DR: So sorry for the long delay with this chapter, but I wanted to get it right... and build up a bit of a cushion between want I'm posting, and what I'm currently typing.

So, I should have seen the response my question at the end of the last chapter would be! The majority wanted smut. However... those of you who said no, gave very good reasons why not to have smut. So I've compromised. The first segment is the start of the smut, and then we go back to building the plot and moving the story along. Hopefully, some day, I'll take that starting segment, and write out in full what happened after... if I feel up to doing so. I'd post it as a one-shot if I did.

Of course, if anyone want's to try their hand at writing that scene, just ask!

Harry sighed happily as he flipped back the covers for his bed. Today had been the best birthday he'd ever had! True, it was the only birthday that had been recognised by the people around him. The Dursleys had never cared one bit.

The dancing had gone on into the evening, with Victor and Emily playing throughout. Even afterwards they had continued to play softly… still looking at each with love in their eyes. It had been amazing to see those two play together. Neither was looking at the keys, yet they were in perfect harmony, not one sour chord or miss-timed note throughout. Harry had thanked everyone for coming, as well as for the gifts. Augusta Longbottom had to be helped through the floo by Neville: she'd been sampling the alcoholic beverages all day. Several of the other adults were a little tipsy too as they walked out the main manor. Fortunately they were only living on the manor grounds now. The renovations on the three sub-manors were all but completed, while the Tonks and Remus had settled into their new homes by the gates. Besides, with Racknor watching over the entire grounds, no harm was likely to befall any of them on the short walks back to their beds.

Harry was just sitting on his bed when the door opened. Looking up, his gaze collided with Hermione's. "Ah good, you're still awake." She said, smiling deviously.

"Hey there…" Harry replied a little nervously. Hermione's smile was a little… worrying. "Was there something else you need?"

Eyes dancing, Hermione stepped over to him before taking his hand. "Why yes there is, Lord Potter." She replied before tugging him to his feet. "We require your presence in the family room."

Harry's eyebrow rose. "We?"

Giggling, Hermione just pulled him through and out into the family room. The sky was just starting to get dark outside, but with the curtains drawn the room itself was actually quite dim. He caught a glimpse of Susan drawing the curtains over their private balcony as Hermione led him over to a sofa sat just off the centre of the room. With a gentle push he saw in the centre, with her standing before him.

"Uh, Hermione? What are you doing?" Harry asked nervously, shifting about a little. He'd already changed for bed, and Hermione had not given him a chance to pull on his dressing gown. Thusly he was clad only in a t-shirt and sleep shorts. Looking up at her he noticed that she'd changed her clothing too… but it was certainly not sleepwear she was wearing. The pale blue summer dress she'd worn during the day had been replaced with dark hip hugging jeans and a waistcoat… without a shirt underneath. As a lamp clicked on to his left, he was startled to see two points form on her front, atop each barely covered mound…

"You see Harry…" Daphne's voice from his left made him look away from Hermione, to see the former Slytherin sliding onto the sofa next to him. Again, she'd changed her dress for more… revealing clothes. In her case, a very short skirt and tight crop top. She was smiling devilishly as she laid an arm along the back of the sofa behind his head. "…We decided to give you a second party."

"A more, intimate, party." Tracy's voice from his right spun him around too see she'd moved in while he'd been distracted by Daphne. Harry gulped as he realised that the only parts of her he could see were where the skin showed through… but it was clear that she was not wearing the same clothes as before. Her hands appeared to be disembodied, but from her throat a narrow triangle of bare skin ran down to where her waist would be. "Family only."

"Did you really think we'd let your birthday go without giving you a special treat from us?" Susan's voice came out of the dark.

"Look, you really don't have to…" Harry began. Hermione's finger came to land on his lips, hushing him.

"Harry…" She half whispered. "We want to. We want to make this day really special for you. Just sit back…" Gently she pushed him back till he was sat back in the sofa while stepping forwards, ending up between his legs. "…And enjoy it."

Behind and above her a light flipped on, illuminating a smallish region of the room while leaving the rest of the room in semi-darkness. Music began to play, something Harry had trouble identifying. As Hermione sank to her knees to sit on her heels before him, Harry's jaw dropped as he saw what was in the spot lit area. A raised, circular platform, with a shining pole rising out of the centre and disappearing into the darkness of the ceiling. Movement from the far side stopped his question before it reached his mouth, as Fleur stepped up onto the platform, moving around the pole to lean against it facing him. Unlike the others, she was still wearing her dress from before, but with the light behind her it was turned partially translucent, outlining her legs under the skirt. It also looked a lot shorter, only coming down to mid-thigh. Beaming at him, Fleur blew Harry a kiss before she pivoted around the pole, doing a full circle but ending up facing the other way, her back to him while grasping the pole with both hands.

Then she swayed her hips back and forth, swashing the skirt about.

"Is she…"

"Oh yes, Harry. Fleur insisted on it." Daphne commented, watching the other blond as she danced. "She wanted to put on a show for you. Whoa…" She breathed as Fleur brought one leg straight up, bending over backwards as she did to look at Harry before wrapping the upraised leg around the pole. "I didn't know she was that flexible…" Daphne mused.

Harry watched open mouthed as Fleur came back around the pole, flashing her thin knickers at him in the process. Once more facing away from him, she let go of the pole and twisted her head to look at him over her shoulder. Winking devilishly, she reached back to the small of her back, were her dress started along her spine. A finger went inside… before the hand moved down, unzipping a hidden seam.

"Enjoying the show Harry?" Hermione asked as Fleur repeated the motion with her other hand. Harry jumped as he felt one of her small, delicate hands rub across his crotch. "I'd say you are…"

"He's not the only one…" Daphne said huskily. A quick glance showed her face to be flushed.

"Oh… are you finding Fleur's show hot too?" Susan asked as she swayed into the light. Harry gulped as her altered dress was revealed: tight 'boy shorts' and a blouse that looked a couple of sizes too small tied off beneath her breasts. Kneeling before Daphne, Harry was shocked to see her push Daphne's legs apart. "Oh… I see…" A very naughty smirk appeared on the busty redheads face.

Harry didn't know where to look: Fleur strip dancing on the stage, or at the two to his left. A moan from Tracy made him look at her – to see her watching Fleur intently, her mouth open a little – before he felt hands pulling down his sleep shorts. Looking down with some alarm, he discovered that Hermione had moved to be between his legs. Seeing him watching her, Hermione licked her lips and smiled. "Just enjoy this night Harry…"

Harry, too absorbed with what was happening around him, didn't notice one of the doors open a little across the room. For a few second the figure looking out watched. A small chuckle escaped feminine lips, then the door closed again, leaving the six their privacy…

Across the country, another pair of teenagers lay cuddled together in bed. One slept with a happy smile on her face, while he was sat up against the headboard, smiling warmly down at his companion. Neville gently stroked a lock of sweat soaked blonde hair away from Hannah's face, letting his fingertip circle around her eye to run down her jaw. Under the thin covers he felt her naked body squirm slightly under his ministrations, her smooth legs trapping one of his between them. His other hand was splayed across her back, holding her close. There was a stirring in his crotch at her motion, but he was too tired to bother waking her for another round.

'How did I get so lucky?' Neville thought to himself. All his years he'd been the bumbler, the buffoon. The fat, slow little boy who was little more than a Squib. Shy and withdrawn, he'd retreated to his plants and his dreams, fearing contact with the outside world… lest it hurt him again. He'd been mortally terrified of going to Hogwarts, somewhere unknown with all those strange people, far away from his comfortable home.

But it had been that event that had started to change him. While most of the other students had only seen the clumsy, overweight near Squib, there had been two who had not. Harry Potter had been just as shy and withdrawn, so the two had connected… when loud-mouthed Ron 'subtle as a bludger to the head' Weasley hadn't been around. The other had been Hermione, who had helped and assisted him with his work. Those two had allowed him to be himself, and had actually accepted him. While it had been her who had petrified him at the end of the year, she'd been polite and remorseful about it… unlike Ron, who'd been the last to pass him by. He'd never let on, but he'd heard what Ron had said to him… in its entirety. Including the bit he'd muttered under his breath as he'd walked away.

"It's for your own good you know… you stupid clumsy squib. Thinks he can muscle in on my friend…"

As he'd laid there, waiting for someone to come along and release him, Neville had thought about the trio, and his relationship with them. He'd decided that while he had no intention of ever getting close to Ron, Harry and Hermione however were both people he could admire. In the years after, he'd pushed himself, trying to find ways to overcome his own faults, while at the same time watching them. He reckoned he'd been one of the first to see the connection between them. He watched as the two of them had danced around each other, each clearly having feelings for the other beyond friendship, but equally as clearly not aware of the others feelings. Then, in fifth year, came his second spur to improve himself. The mass breakout of Azkaban… including the one's who tortured his parents to insanity. After that news, he'd pushed himself harder than ever. It had all paid off at the end, as when they were fighting for their lives he'd not flinched nor hesitated.

Now here he was, with a young lady in his arms, after a night of passionate lovemaking. He'd once, briefly, considered a relationship with Hermione, but he'd quickly put that thought aside. Her heart belonged to Harry… though for a short while it had almost looked like she was developing some feelings for Ron. Neville believed that was in response to her own self-assured certainty that Harry didn't see her 'that way'. It was one of the few times that Hermione had been completely, utterly wrong. Also, although he admired her, Neville was man enough to admit that she was not his 'ideal woman'. Some of her habits and traits, while making her ideal for Harry, had been turn-offs for himself.

He'd asked Ginny to the Ball Fourth year, partly because it was obvious that she was desperate to go, but also because he had seen a spark of something in her that appealed. Her inner fiery personality was starting to emerge, and Neville had been entranced. They had had a good time, or at least he hoped she did. However, he'd never tried to openly date her because of the looming spectre of her brothers in the background. Only a blind man would fail to see how protective they were of their little sister… and no one dared draw the ire of the Weasley Twins. The results would be… unpleasant. Now had it just been Ron… Neville knew by then that Ron was all mouth and no brains or skill.

Of course, he'd looked at the other girls around. It was impossible not to take notice. None of the Ravenclaws had appealed, despite the obvious similarities to Hermione. Parkinson and Bulstrode had repulsed him; the former was clearly a gold-digger and sycophant, the latter was, bluntly, ugly. Tracy had a dark beauty to her that intrigued and scared him in equal measure, though since actually getting to know her as one of Harry's future wives had allowed him to see the real Tracy underneath. She was like Hermione in a way: he could admire her, but she wasn't his type.

Daphne had always been ranked up there as one of the hottest girls in their year; even by Ron, despite his seemingly genetic aversion to anything or anyone associated with Slytherin House. But her icy cold demeanour had chilled him, and he'd stayed away, at first. Now though, he counted her as a good friend. She'd been wary of him when he'd first gone to Hermione for advice once, and discovered her friendship with the Slytherin blonde, along with Susan Bones, whom he'd met on occasion before Hogwarts. Over time she had warmed up, but there had always been a distance that she imposed. But since she'd hooked up with Harry, that reserve appeared to have vanished. Susan herself had always been someone he could get along with, but in some ways they were too similar. He had suspected that they would have started to grate against each other after a while had they tried to date. They worked well as friends, and Neville was content with that.

But her housemate – former housemate, he mentally corrected himself – Hannah… now she had been a surprise. In their earlier years she'd come across much like Lavender had: a rather ditzy, shallow blonde. Yet during the DA sessions she'd been as hard working as Susan… almost as much as himself. Indeed, as the years had progressed it appeared that she had firmed up her own views on things, and was determined to no longer be swayed by public opinion. He'd been immensely proud of her earlier, when she'd apologised to Harry for her wavering opinion of him during Second Year.

Proof of that assertiveness had come when they had returned to Longbottom Manor. After helping his gran to her bedchamber – She'd been quite drunk by the time the day ended – they had both left her to sleep it off. As they had backed away however Augusta had muttered, "You're a good girl Han. I know little Nev's in good hands…" Hannah had managed to contain her laughter until they had left the older woman in peace. Embarrassed at the use of her endearment – last used when he'd been five – Neville had suggested they both follow her example and retire for the night. Hannah had looked at him with a gleam in her eyes that Neville was quickly learning meant that she had an idea… one that boded great pleasure in his near future. She'd all but dragged him to his own chambers, before kissing him intently.

After that, things got a might blurry in Neville's mind. He'd tried to be the voice of reason, but Hannah had insisted. Once they were sat on his bed, she'd whispered to him that Harry was likely getting very lucky at that moment; she'd seen the looks in 'his ladies' eyes. It was only fair that he be equally as lucky. Neville's resistance had crumbled at those words.

Now, in the aftermath, Neville gently held her as she slept, watching her as he tried to find the words he could use to adequately convey his appreciation for what she had given him. They had both been novices, neither having any real experience at this sort of thing. After stripping off and sliding under the covers, they'd kissed and fumbled for a while before they found themselves, quite by accident, in the right places to take things to the next level. He'd opened his mouth to ask her once more if she really wanted to do this, but she'd kissed him before words could emerge, using the distraction to force herself onto him a little. That was all it took to send his chivalry to the wind, and he'd taken her with all the desire he had.

Sitting there, feeling the soft warmth of her next to him, Neville found himself unable to think of any words that could do her justice. In fact, he suspected he could spend a whole life trying to do so… and failing.

For once, Neville had no problems with failing to achieve something at all.

The next morning came far too bright for Harry, who felt a weary ache throughout his body. Forcing his seemingly glued together eyelids open, he immediately closed them again at the bright sunlight that streamed through the windows. For a moment he considered trying to doze off again… but his body was awake now. Awake, and insistently informing him that he needed sustenance.

Cracking his eyes open a fraction once more, he looked about him. The bed was a mess; the cover twisted about crazily… only partly covering the five naked young women that lay sprawled on his bed around him. Closest was Tracy, cuddled into his side. While she was still asleep like the others, there was the smile on her face of the cat who got the cream. Last night she'd gotten up the nerve to actually go 'all the way' with him. After some – okay, a lot of – initial discomfort, she'd warmed up to the act very quickly. He'd done his best to make it easy on her; allowed her to set the pace, chose how far to go. With the gentle encouragements of the others, she'd reached her peak eventually.

Daphne was face down his other side, her rear still raised up a little. His last memory of last night had been him ploughing her from behind. A smile twitched onto his face when he saw the bundle that was Susan and Hermione. His best friend was snuggled into the former 'puffs expansive chest, her brow pillowed on the one breast. He'd been rather shocked to see them start pleasuring each other while he was with one. Shocked… and aroused. Even with all their assurances, he'd worried about how they could feel 'left out' when he focused on one. Clearly, they had decided to experiment, to find a work around for that.

Sliding out of the bed, he picked his way over the scattered clothing that littered the floor. Pulling up a fresh set of sleep shorts – his set from last night were certainly going in the wash today – he winced slightly as his member brushed against the fabric. The ache was a pain, but it was a minor price to pay for all the pleasure he got last night. Hopefully he'd get used to such use… With a small laugh he pulled on his dressing gown before easing the door open a little, just enough to slip out into the main living space here on the top floor.

Almost before he got the door closed the smell of bacon, eggs, and coffee struck his nose, prompting his stomach to growl again. Turning about, he saw that the small table from the side had been moved into the middle of the room – right where Fleur's pole had been, of which he could not see a trace of – and it was loaded with all manner of breakfast foods. In a chair close by his mother was sat, a paper in one hand and a cup in the other. As he hobbled over with a stiff gait she looked up, her eyes dancing with love and mischief even as she smiled salaciously.

"Morning lover boy son. They all still asleep?"

Harry flushed red in response. "Uh, yeah. They are." He looked at her with trepidation. "How did…?"

"I caught the opening acts of your private party last night." She explained. "What? You think I disapprove? Harry…" She set her cup aside as she stood to wrap him up in a motherly hug. "You deserve every shred of happiness you can get. I could tell they had chosen to set that up. Though I wouldn't go boasting to the other lads. Their parents may not be as… open minded, as me."

Harry chuckled. "The girls would kill me before their parents could even hear about it." He sobered a little. "Mum… are you sure that you don't mind?"

Lily sighed softly. "I still partly wish it could have just the one young woman for you Harry, but the situation is what it is. It's not like you trapped any of them into this. Only Fleur was in anyway forced, but it was an internal force, not something anyone put on her." Lily smiled now. "But I could not have hoped for a better set of women for you Harry. Together, they'll help make you so much more than one alone could."

"The whole will be far greater than the sum of its parts." Luna's voice prompted both to turn and look at the stairs, to see Luna – with Gobbler on his usual perch – and Katie stood together there, both smiling. Luna's was pure openness and contentment, while there was a devious twist to Katie's. Lily noted however, with some surprise, that some of the darkness had receded from the older girls eyes.

"Morning Luna, Katie." Harry greeted them as Lily released him from her embrace. "Sleep well?"

"Not as well as you, I imagine." Katie teased lightly.

Harry's cheeks reddened even more as he moved towards the table. The smell of bacon was so enticing…

A sharp tap on glass drew all eyes to the one window… outside of which, one Snowy Owl was perched on the windowsill, looking in beadily.

"Hedwig…" Harry seized the distraction with both hands, moving over to open the window for his Familiar. Hedwig 'krek'ed as offered an arm for her, onto which she hopped. Carefully Harry walked back to the table, making sure not to unbalance her. Hedwig's eyes however were locked on the plate of bacon on the table. "Here you go…" He said as he lowered his arm to be at the same level as the back of one of the chairs. Hedwig hopped onto it, before barking again, as if saying 'Nicely done, pet. Now feed me.'

Lily smiled warmly at the interaction. "She's as much a character as anyone here." She looked down under the table. "And so's this one." Under the table Crookshanks was sprawled out as only a cat could, an empty bowl near his head.

The two younger women laughed softly as they walked over to join Harry and Lily at the table. As Luna got closer, Gobbler chirped, head flicking back and forth. "I didn't forget about you, you bottomless pit." Lily smiled as she lifted a cover off one plate, to reveal a trio of whole mackerel. Gobbler purred in reply.

"So, Harry…" Katie started slowly as they began to dish up their breakfasts. "…What did the Headmaster want?" She then looked at him closely. "Or did you not get around to that?" A half smile flickered across her face.

Harry, with a mouthful of egg, didn't reply verbally. However the light glare he sent back spoke volumes. Turning towards his mum, he found Lily holding out the letter for him. Rolling his eyes Harry took it with one hand, using the other to feed Hedwig a rasher of bacon. As the owl began to voraciously tear the grilled pig flesh apart, Harry pulled the letter open, unfurling it to read the missive.

'To Harry and family,

'Having reflected on the matters you and others have raised with me over this past summer, I find myself left with no other option. It pains me to say it, but I must.

'I am sorry. For everything.

'My intentions were pure, Harry. I was a radical in my youth too you know. I truly believed that Petunia would raise you like her own son, as the child of her sister. I know now, that that assumption was wholly wrong. I can only thank Merlin and all the gods that you did not become as warped and twisted as one Tom Riddle became, after growing up in disturbingly similar circumstances.

'Likewise, I was thinking of the wider issues when I arranged that marriage contract with Molly. Our world is dying. Each year I see the divide between the 'old magic' families – the Purebloods – and the muggleborns growing wider. I hoped that a union between yourself and a pureblood family would help seal, or at least bridge, that rift. Please, understand. Having defeated Voldemort, your public image would sway our world. Having you marry a pureblood would show that not all purebloods are like Tom Riddle. It saddened me that you, I thought, would not live to enjoy such a union. I honestly thought you had to die to bring about the end of Riddle. That's why I chose the Weasleys to make your union with. In the hands of a confirmed Light family, your families wealth would help ease the wounds our world has suffered.

'I see now that I was wrong. The witches around you will do so far more than I could have thought possible. I only ask that you respect the traditions of our world, and don't push too hard, too fast. Our world is fragile, Harry.

'I know now that my actions in the last decade are, from the outside, are not those of a saviour, but a monster. Miss Greengrass was right; I have become what I've fought. I can only hope to make amends and give you the chance to avoid my fate.

'I hope that we can work together to end the threat of Voldemort. I would hope that I could somehow regain your trust, but I fear I do not have the time to do so. I was attending to business, one very much like that event at headquarters, when I – I'm afraid to admit – got careless. My time on this plain is far more limited than I had thought earlier this summer. I fear that I will not live to see the end of Voldemort. I can only hope you will allow a dying old fool a chance to give you everything you need to know to end him. Towards that end, I wish for us to meet the first full weekend back once the year starts. I will not forbid you from bringing others with you, as I know you would bring them anyway.

'In any case, I hope you have a bright, cheerful birthday.

'Albus Dumbledore.'

Harry slowly lowered the letter, a frown marring his brow. Wordlessly he passed the open letter back to Lily. Taking it, Lily read the letter closely. She had no fear of there being charms or curses hidden within: she'd been monitoring Harry closely while he'd read it, and she'd would have picked up on any magic's bound to the parchment.

She also knew that Racknor would also be watching… and any spell directed at Harry would be considered an attack on the Lord of the Potter Family. The Guardian Spirit would not take kindly to such an act.

After reading it, she looked at Harry, their matching eyes meeting. "You think he's on the level?" Harry asked quietly.

Lily thought for a second. "Seems so. But I'm sitting in on that meeting though."

"What meeting? Who…" A yawn interrupted Susan's sleepy voice. "…Are we talking about?"

Harry turned to see Susan almost stumbling towards the table from the master bedroom. She'd wrapped herself in her dressing gown, but clearly had not attempted to tame her hair, as the long red strands were a mess more normally seen on Hermione. Smiling warmly, Harry took her hand when she was close enough and guided her to his lap. Susan sank down tiredly, leaning against him, her head pillowed on his shoulder. Lily passed him another cup with an indulgent smile. As soon as the aroma of fresh, hot Earl Grey hit her nose, Susan began to perk up a little. Her free hand reached out, searching for the god's nectar that she craved. After a few moments Harry brought the cup to her lips, and she seemed to almost inhale the dark drink, her eyes drifting closed as she swallowed. They could almost see her waking up as the tea went down. After several seconds Susan lowered the cup, releasing a pleasured sigh before she looked up at him with warmth. Grinning, Harry ducked his head and kissed her briefly. "Morning sleepy head. The others' up yet?"

Susan hummed. "Fleur was moving, though I think she might have pulled a muscle last night…"

"Oh, do I hear a juicy bit of gossip?" Katie jumped in. "What did you five do to this poor man last night?"

Susan just looked at the older girl with lidded eyes. "Not really any of your business, now is it?" She stated firmly.

Harry took pity on her and kissed Susan's cheek. "We were just discussing Dumbledore's letter. You want to read it now?"

Susan shook her head, taking another sip of tea. "Too sleep befuddled to focus right now. Show me once I get a decent breakfast in me. I'm starved!" With that she stood from his lap – planting another kiss on him as she did – before taking the seat next to him on his right. Hedwig barked from his left, wanting more bacon.

"Oh here you." Harry replied good naturedly as he offered up another rasher. Hedwig snatched it out of his hand before tearing into it.

Lily leaned towards the younger redhead. "Guess you all worked up an appetite last. Though you did appear to taste some new things…" Lily winked in reply to Susan's shocked and flushed look, prompting her face to turn redder.

The sound of the door closing prompted Harry to look up to see Fleur was now up. She appeared to be limping a little as she walked over, one hand resting on her thigh. "Morning, ma love. Lily." Taking the chair between Lily and Susan, she exchanged cheek kisses with both redheads before turning to the food. A wince crossed her face as her hand rubbed her thigh. "Ah, I'll 'ave to give monsieur Grangers training a miss this morning."

Harry frowned before looking at his mother. "That's a point. Where is Captain Granger?"

"Oh, he had to leave early." Lily explained. "He had an important meeting to attend. Amelia and Bella went with him."

Katie frowned in confusion. "What about?"

Lily's smile was predatory. "It seems that Amelia's brother has gathered the soldiers short listed to form our 'private' army…"

"Aten-shen!"

the sounds of boots rapidly moving across vinyl floor greeted Daniel Granger as he followed the Colonel into the briefing room. He allowed his eyes to sweep across the men gathered within, now all standing at attention, backs ramrod straight and eyes forward. For a few moments the only sounds were the footfalls of Daniel and the Colonel, softly counter pointed by the tapping of the heels Amelia Bones was wearing as she followed Daniel in. A few eyes flickered towards the grey haired older woman, but none asked about her.

Colonel Bones came to rest at the lecture that faced the room. "At ease. Be seated gentlemen." He commanded easily.

Daniel and Amelia took seats against the wall behind the Colonel, watching as the gathered force of men swiftly sat behind the long tables facing them… all bar one. Daniel's eyes snapped to the one figure at the back, who was leaning against a table in the darkest portion of the room. Unlike the other soldiers he wore not dark green fatigues but black. These had no markings however, unlike the three men who were sat at the end of one of the front row. Those three wore police uniforms. No, this man was much more. Focusing on his face… Daniel felt a shiver run down his spine.

He didn't know the man, not even his name, but he knew what he was. He'd only seen him once before, when 2 Para had assisted in a regular training exercise… as the force hunting escapees. This man had been one of the instructors, monitoring the trainees as they struggled to escape and evade 2 Para's men while attempting to reach rendezvous points on time. The last point however, had been a trap, and 2 Para had been instructed to be as harsh and brutal as they could to the trainees. Much, much worse was in store for them.

Becoming the best was not for the faint of heart.

"Now then, I'm sure you are all wondering why you are here." Colonel Bones began. Looking over the other faces, Daniel could see the confusion and curiosity in the younger men's eyes. He allowed his thoughts to drift back, for a moment, to the planning sessions he'd had with the Colonel. They early on decided to focus on Army personal. This wasn't service bias: neither the RAF or the Navy had the right training for what they were expecting. An exception had been made for the Marines, and two members of that tough breed of soldier were now sat here. They had also looked at members of the Met's S/O19 division, to fill any gaps in the skill set. As it happened, these three did fill a hole in the planned battle group.

"Britain is facing a very grave threat gentlemen. A terrorist group, composed of British nationals… though I am hesitant to dignify them with that honour. They have been active, on and off, for the last thirty years, carrying out murders and rapes across the country. We gained a ten year respite from their atrocities in '81, but they have started up again. This time however, they had allied themselves with a foreign paramilitary group, who are every bit as rotten as they are. So far they have only made one attack, but we expect more to come. That's why we are forming this temporary task force, to counter this paramilitary element head on, with the blessing of High Command, the PM and the Commander-in-Chief. If any of the other sect wanders into our line of fire… well then, it will be no loss to society if they were to be taken out as well.

"Now, our intel on the Paramilitary group is limited right now, but we hope to gather more soon. What we do know is that they are extremist Neo-Nazis, and have trained in the combat tactics and weapons of that… unfortunate, bit of German history. It has been confirmed that a former member of the SS leads them however, this man." The colonel flicked a switch, and on the screen behind him an old still photo of Daphne's great uncle appeared, provided by his brother. "Major Bearson Greengrass. Do not be fooled by his lack of an arm. This man is to be considered extremely dangerous, and has the utmost loyalty of the men under his command.

"The other group, the English born and raised, are much less disciplined and organised. They are more like a mob, made up of thugs and decedent 'nobles' who believe their breeding makes them superior to others. Their intentions are very similar to the Nazis in fact: anyone not 'one of them' is worthy only of being a slave to them. This group are ruthless, sadistic killers and rapists, who won't hesitate to kill a child to get what they want."

"Sir?" A hulking brute of a man stood from the front ranks, his chest an array of service ribbons. "This group… surely the press would have picked up on them?"

Colonel Bones nodded at him, acknowledging the question. "Normally you would be right Sergeant. The reason they have not is directly linked to just 'who' they are… and why each of us are here." Several of the men shifted in their seats, clearly unsettled at the Colonels words.

"Normal practice for what we are doing would be to draw whole squads from other regiments, rather than individuals. However, in that case we cannot. What we are discussing here cannot leave this room. Even after you return to your regiments, you cannot share what you will see and experience with your fellow soldiers. Your families will know some of the details, but operational orders still apply."

Daniel fought to hold in his grin at the looks of confusion on the faces of the other soldiers. How could their families know about this grave threat, yet their fellow servicemen could not?

"Allow me to explain the missing link for you gentlemen. We selected each and every one of you because you all share a simple fact. As do myself and my guests." Eyes flickered to Daniel and Amelia for a moment. "Each of you has a relative – be they a sibling, parent, spouse or child – who uses one of these." With that Colonel Bones held up his right hand, which he had kept on the lectern out of the soldiers' sight. Held in his hand were three wands, taken from the Death Eaters Daniel had killed defending his brothers' home.

The realisation swept through the room, clear across all the faces. Almost instantly each and everyone one of them lost the confused and worried looks. Instead understanding filled them as they realised just 'Who' they would be fighting.

"That's right gentlemen. We're going up against wizards. The corrupt, decedent Death Eater Thugs who follow their Dark Lord… the very one who nearly completely took over fifteen years ago. He's now got a force of wizard Nazi's as allies. After Captain Granger's…" the Colonel gestured towards Daniel "…successful defence of his brothers' home against an attack by the Death Eaters, it was decided by those most engaged with the Dark Lord that it was time to balance the issue. Captain Granger?"

Daniel stood up and stepped forwards to face the men before him. Each and every one was watching him intently. "The Colonel has my formal report on the Death Eaters, but here's the basics: They are principally thugs and bullies. A militia, made up of self-obsessed individuals and the dregs of their society. The Wizarding World is still trapped in the early Victorian age… something which still riles my niece, the target of their raid, immensely."

"Wait… Sir, Granger?" One of the men, a Tanker from his insignia, spoke up. "Would your niece happen to be Hermione Granger?"

Daniel smiled tightly. "One and the same."

"My daughter looks up to her." The tanker beamed, before a look of awe crossed his face. "Then that means… you've met Harry Potter?"

Daniel nodded. "I have. The press does not do him justice. That kids been through hell, and worse is to come. He's the one funding this force, so we can deal with the followers and the Magi-Nazis while he deals with the Dark Lord himself. I for one, do not intend to let him down!"

"Well said Captain." Colonel Bones stepped in again. "Now, while young mister Potter is funding us, we will have some support from the Ministry on Magic. My sister Amelia here is the Head of their Department of Law Enforcement. Amelia?"

Amelia Bones now stood, her experience with Aurors making her no stranger to speaking to a gathered group of men. However, the tingles running down her spine made her aware of the subtle differences as well. These weren't Aurors, glorified policemen. These were soldiers, trained killers. When they engaged the enemy, they would shoot to kill. "Thank you William. While I and my Aurors will do all we can to assist, I'm afraid we do not have official backing from the Ministry. The Dark… Voldemort, has far too many spies and sympathisers within the Ministry itself, and in the Wizengamot, our Judicial and Law Making body. I have gained contacts with Scotland Yard however. The countries police forces will be on the lookout for unusual events or suspicious gatherings. With a little luck, they can help us find you 'gentlemen' targets." She was pleased to see that not one man even flinched at her use of the dreaded name.

"While the good captain's assessment is correct, I must warn you not to underestimate the Death Eaters. They are all ruthless killers, who would take no greater pleasure that torturing each and every one of you to death. These… people kill, maim, torture and rape for thrills. Any woman, adult or child, taken by them will wish for death. What we learned from those that were captured during the attack on the Grangers paints a terrible picture of their intentions towards their targets." Drawing her wand slowly, she waved it at the stack of folders on a side table. Each one floated over to each soldier gathered there. "Those files contain the details about each attack they made that night, and the consequences. While they were mostly repulsed, two young women were made orphans that night. The one's father held off the Death Eater's long enough for my Aurors to get there in time, but the other's parents…" Amelia shivered. Several of the soldiers had opened the files, and now blanched as each came to the section on the Bells. "That is the fate of those they look down on. As in, all muggles and muggleborns." She said softly in response to the looks she was getting from them.

In that instant the attitude in the room hardened. Not one man there had trouble picturing their own families being tortured like that. Each one swore to themselves not to let that happen… ever.

There would be no mercy for any of those Death Eater scum.

"I'm sure you understand the need to keep this all Need to Know." Colonel Bones said firmly. "I know that the bonds between you and your squad mates would have them coming with you to hunt these bastards down in a flash. However, we have to maintain the secrecy of the Magical World. Therefore, it's up to us. We'll form two sections, standard configuration, as our battle line. I intend for us to match their numbers with greater firepower, thusly I've already requisitioned two GPMG's and a pair of surplus L4A1's. We'll form a fire-team around the GPMG's, while the Mortar's will be together with a spotter. Those of you in those groups, your job will be to lay down suppressive fire. This Voldemort is likely to try and win over various other factions and creatures to fill out his ranks, both as tools of terror and combatants. Towards that end, you four…" He waved his hand towards the four men who bore Armoured Regiment insignia. "…Will be tasked with crewing a surplus tank once we find a suitable one. There is strong concern that this Dark Lord has gained the support of at least a few Giants. You're our counter." The four tankers looked at each other with concerned looks.

"Sniper duties will be taken by our S/O19 officers, while Captain Granger will be the Officer in Command in the field."

"And us, sir?" One of the marines asked.

Colonel Bones smiled darkly. "I'm sure you two can cause havoc to our foes in your own special way." He turned serious again. "One more thing. We've got some time to train and prepare, but not a lot. You're not only going to have to learn how to work together at short notice, you're also going to have to understand how this foe fights. Towards that end, I asked for one more guest to join us."

Daniel stepped forwards as Amelia moved back to the door. "Some of you may recognise this woman. Her face was in the Magical's newspaper a couple of months back. What has not been reported is that she's had a total change of heart, and now fights against the Dark Lord. We've brought her here to help train you in how the Death Eaters fight."

"Sir?" The Sergeant spoke up again. "How can we trust the word or actions of a defector?"

Daniel nodded slowly. "That is a valid question, one I asked myself several times already. Two things; One, the Dark Lord will kill her if she even tries to go back… and that's if he's in a good mood. And second, she swore on her magic to aid Harry in any way she could to bring down Voldemort. By helping us, she's helping Harry." At that moment Bellatrix stepped in, closely followed by Amelia.

Though her dress was more casual muggle, her hair more tamed and her face not as gaunt, it was clear that at least a few recognised her, given the wave they tensed at sight of her.

"Yes, this is the former Bellatrix LeStrange, once Voldemort's top warrior. She has changed sides in the hope of making amends. I have asked her to show you just how ruthless and brutal the Death Eaters will be. With a little luck, what she can teach you will keep you alive. Now, any material requests have to come straight to me…" Colonel Bones paused as a wailing came from Amelia's pocket. Pulling out her auror badge Amelia swore, loudly. Looking up, she saw every set of eyes locked on her.

"We just lost much of the time we had. Voldemort's hit our prison, Azkaban. He's just got his best Death Eaters, his Inner Circle, back."

Far to the north east, on a tiny scrap of rock jutting out of the North Sea, Voldemort looked about with sadistic amusement at the carnage around him. Taking down the wards protecting this ancient relic had been almost child's play for him, and the Dementors had done their part well. The guards had been hunted and driven out of their holes, only to find their former servants eager for their souls. The dementors had drawn out the suffering, batting the souls back and forth between themselves before finally consuming them. The few Aurors who had arrived afterwards found themselves besieged from the start, and while they had driven the Dementors back at first, once Voldemort had come down to play they had fallen like trees before a wind.

There was little left of the five men in the squad now; he'd allowed his released Death Eaters to extract some vengeance on them with their restored wands. Slashed and broken, their bodies would serve as a reminder of his power. Their souls however would also feed the Dementors before they left. The one female Auror however was currently bound and cowering at his feet. Her fate was a much longer one. He would give her the option to join his ranks… after a suitable length of time in the Malfoy dungeons. Her resistance would directly affect the conditions of her stay.

Normally Voldemort would not offer her this chance, but he'd realised he had to gain some quality members quickly. The string of Auror raids on his forces safe houses had stripped him of much… not least of which had been ready cash, set aside for bribes and the like. Several of his regular Death Eaters had been captured with each raid… with very little loss on the Aurors side. They had even had the gall to raid the homes of several of his Inner Circle members, though the losses were not as bad as they could be, given that his Inner Circle were more proficient at hiding away the funds and items that they had been entrusted with. Except in one case: the LeStranges place had been stripped bare of everything. Voldemort was forced to face the facts: someone high level in his group, from his Inner Circle, had talked. And given her continued silence, Bella was the most likely culprit. He still had trouble believing it, given her dedication to his cause, but everything pointed to her being the source. The fact that it had been the LeStrange's place that had suffered the worse, with no evidence of the Aurors tearing the place apart, was the clincher. But why would she change sides? That was the question that Voldemort had been considering.

The showing of his minions however was most troubling… and infuriating. His Death Eaters were just not making the grade. Oh, the sight of their black robes and masks still inspired terror, but they lacked the skills, power – or intelligence – to back up the image. And with Greengrass and his men in the picture, Voldemort was starting to look substandard. That could not be allowed to stand! He was going to have to make sure that Greengrass knew his place…

Harry was laughing as he landed on the grass outside the manor. Today, the 1st of August, was always going to be an easy, relaxing day for them. Especially after last night. Part of him still could not believe what 'his ladies' had done. He hadn't known where to look at first: Fleur's strip dance, Daphne and Susan's play to his left, Tracy on his right playing with herself as she watched, or Hermione's head in his lap. However, his rational side had soon been beaten into submission by his hormones and teenaged libdo.

His laughter was at recalling an exchange between Hermione and Tracy after he'd been brought to release. Fleur had been almost naked by then, and he'd been unable to take his eyes off her; she had the ability to erotically charge almost any movement. But he'd heard the other two's light-hearted banter.

"Really Tracy, what's with the 'Mistress of Darkness' costume?"

"Don't you think it's appropriate for the future Mrs Black?"

"Oh the colour and sentiment's right, but with that neckline, you'll give the last Lady a heart attack!"

"Exactly. Though can a portrait have an attack?"

"I don't know, actually."

"Merlin! Hermione Granger doesn't know something! Stop the press!"

"Oi! That's it..."

Harry wasn't sure what had happened next, as Fleur had just stepped down from her pole, sans clothes, and was straddling his lap. He did know it was a non-verbal exchange though... and the next time he'd seen Hermione's face, she had black lipstick smeared across her lips.

Now though, those two and Fleur were sat on loungers outside, soaking up some sun. Normally Fleur would have joined him and the other former Gryffindor team players on their brooms; he'd learned that she too found freedom astride a broom. But having pulled a thigh muscle during her dance last night grounded her today.

It had been during breakfast that Fleur had spoken more about being a veela. The old witches tales of veela's, while blown out of proportion, did have an element of truth... one she'd tried in the past to squash in herself. As highly sexual beings, Veela's had a deserved reputation as being promiscuous. Fleur had tried to suppress such instincts in the past, wanting to make something of herself. Her parents had worked hard to give her and her sister the chance to enter Beaubuxons, and she had been determined to not disappoint them.

Now though, with him, and accepted by the other witches, she felt free to actually lower the walls, release control of her instincts and desires. Hermione in particular had welcomed the news, admitting that repressing one's inner-self was not healthy in the long run.

Fleur's reply of a passionate kiss had caused Harry's boxers to tighten uncomfortably. Katie had good-naturedly told them to 'get a room' to which Fleur had pulled back, smiled devilishly, before gently pulling Hermione towards the room they had picked. At the threshold Hermione had – with a trace of nervousness – asked Harry if he wanted to join them. He had been strongly tempted, but he was feeling a little tired and sore from the previous night. He'd also been able to tell she'd made the offer more to hide her own nervousness at engaging in full-blown lesbian sex... something she'd confessed the other day. They all knew that for this strange family to work, they all had to be comfortable – and intimate – with all the others. Waving her off, he'd told her to enjoy the learning experience. Fleur had winked from behind his best friend; she was the only one totally at ease with the intimacy issue, and thus was perfectly suited to help the others get over their own inhibitions.

After dressing – during which he'd given a still sleeping Daphne a light swat on her up raised bum, prompting a yelp of surprise from the former Slytherin – and trying very hard not to notice the sounds of feminine passion from the other bedroom, he'd corralled Luna and Katie, stating he wanted to spend the day with his new sisters. Both girls had beamed, while behind them Lily had smiled happily.

Gobbler was almost as bad for attention as Crookshanks, leading Katie to suggest that he was part cat. Luna herself had basked in the reflected attention, and it had been heart-warming to see her come out of her grief stricken shell even more. Each day the 'Loony' persona faded, and now she laughed easily, the sound light and airy, a sweet sound. Harry was honest with himself; had things been different he could easily have fallen for the blonde waif, she who saw him, without the 'Boy-Who-Lived' construct that others did. Oh he found himself falling in love with her, but it was a different kind of love to that he shared with Hermione, Daphne and the others.

In a sense, he'd also fallen in love with Katie as well, in a similar, yet different way. Having been on the Quidditch team together, they had already shared a bond of friendship, which under Wood's obsession, had turned into an almost familial one. What worried him was that she still had darkness in her eyes, lingering from that terrible night. That had vanished however when the Twins, with the other two former chasers in tow, had arrived. All four had a broom across their shoulders, while the twins carried a Quidditch case between them.

Seeing the light ignite in her eyes, Harry had quickly endorsed the idea of an impromptu pick-up quidditch game. Both Daphne and Susan were dragged into the game as well, though in neither case were they unwilling. Tonks offered to referee while Remus volunteered himself to act as commentator for the Grangers. With only eight players, they decided to limit the game to one beater, two chasers and a keeper for each side. Obviously, Fred and George took the beater positions, while Harry teamed up with Katie as chasers, leaving Susan and Daphne for the keeper slots. With only one bludger in play and no snitch, they decided to play to ten goals.

None of them took the game seriously, especially after Alicia had passed to Katie for the third time. Having played with each other for five years caused both her and Angelina to struggle to remember that they were not on the same side this. The twins had more fun smashing the bludger between themselves rather than actually trying to strike the chasers. As keepers, Daphne showed herself to be more competent and confident astride a broom, but was a little more wary of having the quaffle coming at her. Harry and Katie did their best, but the other two chasers were too much 'in tune' with each other, even without Katie. The final score was ten-seven.

Behind him he heard the others land on the grass… all except Katie, who had decided to remain aloft for a bit. Harry had nodded in understanding: it had been only when he had visited the Burrow that he had been able to fly during the summer. Leaning his broom against the wall, he turned towards the table were his mum and Emma Granger were sat, intending to get a glass of cool water, when with a 'pop' Dobby appeared before him, a tray bearing one glass held aloft. A few ice cubes clinked gently in the glass.

"Master Harry requires a cold drink?"

Beaming, Harry accepted the glass. "Thanks Dobby. Just what I was thinking of." The ice chilled his lips, but the way the cold apple Tango rolled down his throat was wonderful.

Dobby was beaming, even with his eyes almost overwhelming with tears. "Master Harry is the best Master ever!" He proclaimed before popping away.

"You certainly have some strange friends, young man." Harry turned to see Richard Granger leaning against the wall, dressed casually as he looked into the sky. From what he'd seen of the younger Granger, Harry had determined that he was certainly his fathers' son. Straight forward and to the point, but honest with it.

Harry laughed softly. "Dobby is certainly… unique. But his loyalty is absolute."

Richard chuckled. "Clearly. He's devoted to you." His eyes however were still looking into the sky. Following his gaze, Harry turned to see only Katie still flying about gracefully. "I guess a lot of the old tales are actually true, huh?"

"More or less." Harry admitted.

"You all looked to be having fun up there." Richard sighed. "I love flying myself. The freedom, the openness… you feel on top of the world."

Harry nodded, understanding the older boy. He looked again at Richard. Harry pegged him at being around twenty, maybe a tad older. "That why you join the RAF?"

Richard nodded. "More or less. I wanted to follow my Father's footsteps… but my hand-eye coordination is not up to firearms usage." He now lowered his gaze to look at Harry squarely. "Give me a plane, some warheads and a target, and I'll deliver a crater. I wish I could help you with those scum that were after my cousin… but you've got an infantry, guerrilla war."

Harry sighed as he took another drink. He froze though partway through, as a small fact came back to him. He lowered the glass slowly. "I can't help with the last two… but I think I can lend you a plane."

"Really?" An eyebrow rose, matching the disbelieving tone in the pilots voice. "How?"

Harry grinned cheekily. "Two things I've learned about my family; we don't do things normally… and we don't throw anything personally significant away. Especially if it's got value and or is useful in some way." Stepping around Richard, he started walking towards the training hall. "Follow me." Behind him Richard watched the smaller, black haired young man for a moment, then with a shrug followed.

Pacing across the flat lawn of close mown grass, Harry led him over to a building that he'd not visited yet. Tucked between the training hall and the outer wall of the gardens, the building was low but broad, with a shallow arched roof. Two large doors rested in the centre. "Harry… this looks like a hanger." Richard said quietly as they got close.

"I came across a reference that my Grandfather kept or bought the plane he'd flown in the Second World War, flying it every now and again." Harry said as he looked over the doors. "Hmm… Dobby!" Once the elf had returned Harry faced him. "Could you please ask Victor to meet us here please Dobby?"

"Dobby can do that Master Harry!" The house elf had gone almost before he'd finished speaking. A few moments later Victors lean form came striding over in an unhurried yet rapid pace.

"You called Sir?" He asked softly, before his eyes wandered to Richard, and then to the hanger they were stood outside of. "Ahh… I see. Charles old warbird. He would be thrilled if it was flown once more."

"Would he mind that it wasn't a Potter at the controls?" Harry asked nervously.

Victor's smile deepened. "As missus Hermione is your intended for Lady Potter, that makes Mister Granger here family. Charles would be the first to say that he kept this plane for situations like this."

Exhaling with relief, Harry turned to the door. "So… where are the keys?" He asked fingering the padlock that held the great doors shut.

Victor brought his hand up. Hanging from the fingertips was a key on a ring.

Once the padlock was off and the latch released, Harry found he alone could open the doors without any strain. There had been a small resistance at first, but then the two halves slid easily. "The hanger has the same rune array charms that the garages have." Victor explained softly.

Not that Richard Granger would have heard him, as his attention was focused totally on the plane that rested before him.

Harry grinned at the look of awe and excitement on the young man's face. "Can you work with that?" He asked, gesturing towards the Spitfire that filled the dimly lit space.

"Oh yeah…"

DR: Next time I plan on having some of that old classic idea, Animagus training. I also hope to speed through August and get the kids back to Hogwarts soon, with one or two minor diversions (the canon Giant attack, for instance... though the end result will not be canon) Till then...