The rest of the celebration was alright, Harry mostly stayed at Severus's side and he didn't speak to the press. There were conversations with Kingsley and Robarbs, but eventually, the clock struck midnight and everyone enjoyed the fireworks and having a good time with friends. By 12:45 am, people began to clear out. Harry and Severus left together, and ended up at Severus's house in the main room for 1 am.
"Well, that was eventful…" Harry stated.
"It's definitely not my preferred…What do the kids call it? Scene?" Severus replied.
"I promise not to drag you along to another." Harry chuckled. "I, myself, don't usually go. Or I will and just not stay the whole time." He added. "I only stayed this time because of the announcement being made about Gwain retiring and me taking his job."
"Seems reasonable." Severus agreed. "It was a decent night out."
"I had a good time, except for Ginny pulling what she did." Harry muttered as they sat together on the couch and Severus summoned over two small glasses with ice already in them, then he easily poured them both a drink. "The second she went on about being able to give me a family where you couldn't, I knew what it was about. Same thing it almost always was with female partners. The fame I have."
"Well, I don't agree with her using you. But she was right about the fact that we can't have kids together, Harry and you made it clear the night we drank in the backyard here that you wanted a family." Severus reminded.
"Severus, if I were remotely worried about the fact I can't have children of my own with a male partner…I likely wouldn't be bisexual." Harry told him. "Yes, I want a family with the person I end up spending the rest of my life tied to, but I never said they had to be kids that were biologically mine." He added with a smile.
"Don't you need heirs to take up the family names you have?" Severus asked.
"If I stick to tradition like other purebloods who have at least one kid to take up the mantle, sure. But it's not required that it be a blood child." Harry informed.
"I thought that's exactly what it was?" Severus arched his brow.
"I wasn't any kind of family to Sirius but he still named me his heir," Harry stated. "And regardless, the only heir I'd need is for Potter because I'm the last. Black is covered by Draco, Scorpius, even Teddy. I'd include Delphini, but the Black lordship only passes to the next male heir. I can't override that one but the current lord makes the choice of who it goes to next. I could give it to Draco, Scorpius, or Teddy when I retire." He mentioned. "What I'm saying, Severus, is that it doesn't matter if we can't have kids of our own. I don't need biological children to have a family."
Harry smiled, his hand on Severus's now. "I have family, even if they aren't blood related. I have Hermione and Ron, their kids. George and Angelina, their kids. Bill and Fleur, their kids. Draco and Astoria, their son. Teddy. Andromeda, even Narcissa and by extension, Lucius. I have tons of friends." Harry remarked gently. "Blood makes you related, it doesn't make you family. I don't see my aunt or uncle as family. I do keep in touch with Dudley still, but family are the people who want you in their life. The people who are there for you. Support and love you no matter what." He chuckled.
"As for kids, Sev…I'm content with adoption. It's just as good because it's people you choose to be in your life, choose to care for and love." Harry added after a moment. "Ginny was wrong, I don't need or want all the things she assumed I did when I told her I wanted a family of my own right before we broke up. You were right, though, a lot of why she said all that was due to jealousy that I'm infinitely happier with you than I was with her or anyone else." He smiled.
"Are you truly?" Severus intertwined his fingers with Harry's now.
"I am. I meant what I said to Ginny, you and I just fit." Harry reminded. "Ginny didn't care about my happiness. She didn't actually care about getting married and having a family with me, having a future. She cared about what the marriage could do for her career." Harry paused for a moment, then continued. "You and I work because you actually care about my happiness. You care about me. And just now, you were more worried that us staying together would hinder me from having a family. That is what makes you different. You see me as a friend, an equal…Normal. So yes…I'm extremely happy with my life right now with you."
"I'm happy too, Harry. More than I ever thought I could be," Severus brought up Harry's hand he was holding, then kissed the back of it.
"Are you tired yet?" Harry inquired.
"Not quite. I'm enjoying the private time with you. Why? Are you? I don't want to keep you," Severus replied.
"I'm not tired yet. I had wondered for the sake of telling you about seeing my parents, godfather, and uncle with the stone. I did promise to tell you later and it's later," Harry said.
"You don't have to tell me. I was surprised to hear of the event, but I know that it probably hurts you." Severus informed.
"Surprisingly, it doesn't hurt. If anything…It was more comforting than anything else when I walked to my death. And now, it's a meaningful memory I can take with me through life until I actually die." Harry responded.
"Alright, but only if you want to." Severus nodded.
"I don't want there to be secrets between us, no matter what the topic may be. We spent three months unofficially dating to get to know one another, and even now that it's official, we're still learning new things. I want you to know everything about me. This is something I haven't shared with anyone else. Ron and Hermione know I had the stone, that four people appeared before me…But they don't know I used the stone to bring them to me and actually got to speak with them. I wasn't trying to bring them back to life, of course, just a final ask that they were with me as I faced death, that they'd be there when I crossed over," Severus nodded, understanding. "My friends, they've assumed it was just a moment in time where the spiritual connection was strong enough that I could see them appear with me, the whole…We walk with you always." Harry explained.
"Why haven't you told them you had an actual conversation?" Severus wondered.
"I didn't want anyone getting upset that I didn't give them a chance with the stone to say their goodbyes to loved ones. People like…Ron and his family saying goodbye to Fred, Andromeda with Edward, Tonks, and Remus," Harry enlightened.
"That's…I understand that line of thinking. If people knew the stone could be used that way, I imagine it would have caused some jealousy. I also assume that…It worked for you because, at the time, you were Master of Death." Severus questioned.
"It's a guess, but I think anyone could have used it in the fashion I did, as long as they weren't trying to bring someone back to life." Harry shrugged.
"Well, again…I understand not wanting to keep secrets, but you've revealed the secret of seeing people close to you. That's enough. Anything more about the event would be personal and private, entirely up to you to share." Severus reminded.
"I'm just going to show you the memory, it's easier than repeating word for word." Harry produced his wand into his hand and repeated the actions from the night of his birthday party, bringing up the memory of that day for Severus to watch. It didn't take long to get through, and then the memory faded.
"I can see why you carry it with you." Severus stated. "Things were said to comfort you when you believed you were about to die, but upon living, it means so much more. To hear from them that they were always with you after passing, that they'd always be with you no matter what."
"It's…Definitely gotten me through some harder days." Harry admitted. "After the war, no. Merlin, everything seemed to hurt me when that was over. But ever since I hit rock bottom and began healing…It's been a form of comfort." He said.
"It helps to talk about it, you know." Severus informed.
"I know. It's another reason I don't mind sharing it with you." Harry looked at him. "There's plenty of other things that my friends don't know of what bothered and hurt me after the war. Ron and Hermione know a fair amount, but only because they were with me through it all since our first year."
"When everyone did intervention, they didn't know everything that caused me to get to where I did. They assumed it was all the deaths, me blaming myself for them. And yeah, it was a part, but not everything. And the Mind Healer, well, you know how those are. They heal the mind, it's not like…Muggle therapy where you have to talk about everything, work through it, and find better ways to cope." The younger male added.
"That's why I said it helps to talk. To let people know how you feel, what's bothering you…" Severus revealed.
"And the only person I've felt comfortable enough with to lay things out like this is you, Severus. To actually bring it up, talk about it…" Harry admitted. "Maybe because I know you won't judge me, you won't see me differently for the things I confess to thinking, feeling…Or tried."
"If it helps you to be alright, recover, heal…Whatever the term; I'm happy to just sit and listen." Severus offered. "It won't make the time we spend together any different for me to talk about the past. I had my demons to face over the years too, make peace with. If anyone understands, Harry…Trust me when I say I do."
"I know, and that's why I can't keep things from you. It's…Easy to talk to you." Harry said. "I know you get it, more than anyone else. I mean, I'm not gonna ask you on dates or have you over my place for you to act as my therapist or anything. I have…Recovered, healed. I'm in a better place than I was. The mind healing did help. But there's a certain…I don't know, satisfaction, in actually talking about the events with someone I trust entirely, someone who understands."
"I know what you're saying, relax." Severus smiled. "More of a…Random, if it happens to come up in conversation type of thing?" Harry nodded. "That's fine with me. As we said, it lets us continue learning about the other, understanding each other."
"Exactly." Harry replied.
It didn't take them long to be leaning against one another on the couch, enjoying the warmth of the fire going before them.
"Hey, why don't you stay here tonight?" Severus suggested.
"Yeah?" Harry looked at him.
"If you want, of course." Severus mentioned.
"I wasn't sure…Where we stood on spending the night with one another. The first time was before we were even dating, and it's because I was exhausted…I was literally falling asleep against you." Harry stated.
"Well, I could see if we were teenagers with curfews or rules set by parents that dating for three months definitely doesn't warrant sleepovers. But…We're adults, and we're comfortable enough that teenage hormones wouldn't drive us into shagging on the couch." Severus commented as Harry laughed a little.
"I know." Harry nodded gently. "I see your point."
"So why don't you floo home real quick to change, and come back? We can sit in front of the fire, cuddle up and have a few more drinks. Or we could switch to non-alcoholic drinks. Whatever you like." Severus offered.
"Alright, that sounds like a good way to end the night. Or…Morning now." Harry agreed. "Meet back in ten-fifteen minutes?"
"I anxiously await your return." Severus chuckled.
"Okay," Harry leaned in and kissed Severus, holding it for a moment before they separated and he stood up and headed over to the fireplace that Severus had already used magic to douse the flames for him. Harry stepped in and called for his home before vanishing.
Once Harry was gone, Severus finished off his drink and set the glass down on the couch table before rising to his feet and heading to his bedroom to change out of his dress clothes and grab a quick shower. When Severus got out, he changed into night clothes and returned to the main room. Perfect timing as Harry reappeared from the fireplace.
"Welcome back." Severus said.
"Thanks," Harry replied.
"Come, let's relax." Severus took Harry's hand and brought him to the couch.
The two sat down, and got comfortable before Severus got the fire going once again. Harry cuddled close to Severus when he adjusted his arm for Harry to move against him. After that, both of them were holding their drinks and relaxing.
"So…No secrets between us? Does that mean I get to find out what magic you found to reveal memories the way you do?" Severus wondered. "Or are you taking that one with you to the grave?"
Harry laughed softly. "Promise you won't tell anyone else?"
"Cross my heart," Severus vowed.
"I didn't find it…I made it." Harry revealed.
Severus's eyes widened some, looking at his younger partner. "You…Created that ability?"
Harry nodded. "It's not an ability. It's a spell I created,"
"But you've never spoken any spell," Severus mentioned.
"Well, that's because I can do it non-verbally," Harry told him. "I found it annoying that the only way to view memories was with a pensive, and those are rather rare and there hasn't been much progress on being able to build new ones or find others. So I started working out how to spell-craft. I admit, you were the inspiration for the idea to build a new spell." He informed. "I remembered your textbook, the spells you had created and started wondering how you did it, then how to do it."
"I'm impressed. Spell-crafting is not something everyone can do, and those who can know it's not easy." Severus remarked. "How come you never made it public?"
"How come you never made your potion notes and spells public?" Harry asked him.
"I liked the idea of knowing things that others didn't. Being able to do what others couldn't. It set me apart from the normal, I suppose." Severus answered.
"Then you know why I didn't make it public knowledge that I created a spell that lets you view memories without a pensive." Harry smiled. "Besides, I'm famous enough."
"That's fair." Severus laughed, nodding. "Then, like me, anyone you've shown this too assumes it's something you found and just won't reveal your source? No one knows it's something you created?" Harry nodded. "That's clever, and so Slytherin."
"What can I say, maybe the hat was right and that's where I should have been." Harry shrugged.
"Indeed." Severus agreed. "Regardless, that's some skill, Harry. Well done."
"Maybe one day, I'll teach you how to do it." Harry winked.
"Oh? You'd share something with me that you have with no one else?" Severus inquired.
"I find it would only be fair considering I got to see your work, even if by accident." Harry stated.
"Well, only if you want to." Severus replied.
"I might have to, just for the one chance in this lifetime I get to teach you something I know that you don't," Harry remarked.
"I promise I'll be a good student," Severus assured.
"I have no doubts about this," Harry responded as he raised his glass slightly. "Here's to another year,"
Severus tapped his glass to Harry's. "To another year."
Both of them took a drink, then shared a kiss and remained relaxing together on the couch in front of the fire.
. . .
From that one night, everything had been perfect in Harry's life. His new position as Head of the Auror Office, his relationship, having the amazing friends he did. Yes, Harry loved the way his life was going. He was truly happy with it all. Being head of the auror office kept him busy, but he didn't overwork himself and made time for his friends and boyfriend. Harry mostly worked in his office in the ministry, assigning cases to teams, going over case reports, meetings with other departments and Kingsley, overseeing new applicants. If all that was caught up, though, Harry enjoyed his fieldwork of checking tips, handling stakeouts, and full on chases, duels, and captures. And the best part about his new position, aside the pay raise, was getting to pick his hours. As long as the work was getting done, and he showed up for important things, Harry could basically work from home. Still, Harry made it a point to be in his ministry department office from about 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. The only time Harry worked later than that, or weekends, was for fieldwork things.
Between Harry and Severus, their relationship was great. Their night in January had been nice, they both stayed up talking until about 3:30 in the morning before realizing they were drunk. Harry and Severus went off to bed, sharing Severus's. Both males greatly enjoyed falling asleep and waking up together, cuddling closely. When the two woke later on, they had breakfast before Harry headed home to shower and change clothes. Harry spent the rest of that day cleaning his house and spending time with his godson. The next time Harry and Severus got together was for Severus's birthday on the 9th of January, they spent the day hanging out, then went to the Malfoy's at Draco's insistence for dinner. And that was a night where Harry and Severus, once back at Severus's place, enjoyed foreplay for the first time between them. Just jerking each other off after an intense makeout session. Beyond that night, they visited the cemetery on the 30th of January for Lily's would-be birthday. They ended up going to dinner afterward, laughing about the fact that night marked one year since they ran into one another since the trials back in June of 1998. Harry and Severus tried to get together once a week, but things happened at random for them to not always be able to keep to that routine, which was fine. Like it had always been, there was a pretty good balance between their work and personal lives.
February was now over and Harry was beginning to let nervousness set in that something was going to happen to land Severus hurt and them breaking up. Why? Because February had marked five months since Severus and Harry began dating. And now, in March of 2008, they were quickly approaching six months together. And that was the limit on Harry's relationships lasting because the other person would end up hurt and things would just end. Other relationships failed without the getting hurt factor because they were girls who only wanted him for what he could do for them, use him. When the other relationships failed or ended, Harry was never too broken up about it because while there had been some mutual like, it never escalated to more than that. What made Harry scared was the fact he no longer just liked Severus; he was in love with him. Harry didn't even know when it happened, he knew he'd been starting to fall back in November or December, but somewhere; it was no longer falling. Harry was just in love with the man.
The two of them also enjoyed more foreplay in February, specifically, on Valentines Day. That time it was at Harry's house, and had been hand and blowjobs. That's about as far as it went any time they did it after that first time. Obviously, it didn't happen every time they were together. That's not what their relationship was about, and Severus kept his word about never pushing Harry for more than what they did, even if Harry knew there had been silent questioning after foreplay of Severus wondering if Harry wanted to do more. Harry felt bad for always turning it down, but knowing how close it was to them hitting six months made him hesitant. It was always after sex when something happened and Harry didn't have the courage to explain it to Severus. To tell him he was scared that once they did it, something would happen to drive Severus away and Harry couldn't bear the thought of losing him because he loved him. Harry knew he had to tell Severus the real reason, it wouldn't hold forever that Harry just didn't do sex early on. The 7th, Friday, marked six months that they'd been together. Today was Tuesday, the 4th.
Harry was currently at work, it was around 1:15 pm as Harry was going over a case he'd been handed regarding some dark magic activity that needed investigating, so he was working out who he should send to check it out when his office fireplace alerted him of an incoming call. Harry got up from his desk and went over to see Kingsley's face.
"Minister Shacklebolt. What can I do for you today, sir?" Harry asked once he made sure there was a privacy spell up around his office.
"Auror Potter." Kingsley greeted. Harry legally went by Potter-Black, but everyone told him that it didn't have the same ring as just calling him Potter, so Harry didn't care. "If you could, please, I need you to join me for a meeting regarding Delphini Riddle in my office?"
"Sure. Be right there, sir." Harry responded.
Kingsley nodded in the flames, then vanished. Harry closed the file he was reading and took a breath to relax before heading over to the fireplace again, stepping in, and grabbing the powder before calling for Kingsley's office. Harry arrived and stepped through to find Kingsley at his desk.
"Minister Shacklebolt," Harry greeted. "You asked to see me, sir?"
"Yes, Harry. Come, sit." Kingsley motioned to the chair in front of his desk. Harry approached and sat down before the man. "Tea? Coffee?"
"No, thank you, Minister." Harry replied. "What's the situation with Delphini?"
"Well, the Wizengamot has made its decision. For once, they're all in agreement that regardless of who she be the child of, she is still a young child who deserves a chance at living." Kingsley began.
"Great." Harry remarked.
"Indeed." Kingsley chuckled.
"So then Delphini is being released from ministry custody and given to family?" Harry inquired.
"That is what I wanted to discuss with you," Kingsley mentioned. "As far as immediate family goes…The only options are Narcissa Malfoy and Andromeda Tonks. I…Assume that with Andromeda having custody of her grandson, who is also your godson, she will not be up to taking care of two ten year old children?" Kingsley wondered. Harry shook his head. "That leaves you and Narcissa as next of kin."
"Let Narcissa take her, Kingsley. I'm sure she's more equipped and experienced to handle a ten year old girl that just dealt with being taken from the only guardian she knew from birth, and the only place she knew as home. Plus, she'll have Astoria's help too." Harry informed. "It'll be fine."
"Excellent then. I'll leave you to inform Narcissa, then and I will have her escorted there once you've made them aware." Kingsley mentioned.
"I'm going there Friday after work. Draco's insistence we get together once or twice a month for dinner with everyone." Harry told him.
"Then all is settled." Kingsley nodded.
"Is that all you needed me for, sir?" Harry inquired.
"That was it, Harry. I'll see you Friday, just have to inform the Wizengamot of the arrangements. They want a close eye on Delphini." Kingsley said.
"Well, kindly remind them that Draco is an auror and resides in the manor as well? Same with his wife, and their son?" Harry remarked.
"I shall make mention of that." Kingsley chuckled.
"I'll see you Friday, Kingsley. I'm getting back to work, I was going over a new case that needs assigning and I have to prepare for the influx of applications to the program that will be coming in three months." Harry stood as he shook Kingsley's hand, then stepped into the floo, grabbing some powder and then calling the destination to his office.
. . .
Three days had passed. It was now the 7th of March and today marked two rather big things. One, Harry would be going to Malfoy Manor to inform Narcissa that she was approved to become Delphini Riddle's caretaker. Then two, Harry and Severus had been dating for six months. Harry was nervous as all hell, but trying to keep it together because after this thing at the manor, Harry and Severus were supposed to be going to dinner together to celebrate. Harry also planned on sitting down with Severus after the meal and when they ended up either at Harry's or Severus's, about Harry's little curse. Severus had the right to know why Harry kept avoiding the subject of sex. It wasn't like Harry was a first-timer to it or anything, but the worry of feeling like something would happen after the fact was overwhelming. Truthfully, Harry felt like Severus already figured out on his own that there was some hesitation to going all the way.
Right now, it was 4:00 pm. Harry was going over a couple things, it wouldn't take him long so he didn't mind staying past his usual time. A knock on the door made him glance up to it.
"Come in," Harry called, and then Draco walked in. "Can I help you, Auror Malfoy?"
"I'm off the clock, sir," Draco stated. "Why aren't you yet?"
"Just finishing up a couple things first. Won't take me long." Harry told him. "Did you need something?"
"No. You still coming over tonight for catch up and hang out?" Draco reminded.
"Yes, Dray. I will come after I'm done," Harry replied. "But I'm not staying late. Severus and I have plans at 7 for dinner."
"He mentioned when I talked to him on lunch break. I popped over to his shop," Draco smiled. "Some sort of date?"
"Yeah…" Harry nodded.
"I'm gonna head home to make sure everything is ready. I'll see you by 5?" Draco asked.
"I'll be there for 5," Harry told him.
Draco smiled and waved before leaving the office. Harry took another breath and relaxed himself then he got back to work on what he was doing. He needed to stop thinking that things were just going to fall apart with Severus after tonight. Everything was going to be okay, Severus promised when they got together that he wouldn't just leave unless it was a mutual decision or Harry was unfaithful. And Harry was no cheater. It was going to be fine and a good night to see friends and also celebrate with Severus.
. . .
Harry finished his work at 5:15 pm, and got everything filed away by 5:25. Harry stepped into his office floo and called his destination to Malfoy Manor. Harry walked out as the fire died down and entered the room where everyone was standing or sitting.
"Uncle Harry!" Teddy immediately left the group of kids and rushed to hug his godfather.
Harry chuckled and hugged Teddy back. "Hey, squirt." Harry greeted and kissed the top of his head before ruffling his hair. It didn't take long for the other kids, who were old enough to walk or run, to hug their unofficial uncle. Severus was next to Harry's side to hug him and then they shared a small kiss.
"Harry James Potter-Black!" Draco scolded. "Do you have any idea what time it is!"
"Jesus, Draco…Would you stop acting like a worried but angry father that his teenager came home late?" Harry remarked with an eye roll.
"You said 5!" Draco reminded.
"And things happen that put me behind, Draco. I'm head of the department, I can't shirk responsibility for a friendly get together. I'm here now." Harry sighed. "Though, technically, I'm still on the clock."
"Why are you still working, but here?" Hermione asked.
Harry looked at Narcissa now. "Are we in some kind of danger?" Narcissa inquired.
"No, but I thought you might like to know that it's finally been approved for you to take in your niece, if you still desire to do so?" Harry enlightened.
"Oh, but of course. When is she coming?" Narcissa wondered.
"When I send word to Kingsley to bring her." Harry replied. "I've been tasked with informing you why there was a wait. It's been kept quiet for security reasons. As a potential threat to our world level of security."
"Is…This the thing you said you couldn't talk about until it was cleared?" Severus questioned. Harry nodded to him.
"Please, tell us?" Lucius invited.
"The reason it's taken so long to release Delphini from Ministry custody is because it's been revealed there's a prophecy regarding her, and the Ministry wasn't keen on taking the risk." Harry stated.
"What threat to our world is threatened by the prophecy?" Draco wondered. "Why do you only know about this, and not the whole department that handles threats?"
"I know because I was involved, and when it first came out what this prophecy is, too many people knowing would inevitably cause mass panic." Harry told him.
"So what's this prophecy tied to the child and you?" Ron pushed.
"It's not tied to me. I'm just involved because of who it involves…" Harry remarked. "When spares are spared, when time is turned, when unseen children murder their fathers, will the dark lord return." He recited. The whole room went dead silent. "Yes, it's exactly what you're assuming. The prophecy is in regards to Delphini finding a way to bring back the Dark Lord. Her father."
"So then…We'll have another war on her hands? Or you're involved as the means to stop Delphini?" Hermione questioned.
"No, 'Mione. He's involved in fighting Voldemort again…" Ron corrected. "Right, mate?"
"That would be correct." Harry nodded. "And no, Hermione. There hopefully won't be another war, nor the Dark Lord returning."
"You said hopefully, so you don't even know?" Blaise commented.
"It wouldn't be my decision if things come to pass or not. That's on Delphini." Harry replied. "We don't know what's going to happen. This prophecy was made during the time she was in Euphemia Rowle's care. We believe that would be due to Delphini being raised by her into adulthood. Learning who her parents are, how they died, and who killed them. Finding a way to twist the story to make her want to seek revenge, which would cause the prophecy to be set in motion."
"But I don't see how the prophecy would allow the Dark Lord to return from what was said?" Pansy mentioned.
"When spares are spared is reference to the Tri-Wizard Tournament in 1994-1995. When Cedric Diggory was killed by Pettigrew on Voldemort's orders of kill the spare. When time is turned, obviously a time-turner used to go back to that moment to make sure Cedric isn't killed. The only part we can't seem to figure out is when unseen children murder their fathers. Regardless, this situation can be contained and controlled, if we ensure the conditions of the prophecy aren't met and set into motion." Harry explained.
"Like when Voldemort took half of the prophecy Severus gave him and Voldemort decided to act on it, and go after this child. Choosing you…" Draco understood.
"Exactly." Harry said. "Delphini is no longer in the care of Rowle, and it's believed that being raised with a family who can provide love and support; she'll never resort to wanting revenge. Eventually, she'll be told the truth, just not right now. She's only ten as of this month." He informed. "That's one of the rules, Narcissa. She's not to know of the prophecy."
"Understood." Narcissa nodded.
"Originally, they were going to assign someone to do check-ins, but since Draco lives here…His report will suffice. This is to ensure she's not finding out information from anyone else, adjusting well, and not showing signs of taking a dark path." Harry added.
"Will she attend Hogwarts next year?" Lucius asked.
"I would assume so, and that is what the check-ins are for. It's guaranteed that she'll have access to information at the school. People talking, her name alone is going to get attention. Just like mine did. Everyone knew who I was and why I was well-known. Except me, until I learned I was a wizard." Harry said.
"Is she going by Delphini Riddle? Or Gaunt?" Severus questioned.
"Legally, it's Riddle. Standard tradition is to give your child its father's last name. Voldemort never went by Gaunt. Lestrange wouldn't have worked because Bellatrix only had that through her marriage to Rodolphus. The only other name would have been Black given both Narcissa and Bellatrix's birth names." Harry responded. "But I suppose in Narcissa's care, she could be Riddle-Malfoy. That's up to you two if you want to allow her to use it, and also maybe up to her. She's old enough to make that decision."
"We'll sit down with her and discuss it. I'm sure she'll need to adjust to new people she's never met, and a new home." Narcissa mentioned. "Is there anything else, Harry?" She inquired softly.
"Understand the Ministry is watching you like hawks to make sure you don't do anything to set that prophecy into motion." Harry warned.
"Harry, none of us will risk the Dark Lord returning. Enough happened to take him down the first time, including you almost being killed!" Hermione reminded quickly.
"Yeah, mate. Come on…It's not like we have the Elder Wand to save you this time." Ron muttered.
"I have to agree with them, Harry," Severus said, now with his hand interlocking their fingers together. "No one is going to take a risk that Voldemort could be brought back to life."
"Look, everything will be fine. We have nothing to worry about as long as Delphini doesn't end up with the wrong story of what occurred for her to not have parents, then she'll never have a reason to seek revenge. We're safe and the Dark Lord will not be returning." Harry said. "Now, I believe all that is squared away, so I can call Kingsley now?" Everyone nodded. Harry went to the fireplace and tossed a little powder in and connected to Kingsley's office. "We're ready for her, Kingsley."
It was another moment later when Kingsley came through, but alone. "We've got a problem." Kingsley informed.