, understanding his cause, had not pushed, only asked that he not get in the way.

So Harry found himself holding Hermione as they sat waiting. Her tears still fell, but the soul-wrenching cries had eased. Hermione's other side was supported by Susan, who wanted to help both her friends but knew Daphne had her family around her. Fleur was behind Harry, hugging him gently even as tears of sympathy ran down her cheeks. She hadn't been part of this family long, but the pain rolling off the others was palpable.

Remus sat a little distance away with the Tonks, discussing the repercussions of what had happened. Harry and Lily had already told them they were free to stay as long as they wished, and Remus knew that Harry would all but force him to, at the very least, take a room here in the guest wing.

The door to the infirmary opened, and heads jerked up as Lily stepped out followed by Daniel Granger. Seeing the questions in all their eyes she smiled lightly, if tiredly. "He's going to be fine." Harry could feel Hermione almost melt with relief at his mum's words. "The curse wasn't placed on him long enough to cause permanent harm. I've giving him some morphine and a watered down dose of Dreamless Sleep. Best thing for him to do while his nervous system settles down again. Might take up to a week for him to recover, but he will recover." There was the certainty of grim experience in her voice.

"And mum?" Hermione asked quietly.

Lily smiled at the younger witch. "She still refuses to leave his side, so I gave her the other half of the Dreamless Sleep dose. She needs the rest."

While Lily had been talking, Harry had been aware of the eyes that were on him. Daniel Granger was staring at the boy who was holding his niece so close. Harry found himself shivering slightly when he met the older man's eyes. This man had a latent threat and intimidation factor that Malfoy Senior would kill for. Facing down the Basilisk three years ago was less scary than facing Hermione's uncle... who had personally killed five Death Eaters, without magic.

Feeling Harry tense, Hermione turned to look at him but stopped when she saw the expression on her uncle's face. "Uncle Dan?"

He looked back at her, his expression twisting into a muddled mixture, as if he were not sure what to think. "Hermione... is it true? You're one of them?"

Hermione frowned lightly. "If by 'them' you mean a witch, then yes I am. But I'm still your niece." Worry began to coil in her gut. "What is it uncle? You don't... don't hate me for this, do you?"

Daniel shook his head. "No, I... it's just... why didn't you tell me?"

Hermione sighed. "You were hardly around, and this sort of thing you can't just put in a letter."

"I see." It was clear from his tone that Daniel didn't. "And who's this boy you're wrapped around?"

Hermione bristled as Harry withdrew slightly. She could feel him closing off, and that would not do. "Harry, this is my uncle Captain Daniel Granger. Uncle..." Daniel started a little at the lack of warmth in her tone. "...this man is my best friend and fiancé Harry Potter." The emphasis she put on 'man' was unmistakable.

Daniel had been stunned when his baby niece called the boy her fiancé. But even he knew of Harry Potter. Hermione's letters home from that exclusive boarding school she started going just before her twelfth birthday had been dominated by talk of young Harry. At that first Christmas she'd talked about him almost exclusively, barely mentioning the things she normally talked about: learning, books and knowledge.

'So this is the boy that turned little Hermione's head.' He thought, looking the lad over. He looked undersized, but wiry with lean muscles. But despite the youthful appearance, the eyes that looked back at him held a maturity that was surprising... and well as sadness.

"Pleased to meet you sir." Harry spoke up. "I'm just sorry your family..."

"Harry, don't start on that again." Susan cut him off. "You are not at fault here. Did you tell those Death Eaters to attack Hermione's parents? Murder Daphne's father? Stop blaming yourself for others actions!"

Harry shoulders slumped. "All the attacks are to get at me, though..."

"Harry... I would have been a target anyway." Hermione said softly. "You know Draco would not allow a chance to get back at me pass him by."

"Listen to zhem 'arry." Fleur gently told him as she stroked her long fingers through his hair. "We will 'ave to work on this trait of yours. I cannot marry a man 'hose always taking all the blame for 'hings he has no control for."

Daniel's eyes widened, then narrowed to slits. "What do you mean miss? How could you marry the same man my niece is engaged to?" His eyes drifted to Harry.

Fleur blanched, looking to Hermione for help. Huffing in frustration Hermione stood up, leaving Harry's arms, and stepped between him and her uncle.

"Uncle Dan, let's make one thing clear here. This is my choice, not yours. Now, our case here, while not unheard of, is highly unusual, even in the magical world. But it is the situation we are in, and I for one wish to make the best of it."

Daniel's eyes remained narrowed. "So... what? You willing enter into an illegal polygamist marriage?"

"Yes... because I love Harry."

Daniel was silent for several seconds, looking between the set face of his niece and the embarrassed one of Harry's. Slowly he looked towards the other two young witches. "And I suppose you both feel the same?"

Susan spoke up first. "Yes, we do. Although we have other considerations as well, in the scheme of things they are not important to this discussion. I grew up knowing that I would be a second wife. I'm overjoyed that Harry and Hermione have allowed me a place within their family."

Fleur hesitated before speaking. "While my uh... situation is a le'tle different, I too am pleased to be allow entry. It is a testament to 'ermione's character that she trusts us with something 'ike this."

Daniel looked between the two of them, before slowly turning to Lily.

Lily sighed at his look. "My only concern is my son's happiness. Am I comfortable with how things turned out? No, I'm not. But I do understand how it came about. I grew up in the late sixties, early seventies, so my upbringing was much like yours: one man, one woman. But I know my son, better than most really." She smiled at Harry as she tousled his hair once more. "After what he's had to go through, can I really deny him anything that brings him joy?"

Daniel opened his mouth to continue to agree against the injustice he saw was being committed against Hermione, but then Lily's words registered in his mind. "What do you mean by 'what's he's been through'?"

Harry shared a look with Hermione. "I don't think you'd believe me if I told you."

Lily paused in thought, before looking at Harry with a gleam in her eyes. "The Potter family does have a penseive... maybe he should see what has happened to you?"

Harry seemed to fold inwards. After several long moments he said softly. "I guess he should know what being near me means. Actually, everyone should." He looked over his shoulder at Fleur. "I've already told Susan and Daphne, but you deserve to know as well." There was a glimmer of tears in his eyes.

Hermione sigh softly before wrapping her arms around Harry's shoulders, while Fleur and Susan completed the circle. Lily closed her eyes, but kept a hand on his shoulder.

From where he stood, Daniel could hear soft murmuring coming from the huddle. The behaviour of the women before him was not what he expected. Just what in heaven's name was going on here?

It was into this scene that Victor stepped forward, face an incomplete mask, not quite hiding the sympathy he felt. "Madam Potter? I'm sorry, but we have guests."

Lily nodded in reply before stepping away slowly, reluctant to leave Harry, even in the comfort of three of his loves. But duty called. Walking briskly out into the entrance hall, Lily steeled herself and tried to find balance.

Stepping out the front door, her attention went straight to the four figures stood waiting. Tonks and Amelia she recognised right off in the light that spilled from behind her, but the two younger witches she struggled to place in dark.

"Lily..." Amelia said softly as she stepped forwards. "I hate to have to ask more of your family, but I've got a couple of problems here."

Lily glanced at the two young witches again. The older looking brunette had looked up, eyes widening slightly, but the younger blond – who Lily was sure she'd seen before – remained motionless, almost listlessly standing there, looking at nothing.

"Let's talk inside. Should Harry be involved in this?"

Amelia thought for a moment. "Perhaps he'd better. He will be Lord Potter soon, and this will be a legal matter."

At a look from Lily Victor nodded before breaking off towards the main hall. After a few moments Harry, Hermione, Susan, Fleur, Remus and the Tonks joined the group in the meeting room. Once they were all seated, Lily faced her old friend. "So Amelia, what's the problem?"

Madam Bone's sighed deeply. "I'm sure you're aware that there were many attacks last night." At the round of nods, she pressed on. "The main ones were all linked, I'm convinced, by Harry. They went after your friends."

Harry seemed to sink in his seat, head tipping forwards. Susan was the first to react, reaching out and drawing his chin up to look at her. "Now Harry, don't start blaming yourself again." There was an implied command in her words.

"Fortunately..." Amelia cut in, hoping to ease the tension that had arisen. "Most of those attacks were thwarted."

Harry seemed to relax a little, before looking at her with world-weary eyes. "Who did they go after?" He asked, eyes glancing at the two younger witches, mind racing. Why were Katie and Luna here? And what was with Luna's non-expression?

"Both the Weasleys and the Longbottoms repulsed their attacks without loss, only some property damage and minor injuries." She looked unsure for a moment. "I'm told you have all but Erikson Greengrass here..."

"Yes, along with most of their possessions. Our house elves rescued most of them before the fire could claim them. But... they also brought word of Mr Greengrasses death."

Amelia nodded, having already expected that. "I can only hope he went down fighting." Shaking herself, she took in a deep breath. Now for the bad news.

"But... another two families were not as fortunate. Miss Lovegood's father held off the Death Eaters until my Aurors arrived, but died of his wounds. And Miss Bell's parents..." She trailed off, not needing to elaborate.

Harry's eyes darted to the two, alarm and guilt filling them.

"Now, my problem is this: both are orphans. Miss Lovegood is still under-aged, and a pureblood. I almost expect Malfoy to offer a home for her this coming morning. Miss Bell is almost of age, but as a muggle-born, I worry that he'll try something. From the little we've got out of the captured Death Eaters so far, any young women in the families targeted were to be captured and taken back with them, for 'entertainment purposes'."

Nearly all the others around the table scowled or blanched at the thought. It was not hard to realise just what was meant by that phrase.

"Both can stay here indefinitely." Harry stated firmly, earning him a warm look and a hint of a smile from Katie.

Amelia smiled at him. "That would work for Miss Bell, but Miss Lovegood requires a more official offer..."

Harry looked worried. "Are you suggesting..."

"No Harry. I was thinking more along the lines of you adopting her as a sister. Of course, if you think you can handle six witches in bed..." Amelia trailed off, a small smirk on her lips as she watched the varied embarrassed reactions of the younger people in the room. Only Luna didn't react in any way.

After a moment to press down his reaction to Amelia's jest, Harry looked at Luna. He was almost startled to see the almost total lack of her normal animation or spark. She seemed closed off to the world around, her gaze firmly fixed inward. Harry shifted uncomfortably; he knew that he'd skated by such a depression, even dipped into it a little himself earlier this summer. Nothing good came out of such a state. He had a few ideas as to what she was going through, but nothing sure.

But he was sure of one thing: she was hurting, and he and his family could help her.

Rising to his feet, Harry walked round to stand by her chair. Seeing no reaction, he knelt down beside her. "Luna?" He called softly. When she didn't respond, he gently took her hand. She didn't seem to notice, at first. "Luna?"

Slowly she turned to look at him, her eyes dull and almost lifeless, but there was a tiny spark of recognition.

"Luna... I can't say how sorry I am that you've suffered. I do however know roughly what you're feeling right now. Don't allow yourself to sink into that darkness Luna, you know your father would never have wanted you to go there." He saw a glimmer of a tear form in one corner of her eye, but pressed on. "I know he'd have wanted you safe. We can't replace him Luna, but perhaps me, my mum, and the rest of my family can help you heal."

Harry missed the warm smiles that lit up Hermione's, Susan's and Fleur's faces when he said 'my family'. All three knew that it was a big admission for him to say that.

"We're willing to give you a place in our family Luna. A place where you would be safe, where you can let down the walls you've built." Harry had wondered for some time how much of Luna's actions had been an act. "All you have to do is ask, and we'll do everything we can. Even if you don't wish to join the family, you'll still have a place here, ready for you."

There was not a dry eye in the room. Those who knew his history were struck at how much Harry could give of himself, could reach out to someone else who had suffered, was suffering. Despite all the pain and hardship he had suffered, he was still a kind, gentle, giving person.

As a tear tracked down her cheek, Luna nodded. "Okay." She whispered, but as everyone was silent they all heard her.

Amelia looked to the Tonks, who both nodded. "Right, let's knock a set of adoption papers together..."

In a back room of Malfoy Manor, the self-styled Lord Voldemort sat in his private chamber, head in his heads.

'Useless. Utterly useless. The whole stinking lot of them.'

He had been... less that pleased, at the performance of his Death Eaters. The only consolation was that Major Greengrasses attack had also mostly failed... though it had not been due to any fault on his men's part.

Sheer incompetence and clumsiness had alerted the Tonks before they were ready, allowing the elder couple the chance to escape through the floo. None of his minions had heard the destination, so they were lost. They hadn't even thought to destroy the house before leaving.

The Longbottoms and Weasleys had both repulsed his men for no losses of their own. The Weasleys had held out with a mixture of number of wands and the sheer craziness of whatever they were tossing out of the one window. The Longbottoms had those blasted ancient defences... not entirely unexpected, after his experience with the Bones ancestral home, but certainly unpleasant. He didn't care about the losses he'd taken; to Voldemort all his minions were expendable.

The attack on the Lovegoods had almost succeeded, but who could have foreseen that the frail waif of a girl could cast a patronus! Still, the Quibbler had been silenced, with the press damaged and the editor dead. Lucius might be able to work the Ministry system and get her 'adopted' by the Malfoy Family; as a pureblood, she was on the fast track, in a system that Lucius had designed.

A scowled formed on his face however when he thought about Lucius, and the raid on the muggle Granger family. THAT was a disaster! Five dead Death Eaters, the remaining four wounded, including Lucius... all due to one muggle! How was this even possible! Muggles were helpless against magic!

It had only been with the muggle Bell family that things had gone right, and even then not perfect, as the mud-blood had been out. Still, the message left for her should destroy her will to resist. Fear was the ultimate weapon, in Voldemort's opinion.

But what to do going forwards? The Magi-SS were deadly and competent, but were loyal only to Major Greengrass. And he saw himself as an equal to him... as if anyone could ever be Lord Voldemort's equal! He was going to have to remind the Major of just who he was dealing with. Lord Voldemort had no equal.

Still, the attacks should have achieved their purpose. Potter should start to see his friends turn away from him, abandoning him for fear of being the next target. With each one the despair would set in more, until he breaks, leaving Voldemort free to focus on Dumbledore. That wily old man was a major symbol to the masses. Taking him out would destroy their morale and crush any resistance. Once he was gone, the Ministry would be his for the taking.

Until that time however, he needed to build up the fear in the people, make them quail once more at the very idea of his presence. While the fear of his name was still strong, these latest failures were hurting his image to strike without mercy, unstoppable. With a couple more victories for the Light, the people might start standing up and fighting back. This he could not allow.

But how? His Death Eaters were thugs and bullies, not soldiers. They could strike terror into the hearts of others, but wavered when someone stood up to them. His Inner Circle was made of sterner stuff, but they were almost all rotting in Azkaban now. Only Lucius was available, and he was better suited to working the wheels in the Ministry. Or will be once that wound was healed. It would require a glamour as well, something he knew would drive the vain man spare.

Bellatrix's continued silence however worried him. Where was she?

"It's a mess, isn't it?"

Fleur nodded to Susan's question, too tired to actually speak. It had been a long, difficult and frantic night. The Tonks sudden arrival and news had set all their hearts racing, then the worry over their friends... Susan was right. It was a mess.

The two of them were pretty much the only ones left up. Harry had to almost carry his mum upstairs, as she had been asleep on her feet, exhausted. The Greengrasses had finally fallen asleep, spread between two of the guest rooms. Susan and Fleur had just checked on them; the scenes within had drawn tears from both young women. The twin adorable young girls were curled up together, clearly having cried to sleep together. Daphne had her younger sister Astoria on her lap, both having fallen asleep as well. But the grief and loss was still on their faces.

As they climbed the steps to the Potter's private wing, Susan sighed in resignation. "Harry's going to be beating himself up about all this."

"'e does seem ze type who 'ill accept, uh... responsibility, for things beyond 'is control."

"Exactly. We've been trying to break this habit, but..." Susan sighed once more. "It's deeply embedded in his psyche. Bloody Dursleys..." She muttered the last two words.

Fleur frowned lightly, having heard her. "'is relatives? You think zey are responsible for his attitude? I 'eard that his home was not ze most welcoming..."

Susan shook her head. "Fleur, whatever you heard... the truth is far, far worse."

Fleur felt deep within her a flame ignite. "What do you know?" She asked softly, slowly.

Susan could see the anger building in the taller blonds eyes. She didn't fear it however; it matched her own whenever she thought about the Dursleys. "Harry doesn't like talking about it, but we managed to get him to open up some. What he went through..." Susan closed her eyes against the tears that she felt welling up. "There was not a shred of warmth or love for him in that house growing up."

Fleur shivered, from rage or sadness even she was unsure. Perhaps both. "What do you say to us visiting those…" she trailed into French for a few moments, her tone clearly stating that she was letting loose a vile curse "…and voicing our... displeasure?" Sparks danced around her closed fists.

Susan grinned in reply. A grin that very rarely appeared on her face. One full of deviousness and malice. "Oh, we have a plan already. We talked to the police earlier this week. The highest levels of the force are looking into things now. And it seems Gringotts has some issues with the Dursleys as well..."

Her expression was now copied on Fleur's face. "Tell me more..."

Far to the north another was still awake. Unlike the two young ladies however, this man was not kept up by anger and concern, but by remorse and guilt.

There was only one thought echoing through Albus Dumbledore's whiskey soaked mind. 'What have I become?'

He had no idea as to how long he'd sat there in the chamber where Sirius's will had been read. When he'd finally raised himself from the chair he'd fallen into, he found himself in another meeting with the Goblin High King. Worryingly, he'd had one of his many axes resting against his seat when Dumbledore had entered.

Ragnok had, as ever, been brutally blunt and straight to the point. Dumbledore was in serious trouble for several things that had come to light... not the least of which, attempting to replace a valid, sealed will with a fraudulent copy. To say nothing of what he tried to do in regard to Mister Potter and Miss Granger.

In light of these actions, he was barred from Gringotts till such time as a full audit and investigation into his finances and accounts was completed. At that time, he would be required to come in and explain everything he'd done. Albus was not looking forward to that day, as he knew that in the light of cold, harsh logic, his actions were not a good reflection on himself.

But... as much as such actions by the goblins hurt, it was the words of Lily, Harry and the other pupils which hurt the most. Thinking about the way the goblins would look at his money brought back miss Greengrass's advice. Once he returned to Hogwarts he'd asked Minerva to make his apologies to the Order while he dealt with some things in his office. Once there, he'd removed his pensieve from its storage place... then had sat for several long minutes, unmoving, before finally transferring the memories currently in it to a suitable container. Then, with great reluctance, he'd started drawing out the memories of everything he'd done in regard to Harry Potter. Then, hesitantly, he'd dipped his head in.

What he experienced within was what led to his current state. When he finally emerged, the first thing he'd done was call for one of the school's house elves to bring him one of the cases of firewhiskey from the schools stores. He normally didn't drink it, but sometimes, like now, it was the only thing that would help.

He was now half way through the third bottle, but the images were not fading. While he knew that everything he'd done was for a good cause, from the outside, he could see what the others saw: his actions were not those of a good man.

Leaning back, he ran over the old plan in his head. He had to assume it was now defunct, given what he guessed Lily had been saying earlier. If it was true that the Horcrux in Harry's scar was gone, then he no longer had to die to defeat Voldemort.

In some ways it changed nothing. The effects of Harry sacrificing himself would be the same. Better even, as he would be giving up everything to save everyone. But convincing him to do so... that would be almost impossible.

The planned marriage with Miss Weasley was certainly defunct now. The chances of engendering feelings between them were non-existent now. Yet, in a way, the clear bonds forming between Harry and the young girls around him kind of did the same thing the marriage would have: By taking Miss Greengrass in, he showed that redemption was possible.

The surprise had been Mrs LeStrange. Harry had let her redeem herself, though his words sent a chill through Albus. His promise of swift and terrible vengeance if he was betrayed was deeply worrying.

Maybe, he thought as he drained the glass, maybe the plan was not as ruined as he thought. Harry was still the one prophesied to defeat Riddle once and for all. That was the most important thing, after all. Perhaps the other objective, restoring the social order he'd grown up with, could be set aside to ensure that there was a hero to save them all. Albus was not blind; he could easily see Harry deciding to abandon the country to its fate... its not like the government had endeared themselves to him. He could only hope that his sentiments to his friends over-rode his disgust with the magical community. Certainly the morale boost of having Lily back from the dead would lift spirits... although Albus still doubted that she was truly Lily Potter.

Still, even if it was her, Albus was still the master of the game. He held the winnings cards; now all he had to do was play them right... He paused at that thought, before shaking himself and pouring another measure of whisky. He had to stop trying to control everything. He now understood how others likely felt about his actions and words. He was going to have to allow Harry a chance to dictate his own path… as much as it pained Albus not to be in control. But the situation demanded it. Harry was too important for Albus to risk angering him. He doubted it would take much more for the young man to decide that the Wizarding World was not worth saving and leave the country. And if he did…

A cold shiver ran up the old man's spine.

When Harry woke the next morning, he felt incredibly warm and safe. Wrapped in softness that protected him from the rest of the world... and drove the nightmare of last night away. It was only when he opened his eyes that he realised just how that feeling came about.

He was lying in the centre of the master bed. But while he'd gone to sleep alone, sometime afterwards he'd been joined by two very curvy and soft women. His head was nestled between their wondrous breasts like it was a precious egg, both holding him close to their bodies. Like any red-blooded male would, for the first few minutes he just relished the feeling, perfectly content to lie there between the two.

When he was a fraction more awake, the sight of the red hair on one of the witches caused his heart to freeze. It had been a dream of his since he'd been young for his mother to come back and take him away from the Dursleys. Finding her, bringing her back to the world of the living, had been an incredible joy for him. But... It had taken a while, but that Monday, when they'd brought her back, he remembered her words... about seeing everything he'd experienced... through his eyes. Suddenly he hadn't been able to stay in the same room with her, despite his own need to be with her. Lily had finally called him to her side, before gently telling him not to fret. She had tried to give him some privacy over the years. But he should not allow what he knew now to affect him. He hadn't known she was with him, seeing everything he saw. Whatever she saw, she would not tell anyone. Then she'd reiterated how proud of him she was, of how he'd handled things. Mostly, she'd corrected herself, a small smile playing at the corner of her mouth.

Right now though, he was worried. He'd been enjoying the sensations of snuggling into these two warm, soft female bodies. And like any young teenaged male, his arousal had grown. If one of these two was his mother...

Slowly he twisted his head enough to look at the red-head's face... and breathed a sigh of relief. It was Susan who had snuggled into him. Now that he looked again, he saw that her hair was too light to be his mothers. Susan's hair was more a reddish brown in colour, rather than the deep, rich red of his mother's or the fiery red of the Weasleys.

Rolling his head, he looked at the second witches face to see it was Fleur. She looked so angelic as she slept. He noted with some amusement that with him pressed between their bodies – and having slid down between them – that both witches had curled around him, bringing their heads almost to within kissing distance. A small moan escaped his throat as that image played through his head.

"Pleasant dream, mon a mie?" His eyes snapped open to see Fleur's blue-grey eyes half-open and watching him, a smile on her lips.

"Er... yeah."

"Care to share Harry?" Susan asked without opening her eyes. Her left thigh shifted, rubbing the underside of his erection. Harry suddenly realised that with the way the two witches had wrapped themselves around him, his morning issue was now protruding between the thighs they had resting across him. "Must be a good dream, to get such a reaction..." Susan said saucily.

Fleur quirked an eyebrow, before she too moved her thigh... down his body. Harry's eyes widened further when he realised that her leg was rubbing bare skin against him, just before the soft skin of her leg pressed against his cock. Fleur's eyes widened too as she felt him. "Non..." she whispered. Then her hand slipped down his chest before she reached under her leg to wrap around him. "Merde..."

Harry shifted uncomfortably. "Er, Fleur... much as I like the attention... Fleur?" The older French witch snapped out of the trance she appeared to be under.

"Yes?" There was a breathless quality to her response.

"I need the bathroom." Harry said quietly.

"Oh... oh! Pardon." She replied, releasing her hold on him and rolled off him. Once Susan, her face flushed now, did the same Harry almost leapt up and nearly fled into the bathroom. Two sets of eyes watched him go.

"'E is still uncomfortable with intimacy, no?"

Susan sighed in resignation as she rolled back to face Fleur. "Yes. We – me, Hermione and Daphne – have tried to ease him into it, but his history..."

Fleur nodded sadly in reply.

With the late night that everyone had had, it wasn't till nine that the first person joined Harry and Emily in the kitchen the next morning. "Morning mistress Lily." Emily called with a light tone, trying to ease the depression that Harry had come down with. He'd arrived shortly after her, his face guarded as he mechanically sorted out tea and coffee.

Lily smiled sleepily as she sank down onto one of the stools at the central counter. Much like the rest of the manor the kitchen reflected the size of the manor. She'd told an eager Harry how past generations of Potters had generally preferred to eat gathered round the central counter rather than use the massive formal dining space... a tradition that Harry fully embraced.

"Morning... and thank you." Lily replied groggily as a mug was set before her. Lifting it with both hands, Lily gently sipped at the brew, her eyes closing as she savoured the tea.

After a minute she looked up towards Harry. "How'd you sleep sweet-heart?"

Harry shrugged in reply. "Okay, I guess." He paused for a moment. "No dreams, that's always a plus."

Lily frowned lightly, sensing that he was trying to evade her, but at that moment Fleur and Susan walked in, closely followed by Remus then Tonks. The pleasantries exchanged lacked conviction; none of those gathering could forget the events of the previous night.

A few minutes later a bell rung, indicating that someone had apparated into the grounds. A glance at a glass frame on the wall showed an image of Amelia Bones. It was only a couple of minutes later that she joined the gathering in the kitchen. Seeing her face, Emily silently poured a large mug of coffee out.

"You're a life saver..." Amelia said when she was offered the mug. Susan looked at her aunt worriedly, recognising the signs of an all-nighter.

"Auntie?"

Amelia looked up at the gathering of people in the kitchen. Sighing she set the mug down on the counter. "Good news first. The adoption papers for Miss Lovegood have gone through without contest or issue." Smiles broke out on several faces, though Luna's remained blank, her eyes staring off in to the distance. Amelia pressed on.

"The code used to lock down the floos was one that belonged to a Department Head who died nine years ago." She rolled her eyes in exasperation. "I've had that code removed from the lists to stop them using it. In addition to the five killed at the Grangers, we captured four Death Eaters. Based on past attacks, that means that Voldemort has lost just over an entire attack team. He seemed to have only a half dozen of those in the last war, so this is a setback for him."

Remus frowned. "But not much of one, right?"

Amelia nodded unhappily. "No. Most of those he lost are low level, junior ranked ones. Though one of the fatalities was George Goyle, believed to have been one of his inner circle." Her eyes fastened on Daniel Granger, narrowing slightly.

In reply the ex-soldier shrugged. He didn't understand everything, but he got the meaning. "Opp's." He said, not one bit repentant.

Harry looked up. "So what now?"

Amelia looked kindly at him. "That, Mister Potter, is your call."

Harry looked around the kitchen, seeing every set of eyes on him. Shivering, he leaned forward, planting his elbows on the counter as he tried to force his nerves down.

"Okay... First off we need to get you set up properly. Victor..." He turned his head towards him. "Can you see to the other manors?"

Victor nodded. "I'd best call the Masons. They're a local building firm, been going for centuries. It was that family that built most of the manor. If there is anything that needs doing to those buildings, they would be the best to do it."

Harry nodded. "Right. Start with the smaller homes, then once we sort out which family has the manors, work on them. Professor..." He looked towards Remus. "Can you help with that?"

Remus nodded.

Harry's eyes slid to the two sisters who were standing at the back of the group. "Bellatrix... I want you to give Amelia everything you know about Tom, his followers, hideouts... the lot." Amelia had been made aware of the details of the sister's vows to Harry the previous evening.

"Right..." Harry continued, the nervousness clear in his tone. "Uh, Dobby and Winky can start shifting Luna's belongings here, uh..." His eyes darted back and forth. "...Mum, could you look after Luna?" At her concerned nod, Harry shifted to his feet. "The rest of you... uh, take it easy. I need to think." He rapidly exited the kitchen, walking quickly across the main hall towards the front doors.

Confused looks were shared between those gathered round the table... except from Lily, who looked after him with sadness. Catching Susan's eye, Lily tipped her head in the direction he'd gone. "Go with him. He needs his close friends close, even though he doesn't realise it yet..."

The younger redhead nodded before swiftly standing. Fleur also stood before the pair hurried after the young man who had captured both their hearts.

A\N: And there we are. Once my beta gets back I'll re-upload the chapter. Next time we explore the manor grounds a bit, Hermione and Daphne talk, we look in on Snape, while Harry gets some comforting...