Author's Note:

May, this one is for you!

Reviews and Comments: To Tmrpotterhead250: Thanks for loving this story! Ginny's life is definitely hectic, but she loves every second of it! I love how many people love Theo and Sebastian, I love them a little more every time I write them! Yes, the mystery behind Zee and Sirius just keeps going. It's been fun to write. Writing Harry with a mind healer has been challenging and good to write. Harry needs it. Thank you very much! To alix33: Thank you! To scrappy8: It is a lot of information to take in. Thank you! To Cheddar: Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I'm honoured that you've read this entire series at least three times! Wow, that's a commitment! Thank you! Hinny's relationship has progressed so much and it will only continue to grow. Thank you! To Charlotte: Thank you! You think Zee should stay dead and Sirius should get his soul back? Interesting. Thank you! To Cassiopeia Anastasia Black: It is a dilemma, that's for sure. Yes, the plot is moving. Hope you enjoy Guardians! Thank you! To ITHersey: Yes, some happy moments for Harry (he deserves them). Having him talk through some of his trauma is definitely helping him cope. Thank you very much! To Read and Fly: Thanks for catching up and yes, Ginny's first game was awesome. Sorry that I've made you cry with the whole Sirius/Zee situation. As to Sirius' memory and the afterlife bits, we will see. No, no true love's kiss. I don't know how long this story will be, but my guess is somewhere between 30-40 chapters (50 max). Thank you!

To Nightwing2013: Harry is definitely one stressed cabbage and the counselling is helping. Theobas is adorable! We will see more of Oliver yes (cat and person). Ha, Gwenog might suspect lol. Don't worry, lots more steam to come! Thank you! To Nan001: Thank you! The Hinny interactions are so fun to write and yes, Harry definitely needs the mind healer sessions. Thank you! To mike3308: Harry is making progress on the case, but there's still a lot to go. Thank you! To woyn: Ha, sorry, I will not be updating three times a week lol. Thank you! To Matt9917: Yes, lots of things to think about when it comes to how Sirius is doing and what can be done. It is a choice Harry will have to work with. Bellatrix definitely just needs to die, I agree. She's not as intelligent for diabolical, she is just sick and wants to hurt people — I agree. Thank you! To ellyann13: Ginny is enjoying her fame, even with the stress it brings. Theo is also realizing more about his fairy tale romance, this is true. Seamus and Dean are war heroes, they definitely deserved to be invited to Slughorn's party. As to the others, invited but didn't attend. Thank you! To briana_t: It did end on a good note, but yes, Harry having to choose between his parents is stressful. He definitely needed to talk about it all and McCraight has helped him open about it. Thank you! To AQuickRead91: Ha, glad it was what you needed. Thank you very much! Melanotaeniidae is the name of a rainbow fish. It will be explained later. Thank you!

To MABK_Potter_Fan: Yes, Zee is frozen and yes, I of course have tricks up my sleeve, but where will they fall? Yes, there is more to Sirius' story. Thank you! To CheesePuffQueen: Thank you for saying it keeps getting better and better. It is hard for Harry to even think about saving one over the other. Thank you for saying my talk on mental health is perfect. Thank you! To GABRIELAGPG1988: Thank you! To corneliastreet_28: Thank you! To neumann: Yes, I did make a point about Sirius' soul being ripped from him. You think I've shown a bunch of evidence that Sirius will be sticking around? Interesting. We will see. Thank you! To kizmet trilogy: Love the name, despite the different spelling. Thank you very much! No, sorry, I haven't read any new fanfiction in a long time. Thank you! To shuweet: Thank you! I loved the Hinny and Thebas! Thank you! To atrelis: Thank you for saying Harry's talk with the mind healer was incredible. Yes, the post-mortem rivalry between Borage and Fleamont's portrait is just so fun. Thank you very much! To reginaphalange: It is nice to see Harry happy! But definitely some tough decisions ahead. Yes! Thanks for loving Mitchell's glittery beard! I thought it was a fun add in! Thank you very much! To Mrs_Norway: Thank you! Harry definitely takes on a lot of responsibility above his pay grade. I'm glad everyone is enjoying seeing Harry learning to cope better with help from McCraight. Harry is very smitten indeed. Thank you!

To Hanacide: Ha, yes, I did provide some hope there. I trust your heart will be able to handle whatever outcome happens. Thank you! To Nuno Neves: Harry is one stressed cabbage indeed! He definitely needs the counselling after everything he's been through. It's important than he talks about things that have happened in his past (Bellatrix included). Ginny's life is very busy! Thanks for loving my Theo and Bas moments as well. Yes, Slughorn does love his busy parties lol. Yes, I had help with those images from the cover (which are Harry and Ginny's dress robes for this party) from ellieoryan. Thank you! To EnigmaticEmperor: Ginny definitely needs a break. Yes, hockey players are quite busy and as someone who doesn't sport, that was my frame of reference I used for the Harpies lol. Thank you for loving the hints I've sprinkled throughout showing why Finn and Theo wouldn't have worked out in the end. Higgins does know how to play the game! I do love writing some Monty and Borage drama lol. Thank you very much! To ILoveRaspberries36: Thank you so much for saying this story is amazing! Yes, bringing Sirius' back is a hard plot point, so I am trying to keep people on their toes with how it unravels. Thanks for saying Sirius breaking out of his coffin gave you chills! Ha, though thank you for having to turn on the light, that's a compliment! Harry and Higgins make a great team and are definitely becoming friends. Thank you!

To CrazyWithABook: Thank you! To Ladylucens: Thanks for catching up again! Yes, having Harry have to choose between the two is a lot for him to deal with. Don't worry, I will not be taking Ginny away from Harry. Thank you! To guest111: Harry is such a sweet boy and of course he wants to save everyone! Thank you for saying that as I have put a lot of thought into this storyline and it's been a huge headache but also so satisfying to write. I'm really glad people are enjoying it. Thank you! To Bellmel: Yes, one year of Theobas! Bas is definitely a Quidditch fan and he's finding it very cool that he knows one of the newest players, but yes, having to choose between him and Oliver is funny for him. Yes, Harry and Ginny hanging out with Gwenog and Mitchell is fun! I love Harry and Mitchell just talking about how great of a player Ginny is. Thank you for saying you're amazed with the degree of planning and imagination that goes into this story — it is a lot! Harry as an Auror is a lot more fun to write than I anticipated and yes, him being able to work the case is so much better for him. He's an adult and no longer waiting for adults to give him scraps of information. Fee and Monty helping as portraits and yes, the feud with Borage is just fun! Harry getting to enjoy himself with Ginny (even more so in this chapter) is exactly what he needs. Thank you very much!

To ThomasJAvery: Definitely a lot of stress for Ginny, but she's doing something she loves and it's only for four to five more months and then she will be less stressed. She knows she can handle it. I really love Ginny and Theo's friendship and going back to show that, how it all started, is important to me. Sebastian is a bit of a fanboy and his boyfriend knows it lol. Theo and Sebastian are very much in love and it's so fun to write. Yes, I definitely think Slughorn has a good heart, it just takes him a while to use it sometimes lol. Thanks for loving Borage's return as well. Ginny does know what Harry needs and isn't afraid to tell him when he needs to go get real help from a mind healer and as much as Harry wants to protest, he knows she's right. Bellatrix definitely deserves a lot of bad coming her way. She is not innocent by any means, agreed. Thanks for liking the catchup with the Fletcher Fleming case, it's a lot more fun to write the Aurors day-to-day life than I expected it would be. Ron would definitely be fuming over Ginny's total unconcern against playing his favourite team lol. Slughorn definitely is still proud to parade Harry around. Thank you very much!

To Gigi87: Ginny is feeling the pressure and the stress and she knows she has to take care of herself as much as she can, even if that's sleeping in her dorm and not with Harry lol. Finn's intentions were one hundred percent good, but yes, it wasn't what Theo needed and Theo is starting to realize that. The way I write the wireless is that it's a radio, but there's a spell you can use to make it visible to watch and it brings the characters or Quidditch match right into your room like a live show (but a projection) so it feels like you're actually in the film. That's how they usually watch Hidden Passions, but sometimes it's just in the background. The Department of Magical Law Enforcement is keeping Sirius' return very hush-hush. As to Zee, I won't pop your happy bubble — yet.😉 It is a bit of a sneaky plot, isn't it? We'll have to see how it plays out. Yes, Borage is coming back. Higgins definitely knows how to kiss Slughorn's arse lol. Harry is completely oblivious to everyone else when Ginny is in the room. Thank you. I agree, it seems like nothing to Harry, but he was assaulted and talking about it shows him that it's not nothing and him playing it off isn't helping him heal. You think the Flemings case is connected to the three bitches and arresting him will help them find them? Interesting. Ha, the Zee flashback just felt right. Thank you very much!

To Ellieoryan7447: Cutting it close lol! I just went back to do a final review check before posting and voila! Ginny is a literal goddess, agreed! Theo is starting to feel a bit of resentment towards Finn now that he's getting the right healing and realizing that as much as Finn was trying to help, he did it without Theo's permission and now it's affecting how he's healing. Ginny's not above bribery at all lol, but she definitely understands that Sebastian was a fan of Wood before her. Yes, RIP Harry's emotional state for sure though lol. Of course he went to Ginny. She is his source of comfort and of keeping him grounded. LMAO, fair point on that line lol. Yes, Harry definitely needed to talk to Auden about the assault from Bellatrix because it happened, even if he didn't want to admit it himself. Harry is a bit cocky in believing that if he doesn't give Ginny a good luck orgasm, the Harpies will lose. Sometimes superstition is all you have lol. Yes, the dress robes were perfect and I agree, thank you! Thank you very much!

My posting schedule: Weekly.

As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!


CHAPTER EIGHT:
The One With the Theo Sandwich

The party went too long for Harry's liking and it was after midnight when they finally left Hogwarts and headed back home to Clevedon Court. He was holding Ginny's hand when they Apparated together and stole a kiss on the small stone steps by the front door.

"Mmm, I can't wait until we get inside," Ginny teased, standing on her toes to nip at his ear.

"I can't wait to get you into bed," he said, letting his hand slip down to cup her bottom.

Ginny laughed as they stepped into the entrance way. The teasing the two of them had done to each other over the course of the night had been nonstop and Harry knew she was just as desperate for him as he was for her.

He closed and locked the front door behind them. Only a small light was on by the stairs which told Harry that either Ron and Hermione were either still at the Grangers or they'd already gone up to bed. He kissed her again by base the staircase and she beamed up at him.

They stole more kisses along the stairs, on the landing, against the walls, until finally, Harry pushed open the door leading to the master bedroom and tugged her inside. Ginny threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply.

"Mmm, I've been thinking about getting you out of those robes all night," she murmured, nipping at his neck. "There's something about a man in dress robes that just drives me wild."

"A man in dress robes, eh?"

Ginny pulled back to meet his gaze, her eyes twinkling. "Absolutely. But let me specify. You in dress robes."

Harry almost growled as his fingers curled at her hips. "Naked. Now," he demanded, kissing his way down her neck as low as the dress allowed him.

Ginny chuckled, her fingers in his hair. "Not so fast, Auror Potter. This dress deserves more than to be thrown onto the floor. Let me go change into something more comfortable."

He wanted to protest, but the look in her eyes made his heart clench. She was so beautiful and the dress she was wearing was incredible. She was right, with the rate they were going, it would be in a pile on the floor. He stole one more kiss before he let her go. Ginny shot him a seductive look over her shoulder before she headed into the master bathroom.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, kicking off the shoes he forgot to leave by the door before he followed her. She was standing in front of the counter in the bathroom and when those brown eyes met his in the mirror, her lips curved as a low laugh escaped her. Harry didn't wait to see what she had to say.

In two quick steps he was in front of her, spinning her around and crashing his lips into hers. Her short laugh turned into a groan as he pinned her against the bathroom counter. He basked in her lips. He loved how sweet she tasted, loved the scent of her skin, and Merlin knew he loved the feel of those soft lips sliding against his. Kissing her was everything. It made him feel calm. It made him feel safe. And most of all, it reminded him of how much he wanted her all the bloody time. He kissed her again and again until they were both breathless, then he pressed a soft kiss to her shoulder and stepped back.

"You are so bloody beautiful, Ginny."

Ginny blushed, her lips swollen from his. His hand moved up her back and he caught the reflection of them in the mirror behind her. He licked his bottom lip, a slow grin following as an idea came to him. He gripped her hips in both hands and spun her around to face the full length mirror on the wall next to the bathroom sink. Then he pressed his lips against the side of her neck.

"Look how bloody gorgeous you are, all flushed and eager."

"Eager, am I?" she teased, a little breathless.

His lips trailed down her neck again. "Yes, eager."

Harry pressed his hard cock against her bum, pleased that the high heels made her the perfect height for him to do so. Then he moved his hand up her hip and over her breasts.

"Mmm… You should let me get undressed."

"After," he breathed, sucking her earlobe into his mouth.

"After?"

Harry slid his other hand down her hip, shifting her legs to open wider and making the high slit in her dress stretch to reveal more leg.

"Harry," she whispered.

Harry ignored her and instead let his hand slide between the soft material of her gold dress. His fingers danced over her right thigh in teasing strokes before they danced over the garter. His hand slid higher, pulling the slit of the dress open even wider and showcasing her black lace knickers in the mirror. He pressed his lips against her shoulder as the hand on her breast slid two fingers under the gold strap and slowly slid it down.

Ginny's breath hitched.

Harry brought his gaze to the mirror, his green eyes staring into hers in the reflection as his hand moved the other strap over her shoulder, the swells of her breasts rising above the loose fabric.

Ginny's heart was pounding as she stared back into the mirror, unable to turn her gaze away from the erotic image before her. Harry's eyes were staring into hers, but it wasn't just that. The sight of him standing behind her, his hair a tousled mess from her hands, still fully dressed in those gorgeous red, black, and gold dress robes as his hands teased her… she was already drenched for him and not ashamed to admit it. She watched his hand part the slit of her dress more, teasing the edge of her black lace knickers and she shivered before his lips brushed her ear.

"Evanesco knickers."

Ginny gasped as the lace vanished, leaving her exposed before them in the mirror. "Harry…"

"No," he whispered, his voice full of need by her ear. "Watch yourself in the mirror. Watch what I'm going to do to you."

Then two fingers slid through her folds and she let out a strangled breath that made Harry rock his cock against her arse.

"Watch," he ordered.

Ginny's brown eyes were full of desire as he locked eyes with her reflection in the mirror. He tugged the straps of her dress down, yanking it down over her tits and showcasing those delectable lace rosebuds that covered her nipples in lieu of a bra. The fingers on his other hand stroked through her wetness.

"You're so hot and wet for me," he murmured. "So tight."

"Harry…"

"Shh, just watch what I'm going to do to you."

She did watch, unable to tear her eyes away from the mirror before her. He was still fully dressed behind her as she stared at their reflection. Her gold dress was tucked under her breasts, bunching at her stomach as the long gown swung back and forth with the movement of his hand. The gold shimmered in the light of the bathroom, but the high slit of the dress he'd shifted and raised so that she was fully exposed as she watched one finger tease her in a way designed to drive her mad.

"Fuck, Ginny… you look so bloody sexy right now," Harry murmured near her ear as his hard cock continued to rub against her arse. He added a second finger and she moaned. "Look at you, riding my fingers."

She made a mewling sound that made his lips curve in the reflection into a cocky grin.

"Do you like that?" he growled. "Look at how my fingers are sliding in and out of you. I can't wait until that's my cock inside this wet heat."

Ginny gasped as he kept stroking, intentionally dragging his fingers up to tease her clit and then abandoning her. Seeing him like this, hearing how confident he was… she had never imagined she could want him more than she already did. She was very very wrong.

"So — bloody — wet," he growled, slipping his finger under the rosebud to tweak a nipple.

The lace rosebud fell to the floor and he pressed his cock harder against her arse, the fingers of his other hand still moving in and out of her in an agonizingly slow pace. Ginny knew that she was wet and the sound of her slickness against his fingers seemed loud in the echo of the bathroom. Harry's mouth pressed against her neck as Ginny watched him roll her exposed nipple between his fingers. She jerked against his other hand and he chuckled near her ear.

"Not yet. You're not mad enough for me yet."

Ginny moaned and Harry lifted his gaze to the mirror as he licked his bottom lip.

He'd never seen anything sexier in his life.

Ginny was leaning back against him, her head falling back onto his shoulder, a few hairs teasing over her face. The straps of her dress dangled at her waist, one breast fully exposed, the nipple taut. Her other breast was still covered by the lace rosebud. Her dress was spread wide, half lifted, exposing her red and gold high heels and his watch shining in the light as his hand moved between her legs. He watched his fingers slide in and out of that delicious slickness as she panted. His thumb began to knead her bud, two fingers still moving in tandem in and out, intentionally slow enough to drive her mad.

"Oh, gods, Harry," she groaned. "More…"

"More what?" he asked, lowering his head to suckle her exposed nipple.

He stroked and kneaded, circling her just the way she liked. His thumb moving expertly against her while he sucked on her nipple, his eyes on the way she fucked herself on his fingers in the reflection. Just the sight of her made his own cock ache desperately. He was pretty sure he could come from just watching her like this.

"Tell me," he ordered.

"Harder! Oh, gods, faster!"

He did what she asked, adding a third finger as well and her breath began to quicken. He ground himself against her arse, his cock aching for more friction. He was so hard he swore he was going to rip his trousers open, but he didn't have a spare hand to deal with it.

Not until she came all over his fingers.

Harry kept working her, flicking her clit, teasing her again and again as his fingers worked her over. He dragged the pad of his thumb along the side of her clit and she finally clenched around his fingers, hot warmth pressing against him and making him bite his lip to stop himself from coming as she cried out.

Her head fell back, exposing her throat for him to taste as she continued to ride his fingers. When she finally finished, he captured her mouth for a quick kiss. Ginny's breathing was uneven, her eyes full of lust as she watched him lick every one of his fingers clean in the mirror.

"You taste so bloody delicious," he growled, slipping out from behind her and kneeling down in front of her. "Hold onto my shoulders."

She started to protest, but he was already lifting her leg over his shoulder, his glasses hitting the floor as he used his mouth. Ginny stared at herself in the mirror, her high heeled and stockinged leg hanging over his shoulder as one hand held his other shoulder and the other threaded through that thick dark hair. He'd somehow turned them just so, giving her a full view of his mouth devouring her, his cheeks flushed and his eyes full of lust.

The feel of that perfect tongue, the way he knew just how and where she liked him to use it was enough to get her there a second time. It didn't take long. By the time he had his tongue wrapped around her clit, along with a few strategic sucks and his fingers sliding into her again and again… it was enough to set her off.

Her cries echoed in the bathroom as Harry reached down to undo his trousers, pulling himself free. Ginny eyed his gorgeous cock in the mirror and he dragged his tongue over her again, giving himself a few strokes to try to ease the pressure.

He was rock hard and leaking and she found herself licking her lips.

"Harry… I need… get up here," she begged.

His tongue slid through her folds, circling her sensitive clit again before he put her leg down and stood up, his cock leaking. Ginny's hands yanked down his trousers and then his boxer briefs before her hand gripped him tightly. She twirled her thumb over his wet tip, spreading it down his length before she began to pump him slowly in her hand.

She wanted him in her mouth.

When she knelt down, he tossed his head back. "Bloody hell!"

Ginny licked her lips again and then she took him into her mouth, sliding her lips along his length and tasting his desire. She took her time, licking him and teasing him as her hands slid around to cup his arse, squeezing the tight muscles there.

Harry groaned. "Fuck… I'm close. I'm not… bloody hell…"

Ginny's eyes twinkled at their reflection in the mirror as she gave him one more long suck, her hand rolling his balls in her palm and a fingertip dancing down between his arse cheeks. He hissed and she knew that he was seconds away. She popped him out of her mouth and pressed a kiss to his stomach just above his groin. Then she stood up and took a step back, shimmying out of the gold dress. Harry's eyes darkened as he watched her step out of it and turn, moving to hang it on the hanger on the hook on the wall. She took her time, making sure it was hanging straight and his eyes pored over her eagerly.

His cock was achingly hard, but the reprieve was giving him a moment to catch his breath, easing the desperate need to come by half a second. He stared at her, not for the first time wondering how the hell he'd managed to get such a beautiful woman.

The red and gold heels made her legs look amazing. She was still wearing the thigh high nylons, the garter around her waist in black lace. One black lace rosebud covered her right nipple and rubies danced in her ears, her necklaces still around her neck. He licked his lips.

"Get over here."

Ginny turned slowly, her brown eyes on his. "Step out of your trousers."

Harry looked down at where they were still pooled at his ankles. He kicked them and his socks so fast, almost slipping on the bathroom tile as he tossed his trousers and boxer briefs across the room. He made to move his red tunic, but Ginny's hands covered his.

"No."

Harry swallowed.

Ginny's fingers slowly unbuttoned his shirt beneath, spreading it open. Then her hands were sliding over his chest, tracing his tattoos, his abs, sneaking back up to circle a nipple before her palm moved lower, gripping him in her hand again. She gave him a few more delicious strokes and he groaned.

"Enough," he growled.

Harry picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder. Ginny shrieked in laughter, slapping his tight arse as he carried her into the bedroom and tossed her onto the bed. He pulled her down to the edge of the bed.

"Evanesco nylons," he whispered as her thigh-high hosiery disappeared.

Then he unhooked the garter, tossing it aside and used his mouth to remove the last lace rosebud, leaving her in nothing but the red and gold heels and her jewellery.

He took a moment to look over her, his eyes devouring every inch and then he spread her legs open and used his mouth.

Ginny cried out, her fingers digging into his hair, desperately trying to hold onto something. The things this man could do with his tongue were absolutely sinful. When his fingers joined in, her hips were rising to jerk against him. His tongue drove into her, licking and twirling, sucking and tasting her like she was the last pastry on the table and he wanted to savour every bite.

She sat up a little, resting on her arm to try to get a better look at him and the sight of him stroking his cock as he ate her is what sent her over the edge a third time. She screamed, coming like an explosion that left her feeling heavy and drained. She pulled on his hair, unable to stop herself as pleasure blinded her, until she heard nothing and saw nothing.

When she finally opened her eyes, Harry was straddling her, his big, thick cock in his hand.

"I need to be inside of you," he growled. "I'm not going to last long."

Ginny didn't care if he lasted five seconds. There was nothing better than the feel of him hard and thick, buried so deep inside of her that she felt full and whole and perfect. She slid her palms over his chest, pushing the unbuttoned shirt and jacket aside to see more of him, and locked her legs around his waist.

Harry kept his eyes on hers as he pushed into her, deeper and deeper and deeper until he was finally fully seated. "Oh, fuck… you feel so bloody good…"

Ginny brought his mouth to hers, wanting to kiss him. She could taste herself on him and when he finally began to move, slowly working himself in and out of her in long drawn out thrusts, she moaned against his lips.

"Faster," she breathed.

He did. His thumb began to play with her clit again and Ginny let out a strangled breath, but Harry didn't care. There was nothing better than the feel of Ginny coming when he was inside of her. He needed her to come again and soon.

Merlin, she felt so damn good, he thought. She was so hot and wet and pulsing. Her legs were locked around his waist, one hand was playing with his nipple, and the other was squeezing his arse. He thrust faster, his balls tightening even more and he thought if she didn't come in the next five seconds, he was going to lose it. He circled her clit faster.

"Oh, gods, yes… yes… so close, Harry!"

"I need you to be closer, Gin," he growled. "Fuck, I can't hold on! I need you to come again all over my cock this time."

The hand playing with his nipple slid down to help Harry work her clit while the other hand slid over his arse and circled that spot just under his balls. His eyes rolled as pleasure shot through him and he felt Ginny lose it half a second before he came. Ginny's finger kept prodding that spot and he came so hard his spine tingled. He cried out her name as he kept coming, losing himself in her until he swore he blacked out.

He collapsed on top of her, his face pressed into her tits as he tried to catch his breath. Ginny's legs carefully uncurled from him, her hands sliding over his back.

"Mmm, gods… I wish I had time to shag you like that all the time."

He chuckled against her breasts, his tongue languidly stroking her nipple. "Merlin, me too. I need a minute before I can move."

Ginny slid her hands up and down the muscles in his back, teasing the dimple at the top of his arse. "I could sleep for a week."

"Mmhm," Harry murmured, his eyes closing.

Ginny tugged on his hair and he winced. "Do not fall asleep on top of me, Harry Potter!"

He grunted and carefully extricated himself from her. Ginny winced and he frowned.

"Did I hurt you?"

Ginny's eyes met his. "Only in a good way. Promise. Help me takes these shoes off."

Harry kissed her softly and then reluctantly helped her pull off the heels, tossing them onto the floor before he snuggled into her side.

He sighed when she tossed her legs over his. "We should go shower and clean up."

"In a minute," she agreed, running her fingers through his hair. "Then we're doing that again."

She felt his smile against her breasts. "Definitely. Just… give me a minute."

Ginny's lips brushed his forehead and then he was falling fast asleep, his body sated and relaxed fully for the first time in weeks.

~ TTTC ~

Sebastian jolted awake, the sound of a half scream, half cry breaking him out of a dead sleep. He sat up, his eyes peering around the room before he realized that it was coming from the man next to him.

Theo was drenched in sweat, thrashing wildly on the bed, tears running down his cheeks.

"No!" he cried. "Stop! Please, don't!"

Sebastian's heart clenched in his chest as he leaned over to speak near his boyfriend's ear. "Theo. Theo, wake up, baby."

Theo thrashed again, kicking the blankets off.

"Theo! Theo, its Sebastian. Wake up!"

Instead of waking up, his breathing picked up as if he was running from something. Sebastian hesitated half a second before he grabbed his shoulder.

"Theo!"

Theo's eyes flew open and the horror imbedded in those brown irises made Sebastian want to cradle him close, but he knew better. He watched as Theo tried to catch his breath, jumping up from the bed and scrambling across the room like something was chasing him. He crashed to his knees on the carpet, his breathing heavy.

"Theo," Sebastian whispered from the bed. "Theo, it's all right. It was only a dream."

Theo collapsed against the wall, naked and shivering as his eyes glanced around the room wildly. Sebastian slowly moved from the bed, kneeling down across from his boyfriend, holding his hands out towards him. Merlin, seeing him like this, half-asleep and half-horrified by whatever had plagued his dreams broke his heart.

"Baby, it's Sebastian. I'm right here. It was only a dream. You're safe, Theo. You're safe, baby, I promise. It's Bas."

Theo's brown eyes still looked frantic, but he held his gaze for a long moment before they began to clear.

"You're safe," Sebastian whispered. "I've got you, I promise. It's okay, Theo."

Theo reached for his hand and squeezed and Sebastian took the opportunity to move closer to his boyfriend. The loud gasping sob that erupted from him made Sebastian reach out and pull him into his arms.

"Shh, it's okay, baby, it's okay," he soothed as Theo threw his arms around his neck and snuggled into his chest. "It was just a dream. You're safe. I've got you, I promise."

Theo's breathing slowly evened out as Sebastian cradled him sideways in his lap, holding him tightly in his arms on the bedroom carpet until he caught his breath. He didn't know how long they sat like that, but when he met Theo's eyes, they were calm.

"Hi, baby."

Theo pressed his cheek against his. "I'm sorry."

"You have nothing to be sorry for. You have no control over your nightmares."

He nodded, staying closely wrapped around him.

Sebastian held him a moment longer before he stood up, lifting Theo with him. "Come on. Let's have a hot shower. You're freezing."

Theo didn't speak as Sebastian carried him into the bathroom. He turned on the hot water in the shower and walked inside with Theo still in his arms. He put him on his feet under the hot spray, kissed his cheek, and then left him alone for a moment to call Kiki. As the house elf took care of the bedding, Sebastian moved back into the shower to pull Theo close, taking his time to wash his body and hair, whispering how much he loved him.

He knew that talking to Na'eemah was a good thing, but sometimes, the way she dredged up so many of the horrors in Theo's life, making him relive his past… it horrified him. He wished that he could do more to help, but he understood that this was something that Theo had to do on his own.

Sebastian grabbed a towel to dry Theo off, humming softly under his breath and making Theo smile at him. Then he led him back into the bedroom and dressed him in a pair of his underwear, the black boy shorts that Theo liked to wear, before pulling one of Sebastian's old Auror hoodies over his head. It was too big on him, but it always made Theo smile when he wore it and Sebastian wanted to see his man smile. His heart swelled when he watched his boyfriend lift the sleeve to sniff it.

"It smells like you."

"Good," Sebastian said, kissing his forehead.

He tucked him into the bed and then dressed himself in a pair of clean boxers before snuggling in next to his boyfriend and opening his arms. Theo's cheek rested on his naked chest, his fingers gently playing with the dark curls there as Sebastian pressed his lips to his forehead and held him close. When Theo's breathing finally evened out, he relaxed.

He hated that his boyfriend was still plagued by nightmares sometimes. He wished he could make them go away, but he knew that the more he spoke to Na'eemah Hickey, the better he was getting. But healing took time.

He was looking forward to spending Christmas with his man and his family. He wanted to spend all of his time with him. He settled himself down, holding Theo in his arms as he drifted into a deep sleep. He swore that he'd just closed his eyes when the Patronus lit up the room.

He had orders to head straight to the MIA for debriefing. He slowly disentangled himself from Theo's sleeping form, watching as he turned and snuggled into the pillow. He snapped his fingers and Oliver jumped up from the end of the bed to move near Theo's face. He scratched the cat behind the ears in thanks before the idea came to him. He sent two quick Patronuses in succession before he dressed and kissed Theo's forehead gently. Then he grabbed his wand and headed out to the MIA.

He had a new mission to prepare for. He only hoped that his Patronuses were answered before Theo woke up.

~ TTTC ~

Theo woke slowly, the sunlight pouring into the bedroom in such a blinding flash that he was surprised he'd slept through it as long as he had. A loud purring near his ear made him smile as he turned to snuggle closer into the warm chest under his cheek. He paused when he realized it was smooth and not nearly as chiseled as it should be. When he felt something hard poke against his lower back, he frowned in confusion before he realized that the arm draped around him was dark and not at all belonging to his boyfriend. The smell of a familiar cologne under his nose made him look up into the face of the smooth, hairless chest he was sleeping on and his eyes widened when he recognized his best friend.

"Draco?"

Draco grunted and covered his eyes with his arm. "Still early, go back to sleep."

Blaise's deep chuckle came from behind him and it made him sit up, more confused than ever.

"Blaise? What are you two doing here? Why are you both in my bed?"

Blaise tugged him back against him, snuggling into his back. "Questions later. Sleep now."

Theo frowned and something hard poked him in the back again. "Your cock is poking me."

"You wish it was doing more than that," Blaise teased, shifting his hips away from Theo while he held him. "Go back to sleep."

Theo chuckled, but felt comforted between his friends and let himself snuggle between them once more. It didn't take long for him to drift back to sleep. He woke up two hours later, both of his friends still asleep on either side of him and he sat up, blinking sleep from his eyes.

Draco's eyes opened this time and he yawned. "Morning."

"What are you two doing here?" Theo asked, taking in Draco's naked chest and the dark blue silk pyjama bottoms he was wearing.

"Your totally-not-gay-Auror called us," Blaise said from behind him. "So we came to make a Theo sandwich. I'm starving."

Theo blinked at them. "What?"

"Sebastian called us; sent a Patronus in the middle of the night," Draco repeated. "Said he was called into work and you had a rough night; he didn't want you to wake up alone."

"So we came to snuggle," Blaise explained. "But now I'm going to enjoy your shower and have a really good wank. I have a huge problem to deal with."

Theo snorted. "Right. Bit of a lie on the huge front, I barely felt that thing."

Blaise made a rude hand gesture and reached down to cup himself through his pyjama bottoms. "I'm hung like a bloody dragon."

"My boyfriend is hung like a bloody dragon," Theo teased. "When he shags me, I can barely walk after and I bloody love it. Plus, I've seen Harry naked. His Titanic has nothing on you."

Draco scoffed. "I don't even know what that means."

Theo wiggled his eyebrows. "He has a huge cock."

Draco rolled his eyes. "Please. Potter clearly stuffs his knickers."

Theo intentionally let his eyes wander down to Draco's morning erection. "He really, really doesn't. Trust me, Draco, he's very much the captain of that full mast and Ginny is one lucky bitch. As for stuffing his knickers, absolutely not! If anything he tries to hide it, but you might have to stuff yours. Are you sure that's really your cock in there poking out? Looks more like a squished quill."

"Piss off!" Draco exclaimed as Blaise roared in laughter.

"All right, we're talking to the wrong bloke," Blaise agreed. "But I've still got a big cock and now I'm going to go deal with it."

Theo made a rude hand gesture as Blaise crawled out of bed wearing nothing but black boxer shorts with an impressive morning wood (Theo would admit) and padded towards the bath. "Wanker."

"I will be," Blaise called out, winking at him.

Draco rolled his eyes and sat up, adjusting his own morning predicament. "Let's get some breakfast and you can tell us what happened, even if you are a prat."

Theo smiled. "I'm just teasing. It's just that my boyfriend's cock is so impressive, he makes everyone else look tiny."

"I don't have a tiny cock," Draco growled.

"Of course you don't," Theo said, patting his arm. "I'm sure it's perfectly average."

"I'm bigger than you!" Draco exclaimed.

"Barely," Theo said. "And you're also much taller than me so really, your cock should be much bigger than mine to give it a fair comparison."

"I don't have a tiny prick," Draco exclaimed through clenched teeth.

"There, there," Theo said, patting Draco's arm again.

Draco rolled his eyes and climbed out of bed. "Arsehole. Now, stop stalling and tell me what happened last night."

Theo shrugged. "I… it was nothing. It was just a nightmare, I can't believe Sebastian called you both… he didn't have to do that."

"That bloke's over the moon for you," Draco said. "Trust me, he had to do it."

Theo pulled Sebastian's hoodie tighter around him. "It was just a nightmare."

Draco stared at him for a long moment, his gaze pouring over his face. "Circles under your eyes say otherwise. Want to talk about it? Was it Thaddeus?"

"Ernie," he whispered. "And… some of the final battle when I thought Bas…"

Draco pulled him into a hug. "It's okay, mate. After everything you've been through, it's all right."

Theo clung to Draco, comforted by his friend's strong arms, surprised by how much he needed his friends here with him. Knowing that Sebastian had called him because he'd known he would need support only made his heart swell in his chest. He really was the most amazing boyfriend.

A low moan came from the bath and Draco winced, pulling away from Theo.

"He even masturbates like an arsehole. Let's go down and get some breakfast before we have to listen to him make a mess in your shower."

Theo grimaced and then his eyes lit up. "Or we could charm the water to ice?"

Draco grinned and the two of them snuck into the master bathroom as Blaise let out another deep groan behind the frosted glass. Draco flicked his wand towards the shower and half a second later, the high pitched scream that erupted from Blaise had them both cackling.

He ripped open the glass door and glared daggers at them.

"What the bloody hell is wrong with you tossers?"

Draco snickered. "Who has the little prick now?"

Blaise shot two fingers at them and Theo grinned.

"Not Sebastian that's for sure. His is big, beautiful, and delicious."

Draco rolled his eyes and tossed his arm over Theo's shoulders. "Let's go get some breakfast and you can tell me how living with him is going. Not the sex stuff."

Theo pouted. "But those are the best stories!"

"Breakfast, mate."

Theo let his friend lead him downstairs as Blaise promised to join them in a moment and thought about how Sebastian Kane was more than just an amazing boyfriend. He had a way of showing he cared in ways Theo had never imagined and he swore he fell a little more in love with him every day.

~ TTTC ~

Harry woke up the next morning with Ginny curled into his side as sunlight poured through the big windows and lit up the master bedroom. He blinked at the sun for a moment before he turned to look down at his girlfriend. Her red hair was finally freed from the braided up-do she'd worn to the party and was spread all over the pillow, down her back, and on top of him in soft strands of wild hair that the sun made shine in the morning light.

She'd woken up before him a few hours after they'd crashed and had snuck out of bed to take a shower and clean up. He remembered how she'd crawled back into bed wearing a pair of his boxer briefs and a white vest, her hair framing her face as she'd used her mouth on him. His cock twitched at the memory and he automatically reached down to stroke himself and urge it to calm down.

He pressed his lips to the top of her head, smiling as she let out a soft purring snore that reminded him of a kitten. He wished he could stay here in this bed with her all day, but he already knew that wouldn't be an option. They only had four more days until her next match which meant that they were trying to do as much of their holiday plans as they could within the next four days (which included Christmas).

And he had to work for two of them.

But thankfully, today wasn't that day.

Harry shifted on the bed, turning on his side and shimmying his body down so that he could press his lips to her shoulders and over the swell of her breasts. He slid his hand under the vest she wore, pressing kisses to her abdomen, admiring the firm muscle there. He let his lips trail over her skin and up to kiss the underside of her breasts before her eyes opened.

"Mmm, morning."

"Good morning," he said, resting his chin on her stomach to look up into her eyes.

Ginny lifted her hand to run her fingers through his hair and he leaned into her touch, his eyes closing. He loved it when she played with his hair. He loved it when she played with every part of him if he was honest.

"How'd you sleep?"

"Good," he told her. "I always sleep better when you're here."

Ginny smiled, stroking his scalp now in a way that made him want to curl up and purr. "I heard really good sex does that."

He chuckled and slid himself back up the bed to kiss her, pinning her to the bed. "I think you meant really great sex."

Ginny arched an eyebrow, her eyes dancing in mischief. "Did I? I think it was only good."

Harry growled and she laughed. "Only good? Bloody hell, Gin, just watching me touch you in that mirror almost made me come!"

"Well, that was really hot," she admitted. "But you promised me a whole night and it seems someone fell asleep."

He blushed and she kissed him.

"Last night was perfect, Harry. Truly."

He brushed his lips over hers. "Sometimes I think it's impossible for me to want you as much as I do."

"I know exactly what you mean," she whispered. "I think that it can't possibly get any better between us because it's already so amazing and then last night… bloody hell, Harry… you destroyed me."

He traced his fingers along the waistband of his boxer briefs that she was wearing. "Ever since you made me watch us the mirror in the Gryffindor change room while you took me in hand, I've wanted to repay the favour and I am so glad I waited. You in that gold dress and just coming apart on my fingers… that memory alone will tide me over for life."

She laughed. "It will, eh?"

"Oh, it will," he assured her. "But trust me, I have many plans to make more memories in the meantime."

Ginny's laugh turned into a sigh as he pulled the boxer briefs down her hips. He lifted her legs to tug them off, tossing them onto the floor. "Is this part of your plan, Harry?"

"Definitely the start," he teased, making quick work of her vest. "Why did you put on clothes? Clothes are stupid. No clothes."

Her lips curved into a smile as he began to kiss his way over her breasts. "I was cold."

"New rule. We both sleep naked. Always."

Then his mouth wrapped around a nipple and she moaned.

Ginny's fingers found his hair again as he teased and sucked on her nipple and when he pulled off, turning to the second one, she surprised him by shoving him off. He grinned when he found himself on his back with her hovering over him. He cupped her arse with one hand and fondled a breast with the other before his girlfriend moved out of his hands and settled herself under the covers.

"Gin…"

He lifted the sheet just in time to see her take him into her mouth and he groaned at the sight of it as much as the feel. Nothing looked sexier than watching his girlfriend's mouth wrap around his cock. Her tongue slipped out to circle his head, teasing him for a moment as she licked at his foreskin and under it, making his eyes cross before she finally took him back into her mouth and sucked.

"Oh, fuck…"

Harry watched her hand fold around the base of him as she worked on sucking as much of him as she could. When her hands slid up his thighs, he watched in amazement as she took all of his length down her throat, her eyes watering. He cupped her cheek, sliding his hand down her throat and feeling himself there. It was enough to drive him mad.

Ginny's mouth disappeared and he groaned in disappointment before he grabbed her hand.

"Come here."

She shook her head and went to use her mouth again so he grabbed her shoulders and tugged her up towards him.

"I need to taste you."

Her lips met his for a long kiss before Harry pulled her further up his body, cupping her arse in his hands as he tugged her closer until she hovered over his mouth.

"Harry," she whispered.

He shook his head, letting his tongue slip up into her. "No," he murmured against her. "I want you to ride my tongue."

Ginny groaned as his tongue touched her everywhere and made her want so much more. She let him drive her to the brink before she lifted herself off of him and he pouted.

"Come back here," he murmured. "I wasn't done yet."

Ginny bit her lip and gave him a look before she turned her body around and sat back on his face. His tongue was already back inside of her as she leaned forward across his body and took his cock back into her mouth.

Harry groaned against her, the vibrations only adding to the intensity of what he was doing. Ginny gripped his length in her fist and dragged her tongue all over him in teasing sucks and licks. Harry's fingers dug into her hips as he swiped his tongue inside of her, licking and twirling and fucking her with his mouth. Ginny moaned, losing herself in his touch as she tried to remember what she was doing as well, taking him into her mouth and sucking.

Ginny's hand moved over his balls, kneading them and stroking them in time with her sucks and they molded to her hand, desperate for the touch. Then she slid her fingers under them, rubbing a circle beneath them in a teasing way that made Harry groan. He sucked her clit into his mouth, his fingers finding her as she suckled and a fingertip pressed against his hole.

He came so hard and so fast, it surprised him. His whole spine tingled and his toes curled as he groaned against Ginny, finally bringing her with him as she clenched around his fingers and tongue desperately. She rolled off of him with a satisfied sigh and he kissed her feet before he finally drummed up the energy to shift and turn, resting his head on the end of the bed next to hers.

"Wow."

Ginny pecked his lips. "Wow."

Her stomach let out a loud grumble and he chuckled. "Guess I better find you some breakfast."

"I think that's a good idea," she teased, kissing him again. "My first breakfast didn't have enough protein."

Harry's brow furrowed and he started to ask her what she meant before he saw her the glimmer in her brown eyes. "You minx!"

She grinned and snuggled into his arms. "Come on. Let's shower and then find some food."

"Better idea," he said, kissing her neck. "I'll have Basil bring us food while we shower."

Ginny's brown eyes danced in amusement. "You're not letting me put on clothes at all today, are you?"

"Nope," he said, kissing her again. "If you're lucky I'll let you cover yourself with a towel long enough to dry off."

Ginny carefully extricated herself from his arms and jumped to her feet. "Fine. But I want chocolate with my breakfast. Don't take too long."

Harry watched her saunter off to the bathroom naked, his eyes on the sway of that perfect heart-shaped backside and thought an entire day of keeping his girlfriend naked sounded amazing. But first, he needed to feed her.

He had a feeling it was going to be a really great day.

~ TTTC ~

Holidays with the Weasleys was always something Harry looked forward to, but this year was very different from the others and everyone felt it. Not only was it the first Christmas without the patriarch of the Weasley family, but the whole fiasco of Zee being missing and murdered but not really murdered made everything seem harder.

Harry was keeping the speculation about the spell on Zee a secret from the family until he knew anything for sure. The last thing he wanted was to get Grandma, Grandpa, or Grandmama's hopes up that maybe she could be saved. His own hopes were high enough as it was and he was terrified it wasn't true. Instead, he did his best to push those thoughts aside and focused on the joint celebration they had thrown together at Clevedon Court.

It had been Hermione's idea and Harry was grateful to his friend for suggesting it. Christmas Eve was being celebrated in their home and everyone was invited. It was a mashup of everyone together and it was exactly the kind of big celebration they all needed to forget the troubles that were happening.

Flo, Sorcha, and Molly were cooking up a storm in the kitchen, having decided that everyone else was to hurry off and let them prepare things. But it didn't stop everyone from helping out.

Greg and Jean Granger brought homemade bread sauce. Bill and Fleur brought butternut squash soup. Charlie brought these amazing Romanian cheese donuts called Papanași. Percy and Audrey brought a Caesar salad with beer bread. Fred and Fiadh brought a plum pudding. George and Angelina brought baked potatoes with garlic and cheese. Remus and Tonks brought cherry, apple, strawberry, and rhubarb pies. This didn't even include the Christmas fairy cakes Theo and Sebastian brought that Theo had ordered from Hannah or the turkey and ham that Sorcha and Flo made or the four other kinds of potatoes, puddings, and trifles that Flo, Sorcha, and Molly had thrown together in the kitchen. And to Harry's happiness, Flo made cornbread and Molly made treacle tart.

It was more food than they even knew what to do with.

Neville and Hannah had come by early in the day to have a drink and tea with them before heading back to Cumbria to celebrate Christmas with Augusta and Neville's great-uncle Algie. They were planning on going to brunch with Hannah's aunt and uncle tomorrow. Harry had received a card from Seamus and Dean who were celebrating Christmas Eve with Dean's mum and then Christmas Day with Seamus' family. Ginny had insisted that Theo and Sebastian come for Christmas Eve since they were spending Christmas day with Sebastian's family and Molly insisted Theo needed to be around family.

Harry was pleased to have everyone there with him. He only wished that Zee could be here too. He sat on the floor in the living room, looking around at all of the conjured chairs they'd made to fill the space and thought that this was what an amazing Christmas with family was like.

Ginny was sitting between his legs, her back against his chest as they drank red wine and watched Aydin, Mina, and Leo play together. Teddy was lying on a blanket in the middle of the room on his back, rolling all over the place. At nine months old, he hadn't quite mastered crawling yet, but it certainly didn't stop him from being on the move as he belly shimmied and almost crawled around. Then there was Felicity and Finley, each girl was cradled in the arms of an uncle and very happy.

Ron stretched out on the floor next to Harry, clinking his wine glass with his. "I think we did a pretty great job decorating the place."

"Yeah, we did," Harry agreed.

He was glad that Hermione had convinced them to decorate the house. The big tree was beautifully lit and decorated and it made the holiday feel more real.

Ginny stood up, bending to peck Harry on the cheek before she mumbled something about more wine. He watched her go and turned when Remus sat on the floor next to him.

"How are you holding up?"

Harry shrugged. "Okay, I guess."

At Remus' raised eyebrow, he shrugged again. He honestly didn't know how to answer that question. Spending time with Ginny made him think of all of the good things. It took his mind off of the bad that was happening. It stopped him from thinking and worrying about what it meant with this potion; what meant about Zee and Sirius and… he didn't know how he felt about it all.

Remus squeezed his shoulder. "I can't imagine what you're going through, Harry, but I know that you'll figure all of this out. You and Dora make a good team. Higgins has been talking about how great you've been doing."

Harry turned to give Remus a small smile. "I like Rex. He's honest with me and he's patient."

"That's because he learned from the best," Tonks said, plopping herself down onto her husband's lap. "I taught him everything he knows."

"I know, he told me," Harry said, earning himself an elbow to the ribs. "No, he's great. He's been letting me take the lead on a lot of things."

"He trusts you," Tonks told him. "He was really worried when I requested him to be your trainer. He had it in his head that I'd expect him to go easy on you and when I assured him I expected him to kick your arse, he was a little more sure of himself. You've surprised him with your strength and tenacity."

"Thanks," Harry said.

Higgins was always telling him he was doing great, but hearing it from Tonks reiterated the words and made Harry feel more confident at what he was doing. He loved being an Auror and he rather liked knowing that his partner was confident in his skills.

Tonks stared at him a moment as Charlie played with Teddy on the floor. "Still no word from Borage and Slughorn yet?"

Harry shook his head. "No. I have a feeling that we won't hear from them again until after the new year. I just… I don't know, Tonks. There's too many questions and not enough answers. Nothing makes sense."

"I know, but we'll figure it out."

"Have you made plans for their birthday yet?" Remus asked, gesturing over to where Mina and Leo were building a tower out of wooden blocks with Aydin.

Harry shook his head. "Not as much as I should be. Zee wanted it to be an animal themed birthday, but she hadn't worked out all of the details yet. I asked Hannah to make them each their own little fairy cake: An elephant for Mina and a lion for Leo. That's the two plushies that the two of them love best so I thought maybe they would like it."

"They'll love it," Tonks assured him. "I can help you decorate. Lots of adorable baby animals everywhere. It will be great."

"Molly made a special fairy cake for Aydin today too since she wasn't here for her second birthday. She wanted to celebrate it anyway," Harry said. "I can't believe they're all turning two."

"It goes by pretty bloody fast," Remus agreed. "I swear you were just two."

Harry rolled his eyes. "That's because you're an old man now."

Tonks kissed her husband's cheek, running her fingers through the thick silver strands coming in over his ears. "Another decade and my man's going to be quite the silver fox."

Remus blushed. "Not helping, Nymphadora."

Harry watched her fuss over him, smiling at the sight of them so happy. He wished Sirius and Zee were here to be just as happy together as Remus and Tonks were. He left them alone to talk and wandered over to where Fleur was talking to Angelina, a hand over her stomach. Fleur had announced her pregnancy at the beginning of last month. She was just a little over five months pregnant and was beginning to get a noticeable bump now. Harry knew that she and Bill were overjoyed at the idea of starting a family together.

Fleur greeted him with a smile and he spoke in French to her, pleased to be given the chance to practice. She responded with a smile as she filled him on her job and how she and Bill were turning one of the bedrooms upstairs of Shell Cottage into a nursery for the baby.

By the time they finally sat down in the large dining room, the table was groaning under the weight of all of the food and Percy's loud voice rose up over the table.

"So, Harry, are you and Ron ever going to tell us what's going on with the missing Death Eaters investigation? It seems like they've been on the run long enough, don't you think?"

Fred scoffed. "Seriously, Perce? You think now's a good time to bring that up, could you be any more of a wanker?"

Percy looked offended, puffing out his chest. "I'm merely stating that these three Death Eaters seemed to be causing quite a stir and yet no one has heard anything more about them over the last few months. Where are they? What are they doing? Why haven't they been caught?"

"Piss off, Percy," Ron scowled, his blue eyes narrowing at his brother.

"Piss off, Peecee!" Aydin repeated, scowling at her uncle in a well done imitation of Ron.

Charlie snorted. "No, Aydin darling, as much as Uncle Percy deserves that, we don't say 'piss off.' That's a bad word."

Percy's cheeks flushed. "I think I'm asking a simple question."

"It's not," Sebastian said, making Percy turn to look over at him. "And even if it wasn't an open investigation, Harry and Ron are not at liberty to share that information with the public."

"I'm hardly the public," Percy insisted.

"And hardly an Auror," Ron said. "As Bas said, we're working on it."

Percy looked like he was going to object so George shoved a piece of cornbread into his mouth.

"How's the wedding planning coming along, Audrey? Did you and Percy pick a date yet?"

Audrey beamed at George as Percy chewed the cornbread and scowled at his brother. "We have. It's going to be next year. We're thinking September."

"Oh, that will be lovely dear!" Molly exclaimed. "George, are you and Angelina still planning for the fall? Two weddings in two years! How wonderful!"

"Yes, Mum," George assured her, his ears reddening. "October first, you can save the date."

Angelina smiled at him and he kissed her cheek. "It's going to be a small affair. Just family and a few close friends. And it's going to be on the beach."

"Aren't you worried zat it might be a bit cold?" Fleur asked. "October weather is rather fickle, n'est pas?"

"Yes," Angelina agreed. "But we're prepared for that and the ceremony won't be long. My Uncle Miles helped us get a great deal and we're going to get married on Bamburgh Beach in Northumberland and the reception will be at Bamburgh Castle."

"Oh, that sounds beautiful," Sorcha said, beaming at them. "Your uncle must be quite the talker if he managed to pull that off."

"He is," George assured her. "Pretty sure Angie's uncle could talk you out of your last Knut."

Angelina elbowed her fiancé and he laughed.

"We haven't decided on a name yet," Bill said when his mother turned to him. "But yes, Mum, we know it's a girl."

"Oh! Another granddaughter! I'm so blessed!" Molly exclaimed. "You know, Ginny was the first born Weasley girl in seven generations. Just look at your cousins! Your uncles have nine grandsons among them and only one granddaughter! When little Elizabeth was born last year to Gaius and Jillian, it was practically a miracle! It's about time this family gets some girls!"

Charlie chuckled. "Well, you asked for girls, Mum, and you're certainly getting some. Aydin, Felicity, and Finley are making up for all of your boys. Personally, I think you'll be thankful when a grandson finally comes by."

"If a grandson comes by," Molly corrected. "Maybe you'll all give me nothing but granddaughters."

Bill smiled. "I'd be okay with all girls, especially if they all looked like Fleur."

Fleur blushed and murmured something to her husband that made him kiss her.

"Bas only has nieces too," Theo supplied. "It seems as if the girls are taking over."

Sebastian laughed. "Piper and Amara are definitely a handful."

Ginny reached over Harry to steal a bite of the potatoes from his plate and he lifted an eyebrow at her in amusement. "What? The platter is all the way on the other side of the table."

He let her help himself as Fred got up to soothe Felicity who was fussing in her cot. When Finley began to fuss a moment later, Molly waved Fiadh off, standing to get her granddaughter.

Harry listened with half an ear as Charlie talked to Bill about this hatchling Welsh Green dragon named Raya and how attached Aydin was to her.

"It's kind of mad how attached she is and Raya seems just as attached to my baby. They're both so much more calm when they're together."

"Charles Septimus Weasley!" Molly bellowed, her eyes narrowing. "Do not tell me that you are letting my granddaughter play with dragons!"

Charlie gave his mother a sheepish grin. "She's only a hatchling, Mum, and Aydin loves her."

"Raya!" Aydin exclaimed, clapping her hands. "Papa, fly Raya! Pweaze?"

Charlie's eyes softened. "Raya's at home, baby girl." He kissed her cheek. "You can see Raya later."

Molly glared at her son. "You let her fly on her?"

Charlie shrugged. "Mum, I'm not a complete idiot. She pets her wings, but no, she doesn't fly on her."

Harry snorted when he heard Charlie whisper to Bill, "by herself that is."

He couldn't imagine what it was like for Aydin to grow up minutes away from a dragon reserve, but he thought she was definitely getting an experience unlike any other.

Colt and Greg were talking to Sebastian about his job as Sebastian explained how he'd been called out of town the other day for a one day mission in Rome.

"Must be a hell of a treat gettin' to travel all over the damn place like that," Colt said.

"Yes and no," Sebastian said. "I get to see the world, but I also don't get to spend any time really seeing the places I'm in. It's a blessing and a curse."

"Jean and I really got to explore Australia and even some of New Zealand while we were there. It's important that you take the time when you can," Greg insisted.

Sebastian smiled. "I'll make sure I do."

"My first class is in two weeks," Theo told Hermione. "I'm excited and also a bit nervous."

"And it's only one semester?" Hermione asked. "I would think one would need years to truly study the psyche of children."

Theo shrugged. "Well, the classes are only for six months, yes, but then I will work for a year or so with another mind healer. It's all about learning on the job as there's only so much you can truly learn from books."

Hermione looked offended by this. Ron covered her hand with his and grinned at Theo.

"Don't ever say that to her, you'll break her soul."

"Don't be ridiculous, Ron!" Hermione snapped. "I'm well aware that you cannot learn everything from books, however, you can learn almost everything and I don't think that six months is really enough to study the brain and development of the child psyche. What books have they assigned? What are you learning?"

"Healing the Mind, Delving into the Human Psyche, and Understanding Emotional Trauma for starters," Theo said. "I've come to understand that more assigned readings will come with the lectures."

Hermione still looked unsure, but she nodded. "Well, I'm sure they must know what they're doing."

"They must," Theo said, winking at Harry when he caught him eavesdropping.

Ginny was talking to Angelina about her match coming up against the Arrows. "I think that we're definitely ready to play them again. It's going to be a great match."

"If you can keep scoring like you have been, it's going to make it even better," Angelina said. "Everyone has been talking about you, Ginny. You're on the path to be the Player of the Year and everyone is impressed with what you've brought to Holyhead."

"With the way we've been training, I think we're going to do great. Our team is amazing, Angelina, and I think that we might have the potential to make it to the finals."

"Agreed," Angelina said as Fiadh mentioned something about wanting to attend one of the matches.

"Between Angelina and myself, we get six tickets each to every match," Ginny told her. "Name the day and we'll save one for you."

"That would be lovely," Fiadh said. "Quidditch has always fascinated me."

"Trying to get away from me for the afternoon?" Fred teased, kissing his girlfriend.

Fiadh batted her long lashes at him. "Yes."

Fred snorted and passed her Felicity. "The babies have already ruined our sex life."

Fiadh rolled her eyes. "Always the comedic."

Fred stuck his tongue out at her and turned to talk to Remus about the latest string of inventions they'd come up with for the joke shop. Tonks was bouncing a fussy Teddy in her lap as she ate one-handed and Harry thought it was the perfect holiday.

McGonagall managed to stop by after dinner for a quick drink and to wish everyone a happy Christmas. She planned on stopping by Black Cottage in the morning to spend Christmas with the twins. It was almost one in the morning by the time everyone said goodnight and dispersed, leaving Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Hermione alone in the entranceway of Clevedon Court.

"Well, that was exhausting," Ron said, yawning loudly as he stretched his arms up over his head. "Anyone up for a night cap?"

Hermione shook her head, leaning into Ron's shoulder. "I'm too tired. Come on, let's go up to bed. We promised we'd go to my parents' for brunch."

Ron nodded and followed his girlfriend upstairs as Ginny wrapped her arms around Harry's waist, snuggling herself close.

"Tonight was lovely."

"Yeah," he agreed.

Ginny tilted her head back to look up at him. "I miss them, too."

Harry's eyes met hers. "Your dad?"

Ginny blinked back tears, burying her face in Harry's chest. "I felt like he was here with us today. Mum was in her element with all of us around and her granddaughters. He was here, I know it."

Harry held her close, nodding at her words. "I think so, too."

Harry kissed the top of her head and then took her hand, leading her into the living room. He pulled her down onto the floor next to the lit Christmas tree and reached for a box wrapped in red shimmering paper.

"Happy Christmas, Gin."

Ginny's eyes lit up. "I thought we decided no gifts this year."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You knew I wasn't going to agree to that."

Ginny accepted the box, giving it a little shake. "Hmm…"

He smiled at the joy in her eyes. "It's only a little something, I promise. We did say no gifts after all."

Ginny gave the box another small shake before she carefully unwrapped the paper. When she lifted the lid her eyes widened in surprise. Inside was a beautiful silk scarf in a deep burgundy and gold argyle pattern.

"Harry… this is gorgeous!"

He smiled. "I'm glad you like it. I saw it in the window of a shop a few weeks back when Higgins and I were working and I just thought you'd love it. Plus it's pretty versatile from what I understand, you can wear it in all sorts of different ways which can help with your after match outfits."

"I love it," she said, leaning in to kiss him. "Thank you."

She carefully folded the scarf back into the box before she reached for a package as well. "I got something for you as well."

He lifted an eyebrow as he accepted it. "So, we're both terrible at the no gifts rule then. Noted."

Ginny chuckled. "Well, you're terrible at it," she corrected. "Mine is more… well, it's hard to find something for the man who has everything."

"I don't have everything," Harry insisted.

"But there's nothing you want or need so I thought I would get you something silly instead," she said, a soft smile on her lips.

Harry gave her a quizzical look as he unwrapped the package and carefully lifted the lid. When he moved the tissue aside, he snorted. Inside was a fresh apple, two oranges, and a mango.

"I thought you could use some more fruit in your life."

He laughed, unable to stop himself as the sound surprised him. "You wrapped up fruit for me."

Ginny grinned. "Bet no one else did."

He tugged her into his lap, pressing his forehead against hers. "That is one of the million reasons why I love you, Ginny Weasley." He reached for the apple and took a bite before he held it out to her. "It's perfect. Share it with me."

She accepted a bite, licking juice off of her lip before he kissed her. They shared the apple between them, kissing in between bites, and then Harry stood up, her legs wrapped around his waist.

"Come on, let's go to bed. I promised Grandmama we'd be at the cottage by eight."

Ginny stole another kiss, a soft smile on her lips. "Sounds perfect. I have one more present for you when we get upstairs."

"What's that?" Harry asked as he carried her up the staircase to the master bedroom.

Ginny pressed her lips against his throat. "I'm not wearing any knickers."

Harry paused a moment, his eyes widening before he picked up his pace and tossed her onto the bed. "Our whole family was downstairs — all day!"

Ginny's tongue darted out to lick her bottom lip. "Uh-huh."

He tugged her dark leggings down and found her completely naked. A groan escaped his lips and she smiled.

"Happy Christmas, Harry."

Harry covered her body with his, his lips finding hers, and he thought it was indeed a very happy Christmas.

~ TTTC ~

Sirius sat out on the veranda, smoke billowing around him as inhaled and exhaled the cigarette between his lips. The stars seemed brighter out here and the weather was still fairly warm in the heart of Tuscany. He leaned back on his arms, staring up at the sky and listened to the silence of the night.

He'd been back for almost two months and since then he was soon discovering that not a whole lot made sense. For one, he almost never slept and when he did, it was an hour and nothing more. He didn't need to sleep, it was like his body didn't need to rest. It worried him on some level, but mostly he didn't care that much. Whether he slept or not was irrelevant.

However, it did mean that when the memories came back, they weren't some lost dream, but a sharp stab into his brain that made him breathless.

And the memories were slowly coming back.

It had started just after he'd found himself standing in the kitchen with Harry Potter and two little kids. He'd barely left the property before he had an image of a massive treehouse and a young Harry standing at the top, steering a pirate's wheel and telling Sirius he had to walk the plank.

"What's my crime, Captain Potter?" Sirius demanded, his hands tied behind his back with an old scarf.

"You didn't let me have any crisps," Harry declared, grinning at him with his two front teeth missing.

"Ah, the dreaded no crisps! I offered fruit instead."

Harry made a face of disgust. "Bleh! Walk the plank!"

Sirius made a show of walking to the edge of the treehouse. "My crime was only to keep you healthy, Captain Potter. I have learned my lesson."

Then he sat on the edge and let go, sliding down the huge slide to the ground as Harry cheered from above.

"Again, Uncle Padfoot!"

Sirius ran up the stairs to get back to the top of the treehouse and grabbed the child, flipping him upside down and tickling his stomach as he shrieked in laughter.

"I think it's your turn to walk the plank, you mangy little beast."

"Snuffles!" Harry cried. "Snuffles!"

Sirius flipped him over his shoulder instead. "Come on, Prongslet. It's time to go eat some fruit."

"Never!"

"If you eat an apple, you can go to the library with Uncle Moony tomorrow."

Harry perked up. "A whole apple?"

"Yes, a whole apple."

Harry gave Sirius a contemplative look when he put him on the ground before he nodded. "Deal."

Then he ran into the house, a golden retriever hot on his heels.

The memory disappeared and Sirius strained his brain to make it stay, but nothing else came with it. Not at first.

Then the memories seemed to rain down on him in snatches.

"Uncle Padfoot! Uncle Moony said a bad word!"

"Did he now?" Sirius asked, grinning over at a tall thin man with broad shoulders and blondish-brown hair. "Rem, are you being a bad influence again?"

Remus mouthed, "Piss off" and Sirius snorted.

"You know the rules, Remus. No pudding for you."

It faded into another as Harry stood at the counter asking a million questions about what he was doing as he chopped up steak.

"We're having steak fajitas for dinner."

"Why?"

"Because I decided it was a good choice. You'll like them."

"What's a fajita?"

"Delicious," Sirius said, winking at him. "Go turn on the music, Prongslet. Anything you'd like and then you can help me pick out the vegetables."

Harry wrinkled his nose. "Do we have to have vegetables?"

"Yes," Sirius said.

Then Harry was curled up against him on the sofa, Sirius' fingers stroking his hair as he sang softly to him.

"Close your eyes, Prongslet. You'll feel better in the morning, I promise."

"Love you, Uncle Siri," he murmured.

"I love you too, Harry."

Then he stood in the kitchen, his hands on his hips as he wrinkled his nose at the burnt monstrosity of a casserole he'd attempted to make.

"Bloody hell."

Remus sniffed the air as he came into the kitchen. "Not doing so well in here, Padfoot. Mums aren't supposed to burn the food."

"Fuck off," Sirius said. "I'm not the mum!"

Remus let his eyes drift over the apron with a smirk. "Seem like the mummy to me."

"I already told you, if anyone's the mummy it's you, Moony. I'm clearly the Dadfoot."

"Dadfoot!" Harry exclaimed with a laugh before he wrinkled his nose. "It smells bad in here."

Remus picked Harry up in his arms. "Uncle Padfoot burnt dinner. How about we pick up some pizza instead?"

"Pizza!" Harry shouted in glee.

Sirius sighed and untied his apron. "Pizza it is and for the record, you're the Moomy, Rem, everyone knows that."

Remus made a rude hand gesture and Sirius laughed.

Then another memory stirred through him, a high pitched cackle of laughter that made the hairs on his arms stand on end. He saw his cousin's laughing face and red light.

Sirius coughed up blood, his shaking hand rising to cup Harry's cheek.

"You're the — best thing I ever — did. I'm so proud of — Harry…"

Blood spurted from his nose and bubbled from his mouth as he spoke.

"Uncle Siri," Harry whispered, shaking his head in denial. "No! We can… stop it."

Sirius visibly swallowed as more blood bubbled. "I love you… Prongslet. Tell Zee… love her…"

And then he just stopped.

Harry shook him desperately. "Uncle Sirius! Uncle Padfoot!"

But Sirius' grey eyes were no longer full of the laughter and love that Harry was accustomed to. They stared blankly ahead, dim and frozen in death.

"Uncle — Dad!" he cried out, tears in his throat. "Dad, no! Dad! Dad!"

Arms grabbed his waist, pulling him back. "There's nothing you can do for him, Harry —"

"Bill, he's —"

"He's gone, Harry," Bill said quietly in his ear. "Get out of here! Go!"

Sirius tried to walk towards Harry, to assure him that it would all be all right, but a beautiful woman with dark hair had touched his arm.

"It's time, Sirius. Come with me now."

"But my son… he needs me."

The woman smiled. "He will be all right, Sirius. Come with me. All you have to do is take my hand."

He looked back towards where Harry was hurrying off before his gaze fell on Zee.

"My woman —"

"Will grieve you, but they will have each other."

"Yeah," he whispered. "They'll take care of each other."

Then he put his hand in hers and white light engulfed him. It blinded him a moment and when he opened his eyes, the beautiful woman was gone, and James Potter was embracing him.

The feel of James' warm embrace made him shudder.

"I'm here, man," James whispered into his neck. "You did so good. You raised him to be a good man and Lily and I couldn't be prouder that he called you dad. But it's over, Siri."

"He needs me, Jamie. I can't leave him. I can't leave Zee. She's pregnant."

James framed Sirius' face in his hands. "They'll be okay, Padfoot. They'll be okay."

Then he held out his hand. "Come with me. Everyone is waiting for us…"

Sirius closed his eyes as the memories assaulted him spurts, confusing him and making it harder for him to understand.

Zee… when he closed his eyes he saw the beautiful brunette, her dark eyes laughing and a wide smile on her face. A panther was by her side… then she was lying naked next to him on black silk sheets, tracing his tattoos. Then she had a gaping hole in her chest as he covered her with dirt and buried her in a grave…

No, nothing quite made sense.

He obviously had a past with Harry Potter that his cousin had left out. If he raised him (and he was starting to think he had) then why would the young man grow up to kill him? Why had the woman been killed if she'd loved him?

He didn't turn around at the sound, but he knew it was Belladonna behind him. The woman stalked him like prey and it made him uneasy. He did his best to not let it show, blowing a stream of smoke out into the night.

"Can't sleep, Sirius?" she asked, taking a seat next to him.

"Don't need to," he said, cooly.

Belladonna rested her beautiful chin on her hands. "I can't imagine how confusing this must be for you, to suddenly be back again. But I promise, after the holiday and the new year comes into play, we'll be able to get a hold of Potter once and for all. When he's dead, everything will be better. I promise."

"Why?" Sirius asked, turning to look at her.

"Why kill him?" At his nod, she laughed. "We've told you. He's evil and he's the reason you were dead."

"I raised him."

Belladonna lifted an eyebrow in surprise. "Are your memories coming back?"

"Some," he admitted. "Not enough to make sense of anything. But I remember him as a kid. I raised him, did I not?"

"Yes," Belladonna said. "And he grew up to betray you."

"Why?" he repeated.

Belladonna licked her lips. "Fathers and sons, Sirius. You'll have to ask Bella, she knows more than I do."

He watched her walk away as another memory washed over him, this one long ago as he stood in a dark house in front of a large imposing man with his dark hair and cheekbones.

The slap sent him reeling.

He fell off of the chesterfield, holding his cheek, his eyes wide as he stared up at his father. His eyes watered and Orion raised his hand again.

"That boy is beneath you, Sirius, and you will not learn how to play a stupid bloody Muggle sport from him, nor play said sport, nor subject your younger brother to that disgusting and foul creature. Have I made myself clear?"

"But why? He was so nice," Sirius asked, not fully understanding why his father hated Robbie so much.

The second slap jogged his tear-ducts and they ran down his face.

"Blacks don't cry," Orion said sternly. "Pull yourself together. Now get upstairs to your room and think about what I told you. What are Muggles, Sirius?"

"Muggles are filth," he repeated, his eyes on his toes.

"Look at me when you say it."

Sirius' grey eyes looked up at his father, his hands behind his back as he held his head high. "Muggles are filth."

Orion stared at him a moment before he nodded. "Go to your room. At dinner you will tell me again what Muggles truly are."

Sirius scrambled to his feet, sucking back his tears as Orion watched him. "Yes, Father."

Fathers and sons, he thought…

Belladonna was right, there was nothing more tumultuous and he wondered just what it was that had divided him and Harry into such a betrayal.

He finally put out the cigarette he'd been nursing and looked up at the sky one more time, finding the constellation of his name. No, he might not understand everything, but he knew betrayal and he knew that Harry had to die for what he'd done to him.

Everything else could be worked out later.