A/N As always, these are JKR's and Jim Butcher's realities, though my world. If it is familiar, that's them. If not, it's me.

A/N2: I have the best readers in the world! At my last update, I think I had about 175K views, as of now, over 199K. Loyalty like that demands a response. I can't write you an entire chapter yet, but I hope this bit can satisfy you for now.

-WftF-

The Family's preparations to return to Hogwarts on Monday 1 September were leisurely since they weren't taking the Hogwarts Express. Some of the guests at the birthdays party, like Smith, Mandy and Justin, who weren't part of the Family; would spread the news about the Weasleys, Harry's titles and fiancées and Harry's confrontation with Dumbledore in the Wizengamot aboard the train.

They planned for their elves to pop them into the entrance to the castle just before the Thestral-drawn carriages got there. As Rose had to be Sorted, she would pop in as the other students arrived at the lake. For both arrivals, an elf would be waiting to signal the Family's elves when to move their charges.

-WftF-

All over the house, various conversations took place. Erik and Rose paused in their Good-Bye to Summer petting. Both knew though, that this wasn't a summer romance, they had somthing for a lifetime.

"I'm going to do my best to end up in Ravenclaw again Flannery, so save a space!"

"From your lips to the Hat's 'ears'! Since you got there before, why wouldn't you now?"

"Well, I was eleven then, now I'm sixteen. I'm not sure anyone our age doesn't have a fair dose of Slytherin traits. Add to that I've huge ambitious plans that will take a fair amount of cunning to pull off. So I can see myself having an argument with the Hat."

"Well, Granger, it's a fight you better win!" Rose didn't bridle, as she hear the teasing in his voice and her lips then caught his and they continued a better oral communication.

-WftF-

In another alcove, Draco was talking. "Hannah..." and this conversation ended with an ear-blasting squeal, then Draco being propelled onto the floor, Hannah landing on top of him. She seemed intent on suffocating her boyfriend, she was kissing and hugging so fervently.

They landed in front of Harry, Hermione and Susan, then the nonplussed trio got them to their feet and back into the alcove. They asked the pair what had happened. When they told them, Hermione and Susan squealed nearly as loudly as Hannah and kissed Draco's cheek. Harry contented himself with slapping Draco's back and hugging Hannah.

-WftF-

Not all the preparations were as dramatic. Padma and Parvati were in their quarters. With packing done, they sat together with a quill and parchment, listing the sixth year boys that might be boyfriend material.

Neither were willing to follow Hannah's lead in considering Slytherin boys, with the possible exception of Blaise Zabini. They thought that Justin Finch-Fletchley, Ernie McMillan and Wayne Hopkins in Hufflepuff were good prospects. Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner or Terry Boot were good prospects in Ravenclaw.

From Gryffindor, they included Dean Thomas, though they were leery of Finnegan. Surprisingly, Colin Creevey, a year younger had Parvati's attention. By lunchtime, their considerations had lead to a not-so-little 'black book'. Their afternoon was spent in conversation with the others.

-WftF-

The three Slytherins spent the morning similarly. Unlike the Patils, they definitely had Blaise on their list, along with a boy in Astoria's year, Ambrose Kolchak. Being Slytherins, they discounted any Gryffindor boys, feeling the two best were taken. Their interests in the other two houses matched the twins'. Their not-so-little 'black book' and the twins' would make for intriguing comparative reading, had anyone known to ask.

-WftF-

During the early to mid-afternoon, the Family lounged around the pool. They decided to have a small meal at 6:00, that would ease their hunger. For a fact, a number of the less trusting suspected that the lateness of the meal (something easily fixed by changing the Express' leaving to 8:30 am or 9:00), served, somehow, to influence the students' minds for the next terms. This way, they could be more proactive; all of them knew detection charms and would use them at every meal. About 4:00, Harry, his ladies, Amelia and Ron left, changed and met in her suite. Amelia went through once again what they were going to say to Dumbledore after the Feast.

"Do you want me to come too?" Ron's question stopped them in their tracks, briefly. Then Harry nodded.

"Why not? You should make your holiday educational too." Harry's reply got chortles from the other four and it was settled. "Dinner will be in a few minutes. Will you meet me downstairs? I need a further word with Amelia and Ron." After a glance askance, the fiancées left.

Harry looked the two, unease evident in his face and attitude. "I'm going to overstep my bounds, if either of you become offended, then take it out on me. Contrary to popular opinion, I notice things and it seems to me that you enjoy each other's company." They acknowledged him, wondering that so affected him. In a much softer, diffident voice he asked. "Do either of you fancy the other?"

This was another matter. They looked at each other and startlingly blushed. He took that as a 'yes', then Amelia said, "I do fancy Ron. I'd wanted to tell him in private, so you're not here. Ron, I hope that before you leave us, we can see if we can be more than friends."

With some humour, he replied, "Seeing we're alone, I share those feelings. Now, if we can be really alone ..." Harry took the hint and by the time they came downstairs, their smiles told the yarn everyone who paid attention.

-WftF-

Meanwhile, those who were at the party or attending the Wizengamot, but not a part of the Family were telling their friends all about their eyewitness stories, dealing with Harry and his circle. Among the Hufflepuffs, their peers learned of the horrifying liaison between Hannah and Malfoy.

"She grabbed him on the dance floor and they danced the whole night."

"They were inseparable the entire three days!"

"I saw her kiss him!"

"Not sure if they slept together then, but who knows now?"

-WftF-

A similar conversation took place in the Ravenclaws' compartments.

"Erik was introduced to this Rose Granger and it was like love at first sight."

"Yeah, they sat together for every meal and he danced only with her, except he danced with Hermione and Susan a couple times and she did the same with Harry."

"On my way back to my room the first night, I saw them cuddling, then he kissed her forehead."

"I saw them on the grounds last day, necking."

"Well, if she's anything like Hermione, she can't be bad."

"Su Li, we all know Erik's had it bad for Hermione since our first year. What if this 'Rose' knows this and take advantage of him?" I'd hate to see him hurt."

"True, Anthony. We need to keep tabs on them. If she seems to hurt him, we've got to stop her!"

-WftF-

Dinner at the Manor was, by acclamation, fondue. Those leaving limited themselves, while the others didn't. Ron and Amelia surprised them by sharing a plate, feeding each other (leading to lots of eye rolling) and being immersed in each other.

At 7:30, the Family stood around nervously. Then, Rose vanished. Another seven minutes and the rest were popped away. While the teens awaited their peers, Amelia and Ron went up to the faculty table. Hiding that he'd been wrong-footed, Dumbledore conjured space for them on his right.

-WftF-

Rose road one of the boats. Even though she'd done this before, the sight of the castle from the lake thrilled her as much as it did the first years. They were led up by Hagrid and led inside by Professor McGonagall. She gave her traditional speech and turned to leave. Rose caught her before she left.

"Professor, I have an extra copy of my OWLS if you need them ..."

"There is no need for that, Miss Granger. I have those results, which are every bit as good as your cousin's. You'll get the classes you've requested." then she left.

-WftF-

At the castle entrance, the Family members greeted their classmates, housemates and friends. Reactions to them varied; some were completely friendly, many seemed nonplussed, others seemed to be hostile in varying degrees. None of these reactions were consistent, not all the Family members were targeted by the same person, it seemed that the enmity was almost random. The Family felt they were in a stormy ocean. Trying to 'keep afloat' led to a palpable sense of drowning in the emotions in the Hall as they took their seats.

During the Sorting everyone quieted down until Rose was sorted last. There was an intense discussion when the Hat settled on her head.

I see that you are from the future and I Sorted you into Ravenclaw. But now I lean towards placing you in Slytherin. You've shown cunning and a huge ambition to see your plans through. Salazar would have been mightily intrigued with you.

That is not to say Rowena wouldn't have loved you for your mind and Helga and Godric wouldn't have passed you up. So, what am I to do with you?

You place me into Ravenclaw.

Indeed? And why?

First, the truest of the Slytherins avoid getting Sorted into that house.

True and that has happened more often than you might think.

Second, of the remaining houses, Ravenclaw will draw the least attention.

You do have a superb intellect that will seem out of place elsewhere.

Finally, I love Erik Flannery and being among the 'Claws will benefit my emotional state.

(chuckle) Who am I to fight true love? RAVENCLAW!

There was polite, inquisitive applause as she sat next to Erik. He squeezed her hand and whispered, "I knew you could." Then, Dumbledore clapped his hands and the Feast started.

-WftF-

With everyone absorbed in eating, the atmosphere eased considerably. Then the Headmaster rose from his place.

"Welcome, welcome to another year at Hogwarts. A special welcome to our First Year students. I know know that everything here seems new and strange, particularly to those from a non-magical background. Ask for help from your prefects, the Headboy and Headgirl and your professors.

"Speaking of Professors, I am pleased to announce the return of a Hogwarts legend, Potions Professor Horace Slughorn. Taking the Defense Against the Dark Arts position is retired Auror Micheal Garibaldi." After the tribute to the faculty, Dumbledore continued. "As usual, no magic in the halls and Mr. Filch, the Caretaker, reminds you that a list of banned items are in each Common Room and on the door to his office. Quidditch tryouts will be held at the end of the month, see your house captain or head of house for details.

"Now, as most here know, there have been huge changes in our society this summer. Our own Harry Potter has taken his titles of Lord Potter and Lord Black. He is to be referred to as 'Lord Potter-Black' or as Harry, he may not be called 'Potter.'' He is now engaged to marry Miss Susan Bones and Miss Hermione Granger. According to Hogwarts' bylaws they are entitled to Lord's Quarters.

"On consideration, Mr. Draco Black, formerly Malfoy will retain his prefecture, but will be quartered elsewhere." This led to angry cries and yelling, ignored by Albus. "Now I send you off to your Common Rooms and to bed. First Years, find and follow your fifth year prefects. Good night." As the assembly broke up, Amelia and Ron had a word with Professors McGonagall, Slughorn and Sprout, who went with them to pick up the Headmaster and go to his office, along with Harry, Hermione, Susan and Draco,

-WftF-

Once all were seated, Dumbledore commented, "Minister, I know we've a number of issues to discuss, without much time. What is our first item.?"

"Minerva, Pomona, Horace; the three of you must attend when any of your students here are called to speak to the Headmaster, even if it is in the halls. He is only to talk to them about school matters. Should he try to speak of other issues, he must be halted and I must be called." The three Professors assented.

"Quite good Horace, please escort Mr. Black to his rooms; Minerva, Pomona, you may go, but Minerva, pray keep ready to escort Lord Potter-Black and his fiancées to their quarters when we're done here."

Once the remaining six were alone, Amelia began.

"We all are aware that Lord Potter-Black is involved fully in the matters of the day. He must continue his education here, play his rôle in the Wizengamot as needed, keeping updated by his proxies. Finally, he must be free to hunt and destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes. You've sworn an oath to this effect. Are you clear about this?"

"I do, though I wish I had more scope to advise Lord Potter-Black."

"Headmaster, I'll give you that scope as I see fit. I need to know now how well the curse you took into your hand has been contained."

Dumbledore looked astonished and fearful, but told Harry, "It is well contained so far, due to potions from Professor Snape and certain rites he performs periodically."

"Good", said Amelia "then our business is done for now. Kindly alert Minerva." A Patronus flew out of the office. When they reached the Rooms, the password was set and the teens entered, Amelia and Ron's elves took them home.

Inside the quarters, they found their elves had unpacked their things, laying what they needed for the next day. Harry kissed his witches and they went to bed to rest for the morning.

-WftF-

Meanwhile, in the Hufflepuff Common Room, students under fifth year were chivied upstairs. Hannah found herself surrounded and fielding rapid-fire questions by her housemates. There was an air of mixed concern and enmity/anger that soon grew as close as in a smoke-filled room. She felt herself choking on the atmosphere. She cast a silent Sonorus on herself.

"Listen up!" The others almost comically flinched back, one even fall off a chair. Hannah was always a bit withdrawn. "I thank you for your concern, I really do. But Draco has changed. Do you think for a moment I'd ask him to dance if I thought he hadn't? My mother was there, do you really think she would allow me to dance if he were the same as last year? Or Harry, Susan or Hermione?"

She stood and paced while the others look on, abashed. "I did what I did at the party and beyond because I could tell he was different and someone I wanted to know better. After the party we studied and worked and trained and had all sorts of silliness.

"And we learned about each other and found we liked what we found. And it wasn't in a vacuum. All the others were there especially my mum and his mum. She approved of me, and mum approved of Draco. When dad was there he looked and talked with him and liked him. And when he gave me a betrothal ring, it was a Black ring, not a Malfoy ring.

"What sealed the deal for me is what he said this morning:

"Han, this hasn't been a summer romance for me. I've learn so much, most importantly about myself and about you. I know the difference between being a Malfoy and a Black. I rejoice in the person I am now. You've been the biggest part of that.

"I love you Hannah and I will for life. If the war spares us, I'll ask you to marry me. If you do, our first son's name will be Cedric Amos."

No one in the room was dry-eyed. The change in attitude stunned Hannah and filled her with joy. "That's my Draco. Please give him the benefit of the doubt. I'm exhausted, let's go to sleep."

A/N: Thanks again to texan-muggle for fantastic Beta work. This is in advance: I'm putting this up un-betaed and he'll fix the complete chapter.

The idea that as you grow older, you've got more in common with Slytherin comes from a story, but I'm ashamed to say I don't remember which one. Anyone who can clue me in will get a tip of the hat.

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Once more, thanks to all you who read my efforts. Visitors, hits, reviews, follows, favorites, C2s are my only payment. All of you readers are fabulous!

Posted: 05/31/2017
Words: 2,829