Hi everyone! I'm so sorry to keep you all waiting but hopefully it was worth it.

In honor of Harry's birthday, I'm posting this as the seventh month dies... July 31st 2023 at 11:59 pm

As he strolled through the library four days after Valentine's day, Harry smirked down at the sheet of parchment that was the first newsletter of the rebellion.

Fifty copies were made and slipped into random library books while another four copies made their way into the house common rooms. It had only taken Luna two days to put together and one day to devise a distribution method. It was entitled 'The Hogwarts Wraith' and gave the students a rundown of the Educational Decrees that were currently in place. Other news included the points standings of each house, the progression of the 'health crisis' that was sweeping the student body and the list of teachers employed by the school along with the order in which they would be evaluated.

If Harry didn't know his cousin was a true seer, he'd wonder where Luna came up with this stuff. However, knowing this, he didn't doubt the accuracy of the list. Hearing a mild commotion near the entrance to the library, he tucked the newsletter into a random page of the nearest book on the shelf before making his way in that direction.

There was a group of students whispering amongst themselves and, through the bookcase, Harry saw a girl grab a younger boy's arm and pull him into the stacks. He followed just to be sure the boy - whom he'd recognised as a third year Gryffindor - was alright.

"I can't believe it, sis!" Harry heard the boy whisper. "The Wraith was right?"

"Yes, Professor Babbling was the first teacher to be evaluated! It happened in my Runes class. The other fourth years are all abuzz." A girl's voice whispered back incredulously. "Did you hear about the things the headmistress was saying to her?"

"What did she say?" Harry asked lightly as he turned the corner.

The girl spun to see who'd caught her telling tales but relaxed when she saw it was Harry.

"It's not so much what she said as how she said it." The girl grimaced. "She was very complimentary, so Professor Babbling is definitely safe from getting sacked but the things she complimented..." She shivered, readjusting her Hufflepuff tie.

Harry felt a chill, himself. "Tell me."

Sighing, she looked around and stepped closer to speak in a low voice. "Before class began the headmistress asked Professor Babbling for her background. When she started with the schools she'd attended, Umbrage interrupted, asking instead for her nationality and how many generations of her family were magical. She followed that up with what languages she speaks and even whether she supports the ministry under Fudge! She was very perky after each answer ended up being acceptable to her." The girl proceeded to mimic the interview. "Britain is my country of birth, Ma'am. I've had several generations of witches and wizards in my family before me, Ma'am. I speak only English and French, Ma'am. Yes, Headmistress, I did vote for Minister Fudge."

The boy grimaced. "It's so creepy."

Harry agreed and said so. "Thanks."

"See ya!" The boy called softly as Harry turned away.

The young lord smirked back at the kid. "See you."

Draco was laying on his bed, reading his mail while Blaise sat nearby in an armchair beside the desk. His mother, father, and uncle had all written portions of one long letter and, after reading it once, he realised that he missed them and began to read it again, with a sigh.

"What?" Blaise asked quietly.

"It's been more than a month since I saw my parents." Draco pouted. "I'm used to random floo-calls and occasional meetings in my uncle's office. At the very least I'm used to much more frequent letters from them."

Blaise smirked. "You know if you asked them to, they'd meet you at the mail drop."

"I'm a big boy, B." Draco chuckled weakly. "I can stand to wait a few weeks to see my mummy and daddy."

The door was suddenly pushed open and Harry entered with a token knock. "I was just in the library and there was a group of kids talking about Professor Babbling's eval."

"I guess at least now we know Umbrage's priorities." Blaise frowned.

"Yes, she's a racist bigot." Harry confirmed grimly. "With everyone talking about it, we can easily predict what happens next. I'd say Professor Flitwick is in trouble but he's too good at teaching so she'll give him a hard time but ultimately leave him be. Professor Mcgonagall is safe, as are Sprout and Slughorn."

"Professor Snape will probably get the same treatment as Flitwick." Blaise speculated. "With his background taken into account."

"I know some that will get more than a bad time." Draco said carefully, signalling that Blaise didn't need to stay. "Trelawny for one... Your friend Hagrid or another."

"Quite a few will be sad to see her go but I know you're amongst the students who don't like Hagrid..." Harry sighed as the door closed behind his boyfriend's best friend and fell silent when Draco sat up to meet his eyes.

"Remember when you were looking for me yesterday and I told you I was with my godfather?" Draco asked. When Harry nodded, he continued. "I wasn't. I went to see Hagrid."

Harry's jaw dropped. "Really?"

Draco gave a single nod. "I thought about what you said the day Edgecombe left... and I decided that Hagrid was one of the people that I want to understand for several reasons."

"Like what?" Harry asked curiously, sitting down where Blaise had been.

"For one, I wanted to understand why you like him... why you've forgiven him for his involvement in your situation but you haven't fully forgiven Severus." Draco explained. "I also wanted to evaluate his love of dragons as Dragonlord and see if he was still loyal to Dumbledore."

Harry was touched. "And...?"

"And..." Draco told him quietly. "I think you should tell him the theory we have about how Dumbledore isn't actually Dumbledore."

"What happened?" Harry asked in amazement.

"I showed up at his door," Draco had a small smile as he related the story. "And asked to speak with him. He asked what about, so I told him - you."

Harry smirked. "I'm not surprised he agreed."

"He offered me tea and rock cakes but Ronald had prepared me for that and suggested I have Ziva bake biscuits for the visit." Draco nodded and smirked back. "I apologised for treating him like I always had and I explained the same things you and I talked about on the train back in September."

"Ron knew?" Harry murmured in wonder. He was fascinated with the story and watched Draco's face as the blond continued.

"Mm hmm..." Draco nodded, taking a deep breath before continuing. "I, then, told him I didn't know him well enough to like him or not so if we could start over, I would really appreciate it. We had our tea and biscuits and I asked about his love of dragons."

Harry watched the light of amusement spark in Draco's grey eyes.

"And I was treated to a wonderful tirade about the way wizards have long misjudged the species and how he'd always wanted to raise one as a pet." Draco's mirth drained away. "Then he told me he'd had one once but it'd been taken away because of... me... and that's when he clammed up and there was an awkward silence."

Harry sighed, sensing that his boyfriend was sad.

"I can't tell him yet that I'm the Dragonlord but he made me want to." Draco said, sighing softly. "When I brought up Dumbledore, he sounded so genuinely upset that he'd hurt you. I really think he should know about our theory."

Harry had held off cluing Hagrid in due to the man's love of alcohol and his tendency to say things he shouldn't. He'd told Draco as much back when they'd discussed what adults they could trust. "I'll talk to him... like you did...and think about it."

"Good." Draco grinned. "Now then, Uncle Tom sent Severus a letter that I need to deliver. Care to join me?"

Harry shook his head. "That's alright. You should enjoy your time with him since you aren't getting to see your parents as much as you usually do."

"You heard that?" Draco asked with a wince.

"I did and Draco..." Harry told him, quietly taking his hand. "I've been missing my parents since I was fifteen months old. If they walked into the room right now, I think I'd cry. It doesn't matter how old a person is... if you need your parents, you need them. It doesn't make you weak."

Draco stared into Harry's eyes as he felt his nerves settle. Was that really what he'd been worried about - Harry thinking he was weak?

"If you want, we can ask them to visit for the next mail drop." Harry said. "They miss you too, I'm sure."

"I'd like that." Draco nodded. "I was dreading having to wait for the next break, considering that we don't know when this lockdown will be dismissed."

"The next escalation should push her over the edge, I think." Harry grinned. "The hospital wing has been full to capacity since the day Edgecombe left because the year groups have been cycling to keep it that way and Gryffindor and Hufflepuff students are walking out of places when Umbrage enters them. Luna told me the younger year Ravenclaws and some Slytherins will join in after the next teacher evaluation."

"The Gryffindors have even been actively pranking her." Draco smirked. "I can't decide which one was my favourite - her hair turning rainbow colours or the way it all fell out when she tried to fix it!"

Harry chuckled. "That was quite ingenious, but my favourite was the chocolates the twins sent her anonymously that made her grow warts."

"It's so hard to pick just one favourite." Draco laughed as he stood up and walked toward the door.

Severus Snape looked up as the door to his private quarters swung open to admit his godson who slammed it behind him. "Draco?"

"Someone followed me from the staircase. I can't stay." Draco told him quickly. "Here's Uncle Tom's letter. I'm going to the common room and see Pansy so they don't know we talked for long."

"Find a way to get back in a little while, Draco." Severus told him seriously. "There is something I wish to discuss."

Draco closed the door after himself and Severus frowned in worry. Who could be following his godson? What was the infernal brat's elf's name? "Doony? Dooby? Think, Severus! Wasn't he Lucius' elf at one time? Dani?" He muttered to himself as he tried to recall it. "Dobby?"

Four elves popped into view causing Severus to sigh. "Which one of you is Potter's elf?

Dobby stepped forward with a tiny smirk. "It is being Dobby, Mister Snape, sir."

"The others may go." Severus growled and, when they were gone, he got straight to the point. "Dobby, I need you to find out who is following Draco."

"Dobby is not understanding. Is young master Malfoy in danger?"

"I don't know." Severus snapped. "It depends on who is following him. He was going to come visit but he felt that he shouldn't stay in order to protect me from whoever it is."

Dobby's eyes narrowed as he suddenly popped out of the room. A moment later, he was back. "It is being no worries, Mister Professor, sir."

"Oh?" Severus frowned.

"It is being an elf and nows that Master Harry has been to speaking with the head elf, anything Missy Usurper is commanding of us elvesies is followed only a little."

"Does Draco know this?" Severus asked.

"Dobby is not sure if Master Harry even knows, Professor, sir." The elf tilted his head thoughtfully.

"I thought you said Potter spoke with the head elf." Snape frowned.

"Dobby is not knowing how to explain, Mister Professor, sir. Master Harry has made it clear to the elvesies that Hogwarts is separate from his family estates. Dobby is his family head elf and answers to Master Harry. Wabry is Hogwarts head elf and Master Harry Potter sir, has asked him to answer to Lady Hogwarts and the rightful head of the school."

"Minerva is the rightful headmistress but who is Lady Hogwarts?" Severus murmured.

"Silly human wizards. Lady Hogwarts is the castle herself." Dobby huffed and popped away.

"Wait!" Severus' eyes widened as he called out but the elf did not return. "How can the elves answer to an inanimate building?" He sighed in confusion and put the thought out of his mind for the moment in order to read the letter from Tom.

Scanning the words, he was pleased to read that Regulus Black was only two apparition points away from England and likely to arrive within the month. Only one year younger than himself and the Marauders, Severus recalled the boy from school and he'd been pleasantly different from Sirius. In other news, the elder Nott appeared to have gone rogue and killed someone during the recent mission so Severus was tasked with informing the younger Nott that the Dark Lord wasn't best pleased with his father and finding out where he stood.

Severus nodded to himself as he pulled a sheet of parchment from the drawer and began composing his response. He knew just what to include. To begin, he detailed the minutes of the last meeting he'd had with the other heads of houses and then relayed the news that, while Hufflepuff and Gryffindor students had been walking out of public courtyards if Madam Umbrage entered them for weeks, Slytherins were just now beginning to do the same. The next piece of news he included was his speculation that Nott's heir wasn't as radical as his father and his promise to confirm this before ending the letter. At this point, he considered which classes he had coming up with members of Potter's household and realised that the Weasley twins were in his first session the next morning.

A knock on the door startled him until he realised it was probably his godson. "Come!"

"Uncle?" Draco asked as he opened the door.

"Draco, come." Severus called, waving him in. "I'm almost finished with my reply but I want to check in with you about a few things."

"Oh?" Draco blinked. "Dobby mentioned it was safe to come back."

"I originally wanted to speak with you regarding other matters such as the party following you but since you've obviously spoken to Dobby, let's start with Theodore Nott jr." He suggested. "How well do you know him?"

"Pretty well, I suppose." Draco shrugged and relaxed into the couch. "Why?"

"His father has displeased Tom." Severus divulged quietly. "He wants to know where the son stands and I have been assigned to the task."

"I see." Draco nodded thoughtfully as he considered the matter. "Well, Harry has worked with him a few times over the past couple of months. He seems to be accepting of the recent developments regarding myself and Harry... and although he doesn't vocally disapprove of Umbrage's efforts, he did join the group that walked out of the courtyard yesterday when she entered it."

Severrus hummed. "Have you spoken to him regarding Tom's changes?"

"Only a little and only in a very circumspect manner." Draco explained. "I didn't want to overstep."

"Good. Leave it to me." Severus replied sternly. "Now, on to other matters. Where and when does the mail drop occur? Your father wishes me to meet him next time."

Draco perked up. "May I join you?"

"Perhaps. Where and when?" Severus frowned.

"There's a passage..." Draco began.

A knock sounded on the door.

"Yes?" Severus called.

"Professor? The Headmistress asks for your assistance. May I enter?" Draco recognized his ex-boyfriend's voice and quickly pulled out Harry's invisibility cloak to cover himself.

Severus gritted his teeth but gave permission for the boy to enter.

Roger pushed the door open and performed his task. "Headmistress Umbrage has become stuck in her office and thinks you'll be the best able to end whatever prank has been perpetrated."

Severus sighed heavily. "Very well. I shall do what I can and resume my previous activities at a later time assuming they are waiting when I return."

Roger blinked and shrugged as he led the way.

When the door closed behind them, Draco took the cloak off and attempted to relax until his uncle returned. First, he picked up a book and flipped through it. Then, he looked around the room and noticed something interesting. The mouldings that framed the large bookcase were thicker than he remembered them to be. Draco shook his head in denial. No, it couldn't be that easy... could it? He used one finger to skim the books and one seemed rigid. He frowned and pulled it but it only tilted backward allowing a portion of the bookcase to swing outward. "A fake book! I wonder if my uncle knows about it."

"I didn't."

Draco spun around to see that Severus had returned.

"The Headmistress's situation was an easy fix but I have told her it will require a bit of research so I'll return with the answer in a few hours." Severus smirked at his godson. "I believe we should see where this goes."

Draco grinned and agreed, offering for Severus to lead the way.

The tunnel led upward at a slight angle and the pair came to an intersection that led in three directions.

Draco frowned. "We haven't travelled far so we're probably still in the castle."

"That was my office and it's attached to my quarters." Severus reasoned. "Perhaps...?"

"The other heads of houses?" Draco asked.

"You stay here." Severus snapped and hurried in one direction. When he returned, he looked at his godson. "Did you see anything on the wall just inside the tunnel?"

Draco shook his head.

"There's a small staircase at the end of this tunnel and on the bannister post sits a lion's head." Severus explained. "You go this way and I'll go that way. Don't enter. Just look around the area next to anything you find."

Draco nodded and rushed off.

When they returned to the first intersection, Draco reported that the path he'd followed met up with a perpendicular tunnel while Severus reported similar findings.

"The intersection I found had another staircase on one side and this time an eagle stood on the bannister." Severus divulged. "The other side of the intersection held a tunnel like the one we entered from my office."

"Did you follow it?" Draco asked excitedly.

Severus nodded. "There was a stone step with a badger upon it."

"Then where does this other passage go, I wonder..." Draco murmured.

Severus was enjoying this adventure so he smirked at the young Dragonlord. "Let's find out."

Draco's eyes lit up and he nodded.

"Lead the way." Severus instructed.

Draco grinned and turned toward the unknown but when they reached the new tunnel and turned the corner, Draco touched the wall and realised it wasn't unknown at all.

"It isn't stone..." He whispered, amazed. "I know where it goes."

"Where?" Severus asked.

"That way leads to Hogsmeade." Draco pointed, smirking. "This way goes to the Heir's suite."

Severus stared at his godson. "No..."

"I've travelled it, Uncle!" Draco laughed. "This is the way the walls look and feel. If I'm correct, there will be a small recess in the wall on this end."

Severus eyed the younger man as he walked confidently in the direction he believed the Heir's suite to be and followed to see if he was right.

Draco smiled as they approached the end and his fingers touched the indentation Sirius had made. "Uncle, I can see you anytime now... and the mail drop is at the other end of this very tunnel."

Severus was astounded but he accepted the new information calmly. "Very well, every other night for an hour, we shall meet in my office."

Draco nodded happily and triggered the door to enter Harry's office while Severus returned to his own.

The walk back through the tunnels was more pleasant than he'd expected it to be. When he arrived at his office, Severus took note of the stone step with a snake on it before going in to carefully finish what he could of his letter to Tom. Then he reluctantly rescued the Headmistress from her pranked door and proceeded to the Slytherin common room.

The room came to a standstill when he entered causing the professor no small satisfaction. "Ms. Parkinson..." Severus addressed the top ranking student in attendance. "Have you seen Theodore this evening?"

"Yes, Professor; he's just gone up to his dorm." She replied politely.

Severus nodded and moved quickly toward the boys dormitory knocking as soon as he arrived.

Gregory Goyle opened the door to admit him but Severus only called out for the Nott heir to come with him.

The boy in question stood immediately and followed his head of house to the man's office. During the following conversation, it became clear that the younger Mr. Nott was much more reasonable than his father and, after Severus determined that, he was able to finish his letter to Tom.

Breakfast the next morning was disrupted by a flurry of objects arching across the tables and, although Severus couldn't see which students were throwing them, he couldn't miss their target. Only one missile made contact before Neville Longbottom put up a shield in order to finish the meal. Severus watched the Longbottom heir until he stood to make his way out of the Hall and wondered why the Weasley twins were part of the group that followed.

Knowing they were in his first class, he let them go and planned how he would get his letter to them.

"What should we do, Georgie?" Fred asked in a whisper.

George smirked at his twin and whispered back. "He's doing a pretty good job of defending himself, Fred. I think we should just follow and see who the tormentors are."

"Harry won't be happy if Nev gets hurt." Fred frowned.

"I can hear you, blokes." Neville grinned as he peeked out from behind a tapestry. "You need to work on your stealth!"

Fred chuckled. "Good show old chap!"

"Seeing as your stealthiness trumps ours, mate, is there anything we can do to help you?" George smirked.

Neville nodded. "Just exactly what you were thinking about. I can play bait but I'll have a shield spell up. You two just see who's doing it."

"Well, most of the group that left breakfast right after you were from Hufflepuff but there was a Ravenclaw or two." Fred pointed out.

George began to think. "What's your class schedule today, Nev?"

"Pretty much the same as Harry's. Potions is first. Then I have Herbology." He counted on his fingers. "Then I have a free period after lunch but I usually go back to the greenhouse or to the library for research and SSSHEEP."

"Go to your classes and after lunch, hook up with us." Fred winked at him.

George grinned. "We'll get to the long-bottom of your bully situation."

Neville chuckled and shook his head as he walked away, leaving the twins to rush off to their DADA class.

They ducked into the classroom just as Professor Snape was about to close the door.

"Late!" Snape sneered. "Ten points from Gryffindor..."

They sighed.

"Each." Snape completed as he turned toward the front of the room.

Fred made a face but George just frowned and joined his partner.

Class proceeded and Fred was unsurprised when Professor Snape asked them to stay behind.

The door closed behind the last student before Snape looked at them. "Here - take this." He said as he handed the letter to them. "How often does the mail go out?"

"Every other day, sir." George replied.

Fred finished. "It comes in one day and goes out the next."

"Draco and I will go tomorrow. You're free to go." Snape said dismissively. "And five points to Gryffindor for each of you. No questions - go."

They looked at each other and hurried away knowing they could ask Draco about it later.

Lunchtime came quickly and they sat across from Harry and Neville in order to catch any signal Neville might have for them. It came as a flash of annoyance in the Longbottom heir's eyes when a balled up scrap of parchment bounced off his shield and landed in his soup.

Fred smirked at George who grinned to reassure Harry who'd noticed the tension.

Neville got up in a huff and grumbled loudly as he gathered his things before storming out of the hall.

The twins watched the Ravenclaw table, barely noticing as Harry silently clenched his fists when the Headmistress called out a point reduction for him. They noted the faces who followed their friend and quickly made their exit, hoping to intervene.

When they arrived, Neville was waiting for a staircase to move into place for him and the two Ravenclaw students had come up from behind and were raising their hands.

"Wha'd'ya think is going on here, Freddie?" George dropped a hand on Stephen Cornfoot's shoulder as Fred did the same to interrupt Terry Boot just in time. "Doesn't look good... does it, Georgie?"

"Not at all, Fred." George grinned at them. "D'you even know what you were about to do, boys?"

"I think we should educate them; don't you George?" Fred asked sharply.

"Actually, mates, I think I should be the one to fill these blokes in." Neville said as he turned to face his attackers.

Stephen Cornfoot's eyes widened when he saw the confidence in Neville's stance and gaze.

"My gran is a member of the wizengamut, ya know." Neville stared them down. "She's Lady Longbottom and there's some serious consequences to hurting the heir to a seat. You lads could've killed me."

"You don't know nothin', Longbottom!" Boot sneered.

"You got no proof." Cornfoot asserted. "We coulda been about to tap you on the shoulder!"

Fred smirked at his brother. "Ya coulda been but..."

"Ya know, just using the words you used means you weren't." George's grin was slightly menacing.

"Shut it, Stephen!" Boot hissed. "They can't prove anything if we don't say anything!"

"Will you shut up?!" Cornfoot snapped. "We wouldn't be in this mess if you didn't listen to him!"

"Him?" Neville latched onto the word.

"You two are cordially invited to Lord Potter's suite." Fred grinned and tightened his grip on Terry Boot's arm.

George copied his twin and just as they heard noise coming their way, Neville lifted a tapestry to access the secret passage that would take them to the hallway where Harry's suite was located.

Upon arriving at the suite, they found Harry puttering about with nothing much to do except make trouble for Umbrage and the Ravenclaws.

"Draco's gone to class and we've distracted the student watcher. Nev, would you like to help me interrogate them?" Harry asked innocently.

"I damn well would, Harry." Neville nodded grimly. "They were planning to send me over the edge of the stairwell. Can you believe it?"

Harry snarled silently. "Bring them into my office, guys. Then you can go on your errand while Neville and I figure out what to do with these idiots."

"Right, Harry." Fred nodded.

George chimed in. "No problem, mate."

"Before I forget, there's a full bin for you to take." Harry nodded in the direction of his office.

"What do you think we should do with them, Harry?" Neville asked as the twins dropped their captives onto chairs and used sticking charms to keep them there.

"String them up in the dungeons?" Harry asked, innocently tapping his lips as his cousins left, hopefully taking the letters from Cho and Cedric with them.

"No! Please?" Boot shook his head.

Cornfoot was horrified. He'd always heard that Harry Potter was a nice boy... the quintessential Gryffindor - fair, brave, respectful, chivalrous. That kind of person wouldn't suggest hanging someone... would they?

"Now, Harry, that's a bit harsh." Neville winced.

"They were going to kill you, Neville." Harry turned a shocked stare on his friend.

"Hmmm... True." Neville sighed. "But lowering myself to their level doesn't benefit anyone, does it? Especially since there are some things we can learn from each other."

"I see..." Harry asked. "Well... What do you suggest?"

"Public humiliation?" Neville suggested.

"Interesting." Harry nodded slowly. "What do you have in mind?"

"If our friends, here, are willing to talk about something Cornfoot said before..." Neville's brown eyes slid over toward the terrified pair. "It was something that makes me think someone is running a bully ring instead of just a couple of bad kids going around bullying others... Then I could be forgiving enough to be lenient."

"Oh? What did he say?" Harry inquired. When Neville told him, Harry's eyes focused on Boot for a moment before deciding that Cornfoot was the weak link. "Very interesting ... Obscurus!" The spell was aimed at Boot who suddenly had a hood over his head that would also block out sound. "Tell us who this person is and you'll be spared any further punishment for this incident, but be forewarned - if you don't cooperate, Boot will be offered this deal."

"You don't think Harry meant that, do you?" George asked as they closed the door to the secret passage.

"What - the 'string them up' thing?" Fred chuckled nervously, shuffling the mail he'd grabbed from the basket. "I suppose it's possible he meant it ... I mean he has been a bit darker since this summer. His humour has been slightly morbid and he's been advocating for punishing the guilty more than protecting the innocent lately."

"Well, we're a bit dark in that way too..." George grimaced. "Sometimes..."

They fell into an uncomfortable silence for a while and, when they came to the offshoot that Draco had told them about, they changed the subject to their schoolwork... as if the tunnels leading to their teachers' quarters had influenced them somehow. At the end of the tunnel, they confidently exited into the storage room of their shop.

"It's a good thing we told Lee's dad to give Sirius access to the wards right after his name was cleared or all this wouldn't have been possible." George smirked.

"The owls are supposed to have been set up in one of the attic rooms. Let's get them on their way so we can go back and help if Harry and the others need us." Fred prodded his twin. "Let's see... Erroll can go to the Diggory house with both of these and then home... Hedwig can go to Malfoy Manor with Snape's and Draco's letters."

"Whichever one gets back first can go to Zabini's home..." George trailed off as they entered the owlry to find a large collection of birds. "Where did they all come from, Fred?"

"These three are from the Malfoys and those two over there are Lord Black's owls." The familiar deep voice of their friend's dad replied from behind them. "Hedwig is out hunting. The rest are from all over. Madam Bones' personal owl is here. Did I hear you say there's a letter from Cedric Diggory? His father's owl just arrived to deliver one and hasn't left yet. She's having a nap in the corner there."

"Jett Jordan!" George grinned. "Nice to see you, mate!"

Fred set the letters down next to the owls who would be delivering them and watched some of them fly off before joining the conversation.

Lucius sighed at the interruption but called out for whoever had knocked to come in.

"Dearest? I'm so sorry to disturb your meeting but several owls have arrived." His wife glided over to his desk with a number of letters in her hand.

"No need to apologise, Narcissa." Tom replied graciously. "Is there anything from Hogwarts?"

"Yes." She flipped through them and handed one to Tom. "One from Severus... and here's one from Rookwood, Lucius." Then she opened one herself.

As he read the report, he glanced up to see what she was up to. "Cissa?"

"This one is from Draco, darling." She murmured as she took in the words.

"Everything alright?" Lucius asked.

"Seems to be but..." Her eyes suddenly seemed to hold tears but they didn't fall. Her lips curved. "Harry says Draco misses us."

"Harry says?" Lucius' eyebrow rose.

"Yes." She chuckled, seeming pleased. "It looks like Draco didn't want to worry us but Harry added a few words to the end of our son's letter to be sure we knew. He asks us to visit the mail drop instead of just writing back."

Lucius sighed. "I suppose Harry Potter isn't the worst son-in-law to be expecting."

Tom smirked at his old friend. "Before I give you Severus' news, tell us about Rookwood's report."

"To start with, the ring isn't where you told him to find it." Lucius began.

"What?!" Tom stood up indignantly.

"He did witness the thieves leaving the scene, though." Lucius continued.

"Oh?" Tom sounded hopeful rather than angry.

"He's in pursuit and expects to have it by nightfall." Lucius finished. "Now, what does Severus have to say?"

"He reiterates that Draco misses us..." he cleared his throat. "Misses you..."

Another knock at the door heralded an elf holding another letter and Lucius accepted it.

"Regulus has arrived in London." Lucius looked up at Tom. "He's resting at a safehouse and asks that Narcissa and Sirius meet him at Grimauld Place tomorrow."

"Narcissa, fetch Black." Tom instructed. "The news from Severus isn't urgent."

She nodded and hurried off.

"It seems the Nott heir is more reasonable than his father." Tom continued the conversation with his friend as soon as the door closed behind her. "It should be concerning that he supports your son more than me but since Draco supports me, I suppose that I'll benefit from his support as well."

"Good." Lucius nodded once. "Nott senior seems to be one of the thieves in possession of your ring."

"What?!" Tom shouted.

"Rookwood says he doesn't recognize the other but one is definitely Nott." Lucius confessed.

"It's as if the man has a death wish..." Tom fumed, trailing off as the door admitted Narcissa and Viscount Black.

"I want to see the letter from Regulus." Black demanded.

Lucius handed it over and quietly let his wife in on the things she'd missed. When they returned their attention to Sirius, he was ready.

"I need to call Kreature." Sirius told them.

Narcissa nodded her permission and they watched an elderly elf pop in, receive instructions on how to ready the Black family's London townhouse for Regulus' arrival and pop back out.

"He seemed quite happy as he left." Narcissa smirked.

"He's always liked Regulus more than me, Cissa. I'm sure you remember." Sirius chuckled. "I'm going to remain with Harry so he can have Grimauld and Kreature if he wants them."

Narcissa took his arm and led him toward the door. As she opened it, a knock sounded.

"Are we expecting anyone?" Lucius asked with a frown. "Come?"

"Master, a young American woman is asking for a moment of Lord Malfoy's time." Dainty the elf replied, bowing.

"Her name?" Lucius asked.

"Miss Laurelle Brooks, sir." Dainty looked at him steadily. "Missy Brooks is waiting in the downstairs sitting room."

Lucius' eyebrows rose. "Interesting."

"That is Severus' friend, yes?" Tom asked.

"Indeed." Lucius murmured.

Tom considered this. Did he really want an outsider to see him in his current state? His skin was back to a normal colour and his nose had regrown but his eyes were still red sometimes and his hair was still slightly thin... not remotely like the mane he'd had as a young man. "I believe I'll let you meet with her alone, Lucius. I have things to think about."

"As you wish, my lord." Lucius murmured as he looked at his wife and her cousin.

"As lovely as it would be to meet this American, I must speak with Remus and Dudley." Sirius told his cousin. "Set up a time with Reggie and let me know when you want to floo over to Grimauld."

She kissed his cheek and watched him leave before placing her hand on her husband's arm. "Shall we, dear?"

Sirius hurried through the Malfoys' garden and across the lagoon, chuckling as he crossed the ward line into Potter Grove's courtyard. Calling for Landy, he asked where his fiance and Harry's cousin could be found.

"Both is being in the library, Mister Lord Black, sir." Landy said with a bow. "Is you wishing Landy to fetch them?"

Sirius shook his head and rushed off to meet them. He came across Dudley first. The young squib had old letters strewn across the large table.

"Hiya, Dudley." Sirius said softly so as not to startle him.

"Hi." Dudley sighed. "In case you're wondering, these are the letters we found at Christmas. There are things hinted at but never stated outright and I wish I could talk to Harry and Luna or even Zack."

"Well, hopefully we'll be able to do that again soon, kiddo." Sirius attempted a smile. "I think you should take a break. Go for a run or a swim."

"I was actually thinking of writing to my mum." Dudley nodded as he began putting the letters together in order.

"There you go." Sirius grinned and looked around. "Any ideas as to where Remus has got to?"

"He might've gone to the next level. Sorry, I didn't ask." Dudley grimaced.

Sirius just shook his head and walked over to the staircase. "I'm sure I'll find him. I want to tell him that my brother is finally back from abroad and I'm meeting him tomorrow. Need anything in London? Write a list!"

"Ok! Thanks!" Dudley called after him.

Seeing Sirius go off in search of Remus made Dudley smile. The man was always so excited to see his lover.

Since Dudley had witnessed the breakup of several of his friends' parents, he'd noticed a few things the couples in question had in common. One of those things was boredom - they took each other for granted and stopped feeling happy to just see the other person's face. When Vernon and Petunia had hit a rough patch several years ago, Dudley had carefully pointed out a couple of instances that were similar to their friends' divorces and they'd fixed their relationship.

He'd never told Harry that was the reason they were such a solid couple but they hadn't wavered ever since so it hadn't really come up in conversation but it made him happy to see Harry's role models in a happy relationship so he and Draco might not have that issue.

Dudley sighed as he gathered his ancestor's letters and then looked for the two-way journal with the bowl of petunias on the cover that connected to his mom's. Seeing that the flowers on the cover had changed from pink to purple, he hurried to find the most recent entry but the words weren't making sense. Vernon was in hospital? Something to do with his heart because Petunia was travelling back and forth to see him every day in the cardiac wing of East Surrey Hospital? The dottie neighbour was a frequent visitor? After taking a deep breath, Dudley started over.

Oh, my darling Dudders, I hope you're doing well because Mummy misses you so much! Now, I don't want to worry you but Daddy is very sick and in hospital! I've been visiting him at East Surrey Hospital's cardiac wing daily, but he isn't doing well. He has gone through several surgeries and hasn't awoken yet.

Dudley hurried to respond.

Mum, I'm so sorry to hear about dad. What happened? Is there anything I can do? Do you need money?

Petunia's words appeared as she wrote them.

Vernon had a heart attack at his office and was taken to East Surrey Hospital. His first surgery went well and I spoke with him for a while afterward but then the doctors said he would need more surgery and, since the second one, he's been in a coma. If he makes it through the night he'll be put on a strict diet.

Dudley was shocked.

That's horrible, mum! I'm so sorry! I'll send you some money. If he was a squib, I'd offer to send a healer. Please keep letting me know about his condition. Maybe I can convince Harry to help somehow but I can't promise.

Petunia wrote back quickly.

It's alright, dearest. Oh my, the doorbell's just rung! It's probably Mrs. Figg from down the street. She's been so sweet by bringing casseroles and groceries! She even came by for tea yesterday, just to talk! I hope you write soon!

Dudley stared at the words for a moment before running to find Lord Black.

Petunia set her pen down on the kitchen table next to her journal and, as she rushed to answer the door, she thought to herself how much writing to Dudley in their ...magic... journal had calmed her anxiety about the whole situation. As soon as her hand touched the knob, she pulled out her 'happy neighbour' personality. "Mrs. Figg! How nice to see you!"

"Nonsense, my dear! As I told you yesterday - it's Arabella and ... Well, I figured that, since your boys up and left you and Vernon to fend for yourselves, someone ought to stop in and see if you're alright." Arabella Figg smiled and patted Petunia on the hand. "Tuna casserole?" She offered as she dipped her hand into the bag at her side.

"Oh! That sounds lovely, thank you!" Petunia led the way into the kitchen and proceeded to fill Mrs. Figg (as if a normal person would forgo the appropriate etiquette just because the older woman had given permission) in on her latest visit to Vernon's side.

Arabella Figg smiled sympathetically, nodding occasionally as Petunia Dursley nattered on about her husband's ailment and hospital stay. He'd been there for several days now - ever since his heart attack in his office at a place called Grunnings - and he wasn't likely to get better but the poor woman was determined to be positive.

After a while, the phone rang and when Petunia answered, Arabella took the opportunity to look around the room. She noticed a book with a bowl of pink petunias on the cover sitting across the table. Just then, Petunia returned and she was about to comment how nice the book was when the petunias changed colour.

Arabella blinked. She'd been told that Petunia was a squib but hadn't expected to talk about that with her.

"What a lovely journal, my dear." She began. "Purple petunias were always my favourite! I have some in my garden, you know!"

Petunia's eyes widened and she quickly glanced at the book. "That was the hospital. I'm afraid I must go... Vernon..."

"Of course, dearie." Arabella nodded as she stood to leave. "Wish him well for me and remember that I'm just 'round the corner if you need me!"

She hobbled down the street and up her walkway to find that her door was slightly ajar. He was here. She knew it.

"Allo?" She called, her natural French accent coming out as she pushed the door closed behind her.

"I'm here, Vinda." Her master's voice echoed from a place deeper in the house.

She smiled placidly and pulled her wand out to dispense with her disguise before joining him.

"How is the plan going?" Gellert Grindelwald asked in French from her kitchen table.

"She is buying every word of my act." Vinda Rosier smirked. She missed speaking the French language and loved the way it rolled off her tongue.

"We'll have her soon." Grindelwald nodded solemnly. "The woman is so distraught over her husband and the fact that her son isn't with her is just one more thing to blame on her nephew."

"She'll never know that the real reason his heart gave out was poison in his coffee." A male voice came from the guest room. "Once he's gone, she'll be easy to gain control of."

"She already trusts me, Kraft." Vinda sniffed. "Her husband's condition will continue to be delicate for a few days before the poison completes its work and then she'll cry on my shoulder and we'll control her with spells."

"How are things going at Hogwarts, Edgar? I want to be sure your sister has things under control." Grindelwald looked at his follower.

"The problems she's facing are minimal. I haven't heard from her in a few days so I'll make contact tonight and check in." Edgar Umbrage reported.

"Good." Grindelwald nodded decisively. "I also need you to have her send more of the stored horcruxes from my office."

"Yes, sir." Edgar accepted the order and immediately went home via floo.

"We have most of the ingredients for the spell, sir." Vinda asked quietly. "When can we put it in motion?"

"As soon as I find a suitable place to perform it." Grindelwald frowned at her. "I wonder if you're getting a bit too impatient. Are you with The Alliance for the greater good, Vinda? Or are you with us for your own sake?"

Vinda held a hand to her heart. "For the greater good... of course, sir."

Grindelwald scrutinised his longtime follower but after a moment, he matched her hand placement and answered. "For the greater good."