Chapter 11: The Tonks Family Kerfuffle
17th of August - Saturday - Bones Bailey
Harry stood in front of the mirror mounted on an imposing oak wardrobe, tugging at the green robes he'd been gifted by the Malfoys during his visit to the Manor. The fabric shimmered faintly beneath the enhanced starlight coming off the enchanted window panels. Its elegant cut was far more formal than anything he'd worn, and yet, so light to the touch he felt almost naked beneath it. Harry still found it odd, even though it was his second time wearing it. It was as if he was wearing someone else's clothes, but it was the nicest thing he presently owned, and tonight was no ordinary dinner.
He sighed, running a comb through his hair in the futile effort to tame it, but it refused to cooperate, as always. "Good enough," he muttered under his breath.
Harry gave Hedwig one last glance. She had just returned with a letter from Mrs. Weasley, but Harry doubted he'd have the time to read it before dinner. "I'll read it when I get back, thanks for all your hard work," he told the owl, giving her a light stroke, before picking up his wand from the desk. Truthfully, he still didn't know how to use it, rendering it a useless piece of wood, but after his harrowing experience in the Bailey's main house, he felt safer with its weight in hand's reach.
Harry saw Susan emerge from her room as he closed the door to his own. She wore a flowing gold-yellow robe that was closer to a dress, contrasting with his more suitlike magical clothing. Milly floated close behind her just above her neck, deftly catching and pinning stray locks back into place under an ornate golden pin shaped like the scales of justice. Susan's expression was a mix of impatience and resignation as Milly muttered softly about her charge's unruly curls while telling her to stand still.
"Milly, it's fine," said Susan quietly, though she didn't try to stop the House Elf.
"Milly will not have Miss Susan looking anything less than perfect for such an important dinner," insisted Milly, disappearing only to reappear in front of her charge to survey her work, before nodding in approval. "Milly wishes she had more time, but this will have to do."
The elf smiled at Harry as he arrived. Susan, however, didn't even glance towards him, preferring to look down at the floor instead. Harry frowned, wondering if Susan still blamed him for the events in the main house, or if she was just more quiet and reserved in the aftermath.
Glancing between them, the House Elf's tutted in disapproval. "This won't do at all! Mr. Potter and Miss Susan must be in their element tonight!" Her disapproving stare shifted into a mischievous grin. "Milly wonders what Mr. Potter thinks about Miss Susan's robes."
Harry froze mid-step, caught off guard by Milly's question. Susan's eyes took off from the floor like a flight of Concorde towards him, turning her distant look into a faint blush. Harry's grip tightened on the nearby banister as he tried to think of a response that would be both acceptable, and yet wouldn't make things even more awkward between them.
"Err… they.. um… look… nice?" mumbled Harry, cursing himself when he realized the last word sounded like a question mark. "Yeah, they look good," he said again without stuttering.
Susan glanced up at him managing a faint smile, her cheeks still faintly pink, but somewhat negated by a forlorn edge to her eyes. "Thanks," she said softly, much to Harry's relief.
"Off with you then, Madam Bones wishes for you to wait by the fireplace for our guests, she will be down shortly. Milly must return to the kitchen" said the elf, and apparated away.
Susan turned toward the staircase leading down to the dining level, with Harry falling in step beside her. The silence between them returned, but it wasn't as heavy as it had been a short while ago. Harry couldn't help but glance at her out of the corner of his eye, frowning when he noticed that her shoulders were once again hunched, her usual confidence all but gone.
"Susan," he began hesitantly, "about the main house…"
"I don't want to talk about it," she interrupted, her voice tired but firm.
Harry nodded, though the tension in his chest remained. It was difficult to forget the strange fixation the spectre of Edgar Bones had with him, or the pain it caused through his scar.
They descended the staircase in silence, the muffled sounds of Milly bustling about in the kitchen greeting them as they entered the dining level. The air grew warmer, carrying the rich aroma of roasted meats and herbs, promising a far more lavish meal than Harry had experienced in the Bailey over the past week. Not that his meals had been lacking—on the contrary, they had been excellent.
The tower's round table was likewise richly set with a yellow cover, almost identical if a fair bit darker to what Harry had seen in the main house's illusion. The tableware, however, was more modest; stainless steel replaced the main house's silverware while fine glass replaced its crystal set. A set of light yellow candles, enchanted to fly around the table, likewise stood in for the chandeliers.
Madam Bones emerged dressed in a more refined variant of her black ministry robes, giving them a brief nod as she entered. "I see you are ready, good," she said, before looking again at Harry's green robes with a critical eye. "I expect Mrs. Malfoy gave those robes to you."
"Yes she did, err, is there a problem?" asked Harry, noting her less than pleased expression.
Madam Bones nodded, "Forgive me Harry, I should have provided something more… appropriate." She took out her wand and called "Accio, one of Ignis's waistcoats."
A muffled click from the tower's basement was soon replaced by the sight of a burgundy tinted waistcoat floating towards Amelia still held by its hanger, somewhat dusty and dirty. "That should fit your measurements, Ignis was a year younger than you when I got it for him, but you are rather small for your age. The little rascal could never keep his things clean," she recounted with a fond tinge to her lips, one that was soon replaced by a steely expression as she charmed away the dirt.
Harry put on the vest, frowning at the mention of Ignis's name, "what happened to him?"
"He died, along with many others in those Dark times." said Amelia, with a somber expression. "You can keep it if you like. Susan won't wear it, and Merlin knows why I've been keeping their old things. I should have cleaned out the basement years ago." She then gestured towards the table and the chairs around it, each with a name floating over it, marking out the seating quite literally.
"Harry, you will be seated directly across from me. Susan, you will sit to Harry's right near to the Tonks family while young Mr. Malfoy will sit to Harry's left, close to his parents." Harry didn't know whether to smile or grumble at the news that Draco would be attending, finally deciding in favour of the former; spoiled brat that he was, they'd somehow developed a budding rapport between them. Susan, however, didn't seem to agree, if the silent roll of her eyes was anything to go by.
"I don't know if Trainee Tonks will accompany her parents," continued Madam Bones, "but if she does, she should be seated in front of Madam Black. That's what she's really here for, when all is said and done. If not, she can sit between Andromeda and I. That should get them talking at least," muttered Amelia, switching the names to put Narcissa in front of Andromeda despite this putting Lucius and Mr. Tonks in direct eye contact, something she'd evidently tried to avoid.
A gentle touch from Susan's hand brought Amelia's switches to an end, "Auntie… that's enough, you've done all you can, if they can't agree, you can't decide for them."
Amelia sighed but nodded gratefully to her niece, before turning back to Harry. "Your input will carry a great deal of weight. Speak your mind, but be careful not to offend anyone or react when they invariably do so. We're trying to build bridges here, not burn them down."
"Yes, ma'am," he replied, looking at his clothes, realizing why Amelia wished to change them. Mrs. Malfoy herself had explained to him why the houses and their colours mattered so much to magicals.
A bell ringed over the fireplace as a protective yellow bubble enveloped it, the roaring flames dying down as if starved for air. "Our guests are waiting on their side, " announced Amelia, her expression turning more controlled and formal. She retrieved her wand and touched the edge of runes across the fireplace in sequence, muttering a soft incantation in a language Harry couldn't understand.
"What language is that? Some sort of Scandinavian?" he asked Susan.
"Old English," she replied, but didn't expand on the matter as she usually did.
Madam Bones spoke again, this time in normal English. "By the bonds of the Bailey and the grace of the Bones family, I invite the Malfoys, the Tonks family, and Madam Cassiopeia Black to cross our threshold and join us for dinner this evening. Let them cross these flames as one of our blood, flesh, and bones." The fire slowly burst back into life as the golden bubble thinned, then vanished.
A moment later, the flames turned green and roared higher. Mrs. Malfoy emerged first, her bearing as elegant and composed as ever. She wore superbly crafted robes of deep midnight blue trimmed with a silver lining of stars and flowers. Her eyes swept the room with cool appraisal, sending a brief smile towards Harry, until she noted his burgundy vest.
"Madam Bones," she said, inclining her head. "Thank you for inviting us to the Bones patrimony. You can rest assured that the Malfoy family does not take your magnanimity for granted."
Amelia narrowed her eyes, as if not thankful for the reminder, before returning the gesture with almost equal courtesy. "Welcome to the Bones Bailey, Mrs. Malfoy. I trust you are well?"
"Perfectly well, thank you. Is this sweet girl your niece? You look splendid, my dear," said Narcissa, prompting a mumbled word of thanks from Susan, who tried not to look at her.
"And what of you, Harry?" asked Narcissa with a small smile. "I see you've made an addition to your attire. Burgundy and green present a pleasing contrast, though I daresay unadulterated green complements your hair and eyes with greater distinction."
Mr. Malfoy's arrival cut off Harry's reply. He was dressed in black robes with silver linings, covered by a rich green cloak Harry recognized from Madam Malkins in his first encounter with the Malfoys. His expression was unreadable as he looked towards Harry, but his eyes assumed a sharp appraising quality to them as they regarded Amelia.
"Your generous invitation is appreciated, Madam Bones. It has been many years since I visited the Bailey," he said, letting his gaze sweep around his surroundings. "Architecturally early Norman in origin, if altered. Malfoy Manor is much the same… after a fashion."
"I would kindly remind you that while the present structure traces itself to that epoch, the Bones family have made these lands our home centuries before the Norman conquest," she replied, with what seemed a faint suggestion of a smirk, as Lucius's eyes narrowed.
Harry raised an eyebrow, guessing there was some subtext here, but one he couldn't make out for himself. A glance at Susan told him he couldn't count on her commentary tonight.
"A fair observation," replied Mr. Malfoy with a faint smirk of his own, "but it is to the nature of that lineage rather than its broader history, that we must all look to trace our magic."
Mrs. Malfoy shot a brief look at her husband before smiling. "Of course, the Malfoy family has come to this meeting with every intention of finding a solution to our quandary." she said.
"I am glad to hear it, Mrs. Malfoy, though I was discouraged by some recent attempts to change the law, potentially undermining some of the clauses of my verdict relevant to the case of Mr. Potter," said Amelia, looking straight at Mr. Malfoy.
Lucius waved his hand dismissively, "The Malfoys abstained from those votes, and many other traditionalists rejected them," he said, trying to look nonchalant, though Harry could see a bit of irritation in his eyes. Harry frowned, hadn't the Daily Prophet said Malfoy had tried to change the laws unsuccessfully? Why would he abstain in the vote for his own proposal?
A third flash of green heralded the arrival of the youngest Malfoy, dressed in robes of a deeper shade of green than the one gifted to Harry, and sporting a similar if smaller cloak. He looked around, his eyes twitching a little in distaste, until his smirk settled on Harry. "Hullo there Potter!" he said (or rather shouted), and started to make his way towards Harry until his father's cane fell upon his shoulder with a heavy thud, Harry wincing in sympathy.
"What kept you Draco?" asked Lucius.
Draco winced but quickly schooled his expression, "Sorry father, but Dobby couldn't find my cloak. Blasted elf, always have to tell him exactly what I want, why can't he be more like Quibble?"
Harry's expression darkened at the reminder of Dobby's service conditions with the Malfoys. He glanced towards Milly, still dutifully working at the kitchen on the finishing touches of their meal to remind him things could be different. Narcissa arrived at Draco's side, charming away a small layer of floo dust. "How about you thank our hosts for their hospitality, Draco?"
Draco immediately bowed his head, "thank you for your hospitality, Madam Bones," he said with a practiced polish, to which Amelia only nodded with a faint amused smile.
"Hullo Susan," Draco greeted next, " it's been a while since we met at the Ministry. I asked father if I could come to the hearing, but he told me it was for adults only. How are you?"
"I'm fine, thanks. I wondered why I couldn't see you there… such a shame, you missed out on all the drama," she said with feigned sympathy. Harry shot her a look, wondering why she was winding-up Draco, but she sent him a weak smile, looking a bit happier for doing so.
Draco frowned, "Wait, are you telling me you were there?" he asked, looking at his father.
Lucius ignored him as the emerald flames burned once again to reveal a poised woman with light brown curls. She was dressed in a dark purple robe, that while simpler in material and design than Narcissa's, seemed to glitter in different colours whenever Harry looked, a bit like a telescopic view of a galactic arm. Her dark brown eyes swept across the room, falling slightly as they made contact with Narcissa before nodding courteously at Amelia.
"Mrs. Tonks," Amelia greeted her cordially. "Thank you for coming on such short notice."
"Madam Bones," replied Andromeda, "it's been a while since we last crossed paths, the hearing notwithstanding. Nymphadora speaks highly of you and says you often take an interest in her training."
Amelia nodded, her expression softening. "Trainee Tonks's talent is a once in a generation opportunity for the Auror Office. I made it my business to see to it that she is trained only by the best. She still has much to learn, but I hear she works hard and that she has won over most of the DMLE. Even Alastor is a little less critical when he's reporting on her progress."
Andromeda smiled warmly, "I can possibly take credit for her abilities, but I can't do so for her personality. She has her father's temperament to thank for that. He will be here shortly."
The mention of her husband drew an immediate reaction from Lucius, who's jaw tightened even as he tried to maintain a veneer of civility. Narcissa glanced at him, but her gaze slowly moved back to Andromeda. Harry blinked, Mrs. Malfoy was usually a master of every muscle in her face. While her lips held firm to their neutrality, her eyes held a sad or even longing quality to them.
"Andromeda," greeted Mrs. Malfoy.
"Narcissa," replied Mrs. Tonks with an even tone, though it had a slight edge to it Harry could only describe as either mournful or resentful. When Andromeda turned to greet Lucius, the latter barely nodded and spoke so quietly Harry couldn't even hear him.
Draco looked between his mother and Andromeda, his confusion evident. "It's… nice to meet you… Aunt Andromeda," he said, with Lucius sending him a withering glare as he did so.
Andromeda's gaze softened as she looked down at Draco. "It's good to finally meet you, Draco," she said gently, "I am sorry I could not be present in your life with so little of our family closer to your age left. Had it been my choice, you would have known me from the day of your birth."
"Then perhaps you should have thought about that before you left," muttered Narcissa.
Draco glanced at his mother and shook his head, "I never knew that I had another aunt other than Bella growing up. Mother told me about you recently, she said you're a good healer."
Harry frowned, wondering who this Aunt Bella was and why he hadn't heard of her yet. How come Draco hadn't heard of his Aunt Andromeda for so long? But then again, Petunia hadn't told him about magic either, and things seemed pretty tense between the families.
Andromeda had meanwhile introduced herself to Susan before turning her attention to Harry. "Allow me to introduce myself properly, Mr. Potter. I am Andromeda Tonks. I apologize for my intervention at the Ministry, but please trust that was done out of the best of intentions. I trust my sister to look after what she considers to be her family, but not her Pure-blood politics."
"I am sure Dumbledore had nothing to do with your… convenient arrival," said Lucius.
If Andromeda heard him, she pretended not to. The fire flashed once again as a large, fair-haired man with a jovial expression stepped forwards. The man quickly brushed some soot off his muggle looking burgundy suit that seemed too tight on his rather broad belly.
"Evenin', all!" he greeted, his voice warm and cheerful. His smile widened as he caught sight of Lucius's barely-contained fury and Narcissa looking away from him with huff. "Sorry I'm a bit late. Took me ages to get Leia to settle down. Dora's sortin' her out now."
Neither Malfoy made any move to recognize his presence, with Draco following their example Amelia sighed and stepped forward to greet him, "good evening Mr. Tonks. I see that Trainee Tonks will not be attending? Madam Black was hoping to meet her."
"Amelia, pleasure seein' you again. Been a few months since the DMLE last needed me," he said, shaking her hand with a warm grin. "Dora couldn't make it; she's up to her ears studyin' for them Auror exams, an' someone had to stay back to make sure the place didn't go up in flames. She sends her regards and wanted to thank you proper for the invite."
Lucius cleared his throat, the sound sharp and deliberate. "Madam Black sent word that she will be delayed. She left instructions to begin without her. Shall we proceed to the dining room? We have much to discuss." he suggested, his tone leaving little room for argument.
Amelia nodded, gesturing toward the dining table. "This way, please."
As the group began to move to the table, Draco lingered for a moment, his gaze flickering between his parents and Andromeda. Harry, watching from the side, noted the tension etched into his face. Perhaps he wasn't alone in the quest to find a larger family tonight.
Ted fell into step beside Harry as they walked toward the table, flashing an easy grin. "Wotcher, Harry! You've been Givin' folks plenty to talk about; papers don't seem to get enough of you!"
Harry glanced up at him, feeling a bit awkward at the reminder. "I didn't mean to," he said honestly. "So much of that stuff is exaggerated, I don't know myself when I read it."
Ted laughed as he took his seat. "Tell me 'bout it! Bloody Prophet's been givin' me grief lately," he said, shooting a sly look at Mr. Malfoy.
"I read some of those articles," said Lucius, as he took the opposing chair to Ted. "It had some rather curious things to say about your so-called line of work, an Exorcist, I believe?"
Ted, sitting comfortably with one arm draped over the back of his chair, offered an easy grin. "Oh, that's a new one! Been called plenty o' things, but 'exorcist'? That's a first! Has a bit of a God-fearin' Medieval Muggle ring to it, innit?" He chuckled warmly, brushing off the jab, much to Lucius's irritation.
"What would you call it then?" asked Harry, curious about his new prospective guardian.
Ted straightened in his seat, his tone taking on a more serious edge. "I'm an Eidolacist—or a Harrower, if you like plain English. Basically, I suss out magic tangled up with old memories, where the past leaves its mark on the present."
Harry frowned while Susan's eyes perked up in alarm. All of this sounded a bit too familiar. Lucius arched a brow, looking unimpressed. "So, you chase after shadows?"
Ted met his gaze, his grin unwavering. "Nah, not chasin'. It's more about observin'. Places, especially old ones steeped in magic, tend to hang onto memories. Not ghosts, mind you, just impressions, moments caught in the magical weave of a place."
"Fascinating," drolled Lucius, "but it sounds rather theoretical, what is this… magic's, practical utility? The Spirit Division's Hauntwardens are responsible for ensuring the ghost population comply with our laws. It is a role magical society couldn't do without."
"Mr. Malfoy, you know full well that there is more demand for Harrowers than their small number in Magical Britain can satisfy," said Amelia before looking at Harry. "The DMLE hires them for criminal investigations when no living witnesses are available. Not unlike a forensic pathologist."
Lucius sneered, "Ah, one muggle term replaces the other."
Ted ignored him. "Lucky for me, Ministry don't rope me in too often. Most o' what I do are private gigs anyway."
Harry perked up at that, curiosity lighting his face. "Like Sapphire and Steel?" he asked, noting the confused expressions of the others. "Err… that's a Muggle TV show. There was this episode when a nursery rhyme made the parents of two kids disappear into history."
Ted let out a hearty laugh, clearly delighted. "Ah, Sapphire and Steel! That one's a cracker, eh? Glad they still do re-runs. Bit over the top, though—no nursery rhymes swallowin' anyone on my watch! Still, they got somethin' right—it ain't just the rhyme, it's the old house itself, steeped in history. Rhymes can go way back, so it's history piled on history. When magic's tied to strong memories or big events, it can ripple through time, messin' things up. You get time loops, weird anomalies, even Eidolons— memories of folks from the past slippin' into the present. My job's to sort through all that tangled up magic an' set it straight."
Harry shuddered, all of this sounded a lot like what he and Susan had experienced in the main house. He hesitated, but his curiosity was too great, "Can you… get rid of those memories?"
The question hung in the air as Harry felt Susan's foot land painfully on his own under the table. Amelia's expression tightened as she observed the exchange. Milly, noticing the tension, served the first course, a rich tomato soup that was very welcome on this chilly eve.
Ted's smile dimmed. "Ah, that's the thing, Harry. When I said my job ain't like an Exorcist's, I meant it. I don't banish memories, my job's about understandin' an' findin' the right balance. History, magical or not, ain't somethin' you can, or should, blot out. It's part of what makes a place what it is. Some scholars reckon that might even be where magic comes from."
Susan's shoulders relaxed as she took her foot off Harry's. Mr. Tonks, noticing the subtle interaction between them, raised an eyebrow. "Truth is, I've been curious 'bout the Bones Bailey for years. Anyone ever give it a proper looksie?"
Amelia cleared her throat. "The Bailey has its own wards, Mr. Tonks. Whatever professional curiosity you have, I trust you understand that some memories are a private family matter."
Ted inclined his head respectfully. "Course, Madam Bones. Wouldn't dream of imposin'. All I'm sayin' is it's never a bad idea to let a professional have a gander."
An awkward silence descended around the table leaving everyone with no recourse but to eat their delicious soup. The fires burned one last time revealing the elderly Cassiopeia Black. "I apologize for the delay, I am afraid that these old bones do not cooperate as readily these days."
Everyone rose from their seats to greet her, but Madam Black quickly waved them off, "Yes, yes, we all know who we all are. I am old and my time on this Earth is too short to waste on formalities." she said, taking a seat, frowning when she noticed a discrepancy. "I see that young Nymphadora is not here. Is she late, or am I to understand she will not be attending?"
Ted's jovial demeanor slipped for a moment. "She had to stay home," he said, narrowing his eyes at Cassiopeia, before assuming a cheeky grin. "You know how it is, family's gotta come first!"
"What my husband meant, Great Aunt Cassiopia," Andromeda hurriedly interjected, "is that Nymphadora had to stay at home to look after her younger sister while we were away."
"Pity, her abilities are, after all, your principal point of leverage in these negotiations," observed Cassiopia. "I was rather looking forward to seeing them from up close."
"Andromeda…" said Narcissa with a self-assured if strained smile. "I must have misheard you, but did you just say your daughter stayed behind to look after… a younger sister?"
Cassiopia frowned, "You heard that as well? I thought I must have imagined it."
Andromeda nodded with a smile, "Pleiadora, our youngest. She's ten years old."
" Meli was supposed to look after her," Ted added with a chuckle, "but she's stayin' over with one of her school friends tonight." he finished, looking less happy about this recent development.
"Three… nieces?" asked Narcissa, with evident shock as she caught her breath, before looking towards Andromeda for confirmation, who nodded sadly at her. "I never knew, but I did not make it my business to know," admitted Narcissa. "We have been estranged for a long time, sister."
"They're almost like we used to be," said Andromeda with fondness in her voice, "Nymphadora might have taken after her father in Hufflepuff, but Meliadora is starting her 4th year in Slytherin, just as we did." She looked directly into her sister's eyes with a pained expression, "she looks and behaves a lot like you, and she asks about our past together often. It would mean a lot for her to finally meet you. Our estrangement was never by my choosing Cissy. Isn't it time for it to end?"
"Not if I have any say in the matter," said Lucius, raising his voice.
"You don't, Mr. Malfoy. As Madam Bones pointed out in the hearing, this is now an internal Black family matter. With dear old Acturus departed, I am in charge of what's left of us," said Cassiopia, looking Lucius in the eye until he relented, muttering apologies he didn't mean.
"I must say Andromeda, this is quite the welcome surprise. I do wonder if the same or other forms of old magic emerged in your other daughters? I wouldn't be surprised, it has been some time since the Blacks received an infusion of new blood in the form of Mr. Tonks," said Cassiopia.
Lucius seemed outraged, "Madam Black, surely you are not suggesting…"
"There are precedents of such things, Lucius, as much as we Blacks like to ignore them. Inbreeding can do as much damage to a bloodline as too much dilution. Our House will most likely die out in name regardless of what we do here tonight, but perhaps it can at least be saved in blood."
Ted shook his head, his smile turning tight with suspicion. "Madam Black," he said in a low voice, "let's get one thing straight, our daughters are not for sale."
Amelia shook her head. "Nobody said as much Mr. Tonks."
"Well, I did!" exclaimed Cassiopia. "Your daugther's abilities can be traced directly to our House's old magic!"
Ted snorted. "Oh, that's rich, innit? Years spent actin' like we don't exist, and now suddenly you're all ears, eh?"
"Her abilities?" Draco asked suddenly, his curiosity piqued. He looked between his mother, Cassiopeia, and Andromeda. "You all keep going on about it, what abilities?"
Cassiopia exchanged a glance with Narcissa before replying. "Your… cousin Nymphadora is a Metamorphmagus. It's a rare magical ability that allows her to change her appearance without…"
"I know what it means!" exclaimed Draco, his eyes wide with awe. "But that's our family's old magic!" he said, glancing at his mother. "Why didn't you tell me about this?"
Narcissa's expression tightened, "There are many things we have not discussed, Draco. The reasons are… complicated. We'll explain things properly when we get back home."
Ted's smile returned as he regarded Draco with a kind but cautious expression. "Well, now you know, lad! She's got quite the talent, an' we're all dead proud of her."
"Perhaps we should move on to the matter at hand?" Interrupted Lucius
Amelia nodded, "agreed, we are here to discuss the matter of Mr. Potter's guardianship. The internal politics of the House of Black, while pertinent, are not the salient issue."
"Could have fooled me," muttered Cassiopia.
Empty plates filled with roasted herb crusted lamb chops, mashed potatoes, and asparagus, with Amelia choosing to neatly cut her portion before starting to eat it. "Madam Black does have a point. Let me stress that the court's decision is final, and the matter is out of the Ministry's hands. Your families must agree to a compromise to resolve this affair."
"Or else the boy will stay with you," said Narcissa with uncharacteristic bluntness.
Amelia shot her a glare, "Certainly not! That would be an abuse of my rights as Harry's legal advocate. If you cannot agree, I will allow the Weasleys to press the Prewett connection."
"Might as well open it to all families if you go with such a weak link," muttered Cassiopia.
"If that's what it takes. I will not allow your family feud to keep Harry in limbo," said Amelia with finality. "But we haven't reached that point yet, your families could still find a compromise."
Lucius cut and ate a slice of meat, and took a sip out of his glass of wine. "Compromise? Forgive me, Madam Bones, but the Malfoy family has already extended its hand in good will, offering Harry a home where he can thrive, with no expense spared to provide it."
"The famous Malfoy fortune in action," observed Ted, tasting the wine. Must be frustratin' for you, Lucius; dealin' with a situation where you've gotta play by the rules like the rest of us."
"Gentlemen, we are here to discuss the matter of custody, not each other," interjected Amelia.
Lucius shook his head, "with respect, Madam Bones, I don't think I can ignore such a slight against my family. Tonks might think nothing of his muggle family name, but we do."
"We're not here to argue about lineage, we're here to ensure that Mr. Potter grows up with a complete understanding of his heritage. Surely we can all agree to that?" asked Andromeda.
Narcissa took a slow delicate spoon full of mashed potatoes, taking care to wipe her mouth before speaking, "perhaps there is merit to discussing a broader family compromise, so long as it is understood that the Malfoys will secure the guardianship as part of the arrangement."
"Exactly!" exclaimed Ted. "We're not tryin' to steal your thunder, Lucius, we just want what's best for Harry, so he ain't forced to choose between one half of his family or the other. That said…" His gaze shifted back to Lucius. "Under your care, would Harry have the freedom to visit the Weasleys? Come an' go as he please? What if he made Muggle-born friends like your's truly?"
Lucius stiffened, his expression hardening as if he found the very suggestion appalling. "The Malfoys would provide Harry with eminently far more suitable opportunities, friends, and connections, leaving links to such disreputable persons quite unnecessary for his development."
"So that's a no then," concluded Ted.
"Ted," said Andromeda softly. Ted sighed but nodded returning to his meal. "I agree with my sister that a compromise can be reached, Mr. Potter's welfare should unite, not divide us."
"Mrs. Tonks," interrupted Lucius, spitting out the name despite the beseeching looks sent at him by his wife, "if your goal here is to exploit this situation to reverse your disownment…"
"Again, that decision is none of your business Lucius," said Cassiopia. "I agree with my great nieces, Mr. Potter presents an opportunity to heal old wounds in a politically expedient way. No one from our circles will fault us for compromising to gain his guardianship."
"Our circles," said Ted, shaking his head. "You mean blood obsessed maniacs?"
"Ted," warned Andromeda once again.
Ted took a breath, "Sorry dear."
Harry, having had enough of being talked over like a package deal, cleared his throat. " Err… can't I just stay with both families?"
"Ah, if only we could all… get along," said Lucius with a patronising smile. "But would you wish to be quaffled between the Tonks and Malfoy households every fortnight to make it work?"
"That's not what…" Harry started to say, but Lucius's words steamrolled over him.
"Of course not. Mr. Potter requires the stability of a permanent address first and foremost."
"The kind of stability that comes from cuttin' him off from anyone you don't agree with?" asked Ted.
Lucius's eyes narrowed, "and you believe you can offer him better, Tonks? A muggle-born with no understanding of magical traditions, who through his marriage disgraced one of the rising stars of her generation into a tart not fit to partake in polite society?"
"Lucius!" called Narcissa, this time sounding rather angry, but to no avail.
"That does it!" Ted shouted, pushin' his chair back with a scrape. "Say what you like about me, but leave my wife out of it! I've held my temper while you've slung your petty insults all evenin', but this crosses the bloody line! One more word, an' I'll challenge you to a duel!"
"Be my guest Tonks, perhaps this is how we can settle this," sneered Lucius, standing up.
"That's enough!" said Amelia with a raised voice as she stood up between them. "Let's take a break to finish this fine lamb before it gets cold. Children," she called, looking towards Harry, Susan and Draco, who had already finished their portions and were now staring at the adults, dumbstruck. "Please go downstairs for a few moments, you are too well behaved for our company."
None of them wanted to go, but a heavy glare from Amelia and a round of nods from the other adults soon compelled the three of them to stand up and exit the dining room. The door closed behind them with a solid thunk, leaving Harry, Susan, and Draco standing by the stairway. For a moment, they just looked at each other with no idea what to do.
"Can't we eavesdrop on them?" Harry asked, feeling rather miffed at being excluded.
Draco shook his head. "No point. My father or Madam Bones will cast a privacy charm."
Susan sighed, her arms crossed tightly over her chest. "Draco's right for change,"
"What's that supposed to mean?" said Draco.
Susan opened her mouth to retort, but stopped, and then shook her head. "Let's just find something to do. I don't want to just stand here all night waiting for grown ups to grow up."
Harry followed the others downstairs into the cozy living room. Susan sat stiffly on the edge of an armchair, her expression guarded, while Draco plopped down on the sofa, sprawling as though he owned the place. "How about a game of Exploding Snap?" he suggested, pulling a deck of enchanted cards from his pocket. "Might as well pass the time."
Harry briefly thought back to his game with Susan's cousins, but shrugged. "Sure."
Susan hesitated but eventually nodded. Draco dealt the cards with practiced ease, but it wasn't long before the game grew tense. Harry was too distracted by the thought of his future being decided upstairs to play properly and lost time after time. Susan was playing with sharp precision, clearly trying to focus her attention anywhere but on her thoughts. Draco, on the other hand, kept making smug remarks to rattle her whenever he was winning.
"Not bad, Bones," he said as a small explosion left the edges of her cards singed. "For someone who hardly ever gets to play with anyone who isn't too Puff to even try to win."
"I'm not in your mood for your nonsense, Malfoy," said Susan.
Draco raised an eyebrow and smirked, "touchy tonight, aren't we?"
Harry winced, "maybe we should just play quietly?"
But Draco was already moving on. "So, is it true? Is the old Bones Manor haunted?"
Susan stiffened, her knuckles whitening as she gripped her cards. Harry's forehead sent a ghostly tug of pain at the mere mention of it as he looked down at Ignis's old burgundy vest.
Draco noticed their reactions immediately, "You've been there, haven't you?" he asked, leaning forward with a gleam of curiosity in his eyes. "What's it like? Did you see ghosts?"
"Drop it, Malfoy," snapped Susan.
But Draco wasn't deterred. "Come on Bones, you've got to tell me! Bad enough I missed out the hearing. Say, why don't you take me there? I always wanted to see a real haunting"
"No!" shouted Susan as she shot to her feet, "At this hour… it would be far too dangerous!"
Draco stood up as well, his expression hardening. "Too dangerous, what are you five? It's just a house, and ghosts are harmless. If you're scared, just say so, Harry can take me."
"I can't, Draco, Susan's right, you don't know, you weren't there," said Harry with a shiver.
"I know some bad things happened there, so what? It happened all over," said Draco.
Susan's face had meanwhile turned red with anger, until for a moment, Harry thought she'd actually hit Malfoy. "You don't know anything about that place, so just shut your mouth!"
Milly appeared before they could say any further, "Madam Bones requests that Mr. Potter return to the dining room. Our guests have finally calmed down and agreed to talk sense."
Harry glanced at Susan, who was still glaring at Draco, and nodded. Draco broke eye contact with Susan and shifted to nonchalance. "I need to use the bathroom first," he said before turning to look at Milly with a sneer. "Well, where is it, Elf? Out with it!"
Milly gave him an unimpressed look before pointing it out, "first door to the left Mr. Malfoy," and then proceeded to guide Harry and Susan back to the dining room.
"Don't you dare talk to me about family loyalty!" shouted Andromeda as they came in.
Mrs. Malfoy rolled her eyes, "Well, it is difficult not to, considering how you walked out of our lives! Did you not even stop and think of what it would do to us? To me… to Bella?"
"You. Take. That. Back. Bella chose her path, I had absolutely nothing to do with it!"
Narcissa shook her head, her eyes glittering with unshed tears, "she deteriorated after you left, she thought it was now her responsibility to prove our family's loyalty to the cause. I couldn't stop her!"
"I will grant that Narcissa is being a tad dramatic; Bellatrix was always a... troubled soul." said Cassiopia, "but the family certainly felt under preassure to push for that terrible marriage to Rodolphus when you left to marry Mr. Tonks. We could at least rein her in, but the Lestranges encouraged her worst impulses."
"Oh, come off it! Bella's always been a bloody psychopath! And leavin' wasn't her choice, you lot just cut her loose without a knut to her name!" Ted shouted.
Lucius sneered, "so now it is about money Tonks? Eidolons paying you in worthless muggle fiat tender?"
"You'd know all about swappin' pounds for galleons, wouldn't ya, Malfoy?" countered Ted with a grin.
Amellia briefly made eye contact with Milly and shook her head, prompting the elf to sigh. "It seems that this isn't a good time for Mr. Potter to speak after all. Madam Bones will send for you again later." She gestured back at the staircase, "go back to the living room and wait for just a bit longer. If they take too long, Milly will bring you all dessert, since the adults don't deserve it."
Harry and Susan exchanged a glance before turning and heading back downstairs. The cards remained where they left them, but Harry frowned as he noticed a discrepancy.
"Where's Draco?" he asked, glancing around.
"And they say girls hog the toilets," said Susan with a soft chuckle, but then froze as she felt a breeze fall upon her cheeks and glanced at the open door. "No… he couldn't have."
Harry's gaze shifted to the dark silhouette of the main house as it loomed in the distance illuminated by an unnatural white light. His stomach dropped. "I think he did."
An old grandfather clock chimed as its handle reached the eight o'clock Roman numeral. Susan's face darkened with fear and anger. "That idiot." she said, and rushed out of the door.
"Susan! Wait!" called Harry, but it was too late, leaving him with no choice but to follow.
Notes: I remember saying this division of the chapter was organic and not a length problem. I lied. My beta reader is a bit miffed about it, because I promised this wouldn't happen again. Upon reflection, this one-chapter plan was jam packed with ideas I only kept adding to the more I thought about it. As such, I am extending this storyline by another chapter. The good news is that it's already written, just in a rawer stage of drafting. It will be uploaded on the 31/01/25. That said, I've had to revise the Hermione storyline a fair bit, and with my academic papers due, her first chapter will only be posted around the 28/02/25.
I've been planning the expansion of the Tonks family to three daughters for some time, but up until now, there was no in-story reason to bring them up. Canon gives plenty of named characters to play with, but I needed more supporting OCs to broaden the narrative with connections that don't exist in canon. I didn't want to create more OCs than I needed, but the sisters tie in to several plot points, limiting my OCs to 5 (3 Year One replacement Gryffindors 2 Tonks sisters. I did plan on bringing them to this dinner in initial drafts, but I found that was a very jarring way to go about it. Pleiadora and Meliadora will be gradually introduced before we get to Hogwarts (Hogwarts being a big reason why I needed them, since Nymphadora isn't there, though Pleiadora will only start next year.) Their immediate role in this chapter is to give Narcissa a bit more of a personal reason she might want to reconcile with Andromeda than she did.
For those curious about their names, both refer to Nymphs. Meliadora to the Meliae, the honey Nymphs of Greek myth. Pleiadora to the Pleiades, the seven sister Nymphs who became a cluster of stars as well as the actual star cluster in astronomy. I never liked how many only child couples there are in canon, but I am taking care to respect Nymphadora's uniqueness and role as well. There is also a thematic thing going on here, three Black sisters – three Tonks sisters. I don't plan to add any other OCs for now. Canon has more than enough for me to use for the rest. I did promise a few readers to get more into Andromeda and Ted's relationship and how they met. I wrote an exchange about it in this chapter, but upon editing it, I didn't think it fit the mood of the scene. I am keeping what I wrote though, because it was a cute exchange that can be easily inserted elsewhere, and I think I will be able to bring it up in about five chapters.
I'd like to thank my Beta Reader Lilitari for going over this chapter. Not too many changes in this case, but the ones she suggested improved the final draft a fair bit. I will admit I especially struggled with Ted's dialogue, and since I don't live in the UK, I had to use what I can to work on it online. I am pretty sure the end result is more exagerated than what JK was going for, but I liked the dialogue contrast between him and the others too much to tone it down.
Thanks for reading!
Umbradius.
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. JK Rowling and any organisation empowered by her to that effect own the Harry Potter title and its related products.