A/N It might be a little while until my next update. I am not quite sure where I want the story to go from here so need some time to think about it. If anyone has any suggestions let me know. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 9 – Next steps

Early the next morning, a slightly disheveled Amelia crept through the corridors of Hogwarts, her robes wrinkled and hair slightly mussed from the rush back to the castle. She slipped into the Hufflepuff common room, relieved to find it empty at this early hour.

Almost there.

She climbed the spiral staircase to her dormitory, hoping to sneak in unnoticed. But as soon as she opened the door, she was met with the expectant stares of her roommates, all sitting cross-legged on Marlene's bed.

"There she is!" Marlene McKinnon said, crossing her arms. "Care to explain where you've been?"

Amelia froze, guilt colouring her cheeks. "I—"

"You never came back the night before last," Marlene continued. "No note. Then you skip all your classes yesterday. And when curfew rolls around, you still haven't returned. Where have you been?"

"Yeah," Mary Macdonald chimed in, raising an eyebrow. "Don't think we didn't notice Professor Blackwood's mysterious disappearance either."

Amelia pressed her lips together, her blush deepening. She dropped her bag by her bed and sighed. There was no point in denying it.

"We may have… spent the night together."

Her roommates erupted into squeals, scrambling off the bed to crowd around her.

"Finally!" Marlene practically shouted. "I knew it! I knew it! How was it?"

Amelia covered her face with her hands. "It was—perfect."

Marlene grabbed her shoulders, shaking her lightly. "Perfect how? Romantic? Passionate? Oh, don't you dare keep all the details to yourself!"

Amelia chuckled despite herself. "I'm not saying anything more."

Mary pouted. "You're no fun."

Marlene, however, wasn't done. "Okay, fine. But explain yesterday. You've never skipped classes before. What's going on?"

Amelia shifted uncomfortably. "Family business," she said with a shrug.

Mary snorted. "Family business? Really?"

"I don't believe you," Marlene teased, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You were with him all day, weren't you? Don't lie."

Amelia's blush gave her away. "It wasn't all day…"

Mary gasped dramatically. "Most of the day, then!"

Amelia didn't answer, but her silence spoke volumes.

"Merlin's beard!" Marlene said with a laugh. "Well, well, Miss Bones. I didn't think you had it in you."

"Neither did I," Amelia muttered, but a soft smile tugged at her lips.

"Um-hmm," Marlene said, wagging a finger. "Well, you'll have to face McGonagall. She was livid you missed the quiz."

Amelia winced, her good mood momentarily dampened. "Great. That's all I need."

Mary patted her shoulder. "Better start thinking of a good excuse."

"Maybe tell her the truth," Marlene said with a wink. "Say you were busy spending time with Professor Blackwood. I'm sure she'd understand."

Amelia groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I'm doomed."

Her friends only laughed, and Amelia couldn't help but join in. Whatever punishment awaited her, it was worth it.

At breakfast, Amelia barely had time to sit down before the children spotted her.

"Mama!" they cried, their voices ringing across the Great Hall. Sirius ran ahead of the others, scrambling onto her lap and nestling in like he belonged there—which he did.

Amelia's heart melted as she hugged him close, pressing a kiss to his messy hair.

"Mama?" Marlene McKinnon's voice came from across the table, laced with amusement. "They already call you Mama?"

Amelia blushed furiously. "Yes—well, you know how children are."

"Right, children," Marlene said with a teasing smirk.

Lily and Eddie settled into seats on either side of Amelia, beaming up at her. Marlene watched with curiosity, clearly intrigued by this new side of her friend.

"So," Marlene asked the children, "what did you guys do yesterday?"

Eddie spoke first, proudly listing their adventures. "We explored the grounds of the manor, played with the thestrals, read in the library—"

Lily cut in excitedly. "Mama put us to bed, and then she and Dad locked themselves in the bedroom for the rest of the night. I think they were having a party."

Sirius nodded solemnly. "They were making lots of weird noises."

Amelia had just taken a sip of pumpkin juice—and promptly spat it out in a spectacular spray across the table.

Marlene gasped in surprise before bursting into laughter, while Amelia choked and coughed, trying to recover. "Sorry," she wheezed, dabbing at her mouth with a napkin. Her entire face was aflame with embarrassment.

"Oh, that was fantastic," Marlene said, still laughing. She gave Amelia a knowing look, eyes sparkling with mischief. "A party, huh? Sounds like quite the celebration."

Amelia groaned, placing her head in her hands. "I am never going to live this down."

Marlene chuckled as she stood, brushing crumbs from her robes. "Well, I'll leave you to spend time with your adorable children. See you in class, Amelia."

"Bye, Marlene!" the children chorused, waving enthusiastically.

"Bye," Marlene called over her shoulder, still grinning as she left the Great Hall.

Amelia groaned again, peeking out from behind her fingers. Sirius was still snuggled in her lap, oblivious to her mortification, while Eddie and Lily chatted happily.

She sighed, ruffling Sirius's hair. "I'm doomed," she muttered, earning another laugh from Edgar.

"You'll be fine, Mama," Eddie said confidently.

O – o – o - o

Later that afternoon, Harry was deep in thought, quill scratching across parchment as he marked papers. The steady rhythm of his work was interrupted by a knock at his door. Before he could call out, the door opened, and Dumbledore stepped inside, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Apparently," Dumbledore said with an amused chuckle, "the tables have turned."

Harry raised an eyebrow as Dumbledore handed him a folded note. He immediately recognised Amelia's handwriting on the front, and his heart gave a little leap.

"I'm glad you've found each other again, Harry," Dumbledore said softly. "May you both have a long and happy life together."

Harry smiled warmly. "Thank you, Albus."

The headmaster nodded, closing the door behind him. Alone, Harry stood for a moment, staring at the note in his hands. His anticipation built as he ran his thumb over Amelia's familiar script.

Finally, he opened it, reading slowly, savouring each word.

Harry,

I've decided to save you the trouble of asking me to dinner tonight. See you at seven. Don't bother with dessert—I have other plans.

Yours,
Amelia

Harry chuckled, his cheeks flushing slightly as he folded the note and held it to his chest, letting out a soft laugh.

"So it begins," he murmured with a grin.

Walking to his desk, he opened the top drawer, moving aside stacks of papers to make room for what he knew would soon become a cherished collection. With deliberate care, he placed Amelia's note inside—the first of what would undoubtedly be many more to come.

As he shut the drawer, he leaned back in his chair, already imagining the evening ahead.

"Looks like I need to set the table," he said with a smirk, "and lock the door."

At exactly seven, there was a soft knock at the door. Harry barely had time to reach for the handle before it flew open, and he was immediately overwhelmed by a cascade of red locks and the warmth of Amelia's lips on his.

She kissed him passionately, her arms wrapping around his neck, and he couldn't help but smile against her mouth. When they finally pulled apart, she sighed softly, her forehead resting against his.

"It is so hard sitting in your class and not being able to do that," Amelia said breathlessly.

Harry chuckled, his hand brushing a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "The feeling is mutual."

Her fingers trailed lightly over his chest, tracing the buttons of his shirt. "I've been counting down the hours."

"The children?" she asked, glancing toward the hall.

"Already asleep. I think the last couple of days have been… a lot for them."

Amelia nodded, her expression softening. "I understand." She started toward the bedroom but paused, looking back at him. "I'll just kiss them goodnight, and then I'll be back."

Harry's gaze followed her, his heart swelling at the sight. "Take your time," he said gently.

As she disappeared, Harry moved to set the table, the soft glow of candlelight casting a warm ambiance over the room. He poured two glasses of wine and straightened the silverware, ensuring everything was perfect for the evening ahead.

When Amelia returned, she smiled at the sight of the cozy dinner waiting for her. "This looks wonderful."

"Only the best for you," Harry replied with a wink, pulling out her chair.

They shared a leisurely meal, conversation flowing easily between them. Their laughter mingled with the clink of glasses and the occasional scrape of cutlery on plates. But the tension simmered beneath the surface—charged, electric.

Amelia couldn't seem to keep her hands to herself. Her fingers grazed Harry's when he passed her the wine. Her foot brushed against his ankle under the table. And then, with a wicked grin, she slipped her bare foot up his leg, teasing him.

Harry arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Behave."

"Make me," she teased, her foot trailing higher.

Harry's hand shot out, capturing her ankle and holding it firmly. His touch sent a jolt of heat through her, and she bit her lip to keep from laughing.

"Careful," he warned, though his voice was low and playful. "You keep that up, and dessert will have to wait."

Amelia tilted her head, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "I already told you I didn't want dessert."

Harry chuckled, releasing her ankle and leaning across the table, his gaze locking onto hers. "I do."

Their fingers entwined across the table, and for a moment, the world outside his quarters ceased to exist. It was just them—two souls who had found their way back to each other across time and tragedy.

Amelia lifted her glass in a toast. "To second chances."

Harry smiled, his eyes never leaving hers as he clinked his glass against hers. "And to making the most of them."

When they finished the wine, Amelia pulled Harry from the table and dragged him to the bedroom. Harry's gentle laughter trailed after them. As soon as they were inside, Amelia closed the door behind her and leaned against it. "Well," she said, "are you ready for dessert, Harry."

Harry smiled at her and said, "Absolutely."

** BEGINNING OF LEMON **

He reached up and gently pulled the ribbon from her hair, releasing the fiery tresses to flow around her face. He glided his fingers across her temples and through the lengths, watching the light and shadow dance over the strands.

"Amelia, you are so beautiful. Every time I see you it takes my breathe away."

She reached for his robes, slowly sliding them from his shoulders and down his arms. She tossed it to the floor and breathed deeply as he did the same with hers. He pulled her dress over her head then raised his arms for her to remove his shirt. Her soft fingers trailed over the heated skin of his chest as he cradled the back of her head and pulled her lips to his. He kissed her tenderly, gradually increasing the pressure and parting his lips to dart his tongue over hers. His other hand slid from her hip up to the silk of her bra and back down to continue over her leg. He gently massaged the inside of her thigh until she moaned and broke the kiss.

Her husky voice said, "You don't know what your touch does to me."

"Never in my life have I felt what I feel when I am with you. Not in this timeline or any other." He leaned her back in his arm as he planted kisses down her cleavage. One of her hands twined through his hair while the other held to the back of his bicep. She gasped as his mouth and warm breath moved over her skin, leaving a trail of lingering sensation. His lips traveled up the centre of her chest to her throat and over her chin to her mouth. When he straightened her back up, she slid her legs to the floor and stood, tugging him by the hand to follow her to the bed.

Harry pulled her back to him and picked her up, cradling her in his arms as he carried her to the bed. He climbed onto the bed on his knees and laid her down, taking her mouth again with his. Her hands roamed over his bare chest and sides while he slid an arm under her shoulders and lifted her to unfasten and remove her bra. His tongue continued to dance and slide with hers as he pulled his arm from under her and his palm slipped over her breast. Amelia moaned into his mouth and pushed up into his hand. He drove his tongue between her lips once more, then raised his head to gaze into her face. Her long auburn hair was fanned over the pillow, her blue eyes darkened and face flushed with desire, and a building heat stole through his body at the sight of her.

Harry moved down the bed, pausing just below her black panties. His tongue licked along the line where black silk met pale skin at the bend of her leg and she sucked in her breath. He gently blew along the wet trail and her thigh quivered. His hands reached to the waistband and slid the silk down her legs to drop to the floor. He sat up on his knees and his eyes traveled over her nude body. Then he stood beside the bed to take off his slacks. As he stepped out of them, Amelia slid to the edge of the bed and sat with her legs spread open in front of him. She grabbed his hips and pulled him closer, tugging his boxers over his erection and to the floor where he kicked them to the side. Her hands returned to his firm buttocks as her lips kissed over the sensitive skin of his stomach and pelvis. When she turned her head slightly to kiss her way across to his hip bone, her hair slipped over her shoulder and brushed across his hardened sex. She felt him twitch with the sensation and heard him groan. She reached up and swept all of her thick hair to the side and tilted her head to slide the auburn strands over and around him. His buttocks clenched in her grasp and he gasped. She gathered the ends of her hair and pooled the lengths around his erection, barely closing her fingers around him as her hand slowly stroked the soft tresses up and down his length.

Amelia continued to gently stroke him with her hair and Harry raised his hand to her cheek. She grasped his fingers and pulled them to her lips, sucking his forefinger into the wet heat of her mouth. His knees weakened and his spine stiffened as his hips thrust forward in her hand. She stroked him twice more from base to tip and then let the ends of her hair drop as she slid his finger from her lips.

Amelia clasped his hands and scooted back on the bed, pulling him with her. She rose up on her knees, her legs spread apart slightly, and he matched her position. They faced each other and their eyes roamed over the naked body of the other. They began to lightly caress each other, beginning with cheeks and necks, shoulders and arms. His fingertips trailed from the concave of her throat down between her breasts to her navel, while hers travelled down his sides, over his hips and across his taught thighs. She ran the back of her nails up his body again, and he slipped a thumb over her hardened nipple as he cupped her breast in his palm. Harry's gaze dropped to the folds between her legs and he felt himself twitch with the jolt of desire through his centre. Amelia saw the movement and scratched her nails along the insides of his thighs. He leaned forward and circled his tongue around her lips before darting into her mouth. A soft moan escaped her as his fingers squeezed her nipple and then dropped down her ribs to her stomach. He teased her, tracing an arch just above the top of her mound but not quite touching it. Her back arched and she moaned again until she broke the kiss to breathe deeply at the same time her hand closed around his shaft. Harry reached between her legs and with the barest touch followed the line of her moist sex up to brush over her clit. Her legs quivered and her hips thrust forward, her hand sliding along his length.

Harry slipped an arm around her shoulders and guided her to lie down, moving his body with hers to stretch out alongside her. He rose up on his elbow and bent forward to take her nipple between his teeth as his fingers still teased along her folds to flick against her clit. Each time he did, her hand gripped him tighter as her muscles spasmed under his touch. He felt the fire in his centre growing and he stilled her hand, pulling himself from her and pushing his hips back to lie at an angle to her. His lips moved to take her other nipple as he circled his fingers over the top of her sex and gently increased the pressure. Amelia slid her arm from under him and gripped the back of his head, tiny noises escaping her throat. Her breathing grew shallower and he raised his head watch her face. Her lips were parted, her blue eyes glazed as they turned to him, the reds and golds of her hair shimmering as her neck arched against the pillow. She moaned louder as his fingertips slipped through her wet heat and played against the bundle of nerves.

"Yes, my love," he whispered.

Amelia's fingers dug into his neck as her other hand fisted in the sheet beneath her and her hips writhed against him. Harry watched as her eyes closed and her stomach tightened, her breath halted and her thigh muscles hardened. He saw the first wave of her orgasm wash over her and pushed his finger inside her, feeling the juices flow from her. Her body quivered and a sharp cry rang out as he slowly eased his finger in and out of her clenching sex. Her head curled forward and her knees pulled upward when he pushed against the flesh just inside her opening. As Amelia's muscles began to release one by one, she collapsed back to the pillow. Harry eased his finger from her and nuzzled her neck, feeling her rapid pulse under the skin and her heavy breathing.

He lightly caressed her breasts and torso until she regained control and her hands pulled him into a kiss. Amelia gripped his shoulder and turned onto her side, then sat up as she pushed him down to the pillow on his back. He straightened his body and ran his fingers through her hair as she knelt over him. She nipped and teethed her way down his neck and chest as his hand trailed over her back and buttocks. She turned her head and swept her hair to the side to slide the ends across the strong muscles of his chest and his nipples. He sucked in his breath and his stomach clenched as the tresses tickled over his skin and she slowly moved lower and lower. He groaned when her hair slipped over his erection and between his legs. She turned and twisted her head, the strands leaving him raging for her touch as she flipped it back over her shoulder.

Harry's body spasmed when Amelia's tongue snaked out against the tip of his sex.

"Oh, Merlin." She licked him again and his head pushed into the pillow, the third slide of her tongue bringing his hand up to tangle in her hair against the back of her head. She wrapped her lips over him and sucked the tip of his erection into the heat of her mouth. She teased him, barely gliding over him and darting her tongue around him. He felt her take a deep breath and suddenly he was pushing against the back of her throat as she took all of him into her mouth. His hips thrust forward and a growl escaped him as the surge through his body threatened to overwhelm him before he felt her breath blowing over the length now released from her lips.

With his fingers locked in her hair, he gently tugged her head up to his and drove his tongue against hers as his other arm wrapped over her back. Harry's hand slid to her buttocks, then around her hip and between her legs. She gasped as his fingers grazed across her still sensitive clit. She laid her hand over his and guided him down to her opening where he inserted a finger in her. She kept her fingers over his hand and showed him the slow and gentle rhythm that would ready her to take him. He kept the pace sliding in and out of her and soon she pulled from the kiss to breathe. He felt her walls relax and he inserted a second finger, a flood of moisture accompanying her moan.

"Take me, Harry," she whispered in his ear.

Harry wrapped her tightly in his arm and flipped her over onto her back, his lips finding the little spot below her ear that drove her wild. He moved his body over hers and guided himself to her, entering slowly until his full length was deep inside of her. Harry braced his hands beside her shoulders and kept his hips still as he let the warmth and moist heat of her engulf him. Amelia gripped the strong muscles across his back as his lips pressed to hers. When he raised his head again, his bright green eyes sought the sea of her gaze. "Amelia," he said softly.

"I am yours, Harry," she said as his hips began to rock against her. Soon, his slides lengthened as his gentle motions stimulated her more and she grew wetter around him. His arms flexed and tensed and she scraped her nails down the muscles then slid her palms back up to his shoulders. The force of his thrusts increased, her knees spread wider, and he groaned with the changed sensation. His dance in and out of her wet heat flushed his cheeks and she watched the building storm in his eyes. He was beautiful, sensual, masculine and primal; her friend, her protector, her lover. His eyes closed and his back bowed under her hands and she could feel him slowing his rhythm.

"Don't stop," she said.

"Not yet," he growled.

"Don't fight it."

"Amelia," he gasped.

"Yes, love" she hissed. "Let me feel you."

Harry was lost with her voice. He drove into her once, twice, then again, and his head buried in her neck as his arms collapsed, his cries rising with the white flash behind his eyes that thrust him deep inside her. His climax seared through him and she held him tightly to her as she contracted her walls around him, revelling in the writhing of his body against hers and his slow pumping inside of her. She kissed his shoulder and softly caressed his neck as gradually his spasms quieted and his breathing slowed. He rose up on his elbows and his hands cradled her face as his lips pressed to hers tenderly, soft kisses interrupted by words of love before he at last slid his body from hers to pull her into his arms.

* END OF LEMON *

"Harry," she said softly.

"Yes." He replied as he kissed the top of her head.

She giggled and said, "If I had known what this would feel like, I might have caved in to you months ago."

Harry chuckled. "I love you Amelia."

"I love you too, Harry."

As they lay in bed an hour later, wrapped in the warmth of each other, Amelia gently stroked Harry's chest, her fingers tracing absent patterns across his skin. The soft glow of the fire cast flickering shadows on the walls, creating a cocoon of intimacy around them.

"Harry, can I ask you something?" she murmured.

"Of course," he replied, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Amelia hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "Would it be okay if I told Minerva the truth? About who you are… about us… and my relationship to the children. It would be nice to have someone to talk to—to be able to ask for guidance."

Harry considered her words, his gaze thoughtful. "I understand. It is a lot to carry on your own. I was very lucky to have your brother when I first anrrived—and eventually Sirius. Minerva can absolutely be trusted, and I'm happy for you to share with her as little or as much as you wish."

Amelia exhaled a breath of relief, her hand stilling over his heart. "Thank you, love."

Harry smiled softly, running his fingers through her hair. They lay in comfortable silence for a while, content just to be together. Then, a playful smirk curved at the corner of Harry's lips.

"You have sixth period off tomorrow, right?" he asked, his tone casual.

Amelia tilted her head, raising an eyebrow. "Have you memorised my schedule,Professor?"

"Maybe," he admitted with a chuckle.

Amelia laughed softly. "Yes, I do have sixth period free. Why?"

"There's something I'd like to do with you… if you're willing."

Her lips quirked into a teasing smile. "Harry, we agreed to keep it strictly professional during the school day."

Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "Not that. There's a Horcrux in the school. I thought you might want to help me destroy it."

Amelia blinked, her teasing expression giving way to surprise. "Oh," she said, her cheeks flushing. "Yes, of course. I'd love to help."

Harry kissed her forehead, his smile softening. "Meet me on the seventh floor after fifth period."

"Alright," Amelia agreed, resting her head on his shoulder again. "We'll destroy it together."

O – o – o – o

The next morning, Amelia sought out Professor McGonagall before classes began. Her heart pounded in her chest as she stood outside the Transfiguration classroom, gathering her courage before knocking on the door.

"Come in," came McGonagall's familiar, no-nonsense voice.

Amelia stepped inside, closing the door softly behind her. McGonagall looked up from her desk, her sharp gaze softening slightly when she saw who it was.

"Ah, Miss Bones. You better have a very good excuse for missing my class yesterday. Just because you're dating a professor does not give you free rein to slack off."

Amelia flinched, her resolve wavering. But as she stepped closer, McGonagall's stern expression melted into one of concern. Her keen eyes caught the way Amelia's hands trembled and the tears brimming in her eyes.

"Amelia, what has happened?" McGonagall asked gently, rising from her chair and gesturing for Amelia to sit. "Come, sit down. You can talk to me."

Amelia wordlessly pulled a small silver tube from her pocket and placed it on the desk. McGonagall's brows knitted together in confusion before her expression cleared.

"A memory," McGonagall murmured, reaching for her Pensieve. She summoned it with a flick of her wand, the bowl settling gently onto her desk. She looked at Amelia, who nodded silently, then poured the memory into the swirling liquid.

With a deep breath, McGonagall dipped her head into the Pensieve.

When she emerged minutes later, her usually composed expression was undone. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she took a shuddering breath.

"They're my children," Amelia whispered, her voice trembling. "And Harry… he was my—my everything."

McGonagall pressed a hand to her chest, absorbing the weight of what she had just seen. "This is… extraordinary," she finally said, her voice thick with emotion.

Amelia lowered her gaze, tears slipping down her cheeks. "I don't know how to do this. I don't know if I can do this. I'm eighteen with three children Minerva."

McGonagall's lips pressed into a thin line as she moved around the desk and knelt in front of Amelia, taking her hands firmly in her own.

"Amelia, listen to me," she said, her voice steady and full of conviction. "You are more than capable of handling this. You will make an incredible mother. Harry loves you deeply—anyone with eyes can see that. And those children already adore you."

Amelia sniffed, wiping her cheeks. "It's just… so much. It feels impossible sometimes."

McGonagall squeezed her hands tighter. "It is extraordinary circumstances, to be sure. But you are strong. Stronger than you realise. You can do this, Amelia. And you will be great."

A soft, shaky laugh escaped Amelia's lips. "Thank you," she whispered.

McGonagall smiled warmly, something rarely seen on her face. "Now, I assume you'll be returning to my class today?"

Amelia laughed, her tears finally drying. "Yes, Professor."

"Good." McGonagall rose, straightening her robes. "And for what it's worth, I'm glad you came to me. I'm here if you ever need someone to talk to."

Amelia stood, feeling lighter than she had in days. "I appreciate that more than I can say."

As she reached the door, McGonagall called after her. "And, Amelia?"

"Yes?"

"Give Harry my regards. And tell him he's a very lucky man."

Amelia blushed but smiled. "I will."

O – o – o - o

That afternoon, Amelia met Harry on the seventh floor, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and nerves. The moment he spotted her, Harry smiled and took her hand, guiding her down the corridor.

"Ready?" he asked softly.

"As I'll ever be," she replied, squeezing his hand as he led her to the stretch of blank wall opposite the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy.

Harry paced back and forth three times, thinking of what they needed. The door to the Room of Requirement appeared, creaking open to reveal a vast, cluttered expanse known as theRoom of Lost gasped as she stepped inside, taking in the towering piles of forgotten objects, old books, and discarded trinkets.

"It looks almost exactly the same as in the memories, but yet different," she whispered.

Harry nodded. "It's a remarkable place. Everything anyone's ever hidden here or lost, slowly getting added to year after year."

Together, they navigated through the maze of broken furniture, stacks of parchment, and peculiar magical items. The air was thick with dust and the scent of old magic. After several minutes, Harry stopped and pointed to a tarnished tiara perched atop a pile of worn books.

"There," he said, his voice low.

Amelia moved closer, eyeing the intricate diadem. Even covered in grime, it still shimmered faintly in the dim light.

"Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem," she murmured in awe. "I never thought I'd see it in person."

Harry carefully picked it up, cradling it as if it might shatter in his hands. "This is one of the last Horcruxes," he said. "One more piece of his soul to destroy."

Amelia nodded, but her fingers fidgeted nervously. "Will it be like it was… last time?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly. Memories of their first time destroying the diadem—the screaming, the dark magic, the overpowering sense of dread—were still fresh in her mind.

Harry shook his head. "No. The amulet you and Croaker perfected destroys Horcruxes swiftly and cleanly. No resistance. And best of all"—he gave her a reassuring smile—"Voldemort will never know it's gone."

She exhaled in relief. "That's good to hear."

Harry placed the diadem on a stone pedestal nearby and retrieved the enchanted amulet from his pocket. It glowed faintly, pulsing with the magic they'd imbued into it.

"How many more do we need to destroy after this?" Amelia asked.

"Two," Harry replied, his tone grim. "But they'll be the hardest."

"Which ones?"

"The diary is still out there somewhere," Harry said. "Lucius Malfoy or his father has it, though Merlin knows where they've hidden it. And the locket…" His expression darkened. "Voldemort wears it around his neck."

Amelia let out a low, humourless chuckle. "Of course he does. Nothing's ever easy, is it?"

Harry grinned. "Never."

"Well," she said with a determined gleam in her eye, "we've got our work cut out for us, don't we?"

"Looks like it."

Amelia stepped closer, placing a hand on his arm. "Let's take one more step today. Let's get this one out of the way."

Harry nodded, his gaze steady. "Let's."

He held the amulet to the diadem, within seconds the amulet began to glow brighter, its light enveloping the ancient artefact. For a moment, the room was filled with a low hum as the dark magic inside the diadem fought to hold on.

Then— the Horcrux shattered, releasing a faint, ghostly wail before dissolving into nothingness. The diadem lay still, now just a beautiful, powerless relic of the past.

Amelia exhaled slowly. "It's done."

Harry lowered the amulet, his shoulders relaxing. "Another piece of him gone."

For a moment, they stood in silence, absorbing what they'd just accomplished. Then Amelia looked up at him with a playful smirk.

"So, Professor," she teased, "you're saying we're officially Horcrux hunters now?"

Harry chuckled, sliding the amulet back into his pocket. "Seems that way."

Amelia reached out, brushing a bit of dust from his shoulder. "I think we make a pretty good team."

Harry captured her hand in his, lifting it to his lips. "We do. And we'll finish this together."

"Together," she echoed softly, leaning in to kiss him.

As they left the Room of Requirement, hand in hand, the weight of their mission felt a little lighter. They'd destroyed another piece of Voldemort's soul. And with each step they took, they grew stronger—together.