Shield

by FeeBe

Percival Graves has been sent by Magic and Death into an uncertain future to help Harry. Their attempt to permanently rid the world of the Tom Riddle was thwarted by Hermione, who took credit for killing the Dark Lord allowing his wraith to return to his followers. Read Sword and Shield first. Slash. Hermione and Dumbledore bashing. Not God mode Harry.

17. Chapter 17

A/N: To the reviewer who keeps saying how Harry should be this and shouldn't be that etc. Kindly go find another fic to read, as 1) You clearly have no idea about the concept of Mental Health- either illness or wellness or the journey people take moving from one to the other, 2) This is my story and the way I see Harry developing see-point 1). If you do not like it go and write your own, this is clearly not the story for you.

: I own neither Harry Potter, nor Discworld (for those who get my nod)

-o0o-

Albus looked down at the Grimoire, his visage displaying his smug satisfaction. To the scratchy rustling of quill on parchment, a swirled silver script began to appear on the open page. He did not have to read beyond the first word before his thoughts of success were dispelled.

Thief,

You stole our blood! You tried to take our Magic! You sought to misappropriate our might! You disguised yourself thinking that you would fool us into letting you abscond with our spells, our history, our souls. Do you think we cannot see magic?

We see you, Albus Dumbledore. We know your magic. There is a price to pay for theft. You will burn with your sins, until penance is paid. You have been marked a traitor to magic.

The Peverell.

In a fit of rage Albus Dumbledore raised his wand, "Fiendfyre!" The spell burst from the tip of his wand, flashing towards the book that sat benignly on his desk. The desk went up in flames and the book continued to sit unsupported in the air. He flicked his wand again and after a brief struggle extinguished the fire.

"Bombarda Maxima! Reducto! Sectumsempra!"

Albus cast a dozen more spells at furious speed. Each spell ricocheted off the book, biting deeply into the stone walls of the castle.

"Argh!" Albus screamed in frustration, then stood panting, glaring angrily at the book.

Once he had quieted, he felt it. The sting. A small burning in his hand, as if he had been bitten by a spider. Lifting his hand he inspected it, noting the pain came from the place the book had sampled him, the two marks now angrily red and … were they bigger than they were before?

He frowned, no, he must be imagining things. As if a book could have bitten or cursed him. Ha! He would have to study it, the spells that were used to protect it must have been lost in time. With no-one else knowing them it would give him an advantage. It would also make an interesting study; he was confident that he could crack it eventually. In the meantime, there was still the Potters. He bent and retrieved the Potter Grimoire from the floor. They were peasants really, never having achieved the high standing of the Peverells, despite having married into the family. Though it was interesting that the two books had been attached when he had first collected them. Maybe it had been the humidity.

Perhaps he had been too rough? Jabbing at the book with his wand, might have triggered the defences, some old families insisted that the heir achieved a certain maturity and calmness before they could open the family Grimoire. Thinking about how rambunctious James Potter had been and even Fleamont in his youth, he wondered if that might have been the reason they both grew up so suddenly just prior to their seventh year. He laid his hand across the cover, willing it to open. It did so.

Words appeared, on the inside cover. His heart skipped a beat as he realised they were in the same swirled writing as the Peverell Grimoire

You Were Warned!

Pause.

Seconds later Albus released the breath he had been holding.

That was all there was. With a huff, Albus lifted the book, and flipped through the blank pages. Whatever they had done had removed everything from the inside. He momentarily pondered the words, before deducing that it was in relation to the last time he had tried to open the book. It had thrown him across the room after all. Yes, that was it. Useless thing. The Potters must have taken part of the spell work from the Peverells, at least knowing that there were similar enchantments on both would help when he was studying them.

The journal slipped through slack fingers as his grip lost strength momentarily. He left it where it fell. Annoyingly his hand still hurt, the burning sensation was not going away, causing the temporary weakness. He tried casting a cooling charm over it, though it did not seem to do much. In the end he resolved to make a quick trip to the infirmary to see Madame Pomfrey, he was sure she would have a poultice that would work. He could always return to examining the Grimoires later.

As the door closed behind the headmaster, a house elf, faded into existence. He was just collecting the second Grimoire from the floor when with a pop another elf appeared.

"What is you doing with Master Harry's special books?" Dobby asked suspiciously.

Reeb looked around nervously and bent into whisper, "Reeb be wanting to take to Harry Potter. Harry Potter helps Dobby find family, helps Winky. Maybe if Reeb be returning Harry Potter's books, he be helping Reeb find a family too."

"Reeb be a … free elf?" Dobby looked shocked.

"Yes, headmaster gives Reeb clothes, he bes a bad master. He thinks he killed Reeb."

"What about Reeb's Bobbin?"

"Bobbin still Hoggywarty elf, looking after the childrens."

"Does Bobbin wants to be a family elf too?"

Reeb looked sad and shrugged, "Reeb be a dead elf if he not be being freed. Bobbin knows, Bobbin understands."

"Reeb, better come with Dobby," Dobby said making up his mind. "Dobby does not know if Harry Potter can finds Reeb a family and maybe free Bobbin, but perhaps Master Potions Master Snapey knows."

Dobby grabbed the other elf by the arm, and they disappeared from the headmaster's office.

-o0o-

They had started with baking gingerbread, progressed through cutting out paper snowflakes, created the little magic lights, and ice crystals and hung them on the tree, strung the mistletoe from the ceiling and now sat cuddled up on the couch in the snug, with cups of hot chocolate, overflowing with marshmallows.

"Sorry. It's a bit quieter than last year," Sirius said, from his plush armchair.

Harry shrugged, "That's okay, I'd rather not see Mr Weasley bitten by a snake again. Hey Sirius, I need to get a book to turn into a …"

"Seraphina has made it to the Amazon. Apparently she has a lead from a Sharman she met, but she's hoping to be back here around February," Percival inadvertently interrupted looking up from his latest letter. "Sorry, what were you saying."

Leaning over to bump their shoulders Harry said with a grin, "Sirius thought it's a bit quiet this year, I reckon he's just missing Sev. What do you think?"

"I think you are missing Professor Snape nearly as much as he is," Percival teased.

"Traitor," Harry punched Percival's arm.

"Hopefully he will be here tomorrow," Sirius said quietly. "It depends on what Dumbledore is doing."

"I don't like that he is there alone," Harry admitted.

"Neither do I," Sirius agreed. "What is perhaps worse is that you feel it's your responsibility to look after him. He is a grown wizard and quite capable of looking after himself. Besides Poppy, Minerva and Flitwick are all there as well."

"For what use that will be. They never helped much in the past," Harry scoffed.

"Because Albus kept Obliviating them."

"I suppose," Harry agreed, before changing topic. "When are we moving mum and dad?"

"I thought if he was free Sev and I would go and get them tomorrow night. You'll need to find the Potter funeral rites before he arrives. He can cast the cataloguing spell after the rest is done."

"I might need it first. Have you seen the library? It's huge. I'm sure there are more levels to it then there is in the house. Remus disappeared in there when he arrived, and I haven't seen him since! What if I can't find it?"

"Then you will simply ask magic to help. Either the books will turn up or not. You could try asking the House Elves for help or you could use the same rite that was used for Regulus."

"Will that work?"

Percival draped his arm over Harry's shoulders, "I can't see why not, you are Sirius' heir. The Black's magic should work for you. You know," he added thoughtfully, "I might possibly be allowed to go with you."

With a frown Sirius began to protest.

"Remember this," Percival raised his hand and removed the spell he had taken to using to hide the tattoo on his neck, when constantly wearing a scarf had proved too annoying. "Do you remember what I said when the headmaster first saw it?"

"There was something about Grindelwald," Sirius said looking slightly constipated as he tried to remember the first time, he had seen that mark, "Oh right you said that it was someone else's mark first. That it was older."

"Yes, the Peverells used it first. Over the years it became the sign of the Deathly Hallows."

"From the story of the three brothers?"

"Yes. Those that study such things think Antioch, Cadmus and Ignotus Peverell were the three brothers in the story, and that they possibly made the Hallows rather than being given them by Death."

"So you are telling me that the Elder wand, the Resurrection stone and the Death's own cloak are real?" Percival nodded. "And that the Peverells, like the ones actually buried in the graveyard at Godrics Hollow, made them."

"Possibly."

"Maybe we should wander round and find Ignotus' portrait so we can ask."

"Was the spell to wake up portraits around back then?"

Sirius shrugged, "No idea, I must confess that I didn't pay that much attention during history."

Harry who had been watching them silently spoke before they could get any further off track, "What would happen if Percival tried to come with me and he wasn't allowed?"

"Nothing," Sirius said. "He simply would not be able to cross the threshold of the crypt."

"So you could both try and come with me then? You said that my grandparents treated you like you were their kid, right? What about tomorrow night? Can I come and see Godric's Hollow? I want to see where we lived."

"Not while we are bringing Lily and James home. I don't want you to see that, but I promise I will take you another time. Let's bring them home first."

"Alright."

The rest of the evening passed quietly, the house watching over them.

-o0o-

"Mutt," a deep, strong and familiar voice echoed through the house. "Mutt!"

"Severus? What are you doing here? It's not even … it's only … its bloody early," Sirius finally settled on as he rushed through the house, house coat flapping wildly. "What about Dumbledore?"

"Dumbledore left Hogwarts early this morning."

"He's been away a lot, any idea what he's doing?"

"None, though Poppy said he'd been in to see her late last night."

"I don't suppose she told you what for?"

"Hardly, patient confidentiality and all that."

"So why are you here so early?"

"Dobby came to see me?"

"Dobby!"

"Master Sirius Black calls Dobby?" the House Elf popped into the room.

"Ah, no we were just talking about you actually."

"Dobby, appeared in my quarters last night with another house elf in tow."

"Reeb bes wanting to talk to Master Harry Potter," Dobby said seriously. "But Dobby protects Master Harry Potter, by taking Reeb to Master Snapey first."

"Thank you, Dobby I really appreciate you looking out for him. Why does Reeb want to talk to Harry?"

"Apparently until recently Reeb was the house elf in charge of cleaning the headmaster's office. But he was freed after Dumbledore made him retrieve Regulus's body," Severus answered causing Sirius to hiss. "Knowing that Harry had helped other elves find new families, he wanted to ask for the same assistance, but he felt he needed something to offer in return. Dobby why don't you tell Sirius what you told me?"

"Dobby bes, looking for Potter things, can't find the special book, but Dobby keeps looking. Then I feels it, in headmaster's office, so I pops to look. There be Reeb, Headmaster be out, and two books be there. Reeb asks to come to Harry Potter to find a new family."

"Dobby can we trust him, or is he still loyal to the Headmaster?"

Dobby pulled at his ears, whining as he thought, "Reeb, be being freed, I feel it, tie to Hoggywarts gone. Says he made Headmaster promise in the cave. He must bes fighting bond for long times to be able to makes bargin. But Reeb has mate, who is Hoggywarty elf in kitchen."

"What do you think?" Sirius asked Severus. "Should I introduce him to Harry?"

"You know Harry will just offer to take him on as a Potter house elf don't you."

"Dobby does Reeb still have the Grimoire?"

Dobby shook his head vigorously, and pulled two books from his apron, "Dobby be a good Potter elf." Proudly he passed the books to Sirius who took them with great care and laid them on the mantle.

"It would be useful to have another house Elf to keep an eye on the things at Hogwarts," Sirius mused.

"With Winky being finished here, won't she have time?"

"Yes, but she is going to go through all the Black properties and clean them up for me. Not to mention we will need someone to keep an eye on Grimmauld now that Kreacher is gone. What about you?"

"Me?!" Severus looked shocked, drawing a smile to Sirius' lips.

"Yes, do you require a house elf? You know to keep your dungeon clean?" Sirius laughed. "He sounds rather Slytherin, trying to bribe Harry with the Grimoire."

"It could be useful but … there would be a problem if the Headmaster ever saw him," Severus considered. "Dobby why don't you call your … friend."

Before Dobby could call Reeb appeared, he looked around the room, and appeared disappointed when Harry was not to be seen.

"Harry is busy at the moment. As his guardian, you can ask me anything that you wanted to ask him," Sirius said. "Now we hear that you are looking for a family?"

"Yes, Mr Sirius Black, sir."

"What are your requirements?"

The house-elf's eyes grew large and round, "What is sir be meaning?"

"How much are you wanting to be paid? Do you want days off? What about a uniform?"

Reeb stared. Then swallowed. "Reeb be wanting a family, sir. To look after. Not wanting to be paid." He tipped his head to the side and said as an after-thought, "Uniform mights be nice."

"What about work? What are you good at?"

"Reeb be good at gardening and cleaning and staying out of the ways. Before being in headmaster's office, Reeb be helping Madam Sprout in greenhouses."

"What about potions ingredients?" Severus asked.

"Reeb knows them."

The two men shared a glance, before with a dip of his head, Sirius ceded the conversation to the potion's master.

"Would you be willing to be my house elf?"

"Reeb, bes being freed from castle, cannots work as Hoggywarts elf," Reeb said with some confusion.

"No, I would want you to be my personal house elf," the Potions Master explained. "Some of the teachers have their own house-elves come with them, like Minerva."

"What woulds Reeb be doing?"

"I have a greenhouse at my home in Cokeworth. It is in a state of disrepair, as is the rest of the house. It would need to be fixed, and then I would like to plant some unique plants that may require special care."

"There's one here at the manor that I know Harry will insist you have access to."

"If you have time, you could perhaps attend to the one here, as well, though I would hope it is in better condition."

Sirius held up his hand palm down and rocked it from side to side, in a 'so-so' movement.

"Perhaps you could show the elf that looks after the gardens here how to properly care for the green house. Then I would ask that you keep my quarters at Hogwarts clean, though you would need to make absolutely sure that you were not seen by the headmaster. I would provide you with a uniform, as pillowcases are not suitable to wear around potions or the ingredients used to make them. And from time to time, you might be asked to monitor my experiments and keep an eye on Harry Potter for me. Do these sound like tasks you could manage?"

"Yes, Master Potions Master, sir," Reeb nodded his agreement.

"Master Severus, or Master Snape will do," Severus raised his hand, palm facing forward, and the little elf, placed his hand against it. "Magic if you deem me fit, bind this elf to me."

A wave of magic washed over them, and Reeb appeared younger, stronger and healthier.

"Thanks you Master Severus."

"Good, now your first orders are these; you will not harm yourself in punishment. You will take care of your health, stopping work for food, or rest as required and advising me if you should be short of either. If you become injured or are unwell you will again advise me and rest until you are well again. You may defend yourself as you see fit should anyone try and harm you. You may see your mate at any time as long as it is safe for you both. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Master Severus."

"Good while we are here, you may have a look into the greenhouse and see what potions ingredients are there, speak to Dobby and Winky and see what help might be needed there. When we have time I will take you to my house. I believe Dobby and Winky were responsible for much of the renovations here at the manor and they should be able to advise you on how to best repair and care for the buildings."

Reeb disappeared with a pop. Dobby followed, after nodding to the men.

"Well," Sirius turned his eyes to Severus.

"Well indeed. I never once thought I would ever need a house elf."

"Yes, well don't thank me too soon, the next thing you know he'll be bossing you around, making sure you eat regularly and get to bed at a reasonable hour."

Severus glared at the dark-haired man.

"Right, if that crisis is over," Sirius stood, "I'll go and get dressed, there is no point going back to bed now. Feel free to stay for breakfast, the boy's will be up any second."

"I am surprised we have not been interrupted already."

-o0o-

By the time Sirius had emerged once more, this time wearing dark slacks and a crisp white, button up shirt that had the sleeves rolled up his forearms, Percival and Harry, had dragged Severus into the dining room, and were attacking a hearty breakfast in the vigorous manner reserved for teenage boys.

"Do they ever stop?" Severus asked, gesturing the pair, with his teacup.

"Yes, they only eat like this at breakfast, the rest of the time they are both rather civilised. Much better than I was at that age. Will you be free to help me with Lily and James this evening?"

Severus pulled a face, "Yes I suppose."

"I imagine it will be too late to return to the castle by the time we are done …"

"I will stay overnight, if there is room for me," Severus answered the unasked question.

"Will you be able to stay, until I have completed the ritual tomorrow?" Harry asked.

"I do not know. I have set up an alert on my rooms. The moment someone enters them I will be notified and will return to the castle. There is one seventh year Slytherin who stayed for Yule, so I will need to check in on them at some point, though perhaps I can pop back for the evening meal."

"I was … I was thinking about what you are going to do tonight," Harry said hesitantly, after the breakfast dishes had been cleared away.

"No, you can't come," Sirius said before Harry could say anything further, thinking that the boy was going to ask again. "I won't change my mind, just because Severus is here."

Harry pulled a face, "I hadn't even … well I did think about it, but I couldn't see Severus letting me go either. I was thinking it would be better if you had something to replace them with, wouldn't it? So that if someone came for them, they wouldn't know. Is there any way we could do that?"

Sirius sighed, "I wish that you never had to contemplate such things, but you're right. I can only think of transfiguring something, but that would only last a little while, so it wouldn't do."

"What about applying a runic stasis on whatever it is, after it is transfigured?" Harry suggested.

"Or what about something that would disintegrate, if a ritual was applied? They have been buried a while; it would be plausible. Riddle, and Dumbledore would think that the stasis charm failed," Percival said.

"But then their bodies would have to look …" Severus blanched.

"Not necessarily," Percival said thoughtfully. "Their magic means that bodies would take longer to decompose. Would it be conceivable that they are the same, and just the ritual itself made them, disintegrate?"

"Depends, I cast a preservation charm on them before I left the house, but with the years I spent in Azkaban I don't know, if it will have lasted," Sirius said, quietly.

"It's plausible, you are a strong wizard," Severus said consideringly. "Harry, you go and work on the runes. It would be best if we took the replicas with us. I don't think I will be able to transfigure something there and …" he stalled not wanting to reveal his weakness.

"I … no … I know I won't be able to," Sirius was pale. "Going tonight to do what we must is already …"

"Too much," Severus nodded solemnly in agreement. They watched the two boys leave.

-o0o-

"Dobby!" Harry groaned.

"Yes, Master Harry Potter, sir," Dobby said as he appeared.

"If you aren't doing anything else, could I please have a snack?"

With a click, a plate of sandwiches, another of sliced fruit, two glasses and a jug of cool water appeared.

"Thank you," Harry pushed aside the parchment he had been writing on. "Any ideas Perce? I just can't think of anything," Harry said despondently. "These aren't working." He glared at the offending piece of parchment.

"What is Master Harry Potter sir working on?" Dobby asked curiously.

"You know what happened with Regulus?" Dobby nodded. "Well, we are worried it might happen to my mum and dad. Sirius and Severus are going to retrieve their bodies, so I can bury them properly, but then the graves will be empty. If whoever did that to Regulus, tries to do it to my parents they'll know, and we don't know how they'll respond to that. And I don't know if the family rites will be enough to prevent them being turned into Inferi."

"What does Master Harry Potter sir wish to do?"

"We were trying to transfigure a replacement, that looks like they did, but that would dissolve if someone tried to use them in a ritual."

"This is what Master Harry Potter, wishes?" Dobby asked seriously.

"Yes," Harry said firmly.

"Dobby can do it."

"Really? You would have to go with Sirius and Severus tonight," Harry warned, "to the cemetery. Or I suppose you could make it now and they could take it with them."

With a roll of his eyes Dobby replied, "Dobby bes going to keep an eye on Master Dogfather and Master Snapey anyways."

"You sure it will work."

"Dobby is sure. Dobby will be taking Reeb."

"Who's Reeb?"

"Reeb bes Master Snapey's house elf."

"Severus has a house elf? When did that happen?"

"Does now, is new."

"Good," Harry nodded, "Severus needs looking after."

Dobby just disappeared, without another word.

"Well, if all your work is done and you do not have to research that anymore, we can take a little time to relax."

"I'm not feeling much like relaxing," Harry replied, his legs bouncing in agitation.

"Why?"

"They'll be in the manor tonight? I … who is going to sit with them? Will they be in the same room? I think they should be together, don't you?"

"Do you want to sit with them?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't seem right that they should be alone. I think it should be me."

"I am sure that anyone in the house will sit with you if you want them to. What do your family rites say?"

Shifting the pile of books, Harry, slid out a slim book from the bottom.

"A guard must be kept of the passage from life unto death, being first of the blood and second of the heart. Flood the area in the white light of candles to ward against the shadows of heart and mind. Speak of the dead in tones quiet and sombre. Sing not. Allow them to greet the gatekeeper in peace for they will be made welcome. With the rising of the dawn be comforted, knowing that they will be met with the embrace of a friend. As the task of the watcher ends remember the ones loved. To meet again at the time appointed."

"Right, so candles again and from the sounds of it at least Sirius can stay with you, though honestly, I don't think that actually excludes anyone in this house," Percival nodded. "What about the ritual itself."

"I think this is even older than the Black one," Harry swallowed before he read aloud, "Take them to the place of your forefathers. Morn, Noon, or Eve'n. Into the crypt where only blood may enter. Be not afraid. Adorned as they are in finery or shift matters not. No relique nor token is required for the wherry to carry them hence. OUR friend will meet them and guide their journey. All that is needed is to ask, not augury nor word nor door, bar nor lock can deny OUR friend. Be honest in thy request, tell no falsehood and beseech Mortimor not and he will travel with your ones once loved on the wherry across the River Styxx into Mon Repos and rest. Draw not his attention over long. When your time is appointed be not late."

"Seems simple enough," Percival said.

"What do I do?" Harry looked lost.

"Well it doesn't matter what they are dressed in …"

"That's a point, who dressed them before? They can't keep wearing that, it'll be all gross, but how do I change them?" Harry asked appearing lost. "Touching their bodies doesn't seem right either," he shuddered.

"Well, depending on the preservation charms, their magic and any magic in their coffin …"

"Aunt Petunia arranged the funeral; they'll be muggle coffins."

"Just the preservation charm then. Their clothes might be alright."

"But what if they're not or what if they're hideous? Aunt Petunia was really angry back then. Would she have dressed them or is there someone who does that? I can't see her wanting to change dad's clothes. They might still be in the clothes they died in."

"Then I will switch out their clothes for something else, or we can transfigure what they are wearing into something more appropriate. Remember it doesn't matter what they are wearing."

"I know but it seems wrong, and I … I think I should be the one to do it. It just seems wrong that someone else should do this for them."

"Alright, I'll teach you the spell, then we'll ask Sirius what their favourite clothes were and see if there is anything in the manor."

"Alright, let's go find them," Harry nodded, marking the page with a slip of parchment and standing up. "I hope he and Severus aren't up to anything."

"I think they're sweet," Percival chuckled.

"Well, they're not your parents, are they?"

-o0o-

The protection of his mother's spells had been weighing on Harry's mind ever since the afternoon he had watched the first of the memory balls. With each missed opportunity to create the new Grimoire the feeling had grown, until now it hung over him heavy and cloud-like. Deep in his core he could feel the resonance of some ethereal clock ticking. The vibrations an ominous warning to protect the sacred magic his mother had created.

They had intended to do the ritual as soon as they had arrived at Grimmauld for the holidays, but everything had been pushed back with that horrid web thing, the move to the manor and then the arranging of the funerals. The wait only added to the intensity of the feeling of dread.

Frustratingly every time Harry tried to talk to Sirius about it, he got a Merlin damned gleam in his eye and was suddenly busy. It was like he did not understand how important it was. The spells were only protected by a flimsy school trunk, that had no real protections on it at all! Their move to the manor had helped a little, especially with Harry's new understanding of the family wards but still. That was it he was going to find Sirius right now and make him listen.

Tick.

Tick.

"Sirius!" Harry called in exasperation as the Animagus ducked out of the snug as Harry stepped into it again. "Come back here, we need to talk about …"

But Sirius just winked at Harry and disappeared round a corner, by the time Harry got there, his Godfather was gone.

"Argh!" Another tick thrummed through him. That made five times he had tried to speak to Sirius about it so far. He had to make the new Grimoire and he was running out of time.

-o0o-

Dressed in their darkest robes, Sirius and Severus left the others behind at the manor and apparated to Godric's Hollow. It was a quick and silent walk from the apparition point to the cemetery and Severus was able to lead Sirius directly to their friend's graves.

"The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death! Who came up with that rubbish? Fleamont always said that Death should be greeted as an old friend, with a bottle of whiskey, a hot curry and a game of chess."

"Dumbledore," was all Severus said in reply.

"Right, I'll do James and you do Lily."

Wands were pointed at graves and deep cuts were made in the earth, which was lifted and piled in a mound at the side. It was not long until the pair of thin plywood boxes were revealed, they were splintered and cracked from the weight of the soil.

"Tuney clearly spared no expense," Severus sneered.

"To be fair, not that I am defending her actions, but they were on a tight budget, and someone had just left a second child on their doorstep. The Potter accountant told us that the stipend that was supposed to be going to her had been lost along the way."

"Hmpf," the potion's master was not moved by the statement.

Twin cracks had the pair dropping to the ground, looking around for spell fire.

"Just bes Dobby and Reeb," said Harry's house- elf.

"Do not do that!" Severus bit out harshly, heart thumping so hard he wondered if the others could hear it.

"You just about stopped my heart!" Sirius complained.

The elves had the good sense to look abashed. Sirius reached into his pocket and pulled out the two shrunken caskets that Harry had chosen each lacquered in red. The symbol of the Peverells had appeared on each sometime after they were shrunk. The lids slid off and floated gently to ground.

"Right," Sirius swallowed. He carefully levitated the lid of the plywood box out of the way, leaving Severus to gently raise Lily and place her in the new casket. They reversed the process with James. As soon as his body rested in place, the lids slid back into place.

Dobby stepped forward to stand between the two graves, he concentrated, furrows forming on his forehead. A worm was visible in the dirt that had fallen onto the bottom of the plywood box, it lengthened and grew, Severus watched with grim curiosity as it stretched and formed into a vague humanoid shape. Closing his eyes, he blocked out the finally change. When he opened them, it looked as if Lily was lying there, peacefully facing the sky. Ignoring the tears that had formed, he reached out to tug on Sirius' hand as the man stared at what looked to be the bodies of his best friends. Sliding their fingers together he squeezed.

"They look like they are just asleep," Sirius said in a sorrow roughened voice.

"Reeb can you …" Severus murmured.

Reeb clicked his fingers, the lids were slid back into place, and the soil fell to fill the holes, finally the grass sealed back over them.

"You would never even know we were here," Sirius whispered.

"Thank you," Severus nodded to Reeb and Dobby. "Can you take them home."

In silence Reeb gave a slight bow, then he, Dobby and the caskets disappeared. The world was still, silent, as if it joined them in mourning. Sirius folded around their hands and reached. Severus stepped in and slid his arm around the other man's waist. The twined fingers released so he could clasp the back of Sirius' head and draw it to his shoulder, stifling the sob. So they stood for many minutes under the cold, starlit sky, until Sirius straightened. Then, arm in arm they walked back to the apparition point.

-o0o-

The night had passed. All of the household had sat through the night in the mourning room. The elders relaying tales in sombre voices that belied the lively and jocular personalities of Lily and James. Marlene read copies of letters Lily had written about life in Godric's Hollow. Harry even found the strength to retrieve a couple of the first memory balls that Lily had made and played them for the adults.

Then came morning.

The sound of the floo had Remus and Severus rushing to the entrance hall, wands drawn only to find a folded paper crane resting on the floor. Remus bent to pick it up but it flew away from him with a flick of Severus' wand.

"Did you learn nothing?" he hissed.

"It's from Moody," Remus said by way of explanation.

"No! It looks like it's from Moody! Need I remind you that not two years ago he was impersonated by someone for an entire year. Who knows what he was made to tell them in that time, what secrets were divulged."

"Ah, but it also had to have come from Grimmauld Place. You know that's the only fireplace connected to this one, and Grimmauld is still protected by Fidelius," Remus argued.

"Alastor was allowed to know the secret! Does Dumbledore know that?"

Remus snorted, "I doubt it. Though we can check,"

"I would still like to examine it before it is opened."

"Go ahead."

It was but a minutes work for Severus to declare the bird free of interference. Remus finally took it and unfolded the parchment.

"Sirius!" Remus called.

"Shhhh!" Marlene stuck her head out of the mourning room. "What is it?"

"Tell Sirius and Harry, Moody is at Grimmauld, he wanted to check on how our training has been going and assess where Percival and Harry are at."

After a number of rushed conversations Moody was allowed entry into the manor and having no other commitments he was invited to stay until Yule. He would wait with Severus, Remus and Marlene while the others attempted to enter the Potter-Peverell mausoleum.

-o0o-

The sun was still low on the horizon when the group carried the coffins to a grove at the bottom of the garden. High hedges barred their way, fencing in a small stone building. Reverentially they lowered the caskets to the ground.

"I don't know if we will all be able to go further," Sirius said softly. "Harry if you and I try and carry James in first."

Harry nodded, immediately reaching for the lacquered box that now housed his father's earthly remains. With Sirius on the other side, they stepped forward to enter the sanctuary. The gateway to the garden opened admitting the pair, though when they reached the door to the crypt, Sirius found he could go no further.

"I am sorry Harry. I would not hold out much hope that Percival will be able to join you."

Harry gave a small nod and lowered the box to the ground once more. They then made their way back out to the group. Percival helped Harry with his mother this time.

"Shall we try?" Percival asked nodding to the door.

"Yeah."

As they approached the door it swung aside and a being stepped out. Though it remained in the shadow of the portal, the swirling blue orbits of their eyes could be seen.

BY RIGHTS ONLY ONE SHOULD ENTER IN, BE IT NOT SAID THAT I AM ANYTHING OTHER THAN FAIR. AS THE OTHER IS MARKED BY ME, HE TOO SHALL PASS.

Percival stared at the being as the words were forwarded directly to his brain, "Thanks but you look a little different to last time."

DO YOU NOT PREFER THIS LOOK? IS IT NOT WHAT IT EXPECTED?

"It's a bit intimidating to be honest," Harry mumbled. "Thought you were supposed to be our friend." He reached into his cloak and drew forth a bottle and bowl, "I even bought you some firewhiskey and some crisps."

The blue fire blacked out for just a moment as the being blinked. The victuals floated over to the being, who consumed them.

FLEAMONT ALWAYS USED TO BRING CURRY, I THINK I PREFER THAT

"This was all I had on hand but I'll try and do better next time."

"Why this look?" Percival asked curiously.

THIS IS OFFICIAL BUSINESS

"And it wasn't the last time?"

NO

"Are you going to let me in with Harry or are you going to help him carry them in yourself?"

COME

Death stepped back disappearing into the apparent gloom of the crypt though it was nothing more than a deception. When both Lily and James were housed inside what was actually a large open space, Harry took a moment to look around. Death motifs were much in evidence, Harry thought he spotted a small rat shaped death complete with hood and scythe, riding a raven, Quoth, his brain supplied.

"Is that you?" Harry asked pointing to the rat.

Death blinked once more.

POTTERS! I KNEW I SHOULD HAVE SENT SUSAN.

"Well is it? Is that your Animagus form?"

"Harry shush!" Percival said. "Now did you have something you needed to ask?" he prompted.

"Ah …" Harry seemed stunned for a moment, "Oh right yes. Um Mr Death sir, would you mind awfully carrying my parents hence?"

"Just you see," Harry continued into the silence, "We are afraid that someone might try and take their bodies and turn them into Inferi."

"Look I know they actually died nearly sixteen years ago but I was one, and my aunt didn't know about this place, so how was I supposed to ask you then? Really this is the first opportunity I've had. No one even told me where they were buried."

YOU WISH ME TO CARRY THEM HENCE SIXTEEN YEARS AFTER THE FACT. DO YOU NOT BELIEVE THAT THEY HAVE ALREADY GONE … ON?

"That's a good point. But what about the Inferi thing, is there something you could do about that? … Please."

Meow

A small white kitten twined itself around the bottom of the being, in and out of its robes. Harry assumed it was rubbing itself against Death's bony ankles. It then leapt onto James' coffin turned around three times, and settled down, its tail covering its pale pink nose.

"Um …"

FINE!

Death neither whined nor rolled his eyes. Both coffins burst into blue flames. Then rising as if from slumber two figures emerged. Looking exactly as Harry had seen them last as they were extruded from Tom Riddle's wand at the end of the Triwizard Tournament. The ghostly kitten scrambled up to find purchase on the top of James head, snuggling down in his messy, nest of hair.

"Harry," they whispered.

"It will be okay," his mother murmured. "We love you."

"Read the journals, that's where you'll find the answers," his father said.

Then they turned to Death, "Will you walk with us?"

FOR A PEVERELL, ALWAYS.

He morphed then into the middle-aged man with sandy brown hair wearing a black turtleneck with a black blazer that Percival had seen in another lifetime.

"Come on Prongs, Lily-dove."

With a grin, he winked at Harry a dimming swirl of blazing blue, before his eyes settled on green. The trio turned and walked away, growing ever fainter until they disappeared entirely.

-o0o-

"Sirius, when should we do the ritual to make my new Grimoire?" Harry asked as they watched Percival duelling Alastor. Sirius ignored him eyes remaining locked on the pair. They were moving incredibly fast; Harry did not even recognise half of the spells that he saw flying. He was just about to ask again when …

Bang!

Alastor flew backwards and was stopped by the wards. They absorbed the shock so while the retired auror was winded he was otherwise uninjured. He slid down the ward, until he was seated on the floor gasping. Percival bent, hands on his knees, sucking in deep breaths. Remus started clapping.

"That was amazing," Marlene said.

Sirius moved over to help Mad-Eye stand, while Harry moved to Percival, holding out a glass of water, which Percival took and downed in one gulp.

"Good lad," Moody huffed out, "Either I am getting out of condition or you had some amazing tutors."

"The head Auror and the head of aunt Sera's security," Percival nodded. "I've tried to keep up practice at school, but it's hard finding time, or opponents that push me."

"We'll help again over the holidays," the adults volunteered.

"And me?" Harry asked.

"And you," Sirius nodded. "In fact, you're up right now."

"Now?" Harry squeaked.

"No time like the present. You or me, Mooney?" he asked his fellow Marauder.

"I think you should have the honours," the werewolf grinned.

"You'll go easy on me won't you Padfoot?" Harry asked with a whine, though there was a slight upturn at the corner of his lip.

Sirius did not answer he just smirked and threw the first spell, a simple banishing charm. Harry bent, and it flew over his head. An Expelliarmus was returned. Sirius swayed out of the way. They fell into a rhythm. Dodge and cast, dodge and cast, exchanging spellfire. Harry listened to the various calls from those watching, to move his feet, change his tempo and use the space and environment. Finally Sirius followed a Reducto with a Stupefy, breaking the rhythm, and Harry fell to the floor.

"Reinnervate."

"Ow!" Harry blinked open his eyes.

"So tell me," Sirius grinned down at him, "what you learnt from that?"

"I need to know more spells."

"And?"

"I need to move more?"

"And?"

"Um, I need to be more creative?'

"Yes, definitely and you need to be careful about falling into a rhythm. Watching and seeing if your opponent falls into a pattern, means you can find an opening. Often breaking through their pattern, or doing something that interrupts or upsets it, will be enough for you to take them out. As you just experienced."

Harry sat up with a groan.

"Again?"

"My turn?" Remus said stepping forward.

"No fair," Harry complained. "Why does Sirius get a rest?"

"Your younger and it'll build your endurance," Sirius said firmly.

"Fine," Harry huffed and moved back into place wand raised, determined to do better this time.

Unbeknownst to Harry, the adults were all quietly pleased with his progress. They had all heard about the various duels he had experienced and the one thing that came across was that there was a lot of luck involved. Even at the Ministry, where he had demonstrated his creativity and had used his environment well, he had not engaged in a long duel with another. Pitting him against Sirius first had been a bit of a test and he had clearly not taken the match too seriously, knowing that the other man would not harm him. His fight against Remus was better, as was the next against Marlene, by the end of which he had been duelling for over and hour and was clearly exhausted, but he had not fallen into that same rhythm again.

"Well, done," Moody grunted. "But I think we all need more practice. Tomorrow, we'll go three on three. Then we'll mix it up. The more experience the boys get the better. We'll aim to increase duelling time until we can all go at least an hour solid, most of those we'll need to fight against won't make it that long."

"I won't make it that long!" Harry said miserably.

"Come on,' Percival smiled, clasping his shoulder, "You'll feel better after a shower."

-o0o-

"Calling to order the disciplinary review hearing for Miss Hermione Granger," Madame Marchbanks said. "First of all, I would like to thank you for joining us Madame Picquery, I understand you are rather busy at the moment."

"Yes, well I wanted to make time for this, thank you for moving the location for me."

Instead of meeting in the Ministry of Magic they were meeting in ICW offices in Brazil.

"We felt it was important for you to be present, so that the process is as transparent as possible. I'd like to introduce Charlotte Smith, she is both a healer and a muggle psychologist and has been having sessions with Ms Granger on a weekly basis. She will present her views on her current assessment and any improvements that Ms Granger might be showing. Due to an absence of headmaster Dumbledore we have Professor Minerva McGonagall and Bathsheda Babbling, the deputy Headmistress and professor of Ancient Runes respectively representing Hogwarts. For the British Ministry of Magic we have managed to borrow Tiberius Ogden as he was here for the latest ICW meeting, thank you for joining us Tiberius. I am, of course, here as the representative for the Department of Education."

They nodded their greetings and settled into the comfortable chairs, each place set with a roll of parchment, self-inking quill and glass of water.

"Now, where should we begin. Perhaps Minerva or Bathsheda?"

"Certainly, I will start," Bathsheda was keen to get her part out of the way. "Really from a studies perspective, Hermione has not changed all that much. As with some students when they progress from O. to N.E. , her marks have fallen from an Outstanding to an Exceeds Expectations. Along with that, her homework submissions are sometimes late, which previously never would have occurred. I couldn't say this is any different to any of a half-dozen other students. Some just don't take the transition and increased pace of N.E. well. Though I would not have picked Hermione as one going by her first four years. I've also noticed she now seems excluded from her previous friendship group and that may be adding to the deterioration in her marks. I had a brief conversation with several of her other teachers and they report the same thing. I will arrange to have a meeting with her prior to end of the next term, should things continue as they are, this is something I do for all my students in the same situation."

Bathsheda, waited for questions but none came though the Healer and Madame Marchbanks took notes.

"Minerva, has anyone been in contact with her parents?"

"Yes I did the initial introduction to the magical world and took her for her orientation to Diagon Alley. Since then both myself and Professor Flitwick have visited her parents on a number of occasions. The second most recent occurrence was at the end of the last year. Due to the events that occurred at the Ministry we decided they should be advised in person both of the events and that as a consequence of them that she had been removed from her position of prefect. Her parents were very concerned by her behaviour and promised to take her in hand over the holidays. I believe they planned to have her see a psychologist as well as undertake some activities aimed at teaching her responsibility. At the end of this first term, we again visited them, and concerningly neither of her parents seemed to remember that we had been there only four months prior. When it was mentioned, they became disorientated and confused."

"Do you think they have been obliviated?"

Minerva tipped her head, "I hate to admit it, but I do."

"Do you think she is capable of casting the Obliviate herself or is there an older student or adult involved?"

"She …" Minerva paused remembering a conversation she'd had with Severus on the first day of term. "I believe both actually. The Obliviation of her parents was too complete too, perfectly done. I do not believe a student could have cast it with such a degree of finesse. However, I am aware of another case where she has made a mostly successful attempt at Obliviating another student. It was discovered by Professor Severus Snape, who is an accomplished Occlumens and Legilimencer, but the attempt was poor enough that the memories showed tampering and therefore could not be used as evidence."

Seraphina, humphed, "So what is being done about her? She is clearly not improving with the restrictions that have been put in place."

"Actually, Madame Picquery that event was before the groundings and treatments were ordered," Minerva rubbed a weary hand across her eyes and slumped slightly. "Though to be honest, I am not sure that there has been any great improvement, and I do worry about her mental state. As Bathsheda noted her marks have fallen across the board and some, such as our librarian, have noticed that she is easily angered, throwing temper tantrums when she does not get her way. In the example Irma described to me, someone had borrowed the book she wanted, and it was not due to be returned until the following day. With an added note that the assignment she wanted to use the book for was not due until a week later. When told the return date, she screamed and threw books across the room. Irma had to have her removed from the library. I know that there must be an adult witch or wizard involved and I fear that we will not be able to help her as we would like until they are found and dealt with. After seeing the effect on her parents after the last visit, we did not mention any restrictions to them, for fear that they will be Obliviated again, and I am not sure that their brains would be able to cope with it."

"Indeed, it's been shown that even two or three uses of the Obliviate charm on a muggle can hasten the degeneration of the brain and lead to early onset dementia," Charoltte agreed. "It has been hypothesised that Obliviations on the same topic, would only require three or four uses before that topic was forgotten in its entirety."

"You mean …?" Madame Marchbanks looked mildly horrified.

"Yes, if they were Obliviated of the teachers coming and talking about Hermione, or issues that Hermione has been having, that might bleed over and potentially they could forget their own daughter."

"I am pleased we proceeded with caution then," Minerva nodded.

"Now Charlotte, what are your observations?" Madame Marchbanks turned to the healer.

Shuffling her papers, Charlotte swallowed, a little intimidated by the formidable women she was sharing a table with. "First of all, there has been little or no change to her mental state. She still does not see her actions as being problematic. In fact, she feels as though she is doing what is best and everyone else is trying to stop her. There have been hints, such as the temper tantrums, that her level of aggression is growing, though at this stage I have no evidence to support the possibility of her harming another student. I am having little to no success in helping her to see through her delusions. Going forward, I would like to propose the addition of some outdoor time, in a controlled and supervised way. Being outdoors, seems to help many people who are struggling with mental wellness as does a structured exercise program though I am not sure that Hermione would willingly participate in one. I thought she might be willing to stroll around the grounds?" she looked up and noticed Minerva getting ready to speak, "I know she does Care of Magical Creatures, and Herbology is semi-outdoors too, but these classes only amount to a total of six or seven hours a week, and I think it would take more than that to be a benefit."

Turning back to her notes, Charlotte, continued, "I agree with the good Professors' deductions, while Hermione does have sociopathic tendencies, she is being pushed towards psychopathology by another. Someone in a leadership role, who likely met her not long after her introduction to magic. Apart from that I cannot go too much into exact details however, I too believe she is getting worse rather than better and that we will struggle to have any positive impact until that relationship is uncovered and severed. As I said originally, I believe an inpatient program combined with medication would have the best chance of working, even then it will take a lot of work to undo the damage. Work she needs to be willing to undertake …" That the girl was currently not willing to undertake it was left unsaid, "… there were a couple of other factors I believe may be compounding her issues, including the use of the Killing Curse and the possibility of exposure to Dark Magic, before she was magically mature. I am in the process of researching how she might have been impacted by both of these so I can provide her with additional help."

"Madame Picquery, have you anything to add?"

"Is there any chance that she will divulge who this adult is? What I mean is, should not a portion of our efforts be aimed towards them? If we can discover who they are then we can help this child. I dislike that she has hurt children including my own godson, and I stand by my decision that she should be punished for it, but do we have a duty of care for her mental wellbeing?"

"We do …" Charlotte said slowly, thinking through how much she could divulge. "Honestly though, I think if we found them tomorrow, we might, and I am not sure how likely it is, might be able to get her to a point where she could be a productive member of society. However, we are fast approaching a point where that won't be possible. Where the habits she has learned will be too engrained and the damage done, too severe and the best we will be able to hope for is that she will not deliberately harm others. At worst she will need to be kept locked up for the remainder of her life."

"You think that she could develop into someone like Bellatrix Lestrange?" Minerva asked quietly

"Yes. Mrs Lestrange is one of the case studies I am using for my research, given her mental degeneration in Azkaban has some documentation. If it weren't for the difference of their ages, I would almost assume they were influenced by the same person. The pattern is very similar."

"Bellatrix was a Black, could she have been exposed to the Dark Arts too early?" Bathsheda asked.

"It is extremely likely; I have talked to Lord Black, and his aunt and uncle were deeply involved in the study of the Dark Arts. It is possible she was exposed at home."

"Bellatrix was a very talented witch when she first started at Hogwarts …" Minerva paused and swallowed. "She … her behaviour started to change around her fifth year."

"Is that not the same age Hermione was when this started? Coincidence?" Seraphina asked.

"It's worth investigating. Minerva, I want you to consider both cases. Charlotte if possible, provide Minerva with your notes on Bellatrix, we understand if you cannot do so because they are confidential. While you are at it, Minerva think about which teachers have been on staff during that time, are there any likely suspects? Who interacted with those girls the most? Now unless there is anything more to add, I propose that things should continue as they are for the rest of the year, with the addition of a half hour outdoor daily slot for exercise. The grounding is to stay in place along with the sessions with Healer Smith," Madame Marchbanks posited, when no-one raised any complaints, she continued. "Charlotte, keep going the best you can, you will need to judge very carefully should the situation require further involvement, or if anything needs to change. As a thought maybe some of your treatment sessions could be out of doors? We will meet again at the end of the year. I will write up the minutes from this meeting and deliver them at the next Wizengamot meeting."

Minerva sat in her seat, watching as the others all departed.

"Minerva?" Bathsheda said interrupting her colleague's thoughts, "You think you know who it is?"

"Yes?" McGonagall whispered, her face was grey and drawn.

"Will you tell me?"

Minerva shook her head, "If it is true then it is too dangerous, and I don't know … for certain."

Bathsheda gulped, "Do you think it's …"

"Shhhh. We will need to think about how best to handle this. An accusation now will lead nowhere, and there will be no one to protect the students. We must keep them safe."

-o0o-

Tick, tick, tick.

Harry looked at the clock. Watching the second-hand move. The pressure was too much. He thought he would burst if it was not relieved soon.

Tick.

He'd had enough. He could not wait for Sirius any longer, another adult letting him down, he should have known it was too good to last. It still hurt though. Sirius had promised.

Percival had said he did not think the ritual would be difficult. Harry moved to retrieve the book on ritual magic from the pile on the table. He had summoned it so he would be ready. He scanned the pages until he found what he was looking for. It looked simple enough, and he vaguely remembered seeing an empty journal in one of the desk drawers, sure he would have liked to have bought something specifically for this, but he liked the symbolism that the book had last been touched by his grandfather's hand.

"I'll just have to do it myself!" He looked out the window at the moon. It took a moment before he realised what he was looking at. It was already too late! "Grr Sirius!"

Harry stalked into the training room. Marlene and Remus had just finished a match, and it looked like Moody and Percival were just about to start but Harry strode straight into the middle of the room.

"Sirius," he called out. "Get in here now."

"Ah Harry?" Percival queried.

"You hollered?" Sirius said as he walked into the room.

An Expelliarmus shooting over his head was the only warning he had before Harry attacked.

"What? Harry?" Sirius said, moving quickly to avoid the spells. A stupefy nearly clipped his right ear. "Oi! Settle down."

But Harry was not saying anything, he just threw spell after spell, until Sirius began to fight back.

"Harry," Sirius growled, a Diffindo clipped his shoulder. "Right!" Sirius began to fight back in earnest.

Finally, thirty minutes after they had begun, Harry over-extended his wand movement, leaving him overbalanced and unable to dodge. Sirius' in coming Bone Breaker hit him in the middle of his forearm and his wand went flying.

"Now!" Sirius waved off the others and marched over to his godson, who glared at him despite his pain. "What was all that about."

"I'm mad at you!"

"Yes, I can see that, but why? And why not just talk to me about it?"

"Talk to you about it, ha!" Harry huffed and reached for his wand with his off hand

"You'll leave that be until I am sure you are calm," with a flick Sirius sent the wand skittering across the floor. "Now talk!"

"Talk?" Harry snapped. "Like all the times I have approached you to talk since we came home? Like all those times, you've changed the subject, or just plain ignored me or walked out of the room whenever I tried to raise the topic. Like talk like that?"

"What?" Sirius reached out and careful healed Harry's arm. "That's going to be stiff for a few days."

"Oh look you're doing it again!" Harry's voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Harry I don't know what you are talking about?"

"Every time I try to discuss the making of the new Grimoire with you, you bugger off, change the topic or as you did yesterday, start snogging Severus."

"Well we are … "

"In the middle of our conversation!"

"I didn't realise you didn't like it when Severus and I …"

"I don't care!" Harry snapped. "Kiss him all you bloody well like but you are doing it again!"

"Alright, what did you want to talk about? I'm listening."

"Well it's too bloody late now isn't it! I've missed the opportunity and now, all mum's spells will be unprotected for even longer and …"

"Oh …" Sirius said. "The ritual, I didn't realise that was why you were so worried about it."

"Well, 'oh' is no good now is it," Harry huffed, running his fingers through his hair.

Sirius thought for a moment, "I had a plan Harry and it was supposed to be a surprise. If you can hold on just till tonight, you will see." He threw an arm over Harry's shoulders to give him a hug and handed him back his wand. "Now two things, the first is mind your language!" he swatted at Harry's backside as they stood up, "and two, never ever go into a fight angry. It might give you energy and drive, but it also makes you act rashly and be careless, it will only lead to injuries and you'll feel even worse if they are not yours. I learned that one the hard way."

Flexing and straightening his arm Harry just nodded, glaring at his godfather.

"Alright then, showers for everyone and then presents!" Sirius chortled running out of the room, like the man-child he was.

-o0o-

They had gathered in the slightly expanded snug.

"I guess I had better start with this," Sirius said picking up a rectangular present wrapped in lurid red and green. "Now I believe this will provide the answer as to why I have been dodging your questions. It is not your present. And you can select another one in just a moment," he said sombrely to Harry. "I am sorry."

Harry cocked his head to the side, and carefully took it. Removing the tape and folding the paper carefully, he put them to one side and lifted the books.

"This isn't it, is it?"

"Yes, I believe this to be the Potter Grimoire."

"I can't believe you found it. But why would there be two?"

"We are not entirely sure, but they were found in the same room. Dobby identified that both belonged to you. Since we have had them, they have been unable to be separated, so I believe the second might be the Peverell …"

Harry lifted the books and the tomes came apart easily. Flipping to the first page of the first there was a note.

Dearest One,

We are the Potters. Long is our history and proud. We do not bend knee before any man but greet all with kinship. We do not discriminate light, dark, grey or black magic. All has its place in maintaining the balance. Magic who is Mother to us all, will guide you in your studies. When the book is opened it will provide you with what you need. Do not hurry to learn all that is contained within these tomes, give yourself time to grow. Learn, adapt, develop then when you are ready give back. Speak the name of your ancestor and their entries will appear. The Peverell tome should be nearby, we can still feel its magic. Keep it close for it holds many secrets but be not afraid that others might steal them for it is well protected as are we. Know you will not be the last of our line forever. Here in the heart of our home you will find the support that you need to defeat your enemies. Be wise, be wary, be courageous. When the inevitable arrives greet him as a friend. He really does prefer a curry.

He turned to the second book and opened it. There was no letter, just a journal entry, from one Ignotus Peverell. The language was difficult to make out, but Harry felt sure with enough time he would be able to understand it. Meanwhile the present unwrapping had continued.

"Harry!" Marlene called, "Percival is opening his present."

Semi-regretfully Harry closed both books. Sitting beside him Percival had the small square box divested of its wrappings. He flipped open the lid and stared inside.

"Harry?"

"Do you like it Perce? It's like your …patronus. See here," Harry reached over to show Percival the back, "I managed to get some wards on it. They're not real great so far, but now that I know they work, I can add more. It would probably be better if you had another point to anchor, it from or maybe two. Like …" he thought for a moment, "cufflinks would work, and that would spread it out as well."

Percival surged forwards and tackled Harry in a hug. His nose pressed up against Harry's ear.

"You can't have known, but … I … used to have a collection. The first one I ever got was a panther," he whispered.

"You… you like it then?"

"I love it!" Percival declared and then not caring about the watchers he kissed Harry firmly.

"Alright, that's enough! Parental figures present," Sirius whined. "And Harry still hasn't opened a present yet."

"Sorry," Percival said blushing lightly.

Harry moved over to the tree and select another rectangular package this one had a tag that read:

Dearest Harrikins, From Gred and Forge.

The paper was red with flashing gold stars, "It almost looks like one of Dumbledore's robes!" Harry blinked and hurriedly tore through it.

Once the paper was removed Harry found another book, nearly as precious as the Grimoires. The Marauders Compendium. It was the book Sirius had given to the twins the previous year. They had written a note and slipped it inside the cover.

Harrykins,

We found much inspiration between these pages and hope you do to. We'll be speaking to the Padfoot and Mooney regarding a couple of ideas that we think will be good sellers. Do you think they'll be up for it?

Merry Christmas

Gred and Forge.

-o0o-

"Master Severus, Master Severus!" Reeb tugged on the man's sleep shirt.

"What is it?" the potion's master groused, disgruntled at having been woken in the middle of night.

"There bes a lady in your floo at Hoggywarts."

"A lady in my floo?"

"Yes, bes calling yous name."

"What does she look like?"

"Looks like Dobby's old Mistress."

Severus blinked, "You're telling me that Narcissa Malfoy is calling my floo at the school."

"Yes indeedys Master Severus."

"Right," Severus laid his head down, and made to go back to sleep. "I'll call her back in the morning."

There was a pain in between his ribs.

"Ow," he looked down to where the elf had a finger pointed at him, and a stern expression.

"Lady being upset. Go now!"

"Oh alright!" Severus grumbled and got up, slipped on a dressing gown and slippers and made his way to the floo. It was going to be a pain to floo to Grimmauld and then the school.

"Holds my hand!" Reeb said, hand opened towards his master.

With a frown Severus took the elf's hand and gave a yell as they disappeared with a pop.

"What was that!" Severus gasped when they reappeared in his study. "I didn't think you could disapparate at Hogwarts."

"That's be popping. Popping being different. No good if elves could not pop all over the castle."

"Right well, thank you." He took some deep breaths.

"Severus!" Narcissa's voice came hissing through the fireplace.

"Yes Narcissa, whatever is the matter."

"I have news!"

"At this hour of the night?"

"It is the only time I could get any privacy, there is always someone around."

"Alright, what have you to tell me?"

"The ritual, it will happen on Imbolc!"

"We have four months to stop it."

"That's not all," even through the fire she looked pale and drawn.

"They are using women, pregnant women. They have just reached the conclusion, that they will need to be witches."

"They reached the conclusion? What did they do?"

She swallowed harshly, her eyes were wide and round, in terror, as she whispered "They took muggles and experimented. I could not help much, but I managed to slip some of the women a sleeping draught or a potion for their pain."

"Mother!" a voice could be heard through the floo.

"I must go!"

Kneeling in front of his fireplace, stomach roiling Severus could not think of a way he could stop the ritual. How could he prevent the women from being taken? Who would they target? Logically, given his previous objectives, Riddle would choose Muggleborns. But would he believe that they would not provide him with enough power or would he not care? Sitting back on his haunches, he took deep breaths trying to settle his stomach. He did not know what to do.