As Harry stood there, panting and exhausted, the stunned silence that had fallen over the crowd suddenly erupted into a cacophony of cheers and applause. It started with the younglings, their high-pitched voices cutting through the air as they clapped their hands together in excitement. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and soon everyone else had joined in, creating a thunderous roar that echoed across the grounds.
Harry felt as if he were in a dream, the world around him blurring into a haze of noise and color. He could see the faces of his friends and family, their expressions a mix of awe and pride as they cheered him on. For a moment, he forgot about the pain in his arm, forgot about the griffin lying unconscious at his feet. All he could feel was the rush of adrenaline and the overwhelming sense of accomplishment that came with knowing he had faced a challenge and emerged victorious.
But then the pain came crashing back, sharp and searing, and Harry found himself wincing as he cradled his injured arm against his chest. He started to make his way towards his family, his steps slow and unsteady as he navigated through the throng of well-wishers.
Andromeda and Mary were the first to reach him, their faces etched with concern as they took in the sight of his wound. They fussed over him, their hands gentle as they examined the damage.
"A bit sloppy in your work there, Harry," Andromeda remarked, a playful glint in her worried eyes as she gestured to his open wound. "But congratulations on your victory! I don't remember anyone else ever managing to knock out a griffin before," she said with genuine admiration in her voice.
Her words were met with a fresh wave of cheers from the crowd, and Harry couldn't help but grin despite the pain. He had done it.
Ginny, Ron, and a few of his other schoolmates reached him, their faces alight with excitement. "That was brilliant, Harry!" Ron exclaimed, clapping him on the back. "I knew you could do it, but blimey, I didn't expect you to take it out like that!"
"You were amazing," Ginny added, her eyes shining with admiration. "I've never seen anything like it."
As the congratulations continued to pour in, Andromeda took her leave, a slight frown creasing her brow. "I'd better tend to the griffin," she said, glancing back at the unconscious creature. "I wonder how well this will go down with the coven that lent them to us. Knocking one out cold wasn't exactly part of the agreement." With a sigh, she hurried off, leaving Harry to bask in the glow of his victory, surrounded by his friends and family.
As Harry soaked in the congratulations and cheers from his friends and the crowd, a familiar voice rang out above the din. "Move aside, move aside! Let me through!"
Heads turned, and the crowd began to part, making way for Poppy Dumbledore nee Pomfrey. Her no-nonsense demeanor and stern expression commanded immediate attention. "Honestly, what did you expect? A griffin, of all things!"
Harry chuckled weakly as she approached, her eyes narrowing with a mix of concern and irritation. "Harry Potter," she sighed, shaking her head. "I should have known to expect this from someone with your lineage. Your parents were just as reckless."
Mary stepped aside with a small smile, allowing Poppy to examine Harry's injured arm. She gently took his arm, her touch both firm and comforting.
"Let's see what we have here," she muttered, her eyes beginning to glow with a soft, magical light as she started her work.
Harry winced as she touched his arm, the pain flaring up once more before it began to ebb away under her careful ministrations. Poppy's eyes glowed brighter as she focused on the wound, her magic seeping into the torn flesh.
A soft, golden light emanated from her fingertips, bathing Harry's arm in a gentle, ethereal glow. The light seemed to pulse in rhythm with his heartbeat, each pulse sending a wave of warmth through his injured limb. Harry watched in awe as the glow intensified, illuminating the intricate workings of his arm.
The muscles and tendons in his arm began to respond to the magic, knitting themselves back together in a mesmerizing display. Threads of muscle fibers wove together seamlessly, creating the natural tapestry of his arm. The torn tissue melded into place, the once ragged edges smoothing out.
The skin followed suit, pulling tight over the wound with a graceful, almost fluid motion. The glow from her magic seemed to infuse the very cells with vitality. The skin's natural color returned, erasing any sign of the brutal gashes left by the griffin's talons.
Harry felt the warmth of her magic, a soothing balm that chased away the pain and left him feeling whole once more. It was as if the magic itself was singing a gentle lullaby to his body.
The crowd watched in hushed amazement, their eyes wide and mouths slightly agape as the wound closed. The golden light flickered and then faded, leaving only the faintest of scars as evidence of his injury. Harry flexed his fingers, testing the newly healed arm and finding it as strong and steady as before.
"Now, try not to go getting yourself injured again," she said with a stern look, though there was a twinkle in her eye. "I have enough work without you adding to it."
Harry gave her a grateful smile. "Thank you, Madam Dumbledore. I'll try my best."
Harry then turned to her with a puzzled expression. "Why are the little rugrats here?" he asked, nodding his head towards his juniors from Hogwarts. "Shouldn't they be in school?"
Poppy sighed, a knowing look in her eyes. "Albus likely wanted them to experience the clash, as it would prove to be a good learning experience for them." She gently reminded him, "You were present at a few yourself when you were younger, remember?"
Harry playfully grumbled, "It's different when I'm the one being looked at and not the other way around."
Poppy chuckled before her expression turned serious. "Harry, I want to genuinely congratulate you on your effort today. I can now rest trouble-free knowing that you can take down such a beast yourself. You'll do well in the actual taming ceremony as well." She then wrinkled her nose, adding, "Now, go freshen up. You smell and look horrible. While you're free to skip classes today if you wish, I don't want you slacking off for the rest of the week."
Mary placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, her eyes suddenly misty and shining with pride. "I'm so proud of you, Harry. Lily and James, would have been too if they were here."
Her words filled Harry with a warm glow that seemed to radiate from his chest and spread throughout his entire body. He turned to face her, his eyes meeting hers, and saw the depth of emotion that lay within them. There was pride there, to be sure, but also a fierce love and protectiveness that reminded him so much of his own mother.
"Thank you, Mary," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion. "That means more to me than you know." She smiled at him, her hand lingering on his shoulder for a moment longer before she gave it a gentle squeeze and stepped back. "Go on now," she said, tilting her head towards the manor. "You've earned a bit of rest after today's events."
As he crossed the grounds, he became aware of a group of witches standing off to one side, their eyes fixed on him. They were young, probably no older than he was, and they were whispering and giggling amongst themselves as they watched him pass. Harry felt a flush creep up his neck and into his cheeks as he caught the appreciative glances they were sending his way.
One of the witches, a pretty blonde with sparkling blue eyes, caught his gaze and winked at him, a coy smile playing at the corners of her mouth. Harry felt his heart skip a beat and quickly looked away, feeling a flush rise to his cheeks.
It wasn't that he was unaccustomed to female attention - he had certainly had his fair share of admirers over the years. But there was something about the way these witches were looking at him, combined with the excitement of the moment, that left him feeling unusually affected.
Shaking his head, he quickened his pace, eager to reach the sanctuary of the manor and the privacy of his own room. All he wanted was a hot shower, a cold drink, and a bit of time to himself to process everything that had happened. Entering the manor, his mind still reeling from the events of the day, Harry failed to notice the lone figure following him at a discreet distance.
Harry stepped into his room, the adrenaline from his victorious battle still pumping through his veins. He carefully shrugged off his jacket, wincing slightly as the movement aggravated his bruised muscles. His upper robes followed, and he laid both garments out on his bed, examining the damage they had sustained during the fight.
The jacket had a large gash running along the left side, the edges frayed and singed from where the griffin's talons had torn through the fabric. His robes hadn't fared much better, with several smaller tears and scorch marks marring the once-pristine material. Harry sighed, running his fingers over the damaged areas. He would need to repair the garments and redraw the protective arrays woven into the fabric to ensure they would hold up better in future confrontations.
As he stood there, shirtless in the cool air of his room, Harry caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. His torso, while not bulky with oversized muscles, was well-defined and toned. Years of working with steel and wood, crafting intricate magical objects, had given him broad shoulders and strong, sinewy arms. His chest and abdomen were lean and firm, the result of countless hours of training and physical exertion.
However, as the adrenaline from the fight began to wear off, Harry could see the toll the battle had taken on his body. Bruises were already starting to form across his chest and ribcage, the skin turning a mottled purple and blue where the griffin had thrown him about like a rag doll. He gingerly pressed his fingers against a particularly nasty-looking contusion, hissing in pain as the tender flesh protested the contact.
Suddenly, he heard the door to his room open. Expecting either Andromeda or Mary coming to check on him, Harry turned around, only to be shocked when he saw Ginny enter alone. Her face was flushed with excitement, and she was panting slightly, having likely run to catch up with him.
Harry really looked at her for the first time today, his eyes drinking in the sight of her. Her dress was really pretty, ending a bit above her knees, and it showed a great view of her creamy legs and plump thighs. Her face was dyed a pretty pink, contrasting well with her fiery red hair. She stood panting at his door, her chest moving against her dress as it hugged her snugly. The dress was fitted at the waist, emphasizing her curves and creating a beautiful silhouette. He saw as a drop of sweat made its way down her neck, and his gaze lingered on the delicate curve of her collarbone.
Harry quickly snapped his eyes back up to her face, his gaze lingering on her flushed cheeks and the sparkle in her eyes. He felt a flutter in his chest as he took in the sight of her, her beauty radiating from her very presence.
"Harry, that was incredible!" Ginny exclaimed, her eyes shining with admiration. "The way you handled that griffin... I've never seen anything like it."
Harry smiled. "Thanks, Gin. It was a tough fight, but I'm glad I managed to pull through."
Ginny nodded, her expression growing more serious as she fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. "You know," she began hesitantly, her voice softer than usual, "with you being so close to taming a beast, you'll likely start thinking about witches to join your coven soon..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her tone.
Harry raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden shyness.
Harry crossed his arms, catching Ginny's gaze briefly drop to his toned biceps before she quickly looked away. He smirked, deciding to tease her a bit. "Oh? And who do you think I should consider, Ginny?"
Ginny turned her back to Harry, her fingers nervously fidgeting with the hem of her robes as she began to list potential witches for his coven. "Well, there's Susan Bones," she started, her voice wavering slightly. "She's always been excellent at Care of Magical Creatures. Her gentle nature and empathy make her a natural when it comes to handling beasts. Plus, she's quite stunning with her warm brown eyes and curvy figure."
Harry took a step closer to Ginny, his interest piqued by her description of the Hufflepuff witch. Ginny continued, "And then there's Daphne Greengrass. She shares your love for runes and has a keen intellect that could be invaluable to your coven. Her beauty is undeniable, with her long, golden hair and piercing blue eyes that seem to see right through you."
With each name Ginny listed, Harry found himself drawn closer to her, until he was standing right behind her, his breath ghosting over the back of her neck. Ginny shivered slightly at his proximity but pressed on. "Lily Moon comes from a strong, influential coven," she added, her voice barely above a whisper. "She could bring a lot of power and resources to your side. And her exotic beauty, with her raven hair and smoldering dark eyes, is sure to turn heads wherever she goes."
Harry leaned in, his lips brushing against Ginny's ear as he spoke, his voice low and husky. "And what about you, Gin? Don't you think you'd make a good addition to my coven?"
Ginny turned to face Harry, her wide brown eyes locking with his intense green gaze. She could feel the heat radiating from his shirtless body, and her heart raced at his proximity. Harry held up three fingers, a small smirk playing on his lips.
"Why would I need three witches when I could have you, Gin?" he asked, his voice low and husky. "Susan may be great with creatures, but your fiery spirit and determination are unmatched, and I think the all animals love you." He lowered one finger, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Daphne might share my love for runes, but your quick wit and creativity bring a unique perspective that I find irresistible." Another finger went down as he dipped his head closer to hers, their noses almost touching.
"And while Lily comes from an influential coven, the Weasley coven is like a second family to me. They hold more influence over my heart than any other in the world." The final finger dropped, and Harry's hand came to rest on Ginny's waist, pulling her closer.
"Your beauty outshines them all, Gin," he whispered, his breath mingling with hers.
Unable to resist any longer, Ginny closed the distance between them, capturing his lips in a searing kiss. Harry was caught off guard by the intensity of her actions, but quickly responded, pulling her close and molding her body to his. Their kiss deepened, all urgency and longing, as years of pent-up desire finally found release.
"Fuck, Ginny," Harry groaned into her mouth. He could feel the heat of her body against his, the softness of her curves pressing into him. His hands roamed over her back, tracing the outline of her spine before sliding down to cup her ass cheeks.
Ginny moaned loudly as he squeezed and pulled at her firm flesh through the thin fabric of their clothes. She gripped his hair tightly and pulled him closer, deepening their kiss even further. Her tongue danced with his in a sensual rhythm that made Harry's head spin with desire.
As they broke apart for air once more, Ginny's chest heaved up and down rapidly while she panted heavily next to him. A trail of saliva connected their lips where they had been locked together so passionately just moments ago. With a lewd smirk on her face, she leaned forward and licked it off slowly—her tongue swirling around until every last drop was gone. But the separation was short-lived. Unable to resist the pull of their connection, they came together again, lips crashing in a desperate, consuming kiss.
Ginny suddenly pulled back from the kiss, leaving Harry's lips tingling and his heart racing. She took a step back, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she watched him try to compose himself. Harry, his mind still reeling from the intense encounter, looked up to find Ginny smirking at him, her lips swollen and her cheeks flushed.
"As much as I'd love to continue this, Harry," she said, her voice slightly breathless, "I almost forgot the reason I came here in the first place."
Harry blinked, trying to focus on her words as his body screamed for more of her touch. "And what reason would that be?" he asked, his voice rough with desire.
Ginny's smirk widened. "Mum wanted me to tell you to come over to the Burrow this evening. Bill is returning with his coven, and they want you all to catch up with Nymphadora. Mum thought you'd like to join us."
Harry nodded, a smile spreading across his face at the thought of seeing his sister again. "Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Ginny grinned, her eyes raking over his shirtless form one last time before she turned to leave. "Great! I'll let Mum know you'll be there." She paused at the door, glancing back at him over her shoulder with a wink. "Oh, and Harry? You might want to put a shirt on before you come over. As much as I enjoy the view, I don't think my brothers would appreciate it quite as much."
With a giggle, she disappeared through the door, leaving Harry alone in his room, his body still thrumming with the lingering effects of their passionate encounter.
He shook his head, a grin playing on his lips as he headed for the shower.
Harry spent the rest of the day recovering, with Andromeda providing him with the necessary potions for his wounds. She advised him to rest for the remainder of the day.
Andromeda revealed that Nymphadora planned to arrive late in the evening, likely after completing her work shift, before heading to the Weasley manor. Andromeda was excited to meet her daughter, as this was their first encounter since Nymphadora had become an Auror for the French Ministry of Magic, despite her family's concerns. Nymphadora's husband, Bill, had no complaints, confident in his wife's abilities. He worked as a curse breaker for Gringotts, no stranger to danger himself.
As the sun began to set, Harry found himself drawn to Hogwarts, unwilling to miss his rune class. On the road approaching the castle, he spotted Ron and quickened his pace to catch up with him.
"Couldn't stay still, huh?" Harry grinned.
Ron chuckled. "Nah, mate. Can't live without smacking a few brats around in conditioning class every day." They both shared a laugh at that.
As Harry and Ron approached the castle gates, they were greeted by the towering figure of Hagrid, the gamekeeper of Hogwarts. A broad smile stretched across his bearded face as he waved them over.
"Harry! Ron! Congratulations on yer victory over them griffins!" Hagrid boomed, clapping them both on the back with his massive hands. "I heard all about it from Poppy. Mighty impressive, I must say."
Harry grinned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Thanks, Hagrid. It was a tough fight, but we managed to pull through."
Hagrid's expression turned serious, and he fixed Harry with a stern look. "Now, Harry, I need to have a word with yeh about yer griffin."
Harry's smile faltered, and he exchanged a worried glance with Ron. "What about it, Hagrid?"
The gamekeeper sighed, shaking his head. "I was called in to check on the beast after yer fight. It was in a right state, it was. I know yeh were caught up in the heat of the moment, but yeh can't be so rough with creatures like that, Harry. They've got feelings too, yeh know."
Harry's heart sank, and he felt a wave of guilt wash over him. "I'm sorry, Hagrid. I didn't mean to hurt it. I just... I got carried away."
Hagrid's expression softened, and he placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder. "I know yeh didn't mean no harm, Harry. But yeh've got to remember, these creatures, they're not just obstacles to be overcome. They're living, breathing beings, and they deserve our respect."
Harry nodded, his eyes downcast. "You're right, Hagrid. I promise, I'll be more mindful in the future. I'll treat them with the respect they deserve."
Hagrid smiled, giving Harry's shoulder a gentle squeeze. "That's all I ask, Harry. I know yer heart's in the right place. Just keep that in mind, and you'll do just fine."
Ron, who had been watching the exchange, spoke up. "We'll both be more careful, Hagrid. We've learned a lot today, and not just about fighting griffins."
Hagrid chuckled, his eyes twinkling. "Aye, that's the spirit, Ron. Now, off with yeh both. I'm sure yeh've got plenty of studying to do." With a final wave, Harry and Ron made their way through the gates and towards the castle.
Harry and Ron parted ways, with Harry heading to the runes classroom and Ron to his own class.
Upon entering the classroom, Harry spotted Ginny sitting on a bench with Lavender by her side. He joined them, and Ginny expressed her surprise at his presence.
"I thought you'd be resting after today's events," she said, raising an eyebrow.
Harry shrugged, a smirk playing on his lips. "And miss out on the chance to spend time with you? Never."
He bumped shoulders with Ginny playfully, causing her to flush pink. Ginny rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "Well, I hope you're ready to focus. We've got a lot of ground to cover today."
As Professor Vector arrived, the class proceeded as usual. Harry chose to work on a different array, a trap designed to cover a larger area than his localized lotus. Professor Vector, a master in her field, had no trouble understanding Harry's intended effect and guided him towards the correct vectors to include in his design.
Towards the end of the class, a student raised her hand. Her question caught Harry's attention, prompting him to look up from his work.
"Professor Vector, I have a query about the array Harry used this morning. Would it be alright to ask about it now?" Daphne Greengrass, a curious blonde witch, inquired.
After a brief glance at Harry, Professor Vector nodded. "Of course, Miss Greengrass. Please, go ahead."
Daphne turned to Harry. "I was wondering how the griffin didn't sense the first trap when it was dropped on the ground. Griffins are known for their sensitivity to magic, so I was surprised to see it carelessly fall into your trap."
Professor Vector hummed thoughtfully before looking at Harry with a knowing grin. Harry shrugged and stood up to address Daphne's question.
"The trap, unlike my other tools, wasn't powered at all," Harry explained. "I purposely drained them before the exercise. The trap had a low enough potential to be triggered by the magic that the griffin naturally gives off."
He continued, "Magical creatures naturally send waves through the magical fabric. Most of my traps utilize this fact."
He paused, then elaborated, "This makes them magically invisible until triggered, which makes them hard to evade."
Professor Vector piped up from the side, "This effect is one that Harry's mother published during her mastery of runes."
Daphne frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Wouldn't that interfere with your taming ritual, though?"
Harry instinctively opened his mouth to say no but realized he didn't have an actual reply to that.
Professor Vector interjected, "That's an excellent point, Miss Greengrass. Harry, have you considered how this might impact your taming ritual?"
In the realm of magical creatures, the act of taming is a sacred ritual, a dance between the primal forces of nature and the unyielding will of the wizard. When a wizard seeks to tame a beast, they must first prove their dominance, their ability to subdue the creature through sheer power and determination. It is a battle of wills, a test of strength and cunning, as the wizard faces the raw, untamed energy of the magical being.
Once the beast is brought to its knees, an unspoken agreement is formed. The creature, recognizing the superiority of the wizard, surrenders its will, offering it up as a sacrifice in exchange for the opportunity to continue existing. It is a moment of profound submission, where the beast acknowledges that its fate rests in the hands of the one who has conquered it.
But the taming ritual is not complete until the wizard's blood is spilled. The wizard's blood acts as a catalyst in this process, as wizards themselves do not possess inherent magic for the bond to hold. This crimson essence proves to be a bridge between the mortal world and the realm of the supernatural. It is through this blood that the bond between wizard and beast is sealed, a pact that transcends the boundaries of life and death.
The concern raised by Daphne was that if Harry's traps merely reflected the beast's power back towards it, would that truly count as him subduing the creature, or would it be considered self-destruction on the beast's part?
Septima Vector, recognizing the validity of the question, sought to reassure both Daphne and Harry. "The taming ritual will proceed without any consequences," she explained. "You see, the entire process is intent-based. The beast acknowledges that it is forfeiting its very being in return for being allowed to live."
She continued, "Magic, at its core, is driven by intent. As long as the beast truly desires to be tamed, and genuinely believes that failing to do so will result in the forfeiture of its life, the taming will hold."
Harry nodded, a look of understanding crossing his features. "So, even if my traps reflect the beast's power back at it, as long as the creature's intent to surrender is genuine, the taming will be successful?"
Septima smiled. "Precisely, Harry. The magic of the taming ritual goes beyond the physical aspects of subduing the beast. It is the emotional and mental connection, the understanding between the wizard and the creature, that truly matters."
As the class wrapped up, Harry and Ginny left together, their hands lightly entwined. Daphne Greengrass approached them, a slight smile on her face.
"Harry, I wanted to thank you for explaining the intricacies of your traps and how they work with magical creatures," Daphne said sincerely. "I must admit, I was pleasantly surprised to see your creations in action and witness your victory against the griffin. It was truly impressive."
Harry grinned, appreciating the compliment. "Thank you, Daphne. I'm glad I could shed some light on the subject. It's always great to have the opportunity to discuss and learn from each other."
Daphne nodded in agreement. "Absolutely. I wish you the very best for your upcoming taming ceremony, Harry. I have no doubt you'll excel."
As she turned to leave, Daphne's gaze lingered for a fleeting moment on Harry and Ginny's entwined hands. A mix of curiosity and something indiscernible flickered in her eyes before she composed herself and bid them farewell.
Harry and Ginny continued their walk, a comfortable silence settling between them. After a short while, they crossed paths with Ron. Upon noticing Harry and Ginny's linked hands, Ron's eyes widened, and he opened his mouth to comment.
However, Lavender swiftly intervened, latching onto Ron with her elbow. "Ron, I heard you had an interesting lesson in your conditioning class today! Something about a new technique for tracking elusive animals?" she exclaimed, effectively distracting him from the couple.
Ginny caught Lavender's wink and mouthed a silent "thank you" in appreciation. Lavender grinned in response, clearly delighted to help her friend.
As the four of them made their way towards the Weasley home, Harry and Ginny walked merrily behind Ron and Lavender, their hands still clasped together. The warmth of Ginny's touch and the easy camaraderie among friends filled Harry with a sense of contentment.
Ron, engrossed in his conversation with Lavender about the technique, seemed to have momentarily forgotten about Harry and Ginny's display of affection.
The trio bid farewell to Lavender as they approached the Weasley household. The Burrow, as it was affectionately called, stood in stark contrast to the Potter manor. While smaller in size, the Weasley home exuded an enchanting aura that could only be found in a world steeped in magic.
The house seemed to defy the laws of physics, with its unusual angles and precariously stacked floors. The walls of the house leaned at odd angles, giving the impression that the entire building was caught in a perpetual dance with gravity. Windows of varying sizes and shapes dotted the exterior, their panes glinting in the sunlight like mischievous eyes. The roofline was a jumble of peaks and valleys, with gables jutting out at unexpected places and chimneys that twisted and turned like the tail of a playful cat.
Despite its unconventional appearance, the Burrow exuded a sense of warmth and welcome that seemed to emanate from every nook and cranny. As Harry stepped into the fields marking the start of the Weasley property, he felt the familiar thrum of the wards against his skin, a gentle reminder of the protective enchantments that enveloped the home. He spotted a few garden gnomes scurrying about, their tiny forms quickly burrowing underground upon noticing the trio's arrival.
Upon entering the house, the mouthwatering aroma of a typical Weasley feast wafted through the air, causing Harry's stomach to rumble in anticipation. The sound of lively chatter and laughter emanated from the kitchen, where Andromeda and Mary were engaged in conversation with Molly.
Dorcas Weasley, née Meadows, the second witch married to Arthur, greeted them with a warm smile and a gentle hug. "Welcome home, dears," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "It's lovely to see you all. I hope your day at Hogwarts was productive."
Dorcas's demeanor was a perfect complement to Molly's more exuberant nature. Where Molly was a whirlwind of energy and enthusiasm, Dorcas was a calm, steady presence, always ready with a listening ear and a word of wisdom. Her gentle guidance and unwavering support had been a source of comfort for the Weasley children and their friends throughout the years.
Hearing the newcomers' voices, the witches emerged from the kitchen, with Molly rushing forward to envelop Harry in another hug. "Come, come, sit down," she insisted, ushering them towards the living area. "I'll fetch you something to drink. You must be parched after your long day."
As Molly disappeared into the kitchen, Ron seized the opportunity to sneak in and grab a snack. However, his attempt at stealth was short-lived as Molly caught sight of him. "Ronald Weasley!" she called out, her voice a mix of amusement and exasperation. "You'll spoil your appetite for dinner!"
Ron, undeterred, made a comical escape, rushing up the stairs to his room with his pilfered treat in hand, likely to freshen up from his classes.
Settling comfortably on the sofa, Harry gratefully accepted the steaming mug of hot chocolate Molly had prepared for him and Ginny. The rich, velvety aroma of the beverage mingled with the scent of the crackling fireplace, creating an atmosphere of pure contentment.
Andromeda, seated on a nearby sofa, observed the proximity between Harry and Ginny with a knowing glint in her eye. "So, how were your classes today?" she inquired, her tone laced with genuine interest. "Anything particularly exciting happen?"
As Harry was recounting his newfound knowledge about the taming ritual to Andromeda, Ron descended the stairs, his interest piqued by the topic. He grabbed his mug of hot chocolate and settled beside Harry, eager to hear more about the fascinating discovery.
Just as Harry was concluding his explanation, Andromeda and Dorcas abruptly turned their attention to the fireplace, their eyes glowing with anticipation. Simultaneously, Molly and Mary emerged from the kitchen, drawn by the same unseen force.
Moments later, the fireplace burst to life in a dazzling display of emerald green flames. The previously empty space within the fireplace began to fill with materializing forms, gradually taking shape before their eyes.
Nymphadora Weasley, Harry's sister, stepped out of the fireplace, stumbling slightly in her characteristic clumsiness. Despite her awkward entrance, a radiant smile adorned her face, her vibrant pink hair adding to her exuberant presence. Bill Weasley followed closely behind, his hand deftly slipping into the crook of Nymphadora's elbow with practiced ease, steadying her as they both emerged from the fireplace.
Perched on Bill's shoulder, in its usual spot, was his tamed Fwooper. The magnificent bird boasted a stunning array of bright orange and yellow feathers, its plumage a captivating display of color. The Fwooper's large, expressive eyes seemed to take in the room with an intelligent gaze, its presence adding an exotic touch to the already magical entrance.
However, what caught everyone by surprise was the appearance of a third person, a woman, who unexpectedly emerged from the floo behind Nymphadora and Bill. As her form fully materialized, Harry realized that his sister's hasty return might not solely be attributed to the upcoming Taming Ceremony.
The unknown woman stood tall and elegant, her presence commanding attention with an effortless grace. Confidence and power radiated from her very being. Her striking features included high cheekbones, piercing blue eyes, and a cascade of bright golden hair that shone like spun gold.
Harry couldn't help but be struck by the woman's undeniable beauty. He was confident that no one, wizard or witch, could dispute the fact that she possessed an ethereal allure. Her features seemed to be perfectly sculpted, but there was something about her that set him on edge. The look in her eyes hinted at a depth and power that went beyond her physical appearance.
As her gaze swept over the room, momentarily passing over Harry, he could practically feel the air around him change. It suddenly tasted sweeter, with his mind instinctively attributing the sensation to her presence. Harry had almost taken an unconscious step forward before snapping out of the trance-like state. The feeling was too distinct to be anything else.
He glanced to his side, seeking confirmation from Ron, only to find his mate already looking at him with understanding in his eyes.
"A Veela," Molly Weasley muttered, her voice barely audible in the now silent room, her eyes aglow with Sight.
Nymphadora, either oblivious to the tension or deliberately ignoring it, pulled the woman to stand between her and Bill. "Everyone, I hope you are absolutely mesmerized to meet my bombshell of a girlfriend, Fleur Delacour." By placing Fleur in the center, Nymphadora managed to create a united front, showcasing their relationship.
Bill, standing on her other side, slipped an arm around both of them. "We decided to expand our family." The emphasis on "family" rather than "coven" was noted by everyone in the room. This was why Harry admired Bill; he had a particular way with his words, knowing exactly how to diffuse tension, a skill quite similar to his sister's.
The adults, their eyes now back to normal, remained silent, likely taken aback by the surprise announcement. Thankfully, Ron chose to break the ice.
"Honestly," he chuckled, his eyes flicking over to Fleur, "you deserve someone way better than this scruffy, raggedy guy."
Harry seized the opportunity to join in. "I don't know, man," he said, slipping an arm over Ron's shoulder, "your brother always seemed to have a way with pretty 'birds'," gesturing at Bill's Fwooper.
The jokes landed well, and Fleur's musical laughter echoed through the space as she looked at them. Bill mock-grumbled about upstart brothers while Nymphadora let out a cackle.
The laughter seemed to snap Ginny out of her stupor, and she descended upon the trio with a grin, gathering them in a hug. "You should visit more often," they could hear her muffled voice as she spoke into her brother's stomach.
Molly and Dorcas seamlessly stepped in, engaging Fleur in conversation and whisking her away into the kitchen. Fleur glanced helplessly back at Bill, but he simply gave her a grin and a wink as his mothers led her away. The atmosphere in the room had shifted from one of surprise and tension to a more relaxed and jovial mood. Harry couldn't help but marvel at how effortlessly the Weasley family navigated unexpected situations, their love and acceptance shining through in even the most surprising moments.
Thank you for reading! For early access to more chapters, please visit my Pat - reon page under the same name as my profile.
P.S. Some of you have pointed out that Septima Vector does not originally teach Runes. Babbling isn't a name I can associate with a teacher, sorry XD. Also, I hope some of you can appreciate the irony of Septima 'Vector' teaching runic 'arrays'.
P.P.S. This is a Fwooper: wiki/Fwooper. I might start adding wiki links to new beasts as they emerge. Let me know if this is unnecessary.