Shell Cottage

She loves the look in her handsome husband's eyes when she undresses for him. At least usually. Her allure is a little out-of-control, so the desire in his eyes, normally tempered with intelligence and humor, today looks a little glassy. He's resistant, but not immune. Almost nobody is. William's eyes unfocus, as her allure spikes. She smiles at him. "Do you want to join me in the tub, William?"

Without a word, he stands up and begins undressing. She undulates to their ensuite bathroom. During lovemaking, she must keep her allure down a bit, if she doesn't want him stunned, or spent too soon. He's a great lover, rough at times, gentle and considerate at others, willing to play and attentive to her needs. She casts the contraceptive charm, and enters the tub. Soon he joins her, and they begin kissing. Things heat up, and, as she feels him entering her, an involuntary allure flare-up and off he goes...

They are back in the bedroom, and he is sitting on their bed. He looks miserable. "I'm very sorry, love."

She is both frustrated and a little upset. She sits next to him, and grabs one of his hands in both of hers. "Eet is not your fault, William. I seem to be 'aving a leetle veela malfunction."

He looks at her, concern, and something else she cannot identify, replacing pure misery. "Do you know what is wrong?"

"Non."

A little while later she finds out what is on his mind. "Could you be pregnant?"

"I don't think so..." She reflects a bit, turning her awareness inwards, and shrugs. "Well... possibly."

A broad smile splits his face. It's the one thing he wants most of all. "Please check." She nods.

She lies down, spreads her legs and touches herself suggestively, clamping down a bit on her allure. Her need and frustration take over.

"I still could use a leetle 'elp..." His fingers and tongue are just as nimble as always. Soon she manages to forget her worries, as pleasure takes over and sleep follows.

Grimmauld Place

The couple stumbles out of the fireplace. More practiced, Alicia gets up and helps Harry to his feet, casting a cleaning charm to get rid of the soot.

She looks around, taking in the decay and the snake-motif decor. "Harry. What is this place?"

Harry laughs a bit. "Home." Scuffed dark panelling, peeling paint. Horror-movie decor. A fitting home to some evil storybook wizard. Barely visible on the hallway, several house-elf heads grace the wall. "Ancestral home of the Ancient, Noble and Most Moldy House of Black."

She giggles. "Black? Really?"

He sighs. "It's a long story."

"Anyone else here?"

"No." Manners imprinted from years on Privet Drive linger somewhere in Harry's brain. "Can I offer you anything? Tea, wine. Maybe something stronger?"

Alicia smiles. "No, thanks. Just show me your bedroom."

They climb up the stairs to the third floor. Harry opens the double doors to the master bedroom.

Alicia eagerly takes it all in. A huge bed, graped in red and gold, and the walls trimmed in Griffindor colors. In one wall, a huge muggle poster of a topless brunette draped over a motorcycle, with impossible looking breasts. After the dark decor of the rest of the house, this couldn't be more unexpected. "Oh, my..." She has a brief attack of the giggles. "Go Lions!"

On top of his nerves, Harry is embarrassed by the room's decor. He likes it, because the in-your-face style reminds him of Sirius, but he had never thought about bringing someone here. "Sorry."

She briefly caresses jis arm. "Oh, please. I kinda like it." She points to the poster and holds up her breasts. "My girls are not like that, though."

Harry's embarassment triples, he blushes and looks to the floor, mumbling something unintelligible.

His reaction reminds Alicia of the tiny firstie, who looked so afraid and out-of-place and suddenly would became pure magic on a broom. Her grieving heart melts a little, as she sees that the cute little boy is still around, inside the handsome young man in front of her. She approaches him and brings his face up, eyes on hers. "What is it, darling?"

"I said I'm sure yours look better."

The clumsy compliment touches her. "Thank you." She gives him a slow kiss on the lips. Stepping back a bit, she takes off her robe, and tries to wiggle out of the black muggle dress she was wearing underneath. "Harry. Would you unzip me?"

"Sure." He finds the top of the ziper and pulls it down. Her dress just puddles down at her feet.

His eyes are everywhere, except her. "I know this is not sexy knickers, but you can look at me." In truth, she went for comfort when choosing her underthings that afternoon. Blue cotton panties and a white muggle brassiere. She pulls her bra over her head and stands in front of him, topless in her granny knickers, tan knee highs and sensible low heel shoes. Shoulders sets back, to make her c-cups look perky. Faded bikini mark, and small dark brown aureolas with largish, very sensitive nipples His eyes fasten on her breasts, and a little wonder and lust gets added to his tense demeanor. She smiles reassuringly. "So?"

He seems to dry swallow something. "They are nice."

"Harry, darling, you need to relax a bit. Remember, You've known me forever, and I'm your friend. " His shoulders seem to sag a bit. She brings him closer. "Will you touch them?"

He cups them in his hands, kneading softly. His hands are gentle, and surprisingly rough. The magic in his touch tingles a bit. She moans and guides his hands to her nipples. She moans a little more. He's still a little insecure. "Am I doing this right?"

It's his first time, so slow is right. "Just fine. They're sensitive, but tough. Don't be afraid." They kiss as he continues to caress her. She teached him about other nice spots. Her ears, the little place in her neck. He suckles and licks and bites softly, following her instructions. They lie in bed, snogging starkers, until Harry relaxes fully. She goes down on him, shock, lust and pleasure mixing on his face. She cries a little when he comes, recalling the last time she did this. She shows him her folds, which he touches with his fingers and tongue. She comes, crying and moaning and scaring him a bit.

Finally, he lies on top of her, and she guides him in. Hesitant at first, he follows his instincts and alternates between slow and fast, driving her wild. They switch positions, with her on top, and soon they come together, screaming each other's names. They cuddle, cry, for a while, and finally fall asleep.

Alicia wakes up alone. She gets up, stretches a bit and walks to the ensuite for her morning needs. When she gets out of the bathroom, the bed is made and yesterday's clothes are clean and carefully placed on top of it. Alicia smiles and murmurs to herself. "Fine establishment. Top notch service."

A soft pop and a small female elf appears before her, bowing. "Thank you, Missy Spinnet. I'm Winky. Can I help?"

Alicia puts on her knickers and walks into Harry's closet choosing a muggle band t-shirt she plans on keeping. The little elf is patiently waiting for her. "Where is Harry?"

"Master Harry is in his study, Miss. Out the door to the left, first door on the right."

Alicia skips out the door. "Thank you, Winky." The door to the study is nearly closed, with maybe half an inch between the door and the frame. Alicia knocks lightly. "Harry?"

"Oh, come in, Leesh."

She walks right in, his invitation negating a set of powerful wards that protect the study from intrusion. It's a large room, with dark paneling, a tall narrow window, a black leather sofa, tea table, a fancy looking desk with a big chair behind it and two wooden armchairs, a heavy bookcase brimming with books and strange-looking items and a single painting of a stern looking man in a dark suit to one side. Harry is sitting behind the desk, with a pile of correspondence to one side, parchment, quills and ink to another. He is frowning at whatever he is currently reading as she comes in. It takes him a few seconds to lift his sight and, as he sees her, the frown turns into a luminous open smile that makes her tingle. "Wow! That looks a lot better in you than it does on me."

Alicia puts her arms up, showing off her fine abs, her granny knickers, and does a pirouette. "I'm glad you like it, sir..."

A gravelly voice comes from the painting. "Thank you for the show, Miss..."

"Eep!" Alicia jumps behind the desk, hiding, as Harry jumps up from his chair, and glares at the painting.

The old man in the painting looks a little embarassed himself. "I apologize, young lady."

Alicia quickly realizes she shouldn't really be embarassed about exposing herself to an old painting. Besides, as long as she keeps her arms down, she's actually decently covered. She stands up and walks around, stopping next to Harry. "Excuse me. I am Alicia Spinnet. And you?"

"Arcturus Orion Black. Former head of House Black." The painting grimaces at Harry. "The most moldy one."

Despite the painting's levity, Harry is quite annoyed, and his tone shows it. "Did you just become active?"

Alicia touches Harry's arm, to calm him down, and he gives her a grateful smile. The painting replies in a serious tone. "No, grandson. I became active when you took charge of the Manor's wards. I've just been observing, but when the young lady came in, I feared I would be watching more than I should. I apologize to you as well, for the intrusion."

Harry quickly realizes that the painting may be an extremely valuable resource, one that he desperately needs. "That's fine. Apology accepted."

"Thank you. Pardon my curiosity. Are you two... together?"

Alicia replies. "No, sir. We're old friends who shared a night together." She looks at Harry and smiles. "A very pleasant night."

Harry smiles back at Alicia. "Thank you."

Arcturus gives Alicia a curious stare. "Are you related to Margareth Savoie, by any chance?"

Alicia smiles at that. "My full name is Alicia Margareth Spinner, sir. She's my maternal grandmother. Everyone says I look a lot like her."

Arcturus smiles. "I'll have to agree with that, young lady. Is she still among the living?"

"Yes, sir. A sprightly ninety-two."

"You will send her my warmest regards, please. At one time, we were... very close friends too."

With the slightly naughty tone, Harry notes the resemblance of the man in the painting to his godfather and laughs softly.

Arcturus frowns as he turns to Harry. "Why the laughter?"

"You reminded me of Sirius for a moment."

Arcturus nods, accepting Harry's comment as a cumpliment. He turns back to Alicia. "Your family still runs The Two Forks?"

She preens a bit, surprising Harry. "Yes, sir. I work there."

"I believe the Black still owns a small share. We also have a private wine collection in your cellars." Alicia smiles widely at that. "I strongly recommend the roast venison, grandson. With an old Bordeaux..."

Alicia interrupts the painting. "It's to die for! The venison, I mean. The rub is an old family secret." Harry can easily spot Alicia's love for the place.

Harry pulls her in and gives her a peck in the cheek. "I guess giving up quiddich wasn't such a hardship for you after all."

She nods. "True." Her stomach makes a growling noise, and she looks apologetic, patting her stomach. "Talk about venison, I guess I'm hungry." They go down for breakfast, and Alicia leaves soon afterwards.

Harry goes back to the study. After he sits down and turns to the portrait. "How long do you have?" Arcturus asks.

"About an hour. Today is the funeral of Nymphadora and Remus Lupin."

"Andromeda's Nymphadora?"

"Yes."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Yet another beautiful Black witch gone. Did she actually marry the werewolf?"

"That's what I was told." Harry frowns a bit. "Actually, they probably did a muggle wedding." As far as Harry knows a werewolf marrying a witch was, and is, against the law.

"That would make sense."

"You knew Remus? You knew he was a werevolf?"

"By name, and yes. He was a close associate of my heir. Of course I knew of him. But he was, what? Eleven years older than her? "

"They were in love. They left a son, supposedly they made me his godfather."

"Supposedly?"

"I recently found out I am the actual father."

The portrait smiles in a rather scary way. "Really?"

"Yes. It was a surprise, because the memory of the deed is blocked. With my consent too."

The satisfaction in the portrait's face is obvious. "This is truly fortunate. Given his parentage, I'm sure he's going to be a remarkable wizard."

"He's inherited the metamorph gift from his mother."

"Excellent. It's a old gift from the Black line, but it needed a little infusion of muggleborn wild power to manifest again. Nymphadora was the first full Black metamorphmagus in two centuries. That's why I brought her into the family after her grandfather Cygnus died."

The idea of muggleborn wild power awakening old pureblood family gifts makes Harry's head spin. He sets that aside for layer. "So, she was an actual Black witch."

"You're the only one to know about it. There's a nice trust vault in her name at Gringotts, that now belongs to your son."

"I could probably use some advice on how to handle registering his parentage at the ministry. This is going to cause a media storm."

"It's actually quite simple. Make a public announcement. The heir of Black and a Black witch produced an heir for the family. Family law even makes him legitimate."

"What?"

"Our family law recognizes the blind preference of Black magic for inbreeding. It's not just pureblood stupidity that makes our family so inbred. Our magic actually pushes us towards other Blacks. Given how powerful both of you were and the poor condition of the Black lineage, I wouldn't be surprised if family magic pushed you two together quite forcefully, specially here at the Manor."

Harry needs his occlumency to keep from an open display of anger. So his feelings for Bubblegum were manipulated by Black family magic? His reply is cast in a very cold tone. "I would have thought Black family magic would want nothing with a pair of half-bloods, one of them with very little Black blood like myself."

"You could think that." Arcturus points a finger upwards. "Can you feel the call?"

Harry feels a demand of sorts, whenever he's at the manor. "Yes, it's there."

"It's Black family magic. It knows you, and it needs you to embrace it. Its very strong here at the manor."

Harry glares at the painting. "I really dislike being pushed."

Arcturus shrugs. "I have to show you something." He directs Harry to a secret compartment in the desk, that requires a drop of blood to open. Inside, a fat muggle envelope, with "Harry" written across it. Harry opens it and spills the content on the desk. In the middle of assorted documents, there's a rolled parchment tied with a black ribbon. "Read the tied parchment first." The loopy handwriting is painfully familiar.

Godric's Hollow, March 12th, 1991

To Arcturus Orion Black, Head of House, Lord Black, Grandfather.

This letter is to inform you that on this date, I, Sirius Orion Black, scion of House Black, have blood adopted the infant Harry James Potter. He is renamed Harry James Black Potter. In addition, I declare him to be my sole heir. This was done with the agreement of the boy's parents, to help protect him with Black magic and influence, and to keep the Black away from the Death Eaters. You should also be aware that there is a prophecy connecting the fates of Harry and Voldemort. The precise wording is too sensitive for a letter.

Your errant grandson,

S.O.B.

Harry slumps at his chair, holding the letter, while fat tears roll down his face. After a few minutes, he addresses nobody in particular. "The bastard. He never told me."

"Do you know why?" Arcturus asks him in a cold tone.

The question pulls Harry out of his funk. He thinks back for a minute. "Yeah, I know why. It would have complicated things, and changed nothing. Father or godfather, he was the only family I had." Harry then thought of the Malfoys, and of himself standing between them, and the Black inheritance. "It was dangerous knowledge too." Arcturus gives an approving nod. "Am I still a Potter?"

"If you did an inheritance test, either at Gringotts or at the family office at the Ministry, you would show two fathers and one mother."

"I see." Harry reflects for a bit. "I may be a Black, but I'm still a half-blood, Great-grandfather."

A proud smile appears on Arcturus stern face. "You can call me Grandfather." He then continues. "Family magic as powerful as ours is near-sentient. It knows nothing of politics, but it knows magic. And you are very powerful." He means, it will overlook such a minor detail as Harry's inadequate blood status.

Harry can't avoid smiling a bit. He can almost taste the will Arcturus is describing. "I have so many questions..."

"We have time, grandson. I'm here to teach and advise. Will you assume the Black?"

Harry thinks about putting it off for a while. He is still angry getting pushed around, specially questioning his feelings for Bubblegum. But he knows he would just be delaying the inevitable. Helped by his magesense, his magic is settled and adjusted from death and the horcrux removal. Adding the Black shouldn't be a problem. Harry sighs. "Yes. What should I do?"

"Take up your wand." Harry draws his blackthorn wand. Arcturus looks at it and frowns. "What is this wand?"

"Blackthorn with a thestral hair core. Custom made."

Blackthorn is an unusual wood for a wand, and Arcturus never heard of using thestral hair for a core. "Push a little magic out and repeat. I, Harry James Sirius Black Potter assume the Black lordship, by blood and by magic. So mote it be."

Harry does it, and a silver mist surrounds him. Harry feels something powerful and dark combining with his magical core, adding to it, changing it. The silver mist dissipates, and a large bound book with the Black family crest embossed on the leather cover appears on top of the desk.

"This is the Black grimoire, grandson. It contains history, rituals, spells and general magical knowledge associated with our family and its magic. You should read it, practice it and live it."

Harry carefully opens the book at a random location. It's a description of a ritual to bind someone's magic. Further along, notes on magical snakes, some dark curses and their countercurses, a nice drawing and a description of some hidden Mayan ruins.

Harry recalls there were some words Arthur entoned while burying Fred. He turns to the painting. "Are there any incantations or a specific ritual for a funeral?"

"Ask the book."

Harry places his hand on the book. "Show me funeral rites." The book opens, and pages turn, until they stop somewhere. The left page is blank, and the right page has the handwritten title "Black burials." There is an extensive description about mourning periods, body preparation, stasis spells and, towards the end, the description of one incantation that must be performed by the Head of House. It permanently removes the magical potential from the remains, making them useless in rituals or potions Harry studies the incantation and practices it a bit, under Arcturus scrutiny.

"I should be going. I'm meeting Andromeda and Teddy at her home."

"Are you bringing her back to the Black?"

"Yes. Instructions?"

"First, you should be using your signet ring. It's in the Gringotts heirloom vault, but you can call it to you. It goes on the ring finger of your right hand."

Harry extends his right hand. "Black signet ring." A heavy golden ring with a black stone and an engraving of a raven appear on the appropriate finger, instantly resizing to fit.

"When you see Andromeda, hold her left hand with your right and say: "I restore you to the Black." She was merely disowned, so that should be enough."

"Anything else?"

"Bring her home, grandson. She is knowledgeable, smart, able and powerful. Bring her to see me as soon as you can."

Harry salutes the painting with a shallow bow before taking his leave. "Thank you for your guidance, grandfather. It's been a pleasure to meet you."

The painting responds with a slightly deeper bow. As Harry leaves the study, he still hears the painting speaking softly. "Watch your back, grandson."

Tonks Residence

Harry tumbles out of the floo, right at Andromeda's feet. She is wearing stark silk black robes, with an elegant cut, and her black hair is tied up in a bun. She has her arms crossed under her breasts, and is smirking at him fondly. Much to his surprise, standing next to her is Narcissa Malfoy. Blonde, a bit taller than her sister, she is wearing black robes of the finest silk, cut to highlight her imposing figure. He gets up, scourgifies himself and directs a shallow bow at Andromeda. "Well-met, Aunt." He then gives an even shallower bow to the other witch. "Mrs. Malfoy." Narcissa is not quite as powerful as Andromeda, but Harry's magic purrs like a kitten in her presence. Harry thinks it's a reaction to the Black blood in her, and wonders what Draco's magic would feel like now.

Andromeda looks at the ring on his finger and returns a deeper bow. "Well met, Lord Black. Welcome." Seeing the ring, Mrs. Malfoy grows pale, and, after a moment of dismay, wraps herself in icy haughtiness. She gives Harry a deep bow and whispers. Well met, mylord. She keeps her eyes on at Harry, as if waiting for something. Harry is well-aware he owes her an important debt. So he gives her an opening. "Can I help you, Mrs. Malfoy?"

The witch looks relieved, and a thin smile appears in her face. "We must talk, mylord. Family business."

Harry looks at Andy, looking for guidance. Andy gives a minute head shake. "Now is not the time or the place, Mrs. Malfoy. Would tomorrow afternoon be convenient?"

The witch frowns a bit. "There is a certain urgency, mylord."

"Very well. Can you stay behind after the burial and accompany me to the Manor?"

"Yes I can." She grabs one of his hands. Her touch feels cold, but not unpleasant. Far from it, in fact, which annoys Harry a bit. He pulls back, removing his hand from hers. She looks into his eyes. Her mind touches Harry's, and he gets a glimpse of her surface feelings, an odd mix of hope and fear. "Thank you, mylord."

Harry wonders if that kind of mind touch can deceive, but his instincts tell him to trust it. He knows he is rather out of his depth with Narcissa. Seeking help, he turns to Andromeda. "You'll join us, I hope."

"I have no place in family business."

Harry smiles. "Easily remedied." He takes up her right hand on his left and calls the family magic, as instructed by Arcturus. "Familia Incantate". As the silvery sensation of Black magic wraps around them, Harry intones. "Andromeda Cassiopeia Tonks, I, Harry James Sirius Black Potter, Head of House Black, recall you the the Black family and promise you its protection and support. Do you accept and swear your loyalty to the family?"

"I do."

"So mote it be."

A swirl of magic involves Andromeda. She gives a little "Eep" and the first real smile Harry's ever see on her face. She jumps on Harry, giving him a hug worthy of Hermione. "Thank you, thank you Harry."

"Happy to do it." Harry glances at Narcissa, who is dabbing at the corner of her eye with a little cloth. Harry smiles at her, and she curtsies back.

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Harry is near the grave, Teddy in his arms, greeting the people who came to the funeral. He is a little surprised that, of all the Weasleys, only Charlie and Fleur come. They arrive together, Fleur wearing the same elegant black robes from yesterday.

Charlie steps forward, shaking Harry's hand. "My parents asked me to apologize, but there's still some family members staying at the Burrow and they couldn't just leave."

"That's fine, Charlie. I'm glad you and Fleur came." Harry points to the baby. This is Teddy."

Teddy smiles at Charlie, and his hair turns Weasley red. Charlie gives a sad smile, but Fleur gives her sexy, tinkly laugh. "Oh, my! 'e is really Dora's! Can I 'old 'im?"

"Sure." Harry carefully passes her the baby. She coos at him, holding him with one hand, while caressing his face with the other. The baby turns his hair silver white. Suddenly Fleur stiffens and frowns, turning a sharp look towards Harry. Her magesense just might be sensitive to feel the parent-child connection between Harry and Teddy. Harry just nods and mouths "Later," without making a sound.

Charlie feels something is amiss. "What is it, sis?"

Fleur gives the baby back to Harry, still frowning at him. She then turns back to Charlie and smiles. "Eet is nozzing, Charlie. I zought for a second zere was a leetle werewolf in ze baby, but I was wrong. Zere is no trace of werewolf in zis boy." She turns back to Harry. "'e's got a strong aura. 'e's going to be a powerful wizard. Congratulations, 'arry."

Harry needs his occlumency shield to keep from stuttering under Fleur's magic and angry scrutiny. "Thank you."

She hands Teddy back, and he fusses a bit. With a gentle motion, Harry calms the baby down, under Fleur's frowning attention. "You are always full of surprises, Leetle Boy."

Harry presses his lips together, supressing a smile at the old insult. "Life is full of surprises, F irebird. I just roll with the punches."

Grimmauld Place

Harry tumbles out of the fireplace and clears Narcissa to visit the Manor. She arrives a minute later, gracefully stepping out of the fireplace. She looks around, a grimace of disgust on her face.

"What happened to this place?"

Harry shrugs. "It's a long story..."

Kreacher pops next to them and bows deeply to Narcissa. "Mistress Cissa."

She looks surprised at seeing the elf. "Kreacher! You live!"

"Yes, Mistress." He makes a shallow bow at Harry. "The Blood Traitor Lord Black is a powerful wizard." Strong masters mean healthy, long-lived elves.

Harry smiles softly and Narcissa frowns. "This place is a disgrace. You haven't been doing your job." Kreacher looks down, his hairy ears drooping.

"And you should show our Lord some respect."

Kreacher droops some more, so Harry interrupts. "Kreacher and I have an understanding, Narcissa. He's proved his loyalty."

Kreacher stands up a little straighter and Narcissa looks doubtful. "You shouldn't let him disrespect you. It's unseemly!"

Harry laughs. "I don't find offense in being called 'blood traitor', or 'dirty halfblood'. At least not by Kreacher."

"Still..."

"I agree with you that this place is a disgrace. But I fear cleaning it may be too much for Kreacher."

She nods, doubtful. "Maybe. Tippy!"

A young-looking female elf pops up. "Yes, Mistress?"

"Help Kreacher clean up this place."

Both elfs pop out. Harry turns to the witch. "Thank you. How can I help you?"

"I've recently gained access to my marriage contract. Lucius comdemnation allows the contract being cancelled by the head of House Black, returning my dowry, with

interest and stiff penalties."

Harry nods. "But why?"

"The Malfoy name is sullied beyond redemption. I wish to be rid of it. "

"What about Draco?"

She shrugs. "He's of age. He will do as he sees fit. After his judgement, I hope he will ask you to end House Malfoy by adding it to the Black, but that is up to him."

"I seriously doubt he will do that. He hates me. He sees me as his worst enemy."

She smiles bitterly. "Lucius did a poor job raising him."

Harry shrugs. "Lucius is an abomination worse than Voldemort, in his way."

"I don't disagree."

"I'll do it. Tomorrow?"

She bows. "Is there any service that House Black requires of me?"

"Yes, if I can trust you."

"I'll be happy to pledge my services to the family and to you."

Harry nods, doubtful. "I need a political advisor. Andromeda has been helping me, but she finds it nearly as distasteful as I do."

She smiles. "I can certainly help with that."

"Can you get behind a blood-traitor political agenda?"

She grimaces. "If you allow me to voice dissent in private, I'll gladly help you carry out your vision for House Black."

"That' would be excellent. We'll try it.

"Thank you, my lord."

"Harry."

St. Mungo's

She awakens but does not open her eyes. No pain anywhere, thirsty, full bladder. Harsh linen soap smell, her own sweat. Large room, distant steps, echo. Someone close, slow breathing, a familiar scent, just a hint. Strong magical presence, somewhat familiar. Her magic, pulsating happy near her navel. She knows exactly who it is. A small smile and she opens her eyes. Bright green eyes.

"Harry Potter. You came."

His tone is soft, and the smile, warm and welcoming. "Hi, little moon."

He sits on her bed and leans towards her. She extends her hand, and touches the faint scar on his forehead. "The garinbulp is gone."

He laughs softly. "Yes it is."

"What happened? How did it go away?"

"Voldemort killed it."

"Ah! It was his, wasn't it?"

"Yes."

She nods slowly, her clear blue eyes staring intently into his. "I'm glad." Suddenly she frowns, as if remembering tasting something bad. "You shouldn't have come. I so wanted to go be with them." She pauses for a bit, while a lone tear goes down his face. She picks it up with her finger and tastes it with the tip of her tongue.

Harry caresses her cheek. "I understand."

"I know you do."

"But I'm selfish."

A faint frown. "You're not!"

"Yes I am. I've lost so much, little moon. I couldn't face losing you too."

She looks at him, her abstracted smile looking a little lost. "I'm tired, Harry Potter." She grabs his right hand with both of hers. Her hands are small, with spidery thin fingers and surprisingly rough palms, evidence of a lifetime of working with her hands. "I have no home, no family, and I'm broken inside. They said I could never have children." No tears. Harry realises he's never seen her cry.

"I have a home, and I can be your family, if you will let me. I even have a little son that could use a clever live-in aunt."

"You have Hermione Granger."

"I know I do. But I need you too. Hermione and I both do, actually. Please, come live with me."

Her abstracted demeanor breaks down. "You mean it."

"Of course I do."

She sighs. "Very well, Harry Potter. You got yourself a guest. Can we go now?"

Harry hugs her, letting their magic mingle. "They said you should stay one more night. You can come home tomorrow. I'll bring you a dress to wear."

"I don't have any clothes."

"We'll go shopping." Harry slides back a bit, looking serious. "There's something else. I was with Penelope Clearwater when I found you at the Quibbler. Do you remember her?"

Luna frowns a bit. "Yes. Head girl my second year. Clever and kind. The nargles only really got loose at Ravenclaw Tower after she left to become Head Girl. She was writing for the Prophet. She writes well."

"She is muggleborn, and the war was hard on her." Luna nods. "I asked her to run the Quibbler, and I gave her a little money to do it. There's an issue coming out next week. I'm going to give her an interview about the final battle."

Luna seems unfased. "Why did you do that?"

Harry reflects a bit before answering. "First, I know you like the paper, and you'd have a hard time publishing it without Xeno. If Penny runs it, it's still there, and you can keep contributing as you always did. Second, Penny was there, set on leaving magic behind as a bad job. That would be an awful shame, given how bright, hardworking, powerful and decent she is. Third, we need at least one honest news source. I know I overstepped, but I thought..."

"It's fine, Harry." She smiles. "I agree, and, in fact, you didn't overstep at all. I think you own a quarter share of the Quibbler, so you were acting to protect your investment." She finishes with a giggle.

"Really? How did that happen?"

"After we published the interview with you, we got into a little bit of trouble. Stubby Boardman came around and offered to help. Daddy wouldn't just take his money, you know?"

"I see."

Luna looks a little abstracted again. "Do you find me attractive, Harry?"

He doesn't need to think. "Yes."

"I can't be your girlfriend, you know?"

"Why not?"

"I'm like you."

"Right."

She giggles again. "I mean, I'm like you. I also like girls."

"Oh."

"I hope you don't mind."

"Of course I don't!" There's a little disappointment in his voice that he can't quite hide.

She frowns, and speaks in her most level tone. "Harry Potter, I'm sure you can find a willing witch easily."

"Not as cute and sexy as you."

She waves her hands dismissively. "Oh, poo!" She gives him a tight hug. "You could do me a little favor."

"What?"

"Merge House Lovegood into House Potter. They sort of get along, magically, you know?"

Harry looks puzzled. "You sure?" She nods, and then he nods. "No problem. Just tell me what to do."

Perth, Western Australia

She wakes up with the tapping at the window. It's dark, and the clock shows three and a bit. She's at the fifteenth floor of a modern hotel, and tapping at the window...

The owl is probably a native species, small and gray, with a serious look. After struggling a bit, Hermione finally manages to open the window using the alohomora charm, lets the bird in and relieves her of the letter. She looks sad when Hermione apologizes for having nothing to offer.

Dear Bookworm,

I hope everything is going well with your search. I've missed you so much! I don't know how long it will take for this letter to find you, but It's been two weeks since you left. So much has happened, I don't even know where to begin. Let's see... I found out my animagus form, almost by accident. McGonagall will teach me the transformation when classes start. I know, you want to know the form. I'm not telling you. Maybe your curiosity will encourage you to come back a little faster...

Hermione lifts her head from the letter and growls a little. "Prat!"

... I found Luna, passed out, dehydrated and starving at the Quibbler's offices, behind a mean set of wards. She is fine now, or what passes for fine among us, war-chewed teens. It's a little touchy; she's had it even worse than we did, but she is Luna, and I'll never understand why she is not a Gryff.

I've taken up the Black, and I've been studying and practicing Black family magic. Andromeda and an old family portrait are helping. There is Teddy. Right now I can change poopy diapers feed, and bathe him, and I'm working on helping him when he is colicky. Parenting is a little scary, but I don't think I've ever enjoyed anything quite so much, though. Teddy likes to mimic the people around him. You should see his Luna. He also tries to do Winky, which is beyond funny. They are living at the manor, Andy, Teddy and Luna, with Kreacher and Winky. It's a little family, but my bookworm is missing. There's a lot more to tell, but I'd rather wait until you come back. Write to me care of Jon Frasier, Esq Lower Building suite 3211, Sydney. Leave an address and we can keep writing. Good luck. Did I mention I miss you? Luna sends her love. So do I. Hurry back,

Seeker

Morning finds Hermione asleep with the letter in her hand, and a small smile on her face.

=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=o=

Hermione set up the appointment a week in advance. About fifteen minutes before her time, she checks in with the receptionist, a cute twenty-something dressed conservatively, and speaking with a fast nasal accent. Hermione takes a seat, filling out an intake questionnaire, while the receptionist keeps covertly staring at her. Hermione can easily guess why. Her mother is forty, but looks younger, and could easily pass as her sister. It's a popular practice, about eight dentists in a converted two-story building. Her mother, under the Monica Wilkins alias, appears to be the latest addition. Hermione's father, Derek Wilkins, is a surgeon, and, according to her private investigator, works out of a hospital a couple of miles away.

Hermione is called and takes the patient's seat It's a small room, and the equipment looks a little worn. An assistant takes a short history, examines her and takes X-rays. He then leaves and her mother comes in, looking at the x-rays and speaking. "Hi, I'm Doctor Wilkins. Your wisdom teeth are in the right position, and it seems that there is enough space for them..."

The familiar voice, speaking in such a matter-of-fact tone, nearly dismantles Hermione's composure. She turns around to look at her mother. She can barely articulate. "H-H-How far along are you?"

Hermoine's mother replies with a happy smile and the soft caress of her own bump. "Twenty weeks". Hermione slams down her occlumency shield, to keep some measure of self-control. The pregnancy is... unexpected. The dentist gives Hermione a curious stare. "Do I know you? It says here that you're new..."

Of course she knows Hermione. All she needs to do is look at a mirror. "I don't think so."

She turns on the light and starts examining Hermione's mouth. "Beautiful teeth." She presses her tool under the gumline, and Hermione feels a rough rasping. "A little tartar build-up. More work with your brush, young lady!" Hermione blushes. A long year of poor nutrition and hygiene can't be good for your teeth. "Very well. A good cleaning and fluor application should set you back on the righteous path." Hemione sighs. It was going to be a very long half-hour.

Grimmauld Place

Harry, Andromeda and Luna are having dinner when Kreacher pops and delivers the letter. Harry looks puzzled, until he checks it. "It's Hermione's". This awakes Luna's interest and Andromeda's curiosity.

Dear Harry,

I found them! It's great, I know, but I had a plan. Let me go from the start. I didn't obliviate them. It's nearly impossible to recover obliviated memories. I blocked their memory of me, and implanted a modified new identity. It's done with a potion, which loosens their natural defenses, plus a combination of compulsion charms and a very simple version of a fidelius. This stuff is used occasionally by aurors, and Tonks taught me. Undoing it needs the same potion again, plus a mind version of the termination charm. It's fairly simple and safe, but the potion is essential, as it makes recovering the blocked memories a lot less dangerous. I have some handwritten notes with instructions for brewing the potion. It's OWL-level stuff, and I brewed a batch before coming to Australia. I was going to do it to my mum today, but I ran into trouble. She's pregnant, about five months. You know as well as I do, no potions to pregnant or nursing women, unless you're a healer. I'm enclosing a copy of the brewing instructions. Can you find out if it's safe? Thanks!

Hermione

Harry gets up and paces. No banter, no nicknames... she is clearly very upset. He really wants to go to her, but that's not really possible. There are both magical and legal reasons that Harry can't leave Teddy for more than a day or two, and the baby is not allowed out of the country. Harry hands the note to Andromeda. "Do you want me to go to her?"

"Yes, please. The embargo is still in effect, so you'll need to go muggle. Do you mind?"

"I don't mind going muggle, Harry. My husband was muggleborn and we lived between worlds as much as we could. But that's not needed. I have a magical Mexican passport."

Both Luna and Harry look surprised. "Really?"

"The Black family owns an island on the Caicos archipelago. Muggle Turks and Caicos is a part of Britain, but it's magically a part of Mexico. Having an extra passport was a kind of insurance for the Black family members, in case things got too hot here. Anyways, you can arrange for an international portkey."

"I'll check. With any luck, they can get you straight to Perth."

"That's fine." She gets up "I need to go by the shop for ingredients. I'll be ready to go in an hour."

"Be gentle with her, please. She is family. And, this is certainly very confusing."

"Sure." Andromeda gives Harry a hug. "Write her a note."

Harry looks relieved. "Thank you."

"It's nothing. As you said, she's family."

The Burrow

Harry, Teddy and Luna arrive on time for tea. It's been a week since Fred's funeral, and Molly's note made it clear that Harry's presence for tea was necessary. Initially she greets Harry with a tight hug, but the mood gets a little colder when she realizes Harry is not alone. Both Harry's and Luna's eyebrows go up, with Molly's initial reaction. "Hello, Luna. Whose baby is this? Is it yours?"

Luna replies in her most absent tone. "It's Harry's."

Her tone rises a bit. "What do you mean Harry's? Harry, what have you done? Whose baby is this?"

Harry can't help it. "I'd like to introduce my son and heir. Edward Sirius Black."

Molly's tone gets even more strained. "Black? And who is the mother? Luna? Hermione?" Her face becomes red, and Teddy begins to fidget, reacting to Molly's tone.

Harry pushes out his magic, calming Teddy, scaring Molly, and making Luna giggle. "He is Nymphadora's."

Molly crosses her arms under her ample bosom and turns to her motherly tone. "You can't adopt a baby. Besides, his grandmother is alive and well. Where is Andromeda?"

Luna replies. "Australia." Harry had never realized how much Luna enjoys needling Molly. Although it's like shooting fish in a barrel, like the americans say.

Harry spoils the fun a bit. "Hermione needed a little help. And I don't need to adopt him. He is really mine."

Luna slaps Harry gently on the arm. "Oh, pooh. You're no fun."

By now Molly has realized those two are making sport out of her, and that she is hopelessly outclassed. She sighs and turns to Harry. "That's fine, Harry. Can I have him? I guess I should get to know my eldest grandson."

Harry stretches and gives Molly a kiss in the cheek, much to her surprise. She doesn't recall Harry ever being spontaneously affectionate with her. Harry transfers Teddy to Molly's arms, and the baby's hair turns carrot orange. "Oh, boy."

Luna darts in and gives Teddy a kiss in the cheek. "He likes you."

Molly preens. "Well, he'd better..." She tickles Teddy a bit and turns to them. "Ron and Ginny are upstairs. Why don't you two head up, while I entertain this young gent?"

Harry takes a little box out of his bag and sets it down on a shady corner. He touches it with a finger and the box opens, unfolds and expands into a nice looking crib. "I fed him and changed him right before we came. He should be good for a few hours, but you might want to set him down for a nap in a little while." He tenderly kisses the baby's cheek and whispers. "Behave for gramma Molly, hm?" Molly nods, floored by fatherly Harry. She can't avoid thinking about how her boys are going to do as fathers. And they had such a wonderful example.

As they climb the stairs, Luna comments. "I think you broke her."

"Why?"

"You looked like such a great father..."

"I am his father. We'll see about great."

Luna giggles. "Sure." She looks at the ceiling. "Women find a handsome man with a baby hard to resist."

Harry frowns. "I'll try to remember that."

"Even those of us who have no interest in penises."

Harry laughs. "You're using some odd meaning for the word "resist"."

Luna smirks at him. "I would never resist you, Harry Potter."

"I'm glad to hear that. I'm just curious about what precisely you have in mind."

"Some polyjuice, a bit of Ginevra's hair, a large bathtub..."

Harry stops and looks at her. It's never dull with Luna. "Now, that's pretty kinky, moonbean."

"Intrigued?"

Harry tries to imagine himself with Ginny's body, a naked Luna and a bathtub. It's a stretch, but... "Yeah, I guess."

Luna giggles. "A little while ago, you'd get very flustered with this suggestion."

"A little while ago, I was dead."

"Now, it's all about living."

"I just don't want things to get weird."

"Weirder than you wearing a Ginevra suit?"

"Right. Forget I said anything."

A cough from upstairs finally distracts them from one another. They look up, and a pair of redheads are staring at them. Ron looks flabbergasted, and Ginny has a little smirk.

Ron breaks the silence. "A Ginevra suit?"

Harry looks at Ron with a little smile. "I was talking to Luna."

Ginny rolls up a hair and pulls it out, giving it to Luna. "I have no objection, if I can see a memory afterwards."

Ron's face turns red. "Ginny! You... You..."

Harry and Luna laugh, "I just offered them a hair." She points at Luna and Harry's laughing forms. "They are the ones doing the dirty, you prat."

"But you want to see!"

"And what's wrong with that?"

"Yes, Ronald. Do you want to see it too?"

It takes a moment for Luna's words to percolate, and Ron jumps in place, horrified. "Hey! Stop it! It's not funny!"

Luna and Ginny begin giggling. Ron stares darts at the two girls. Still giggling, Ginny gives Harry a hug. "That was terrible."

"Yet fun." Luna adds.

Ginny grabs Luna by the hand, and moves towards her room. "Let's catch up."

The girls disappear behind Ginny's door, and Harry looks at Ron, who's still trying to process what had happened, specially his sister's behavior. Finally he turns to Harry. "Why would you want to do that?"

"What exactly?"

"Polyjuice as a girl."

Harry stares at Ron. He always knew his friend was a little straightlaced, but this is a bit much. "Seriously, Ron?"

"Yeah! I don't get it."

Harry sighs. "It's magic, Ron. Magic allows me to experience life as a pretty girl for an hour, and enjoy some fun with another pretty girl. It hadn't occurred to me, but that's the fun of going around with Luna. It can't be that hard to understand."

Ron grimaces. "But it's Ginny!"

"She's not my sister." Granted, him doing it as Ginny would be a little creepy. "I've even snogged her a few times, remember?"

"It's just unnatural!"

Harry needs a little occlumency not to laugh. "And you call yourself a wizard."

"Look, if you and Loony want to do this stuff, it's your business. I don't want to know, and I'm sure mom doesn't either."

He lets a little anger show. "That's fine. Just don't call her that."