Chapter 18: Parents
Voldemort paced the Infirmary as Bellatrix rested. It had been 7 days since she was hurt. There was no reattaching her arm. He wanted to give her a silvery one like he did to Wormtail, but as she was pregnant, he wouldn't be able to do so until she delivered. Voldemort stopped walking. He felt as if a tonne of weight fell on his shoulders. She really was pregnant. Madam Pomfrey had informed him in a monotone, caused by the imperius curse, that Bellatrix's condition was extremely delicate. Once she awoke, she had to be kept calm, comfortable, well-nourished, and happy. She had to avoid doing any spell that could drain both her and the fetus' core. He was to be a... father(?). He said the word out loud as if to taste it. It did not have a pleasant taste. He grimaced.
Tom Marvolo Riddle didn't have a good father. Honestly, he didn't have a father at all. His stupid mother had drugged a muggle to get pregnant. Of all men in the planet, why a muggle? If she was going to use a love potion, the very least she could have guaranteed was to use it on a pureblood. Tom hated his heritage. Other people would have been proud of how powerful they had become without a fancy pedigree. He had raw talent. He had studied for years and worked hard. Madam Pomfrey had requested samples of his and Bellatrix's blood to test for any congenital diseases or defects. Voldemort had to obliviate her. No one could have actual proof that his blood was nothing special. He needed to make sure Bellatrix hadn't tampered with the natural process of conception. It would be very like her to do what needed to be done to please her master.
Voldemort sighed. Bellatrix truly was one of his best soldiers. Her casting skill and speed was impressive, and she was absolutely loyal to him and the cause. Having her out of commission would take a big toll in his plans. He would have to go out on missions more. He hated going out. Very few people had ever done more than waste his time in a confrontation. Now that Dumbledore was dead, there was no one who could match him in magical prowess. Dueling others would be... boring. Now, he was feeling strange sensations. Things he had never felt before. Protectiveness was very foreign to him. To feel the need to avenge a woman –even worse– to consider someone his was not a good thing. Bellatrix wouldn't potion him like his mother did his father. Right? No. I am paranoid. She would never do that.
He thought back on Madam Pomfrey's words. How could keeping Bella safe? Hogwarts was large enough that he could set her up in one of the married quarters in a tower. With the reward Potter placed on her head, anywhere else was a bad idea. Except-
"My Lord?"
"Bella," he turned to her with his most neutral expression.
"Are you alright, my Lord?" Bellatrix stretched out her hand to him. She could still see the fading bruises on his face.
He ignored her hand and sat by the foot of her bed. "You are pregnant."
"What? Already?" she frowned in confusion. Madam Pomfrey had recommended to let her know only once the stress of the whole situation had lessened and all her injuries had been treated.
"You are pregnant. How is this possible? It was supposed to take months if not years," Voldemort replied.
"Well, my Lord... the traditional way, I suppose," Bella blinked as her brain tried to comprehend the situation. She was still a bit dizzy.
Voldemort blushed slightly. "Obviously. All I want to know is if you did something to... help this along."
"To help what my Lord?" Bellatrix stopped looking at him.
"Bellatrix, do not play coy with me. Do not lie to the Dark Lord."
"I have been taking fertility potions as we agreed. I did do a couple of rituals from the Lestrange grimoire, my Lord," Bellatrix kept her eyes down.
Voldemort frowned, "Did you use a love potion on me, Bellatrix?"
The witch looked up at that, both horrified and offended, "Absolutely not!"
He looked at her intensely, "I had to ask."
"Did you, my Lord? Really?" she snapped with a frown. "You had to ask."
"Yes. I trust nobody as you very well know."
"Considering I am carrying our child... you may want to start trusting me!" Bellatrix turned away. "I gave my arm for you! My face!... MY HUSBAND!" She cried silently, but her shoulders shook.
Voldemort spluttered indignantly but didn't manage to form a reply before he was shoved to the side by the healer. "You need to leave. She needs peace and quiet. Her hormones are making her emotionally unstable."
Voldemort rolled her eyes. "She has never been emotionally stable," he grumbled and turned on his heel.
"GET OUT!" Madam Pomfrey exclaimed. Her eyes becoming more focused.
Voldemort walked away but cast the imperius curse once more, just in case the healer was managing to throw it off. It had been a couple of days since it was first cast. It wouldn't do for them to lose a healer whether because she escaped or because she tried to tell the news about the pregnancy.
Remus groaned despite his desire to keep quiet. Everything hurt because the full moon was to be tonight. Having to take wolfsbane as you recuperate from near evisceration was the worst. He still couldn't even stand to wear a shirt. His new skin was still weeping out the contamination from Greyback's claws thanks to runes that had been painted over his chest and abdomen. Sirius, who insisted to be his human crutch, to take him anywhere he needed to go, stopped to let him take a few deep breaths. Remus could tell, Sirius was about to apologize again so he raised a hand.
"If you say you are sorry once more, I will bite you!" he snapped.
"So-"
"Padfoot," Remus said in a warning tone.
"You say you will bite me like it's a bad thing," Sirius side-eyed Remus with a smirk. "It wouldn't be the first time you have been rough with me."
"Ew! Too much information!" Tonks exclaimed from the balcony where she was placing several new and fixed mirrors to dry the adhesive.
"You should thank me, Dora! I am the reason he's such a good biter!" Sirius laughed and Remus groaned.
"Sometimes I wish Lily could have come back with you if only to discipline you!" Remus narrowed his eyes at Sirius.
"No need for that... You can spank me anytime, Daddy!" Sirius winked and laughed.
"MERLIN! Sirius, stop! I need to obliviate that from my mind!" Tonks complained red all over her face.
"Ah, but I see I have caught your interest. Care to share?" Sirius asked with a raised brow.
"Absolutely not! Why don't you go check on our guests, Padfoot? I can handle my husband," Tonks narrowed her eyes.
"You do know he's our husband, right?" Sirius asked laughing.
"Yes, yes, I do. Don't remind me... Off you go!" Tonks motioned for him to leave once she had wrapped Remus's arm around her neck and helped him back to sit on their bed. "How did you survive all of Hogwarts with that consummate and irredeemable flirt?"
"To be honest, he had no eyes for me, Dora... Only for Amelia... for the most part," Remus groaned as he sat, and all his muscles protested.
Tonks blinked in disbelief, "Amelia as in my boss Amelia?"
Remus nodded with a smirk, "Yes, Amelia Bones."
"She would chew him up and spit him out in five minutes," Tonks replied with a scoff. "How did that happen?"
"You would think that, but they were really good for each other once... like Lily and James," Remus replied with a sigh. "Amelia changed a lot with the war. Losing her brother and her sister-in-law and becoming a mother to her niece from one day to the next toughened her up."
"It is understandable... How about you?" Tonks asked with interest.
"Huh?" Remus frowned.
"Who were you dating at Hogwarts?" Tonks smiled.
"Sirius," Remus chuckled and winced. "Or at least he told everyone that."
"What? Why?" Tonks took a disinfecting potion and gauze to clean his wounds.
"Well, people thought I was mysterious, and they found that attractive, I guess... the scars, my disappearances," Remus trailed off.
"Your brains and your rugged good muscular looks, yeah?" Tonks kissed the tip of his nose.
Remus smiled indulgently at his wife, "Someone –I am still not sure it wasn't Sirius himself, come to think of it– said that I was... um... well-endowed... and then I knew no more peace."
"Well... They weren't lying!" Tonks laughed and Remus shrugged.
"It was a nightmare... Girls of all school years were sending me notes and love-potioned laced treats... I had to throw away Honeydukes chocolate... CHOCOLATE, Dora!" He exclaimed with pain. It made him feel like a monster when he had to do that. "A couple of girls actually pulled me into broom closets."
"Against your will?" Tonks frowned.
"Yes... Love, I was dreadfully shy at Hogwarts. Saying no to a girl or pushing her away from me was not something I could do."
"So, Sirius intervened?" Tonks asked as she applied a bruise salve to his whole chest and abdomen.
"Well, he has never given a damn about what people think. He was never shy either so... In his attempt to both relieve me from my stalkers and prank me simultaneously... Well... He stood on top of the coffee table of the Common Room one night and announced to our whole House that he was dating me and if any bitches –his word not mine– wanted me, they would have to go through him first," Remus said all this with a horrible blush.
"Wait, so did you guys like walk around holding hands and stuff?" Tonks laughed.
Remus didn't reply. His blush deepened.
"Did he carry your bookbag around?" Tonks asked with wide eyes.
"…"
"Did he feed you during lunch?" Tonks pressed.
"..."
"Remus... Did you kiss!?"
"..."
"REMUS! Tell me! I want the gossip!" Tonks remembered Sirius blushing about some reference to their school years and flirting.
"Love, please don't make me..." Remus sighed.
"Honey... I need to know!" Tonks exclaimed. "You guys' relationship is weird..."
"Sirius is a lot of things. He's a hotheaded reprobate, a flirt, and a prankster..." Remus sighed. "But he was and is my best friend. We were closer than most people so... it wasn't like we were uncomfortable around each other, you know, physically."
"That's a good summary," Tonks smiled. "But I know you... you are not giving me the tea."
"Fine, Dora, but you cannot tell anyone," Remus sighed.
"Uuuuuh! Yes! I love gossipy secrets!" Tonks squealed.
"He was used to people knuckling under. He was rich. He was very good-looking. He was the heir of House of Black and a protégé for House of Potter. When he did the whole Common Room announcement, he wasn't expecting me to know. Unfortunately for him, James had told me he would do that in advance, so I was prepared."
"Oh! This is just getting good now!" Tonks' eyes widened.
"At Hogwarts, Sirius would do this thing where he would teasingly and aggressively flirt with James and with Peter. While they tried to flirt back at first, they would break almost immediately, pushing him away, and laughing. He was really good at it. He would invade their personal space slowly. Then, he would start touching them, innocently enough at first. A brush of their hands with his. A touch of his thigh against theirs under the table. Then longing looks. Batting of eyelashes-"
"He always had annoyingly perfect lashes," Tonks chuckled. "Such a waste of lashes on a man. They are so long and curly and voluminous and ugh. He got really lucky in that department."
"Yes, quite, but back then the Weird Sisters had only just started playing and they wore eyeliner, so he hopped on that trend too and his eyes looked more striking," Remus blushed and looked at his wife apologetically. She shook her head. They could both recognize good-looking people and Sirius was objectively very handsome.
"And he used it to his advantage every chance he got!"
"Of course. Now, for some reason, he had never tried that flirting prank on me. I found that strange, but I was so shy that I was glad to be flying under the radar. I think he probably thought I would blush horribly and leave the room entirely traumatized or something."
"And he would have to make something up and say you are cute and modest or something like that as he is wont to do..." Tonks nodded knowingly.
"Obviously," Remus chuckled, "But he had embarrassed me enough that week already."
Tonks's lips rounded in a perfect 'o' shape, "Oh no."
"Oh yes... I had been sitting on the floor in front of the table because I was doing homework and I knew what was coming, so... When he jumped up and said all that stuff, I got up into a kneeling position and dragged my hands slowly up his legs. I hooked my fingers through his pants' belt loops and pulled him off the table."
Tonks blushed horribly just imagining that, "Almighty Merlin!"
Remus laughed, "He really wasn't expecting that, so he quite literally landed on my lap, straddling me. I raised a brow at him..."
"To challenge him? Oh, dear... And he wouldn't back down from his rouse," Tonks was about to burst out laughing.
"Never. Blacks don't back down..." Remus smirked.
"But Lupins don't knuckle under," Tonks bit her bottom lip not to laugh.
"Never. So, I did that... um... growl thing you like so much... And he squealed, loudly, like a teen girl."
Tonks laughed, "I understand his reaction," she nibbled his ear. "It is so, so seductive."
"Anyhow, I pulled him against me ripped off his tie and buried my face into his neck, and sucked hard. There were teeth involved."
"MERLIN AND MORGANA! And then what?!" Tonks' eyes were wide.
"I thought he would push me away at that point and give up, but he didn't... He didn't want to lose in front of an audience, of course. He somehow turned around, which made him sit between my legs and he turned toward me-"
"He KISSED you!" Tonks had to put her hands on her cheeks to cool them off.
"Well, Sirius is a flirt. That much is true. But he's a flirt that doesn't follow through. He would flirt aggressively with people, both our friends and girls obviously. But if any of his victims started flirting back equally or more aggressively than he did, he would get very embarrassed and find a way out or back away. Once, he quite literally ran away from Lily when she got him all hot and bothered. He never tried it again. He called her a menace."
"I know the type. All talk, no game," Tonks laughed.
"Oh, you don't need to worry about his game..."
Tonks gasped, "Tell me! I want details!"
"He came closer slowly, looking into my eyes," Remus chuckled. "Since I didn't move away, he looked at my lips threateningly."
"As if that would work!" Tonks exclaimed. Her husband never backed down from a challenge in general terms, but in intimate terms, hell could freeze over before he ever conceded. It was one of the things that made her turn into a puddle for him.
"So, I grabbed the back of his neck and kissed him hard..."
Tonks gasped, "You didn't! What did he do!?"
"You mean after he had a heart attack?" Remus smirked.
"YES!" Tonks' eyes couldn't be wider.
"Well... When his soul returned to his body, mostly because everyone was either gasping or wolf-whistling around us..." Remus trailed off as the memory of that afternoon came back. "He kissed me back. Harder than I originally did."
Tonks' eyebrows shot up, her jaw came loose, and she covered her mouth with both hands.
Remus chuckled. He had kissed Sirius hard but with closed lips. But when Sirius had kissed him back, there was tongue involved. Since that was Sirius' way of upping the prank's bet, Remus decided it was time to torture him back. He placed one hand behind Sirius' head and scratched his scalp while his other hand scratched down his friend's back hard enough to leave a mark. Sirius had at one point told James he loved to be... scratched. How on Earth did James get to that type of conversation with Sirius remained a mystery that Remus never wanted to clarify. When Remus used his nails, Sirius moaned loudly and melted into the kiss, holding Remus as tightly against him as he could. Remus had then pulled away biting Sirius' lower lip and pulling it away slowly and he felt Sirius' enthusiastic response to all that pressed against his thigh.
Remus shook his head and looked away with a blush. He couldn't very well tell his wife that. "Anyhow, I don't know who he was imagining he was kissing to keep pretending, but things kept... escalating."
"How?!"
"Love, I am already in trouble for telling you this much," Remus shook his head.
"Fine," she pouted. "But how did you come out of all that?"
"James saved the day, thank Merlin. He did what we had agreed on earlier. He stormed in and accused Sirius of cheating on him with me. He even ugly cried! Accused Sirius of breaking his heart... and of stealing his chance with me, his crush since first year."
"No!" Tonks gasped and laughed.
"Yes, love. For that whole year, we were Hogwarts' 'it' throuple. Holding hands, carrying each other's book bags, sitting together during meals, all of that..."
Tonks laughed and wiped away tears, "I see. So, he is embarrassed that he kissed you back and liked it?" Tonks asked. That didn't sound embarrassing enough.
"Well, honestly, I think he's more embarrassed that I outpranked him publicly... Marauder's pride, you know."
"Wow. I would have never guessed. The older you get..." she chuckled as she went back to the bathroom to grab a potion vial for her pregnancy-induced heartburn.
Remus chuckled, and under his breath, he added, "Him having a raging hard-on in front of the whole Common Room didn't help."
Tonks dropped the vial which shattered. Her hearing was impeccable, and her ears were now scarred, "HE WHAT!?" She ran out of the bathroom.
Remus burst out laughing. "That's why I said I didn't even have to try to flirt with him..."
"Oh, this is just too good!" Tonks laughed. "I would have paid to see his face!"
"It was the only time I ever saw him truly mortified. But he is Sirius Black, so he got a lot more game from that stunt than ever before. Apparently, some girls were really into us kissing."
"I don't blame them. I got hot all over the face just hearing about it. Watching it must have been quite something," Tonks blushed. "So, he's bi..."
"I don't know, love. He swears he's only 'gay' for me..." Remus laughed and winced. It still hurt sometimes.
"Mhmm..." Tonks lifted a sarcastic brow. "Did you?"
"What, love?"
"Did you prove to the Common Room that you are very well-endowed?"
"No... I had taken a numbing potion because James warned me, and I had decided what I was going to do since Pads is very predictable. I didn't want even more scrutiny," Remus blushed.
Tonks sat on his lap, "I can't wait until you are officially discharged by my mom. I want to see if you can bite me nicely."
"Me neither," he pulled her in for a sedated slow kiss. "Will you help me pack so I can go spend the full moon in the designated spot?"
"Of course, love."
Voldemort decided to get some payback. He had done extensive research on the Potter kid. It was long overdue. From everything he had heard, Harry Potter was a softie and an okay wizard at best. He was talented, but sloppy, and lazy. If there was one trait the Dark Lord despised was laziness. He didn't get to be the great wizard he was by hanging about and waiting for his magic to get better. He worked hard. He read up to three books in one week when he was trying to master a spell or a potion all the while keeping stellar grades in all his classes.
Had he not been blasted by Potter, he would have reached as many masteries if not more masteries than Dumbledore. The old geezer had a Mastery in Transfiguration, a Mastery in Charms, a Mastery in Defense, and a Mastery in Wizarding Law. Tom despised that the man had lived his dreams. He would have done a Mastery in Potions. He kept Snape near because the man was the only potioneer whose total domain over the craft he could trust. Trust. What an annoying problematic word.
Bellatrix thought he didn't trust her. He did... sort of. But his trust was conditional and circumstantial. In a battle, he could trust Bellatrix with his life, no questions asked. If he had her at his side, he could afford to be less careful because in any extreme scenario, she would protect him, even if it cost her a limb as she had already proven. And yet, somehow, he trusted Severus more. Severus was a good lapdog and a great soldier. He didn't ask questions. He never asked for favors. He was always ready for anything. Voldemort never had to tell Severus off for his incompetence. They kept a civil relationship to the point where he knew other Death Eaters were jealous. Severus was rarely punished by torture. Voldemort knew enough about the horrors of his childhood to know that pain would do nothing to the man.
It had always amazed Voldemort how people were terrified of feeling pain. In his opinion, one was better off seeking pain and facing it head-on. The torture of knowing the pain was coming was always worse than the reality of pain. Then again, he had never applied a cruciatus curse to himself. He had intel from his soldiers that the Weasley family was helping Harry Potter, despite, or perhaps because of their youngest son turning to join the Dark Lord. The twins were helping Potter with their joke item contraptions. That little shop from hell would burn. Voldemort now knew that one of the eldest had helped with logistics to get many Hogwarts students down. Then, they would go to the Weasley home. But first, finances... He wanted Arthur Weasley sacked, immediately.
"Rosier!"
"Yes, my Lord?" the man approached looking down.
Voldemort sneered, "Get me Weasley."
"My Lord?" Rosier blinked in confusion.
"Ronald Weasley, bring him here immediately."
Rosier knew better than to ask any follow-up questions. "Yes, sir. Right away."
"Wait. Bring Severus too. I don't care what he is doing, bring him straight away."
"Yes, my Lord."
Susan was chopping some fruit in the kitchen for everyone's morning snack. She and Lavander decided to help the elves when they weren't training. Susan was worried. Her aunt was furious at her for putting herself in harm's way. When she heard that Sirius Black was with them, first, Amelia was completely incredulous and terrified that an impersonator had somehow made them believe he was Sirius Black. Amelia had mourned the love of her life. She had pushed for years to reopen the investigation of his supposed murder of Peter Pettigrew, but the powers that be never heard her as an Auror, and when she became Head of the DMLE, she realized how little power the office held in front of the whole Ministry, the Wizengamot, and seasoned corrupt politicians who knew all the puppet masters.
Susan handed the large bowl of watermelon cubes to Lavender who smiled with her mouth, but her eyes remained dark. She had been crying again. Lavender had placed bowls to arrange the fruit, yogurt, and granola. At least, now that they were healed, they could do things to keep themselves busy and not think so much. They were alive. That alone should have been enough to be over the moon. They were on a stunning island, in a safe location, they had delicious food, an on-call Healer, and under the protection of Harry and Hermione who were, apparently, on their way to becoming the world's most powerful sorcerers. The least they could do was contribute as much as they could.
Since Mr. Gregorovitch got to the island, both he and Mr. Ollivander had been locked up working on the staffs that they needed. They had attempted modified wands to no avail. Now they were carving different kinds of wood. Professor McGonagall, Professor Lupin, Lord Black, Lord and Lady Chang, and Longwei were all working with Harry and Hermione to train them in various things.
Harry used the back of his hand to wipe the sweat off his forehead. Longwei wanted them dead and the fact that he was failing made him very upset ergo they were assigned even more reps. Since his light show with Hermione, both he and she were like hyperactive racing horses. They could go for hours as they trained and as they studied. They had now several adults willing and able to help train them around the clock, and their cores seemed to be working overtime healing their muscles as the fibers snapped and healed. Harry could scarcely believe his new and improved physique. Even his eyes were working better. He had gained several inches in height. His shoulders broadened. His hair grew longer and less messy. His whole body which had always been thin but athletic had filled up more than ever before.
Harry and Hermione were being plummeted by all the adults. Adjusting to their supercharged cores was proving complicated. Hermione stopped her round of burpees to take a few deep breaths. She was wearing altered clothes. Maki had insisted on mending her clothes to fit her new body as a thank you for healing her. Hermione had also grown taller and stronger. Her waist was more defined as were her ab muscles. Her hips had widened. Her legs and arms were more muscular. This made her already agile body even more capable of putting up with the grueling routines that Longwei piled upon them. With their new skills came new benefits and problems. They were more in synch than ever. Her hair which had previously reached the top of her bra band now reached her waist. It was significantly more defined and less frizzy.
Every dueling practice they had done proved that no one could attack Harry or Hermione without the other sensing it and blocking the attack. They were much more concerned with keeping each other safe than keeping themselves safe. If they were anyone else, this would probably be a disaster, but with their heightened abilities, they could take anything anyone threw at them.
They had already burnt through 10 pairs of wands both from the ones Lady Chang brought and from the basic testing ones that Ollivander and Gregorovitch had quickly put together with the latest shipment. The wands kept splitting and burning to a crisp. Harry had at some point started to cast without picking up another wand. Hermione dedicated then to defending herself while she marveled at the pure magic coming out of his hands and fingers. Later that day he had taken a couple of hours to try and walk her through the process, or lack thereof in her opinion, that he employed to focus his magic like that. She hadn't been able to accomplish that yet. His link to his magic was more emotional than logical. Hermione was frustrated and that didn't help the handling of her magic. Since they kissed, they had barely been able to spend a few minutes alone. She felt her very magic needing her to touch him to hold him, but things were not in their favor so far.
Harry could feel Hermione's frustration, but he didn't know the reason why she was so irritated. Was he a horrible boyfriend? It was very likely. Fortunately, after these days, they were very much in control of their thoughts and whether they shared them. Harry was very glad for this. Even before their magically enhanced physical changes, he had trouble not acting on his need to hold Hermione. Now that he knew how kissing her tasted and felt like, he was having a lot of difficulties keeping himself from doing exactly what he wanted. He sighed as she started to cool down. When she stretched upwards, her t-shirt rode up exposing her toned midsection. Harry had a sudden urge to lick the drops of sweat slowly rolling down the vertical line in the middle of her abdomen. He had to shake his head.
"Are you okay?" Hermione turned toward him.
"Yes, I just need to shower," Harry replied with a blush.
"Session dismissed, lovebirds. You did a very good job today. Go wash off, you stink," Longwei picked up the exercise mats and started to do cleaning spells.
Hermione looked at Harry intensely as he stretched. She waited while staring at him.
Come with me, Hermione said in his mind.
Goosebumps exploded down his body at her demanding tone. Yes, ma'am.
Hermione pulled Harry to her bedroom. Alarm bells rang inside Harry's head. This was dangerous territory. He took a deep breath.
"We need to talk, love," Hermione sat Harry down on a chair.
"I'm sorry, Mione," Harry said in a panic.
"What? What do you mean you are sorry? About what?" Hermione blinked.
"I've been feeling your frustration heighten. I figured I did something wrong, and you were mad at me," Harry said sheepishly.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "While my feelings have everything to do with you, they are not caused by you."
"I don't understand..."
"I am frustrated that we haven't even had 15 minutes to ourselves," Hermione caressed his cheek and he leaned into her touch, closing his eyes. He sighed.
"So, your frustration is-?"
Caused by a lack of you, Hermione replied in his mind.
Harry bit his lip. As much as he wanted to kiss her senseless, he felt gross. I want to kiss you, but I stink right now. I can shower in five minutes and then we can-.
We, she corrected.
Huh? He blinked, trying not to be distracted by Hermione's hands kneading his shoulders.
We can shower in five minutes... or maybe longer, Hermione replied with a smirk.
Hermione, I don't think that's a good idea. Just watching you exercise is testing my self-control, Harry sighed.
Hermione smiled, If I wanted you to control yourself, I wouldn't have proposed that. I am not saying we go all the way.
Harry lifted a brow, Then?
I just want to snog the living daylights out of you. If we do it in the shower, we save time, Hermione pulled him in for a light kiss. How about if we put on swimwear?
Swimwear? Harry asked.
Hermione chuckled, Yes. That way we will not be naked.
Harry chuckled back, I guess that could work.
Go get your trunks. I will make sure the water is perfect, Hermione giggled as Harry dashed faster than ever before. This will be torture for both of us, she thought to herself, but we need this time. It's like my very magic is upset that we haven't been alone together.
Harry ripped off his clothes and put on his swimming trunks. He came back to find Hermione filling the tub.
Mione, this will not take five minutes.
I know, she smiled. Quick shower, then soak. We deserve it.
How could he say no when she pouted? He couldn't. "Dobby."
"Yes, Master?"
"Please make sure no one disturbs us for an hour unless it's an emergency," Harry said.
Dobby nodded, "You need to strengthen your bond. Otherwise, you will get sick."
"What?" Hermione asked with a frown.
"Humans haven't seen this in centuries, but elves have. Your bond is the bond of Hecate. If you do not respect the bond's needs, it can weaken and die."
"What are the bond's needs?"
Dobby blushed. "Physical closeness"
"Meaning touch?"
"No, Mistress. Meaning becoming one within the bounds of the bond."
Harry blinked. "The bounds of the bond?"
"Yes, Master Harry, sir. The bounds were the wall of light that could not be broken until you decided to lower it."
"You mean it wasn't the wards?"
Dobby chuckled, "Mistress, no wards, no matter how strong can contain a bond of Hecate."
"Are there any books on this?"
"Maybe, but they are probably rare. You should talk to queen Anord, though. She and her mate, the late king Etruko, shared a bond of Hecate."
"I didn't know she was a widow."
"She is. Did you see her crown and her necklace?"
The teens nodded.
"Those are not rubies. They are hollow crystals filled with blood... with Etruko's blood. Otherwise, the queen would have already perished," Dobby smiled. "The same goes for her armor. You will notice if you ever see it in battle. It has bones."
Harry and Hermione shared a long-concerned look. That was savage and strangely endearing. We have to write to her. Harry nodded.
"Dobby, can you please go to the Library and find me any books on Hecate or bonds in general?" Hermione asked.
"Dobby is preparing potions with the new shipment," the elf looked to be in pain for having to say that.
"Please ask Luna and Neville to do that for us, when they have a chance," Harry smiled. It had taken a while for Dobby to admit he was busy and delegate. "Thank you for telling us you are busy."
Dobby vanished.
"Come, let's rinse off all of this sweat," Hermione took off the robe that she was wearing, and Harry gasped.
Swimwear was not a good idea, Harry thought to himself. Hermione was wearing a swimsuit that was technically a bit modest. It was an athletic swimsuit. It was all black. It didn't show a lot of cleavage. But Hermione had legs for miles and her enhanced curves looked entirely too tempting. You look like a goddess.
You look amazing too, Hermione stepped into the shower and sighed as warm water started to hit her body from different directions at just the right pressure.
Harry bit his lip to keep from making a sound. Wet swimsuits are not discrete.
"Can you help me with my hair, love?"
He nodded. With your hair, with your body, with our future children.
Hermione turned to him with a loving look, I'd really like that.
Harry blushed, I thought that out loud, didn't I?
She nodded and handed him the shampoo. Then, she stepped away from the center so he could get washed off while he applied her shampoo. Fuck. This smell. Harry had to make an effort not to wrap his arms around her and pull her body toward him. Is it weird that I want to lick the bottle and taste it? Probably.
Once each had helped the other with their hair and to wash the sweat off their bodies, they moved to the steaming jacuzzi tub. Harry helped her in and sat so she could seat against him. Hermione felt all the frustration wash off as she rested her head back against Harry's chest with her eyes closed. He sighed and wrapped his arms around her waist, burying his face in her long hair and closing his eyes to savor all the sensations that just this closeness made him feel.
"This is it. This is what I needed," Hermione sighed. Her magic began to reach toward Harry and so did his to hers.
"Look, the runes... They are back," Harry smiled as he saw the golden and iridescent shapes.
"Can you summon me some writing material?"
Harry closed his eyes, stretched his hand in the direction of her bedroom, and a notepad and pen came floating toward them. Harry reached out to grab a towel and offered it to Hermione who dried her hands and forearms, as well as Harry's knee that was out of the water so she could take hold of the materials. She used his knee as support and began writing down the runes she knew and drawing the ones she didn't to the best of her ability. Harry just stared at her as she worked with a smile on his face. He felt finally at peace.
All these days, he had forced himself to keep working, but he was needing this too. Badly. Ever since their bond happened, it was as if his very soul needed Hermione next to him. These days of hard work were necessary, but they were gnawing on his nerves. He would stay awake tossing and turning wishing to hold Hermione against him, to smell her hair, to feel her warm, silky skin. He would never presume to go into her room, but he had gone up to her door and listened just to make sure she was okay. Had he known that she was tossing and turning under her covers too, he would have come in.
"Love?" Hermione was looking at him with a slight frown.
"Hmm?"
"About what Dobby said... How have you been sleeping these days?" she asked
"Horribly," Harry sighed. "You?"
"Same," Hermione admitted.
I think it's the bond, love, Harry sighed. Maybe we are supposed to be in close proximity to feed Hecate or whatever Dobby said.
Hermione chuckled. She turned around and kissed Harry deeply, making him forget his whole train of thought.
Let's try tonight and see what happens, Hermione smiled.
Fine, but we need to tell someone. I don't need The Talk 2.0, Harry grimaced.
Do you think someone needs to watch us? Hermione frowned.
Mione, I don't really fancy the thought of someone watching us in bed, Harry blushed as he realized how it sounded.
Good to know voyeurism is out of the question, Hermione chuckled at his embarrassment. I meant to take notes of anything else that happens.
Maybe one of the girls will be willing to do so, Harry shrugged.
Alright. Come, love. We have to join everyone for lunch. Our guests will be arriving soon, Hermione got up and turned to pull him out of the now almost room temperature water. Harry summoned a large towel and wrapped it around Hermione.
"I'll go change and then I'll wait for you by the door," Harry kissed Hermione's forehead.
"Thank you, love."
Dudley had been making the most of his promotion. He was cleaning, cooking, picking up coconuts, fishing, whatever needed to be done with a smile on his face. He didn't even complain about all the extra leg workouts that Longwei insisted on assigning to him. He was starting to enjoy the pain, somehow. Most students had already been patched up and sent to their parents. The ones who remained were committed to the cause and as soon as they started feeling better, they had spoken to Longwei about joining the work that he was doing with everyone else.
They wanted to fight. Anthony, Neville, Luna, the Patil twins, and Angelina were all staying. Everyone else was sent home via elf popping or goblin side apparition. Colin had left to mourn with his family. Today, everyone was expecting several important arrivals: Amelia Bones, Lady Augusta Longbottom, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Lord and Lady Patil, and Lord Chang's allies from the East. Cho was currently helping Neville and Luna look for the information Harry and Hermione had requested. Colin who was still desolate was in the infirmary. He needed to be alone to mourn. The little information that was available on bonds was either poetic or too broad and generic. The information on Hecate was a bit better. However, they hadn't found one mention of Hecate bonds specifically.
The Patil twins were working on the chicken they had left to marinade the night before. Out of all the dishes they thought of making, butter chicken seemed to be the safest bet for something everyone would like. Their naan was on the gridle. Dudley had proven quite useful around the kitchen. He insisted he couldn't fry an egg to save his life, but he was good at following instructions. They had him chopping, measuring ingredients, doing the dishes, and putting them away. He was also tasting the recipe and telling them if he thought anything was amiss. and with his help, lunch would be ready soon. While they made their food, Kreacher was putting the final touches on the other meal option, a fish ceviche that Sirius had asked for.
Kreacher was not happy with having to go find a recipe from a neighboring island, but Sirius was now so kind to him that the elf loathed to deny him anything, so he had gone to the island and watched a man preparing ceviche while he remained invisible in a corner. Kreacher was quite impressed by this invention. Fish cooked with lemon juice? Muggles had the most interesting ideas. He had morphed into his human disguise to buy some and taste it. Dobby didn't eat meat, and neither did Kreacher, but Kreacher had decided to try seafood. It was quite good. This ceviche was amazing! Kreacher went to the supermarket to purchase all he needed in large quantities and went back home.
"Morning ladies, guys," Harry walked into the kitchen, holding Hermione's hand. "I don't know what you are making but it smells amazing."
"Is it buttered chicken?" Hermione asked with her mouth-watering.
"Morning, Harry, Hermione," Parvati smiled. "Yes. We hope you will like it."
Padma blushed when she looked at Harry, he was just pulling his t-shirt down and his new body was a sight to behold. "How was your training?"
"Grueling, but we survived against Longwei's best efforts. What about all of you?"
"We survived too, but everything hurts. You would think we did something terrible to him in a past life or something," Neville groaned as he stretched.
Chyou stood up from Anthony's lap, "Here is a summary of what we have found so far about bonds and Hecate," she handed a few pages to Hermione who took them with a grateful smile.
"Thank you! You have helped us a lot," Hermione began reading right away.
"Luna, how are the elves coming along?" Harry asked, sitting down.
"Much better, since Narcissa and Lucius are still married, she was able to unbind them from their service. Harry, they will need to be bound to someone else or their magic will weaken," Luna frowned.
"Yes, I know. We are hoping to resolve that issue too with our meeting."
"Lord Potter?" a delicate hand landed on his shoulder, and he turned.
"Lady Chang," he smiled. The woman had grown on him. She was mean but fair. Her knowledge in warfare had proven invaluable.
"Our friends are in the spot in San Juan," Lady Chang smiled back.
Harry nodded, "Right on time," he said looking at the clock. "Dobby, Maki, please go bring our guests."
"Yes, Master," Both elves vanished on the spot.
General Xu shook off the sand from his clothes and hair. Their landing had been rougher than he was anticipating. He pulled up his wife and helped to dust off her clothes. They were both used to gentler portkeys. Their soldiers would join them as soon as the terms were agreed upon. Next to them, Madam Bones stood with a face that would scare off seasoned fighters. She looked ready to kill. The Xu family shared a look. They liked her already.
Lord and Lady Patil appeared above them, landing on a magic carpet that cushioned their fall and turned into stairs to help them descend without dirtying their clothes. Augusta Longbottom landed with a huff and perfect grace. For her age, that was quite a feat. The General side-eyed her, he liked her exceedingly. Mr. Brown fell face first on the sand and had a coughing fit as a result. It was almost over when his wife landed on him pushing his face back down into the warm sand.
Dobby and Mika appeared, "Identity oaths, please."
Each person did the oath, and they were taken to the island in pairs. As Harry and Hermione had instructed, newcomers should never be left alone while they were brough to the island. They were always in fear of attacks. General Xu and his wife offered to be last. They could hold their own if shit hit the fan. Mika left with Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom who looked like they would burst at the seams if they were made to wait longer.
Sirius was panicking. Susan had told him her aunt was coming to the island. He hadn't seen Amelia since his arrest all those years ago. She had been the only woman he had ever wanted to marry. He had heard about all her attempts to get him a trial. She had sent him letters, but the Aurors that visited the island had never allowed him to read them. On the contrary, they delighted in shredding or burning the unopened letters in front of him. He wasn't allowed to write to her either.
Seeing Susan had shocked Sirius. He had met her as a baby in the last war. His shock wasn't just that she had grown up a lot. She looked like Amelia in her school years. She even styled her hair the exact same way. He was sure Amelia hated his guts. Not only had she probably lost the down payment on the house they were going to purchase together when he was apprehended, but also, he was sure that she hated that he never wrote her back. If there was something Amelia despised was a lack of communication. She loathed not knowing what was going on, especially when it affected her work or her personally.
He wasn't going to be in the living room to greet her. His very legs were shaking at the thought.
"Sirius?" Remus peeked into his room. Sirius was sitting on the floor on the balcony. His long hair waved with the ocean breeze.
"Yes?" Sirius' voice sounded pitiful.
"I am leaving for the full moon. I know she's coming later..." Remus said as he approached his friend.
"Moony," Sirius looked up. "She will hate me." His head hung low after he said that.
"She won't," Remus knelt next to Sirius and tilted his face up. "And even if she does, we will be there for you..."
Sirius lifted a brow.
"Well, I won't be there there. Not physically. But you know you have my heart," Remus winked.
"If you don't stop flirting with me, I will kiss you," Sirius narrowed his eyes.
"Oh no! Whatever should I do? Such a horrible threat!" Remus chuckled.
"If you weren't married, I-"
"Would love me more, I know," Remus laughed. He kissed Sirius' forehead.
Sirius sighed with a smile.
Remus frowned, "I am sorry I can't be here for you, though..."
"That's okay. If Amelia doesn't forgive me, I will always have you, lover boy," Sirius laughed.
"That you will. Just remember that I am still married," Remus smiled.
"You had to kill my fantasy! No matter, I will be your dirty mistress, then!" Sirius chuckled and then got serious. "Remy... Thank you."
"Whatever for?"
"For caring," Sirius smiled.
"Of course. You know I love you, right?"
"Shhh! Your wife will hear you... I love you too, Remy," Sirius pulled the man into a hug. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?"
"No, Pads. I would feel much better knowing that you are here with our pup and all the kids."
"Okay, but you wound my inner dog," Sirius sighed
"I'll make it up to you," Remus smiled.
"Promises, promises," Sirius winked.
"Padfoot... Please take care of Tonks."
"You know that you don't need to tell me that. She's my cousin and the mother of my future niece or nephew."
"I know. Thank you," Remus smiled.
"Stay safe, Remy," Sirius smiled as Moony left the room.
Everyone, except for Sirius and those at the infirmary (both human and elven) were in the living room waiting for their guests. Mika took them to the house, right at the front door, and announced them.
"Madam Bones of the DMLE and Lady Dowager Longbottom of The Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom," the elf said with a vow and left.
A redheaded blur dashed past Harry before he could greet them and jumped into her aunt's waiting arms. Amelia felt her rage tone down a bit at having tangible proof that her niece was alive and well. Augusta Longbottom was just like Neville had described her. No wonder the teen was terrified of her. The vulture on her hat looked like it was staring at everyone in disapproval. Neville didn't run to her. She didn't walk to him.
"Auntie! I am perfectly alright. They have kept me safe, see?" Susan stepped back so her aunt could look at her. She even twirled.
Amelia gave her a look that Susan knew well. This is not time for jokes. Susan sobered up and standing next to her aunt she began the introductions.
"Lord Potter, the head of the DMLE, and my Auntie Amelia Bones," Susan motioned for Harry to approach.
"We've met," her aunt replied, not taking her eyes off her niece.
"No, you haven't. At least not this version, Madam Bones," Harry took a step forward and the woman had to do a double-take. This was not the scrawny teen she remembered. This was a man... a man that looked very much like his father, but fitter.
"Did you take an aging potion, Lord Potter?" Amelia asked.
"No, Madam. I well... It's a long story," Harry replied. At her raised angry brow, he maneuvered. "One that I am more than willing to tell you once we have updated you."
Neville was shuffling next to Hermione. His gran looked incensed.
"Neville," she nodded.
"Grandmother."
Still, neither made a move to approach the other. Hermione looked at her friend and then at his grandma in confusion. If it was her, she would have run to her parents, and they would have run to her. What is wrong with this woman? Hermione thought. No idea, Harry replied.
"You have a lot of explaining to do," Augusta peered at him over the rim of her glasses.
"Yes, I know. I don't expect you to approve of what I do or agree with me, but I am trying to make my parents proud," Neville's deep frown was very telling. He was usually a very calm guy. Luna took hold of his hand and forcefully pulled him toward Augusta with a fake smile on her face. Her eyes were angry for her boyfriend.
"Come, Neville. I am sure neither of you wants the other to think you didn't miss each other. Right, Lady Longbottom?" Luna stared down at Augusta. Something told Hermione that Luna had inside knowledge that everyone else did not. Without waiting for an invitation, Luna pulled Augusta in for a tight hug.
"My name is Luna Lovegood. I am Neville's girlfriend."
Augusta had stayed stiff as a board, not returning the hug. "Girlfriend?" the woman looked at Neville as if trying to determine his sanity.
"Come, Nevy. Give your grandma a hug," Luna pushed him toward the old lady.
Augusta narrowed her eyes at Neville in clear warning not to hug her. She raised her hand and he bowed over it, kissing it. "Scion," she nodded.
"Lady Longbottom," he nodded back.
Harry frowned at the scene. What the hell kind of Mommy Dearest bullshit is this?
"Lord Potter," Augusta turned toward him.
Harry felt the sudden need to hide behind Hermione. "Lady Longbottom," he nodded, staying as solemn as he could.
"You honor your family with everything you are doing," Augusta nodded back. "I would like for you to set some time aside to meet with me while I am here so I can pay you back for the trouble," she motioned at Neville with her head.
Neville had to place his hand over Luna's mouth to keep her quiet.
Harry blinked, not knowing what to say.
Hermione stepped forward and held onto Harry's arm. The nerve of this woman!
"Lady Longbottom," she smiled her most charming smile. "I don't know if you remember me."
"I do. Even if I didn't, you are a cover girl," Augusta raised her brow.
Harry tensed at this.
"Yes. Quite an unfortunate photograph choice to say I am dangerous."
"Mhmm," Augusta looked at her up and down. "You look different. Better."
Hermione squeezed Harry's hand. She could tell he was about to tell Augusta where she should shove her opinions. Don't.
"Neville has been no trouble at all. We are grateful to him for all his help and support," Hermione said this with a firm but gentle tone.
Harry thought, What are you doing, Mione?
You will see.
"Well, that would be a first," the woman said, rolling her eyes.
"Actually no. We have lost count as to how many times Neville has done things for us. Neville is an invaluable asset to our endeavor, and he was a key element to the rescue mission we did that managed to save dozens of students," Hermione pressed. She would not allow the bitter woman to hurt Neville's pride.
Neville looked about ready to pass out next to Luna. No one had ever spoken to his grandmother like this.
Hermione took a slow deep breath, "It is clear to me that he takes after his father, Frank."
"Excuse me?! What do you know of my son?!" Augusta looked ready to attack Hermione.
"What I have read and what Neville has told me. Your grandson stayed last during the evacuation at Hogwarts, without a care for his own safety to make sure younger and less powerful witches and wizards could leave."
Neville blushed. Luna squeezed his hand.
"Like his mother, Alice, he has a talent for nurturing young students. If it hadn't been for all the defense training he did with them, there would have been a lot more casualties," Hermione carried on.
"Absolutely, the work he did with the P.A. is remarkable," Longwei added.
"So, it was you!" Lady Chang turned to Neville and gave him a tight hug. The way the old lady was treating him irked Daiyu. "You taught my daughter several protective spells and wards!"
"Yes, Lady Chang."
She kissed both of his cheeks, "You saved her life!"
"He did," Chyou replied. She didn't like the way Neville's grandma was trying to embarrass him.
"As he very well should. That is the mark of a Longbottom, anything else would be beneath us," Augusta said with a nod at the teen girl.
Harry and Hermione were shocked. Before any conversation resumed, Dobby arrived with the twins' parents. "Lord and Lady Patil," the elf announced.
"Mum! Dad!" the twins ran to her parents almost making them fall.
"My babies! You are safe!"
Lord Patil approached Harry and bowed deeply. "Lord Potter, thank you for saving my girls."
"Don't mention it, Lord Patil. We were happy to help them. They have done a lot for us," Harry shook the man's hand and was immediately engulfed in a bear hug from Lady Patil. "My darling, let go, you are smothering him!"
Harry panicked in his mind. Hermione reassured him, Let her calm herself down holding you. She was too worried until now. Harry calmed down at that.
"He needs to be smothered with love and gratitude!" Lady Patil finally loosened her hold and pulled away. She cradled Harry's face with her hands. "You and your team are the reason my daughters are alive and safe. A mother's gratitude is for life," she kissed his forehead. Harry blushed.
Behind them, Dobby and Maki came back with four people.
"Mr. and Mrs. Brown," Maki said and vanished.
"General Xu and Mrs. Xu," Dobby said and walked away toward the kitchen to help Kreacher serve.
"Lav!"
"Mom!" Lavender ran to her parents and cried in their arms.
"Thank Merlin you are alright!" Mr. Brown squeezed his daughter. Relief filled his heart. With the amount of Hogwarts' students who died.
"General!" Lord Chang approached his friend. He shook his hand and kissed the back of Mrs. Xu's hand.
"Chang!" the general smiled. "We need to talk. I have good news."
"Wonderful, my friend! We need more of those. Lord Potter, General Xu and his wife," Lord Chang smiled.
Harry stepped toward them. "General Xu, Mrs. Xu, thank you for coming. This is Hermione Granger our resident general," the corners of his lips went up at Hermione's shocked expression.
"Ah! Just the one I wanted to meet," General Xu smiled.
"It's a pleasure, General," Hermione nodded and shook hands with him and his wife.
"Lunch is ready and served in the back terrace, Master Harry," Dobby bowed.
"Join us, please," Harry motioned for everyone to follow Dobby.
"Is that my daughters' butter chicken I smell?" Lord Patil said rubbing his belly in circular motions.
Their lunch went on without a hitch. The food was delicious, and the conversation was kept polite in pairs or families, for the most part. Hermione was growing more and more concerned. Neville was merely pushing food around on his plate. His grandmother was watching him like a hawk.
"Lady Longbottom," Hermione smiled at her through her desire to scream.
"Yes, Miss Granger?" Augusta looked down at her from over the rim of her glasses.
"Are you enjoying your meal?"
"It is perfectly adequate, a bit too foreign..."
On the other side of the table, Lord and Lady Patil shared a look and a frown.
"I understand. Ceviche is quite exotic for England, isn't it?" Hermione asked, giving the woman a meaningful look.
Before Augusta said anything, Neville interrupted. "Yes, quite. Hermione, Harry, may I talk to you in private?"
They nodded. Augusta stood up to follow them.
"I think your grandson said in private, madam," Harry said with a neutral tone. "You are more than welcome to enjoy dessert and some coffee, or alternatively some scotch or a cocktail if you are so inclined."
"Well, I never-"
"Lady Longbottom, I have always wanted to know the history of Neville's family," Luna smiled sweetly. "Can you please enlighten me?"
The Lady looked at the girl suspiciously but sat back down.
Sirius, who had eaten in his room, approached the table. It was time to face the music.
"Madam Bones, may I speak with you in private?"
"Yes, of course," the director stood up. "Wait for me, Susan. No alcohol for you."
"Yes, auntie."
Sirius walked toward the beach and the woman followed him in silence, her wand trained on his back the whole time.
"Is that really necessary?" he asked without turning to face her.
"Obviously."
"I am unarmed."
"I don't trust you."
Back in England, a horde of Death Eaters flew over Ottery St Catchpole. Their Lord had reduced the Weasley twins' store to ashes. Unfortunately, the twins weren't there. But now, Lord Voldemort managed to tear down the blood wards around The Burrow. Ronald Weasley cut his hand deeply to provide the blood necessary to overcome the wards. Arthur and Bill Weasley stood side by side, ready to do all they could to slow down Voldemort and his forces. Behind them, Mrs. Weasley stood with disbelief all over her features. They thought casting Ronald out was enough.
"Thank you, Ronald," Voldemort sneered. "You have fulfilled your purpose."
"Traitor! How could you help him get in here?!" Ginny yelled at her brother from a window upstairs.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
A/N: Thank you for reading! What a mean old lady, huh? Don't hate me. I will do my best to update soon. I want to thank all of you who have written me messages of encouragement. People like you make the world a better place. -Lux-