Chapter 145 The King's Beginning

Harry stood nervously before the mirror in the palatial master bedroom of Snape Manor, critically assessing his image.

He'd chosen his basilisk scale coat for this first social event at the Manor. That Severus had had this made for him cemented its status as his favorite, but it also attracted no end of attention and comments, which would otherwise have relegated it to the back of the closet. No, he was sure, this was the right garment. He knew that most of those attending the "at-home" event would be wearing very traditional wizarding garments, likely robes, maybe hats, in honor of this apparently-traditional wizarding social event, so he was very committed to not wearing a robe or one of those indecently-tight britches in his wardrobe.

He'd been living in the Manor for a few weeks now and was getting, if not comfortable, used to the place. Shortly after the leave-taking dinner at Hogwarts, he and Severus had arranged for the goblins to key Harry into the wards, and within a few days, they'd moved in. Not to say that they'd actually moved out of Hogwarts, though.

The Headmaster had suggested that even though Harry had graduated and Severus had indicated that he wished to be relieved of his responsibilities, it would be in all their interests for Harry and Severus to spend at least part-time over the next year at Hogwarts. Albus offered to meet with Harry for a few hours each day, to discuss whatever either felt would be a good use of their time together. Harry recognized this as his chance to learn as much as he could – about history, politics, being King, whatever – from the person in the wizarding world most able to impart true wisdom, and he wanted to take advantage of the offer. Severus was mollified with assurances that a new Head of House for Slytherin had already been appointed, and he was willing to teach two of the most senior Potions classes each week. Their familiar rooms would be available to them for the year, and that included Severus' own lab, so he would be able to pursue some of his own brewing, study the many notebooks from Potions Masters of years past that had been translated from the original Parseltongue, and generally indulge whatever pursuits he wanted.

Severus finally came looking for Harry, standing behind him to admire the image in the mirror, his hands resting on the smaller man's shoulders. With an amused smile, he assured Harry that he was completely inappropriately dressed for this event, adding that he would be disappointed if Harry had chosen anything else from his wardrobe.

Together, the two walked down the massive central stairs into the foyer, and out onto the front colonnade to greet arriving guests.

It was a glorious, sunny day, and a most impressive house, with beautiful gardens, and a lovely terrace in the back. There was music, much food and drink. The perfect day for a garden reception. Despite the fact that Harry actually knew only a few of those who attended, he felt surprisingly comfortable. Severus had hired a butler to manage the property for them, and he now carefully secured each guest's name and title, and then presented them to the two hosts, who spent a few moments with each guest before pointing them in the direction of the party amenities. It wasn't fun, actually, but it wasn't painful, either. If this was expected of him, he could handle it.

Even though the invitation was literally extended in the newspaper – apparently, that's how wizards handled these "at-home" events when one and all were theoretically free to come to someone's home – somehow only a certain segment of wizarding society participated in this ritual. They were the social upper crust and the old families, with a few social climbers in the mix.

Of course, the Malfoys were there. Lucius wore one of his extraordinarily expensive robes of finest silk interwoven with silver, tailored to a "T", and Narcissa, clearly nearing the end of her pregnancy, wore a light colored robe cut to show off her impressive jewelry, since her figure was not something she wanted to highlight at this time. Draco had gone off to Romania to be with Charlie on the dragon preserve; Harry had wondered idly how it might have worked out had they been in town this weekend. No Weasley would attend an event like this, whereas a Malfoy wouldn't miss it.

The Minister arrived, warmly greeted by her hosts, as did several others from the Ministry. And then the Snape family arrived. Of course, Severus was happy to see his sister, and he and Harry had seen Alrik and Diana a number of times on their visits to the Winter Lands. They had not seen Claudius and Marcellus and their giggling wives, Julliana and Delphina, or Julius, since the ill-fated dinner some time ago, and the air had a frosty tinge as that group greeted their host and passed into the house. At least everyone was outwardly cordial. This was the first time Harry had seen Julius since the young man had tried to force his attentions on Harry. Severus was appalled that his brother would come to his house where he had to know he was not wanted, and he was particularly upset because he had promised Harry that he'd never have to see Julius again. There would be hell to pay if Julius spoiled Harry's day by coming today. Only later did Harry and Severus realize that each was thinking how much Julius' appearance had changed since his brother cast Castitas Obligatus Ultio on him in punishment for that attack. The arrogance and conceit were gone, and he looked older and faded.

Perhaps not surprising, but still noteworthy, was the arrival of Augusta Longbottom, escorted by her grandson, Neville. Neville shyly stepped forward when his name was presented by the butler, and bowed. Harry reached out to squeeze his arm, greeting his friend, and being sure to include him in the short time they had to chat with Neville and his grandmother before new arrivals pushed them along. They would be seeing them again in just a few weeks, at Neville's marriage to Pharaoh Nitrocris.

Both Harry and Severus looked up with a start when the butler announced "Madam Vadoma Bunswill." The diminutive witch seemed to have shrunk even further with age. But she was as elegant as ever, wrapped in robe and shawls, resplendent with large pearls and jewels, her dramatic long grey hair held off her face with flowers.

"Lords Potter and Snape! My great privilege to see you again!" she began, as each bent in turn to kiss her offered cheek.

"It's our great privilege, Madam," Severus began. "I am still coming to terms with the matter we had discussed, but I am hopeful of making progress."

"Actually, young man, I suspect that you are farther along than you believe." She'd read the news reports of the battle, and suspected that Severus was at least now relying on his "feelings" and not wasting time suppressing them or questioning if they really meant anything. "But I remain at your service should you ever wish to discuss this further, and am hoping that you will keep me informed about your development in this area. Oh, my – is that young Master Malfoy over there? I must have a word!"

Fully in the spirit of an event like this, she bustled off quickly to circulate. Severus looked after her, silently hoping that she'd cancelled that spell from years ago that made her eyes look entirely black to Lucius. He did not want Lucius fainting – that would not do at all.

Among the later arrivals were a certain member of the Wizengamot and his partner, none other than Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

Harry saw them in the queue, with Sirius whispering animatedly to the taller Remus. He did not look happy. Something was up, and he suspected there was going to be a problem.

When the two were presented, it was clear that Remus was trying to divert Sirius from starting a fight, probably with Severus. Finally, Sirius spit out, "Why did you allow this, you bastard?" A question clearly directed to Severus.

Harry wanted to diffuse whatever was brewing as quickly as he could, so he stepped in immediately. "What did Severus allow?" he asked as he took hold of Sirius' arm to be sure he could not reach for his wand.

With a look of anger, Sirius gestured his head toward Severus. "He knows the traditions associated with events like this, Harry, and he could have told you exactly what sort of clothing is worn, not have you standing here in a plain coat!"

Sirius was clearly confused when Harry just laughed. "Oh, he did tell me exactly what was expected, and he is quite alright with the fact that I chose this coat instead. I don't care about traditional wizarding rules – you ought to know that! I like this coat, and I'm proud to wear it. I don't think it's plain, actually. Basilisk skin is rather attractive, no? Anyone who doesn't like what I am wearing is free to leave. I got a few funny looks, but no one said anything. Maybe I'll give someone else who's not comfortable in the traditional get-up the nerve to wear what they like, or maybe not, but I'm not dressing up to impress anyone."

Remus just smiled. If he was a betting man, he'd have given strong odds that Harry was wearing exactly what he wanted to wear, fully informed by Severus about what was regarded as "traditional" or expected. He suspected that Sirius, if this was anyone but Harry and Severus, would have agreed, but clearly the issues with Severus still ran deep. Something they'd still have to work on.

Wishing Harry and Severus well on behalf of himself and Lord Black, Remus physically propelled his agitated partner into the reception.

X

Just a week after Lord Potter and Lord Snape were 'at home' to wizarding society for an afternoon at Snape Manor, Narcissa Malfoy was at home to deliver her child. She had fully expected a son, because no one could even remember the last time a Malfoy had sired a daughter, but to her great delight, she did indeed deliver a beautiful little girl. The Black family's naming tradition was constellations, and while she'd given some thought to male names, she was taken aback to realize she needed now to select a female name. She found that one came quickly to mind, but she was not sure how her husband would take it.

Lucius was stunned when the midwife came downstairs to the drawing room to inform him that he had a daughter. No Malfoy child had been female in well over 500 years, and he wasn't entirely sure how to feel about this. Of course, he already had a male heir in Draco, although recent developments with Draco's marriage had created some distance between father and son. The child was reported to be beautiful and healthy, so deciding to be positive about it, he hurried upstairs to see his wife and meet his daughter.

The little creature was nestled in her mother's arms, looking like a sweeter version of her older brother. Lucius was smitten immediately, joining her mother in cooing over her.

"She is magnificent, Narcissa dear!" he exclaimed, almost in spite of himself. "And how amazing that after all these generations, a Malfoy has a daughter!"

"I was just thinking about that odd old woman who spoke to us last week at Snape Manor," his wife replied. "Did you hear her say to me that it looked like my daughter would be arriving very soon? No one who knows the Malfoy family, as you say she does, would ever think I was about to have a girl. Isn't it peculiar that she seemed quite certain we were?"

"She's a seer," Lucius explained. "That's how she knows my family. My father engaged her at times to better understand the kind of people with whom he was planning to do business, things like that."

He straightened up a bit with a puzzled look on his face. "Actually, I consulted with her on a Ministry matter a short while ago. I hadn't seen her in many, many years. She said something to me then, now that you mention it. I had broached the matter of payment for the service she provided, and she said she hoped only for an invitation to join in the celebration of my daughter's birth. She actually said that before you had even told me that we were expecting!"

Narcissa was not a great believer in seers, but her eyebrows arched sharply at this evidence that at least some did seem to have insight.

"Well, we can certainly include her. I've also been thinking about a name for our daughter. She's so serene and peaceful. I'd like us to consider calling her Columba, the Dove. I think it fits."

Lucius was thrilled that his baby daughter had grasped his finger as he touched her perfect little hand, and he was not able to give voice to a response. He just nodded.

The biggest international event in the wizarding world that summer was the marriage of the beautiful Pharaoh Nitrocris to Neville Longbottom.

The two had offered to have a small ceremony in London to be followed by the larger one at Thebes, to accommodate Neville's grandmother and spare her the arduous trip. She might be old, but she was far from feeble. She was already back on her special assignment for the Ministry, part of the contingent tasked to protecting the Queen and her family. She was actually going to be travelling muggle-style during the time right before the marriage.

"Goodness, how kind of you both to consider doing that," she began when they spoke to her. "But quite unnecessary, I assure you. I will be on a cruise in the Mediterranean with the Royal family at that time. I am planning on joining you all in Thebes the day of the wedding. Although I do have a special request, if I may?"

Neville and Nitrocris nodded in unison.

"I mentioned to my old friend, Queen Elizabeth, that I was particularly pleased to be on the cruise with her family this summer because I would need to step over to Thebes right before the cruise ended to attend my grandson's wedding. She expressed interest, and I suspect that she might be very happy to accompany me that day. Would that disturb your plans in any way?"

Nitrocris took Neville's hand and smiled at him, and then at his grandmother. "Of course not, Mrs. Longbottom! I will personally direct that a port-key be delivered to you the day before the ceremony so you can bring the Queen along if she wishes to join us. It will be my great honor to meet your English Queen. How very exciting!"

As the time for the ceremony neared, Thebes became a destination for many in the magical community. Egyptian interest was obvious, and there was great pride that their Pharaoh of world-renowned beauty was marrying and thus would soon be providing them with the continuity of her dynasty, with an heir. She had become a member of the International Confederation of Wizards, another point of pride for her people and another group of witches and wizards who were now among her network of friends. Aside from the Pharaoh and her growing renown, when it became known that Harry Potter was attending the wedding, interest grew in all directions. Anyone lucky enough to be invited to the wedding ceremony and reception was thrilled to accept.

Mrs. Longbottom arrived on the day of the wedding, accompanied by woman who looked happy to be there and absolutely enthralled with all that she was seeing. Where Mrs. Longbottom wore her dark traditional wizard robes and perhaps the most unsightly hat ever seen in the land of Egypt, her guest wore a brightly-colored dress and coat with a matching hat; even among wizards familiar with the arcane rules of wizard dress, the muggle attire was deemed far more attractive and appropriate for this event. The two older women were among the last escorted into the temple where the marriage ceremony was to take place, right before Neville and Nitrocris entered.

As guests left the ceremony and proceeded to the palace where the reception was to occur, they had the chance to greet the happy couple. The Queen had learned from her few forays into the magical world that she was completely anonymous here, no one knew who she was. The lack of constant scrutiny was such a pleasure. She was free to admire the remarkable, very ancient buildings and she also appreciated Augie's running commentary about the country, the architecture and the many witches and wizards they saw attending the ceremony. Fascinating! And this beautiful young woman was their Pharaoh! The Queen was gracious when it was her turn to meet the young woman, as well as her old friend's grandson, happy to offer her thanks for the special arrangements made so that she could attend, and at the very warm welcome extended to her.

Of course, Harry Potter was the rare member of this world who had spent sufficient time in the muggle world in England to know who she was, and during the reception, he and his austere partner made sure to seek her out and express their greetings. The Queen was still a bit unsure about the tall man, although her husband had encouraged her to spend some time speaking to him. The Prince assured her that his conversations with Lord Snape had been among the most interesting he'd enjoyed at Hogwarts when they visited. She soon saw another familiar face – the headmaster of the school was also in attendance, and he immediately recognized the woman standing with Augusta and came to pay his respects, as well. His and Harry's attention begat further attention from others at the event, curious now about the two women who seemed to occupy a significant place at this gathering. After Albus, Harry and Severus moved along, many others took their turns in speaking to the two.

Nitrocris was happy to see Hermione, who had been such a friend to her when she stayed at Gryffindor House at Hogwarts, and Ron and some of the other young men and women from Hogwarts, who were all close friends with her husband. It took some introductions and patient urging, but finally some of the younger members of the Eqyptian court began mingling with the British friends of Neville and Harry, and the party really got underway.

As the noise level rose, the attendees separated into groups. Some of the older guests bid farewell, some sought a space a bit away from the noise, and of course the younger group clustered near the music. Severus finally decided that Harry could be safely entrusted to the noisy group gathered by the music and sought a quieter spot to speak with Albus.

"A lovely event, is it not, Severus?" Albus greeted him. "I do hope the happy couple have a long and happy life."

"Not too long ago, I would have questioned that a Gryffindor and Slytherin had any hope of happiness together," Severus replied. "The Pharaoh did submit to the Sorting Hat, so we know she's a Slytherin at heart."

Albus looked over the top of his glasses, his eyes twinkling. "I think these two share something with two others who found true happiness across that great divide."

Severus looked confused, so Albus continued. "You know, of course, that the Sorting Hat was initially inclined to place Harry in Slytherin House, and only put him in Gryffindor at Harry's insistence." Severus nodded. "Well, if you recall the Sorting Ceremony that year, Harry was not the one the Hat found most difficult to sort. Mr. Longbottom actually had a hatstall. The Hat told me later that it initially wanted to put young Neville in Slytherin. Neville was frantically asking to be sorted into Hufflepuff. It took all that time to reach an agreement between them that he actually would be well-sorted into Gryffindor."

Severus' eyebrows arched dramatically at that revelation. Longbottom in Slytherin was truly the stuff of nightmares. He had no idea how close he had come to disaster.

X

The time spent in Egypt was a pleasant part of the summer for Hermione and Ron after they had graduated from Hogwarts. Most of their time was spent at the Burrow, with a few short trips to visit the Grangers in London. Ron had been accepted into the Auror program at the Ministry, and a new training class was scheduled to begin in September, so this was his final "summer vacation." He was taking full advantage of his final period of irresponsible freedom, gorging on his mother's cooking, fussing with his baby brother, flying on his broom and spending time with Hermione down at a swimming hole just over the garden fence behind the house.

"This is the life, i'nn't it?" he commented to her one afternoon as they sunned themselves after drying off after a swim.

"It certainly is, Ron. Although I must say, I'm looking forward to Oxford. I still can't believe that there's an entire College in there that's just for witches and wizards."

To put it mildly, Ronald was not at all enthused about the fact that Hermione was going to Oxford. She'd explained to him (many times) that in her world, among her parents and friends, it was absolutely expected that someone like her would go to University. That was a muggle thing, but it was something that she really wanted to do, too. In the wizarding world, an apt student would apprentice to a Master in whatever profession she wished to pursue and further their education in that way. As she repeated over and over, the muggle approach was a bit broader, but the same basic idea.

It was the Headmaster who suggested that she apply to Oxford University, specifically the Dorwitch College. He explained that back in 1498, the Wizengamot determined that it was necessary to establish a college within Oxford to accommodate those witches and wizards who wanted to secure a degree from a muggle institution. Someone coming to university from a wizarding school had an academic background that the muggles could not understand, and even while at a muggle university, their focuses of study did not fit within a traditional curriculum. Generally, study at Dorwitch College was a bit more academically oriented and not as specific as an apprenticeship. Ultimately that approach did serve some witches and wizards best as they prepared to assume certain jobs in the wizarding world. In many ways, it was the academic equivalent of The Leaky Cauldron, a membrane between the muggle and magical worlds.

Dorwitch was a fully accredited college within the University, although no one in University Administration or any of the other Colleges could recall much about it, and no one could ever actually find its hall. Powerful Confundus charms enabled it to go undetected, except for the occasional application that requested admission, when just enough about it was recalled to enable the student to be admitted. A small handful of students matriculated every year, but most in Dorwitch College spent almost no time on the campus or participated in any way in student life there.

Hermione was having a very difficult time deciding what she wanted to study, because she found so many different things fascinating. She planned to start with a general program and decide as the year progressed where she wanted to focus her energies. She would be one of very few students at Dorwitch College who planned to take courses elsewhere at Oxford, who might actually be known to people in other Colleges.

Ron had taken a small flat in a residential area off Diagon Alley, not too far from a commercial floo, and they'd be moving in on September 1. Someday, he hoped they'd be able to afford a house, maybe not too far from the Burrow, but for now, they had their own place to start their lives together. He had his worries about Hermione's schooling, but he also had great optimism for the future.

X

The wizarding world in general really sprang back to life that summer, after several long years disrupted and distracted by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. It seemed that everyone was hosting parties, teas, balls and receptions, making up for lost time.

The Ellisford family had suspended its long-standing tradition of a summer-time formal dinner and ball during the bad times, and they were most anxious to resume their tradition. Their daughter Amaranth had married into the Savoy family, but she and her husband were part of every Ellisford summer fete, and she usually consulted with her mother on the plans for themes and guest lists.

"Mum, did you include Eustace Landon and his wife on the list?"

To the older woman's nod as she consulted a long parchment, Amaranth continued, "Good. I think we need to reach out to Mr. Landon and invite him, too. He's been alone way too long."

"But dear, he's always declined. Your father and I invited him for years. After Mrs. Landon passed, he just lost interest in attending gatherings like this. Why invite him now?"

"Well, Mum, I want to invite someone I met at Hogwarts the summer the muggles were asleep. She was the aunt of a student, a squib who just learned she had magic, and we really got along. It was fun to be there to introduce someone to the magical world – she was the one who inspired me to start up my program, actually. We've kept in touch since. Anyway, Mr. Landon met her up at Hogwarts and they seemed to hit it off. She's now a widow herself, and I just thought it would be a lovely evening and they would each have someone to talk to. Maybe they'd have a nice time."

Mrs. Ellisford smiled at her daughter's romantic streak as she took up her quill and added Thurston Landon to the list. "And what is your friend's name, dear? I'll add that as well."

X

Over in Little Whinging, Petunia Dursley was feeling very depressed.

The winter had been miserable. Dealing with her grief was bad enough, but with the cold weather that had gripped England, she found herself alone and staying in the house for long stretches. She felt largely abandoned by her "friends" in the neighborhood, who never visited and whose calls became fewer and much farther between as the weeks and months passed. She found herself looking forward to spring and summer, telling herself that once she was able to get outside more, move around and reconnect with her neighbors, she'd feel much better.

It hadn't worked out that way. She went to Garden Club meetings and spent time fussing in her garden, and she walked to stores and spent time in town, but she still felt largely shunned by the women in her neighborhood. She'd seen this happen before; for that matter, she'd been part of the phenomena before. Now that she was not part of a "couple," the women saw her as potential competition and began to exclude her. Oh, they'd deny it, but that's what was going on.

And her Dudders had graduated from Smeltings and gone on to begin his own life.

He'd not had any luck getting accepted into any of the universities to which he applied, and he was getting rather concerned about what he would do, when his benefactor, Sir Harold, intervened on his behalf. One of Sir Harold's senior staff was a Smeltings man, and at Sir Harold's request had kept in touch with the school to keep informed of the Dursley boy's prospects. When it was learned that they were fairly dim, Sir Harold asked him to find something for the lad.

It turned out that there were some openings in one of the smaller companies in Sir Harold's extensive corporate empire, in a firm operating in Hong Kong. It was not a very prestigious posting because it was with one of the smaller firms, but it offered some great enticements for a young man. The company maintained several huge apartments in the Mid-levels shared by small groups of its ex-patriate employees. The comfortable spaces provided amazing views of Hong Kong harbor, quick access via escalator to the office down by the harbor, and the many social delights of the city. Especially when Dudley Dursley was introduced to the others by a senior member of Sir Harold's staff, and it became clear that their corporate leader had a personal interest in the young man's progress, it was smooth sailing for Dudley.

Petunia hadn't heard from him since he said his good-byes and flew off to Hong Kong several weeks ago.

She was feeling particularly sorry for herself as summer was coming to an end. She was weepy for no good reason. She noticed that her glass of wine with dinner was becoming a glass of wine before dinner, two or three with dinner, and perhaps another (or two) during the evening. Things were not going well for her.

She didn't even start when the big brown owl landed on her table outside in the garden one evening. She finally reacted to the large vellum envelope it placed on the table before her, recognizing the lovely handwriting of Amaranth Savoy. One of the very few people in the world who had actually continued to keep in touch with her. With a sniffle, and another sip of wine, she opened the envelope and extracted the letters.

There was a note from Amaranth, as usual, and a smaller envelope. She read the letter, happy to have someone express an interest in her. Amaranth prattled on for a while in that breathless style she had about all sorts of trivialities in her family, and added some news from the wizarding world. It seemed Harry had fought that wizard who had tried to kill everyone, and had won, so everyone was in a celebratory mood. Another sniffle of self-pity. Her parents were having a dinner and ball, and that nice Mr. Landon, the gentleman she'd met at dinner up at Hogwarts when he and his son sat with them, was going to attend. He is a widower, so Amaranth was hoping, if it wasn't too soon and if she felt up to it, that Petunia would honor them by agreeing to attend and allowing him to escort her to dinner.

Well.

She thought on that for a while. In her mind, she heard: they were all unnatural freaks, she was a normal person, they were shifty and evil; all the things her Vernon always said. But she looked around her garden, where she sat alone and very lonely. It occurred to her that all the normal, natural people, the good people, the people like her, were avoiding her like the plague. And she saw no way that was going to change any time soon. Maybe she didn't belong in this world anymore. At least she ought to see if she felt any better in that other world to which she was now invited. It could not really be worse than this one.

She opened the smaller envelope which contained her invitation, and noted her RSVP, accepting.

A week later, the owl delivered an envelope with a small metal object and instructions that she was to hold it, along with anything she wished to bring with her, at a certain time later that afternoon. She had just a small valise with essentials, as Amaranth had insisted that she'd outfit her friend in appropriate and stylish dress for the event once she was there. At the appropriate time, the little metal object glowed briefly, and after a very uncomfortable few seconds, Petunia was not standing in her back garden but in front of a nice, large house, and her friend was bustling along to welcome her.

"Petunia, it's been too long," Amaranth exclaimed. "It's wonderful to see you again. Still so sad, I understand, but life goes on, and it's time for you to be a part of things. This will be a lovely party, you'll love it. My mum picked out one of the new robes she's gotten for this season and set it aside for you; I'll make it fit like a glove and you'll look perfect. Come, let's get you settled."

Almost exhausted from her hostess's barrage of commentary, Petunia reluctantly allowed a little creature, a "house elf" if she recalled correctly, to take her bag and followed along after Amaranth.

The house was big and homey, very lived-in and comfortable. "This house has been in my husband's family for years," Amaranth explained. "His parents prefer living in their townhouse in London, and were happy to turn this over to us. My children love having all the space, and it has a fantastic, big garden, so it's great for us. I don't think I mentioned to you – I had twins since we were together at Hogwarts! Growing family, truly! The children are all down for a nap right now, so we have time for a nice cup of tea."

Amaranth led her guest into the kitchen, where Petunia found herself puzzled. Aside from cupboards, counters and a sink, it did not seem to have any appliances. "Do you have a stove? A refrigerator? An oven?" she blurted out before she could control herself.

Amaranth was understanding of her friend's confusion, if not entirely sure what those things actually did in the muggle world. "The cupboards keep things cold, or hot, whatever, and can heat things as needed to cook them." To show how it worked, Amaranth opened one door and extracted cups and saucers, and another from which she took a pot of boiling water and a pie, and then another from which she removed a small jug of frosty cold milk and a bowl of lemons.

Petunia just took a seat at the table and accepted the tea, ignoring for now how it came to be there.

When Amaranth's children awoke from their naps and joined their mother downstairs, the two who were old enough to speak were completely accepting of Petunia as 'Mommy's friend who was going to Grandma's party tomorrow.' When Amaranth's husband, Gaetan, stepped out of the fireplace as he flooed home from his job at the Ministry, he was similarly gracious in welcoming Petunia.

Petunia had never seen children play contentedly with their toys after dinner, rather than watching television programs. It was a revelation.

The next day, Amaranth dressed Petunia in the robes her mother had sent for her friend to wear, finding that only a few small tweaks were necessary to fit the garment perfectly. It was a long robe of lovely rose satin that looked very nice with Petunia's pale complexion, and it featured beautiful embroidery around the neckline. Petunia was surprised that such a restrained style was fashionable, as much of what she'd seen on the witches at Hogwarts was so unrestrained and flamboyant. This was a bit more than Petunia would normally choose for herself, but within her comfort zone. She later joined her hosts, Amaramth and Gaetan, as they took another port key to the Ellisford Manor, where she was re-introduced to Thurston Landon.

He recalled meeting her at Hogwarts, and while he continued to remind her of Vernon, she realized after spending some time with him that he was a very different sort in many ways. As a result, it was not a maudlin evening. Actually, it was great fun. She and Thurston found no end of things to talk about over dinner, with Thurston once again very impressed with Petunia's ease of eating with the scramasax, and then they had a very lovely time dancing once the tables were moved away and music began.

Truth be told, it had been many, many years since Petunia enjoyed an evening like this. There was no scheming to be seen with some important person, or anger if someone did not notice them or show some appropriate level of respect, as usually happened when she went to a social event with Vernon. No one looked at her oddly, either, even though she was pretty certain everyone else was magical. If anything, she seemed to garner some jealous looks for being on the arm of the elder Mr. Landon. She figured that the wizarding world was just like her world in that respect, and among the older set, a distinguished single man was quite a catch. She did not understand that Thurston was a bit more than just a distinguished single man. He was an exceedingly wealthy, distinguished single man.

It was the best night in many years for Thurston, as well. Clearly Mrs. Dursley had an unconventional background being a squib and not from the wizarding world. Many years ago, that would have bothered him greatly, but he was long passed caring about things like that. She was pleasant and easy to talk to, looked very nice, and she fit in so well here. It was a thoroughly enjoyable, comfortable evening. He looked forward to more like it in the future.

There were many future evenings ahead for Thurston and Petunia. She continued to live in Little Whinging, where the few neighbors who spared a glance at her might have noticed some changes about her.

Petunia was drinking far less, and there was more energy in her step as she took her walks and puttered in her gardens. She also began growing her hair longer, no longer wearing it in the prissy, controlled style she had worn when married to Vernon. No one on Privet Drive ever saw her leaving her home, or ever saw Thurston visiting her. That was because he apparated into her home, and she took port keys to travel to the Landon Estate or to whatever destination she and Thurston intended to travel. She particularly loved travelling with Thurston. They always stayed in luxurious inns or hotels, and ate at the best restaurants, including more than a few that were not part of magical communities.

After a number of months, Thurston broached the subject of marriage, and Petunia surprised herself by accepting at once. This was not a life she had ever imagined would be hers, but it felt right. She did bring up the issue of her squib status.

"My dear, we have servants who can perform any magical service you might require; there would be no problem or inconvenience at all if you were to move into my home and not be able to perform magic. Really, no need for that at all. It certainly isn't an issue for me at all," Thurston insisted.

Petunia looked at him with uncertainty. This was not an issue for him, perhaps, but it seemed to be a serious one for an awful lot of the others she'd met in his world.

"Thurston, darling, I would not feel fully part of your world without some magic, and while I love that you don't care, others do. I want to be a part of your world. I've heard about how being a surrogate mother for magical parents can give me some magic, and I'm willing to go through with that. Would you mind terribly if I did that?"

Thurston was finally persuaded to agree that Petunia act as a surrogate mother, on the condition that she not delay their marriage. From what he'd heard and seen of her world, it would be preferable for her to go through a pregnancy within the confines of Landon Estate. Her pregnancy could proceed in privacy. She would have no need to leave and call attention to her situation while she prepared to deliver a child and step fully into the wizarding world. He could also assure that she had everything she needed to have a good pregnancy and safe delivery.

But, first, marriage.

Because it was a second marriage for each, they decided on a small ceremony in the parlor of Landon Estate, with just immediate family. Thurston's family was pleased that he'd found someone. While his sons were not exactly sure they understood the attraction, she seemed nice enough. He'd been particularly unhappy since being ousted from the day-to-day operation of the family firm, and Eustace in particular was concerned that he'd soon be trying to meddle in the business. He was the one most greatly relieved that his father had found someone.

Petunia had written to Dudders to explain as gently as she could that she had met a man who could not exactly replace his father, but who could be a companion to her for the years she had left. She spent a great deal of time working on her letter, going on at length to reassure her son, to explain herself and was a bit disappointed to receive a short reply that he was really busy and not able to get away.

"Maybe that's for the best. He and his father took a dim view of magic, so he might not have fit in," she explained to Thurston.

"Not to worry, my dear. You will have your friend Amaranth and her family here. Let's consider that they are your family now. And we'll take a nice trip right after the wedding, a honeymoon, and we'll stop by in Hong Kong to visit your son. Would you like that?"

The ceremony was lovely, the food served at the dinner that followed delicious (or so Petunia was told by the attendees; she herself could not taste it, unfortunately), and she was now the muggle wife of a very successful wizard businessman, mistress of a huge family estate and a chalet in Switzerland, and her husband informed her that she now had access to a bulging vault at some place called Gringotts.

A trusted mediwizard was consulted and he made the arrangements for her to act as a surrogate mother. In keeping with medical standards, she and Thurston were never told the identity of the couple for whom she bore a child, but she was magically made with child right before she and her new husband set off on their honeymoon.

The visit with Dudley in Hong Kong, one of several parts of the trip spent in muggle society, went off surprisingly well. He was very happy there, and had even lost some weight. He told his mother that Mr. Landon did remind him a bit of his father, which pleased Petunia and, given that Thurston had no idea what Vernon was really like, did not offend him. Thurston explained to Dudley that he was fully in a position to take care of his mother, so he was going to help her liquidate her assets (catching himself just in time from adding "in the muggle world") and would be making the arrangements to settle everything on Dudley as her only son. That cemented Thurston as a great guy in Dudley's world.

Her baby was born after just six months of pregnancy, which had alarmed Petunia but was just fine with the mediwizard who took care of her. The baby was whisked off to his anxious parents, and Petunia was surprised when a long, thin box was delivered to her as she recovered at the Estate.

Thurston explained "It's not uncommon for the parents of the child delivered via a surrogate to present her with a wand as a token of thanks. We'll work on using it when you are recovered. For now, a servant will assist you."

While she was never going to be a very strong or particularly capable witch, she was surprised to discover that she could perform some spells now. She generally preferred to have her servants handle magic for her, but she was always pleased to have her wand peeking out of her sleeve, for show if nothing else.

She began to feel as if she really fit into this new life.

After getting their Manor officially opened, Harry and Severus took time to consider what their new lives would look like. This summer was hardly representative of their lives in a broader context, but it gave them a start. They were very selective about the invitations they accepted, and finally relieved poor Mr. McFarland from the Ministry Office of Very Important People by hiring their own secretary to handle the flood of correspondence and invitations that was sent to them. They were committed to attending the wedding of Pharaoh Nitrocris and Neville Longbottom, of course, and were asked to stand as godfathers to little Columba Malfoy, so her christening was on their calendar. There was also a weekend long family picnic at the Burrow. Severus was not entirely sure about that, but Harry reminded him that he'd been reluctant to go there for Christmas a while ago and had admitted to having a good time.

Summer in the Winter Lands, with its very long days, was attractive, and they made it a point to spend several weeks in their compound over the summer. Severus loved his lab and greenhouse, Harry loved exploring the area via broom, and they both enjoyed swimming in the thermal pool, long walks through the forest, and spending time in the market compound. Harry got to visit with Sirius, now running a very busy and successful commercial district, while Severus became acquainted with the various shops. He was particularly interested in Tante's shop, always making a visit there part of any time in the compound.

When Hogwarts opened in September, they adjusted.

They did not close Snape Manor, but spent minimal time there that first year, leaving it in the capable hands of their butler and secretary. Most of their time was spent at Hogwarts, where Harry met with Albus for several hours a few days a week. There was no set curriculum for their time together. Harry learned about various governments and some of the history behind them, and of some of the major events in the wizarding world over the millennia. Albus was concerned enough about how little Harry had garnered from Binns' History of Magic curriculum, even though he'd gotten reasonably good grades, that he vowed to sack Binns and revise the class entirely.

Albus and Harry also discussed people and their motivations. "Telling you about the people you are meeting today is of fleeting value, Harry," the old wizard began with a somber look. "Of course, I know many people and their histories, but as the world goes on, the faces will change. While I'm here, I will always share what insights I have, but I want to prepare you for the future, for a time when you will be meeting people not yet born and have to form your own understandings."

There was some conversation about the social history in England, of course, because the old families were unlikely to be going anywhere and whatever faces represented them at any point in time would likely carry forward their backgrounds and prejudices.

But mostly they spoke about how to listen to people, to hear what they said, how to understand from all of that what really mattered to them.

"You have skills I could never hope to possess," the old man observed at one point. "You see paths before people, and can touch magics in ways I am simply not able to. I have every confidence that you can trust what your instincts tell you, Harry. You are going to do fine at this, I am certain of it."

Severus sat in on a few of the conversations at Harry's invitation, as did various professors and at times even Ministry employees when the subject was of relevance to their particular areas of expertise. Harry felt like a sponge, absorbing far more in that one year than he did in the seven prior.

As Harry and Albus spent their time talking, Severus spent his time in his lab, returning to the theoretical work he had set aside when the more urgent needs of the wizarding world had intruded. His work was focusing on magical pathways, how magic flowed, how pathways could be harmed and repaired. While it had been quite a while since Harry had lost control, and they worked regularly on wandless magic to be sure he could instinctively use that properly if he ever needed to, his promise to Harry that he would never allow him to harm those he loved hung in his heart. He needed to know everything he could about those pathways to ensure that Harry's remained able to channel any destructive magic away as fast as possible.

Harry still had reams of documents he wanted to translate from Parseltongue to English. Severus was his willing helper, glad for the access to ancient wisdom (in the case of Salazrar's material) or to work lost for centuries when the documents were suppressed by the Ministry. As he read and developed this own theories, Severus kept a list on his lab table of various potions ingredients he thought would be useful in his work. On their periodic visits to the Winter Lands or London, he always kept an eye out for purveyors who might be able to provide what he wanted.

While at Hogwarts, Harry still took his meals at what one might call the Gryffindor table, although there were as likely to be students from all four houses mingling there now. He still knew many students in the years behind his, and enjoyed the banter. Severus sat, as always, at the Head Table, although he looked more relaxed than anyone could recall. On evenings when they chose not to join the entire Hogwarts community at dinner, they ate in their rooms, or apparated to a restaurant anywhere but Hogsmeade; Harry still had not returned to that town after the attack he suffered.

Harry helped Madam Hooch with flying classes sometimes, and he led a number of coaching sessions for the Seekers from all four house teams, enabling him to burn off energy one of the best ways he knew how, on his broom. When Severus decided to take a break from his lab, he often assisted Albus in writing his notes about Harry's kingship. Albus seemed almost manic in his intensity about that project, spending hours each day reviewing ancient documents, accounts of Harry's exploits, and his own materials. Sometimes, while Albus wrote, Severus would take advantage of the opportunity to look at some of the ancient parchments from the Founders.

In late spring, as the students were all frantically preparing for final exams, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, Severus and Harry took a final walk down to the shores of the Black Lake.

"Come on, Severus, this is probably the last opportunity we're going to have to do this," Harry cajoled.

"It's too cold," was the sour response.

"The air is warm, and the sun is pretty strong. A few good warming charms, and we'll be fine. Please?"

With a look of resignation tinged with the expectation that they'd regret this, he joined Harry in walking away from the soft shore that fronted part of the Lake, off on a well-worn path that skirted along the shore toward its steeper side. A while later, they left that path and took a much less visible path down to a large rock and small stony area that led into the water.

Severus cast the strongest warming charm that he could into the water just in front of them, while Harry very enthusiastically stripped off his clothing. He stood basking in the sun, waiting for Severus to undo his myriad buttons and get out of his own clothing.

"This was one of my best memories of that summer we spent here, Severus. Just one quick dip, that's all."

With a roll of his eyes, Severus took Harry's offered hand and the two walked to the water's edge. "It's deep enough here to dive, if you wish, but the charm will be strongest by the surface. I do assure you, Mr. Potter, the water down below is going to be very cold."

Harry tested the water with his foot, and made a shallow dive into the water, taking Severus' warning to heart. The water was chilly even after the warming charm, and deeper water would probably still be frigid. But this was their last chance to skinny-dip in the Black Lake, and Harry did not want to leave Hogwarts without having done this once more.

Severus followed him into the water with his own shallow dive, and the two spent a while chasing after each other, diving and swimming. When Severus noticed a blue tinge to Harry's lips, he insisted they get out and sit on the rock for a while to warm up.

A softening charm made that a bit more comfortable as Severus rested against a second rock and Harry reclined against him. Harry was dripping and shivering a bit, but smiling.

"That was perfect, Severus. Thank you."

X

Finally, as the students prepared to go home for the summer after that year, Severus and Harry did empty their rooms at Hogwarts, and truly move on to their new lives.

[A/N – I just left this document open on my computer and made myself sit there and write, and now I'm so excited that there's just one chapter to go. I'm thrilled that so many of you are still out there, and I'm glad to learn that others have found my work along the way. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to offer a review or comment. Thank you!]