CHAPTER 35: STAG NIGHT SHENANIGANS
As they made their way through the corridors of St. Mungo's, Harry couldn't shake the feeling of anticipation mingled with apprehension. The news of their impending parenthood had transformed his world in an instant, and he knew that their lives would never be the same again.
But as he glanced at Bellatrix, her eyes alight with excitement and determination, Harry felt a surge of confidence. They may not have all the answers, but they had each other, and that was enough to face whatever the future held.
Hand in hand, they stepped out into the bright sunlight, ready to embrace the journey ahead, knowing that together, they could weather any storm.
Harry and Bellatrix stepped out of the fireplace to find themselves greeted by Tonks, much to their surprise.
"Hello, Auntie Bella, Harry!" Tonks exclaimed excitedly.
"Hello, Tonks," Harry replied with a smile, exchanging a glance with Bellatrix.
"Aunt Narcissa wanted me to lead you to the dining room," Tonks announced cheerfully.
"Then lead the way," Harry said, amusement twinkling in his eyes.
Bellatrix, ever perceptive, couldn't resist probing. "What did you break?" she inquired, her tone shrewd.
"I accidentally knocked over Aunt Cissa's vase," Tonks admitted quietly, a hint of guilt in her voice.
"Hmm, the last child that broke something of Cissa's ended up tied up in the Forbidden Forest," Bellatrix mused thoughtfully, her expression serious.
"It was never proven I had anything to do with that," Narcissa interjected as they entered the dining room.
"Either way, count yourself lucky she just made you play house-elf," Bellatrix remarked with an evil grin as she gracefully took the seat Harry had pulled out for her.
"Don't worry, dear. I'll just make you clean the dungeons if you break any more of my things," Narcissa added sweetly as they all settled around the table.
Harry noticed Andromeda seated next to Narcissa, and Cassiopeia wore her usual serene expression, her content smile widening as she caught sight of him.
"You did very well, Peverell. Lord Gamp seemed extremely eager to come to the table this morning," Cassiopeia praised, her tone filled with genuine happiness.
"I'm glad. Did Hans contact you about the ones I captured?" Harry inquired curiously, turning to Cassiopeia.
"He did. They are now part of my labor force," Cassiopeia replied smugly, a satisfied glint in her eyes.
"Have you taken your potions?" Narcissa interjected, her tone gentle yet firm.
"Yes, I took the last one before we left. Thank you for patching me up," Harry expressed his gratitude sincerely.
"Oh, it was my pleasure, dear," Narcissa replied with a smirk, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"The funds have been transferred to your vault, and I had Hans file the paperwork with the ICW. They will forward the bounty on Greyback to your vault within the week," Cassiopeia informed them in a businesslike tone.
"Thank you. I hope now the potions company can get back to business as usual," Harry remarked, relieved at the prospect of things returning to normalcy.
"Oh, it will. I also obtained a five percent stake in Gamp's supply company as a concession," Cassiopeia revealed with a wicked grin, her satisfaction evident.
"How did you manage that?" Andromeda inquired, her eyebrows raised in surprise.
"I may have hinted that my associate would visit him again and take a head instead of dropping one off," Cassiopeia confessed, her tone unapologetic.
"That would have been much easier. Gamp didn't even ward his home," Harry commented with a shake of his head, recalling the lax security measures he encountered during the mission.
"Oh, he does now. He had Gringotts at his home first thing today setting up wards," Cassiopeia said, her amusement evident in her tone.
Before Harry could respond, the aroma of food wafted into the room as dishes appeared on the table.
"So, Bella, how did your examination go?" Andromeda inquired, fixing herself a plate of prime rib and roast potatoes.
"It went well, though Harry was a bit surprised to learn we're having twins," Bellatrix replied with a grin, stealing a glance at Harry.
"Oh my, that's wonderful news!" Narcissa exclaimed in surprise, her eyes widening with delight.
"You two are going to have your hands full," Andromeda remarked knowingly, her gaze shifting to her daughter.
"Our children will be better behaved than that little monster of yours," Bellatrix protested teasingly.
"Hmmm, you had better hope so," Andromeda retorted with a smirk.
"Hey, I'm not a monster!" Tonks interjected indignantly, her expression playful as she joined in the banter.
"Of course you're not, dear," Andromeda said patronizingly, causing Harry to snort into his glass of juice.
"Your mother was quite a delinquent at your age, Nymphadora," Cassiopeia assured Tonks, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
"I was not," Andromeda protested indignantly.
"No? I seem to recall you and Bellatrix getting the idea to steal your mother's wand and animate your toys to run around your room," Cassiopeia recounted, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.
"Oh, this should be good. What happened?" Harry interjected eagerly, leaning in to catch every detail.
"All they managed to do was set the room on fire. If Cygnus hadn't gotten there in time, the whole manor would have burnt down," Cassiopeia explained, her tone laced with amusement.
"Really?" Tonks exclaimed gleefully, her eyes widening with excitement.
"Yes, Cygnus was so mad he sent all three of them to stay with me for the summer," Cassiopeia continued, reminiscing about the past.
"Huh, I guess Tonks isn't so bad after all," Harry remarked with a chuckle, shooting Tonks a teasing grin.
"Just you wait, Harry. Any spawn of Bellatrix is bound to be trouble," Andromeda warned with a knowing smile, though her eyes twinkled with fondness.
The rest of dinner passed quite peacefully, and Harry noticed Narcissa seemed to be relaxing about the wedding, much to his relief. As he enjoyed his meal, listening to the women chatter away, he couldn't help but reflect on the silver lining in having twins. Eventually, he would have another male companion during these gatherings once his son grew old enough to join them. It was a comforting thought amidst the lively conversation and familial warmth that surrounded him.
As the evening drew to a close, Harry found himself feeling content in the company of his soon-to-be family. The banter and laughter that filled the room eased any lingering worries, and he felt a sense of belonging that he hadn't experienced in a long time.
After dessert, Andromeda suggested a game of wizarding chess, and soon the dining room table was transformed into a battlefield of wits and strategy. Harry found himself partnered with Bellatrix, and together they plotted their moves with a shared sense of determination.
Despite the intensity of the game, there was an underlying atmosphere of camaraderie and companionship. As the pieces moved across the board, Harry couldn't help but marvel at the bond forming between them all.
Eventually, after several rounds of exhilarating gameplay, the clock struck midnight, signaling the end of the evening. With reluctant goodbyes and promises to meet again soon, Harry and Bellatrix bid farewell to Andromeda, Narcissa, Cassiopeia, and Tonks before Flooing back to their own home.
As they settled into their cozy living room, Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the family he had found. With Bellatrix by his side and their twins on the way, he knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, united as a family.
And as he drifted off to sleep that night, surrounded by love and laughter, Harry couldn't help but feel optimistic about the future that awaited them all.
Harry paced nervously in the living room, anxiously awaiting Sirius's arrival. Tonight was his stag night, and while he was excited to celebrate with his friends, he couldn't shake the feeling of apprehension. Bellatrix had gone to stay the night with Narcissa and Andromeda for her hen party, leaving Harry to wonder what mischief Sirius had planned for their night out.
Finally, the fireplace flared green, and Sirius stepped out, looking every bit the rebel in his jeans and biker jacket.
"Good, you're ready. We're going muggle for tonight, so let's get this show on the road!" Sirius exclaimed eagerly, his eyes sparkling with mischief.
"You still aren't telling me where we're going?" Harry questioned, trying to hide his nerves.
"Not true. We're meeting the boys at the Three Broomsticks and walking from there," Sirius replied cheerfully, clapping a hand on Harry's shoulder.
"Oh, bugger," Harry sighed, resigning himself to whatever antics Sirius had planned. He followed Sirius to the fireplace, hoping against hope that they wouldn't get into too much trouble tonight.
As they stepped out of the fireplace into the cozy warmth of the Three Broomsticks, Harry couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement mixed with trepidation. The pub was already buzzing with activity, the sound of laughter and chatter filling the air.
Sirius led Harry to a table where James, Remus, and several other friends were already gathered, their faces alight with anticipation.
"Here he is, the man of the hour!" James exclaimed, clapping Harry on the back as they took their seats.
"Cheers to the groom!" Remus added, raising his glass in a toast.
The night progressed with rounds of drinks, lively conversation, and occasional bouts of laughter. Harry found himself relaxing in the company of his friends, the tension of the day melting away with each passing moment.
As the evening wore on, Sirius announced that it was time for the next part of their adventure. With a mischievous grin, he led the group out of the pub and into the bustling streets of Hogsmeade.
Harry's heart raced with excitement as they navigated the winding streets, the night air cool against his skin. He couldn't help but wonder what surprises Sirius had in store for them next, but he was determined to enjoy every moment of his stag night, whatever it may bring.
Harry woke with a splitting headache, his senses gradually coming back to him as he groggily stretched his arm, only to hit what felt like another person. Panic surged through him as he looked to his left and saw the back of a very feminine-shaped head with familiar platinum blonde hair lying on the pillow beside him.
"Oh shit!" Harry thought frantically, his mind racing to piece together the events of the previous night. How could he have been drunk enough to sleep with Narcissa? It didn't make sense.
As he struggled to remember, flashes of the night before came back to him in fragments. Sirius had introduced him to a pair of Aurors, Williamson and some trainee named Proudfoot. Ted Tonks and even Alastor Moody had been there, of all people.
They had gone to a dance club, where drinks flowed freely, and Harry vaguely recalled downing large quantities of Bicardi. There had been a strip club involved at some point, and then Patron shots that blurred his memory even further.
But the memory that stood out the most was Sirius, of course, getting up on stage and dancing on the pole to raucous applause from the other patrons. It was all a blur after that.
Harry tried to ease his arm out from under his supposed partner, but just as he almost succeeded, there was an explosion of confetti from the figure beside him, followed by earsplitting fireworks. In shock, Harry watched as the woman he thought was Narcissa jumped from under the covers, revealing herself to be a training dummy with a blonde wig and exaggerated feminine features.
The dummy began pole dancing on his bedpost, mimicking the strippers from the night before, as the fireworks continued to erupt.
Harry couldn't help but laugh in relief, realizing that Sirius had pulled a prank on him. It was a much better outcome than the alternative scenario he had feared. As he lay back on the bed, he couldn't help but marvel at Sirius's creativity, even if it did come with a pounding headache.
The bedroom door burst open, and a shocked Bellatrix stood there, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of the large-breasted training dummy dancing around the tall bedpost at the foot of the bed. It took her a moment to recover her wits, but when she did, she drew her wand, ending the loud squealing fireworks and causing the dummy to freeze and turn to look at Harry.
"Good morning," the dummy said in Sirius's heavily slurred voice before collapsing to the floor.
"What did you get up to last night?" Bellatrix asked incredulously, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and irritation.
"I have no idea," Harry groaned out, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him.
Bellatrix came around the bed, her expression stormy as she ripped the covers back, exposing Harry's nude form to the chilly air of the room.
"Good, you didn't break the infidelity clause," she said coldly before releasing the covers and stomping out of the room, leaving Harry feeling both relieved and bewildered.
"And thank Merlin for that," Harry thought tiredly before summoning the strength to stumble out of bed.
After a much-needed shower that felt like it lasted an eternity, Harry finally emerged from the bathroom and made his way to the dining room. A plate of food and a vial of hangover potion appeared in front of him on the table, and Harry gratefully downed the potion before digging into a hearty serving of shepherd's pie, hoping it would help alleviate the pounding headache and queasy stomach he was still grappling with.
"Tonks is pregnant," Harry announced with a smile, setting his fork down to fully appreciate Bellatrix's reaction.
"Really?" Bellatrix exclaimed, her eyes widening with excitement. "That's fantastic news!"
"Yes, Andi just found out this morning. Tonks is over the moon," Harry explained, feeling genuinely happy for their friend.
"Well, that's certainly cause for celebration," Bellatrix said, her grin widening. "We'll have to plan something special for her."
"Definitely," Harry agreed, feeling a sense of camaraderie with Bellatrix as they shared in the joy of their friend's news.
As they finished their meal, Harry couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond he shared with Bellatrix, despite their rocky history. They may have had their differences, but moments like these reminded him of the strength of their friendship and the support they offered each other, even in the midst of chaos and pranks gone wrong.
As they walked along the sandy shore, the salty breeze tousled their hair, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore filled the air. Bellatrix's laughter rang out as she kicked off her shoes and ran towards the water, her excitement infectious.
Harry couldn't help but smile as he followed her, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin and the cool touch of the ocean lapping at his feet. For a moment, he forgot about the chaos of the past night and the impending wedding plans. All that mattered was the here and now, the simple joy of spending time with a friend.
As they reached the water's edge, Bellatrix turned to him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Race you to the buoy!" she challenged, already darting towards the distant marker bobbing in the waves.
Harry laughed, the carefree feeling washing over him as he raced after her, the water splashing around them as they surged forward. For that brief moment, all worries and responsibilities were forgotten, replaced by the exhilaration of the race and the joy of friendship.
And as they reached the buoy, laughing and breathless, Harry knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would always have Bellatrix by his side, ready to face them together.
With a deep breath, Harry pushed open the door and stepped into the Department of Education's examination room. The air was filled with the faint scent of parchment and ink, and the room was lined with rows of desks, each equipped with quills and parchment for the examinees.
A stern-looking witch sat behind a desk at the front of the room, her eyes scanning over a stack of papers as she waited for the students to arrive. Harry approached her, offering his confirmation letter and identification.
"Name?" she asked, her voice brisk and businesslike.
"Harry James Peverell," he replied, trying to keep his nerves in check.
The witch nodded, checking his information against her records before directing him to an empty desk towards the back of the room. Harry took his seat, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety as he prepared for the exams ahead.
For the next few hours, he worked through the various subjects, answering questions on potions, transfiguration, charms, and more. Despite the challenging nature of the exams, Harry found himself feeling surprisingly confident, his years of experience in the wizarding world serving him well.
Finally, the last exam was completed, and Harry handed in his papers before stepping out into the corridor once more. He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment as he made his way back to the lift, knowing that he had taken the first step towards a new chapter in his life.
Griselda Marchbanks
Wizard Examination Authority Examiner
As Harry waited, he flipped through the magazine absentmindedly, his thoughts drifting to the exams ahead. He couldn't help but feel a sense of nervous excitement, knowing that these examinations would mark a significant milestone in his journey.
After a few minutes, Cherry returned, a warm smile on her face. "Madam Marchbanks will see you now, Mr. Peverell. Follow me, please."
Harry nodded, setting the magazine back on the table before rising from his seat and following Cherry through the door. They entered a well-lit room with several desks arranged in rows, each with a small stack of parchment and quills.
Griselda Marchbanks was already seated at one of the desks, her steely gaze fixed on Harry as he approached. "Mr. Peverell, I trust you're ready for your examinations?"
"Yes, Madam Marchbanks," Harry replied, trying to keep his nerves in check.
"Very well, let us begin," Griselda said, gesturing for Harry to take a seat at one of the empty desks.
Over the next several hours, Harry worked his way through the various subjects, answering questions on potions, transfiguration, charms, and more. Griselda watched him closely, her expression unreadable as she assessed his performance.
Finally, the last exam was completed, and Harry handed in his papers before meeting Griselda's gaze once more. "Thank you, Mr. Peverell. Your results will be sent to you in due course."
"Thank you, Madam Marchbanks," Harry said, feeling a mix of relief and anticipation as he left the examination room. He knew that whatever the outcome, he had given it his best effort, and that was all he could ask for.
With a determined nod, Harry picked up his quill and began the Transfiguration exam. The questions were challenging, requiring him to recall intricate details about theory, application, and practical techniques. Despite the pressure, Harry remained focused, drawing on his years of study and practice.
As the sands of the hourglass trickled down, Harry's hand moved swiftly across the parchment, his thoughts racing to formulate precise answers. He felt a surge of satisfaction with each question he completed, a sense of accomplishment propelling him forward.
With minutes to spare, Harry finished the last question and set down his quill, feeling a mixture of relief and anticipation. He glanced at Madam Marchbanks, who was observing him with keen interest.
"Time's up, Mr. Peverell," she announced, gesturing for him to bring his parchment to her desk.
Harry approached, handing over his work with a mixture of nerves and hope. Griselda took the parchment, her eyes scanning the answers with a practiced gaze. After a few moments, she nodded in satisfaction.
"Well done, Mr. Peverell. Your grasp of Transfiguration is commendable," she said, offering him a small, approving smile.
"Thank you, Madam Marchbanks," Harry replied, feeling a swell of pride at her praise.
As he left the examination room, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He knew there were more exams to come, but for now, he allowed himself a moment to savor this small victory before diving back into his studies.
Over the following days, Harry navigated through his O.W.L examinations with determination and focus. Each day brought a new set of challenges as he tackled subjects ranging from Charms to Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts to Herbology.
Despite the intensity of the exams, Harry found himself drawing upon his experiences and knowledge, feeling a sense of satisfaction with each question answered to the best of his ability. There were moments of doubt and frustration, but he pushed through, determined to prove his proficiency in each subject.
Madam Marchbanks observed his progress with keen interest, offering occasional words of encouragement and guidance. Her presence served as a reminder of the significance of these exams, fueling Harry's determination to succeed.
Finally, after a week of rigorous testing, Harry completed his last examination. As he handed in his final parchment to Madam Marchbanks, he couldn't help but feel a surge of relief mixed with anticipation.
"Congratulations, Mr. Peverell. You've completed your O.W.L examinations with distinction," Madam Marchbanks said, her voice carrying a note of genuine pride.
"Thank you, Madam Marchbanks. It's been quite the journey," Harry replied, a sense of accomplishment washing over him.
With the exams behind him, Harry looked forward to the future, eager to see where his newfound qualifications would take him. As he stepped out of the examination room and into the bustling corridors of the Ministry, he felt a renewed sense of purpose, ready to embark on the next chapter of his life with determination and resilience.
As Harry sat down at the table, he couldn't help but reflect on the journey he had embarked upon since deciding to retake his exams. It had been a challenging and exhausting process, but he had emerged stronger and more determined than ever.
As he tucked into the meal that Jangles had prepared, Harry felt a sense of gratitude for the support and encouragement he had received from Bellatrix and the rest of the Black family. Their unwavering belief in him had fueled his determination to succeed, even in the face of adversity.
With his O.W.L examinations behind him and the N.E.W.T's looming on the horizon, Harry knew that he had the resilience and determination to face whatever challenges lay ahead. He was ready to embrace the future with open arms, confident in his abilities and eager to carve out his own path in the wizarding world.
As he savored the delicious meal and the warmth of the company around him, Harry felt a sense of optimism and excitement for the future. Whatever may come, he knew that he was prepared to face it head-on, with courage and determination guiding his way.
After dinner, Harry and Bellatrix retired to the living room, sinking into the plush couches as they enjoyed a moment of quiet relaxation. The soft crackle of the fireplace filled the room with warmth, casting a cozy glow over the space.
"Thank you for all your help and support," Harry said, breaking the comfortable silence between them.
Bellatrix smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. "You don't need to thank me, Harry. We're in this together, remember?"
Harry nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for the unwavering support of his fiancée. They had faced many challenges together, but each obstacle had only strengthened their bond.
"I couldn't have done it without you," Harry admitted, his voice filled with sincerity.
Bellatrix reached out, gently taking his hand in hers. "And I couldn't have done it without you. We make a great team, don't we?"
Harry squeezed her hand, a fond smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "We do indeed."
As they sat together in companionable silence, Harry couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over him. Whatever the future held, he knew that as long as they were together, they could overcome any obstacle that came their way. With Bellatrix by his side, he felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, confident in their ability to triumph together.
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