WARNINGS: See previous chapters. PROFANITY (use of f—k word, spelled explicitly).
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN THE JUSTICE LEAGUE, HARRY POTTER, BATMAN, ETC. THIS STORY IS WRITTEN FOR PURE AMUSEMENT.
Note: All stories on hold. Lack of motivation. If inspiration strikes, then it'll be written. Getting into superheroes, so let's see what happens. This chapter was sitting and tinkered for a while but not quite happy. Thought it would be a waste to delete it, though.

After Bruce told Alfred to settle Ace in one of the guest rooms, Bruce took off his mask and sat in front of his computer. Any traces of Ace in Cadmus's database had to disappear, but he would have to be careful to avoid unwanted attention. Fortunately, Waller herself would likely oversee the destruction of any physical copies that connected Ace to Cadmus. Simultaneously, a new identity would have to be made for his recent charge. He could send her to school with Tim, but he needed to speak to her first to get a better grasp of her emotional state. Bruce decided that the basics were fine until Ace herself was ready to be an active participant.

Leaving the computer, Bruce stood up and walked over to the equipment area where he put down his belt. As he conducted his regular check, he heard the door open. Half-expecting Alfred, Bruce turned around. The expression of Richard's face told him that his eldest was still jumping to conclusions about him. Before he could even open his mouth, Richard threw a punch at him. For a heartbeat, Bruce contemplated initiating a spar as he easily caught the fist. Richard's attitude was beginning to get on his nerves; the titans should have helped him mature, but it appears Richard was still stuck on how he handled Jason's death. Bruce inwardly sighed and released Richard's foot with a frown.

"Why did you bring it here?" demanded Richard.

Bruce narrowed his eyes. "She has nowhere else to go."

"For God's sake, Bruce! Children are here! Civilian children! I doubt your cousin would be thrilled to know that you brought back a corpse…"

Richard's words trailed off as Bruce gave him one of the worst glares that he could ever recall facing by himself. Richard felt dread wash over his heart as realization struck him. He closed his suddenly dry mouth and felt the tips of his ears burn.

"Ace is alive."

"Gee, I wonder what made you think that," said Bruce flatly. "If you don't have anything better to do here, then I suggest you go make yourself useful."

Richard nodded embarrassed. He began to walk away, but he paused at the threshold. Bruce read the hesitation on his face but didn't point it and waited for Richard to speak. "I'm sorry for the mistake, Bruce. It's been hard for me to understand your plans anymore, since the day we lost...you know."

Richard lingered for a few moments longer, but when he realized that Bruce wasn't going to speak, he left with a heavy heart.

Bruce noticed a shift in the air after Richard closed the door, but he didn't feel an immediate need to speak. After a few moments, Red-X stepped out of the shadows. He glared harshly at Bruce, and Bruce could feel his hostility even across the room.

"I was beginning to think that I would have to send someone to get you," commented Bruce. "You can remove your mask; the cave is secure."

"Thanks, but I don't intend on staying for long. I'm only here because I made a promise to a demoness. Now, I'll ask you out of a sense of professionalism: what do you want?"

Bruce glanced at an old costume of his second Robin and sighed again. After a moment of reminiscence, he straightened his back and faced Red-X directly.

"Joker sent me a message."

Red-X stilled and narrowed his eyes in warning. "Come again?"

The word Joker hanged in the air as Bruce subtly observed the boy he had once known as Jason Todd. Although he couldn't see past the mask, Bruce could still vividly recall the first time he had seen Jason after his return from the Pits. While the streak of white in his hair was startling, certain parts of his personality became more…intense. His sense of hatred was deeper than before, and Bruce knew the risks when he mentioned Joker.

"Jason."

"Fuck off," snarled Jason.

"Just look at the video first."

"I would rather go find that shitty clown bastard and fire lead at his—"

Jason bite his tongue harshly when he saw Bruce turn his back to him and walk over to the computer. He reminded himself to not strangle his former fucking mentor even when he was being a fucking asshole. Jason snuck a glance at his old Robin costume and sneered at his former naivety, before following Bruce. His old mentor pressed a button on the computer and a video started playing. It only took seconds before cheesy carnival music came out of the speakers. For a moment, there were only the dark outlines of a curvy woman holding a bat, standing next to a man behind a desk. The cheerful music ended, and the lights turned on.

The woman wore a short, tight white and red dress with fishnet stockings and a black corset that pushed up her chest to an unnatural level. Blood red pumps matched her lipstick. Black eye shadow, mascara, and eye liner decorated her eyes, but the mascara had black trails as though she had recently cried. Her head was a mix of blonde, red, and blue strands of hair. Reluctantly, Jason moved his eyes to the center. Unconsciously, his body shifted to an offensive position as an older, crazier Joker came into focus.

"Hello Batman!" The Joker cackled. "By the time that you see this, Harley and I will still be alive and well. We're just —not to sound like one of Riddler's crazies— not here, when we should and can be there. Because there's something rising and falling, causing us to skitter and scatter until it's all done and open."

Joker pulled out a white handkerchief and exaggeratedly wiped his eyes. "In case you might be wondering in that deep dark vigilante of a heart of yours, it's not you and definitely not me. I do want to get a front row seat of the fun …"

"But Mr. J can't," cried Harley. She stomped her feet like a toddler in a tantrum, and Jason absently wondered how her heel didn't snap. Joker laughed hysterically at Harley's anxiety, even when she swayed and used her bat as a resting cane. Jason clenched his hands into fists and took a few deep breaths to not destroy the computer. Fuck, Joker.

The Joker's laughter continued even as he raised two fingers to command Harley to come closer. Harley obediently drew closer to her obsession. The Joker abruptly grabbed Harley by the back of her neck. He missed something at her, too low for the video to catch. In any case, Harley's face paled even more. She meekly nodded and started moving back with a lowered head. She wasn't moving fast enough for the Joker's taste, so he kicked her out of view. The Joker returned his attention to the camera with a wide jeer. He motioned for a zoom in, and the camera shook as it focused closer on the clown prince of madness.

"Listen here, Batman. Let's say that a little assassin gave me sufficient proof that it'd be better for me and Harley to take a little vacation from Gotham banks." Joker rubbed his chin in an exaggerated manner. "I hear that the Underworld is nice this time of the year. Or, maybe I'll go pay Lexie a visit. It has been far too long, since our last team-up. Oh, who knows what I'll do? I'll still be outside Gotham for a bit. But no need to worry your batwings off; I'll be back." His lips curled back savagely. "I'll be back to settle the score, I promise. Now—"

Joker paused and raised an eyebrow. He smirked as he waved a finger widely in front of the camera. "Did you really think that after all these years, I wouldn't have the necessary precautions in place to hide my location? Come on, Bats…where's your imagination? Oh, but for old time's sake, I can give you a little nibble of my source: She's quite swell for a ghoul."

Joker may have deliberately mispronounced and drew out the last two words for dramatic effect, but the real meaning was obvious. Joker cackled hysterically even as the screen went black. Jason turned his head towards Bruce, his expression incredulous.

"What the fuck?"

"Language."

Jason pointed at the screen. "Joker, criminally insane and fucking psychotic, is leaving Gotham because something worse is coming, according to your father-obsessed, evil ex-girlfriend, and your fucking complaining about my language?! What the fuck, Bruce?!"

Bruce felt a migraine coming as Jason seemed to be hung over that detail. "While your opinion is noted, do remember that vulgarity was never something tolerated in this household. Also, Joker did not specifically refer to Talia. We shouldn't lose sight of the big pic—"

"Who else could it be? How many Al Ghuls do you know?!"

"Jason."

"Fine," spat Jason, deciding to play along for now. "What's coming? An invasion of aliens? A Deathstroke wannabe? An intergalactic version of Joker? Evil parallel universe version of the Justice League planning to take over the world, again? Evil Batman and his loony sidekicks? And why are you telling me about this new threat? I'm the fucking controversial outsider who got replaced."

"Language." Bruce repeated with narrowed eyes.

Jason grinned savagely at him. "Why? Afraid, I'm going to embarrass you in front of your guests? Oh, I know; you think that I'll be a horrible influence on my replacement. Why don't I just say hi to Alfred, snatch some supplies, and be on my way?"

Bruce frowned in disapproval. "Jason, I would prefer it if you stayed and just listened to me for once."

"For once?" growled Jason. "I saw and heard all I needed the last time I was back in this city."

"The threat— "

"Fuck you! I'm leaving this shit hole. I would hate to be in the way or worse— make the 'wrong choice'." Jason hissed venomously. "And don't let Dick know that I'm back. If that fucker hadn't figured it out by now, then it's his own fucking fault. Greatest Robin my ass."

Jason stormed out of the bat cave before Bruce could say anything. He sighed and sat down in his chair. He heard footsteps and for a second, he thought Jason was back.

"I told you that it wouldn't go well like that," stated Alfred as he put down a tray of tea with a bit more force than necessary.

"He's stubborn. Richard, too."

"They were always stubborn, even when they were boys," humored Alfred as he began to make a cup of tea. "I dare say they got more stubborn under your tutelage, Master Bruce."

"They keep shutting me out, Alfred. I want things to improve, but they need to try too."

"What a coincidence, Master Bruce. I was about to say the exact same thing to you."

Raven casually strolled down the hall from their randomly chosen room as Melvin, Timmy, and Teether excitedly chattered in front of her. While the spike in Richard's emotions had startled her, he seemed to have regained control. Making a note to check on him later, Raven tried to focus on the children in front of her. Her demonic nature was on edge. Something felt strange in the manor; it wasn't evil, but it didn't feel like Dr. Fate or any other magical League member. While she didn't sense any malicious intent, the being felt…strong, strong enough to make her demon torn between violence and retreat. If there was anything they shared besides their body, both Raven and her demon aspect wanted the kids to be far away from any fight with a unknown enemy.

"Raven, hungry," said Teether as he tugged on her hand. To emphasis his point, Teether patted his stomach with his other hand.

Raven raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "You three have been up for a while, so no sugar. You need to sleep."

Teether pouted, "Waffles! Teether want waffles!"

"Is this some strange five-year-old food craving, I should know about Melvin?"

Melvin giggled. "It's a Teether-thing, Raven."

"He loves your waffles," added Timmy. "They're the best!"

"…. Just this once, okay Teether? This isn't going to be regular thing. Do you two want anything to eat, as well?"

"I'm not hungry, but I want to know what happens next in your story. The one about the girl who made a contract with a winter spirit."

"Me too! Me too! Me too! Me too! Me too!"

Melvin rolled her eyes at Timmy and grabbed his blanket, tugging it towards her. Timmy stopped mid-word and managed to pull back in time. Lips twitching at Timmy's affronted face, Melvin started to pull on his blanket again. Teether started to fuss, so Raven lifted him up and away from his siblings' growing tug-o-war. Raven felt her heart lighten at the children's actions. Melvin was just teasing Timmy; she never pulled hard enough to damage his most precious belonging. Of course, Timmy was too indignant on behalf of his blanket to notice that his big sister was going easy on him. It was nice to see them in person again.

The temple treated the children kindly and enjoyed having them, but there was an incident when another orphan tried to donate Timmy's blanket to help him "become a big boy." Fortunately, Timmy's cries hadn't caused a significant amount of harm. Apparently, Melvin had Bobby and Teether give him a big bear hug while she confronted the other girl. It led to a screaming match, but Raven was proud that Melvin had protected her brother and the others.

As fond of the children as they were, the monks were getting concerned about Melvin, Timmy, and Teether's respective powers. They seemed to be growing over time. The children were also starting to chafe at temple life and showed signs of longing for the city. Despite her reserves, Raven offered to take the children for a few days and show them around Jump. If they truly wanted to experience city life, then she might as well keep an eye over them before they decided to sneak out and explore.

Their reunion was nice and loud, although Melvin did surprise her with Bobby's new forms. Her power had strengthened to the extent that Bobby could change his size and interact independently from Melvin while she was two rooms away. Melvin told Raven in private that she was thinking of making a friend for Bobby, but it was hard to visualize both and persuade them to appear simultaneously for a significant amount of time. Raven was curious about her ideas, and she promised the child that she would help her. After everything was packed and farewells were made to the monks, Raven and the children traveled with the new car Cyborg was helping her build. They arrived at Jump around noon, and she had decided to treat the children to lunch. Unfortunately, they were ambushed at the pizza place. Her eyes dimmed a little at the thought. She didn't know which was worse: the cult and Trigonists who thought they could use the children as leverage against her, or the fact that they were right.

As Melvin and Timmy begin to debate over the best additions to waffle, Raven felt the corners of her mouth twitch again. Their chatter banished the dark thoughts as she made her way to the kitchen with Teether in her arms. Despite the circumstances, she would never regret meeting the children. Even her demonic aspect had grown fond of them (though, she wanted to raise them as heirs of fear, pain, and destruction). They were her kids, and anyone who wanted to hurt or use them would have to go over her corpse.

As she swirled the waffle mixture, Raven could sense three unfamiliar individuals come closer to the kitchen. Keeping calm, Raven quickly finished the plate of waffles for Teether and leaned back against the counter. Timmy and Melvin were engaged in an epic battle of bear-shaped syrup bottle versus white cat salt shaker, while Teether was clearly enthusiastic about the food in front him.

Teether's eyes were bright as the delicious smell of waffles traveled through the air; breakfast was awesome! Raven felt amused at the children's cheerfulness, however she kept her guard up.

"Oh! Hello! I didn't expect to see anyone here this late."

Raven's eyes landed on the lightning bolt shaped scar on the stranger's forehead; Lady Harriet Potter-Black was in front of her. Well, shit. How do you act when you meet a bona fide Chosen One, who had already defeated one Dark Lord? A couple of children were by her side; if she recalled the newspaper correctly, then they were her two youngest.

"Lady Potter-Black," greeted Raven with a respectful nod.

"Greetings," The older woman's lips quirked up. "I didn't expect to meet to any witches around here. What's your name?"

"Raven, ma'am. No last name, just Raven."

"Ma'am? Oh, well I am older than you, so I guess I should have expected it. It's nice to meet you," replied Harriet amused. She waved at the children near the counters. "Hello, lovelies. My name is Harriet, but you can call me Harry. Harriet can be such a mouthful sometimes. Is it okay if my children and I join you and your mum?"

Raven's face burned as Timmy and Melvin paused their condiment battle to look at each other. Teether clapped his hands and nodded with a cheer as he munched on a piece of waffle. Raven fought the urge to put up her hood and phase through the wall into an empty guest room.

She cleared her throat and meant to say, "They're my charges." But, her words were drowned out by Timmy's shout. "Our mom won't mind, go ahead!"

Melvin grinned at Raven mischievously. "Teether, did you remember to say thank you to mommy Rae for the whip cream?"

Teether looked up at Raven and mumbled through his delicious waffle. "Thwank 'ou, Omy Rae?"

At a loss for words, Raven merely nodded at Teether. Harry decided to save the younger woman from what was obviously a verbal bombshell.

Harriet smiled at the children. "Would you like to meet Albus and Lily?"

Lily squealed in greeting as she let go of her mother's hand and toddled over to Melvin, who grinned down at her happily. Melvin loved Timmy and Teether with all her heart, but she slightly missed the days when they would look up at her with adoration like the little girl in front of her now. On her part, Lily was ecstatic that such an older, pretty girl was happy to meet her. Teddy was fun to play with, but James kept trying to steal his attention. Albus and Scorpius were willing to play with her, but they wanted to do things their way. Lily didn't want to read books all the time.

Sensing his opportunity, Timmy seized the bear-shaped syrup bottle and stuck out his tongue at Melvin; luckily, Melvin was too busy interacting with Lily to notice. Albus's response to the three older children was shyer. He merely clutched Harry's hand tighter and peeked out behind her back. Harriet noticed with amusement that his eyes kept falling to the blonde-haired girl's pony tail every time she moved her head.

Oh my, Harriet thought. She hoped Albus wouldn't follow his grandfather's footsteps and do anything like the ancient pull-the-hair-of-the-girl-you-secretly-like prank.

Chuckling softly at the thought, Harry pulled Albus into her arms. She walked over to the younger woman and stood next to her. Raven looked at her.

"I'm not old enough to have three kids who are this big, Lady Black," said Raven dryly. "Despite what you may sense with your witch core, my powers don't come with the same reduced aging. I am the same age as Richard. I assumed you know who I mean, considering that you are in the house of his guardian."

Harriet laughed in delight at Raven's words. "Bruce and I are cousins."

Raven turned her head to the side and squinted. "Maybe if I wore sunglasses, I can find the similarities."

"Genetics are a wonder," agreed Harriet cheerfully.

Raven gave a small snort. "My eldest charge is Melvin; she's ten. Her younger brothers are Timmy and Teether. Teether's the youngest at five, while Timmy older by three years."

Harriet hummed in acknowledgment and a silence fell between the two. They watched as Timmy finally noticed Albus and proceeded to bombard the younger boy with words. Albus was clearly startled by the other boy's energy and looked a little lost.

Harriet caught Teether's eyes and gave him a smile. Teether smiled back at her and offered her a piece of waffle. After Harriet accepted his gesture, Teether started to lick his sticky fingers. Raven sighed before she grabbed some napkins. While Teether wiggled in his seat and whined at Raven's meticulous clean up, he didn't try to push her away. Once Raven finally judged Teether clean enough, she plucked him up from his seat and placed him on the ground. Teether grinned at her, before he walked over to Melvin and Lily. Melvin greeted her youngest brother happily, while Lily looked curiously at the newcomer.

"Lily, this is Teether," said Melvin. "Teether, this is Lily. She's a couple years younger than you, so be careful?"

Teether sucked his thumb as he nodded. Lily mimicked his actions, and Melvin sighed good naturedly at the two. As she tried to persuade them to stop sucking their respective thumbs, Timmy was showing off his blanket to Albus who looked as bemused as a four-year old could be.

Harriet commented, "Your kids are very cute."

Raven nodded absently as she inwardly winced from the sudden wave of emotions from Richard. Unconsciously, her fingers curled in and pressed harder against her palms.

"Are you okay?" Raven didn't notice that Harry was closer until a cold hand was pressed against her forehead. As she blinked at the older witch, Raven distantly wondered why there was no backlash from her magic.

"I'm fine." Her mouth felt like it was stuffed with cotton balls.

Harry's eyebrows bunched together as she looked at the sorceress carefully. Harry contemplated if she should wake up Draco, but the man was exhausted from earlier. As she considered the merits of looking for Bruce and Alfred, Raven's headache worsened. To Harriet's shock, Raven slumped to the ground as though her legs suddenly lost strength. Quickly, Harry caught her before she could fall and hit her head.

"This isn't good," muttered Harriet. She spoke louder. "Hey, miss? Raven? I need you to respond. If you can hear me, please open your eyes or twitch your fingers. Well-done, Raven! Well-down! I see twitchy fingers, so I think you can hear me. Can you open your eyes? Come on, Raven, your children want to see you. Raven? Raven, can you hear me? You've stopped twitching your fingers. Oh, bullocks!"

Quickly Harriet checked her breathing and pulse; she let out a sigh in relief at signs of regular breathing. The silence in the air caught her attention and when she looked up, the children were all staring at Raven. Harriet tried to smile comfortingly at them, but the three younger children drew closer to Melvin and Timmy for comfort.

Dismissing the possible consequences, Harriet called out. "Blip?"

A pop sounded near her left, and Harriet relaxed at the familiar sight of Blip.

"Mistress called for Blip. How can Blip hel—muggles!" Blip gave a small shriek at the three unfamiliar children in front of him. "Blip showed himself in front of muggles! Oh no, oh no. Bad Blip! Bad Blip! Oh, Master Malfoy will banish Blip and Blip will end up alone and lonely like Elder Kretcher before Mistress Harriet! Bad Blip! Bad Blip! Bad Blip!"

"Blip!" yelled Harriet. Once she got the house-elf's attention, Harriet said in a lower volume. "Blip, I need you to get me Draco. I know he's resting, but this is an emergency. Please wake him up and bring him here right away. And, I forbid you from hurting yourself!"

After the house-elf nodded and went away, Harriet turned around and caught Melvin's eyes. She said gently. "You're Melvin, right? Love, your mum is breathing but I need you to help me. Has this happened before?"

Melvin shook her head wordlessly.

"I see. Okay, do you know Alfred?"

Melvin hesitated. "He's the butler."

"That's right. Do you think you can go get him for me?"

Melvin shook her head. "I never met him. He's in the stories Raven told us. Is Raven going to die?"

"No," said Harriet firmly. "We'll figure this out, Melvin."

Blip came back with a disgruntled Draco before Melvin responded. Harriet winced in guilt; Draco looked awful with large bags under his eyes and disheveled hair. He glanced at her with a raised eyebrow, and Harriet wordlessly gestured to the fallen young woman. Draco grunted as he lowered himself on the floor. He barely bent his head down before Raven's eyes opened. She immediately sat up, colliding their foreheads.

"Fuck," groaned Draco as he recoiled back from his assumed patient. He scowled at Harriet. "Is this because I made you use your other wand at the park?"

Harriet smiled apologetically at him, but she focused her attention on Raven.

"Hey, you," said Harriet light-heartedly. "You gave us all quite a fright. Come here Albus, Lily. Let the other children see their mum now."

"Raven!" Raven blinked at the children who launched themselves at her. Timmy and Teether wrapped themselves around her, and she mechanically patted their backs. Shit, she could feel them sobbing. Raven quickly readjusted her position and tried to comfort them as much as she could. Melvin was too big to jump on Raven like her brothers, but she was as close to them as she could be. She was also fighting back tears, which only flustered Raven furthered.

Draco resettled himself next to Harriet and quietly asked Blip to clean the dishes. Lily perked up at Daddy's presence and crawled over Mommy's lap to reach him. Draco ruffled her hair and stared at Harriet flatly.

"I slept for half an hour, and this is why you woke me up." Draco gestured vaguely at the others. "Who are they, anyway? Blip told me something about muggles, but I don't think muggles are the right words to describe them."

Harriet cuddled Albus as she answered. "The young woman is Raven, and those are her three charges: Melvin, Timmy, and Teether. They're not witches or wizards, but the kids feel like Ace. Not quite sure about Raven, but she doesn't give off a nasty dark aura like Bellatrix. I'm sorry for calling you so soon, but I was scared. We were just watching the children, when suddenly Raven collapsed. You were the first person I thought to summon for help…thank you for coming."

Draco grunted, but he held out his hand. Knowing that she was being offered peace, Harriet placed her hand in his much larger hand and fidgeted when he started rubbing circles on her palm.

"Stop it," murmured Harriet. "You know how it makes me feel funny when you do that."

Draco snorted and replied quietly to not disturb the children near them. "I got a headbutt; I think you can handle this, Woman-Who-Conquered."

Harriet huffed but let Draco be. She noticed Albus starting to doze off, so she started to hum his favorite lullaby. Draco noticed that Lily was also falling asleep, so he motioned for Blip to come closer.

"Blip take Albus and Lily to the same room where Teddy is watching James and Scorpius. Settle them in bed. Harriet and I will be over soon."

"Yes, Master Draco." Blip carefully gathered the two children in his arms. He promised, "Blip will guard all the children with Blip's life, Mistress. Blip will be off now."

With a pop, Blip disappeared with Albus and Lily. Harriet rested her head on Draco's shoulder as they watched Raven and the three remaining children.

"Blip still calls me Mistress," said Harriet randomly.

Draco glanced at Harriet with an indiscernible expression. "You're the only woman I brought back to the manor."

"Astoria. Greengrass."

"Only woman I brought back since Tori."

"Nice save," snorted Harriet.

"Oh, shut up. Did you call me over to check on that young woman, or squabble over my house-elf's actions?"

Before Harriet could retort, Timmy swiftly took their attention.

"I thought you were dead," mumbled Timmy. He pushed back Raven's hold and glared at her harshly. "I'm telling!"

"Telling what?" asked Melvin.

"Raven fainted before, but she made me not tell you." Timmy pointed accusingly at Raven as he looked at Melvin. "When we were at the temple, her communicator went beep so I gave it to her. A black bird guy called Raven and made her sad. After he ended the call, I saw her fall against the wall!"

Melvin's jaw tightened "The last time Raven visited us was a year ago, Timmy. Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"She made me promise." Timmy turned around completely from Raven and wiped his eyes angrily. He cuddled his blanket close to his chest and ignored everyone else.

Melvin turned her glare to Raven.

"It was nothing," said Raven calmly. "A friend was upset, and I didn't have my shield up as well as I thought. I was temporarily consumed by his feelings, but everything is okay now. I'm sorry for scaring you three."

Harriet felt a familiar chill go down her back at Raven's words. Unconsciously, she drew Albus and Lily closer to her. Harriet licked her dry lips. "Raven. Do…you have a mental connection with anyone?"

Draco caught on to Harriet's suspicions, and he narrowed his eyes at Raven.

Melvin pursued her lips. "She has one with Nightwing, the first Robin."

"I see," said Harriet slowly. "And how did this bond formed exactly?"

Raven felt her face heat up under everyone's stares. She grunted. "I'm an empath; my control wasn't very good when I was younger, so a bond accidently developed."

"And you never tried to dismiss it?" asked Harriet weakly. "I know some people might think it's romantic but trust me when I say that a voice in your head is never a good thing."

Raven looked away as she patted Teether's back.

Draco asked bluntly, "Was this bond really an accident? \"

Raven gave him an unfriendly look. "Who are you?"

"Mind links are dangerous," reasoned Draco as he ignored Raven's question. "They get worse over time, and if it's been years since its formation, I'm surprised you haven't already fallen into a coma. Even scar face over here died because of a mind link."

"Sort-of," admitted Harriet. "My situation was a bit more complicated. Anyway, do you want to remove the mind link?"

Raven nodded and admitted quietly, "It would be nice to get some peace."

Harriet said, "Then we'll help you remove the link."

Draco frowned. "I don't specialize in muggle physiology, Harry."

Raven snorted. "I'm half-demon, wizard."

Draco groaned. "Of course, you are. With my power as a Healer, I sentence you to bed rest until we start a treatment plan. You three munchkins—pony-tail girl, blanket boy, and third unknown child to me—go and make sure she rests. You three get some rest, too!"

Timmy was reluctant to talk to Raven, but he helped Melvin pull her up and lead her out of the room. As the four walked out of the room, Harriet and Draco heard Melvin scold Raven harshly with input from Teether. The last thing they heard was Raven promising that she would not withhold anything from them, and Timmy's grumbled acceptance. Finally, the witch and wizard were left alone in the kitchen.

"Merlin's saggy pants, I knew you looked for trouble, Potter."

"Hush you," shot back Harriet as she stood up. "Like trouble never found you."

Draco grumbled at her something too low for her to catch, but Harriet still stuck out her tongue at him. She tugged her hand, but Draco didn't let go and simply stood up. He followed Harriet as she grabbed two apples. She gave him a pointed look, and Draco grunted before he let go. Harriet quickly cut washed and cut the apples. She the plate of apple slices in between them. For a while, they munched on apples in comfortable silence. After Harriet's last slice, she started to lick the apple juices on her hands.

Draco commented, "Unless you plan on giving me some reward for everything I've done for you today, I suggest you put your tongue back in your mouth, Potter."

"You wish I had a reward for you, Malfoy."

"Oh, like you never begged for my attention, Potty."

"What like you did when you were in ferret mode?"

"Watch it," sneered Draco.

"Or, what?" teased Harriet. "I'm just cleaning my hands, Draco."

Draco rolled his eyes. "You're being a tease."

Harriet scoffed. "You're just being dirty-minded."

"I'm a healthy male with a perfectly functionable libido standing next to the woman he loves and wishes to make his wife."

Harriet froze. Draco snorted and brushed his lips against her right cheek. When he withdrew, Draco smirked in satisfaction at a red-faced Harriet.

"You're tired," said Harriet finally.

"I am," admitted Draco carelessly. He rested both hands on the counter with Harriet in between his arms. He smirked down at her. "If you wanted flowers, music, and a candle-light dinner, then you shouldn't have run off on me. As it is, this is my proposal to you, Potter. We've known each other since we were kids, and I can confidently say this: You drive me nuts and trouble follows you like kneazle and catnip, but there's no one else I would rather spend the rest of my life with than you."

Harriet blushed as Draco leaned in and whispered, "I'll only accept one answer to this question. Will you marry me?"

Knowing what she should answer, Harriet opened her mouth but something within in warred for control. She left Draco to protect him and Scorpius, but Harriet was running out of time and energy to leave them again. Any hope of going incognito disappeared with her actions around Ace and Blip's presence. Harriet took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

"It'll be dangerous."

"Everything always is with you."

"I left you for a reason."

"To protect me and Scorpius I know, but I'll just keep chasing you. I make a better ally than hunter, Harry."

"I'll have to revise everything," pouted Harriet.

"I'll be with you every step of the way."

Harriet bite her lip. "I'm pregnant."

Draco froze. "That's why you were in front of the family tapestry!"

"I'm sorry," said Harriet as she avoided his eyes.

Finally, Draco said. "We'll have a long talk after this."

"Are you mad at me?"

"Oh, I am furious. But I'm not letting you go until you give me a clear answer.

"You mean you still want to mar—"

"YES! I still want you to marry me!"

"…I won't change my name."

"Just answer the bloody question, witch."

"Fine," snarked Harriet. She grabbed the front of Draco's shirt and pulled him down to her level. She intended to give him a quick peck and yes, but Draco clearly had other intentions.

"I suppose congratulations should be given," said a dry British elderly man.

Harriet quickly pushed Draco back, but he refused to budge. Giving up after a few good wallops on his back did nothing, Harriet tried to relax and smiled sheepishly at Alfred over Draco's shoulder.

Alfred merely quirked an eyebrow. "I have seen much worse, Miss Harriet. If you would like to celebrate with your...wizard, then might I suggest another room?"