No Magic Allowed

16th of June, 1999.

Harry looked around. He had made sure the wards would hide all magic from non-magical people. He couldn't remove everything magical so he had done the best he could. It was all drawn in Dragon-tongue so he was pretty sure it would work out. He and Charlie were heading out. He applied a simple glamour that would make his bond marks appear as tattoos. He would get enough questions without the faint glow and strange silvery colour.

"Fred and George are here!" Charlie called.

Harry teleported over to his bonded and smiled at his brothers. "No magic," he said intently.

"We promise," Fred said.

"Absolutely no magic," George said. "We'll remind the other guests."

"I will take wands if I have to," Harry said.

"Got it," George said.

"Don't worry Harry," Angelina said as she showed up. "I'll keep them in line."

"We will keep them in line," Tracy said as she walked up to George.

"Good then we will see you later," Harry said. He took Charlie's hand and they headed over to the car. He sat down in the driver's seat and waited until Charlie joined him.

"So Jacky was the one with no boundaries," Charlie said.

"And you are just his type," Harry said. "They are all really nice. I am glad Dudley has such good friends. They are a strange lot, but you know me. I don't like what some would consider normal."

Charlie shook his head amused. "I haven't noticed," he said sarcastically. "Will I have to keep you from attacking your aunt and uncle?" he asked.

"No but you can hold me anyway," Harry said.

"I don't need an excuse for that," Charlie said.

"I laid out party clothes back home so we can change when we get back," Harry mentioned. He looked in the rearview mirror and then he cheated. He didn't do that often if he could help it, but he didn't feel like driving along empty roads especially when he knew he might run into Petunia and Vernon later. He wanted as little time to think about it as possible. He found a parking spot and stepped out of the car once they arrived. Charlie joined him and they walked over to Sebastian and Ben's apartment. Sebastian was already done with his studies but had stayed to be with Ben as he finished up. They were both planning on moving in just a few days and Harry had already promised to help them when the time came.

Harry knocked on the door. Sebastian opened the door and smiled at him. "Hey Harry," he said. "Come in, Ben is fretting over his clothes and nothing I say is helping."

Harry chuckled. He leaned back against Charlie and introduced him. "I could always try to calm Ben down," he said.

Charlie rolled his eyes. "Must be a bit stressful to do everything at once," he said. "We were helping you move right? Harry mentioned something about that."

"Yes, we're very grateful for that by the way," Sebastian said. "If you are alright with it we could line up some boxes that are already packed. If we place them by the door we'll have an easier time when we have to carry it all outside.

"No problem," Charlie said. He rolled his sleeves up and followed Sebastian. He grabbed a box and hauled it over closer to the front door. They managed to move most of the boxes before Harry and Ben walked out of the bedroom. Ben kept pulling at his collar.

"I swear Draco would be driven crazy and force you into something," Harry said.

"Have your own Jacky do you?" Ben asked.

"Except he's straight and was actually born with a silver spoon in his mouth," Harry said. "He is the heir to a large Manor. My place is going to look big, but his family estate could swallow our home like it was a biscuit."

"How do you know this guy?" Sebastian asked.

"We hated each other in school and then we grew out of it," Harry said. "We shared a mentor for a while and he didn't like us fighting so he forced us to just learn how to get along. It helps that he's smart and fun to spend time with, and well, you have noticed how I am with people." He grabbed Charlie's arm. "Are we heading out?" he asked.

"Yeah, we're meeting the others and then Sebby will take you over to the venue," Ben said. His eyes glanced over at Charlie and he saw the dragon tattoos and the strange symbols. He wasn't one to judge so he didn't comment on it. He took Sebastian's hand and they headed out. Dudley waved as he saw them. "Everything ready?" he asked.

"We got some people over to set things up," Harry said. "Everything will be ready when we get back."

"Sounds good," Amy said. "I'm glad that is working out at least. My parents were a little sad I wasn't coming straight home, but we'll celebrate this weekend."

"Mom on the other hand almost started crying when I told her we have plans," Dudley said. "She does it just so I'll agree with her, but it is kind of irritating because I know she doesn't really care about anything but looks." He shrugged. "That's life for you though, I guess."

"This is Charlie?" Jacky asked as he walked up to them. "He is a treat." He looked at Harry. "Why are all the good-looking ones taken?" he asked.

"I doubt that is the case," Harry said. "We'll see you guys later after you have received your diplomas." He waved and they were left with Sebastian who started walking. "Trust me it is going to be crowded for a bit," he said. "We might as well wait a little. I don't want to stand at the front either way, I hope you don't mind."

"No, that is fine," Harry said. "The further away from the Dursleys I can be the better."

"You say that, but I don't see you being afraid of them," Sebastian said.

"More like he's bound to do something illegal if he's let too close to them," Charlie said casually. He knew Harry wouldn't give anyone any more than a tongue-lashing. His eyes narrowed as he saw people pointing at them. These were the kind of people that basically had pushed them together back in France. Once they had finally gotten into the venue he wrapped his arms around Harry. He hoped the whispering would die down because it was getting on his nerves.

Sebastian leaned against the wall. It was strange to him that both Charlie and Harry seemed so willing to be open about their relationship yet reacted so visually to the way people acted around them. He wondered what dreamland they came from where people didn't mind. He also wondered how they were getting married since that wasn't legal. He hadn't questioned Dudley though. It wasn't really his business. They watched as the students walked out. Most of his friends looked nice and neutral. Then there was Jacky who stuck out like a sore thumb. He was so colourful it almost hurt, but it was so Jacky.

"Do we have enough cars for later?" Harry asked Sebastian. "We can take three with us."

"And I can drive three more," Sebastian said. "I think enough of us have cars. Dudley and Amy can take three. It will be fine I'm sure. Just don't leave without three people and we'll handle the rest."

"Good," Harry said.

People cheered and students moved on and off the podium. A lot of people said things that wouldn't matter in the long run. No one really cared. Parents were happy to see their children finally entering the adult world properly and the children were glad to finally be done with school even if that meant all kinds of other problematic things.

Harry and Charlie headed out as soon as they could. They walked over to a tree and waited. Jacky was out quickly. He had no one waiting for him to be happy with his accomplishments. "Finally out of that place," he said as he reached Harry and Charlie.

Harry moved away from Charlie and hugged Jacky. "You did good," he said. "I'm proud of you." It was just words and Harry didn't really know Jacky well enough that it should have mattered that he said them, but it was exactly what Jacky needed to hear. He buried his face in Harry's shirt and sobbed. He had lost his family the moment he had come out. He hadn't expected it. His mother had always spoken like she accepted people no matter what and his father never disagreed with her. Until their son turned out to be gay that was. Both of them had been hostile once he told them. He hadn't seen either of them in two years. Finding friends who didn't care and others like him was important, but it was still rough on days like this when so many parents were around.

"Know anyone else that wants to go with us?" Harry asked.

"Felix will want to go with us. His sister is here so he'll be speaking to her for a bit," Jacky said. "We could take Minnie as well. Her parents are probably not here either and her girlfriend is out of the country."

"Can you see here anywhere?" Harry asked.

Jacky looked around. "Yeah, pink hair over by the benches," he said. He took Harry's hand and started walking. "Hey Minnie!" he called.

"Oh, Jacky really," Minnie said. "You should know better."

"I refuse," Jacky said. "This is Harry and Charlie."

"Ah, the party fixers," Minnie said. "It is kind of you to invite so many. I know a lot of people who will enjoy this party."

"Will you come with us?" Jacky asked. "We still have room in our car."

"I guess that would help. We weren't sure how we were going to fit, but if I can go with you then that fixes things," Minnie said. "I'll go with you. I just want to get changed first. Unlike Jacky here I didn't go overboard for the ceremony."

"Do you want us to come along or do you want us to wait by the car?" Harry asked.

Minnie bit her lip. "With this many people around I think I might prefer you coming and waiting outside the complex," she said.

"Let's see if we can catch Felix first," Jacky said. "I'll text him."

"Let Amy know who we are bringing as well," Harry said. "I think she is coordinating so we don't leave anyone behind."

"Will do," Jacky said.

"Have fun!"

"Thank's sis!" Felix called as he walked up. "So, we're leaving? Or do we get to change first?"

"You can change," Harry said. "Minnie wants to change too so that is cool. Can we split up and hurry this a bit before people become impossible?" He looked at Charlie. "Can you go with Felix so we can get going?"

"Sure no problem," Charlie said. "You okay with that?" he asked Felix.

"Sure," Felix said. "See the rest of you in a bit."

"So, are you and Charlie some kind of bad boys?" Minnie asked. "I can clearly see his tattoos and yours are just about covered by those sleeves."

"We're part of Clan Alfknif," Harry said calmly. He knew how that would sound, but at least he was telling the truth. Minnie shook her head. This guy seemed way too nice to be part of some kind of gang. If Amy said he was alright, she was going to believe that. She didn't care if he was some kind of assassin for an illegal group of some kind. She headed up to her room quickly and got changed just about as quickly before running back down. She smiled at Jacky who was clinging to Harry. Looking from him to Harry and taking a look around told her everything she needed to know. "There I'm done, can we go now?" she said. "Before you kill someone."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "There are many ways of dealing with someone that doesn't kill them," he said darkly, sending shivers down Minnie's spine. She didn't doubt that he knew just what could be done either. That was kind of scary. She could tell that Jacky wasn't getting scared. He was certainly feeling something but it wasn't fear. She shook her head in amusement.

Harry got into the car as soon as they reached it. He closed his eyes and leaned back. "Let's just go pick the others up," he said. He started the car.

"What if we don't find them?" Minnie asked.

"Not a problem," Harry said. He drove out and headed towards Charlie. He was using clairvoyance too just to make sure he could actually get there. He stopped the car and Charlie sat down.

"I swear these people could do with a wakeup call," Charlie said. He leaned over and kissed Harry. "Everyone alright in the back?" he asked. Then he moved back and Harry started driving. Charlie reached over and placed a hand on Harry's leg. He could do without the non-magical world. He didn't enjoy it.

Harry reached out and started the radio. He flipped through channels until he found music everyone seemed to like. The tense atmosphere finally lessened when a good song came on and the passengers in the back started singing. Harry smiled softly. He would happily join in, but he wanted to keep his eyes on the road and his mind focused.

"It is a bit to go isn't it," Felix said.

"Yeah, but that is why everyone is staying over," Harry said. "And I will drive you back tomorrow."

"I don't care if it is a bit of a drive," Minnie said. "If we can avoid bigots it is worth it."

They took off from the main road and drove through a forest for a while before turning up on a single-lane road.

"Whoa," Jacky said as they moved over the ridge and entered Ennerdale Estate. Harry drove the car down and parked it.

"This is your place?" Jacky asked. He looked around. "This place is huge," he said. "How could you afford this?"

"A combination of hard work and dead parents," Harry said. "I decided to invest in a good home. I felt like it was worth it." He waved at Draco as the blonde came walking up to them. He introduced the first of their guests. "How are we doing on our end?" he asked.

"I'm pretty sure most people are here," Draco said. "They took a float across the lake earlier. I can show the others out back if you want to change."

"Yes, please," Harry said. He took Charlie's hand and disappeared inside.

Draco sighed. "Well, they'll be back in a bit I guess. Before more of your friends get here this might be a little awkward. It is up to you if you want to get thrown in the deep end or wait for some backup.

Jacky rubbed his arms nervously. "I think we might want to wait," he said. He had a really hard time telling if this guy was actually alright with them or if he was just acting like he was. He took a step back as another guy came walking out of the house. "Oh, there you are Draco," he said. He smiled at the newcomers. "Hi I'm Neville," he said. "I guess Harry is back then. I'll go check with him. I don't know how he wants the food arranged. I swear it is too much."

"You know how many we're bringing?" Minnie asked.

"I saw a number somewhere," Neville said, waving her off. "See you in a bit."

"You in charge of things here?" Jacky asked Draco.

"While Harry was away I guess," Draco said. "My parents have some uncanny guests at the moment and they prefer if I don't get involved so I have been staying here."

"All you people sound so weird," Minnie said. "Is this some kind of cult?"

Draco raised an eyebrow. "We're part of a very different social circle," he said. "And I don't mean that in a monetary regard. You are going to meet a different culture here than what you are used to." He waved as Amy drove in and parked next to Harry's car. "Looks like backup arrived," he said.

"Most people are not that far behind us," Dudley said as he walked up to them. "Nice to see you again Draco, how are your experiments going?"

"Well, enough," Draco said. "There is something there just outside my grasp, but I'll get it soon enough." He introduced himself before letting everyone know where the party would take place. "Harry figured we might be too many for the house in the end, and he does want it to stay standing. That said the living room is decked out for a huge sleepover. If someone needs to stay alone or with a few people there are guest rooms, but one of us is going to need a good reason why you need one of those rooms." Music started up. "I will be heading over there now. If any of you want to join me please come along."

Harry bounced out of the house a moment later. "People are arriving?" he asked Dudley who had stayed to direct people. "That is good. I was a little worried my instructions weren't good enough."

"Not a problem," Sebastian said. "This really feels like you are just showing off," he said but he was smiling as he wrapped an arm around Ben. "No bigots."

"I certainly didn't invite any," Harry said. He stayed with Dudley and Amy until they had checked everyone off their list then he headed out back with the rest. Lee Jordan was manning the DJ booth. Turned out he was a really good DJ. Harry could see people dancing together who certainly hadn't known each other before that day. He smiled as he saw Tonks. Her hair was vividly pink and she was keeping it that way for the evening.

"Come on Harry!" Fred called. "Show 'em what you can do."

Harry chuckled as he moved out on the dance floor. He found Katie and slid up next to her. She smiled at him and leaned into him.

"Is Harry just dancing with everyone?" John asked as he looked out over the dance floor.

"Looks like it," Neville said.

"How does he do that so smoothly?" Minnie asked.

"He knows who is alright with it and who isn't," Neville said. "If you really look he only goes into body contact with certain people. There are a lot of them out there, but he doesn't get that close to people who aren't comfortable with it." He downed the rest of his drink. "See you," he said before heading out on the dance floor and finding Hannah.

Minnie smiled as she studied the dance floor. Harry had moved over to the blonde they met earlier and they were moving almost like they were fighting each other. This was so much better than going to some club. She could just relax and not worry about anything. If she wanted to dance that was an option. She wished her girlfriend was there.

"I think I'm going to try my luck out there," John said.

"Go get them, tiger," Minnie said. She tilted her head to the side as a blonde girl came walking up to her. "Hello," she said.

The blonde turned towards her and blinked owlishly. "Hi," she said. "I'm Luna."

"Hi, Luna. I'm Minnie." Minnie moved away from the table. "Do you want to dance?"

Luna tilted her head to the side. "You have narrgles all around you. Are you feeling okay?" she said.

"I miss my girlfriend," Minnie said.

"Ah, that makes sense," Luna said. She held her hand out. "Have you tried dancing with Harry? It is really fun."

"He isn't really my type," Minnie said.

"Harry can be anything you need him to be," Luna said. "But I understand what you mean I guess." Minnie took her hand and they headed down to the dancefloor.

The sun set beyond the horizon and the light show started.

Dudley took Amy's hand and moved out towards the lake. "This is pretty awesome," he said.

"These guys are wild," Amy said. "Harry has some crazy friends. Did you see them bring out the twister mat right on the floor?"

"Yeah, looked like it was a tight game between Harry and that blonde girl until Jacky got involved," Dudley said. "He's got a good place out here."

"It is a little far from civilization for my taste," Amy said. "I can understand it for him though. He spends so much time away working that he just wants somewhere to relax when he gets back."

Dudley nodded. "Yeah," he said. He could see other couples moving away from the music. Ben and Sebastian settled down by the water. Fred and Angelina had scurried off a while ago.

Harry was still rocking the dance floor. He was having way too much fun to run off with Charlie. They could do that later. Not that Charlie seemed to mind. He shook his hips and moved closer to his bonded.

Ben leaned back against Sebastian. He sighed. It was strange how insane it felt to not have to worry about anyone seeing them. Away from Ennerdale, they could be fined for being themselves for a few more years. Everyone else was allowed to love but not them. It was so stupid. He turned around and kissed Sebastian.

"We're laying on a beach, Ben," Sebastian said as he was pushed back.

"On a private beach," Ben said. "No one is looking this way." He pulled Sebastian's clothes off and kissed him. He knew Sebastian didn't really care who saw. He was just concerned about him. His eyes narrowed momentarily as the air around them shimmered. He chose to ignore it.

17th of June, 1999.

Hours later Ben and Sebastian were moving through the crowd. They were looking for Harry. Ben was seeing things that made him really suspicious, and it fit in so well that he had to talk to someone. He guessed they might be able to talk to Dudley, but Harry felt like a safer bet. They found him still on the dancefloor with a bunch of people. Ben stopped for a moment as he saw the silvery markings on Harry's arms.

"Something up?" Harry asked as they got closer. The serious expression on Ben's face pulled him into reality very quickly.

"Can we talk to you?" Ben asked.

"Sure," Harry said. He headed off the dancefloor with them and walked down towards the water. "What do you want?" he asked curiously.

Ben ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "You… there is no good way to say this," he said. "You're a wizard right?"

Harry raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think that?" he said calmly.

"Don't try to gaslight me," Ben said. "I can see your damn wards. And those marks on your arms are glowing. I might not be able to use magic, but I grew up around the stuff." He leaned back against Sebastian. "And yes I have told Sebby because I had to be able to talk to someone. And stay out of my head."

Harry raised an eyebrow. He had scanned emotions, not tried to enter the guy's mind, but it was interesting to see that he was so sensitive. He reached out and grabbed Ben's arm keying him past the spells that kept everyone else from seeing the magic around them.

"Does Dudley know?" Ben asked.

"He's known since I was eleven," Harry said.

Ben's eyes closed. "They hated you because of… That makes so much more sense," he said. "Everything does. You act like the world isn't a bigoted piece of shit because the magical world doesn't care about same-gendered couples."

"Not that there isn't bigotry," Harry said. "You just get the brunt of it together with those born from non-magical parents."

"Not here though," Ben said. "He's a bloody Malfoy, that's why he felt so stuck up."

"And I have worked months on breaking that down," Harry whined though he wasn't serious.

"I still don't really get it," Sebastian said. "I mean this place is a little surreal, but it is just a house by the lake."

Ben looked at Harry with pleading eyes. "You will have to sign a few things before you leave," Harry said. "Be very glad I am a member of a goblin clan and can bend the rules on my own land. It is illegal to tell people without magic about it without some very specific circumstances." He reached out and pinged Sebastian past the muggle shield so he could see Ennerdale for what it was.

"You were hiding us from view earlier," Ben said.

"Only if you were being naughty Ben," Harry said with a wink.

"What is that out in the water?" Sebastian asked.

"A selkie," Harry said. "They live in the lake. They have a town within my wards."

"Selkie," Sebastian said. "How many creatures that I think are just fantasy are actually real?"

"I have told you that most fantasy creatures either exist or have existed," Ben said.

"It is another thing to see one though," Harry said. "Follow me." He looked over his shoulder as Dudley made his way up to them.

"What is going on?" Dudley asked.

"Ben is a squib," Harry said.

"Non-magical in a magical family right?" Dudley said. "Really?"

"He has already told Sebastian more than he should so I'll reach out and protect them," Harry said.

"Is that really necessary?" Dudley asked.

"If he wants to keep his memories," Harry said. "If the ministry found out about them they could erase both of their memories, to be honest. They don't really care about squibs over there."

"If the government thinks we need to forget how do you protect us?" Sebastian said, almost panicky. What the hell had he gotten himself into?

"He is a member of a goblin Clan," Ben said "They run the banks around the wizarding world and are their own sovereign community. There are treaties between them and humans. I guess Harry can give us their protection, meaning that if the Ministry tries to take our memories they would start a war with the goblins."

"How would these Ministry guys know that though?" Sebastian asked.

"I will be fetching you an emblem. It will look like a credit card. That you can carry with you. You shouldn't end up in trouble with the authorities, but it will protect you against Aurors if you do," Harry said. "It does not protect you if you commit a crime." He walked into the Sanctuary and let them enter. "Welcome to the heart of Ennerdale," he said.

Sebastian's eyes were wide. He stared at the dragons flying around.

"I think you broke him," Dudley said.

"You think I should continue?" Harry said. He walked over towards the dragons and greeted one. Lighting spread out around him and he breathed fire back.

"How powerful is Harry?" Ben asked.

"You grew up in a magical household?" Dudley asked.

Ben nodded.

"He's Harry Potter."

Ben turned towards Dudley and stared at him. "No way," he said. "You are related to the Harry Potter."

"Our mothers were sisters," Dudley said with a shrug.

"What does that stuff even mean?" Sebastian asked.

"He is only famous in the magical world," Ben said. "My family were awed and just a little bit intimidated by the idea of him. They calmed down for a bit and then they got nervous. I haven't talked to any of them in a while now."

"Dark Lord is back. They might be protecting you," Dudley said.

Ben closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "Yeah, great," he said. He took Sebastian's arm. "I'll explain later," he said.

Harry returned to them. "Ready to head back to the house?" he asked. "I'm happy enough Dudley will have someone to talk to about these things."

"Amy doesn't know?" Ben asked.

Dudley shook his head. "No she doesn't," he said. "Harry has told me I better be serious about it if I'm going to tell someone."

"I thought you and Amy were steady," Sebastian said.

"I have plans and she has plans. They don't line up," Dudley said. "We're probably going to break up just so we don't hold each other down. I really like her, but she wants to move and I have a spot open for me."

"That's rough man," Sebastian said.

Dudley shrugged. "It is fine," he said. "I want her to be happy, and she won't be happy sticking around."

They walked into the living room and found a corner. Amy waved. She looked just as sad as Dudley did.

"You need a place to middle land for a bit?" Harry asked.

"Nah, I'll be fine," Dudley said. He laid back against a pile of pillows. "Thanks for everything Harry," he said.

"Anytime bro, anytime," Harry said.