CHAPTER 17: TIDES OF CONTEMPLATION
Harry awoke to the rhythmic symphony of the waves crashing against the shore, a melodic lullaby that had swiftly become a familiar companion, soothing him into peaceful slumber each night. The tranquil ambiance of their new abode nestled by the ocean was a stark contrast to the imposing aura of Grimmauld, and Harry found solace in the serenity that enveloped their surroundings.
The residence, though not as grandiose as Grimmauld, proved to be a perfect haven for Harry and Bellatrix. Its size, while not extravagant, was more than sufficient for their needs, and the absence of the gloomy townhouse atmosphere brought an unexpected sense of freedom. Harry relished the newfound tranquility that permeated every corner of their dwelling.
With a languid stretch, Harry gracefully disentangled himself from Bellatrix's embrace, careful not to disturb her peaceful slumber. As he rose from the bed, a gentle yawn escaping his lips, he meandered down to the kitchen, guided by the enticing aroma of a fresh morning.
The allure of their new home extended beyond its physical attributes. One notable perk was the cessation of unexpected visits. Sirius, engrossed in establishing a routine with the younger Harry, spared them the intrusion of uninvited guests. The sisters of Bellatrix, respecting the couple's desire for privacy, refrained from frequenting their dwelling, allowing Harry and Bellatrix the luxury of time to revel in the intimacy of their shared space.
As Harry skillfully prepared breakfast, he contemplated the pleasant absence of interruptions. The once-frequent appearances of Andromeda, enforcing Tonks' grounding, added an unexpected layer of seclusion. However, a sense of anticipation lingered; Harry had a premonition that Andromeda's resolve might soon waver, and the temptation of the beach might prove too enticing for her to resist.
The air was pregnant with the promise of change, and Harry couldn't help but wonder when the tranquility of their seaside sanctuary would be gently nudged by the familiar presence of Tonks or other unforeseen visitors.
The sizzle of bacon resonated in the kitchen as Harry expertly worked the frying pan, the savory aroma filling the air. The absence of a house elf didn't bother Harry; in fact, he relished the opportunity to showcase his culinary skills. Cooking took on a new level of enjoyment when he could savor the delectable results himself.
With a watchful eye on the bacon, Harry deftly flipped it, the sizzling intensifying with each turn. Simultaneously, he cracked a few eggs into a bowl, whisking them into a frothy blend before pouring the mixture into a waiting skillet. The eggs sizzled alongside the bacon, creating a symphony of morning sounds in the kitchen.
Just as the kettle began to whistle, a sudden exclamation startled Harry, causing him to nearly drop the pan of eggs. "Oh, my!"
"H-hey Narcissa," Harry stammered, a touch self-conscious about being caught in nothing but his boxers, regretting his hasty descent to the kitchen.
Narcissa's pointed gaze lingered over Harry's head. "Where is Bellatrix?" she inquired, curiosity evident in her tone.
"She's still asleep," Harry replied, concentrating on the task at hand as he divided the eggs onto two awaiting plates.
"Not anymore, is that bacon I smell?" Bellatrix's voice, filled with anticipation, interrupted the conversation as she entered the kitchen, clad in her nightgown.
The kitchen suddenly became a stage for unexpected morning encounters. Harry, caught off guard, couldn't help but chuckle nervously. "Yeah, bacon and eggs. Breakfast is ready." He gestured toward the plates, a sense of relief washing over him that his culinary efforts hadn't gone unnoticed.
"Yes, breakfast is ready. Are you hungry, Narcissa?" Harry inquired with politeness, offering a plate filled with bacon and eggs.
"No, not for food," Narcissa quipped, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she seemed to have overcome her initial embarrassment.
"Right, I think I'll go put some clothes on," Harry said, waving his wand to make the plates of food and the tea service float gracefully over to the table.
Moments later, after a quick charm to warm his plate, Harry excused himself to head upstairs for a change of attire. The ladies, left to their own devices, engaged in light conversation as they waited for his return.
"So, Harry, do you usually cook breakfast in your underwear, or was that just for my benefit?" Narcissa asked, a playful smirk gracing her features, once they were all comfortably seated at the table.
"I had planned to bring Bella breakfast in bed," Harry admitted, taking a sip of his morning tea.
"That's very sweet. If you tire of her, I am very recently widowed," Narcissa said in a flirtatious tone.
"Hands off, Cissa. I don't share my toys," Bellatrix warned, though her tone held a playful edge.
"Fine, but where can I find a man that looks like that under his robes and will voluntarily make me breakfast in bed?" Narcissa demanded, her inquiry carrying a teasing undertone that added a touch of humor to the morning banter.
"A muggle, maybe?" Bella suggested thoughtfully, considering unconventional possibilities.
"Now you're just being cruel; you know I can't date a muggle, or grandfather will banish me from the family," Narcissa pointed out with a scowl, her aristocratic features displaying the weight of familial expectations.
"Alright, save this for your endless girl talk," Harry interjected, a hint of weariness in his tone.
"Spoilsport. I did have something to discuss with you when I arrived, but I somehow got distracted when I saw you cooking in such a state of undress," Narcissa remarked with a playful twinkle in her eye, relishing the mild embarrassment that colored Harry's expression.
"Alright, so what can I do for you?" Harry inquired, recalling Andromeda's warning from a few days ago.
"I have a friend who needs someone dealt with. I told her that I might know someone if she was willing to pay," Narcissa explained, adopting a businesslike tone that contrasted with the casual atmosphere of the breakfast table.
"Do you think I'm a hitman or something?" Harry asked, his weariness evident.
"No, I see you as someone who can get a job done no matter what it is," Narcissa replied with ease, her confidence in Harry's capabilities unwavering.
Harry furrowed his brow, a cascade of questions swirling in his mind like a whirlwind. "Why do they want Lord LeStrange taken care of, and what's so important about this grimoire?" he inquired, taking a sip of his pumpkin juice.
Narcissa, her demeanor poised yet revealing an undercurrent of urgency, leaned in slightly. "Lord LeStrange has become a thorn in the side of the Greengrass family. His political machinations threaten to unravel the delicate balance of power that has been maintained for centuries. If left unchecked, the repercussions could extend far beyond our imaginations."
Harry nodded, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "And the grimoire?"
Narcissa's eyes flickered with a mixture of anxiety and determination. "The LeStrange family grimoire contains ancient and powerful magic. It is said that within its pages lies a secret that could change the course of wizarding history. Lady Greengrass believes that possessing it will give her family the leverage they need to counteract Lord LeStrange's influence and safeguard their standing."
As Harry processed this information, he noticed a flicker of movement across the room. Daphne Greengrass, the heiress of House Greengrass, approached with an air of quiet confidence. "Harry Potter, we are in dire need of your unique skills. Will you assist us in this endeavor?"
Harry met her gaze, finding a blend of vulnerability and determination. "I need more details," he replied, his curiosity piqued.
Daphne nodded, her silver-blonde hair cascading gracefully over her shoulders. "The betrothal contract between our houses was violated centuries ago. The LeStrange family has held this transgression over us, manipulating events to their advantage. We seek to reclaim our autonomy and put an end to their influence. The grimoire is the key to breaking the chains that bind us."
Harry mulled over the revelation, the weight of history pressing on his shoulders. "Alright, I'm in. But I'll need a team, information, and a solid plan. This won't be easy."
Narcissa's lips curled into a small, appreciative smile. "You have our full support, Harry. I will arrange a meeting with the others who share our cause, and we will provide you with the necessary resources. Together, we shall face the shadows that threaten our world."
As the conversation continued, a sense of purpose settled over the room. Dialogues and plans unfolded, weaving a tapestry of intrigue and danger that Harry couldn't ignore. Little did he know, the choices he made in the coming days would shape not only his destiny but the fate of wizarding society itself.
Narcissa continued her explanation, her words laden with the weight of a centuries-old vendetta. "Lord Greengrass, upon learning of the violated contract, vehemently denied any connection to the unborn child. In his refusal to accept paternity, he canceled the contract, fearing the perceived contamination of his noble lineage. In retaliation, Lord Lestrange, consumed by rage, cast a powerful blood malediction upon the entire Greengrass bloodline."
Harry's expression morphed into one of fascination and concern. "So, your 'friend' wants me to retrieve the LeStrange family grimoire to lift the curse?" he inquired, a mixture of curiosity and understanding in his tone.
Narcissa nodded solemnly. "Indeed. She has only recently discovered that she carries another daughter and is determined to spare her child from the same fate. The curse looms over our family, and she wishes to put an end to this madness once and for all."
Harry sighed, feeling the weight of the responsibility thrust upon him. "I'll consider it," he said wearily, though both he and Narcissa knew that consideration would likely lead to acceptance.
Bellatrix, ever the opportunist, leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with interest. "How much are we talking for this job?"
Narcissa's response was matter-of-fact. "One hundred thousand Galleons. However, I expect a ten percent finder's fee."
Harry, caught off guard, nearly choked on the tea he had just sipped. "One cough hundred thousand?"
Narcissa nodded, unfazed. "Yes, and the finder's fee is non-negotiable."
Harry exchanged a glance with Bellatrix, who was already calculating the potential rewards in her mind. "Alright," Harry acquiesced, a glimmer of hope in his eyes as he turned to Bellatrix, "I suppose having an insider like you in the LeStrange family will be invaluable."
Bellatrix grinned, her wild curls bouncing with excitement. "Oh, you can count on me, Harry. This is going to be a venture to remember."
As the trio delved deeper into the details and devised their plan, the allure of both danger and reward hung in the air. Little did they know that their journey would take them through the shadowy corridors of ancient magic and family vendettas, with the fate of an unborn child and the legacy of noble houses hanging in the balance.
"Securing passage through the LeStrange manor wards won't be an issue, but beyond that, it gets dicey. Rudy's father never exactly warmed up to me, especially after our union," Bellatrix confessed, her eyes clouded with memories.
Harry leaned forward, considering the challenge. "Entering is the trickiest part anyway."
"Randolph, though, he's quite the skilled wizard," Bellatrix cautioned.
Harry waved a hand dismissively. "If I can slip in without stirring him, he won't even have a chance to reach for his wand."
Randolph LeStrange, though not a Death Eater, harbored fervent sympathies toward their cause. His fingerprints were all over the legislation discriminating against Muggle-borns for decades. He wasn't innocent by any measure, and Harry saw no qualms in eliminating him if it meant rescuing a child from a fate so cruel.
"Alright then, I'll take the task. Just need a couple of weeks to prep," Harry declared, replenishing his teacup as he settled back.
Narcissa nodded, visibly relieved. "That suits our timeline perfectly. I'll inform her that you've accepted."
Bellatrix, growing restless with the discussion, interjected, "Any word from Andy?"
The room fell briefly into silence, the weight of their shared concerns settling between them.
"Indeed, she's bringing Nymphadora by tomorrow for a beach day," Narcissa confirmed.
"Ah, there goes the peace and quiet," Harry grumbled half-heartedly.
Narcissa arched an eyebrow, seeing through his facade. "Let's be honest, she has you wrapped around her little finger."
Bellatrix chimed in, a hint of seriousness in her voice, "Can't deny that."
Harry smirked. "Alright, alright. Changing the subject, how's your son faring?"
"He's thriving. Sirius brings Harry around often, giving him some much-needed company his own age," Narcissa shared, visibly content.
Bellatrix, in her mischievous manner, piped up, "I'm suddenly struck by the desire for a little one of my own."
Harry chuckled softly. "I'm not sure either of us is quite ready for that yet." He spoke gently, aware of the complexities involved.
Bellatrix's expression shifted, worry etching her features. "We might not have a choice."
Harry's concern deepened. "What do you mean?"
"I... I forgot to take this month's dose of the potion," Bellatrix confessed in a hushed tone.
Understanding dawned on Harry, recalling their recent activities all around their new home. "Ah."
Narcissa, finding amusement in the situation, quipped, "You're wearing the same expression Sirius had when he learned about what happens to neutered dogs."
"We'll tackle that issue when it arises," Harry said, suddenly realizing the implications of a potential pregnancy for Bellatrix and the complex dynamics it could introduce.
Before any further conversation could unfold, the fireplace roared to life in emerald flames, heralding Andromeda's graceful arrival into the sitting room. Moments later, another burst of green flames revealed Tonks tumbling out in a clumsy heap before the fireplace.
"Good morning," Harry greeted them politely as Andromeda and Tonks made their way into the kitchen.
"Thank you. I hope it's alright, but I wanted to let Nymphadora have an early beach day. She's been driving me mad," Andromeda sighed wearily, pouring herself a cup of tea before settling into a seat.
"Can I go to the beach now?" Tonks asked eagerly, barely containing her excitement as she bounced up and down.
Harry turned to Tonks, a playful glint in his eye. "The beach is that way, but mind the sharks."
"And would you mind taking her down to the beach and keeping an eye on her? I'd love some girl talk," Andromeda requested, looking hopeful.
Harry's brows furrowed. "Am I suddenly the designated babysitter?"
"I'm not a baby!" Tonks protested indignantly.
"Of course you're not," Harry said in a patronizing tone, teasingly.
With a reluctant sigh, Harry relented to Andromeda's plea, unable to resist her beseeching expression reminiscent of Bellatrix's familiar pout. "Alright, come on, Tonks," he said, rising from the table and guiding the overly excited Tonks outside toward the beach.
Settling into a lounge chair beneath a conjured umbrella, Harry observed Tonks darting into the waves, her delighted squeals ringing through the air. Dressed in an old tee shirt and shorts, she exuded a charming innocence amid the crashing waves. They'd been out here for an hour or so, the heat intensifying, prompting Harry to conjure the umbrella for shade.
Deciding he'd lounged long enough, Harry stood and walked over to Tonks, aiming his wand to cast the sunscreen charm on her once more. "Do you want to build a sandcastle?" he asked as she glanced over at him.
Tonks's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Yes, yes, yes!" she exclaimed, her excitement palpable as she scampered towards the shoreline, ready to embark on their sandy construction adventure.
As Tonks was about to answer, a massive wave caught her off guard, knocking her onto the sand and washing her right to Harry's feet.
"Alright, but it's cheating if you use magic," Tonks declared once she regained her footing.
"I'll have to use my wand to conjure the buckets and shovels, though," Harry countered.
"Fine, but no magic for building the sandcastle," Tonks insisted firmly.
"Agreed." Harry nodded before summoning a few buckets and a pair of tiny shovels.
"Now what?" Tonks inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Harry scratched his head, admitting, "I have no idea. I was hoping you had some insight."
"So, how do we build a sandcastle then?" Tonks asked, genuinely curious.
"We'll figure it out as we go," Harry said with a shrug, crouching down to start filling a bucket with sand. Despite having never been to the beach and possessing zero knowledge about sandcastle construction, he was determined to make the best of their impromptu building session.
As hard as they tried, after two hours, all they had managed to create was a sizeable heap of sand. It was a rather embarrassing display. Every attempt at using the bucket as a mold ended in the sand crumbling apart shortly afterward. Harry found a strange relief when Andromeda appeared to announce that lunch was ready.
Covered entirely in sand, Harry rushed to his room for a quick shower before joining them for the meal. As he descended the stairs, the peals of high-pitched laughter echoing from the kitchen caught his attention. Tonks's voice amidst the laughter made it evident that the amusement was at his expense.
"Silly things, those sandcastles," Harry muttered moodily as he walked into the kitchen.
"And did you enjoy your time at the beach, Harry?" Andromeda inquired sweetly.
"Sandcastles are stupid," Harry grumbled, casting a scowl that only fueled more laughter from the Black sisters.
"Why didn't you just use your wand?" Bellatrix inquired, her brows furrowing in confusion.
"Because she said that was cheating," Harry replied, gesturing toward Tonks, who wore a mischievous grin.
"Ah, clever move," Andromeda interjected with a smirk, glancing at her daughter, whose lips formed a pout at being outwitted.
"Right. So, where is Sirius today?" Harry diverted, hoping to veer away from the subject of sandcastles and being outsmarted by a nine-year-old.
"He's with Amelia Bones, letting Harry play with her niece," Andromeda disclosed, her amusement evident in the way she observed the conversation's subtle shift.
"Sirius is still seeing Amelia?" Harry's surprise was palpable.
"Yes, he had quite the crush on her during school days, so I believe this is more than a passing fling for him," Andromeda explained with a casual shrug, as if she had unlocked a well-hidden secret.
Tonks chimed in, unable to resist adding her thoughts, "It's sweet, really. He's always been fond of her. Sirius doesn't do things halfway when it comes to matters of the heart."
Harry nodded thoughtfully, the idea of Sirius, usually carefree and boisterous, harboring deeper emotions intriguing him. "I guess some things never change, even after all these years."
Bellatrix, whose curiosity had been piqued, leaned in, her eyes gleaming with interest. "Tell us more about their history. I always love a good romantic saga."
Andromeda chuckled, settling herself comfortably, ready to divulge tales from the past. "Oh, it's quite the story. Back in Hogwarts, Sirius couldn't take his eyes off Amelia. He'd scribble her name on parchment when he thought no one was looking."
Tonks smirked, adding, "He even attempted to ask her to the Yule Ball but ended up tangled in a coat rack instead."
Harry laughed at the mental image. "Sounds like Sirius."
The conversation flowed, weaving tales of Sirius's past infatuation and the humorous mishaps that accompanied his attempts at wooing Amelia, bringing forth laughter and a sense of camaraderie among the unlikely trio.
"Huh, I always heard he was rather promiscuous," Harry mused between bites of his sandwich, contemplating Sirius's reputation.
The remainder of the afternoon whisked by swiftly. Andromeda stayed until three, departing to rouse Ted for his shift at the hospital. Shortly after, Narcissa departed to collect Draco from Lady Greengrass, leaving Harry and Bellatrix alone.
Seated side by side on the porch couch, they gazed out over the serene expanse of the ocean. Bellatrix nestled comfortably against Harry's side, and he found himself drifting into contemplation.
"Are you going to be upset with Bella if she does get pregnant?" Bellatrix's sudden question snapped Harry out of his musings about the LeStrange job.
"No, it would be just as much my responsibility as it would be yours," Harry replied earnestly, gently drawing her closer to his side.
"You're going to make a fine father, Harry," Bellatrix remarked thoughtfully. "The way you handle Andy's brat, I can tell."
Harry smiled at the unexpected compliment, his thoughts shifting to visions of potential fatherhood. "I suppose dealing with Tonks does give me some practice."
The gentle breeze off the ocean carried a sense of tranquility as they sat in comfortable silence, the rhythmic sound of waves providing a serene backdrop to their conversation.
"I never really thought about having kids," Harry admitted, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "But with everything settling down, it doesn't seem like such a far-fetched idea anymore."
Bellatrix rested her head against his shoulder, a soft smile playing on her lips. "You'd make a remarkable father, Harry. You've got a good heart, and that's what matters most."
A sense of warmth enveloped Harry at her words. The idea of a family, once distant and abstract, now felt strangely inviting, especially with Bellatrix by his side.
"I want children one day, I'm just worried they'll end up turning into me," Harry confessed, his tone laced with genuine concern.
"That wouldn't be so terrible. I'm just worried that if we have a child, I won't be able to let the other Bellas out to play as much," Bella reflected, her expression pensive.
"Other Bellas?" Harry inquired, a hint of confusion clouding his features.
"Yes, Angry Bella, Baby Bella, Cranky Bella, and Smart Bella," Bellatrix elucidated, a mischievous grin on her face.
"You forgot Naughty Bella," Harry teased lightly, a playful glint in his eye.
"Oh, she's not going anywhere, Harry," Bellatrix asserted with a touch of mock seriousness, causing Harry to chuckle.
"Say, just out of curiosity, do you still have your old Hogwarts uniform?" Harry asked casually, changing the subject.
"Maybe. I think there's one in my old school trunk at Grimmauld Place. Why do you ask?" Bellatrix responded, her curiosity piqued.
"Oh, just a thought I had," Harry replied, a distant look flashing across his eyes as if he was contemplating something intriguing.
Bellatrix raised an eyebrow, sensing there might be more to Harry's inquiry. "Planning something, are we?"
Harry grinned mysteriously, refusing to divulge further details. "Just keeping options open. You never know when a little mischief might come in handy."
Their conversation lingered in the air, an unspoken understanding passing between them, hinting at the possibility of future escapades.
Under the guise of a clandestine visit to Grimmauld Place while Bellatrix was engrossed in conversation with Narcissa, Harry delved deep into the Black family's trove of knowledge. His goal: uncovering the elusive solution to the blood curse affecting the Greengrass family.
Rumors and whispers among ancient tomes hinted at a disturbing consensus: a blood curse's resolution rested in the hands of the family that had cast it. They held the key to its undoing.
Amidst the myriad dusty volumes, Harry stumbled upon an intriguing theory penned by Lycoris Black within her preserved journal. It proposed an arcane ritual—a sacrificial offering using the blood of the cursing family, offered up as recompense to break the curse. The sacrifice entailed offering their family line in a ritualistic act to nullify the malevolence of the curse.
The weight of the theory resonated deeply within Harry. The LeStrange family's dire situation seemed aligned with Lycoris's proposition. With only Randolph LeStrange remaining and Harry's own intentions to confront him, employing Randolph in a ritual to break the curse appeared as a feasible solution. The notion of using Randolph as a human sacrifice left a bitter taste, yet in the grand scheme of their plans, it seemed a means to an end.
Harry resolved to consult the Black sisters—Andromeda, Bellatrix, and Narcissa—regarding this discovery. Their collective wisdom and perspectives were indispensable in such delicate matters. As much as he wished to lift the Greengrass family's burden, he needed their insights before proceeding with any drastic measures.
With a sense of urgency gnawing at him, Harry meticulously gathered Lycoris's journal and any relevant texts, preparing to bring this revelation to the Black sisters for a thorough assessment. The weight of potential salvation for the Greengrass family lay in the balance, intertwined with the moral dilemma of employing grim methods for a noble cause.
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