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Albus Dumbledore’s summer was going exactly as planned. After Sirius’ unfortunate death, Harry had returned to his family without complaint, where he would surely receive some comfort for his loss from his mother’s sister.

The minor, but expected difficulties convincing Horace to rejoin his staff would be easy to overcome with Harry by his side when he brought him along later today on the way to the Weasleys.

He had been reinstated to his previous position in the Wizengamot, and had been renamed Britain’s representative to the ICW. It was only a matter of time before he was reelected as the Supreme Mugwump again.

He even had a good lead on one of Tom’s horcruxes, likely hidden in the Gaunt family’s ancestral home.

With a soft pop of apparation, he appeared in the quiet back yard of Number 4 Privet Drive, right on time. He confidently knocked on the back door, which was answered by the large uncle of the boy, who looked suspicious and a bit scared to see him. Poor muggle.

“Ah, Mister Dursley. I am here to pick up young Harry.”

“Good,” Vernon Dursley turned just enough to yell into the house, “Boy! Get down here!”

When no sound was heard in response to the man’s shout, he grumbled something. If Albus had not enhanced his own hearing with magic, he might have missed it.

“...Staying in that room all day.”

Vernon finally stood to the side just enough to let Albus in, “Go get him. First room on the right at the top of the stairs. I expect him to stay with his own kind the rest of the summer, you hear!”

Albus was touched by the understanding of his family to let him spend so much time in the magical world where he belonged. He brushed past the large man without hesitation, knowing very well where Harry’s bedroom was.

When he arrived at said bedroom, he quickly noted that something was

very

wrong. There was nothing of Harry’s in the room, no school trunk, no books on the desk, no posters on the walls. All that was present was a pile of old grey clothing, the kind Harry usually preferred to wear casually on weekends.

Albus quickly cast several detection spells, all of which came up completely empty. Either magic was uninvolved, or whoever had taken the boy had been beyond good at covering their tracks. There were absolutely no clues to where the boy may have been taken.

Albus knew he couldn’t keep this from the Order. He’d have to call a meeting immediately. The Weasleys were expecting Harry this evening.

Not bothering with the muggles downstairs, Albus apparated straight from Harry’s room to his office. In his concerned state, he almost missed that something was missing. After a pause he realised it was too quiet.

Glancing around at the various objects, all of which were there to detect young Harry or the wards around his house in one way or another, he could tell that

none

of them were active anymore.

Panic threatened to overwhelm him, and he immediately sent for Minerva and Severus. By the time they arrived in his office minutes later, he had managed to contain his panic enough to consider his words.

“Harry Potter has disappeared from his family’s home in Surrey. All my tracking and monitoring charms on the boy have been dispelled. I am going to call an Order meeting so we can begin searching for him. Severus, make sure this information is not released to Voldemort until after we can begin searching. He will find out soon, either way, so it would be best if he heard it from you. Minerva, send messages to the rest of the Order telling them to meet at the Burrow at 7 this evening.”

The professors left to prepare for the coming meeting while Albus considered how he would convince Horace to come out of retirement without Harry Potter. He

needed

that memory to know for certain how many horcruxes Tom had been attempting to make.
 
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“Are you sure about this, Azalea?” Daphne eyed her girlfriend with worry as she finished tying the letters to the postal owls’ legs.

“Of course, Daph. I may not be willing to fight their battles for them, but I’m not going to just leave them to die while I withhold information. That’s how Dumbledore and Voldemort work.”

The owls took off to the north and Azalea was finally able to relax. Chateau Noire, located to the northwest of Montpellier, was much larger than she had anticipated. The fact that it was about the same size as Greengrass Manor and wasn’t even the largest property she owned was honestly a bit intimidating. Cyrus had insisted that she take the master bedroom, while the Greengrasses settled into the rooms reserved for close family at her insistence.

Right now, she and Daphne were in her study, which featured a far too ornate desk and some lovely, but mostly empty bookshelves.

She stood and pulled Daphne over to the comfortable couch on the side of the room and cuddled her close.

“Now we can relax for a bit before we have to get on with this bloody busy summer. How does transferring schools require so many outings and events and paperwork?”

Daphne giggled and returned the cuddles, leaving a kiss on Azalea’s temple, “You get used to it. I’m just glad I won’t have to attend the usual Summer Galas the British Purebloods are so fond of. The French have their own parties, but we won’t have to deal with those until next summer when my father has made more established business connections. We may have to attend at least one Ball this winter, though.”

“Ugh,” Azalea groaned, “Do I have to?”

“Yes, love. At least you’ll have me this time. You were… rather pitiful at the Yule Ball at Hogwarts.”

“Wish I’d known you back then. I might have actually enjoyed it if you could have gone with me.”

Daphne chuckled, “Back then, I was certain that you were an arrogant, self-righteous, brash idiot. Turns out you’re just a brash idiot sometimes.”

Azalea grumbled as she burrowed her face into Daphne’s side, causing Daphne to laugh.

“That tickles!”

“Oh, really?” Azalea smirked, “how interesting. I shall have to take advantage of this weakness of yours!” she dove her face back into her side, causing Daphne to laugh again as she tried to push her girlfriend back.

A cough from the doorway interrupted their play, causing them both to jump. An amused Cyrus poked his head in, “Forgive the interruption, ladies. Dinner will be ready in an hour. Astoria was also wondering when Azalea would be free to work on their secret language.”

Daphne recovered first, “Thank you, father. We will be there.”

“Right. Er - I should have some time tomorrow to work with Astoria. We can talk more at dinner.”

Cyrus smirked and gave Azalea a wink before ducking back out of the room.

“Have I told you how relieved I am that your father likes me?”

Daphne sighed, “Yes, love. I just wish he’d be less weird about it. We should get ready for dinner. It’s your first night in the Chateau and I

know

mother has something planned.”

“Oh. Do I need to wear something special?”

Daphne sighed again, “I’ll help you pick something out. My mother has probably placed a few things in your wardrobe she thinks would work.”

Almost an hour later, Azalea was wearing a lovely dark green dress and making her way to the family dining room with Daphne on her arm. Daphne had made another effort to tame Azalea’s hair, so it wasn’t

quite

as messy as it usually looked.

“Remember, they’re going to stand when you enter the room. You’ll be at the head of the table. My father will be on your right and I’ll be on your left. This isn’t too formal, so the main thing that might be odd to you is that my family will stand if you stand and will wait to sit until you sit.”

“Still feels a lot more formal than dinners with your family felt.”

Daphne smiled, “That’s because you were being treated as a young man and a suitor. Now you’ll be treated as a young woman and my betrothed, as well as the head of the house. You can make your own rules if you must, but it’s better to get used to it. Beauxbatons has its own etiquette we’ll be adjusting to this year. Remember how the students stood when Madame Maxime entered the Great Hall in fourth year?”

Azalea sighed, “Yes, dear. Thank you.”

They paused in front of the doors, and Daphne planted a light kiss on Azalea’s cheek, “Of course, darling. I’m braiding your hair next time, by the way. I’ll even teach you the charm so you can do it yourself.”
 
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It was another late night in the office when Amelia Bones received an owl from a source she didn’t expect.

“Potter?” She performed her own checks for magic on the envelope, not quite trusting the Ministry standard checks, but found nothing, so she opened the letter.

Dear Madam Amilia Bones,

I am writing to inform you of several things.

First, I will not be attending Hogwarts next year. I have decided to seek continued education elsewhere.

Second, I am aware of a few members of your department who are members of a vigilante organisation run by Albus Dumbledore called the Order of the Phoenix. They are named Kingsley Shacklebolt and Nymphadora Tonks, as well as former Auror Alastor Moody. There are probably more, but I was never told their identities.

Third, the events at the end of last school year led to me discovering the reason I have been so involved in major events at Hogwarts the last five years. There was a prophecy made before I was born to Albus Dumbledore by Sybil Trelawney. A spy told Voldemort the first two lines, which are as follows:

“The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... “

The rest was only known to Albus Dumbledore until he told it to me this past June.

“and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…”

I can say with absolute certainty that this prophecy

cannot

apply to me, though I refuse to disclose why. Dumbledore has been involving me in his war with Voldemort because of his blind faith in a prophecy that he is at best grossly misinterpreting.

Finally, I’m sure Susan mentioned how horrible Dolores Umbridge was last year. I have attached records of every student who had detention with her, and was therefore subjected to torture through the use of Blood Quills. Most of them should still have the scars on their hands.

Thank you for all the work you do to keep the magical world safe

without

involving children.

Goodbye,

Lord Harry James Potter-Black

Head of Houses Potter and Black

Amelia sat back in her chair as she quickly analysed the information. It would seem a conversation would need to take place between herself and a few of her aurors, as well as a conversation with the Department of Mysteries.

She was curious how Harry Potter-Black had been emancipated, as the letter implied.

She stood and walked to the adjacent room, where her niece was working on her summer homework while Amelia did her own work.

“Susan, did you notice anything odd about Harry Potter this last year?”

Susan leaned back in her chair in a way Amelia recognised as one of her own mannerisms.

“He was… a bit more withdrawn than usual. He’s always been sort of separated from most of the school, except for Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger, but this last year, he spent more time in the library away from them and I only really saw them together at mealtimes. Harry didn’t even attend the Defence study sessions Hermione was running.”

“I see. Did you notice anyone ever approach him in the library?”

Susan shook her head, frowning, “No, auntie.”

“Hmm. Do you -”

At that moment, Amelia felt the wards around her home fall.

“Stay right here, Susan. Do not open the door for anyone except me.”

Amelia rushed into her office and hit the emergency alert rune on her desk, calling every available Auror into the office.
 
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“Thank you all for coming on such short notice,” Albus looked around the room at the faces of the Order members, each hanging on his every word, “I have called this meeting to discuss a development of dire importance. Harry Potter -”

His speech was interrupted by the arrival of an owl, which was a very odd sight for this time of evening. The owl dropped its letter in the centre of the table, and Albus was surprised to see the distinct red envelope of a Howler.

Molly reached out to grab it and read off the intended recipient.

“It - it’s to the Order, Albus…”

The edges of the envelope were starting to smoke, and Molly was

very

familiar with Howlers, so she tore it open without hesitation.
 
“

Hello Order of the Flaming Chicken!

”
 
Albus paled when he immediately recognised the voice of none other than Harry Potter.

“I am assuming you would be meeting there, since the previous Headquarters isn’t particularly available at the moment. Anyway, I wanted to say: I quit!

“I have left the country and will not be returning to be your child soldier.

“At the end of last June, I was told the prophecy by Dumbledore, which is as follows:

“The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…

“

And guess what? It doesn’t apply to me! I won’t tell you why I know this, but I am absolutely certain that I

cannot

be the supposed chosen one. I would suggest you take a closer look at those who would seek to use children to solve their problems, rather than running around on a wild goose chase trying to find me. My departure was completely legal and you have no right to kidnap me on the orders of a manipulative old goat who sends a child to fight his battles every year only to send said child back to their abusive relatives every summer.

“Instead, maybe try cooperating with the ministry to root out the corruption and actually deal with Voldemort. But what do I know? I’m just a kid, right?

“Oh, and Snape, do let Ole Snake-face know the prophecy is bunk. Maybe he’ll stop going after me for five seconds, not that I actually expect him to.

“I didn’t see a character limit on this, but I’d prefer not to give anyone permanent hearing damage, so I’ll wrap it up here.

Signing off for the last time,

LORD Harry James Potter-Black

Head of Houses Potter and Black

P.S. Somehow, Dumbledore never mentioned that I was emancipated on 31 October 1994, though I know he was notified by Gringotts.”

Albus was utterly stunned as the letter consumed itself in flames. The eyes of the gathered Order were also not what he expected. Several members directed betrayed looks his direction while a few, like Molly, looked more worried. Severus, as usual, was unreadable.

“As I was about to say, Harry Potter has disappeared from his family’s home. It is imperative that we locate and protect him before Voldemort can find him. Kingsley, Nymphadora, keep your ears open for any leads in the Auror office. Hopefully his disappearance won’t be made public for a while -”

“Is it true, Albus?” Minerva cut him off.

“Is what true, Minerva?”

“The Prophecy, his relatives’ abuse, the way you used him all these years?”

The room was silent once more.

“That is the Prophecy, yes. I can assure you I had no intention of harming young Harry. He is a teenager, likely experiencing a bit of rebellion. As I was saying -”

Nymphadora and Kingsley both suddenly straightened, turned to each other, and nodded.

“We’re being called in. Emergency. May we use your Floo, Arthur?” Kingsley politely requested, already making his way to the fireplace with Nymphadora right behind him.

“Of course,” Arthur nodded a bit numbly.

“Take care not to mention the situation with Harry Potter!” Albus called as they left the room.
 
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With her nails painted their usual acid green, Rita ripped open the thick envelope with practised ease. A glance at the signature was enough to assure her that this letter would be very much worth the read.
 
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As Narcissa Malfoy anxiously waited in the parlour for her foolish husband, her son, and the Dark Lord to return from their latest raid, she began to read through the letter that had arrived for her at such a late hour.

A few sentences later, her wine glass lay forgotten on the side table. When she finished, she almost threw the letter into the fireplace, but she held herself back to consider. If Potter had truly left Britain and he was the new Head of both Houses he claimed, much would be changing very soon.

Lucius’ fury at the news would only be overshadowed by his fear after failing to deliver House Black to his master. Narcissa herself would be more than happy with the news if it wasn’t for the consequences for her son. If only she could take her son and escape, but Draco was Lucius’ son, far more than he’d ever been hers. The brilliant young boy had all but disappeared as he chased his father’s shadow that was slipping further into the darkness.

Narcissa carefully folded the letter and tucked it inside the hidden pocket in her robes for now. She finished her wine and settled back into her anxious waiting.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Hermione Granger was furious with her parents. It had taken days to finally convince them not to move halfway across the globe, only for them to

still

move the family… to southern France!

They were currently in the process of unpacking, and had informed Hermione in no uncertain terms that she would be transferring to Beauxbatons!

Hermione hadn’t even had a chance to contact the Order to beg for help. Her parents kept her confined to the house while they were still in Britain and were

still

keeping an annoyingly close eye on her.

When she caught the sight of an owl coming toward her window, she almost let out a cry of joy, but kept quiet and instead opened the window to let the bird in. Immediately, she recognised Harry’s handwriting and tore it open as quickly as she dared.

Dear Hermione,

I’m sorry we didn’t get to spend much time together last year. I was fed up with Dumbledore’s constant need to control my life and throw me at Voldemort.

I know this will seem sudden, but I have been planning this for the last year: I have left Britain, possibly forever. I’m sorry for leaving before telling you anything, but I couldn’t be sure you wouldn’t go to Dumbledore or try to stop me.

I will not tell you where I am. Just know that I am safe and happy. I’ll miss the brilliant witch who figured out how to brew Polyjuice and discovered what Slytherin’s monster was in second year, the witch who looked out for me in third year when I was far too excited by a simple broom to see the potential danger.

I encourage you to leave Britain as well. While Voldemort is still there, you will be a target just for your past association with me.

At the end of last year, Dumbledore told me about a prophecy that Trelawney made before I was born. Dumbledore always thought it was about me, but I can say with absolute certainty that it cannot apply to me.

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives... The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies…

That’s it. I can’t know for sure that you won’t tell Dumbledore if I tell you why it’s not about me, so I won’t. I’m sorry for not taking my studies seriously early on. Thank you for the part you played in snapping me out of it.

Your friend,

Harry James Potter

Hermione slumped onto her bed and let the letter fall to the floor. She felt tears make hot trails down her cheeks before falling onto her empty hands. Harry had abandoned them, had abandoned

her

.

But then, hadn’t

she

abandoned him first? First with the Goblet of Fire, and then again when Dumbledore told her not to send him any letters over the summer last year.

She didn’t notice the knock on her door or its opening.

“Hermione, dear?” came Emma Granger’s voice in a worried tone.

Hermione stared numbly, letting the tears continue falling unimpeded, “He left, mum. He’s gone,” she whispered.

Emma stepped gently forward and picked up the fallen letter. After quickly reading it, she sat next to Hermione and pulled her into a gentle hug, “Oh, sweetheart. He clearly still cares for you.”

Hermione broke, gripping her mother and letting the tears flow as she cried into her shoulder.
 
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As Ginny Weasley returned to her room after overhearing the Tonks and Kingsley about to leave the Order meeting, she wiped her eyes on her sleeve, then noticed a thick envelope on her bed that wasn’t there before.

She noticed that it was addressed to her bedroom very specifically and gave a little snort. Clearly, someone wanted this letter to be just for her and not let her parents know about it. She flipped the letter and opened it. Two things fell out, an old piece of parchment and a letter. The parchment was blank, and Ginny was immediately suspicious of it. How could she forget her disastrous first year?

She turned her attention to the letter, and started to become excited when she saw Harry’s name.

Dear Ginny,

I’m sure you overheard my message to the Order. I know your mum wouldn’t approve of me sending you this, so I made sure to send it straight to your room.

First, what I sent the Order is true. I’m sorry, Ginny, but I couldn’t stay at Hogwarts.

Second, the old parchment is a special map of Hogwarts. Tell the twins that I sent it to you and they need to help you with it to honour the Marauders. I think you’ll get the best use out of it.

Finally, there’s a girl in your year, Luna Lovegood. I think she’s getting bullied. Can you look out for her a bit? I know it’s kind of weird to ask that when I’ve just left Hogwarts, but I genuinely wish I didn’t have to.

Sorry I couldn’t stick around,

Harry Potter

Ginny’s earlier excitement was broken. Harry was really gone. She picked up the old parchment and tucked it behind some books in her trunk.

Once the rest of the Order had left, she snuck out to the shed and pulled out a broom, taking off into the sky to clear her head.
 
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Andromeda Tonks was about to turn in for the night when the late owl arrived. She was surprised and suspicious to see the seal of House Black. After casting the usual detection charms, she opened it and began to read.

Dear Andromeda Tonks nee Black,

I first must apologise that I am not present to deliver this message in person. Recent events have necessitated my departure from Britain.

As the current Head of House Black, I have reinstated yourself and your daughter Nymphadora as full members of my House. Your husband Edward Tonks is also officially part of the family. Please extend my welcome to him.

I have also removed Draco Malfoy from the family, as he has shown nothing but dishonour in all his interactions with me. Should he redeem himself in the future, I may reconsider his banishment. Your sister Bellatrix will have no access to the Black accounts at Gringotts, but Narcissa may keep her own limited access as long as her use continues as it has thus far.

As I currently have no heirs, I have decided that Nymphadora will be next in line until I have children of my own. I trust you understand what this entails and will instruct your daughter well as a daughter of the revitalised House Black.

I am also planning to sell several of the Black Properties in Britain. I would appreciate it if you could take the time to meet with Gringotts to discuss which ones you would like to keep in the family (feel free to move into any of them if you want) and to make sure any family heirlooms are taken care of appropriately.

If you have questions for me, please direct your correspondence through Gringotts. They alone in Britain will be able to reach me.

I hope to meet you properly one day. Sirius spoke very highly of you.

Harry James Potter-Black

Head of Houses Potter and Black

P.S. Toujours Pur? We seriously need a better motto, or at least a better interpretation of it.

“Ted!” Andromeda rushed to the bedroom she shared with her husband, the late hour forgotten.
 
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Augusta Longbottom woke early before dawn, as she always did. She was surprised to find that some post had been delivered far earlier than usual.

Carefully opening the letter in her office, Augusta read the words of the new Lord Potter.

Dear Reagent Augusta Longbottom,

I am writing to you to explain, as is appropriate for a long-standing ally of my House, why I am taking action to dissolve our alliance.

When I was told at age eleven that I was a wizard…

Augusta was already on edge from the first paragraph, but as she read about Dumbledore’s despicable actions, which certainly explained why the young Potter scion had never contacted her, her anger was directed very soundly toward the aged Headmaster. Of course her Neville had never realised it. Potter had been very clear that he did not blame Neville for anything, but he could not be sure whether he would ever return to Britain, and Augusta felt she understood the young man very well.

She knew she should have made a greater effort to reach out to the boy before now. His reasons for dissolving their alliance were entirely justified. She read over the last line with a sliver of hope. Neville would have to be instructed more carefully for the future if there was any chance of their alliance returning after Voldemort was finally eliminated.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Amelia stood in the wreckage as the aurors finished securing the manor. The body at her feet was by far the most troubling. The fact that one so young had been branded with the Dark Mark raised many security concerns she could not ignore.

Already, plans were forming for security checks at Platform 9 ¾ and Hogsmeade. Additional Aurors would need to be stationed around Hogwarts. Of course, the families of the deceased would have to be notified.

A pale Tonks stepped toward her.

“Three Death Eaters and Cornpike dead on the east side. None captured. If they were alive by the end, they got away by Portkey.”

Amelia nodded, “Have we identified the Death Eaters?”

“Thugs from Knockturn, it looked like. None were marked,” She glanced to their feet and gulped, “is that really…”

“Thank you, Auror Tonks. Help finish cleaning up and return home. I expect you early tomorrow.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tonks snapped to attention and went back to help where she could.

That made seven Aurors, thirteen unmarked Death Eaters and one marked. Amelia spared a final glance at the pale blond haired boy at her feet before shaking her head. It seemed Harry Potter may have had the right idea getting out of Britain before this madness could claim him.
 
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Narcissa was ready in the foyer when her husband’s guests returned. Immediately, she could tell something had gone wrong. A glance at the eyes of the first few through the doors was more than enough to tell.

The Dark Lord himself had swept past straight to the dining room, followed closely by Bella. Narcissa waited anxiously as the others entered, watching for the only one she cared about.

When Lucius entered last, and was noticeably hunched over, she felt her world start collapsing.

“Lucius?” She fought to contain her trembling voice, “Where’s Draco?”

Lucius didn’t bother meeting her eye. He just shook his head, “Dead. The House of Malfoy is finished.”

Narcissa closed her eyes and took a shaky breath. Of course all Lucius cared about was his stupid House. Now his blind faith in the Dark Lord had cost her the only person she loved, her own son. She turned on her heel and began walking directly toward her rooms.

“Cissa?” she paused, but did not turn at Lucius call.

“I am going to mourn, Lucius. Leave me be. I will make sure the house elves keep me fed appropriately.”

Once she got to her thankfully heavily warded rooms that would easily contain any sound, she did mourn. Tonight, she would remember her beautiful son and the promise that could have been. Tomorrow, well… She patted the letter still hidden in her pocket. She had to find a way to contact the Head of the House of her birth.

For a moment, her thoughts flitted to her other sister. Potter, in his capacity as Head of House Black, may wish to reinstate them. He had always had a spot for those Lucius and Walburga’s ilk would call Blood-traitors. She would have to find out where she lived. Her daughter, the metamorph, worked as an Auror.

As Narcissa was in her rooms, she was not present when the potion master arrived at the manor.
 
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Severus Snape entered Malfoy Manor after the Order meeting reached its messy conclusion. After the Aurors had left, there were several accusations, and about half the Order, including the Weasleys, had immediately withdrawn their membership.

Albus had, of course, demanded that the now-former members keep quiet about Potter’s disappearance, and seemed sure his orders would still be followed.

Severus, along with Albus, Mad-eye, Minerva, Lupin, and Diggle had moved the meeting to the Headmaster’s office.

Remus and Mad-Eye had been ordered to search for clues to the boy’s whereabouts, starting with interviewing his friends, Weasley and Granger, as if they would know anything. Potter had barely spoken to the pair this last year, but Severus kept his suspicions to himself.

Minerva and Diggle were to continue their usual assignments, as was Severus.

Which of course led him to his current situation. Albus wanted him to simply tell the Dark Lord that Potter had disappeared, and not to mention the Prophecy or any other part of the letter.

But Severus did not serve Albus because he believed in the man. He was only on ‘his side’ because of Lily and his promise to protect her child. To protect Lily’s son, Severus would be disobeying Albus this time.

The Dark Lord was busy, as expected, It seemed that Lucius had displeased him again. The man’s screams echoed from several rooms away. Severus was monetarily curious to note that Narcissa was nowhere to be found. Perhaps she was spending time with young Draco.

When the Dark Lord noticed Severus, he let the Cruciatus go on for a few more seconds before finally releasing Lucius.

“Ah, Severus. How good of you to join us. Lucius here was just paying for his latest failure.”

Lucius whimpered on the floor, struggling desperately to get into a kneeling position despite his uncontrollable trembling.

Severus did not feel any rush to help the man, and waited for the Dark Lord to beckon him forward, which didn’t take long.

“Leave my sight, Lucius. Severus, step forward and report.”

Severus waited for Lucius to half-crawl his way out of the room before speaking.

“My lord, Potter has revealed the prophecy to the entire Order of the Phoenix…”

Once he had recited the entire prophecy, he continued, “My lord, in his message to the order, Potter also declared that he could not fit the prophecy and was leaving Britain. He also seems to have been emancipated and taken the headship of Houses Potter and Black.”

The Dark Lord shook his head, “Then Lucius’ failure was even greater, not that he could have given me House Black after tonight. You have done well, Severus. In light of Lucius and his son’s failures, I am in need of another to fulfil the task I had assigned Draco. It will fall to you to complete his task. By the end of the year, Albus Dumbledore must die. Return to Dumbledore and inform him of Draco’s death. Send in Bella after you leave.”

Severus did as ordered. Bellatrix looked positively gleeful as she entered her lord’s presence, and Severus left the manor.

That Draco had died explained Narcissa’s absence. Severus knew the only reason she hadn’t tried to escape Lucius was because of her son. Severus wondered what she would do now. The Black sisters were not well known for their forgiveness…
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Across magical Britain, many households were just waking up when the morning edition of the Daily Prophet was delivered.

Across magical Britain, many spat out their tea when they read the headline.

ABUSED! BOY-WHO-LIVED FLEES BRITAIN AFTER DUMBLEDORE’S LIES TAKE IT TOO FAR

The article, by Rita Skeeter of course, went on to explain that she had received a secret message from Harry Potter, detailing the entirety of the supposed Prophecy that had been the focus of the events in the Ministry at the end of June, and his life from before Hogwarts until the present.

The current article was more of an overview of events, promising much more in future editions, and Rita’s promise to keep the readers updated as she began writing the biography of Harry Potter’s first fifteen years.

Central to the article was the Prophecy and Potter’s claim that he could not be the one named as having the ‘power the Dark Lord knows not’.

The offices of the Prophet became very busy very quickly that morning.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Amelia Bones had not gotten nearly enough sleep last night. After sending Susan to her friend Hannah’s, she had remained in her offices, catching only a brief nap before returning to work. After interviewing Shacklebolt and renewing his oath to serve justice over Dumbledore, she sent for Auror Tonks.

The young woman entered stiffly, her hair a bit dulled today from its usual vibrant colours.

“Auror Tonks, are you a member of Albus Dumbledore’s Order of the Phoenix?”

If the young Auror was surprised, she managed not to show it. She answered with a frown, “Yes, ma’am, though I was planning to resign from it.”

Amelia raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

Tonks swallowed, “Because of the way Harry Potter was mistreated by Dumbledore.”

“How did you come to learn of Potter’s mistreatment?”

“I - I was one of the members assigned to guard duty during the summers, ma’am. I didn’t put the pieces together with how his relatives acted and the events of the last few years until last night, when Harry sent the Order a Howler telling everyone about what Dumbledore had done.”

Amelia eyed her Auror sternly, “You will not resign from the Order, Auror Tonks. Instead, I am assigning you to work from within the Order to help protect Harry Potter and report on Dumbledore and other Order members. Voldemort will be going after Potter, as he has surely heard the news as well. If you find an opportunity to get to Potter before Voldemort or Dumbledore’s people do, take it and let him know that I would like the chance to speak with him. If he refuses to leave wherever he is, you are to remain with him and protect him until I tell you otherwise.”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Tonks left her meeting with Amelia Bones feeling a bit overwhelmed. Far too much had happened in the last 24 hours, and now she had a meeting with her mother, who had

also

sent a late night owl, last night. Tonks snorted to herself as she considered the two may be connected.

“Un - bloody - likely.”

“Er - N - Nymphadora Tonks?”

“Don’t call me -” Tonks began as she turned to see who had spoken. She was surprised to see her aunt, not the crazy one, looking far worse for wear than she could recall ever seeing her.

“Sorry. Just Miss Tonks, then. Could you please deliver this to your mother?” she held out a small envelope, “And… tell her I’m sorry, please?”

Tonks gingerly accepted the letter, and turned it over in her hands a few times. She thought of how she had seen her cousin’s body on the floor of Bones Manor the previous night. Of course her aunt had found out. But why would she want to talk to mum after all this time, unless.

“Harry wrote to you, too?”

Narcissa stiffened and nodded sharply, “I received a letter from the new Lord Black, yes.”

Tonks nodded, thoughts still whirring, “Are you busy right now?”

Narcissa eyed her warily, “No.”

Tonks sighed and straightened, “Come with me, then. I’m on my way to meet her right now.” She held out an arm.

Narcissa stiffened again for a moment before hesitantly reaching forward and taking her arm. With a twist, Tonks apparated them to her parents’ back yard.

“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”

Narcissa nodded stiffly and watched Tonks as she entered the back door.

“Mum!”

Andromeda Tonks emerged from the living room to greet her, “Dora! You look exhausted, dear. Come rest a bit. We have much to discuss.”

“Er - first, mum,” she held out the note, “from aunt Cissa.”

Mum stiffened in a way that Tonks noticed was eerily similar to her sister. Tonks barely held in the snort at the similarity. Tentatively, Andromeda took the letter and opened it. Her hand moved to cover her mouth and she could see tears beginning to form in her mother’s eyes as she turned to her.

“Is it true?” she said in a firm voice, “is your cousin…”

Tonks clenched her jaw and nodded once, “at Bones Manor last night. She’s here now, mum. She says she’s sorry. I thought -”

Mum looked surprised before she allowed a small smile, “Of course she is. Please invite her in. I’ll prepare another cup for tea.”

The three women sat stiffly as the tea was served. Tonks eyed her mother and aunt as they each took a small sip. Had she not been so exhausted, she might have said something to break the tension. As it was, Narcissa was the first to speak.

“I’m sorry, Andi. I’m sorry for how I treated you. I’m sorry for not being your sister when you needed me.” Tonks could tell it was very hard for her to get the words out.

“It wasn’t your fault, Cissy. Father and Aunt Walburga cast me out and forbade further contact. You were still young. You couldn’t have changed anything.”

Narcissa stared at her teacup for a moment, “Siri did…”

“And he got himself tossed out of the family as well, though apparently not completely, since he was able to become the Lord Black at least briefly. He still had to leave. I never wanted that for you or Bella.”

“I -” Narcissa swallowed and took a shaky breath, “I’m still sorry. I should have tried to keep contact, even in secret. Maybe if - maybe you could have helped me save my son -”

Mum shifted over next to her sister and pulled her into a hug, “Oh, Cissy, I’m so sorry. And I forgive you.”

“I’m done, Andi! I won’t go back to Lucius! I can’t be in the same house as my son’s murderer!”

Mum held her sister and whispered gently to her as she cried. Tonks felt like she was intruding on a private moment. She recalled the times her mother had held

her

like that. She averted her eyes and focused instead on her teacup.

“You will stay with us, then. Nymphadora hardly ever stays over any more. She won’t mind you staying in her old room.”

Tonks jumped at her name being mentioned, “Wha’ - er - of course, yeah. You’re welcome to stay, Aunt Narcissa.”

Narcissa offered a watery smile, “Thank you, Andi, Miss Tonks. Do you - I need to contact Lord Black,” she drew a letter from her robes, “do you know how to get him this letter?”

To Tonks’ surprise, her mum nodded and took the letter from aunt Narcissa.

“I can. We have quite a bit to discuss about our new Lord, he’s reinstated us as full members, Ted too. Nymphadora has been named heir until he has his own children.”

Tonks heard her teacup shatter on the floor somewhere in the distance.

Her

? An heiress? What was Harry thinking?

“Nymphadora.” Tonks’ attention was returned to the present and she realised the mess on the floor in front of her.

“Er - sorry mum,” she waved her wand a few times, cleaning the spilled tea and repairing the cup.

Narcissa eyed her carefully, “Hmm. I see. Well,

Heiress

Black, your mother and I will have much to teach you, I’m sure.”

Mum smirked at her sister, “Oh, yes. She’s always been rather difficult about such things. I believe your usual complaint was… what was it? Oh yes, ‘It’s not like I’ll ever actually be one of those stuffy heiresses, so who cares!’”

Tonks gulped, feeling very much like a sheep facing a pair of hungry wolves.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Bellatrix hated the werewolf, but her master’s orders were absolute, so she and Greyback were in this tiny muggle neighbourhood searching for clues to find out where Potter had disappeared to. Getting into the house was easy, once Greyback identified it by the scent of magic that was nowhere else in the area.

The disgusting muggles were tied up in the delightful cupboard Bella had found to stuff them in under the stairs. She’d had to use quite a bit of magic to pack the fat one in after his parents.

Now they were standing in one of the smaller rooms, which Greyback had declared was the only one where anyone magical had slept recently. The werewolf was frowning.

“Smells like Potter, but there’s something…”

A tilt of the head, another long sniff, and a familiar feral grin spread across the werewolf’s scarred face. His low, rumbling laughter soon filled the room.

“What now, Greyback?” Bella hissed impatiently.

“Potter is a girlie! Only Potter has been in this room, other than Dumbledore, and Potter’s scent is very clearly a girl’s scent!”

Bella had to step back for a moment to try to determine if the beast had totally lost his mind, but the signs were unmistakable. The werewolf was fond of young girls, she knew, so if anyone could tell that Potter was secretly a girl, it would be him.

“We must tell the Dark Lord immediately!” Bellatrix apparated back to Malfoy Manor, leaving the werewolf alone for a moment.

Fenrir Greyback licked his lips, imagining the feeling of tasting the

Girl

-Who-Lived as she struggled uselessly against him. Picking up a scrap of cloth she had worn at some point and stuffing it in his ratty jacket, he followed Lestrange back to report to the Dark Lord.

His job had just gotten that much

sweeter

!

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“
Allez Fleur!! Viens! On va être en retard à cause de toi!" [Come on Fleur! Come! We'll be late because of you
!]

Fleur rolled her eyes good-naturedly as her little sister dragged her to the fireplace. She could still remember how excited she had been for her first year at Beauxbatons, and didn’t begrudge Gabrielle in the slightest.

She was actually quite happy that she had been able to join her family. A few weeks ago, she was certain she would still be in Britain trying to keep Harry Potter safe with the Order, but she had been one of the first to resign from Dumbeldore’s group when they’d received the letter from him at the Burrow. Her parents, especially mother, were ecstatic to have her back in France instead of staying in Britain.

After briefly greeting Madame Maxime, Fleur and her family joined the other families of first years and transfer students as they went through the Orientation Programme.

The Programme hadn’t changed much since Fleur attended before her own first year. When it was time for lunch, the Delacours were seated next to the other families, while the incoming students were seated together. She was curious to see that a few families whose children had been attending Hogwarts were transferring to Beauxbatons this year, though no one she knew.

After the main tour in the afternoon, Gabrielle grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the posh-looking older transfer students, jabbering too quickly for even Fleur to follow. When she stopped in front of the two sixteen-year-olds, Fleur suddenly understood what her sister had noticed without understanding fully.

Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open slightly, “H -” she glanced at the raven-haired girl’s nametag, “Pardon, Mademoiselle Noire, I don’t believe we were properly introduced two years ago.”

It was definitely Harry, or Azalea now, as her nametag said. Fleur suddenly understood at least part of her declaration that she could not be a part of the prophecy.

“I believe I understand a bit better why you left Britain.”

The girl next to Azalea, Daphne Greengrass, according to her nametag, held an arm protectively around her.

“Mademoiselle Delacour. I don’t know -”

“It’s fine, Daph, I think,” Azalea eyed her with those familiar emerald eyes, “What about the Order?”

Fleur sniffed, “I am no longer part of that organisation. You have nothing to fear from me or my family, Mademoiselle Noire.”

The girl nodded gratefully, “It’s Azalea, then. Thank you Fleur.”

Fleur smiled, “A pleasure to finally meet you properly, Azalea. If you would, I would like to introduce you and your -” she eyed the protective blond still glaring at her, “girlfriend? To my parents properly.”

Azalea smirked and set a gentle hand on Greengrass’ shoulder, “Fiancee, actually. Fleur Delacour, Daphne Greengrass. Daphne, Fleur.”

Daphne glanced momentarily toward Azalea, but relaxed slightly, “Pleasure to meet you, Mademoiselle Delacour.”

“Please call me Fleur, and congratulations. I can see it is still secret, so I will not mention it.”

Fleur led the pair back to her parents, exchanging a raised eyebrow with her mother, who would certainly have understood who this girl had been.

“Maman, Papa, This is Azalea Noire and her friend Daphne Greengrass. I met Azalea during the Tournament at Hogwarts.”

Appoline Delacour gave Fleur another raised eyebrow before turning her attention to the young pair, “A pleasure to see you again, Mademoiselle Noire. If there is anything you or your,” she winked, “

friend

need from us, beyond discretion, of course, please let us know. We have not forgotten what you did for our family.”

Jean-Paul looked slightly confused, but went along with his wife, whose intuition he trusted far above his own.

Azalea’s face pinkened a bit at Appoline’s words, but she held herself well, much better than she had two years ago, “Thank you Madame Delacour.”

Gabrielle, it seemed, could no longer handle being ignored, “What are you talking about? Who is she? I know I’ve seen her before, but I don’t remember.”

“Hush dear,” Appoline turned to Azalea, “Call me Appoline, dear. You of all people have earned that honour. With your permission, Mademoiselle Noire, I will tell Gabrielle some of what she needs to know. I can promise that she will not tell anyone your secrets.”

Greengrass looked very uncomfortable, but seemed willing to defer to Azalea as she watched the interaction. She and Azalea seemed to share an exchange of some sort with their eyes. Greengrass sighed, and Azalea nodded and cleared her throat, “You have my permission, Appoline, and call me Azalea.”

“Hey! I finally found you!” a new voice loudly cut into the conversation. Fleur turned in annoyance to see a girl slightly older than Gabrielle with black hair who shared some features with the Greengrass girl.

“Astoria, don’t be rude. The Delacours are friends of Azalea’s. From

before

,” she gave her sister a pointed look.

Realisation dawned on the younger girl’s face, “Ooooh! The tournament, right? You’re really bad at this, Azalea!”

Azalea sighed and rolled her eyes as Daphne glared daggers at her sister.

“Thank you, Stori. I’m not too surprised Fleur figured it out, though. She and Lupin were my biggest worries if I ran into them again, but Fleur’s fine. Oh, Astoria, this is Fleur Delacour, her parents Appoline and Jean-Paul, and her little sister Gabrielle Delacour. She’ll be just starting Beauxbatons this year, right? I doubt she’d be a transfer. And this is Astoria Greengrass. She’ll be transferring into second year.”

A moment later, Azalea had to repeat introductions as the older Greengrasses joined them, and the two families were soon talking comfortably. Jean-Paul and Cyrus seemed to find a shared interest in business, and Appoline and Evelyn seemed to be enjoying watching Gabrielle and Astoria as they started getting to know each other.

“Fleur?” Azalea began. Fleur turned her attention back from the younger girls.

“Oui?”

“Er - how was everything, with the Order I mean?”

Fleur sighed, “Your message was taken harshly by many, though most attributed the problems to Dumbledore. I was not the only one to quit. I believe the Weasleys also left, but I did not stay long enough to see if anyone else did so.”

Azalea looked surprised, “Really? The Weasleys did? I figured Molly would be the last to leave.”

Fleur felt herself getting agitated at the mention of the overbearing matriarch. She had certainly been one of the reasons she had rejected William’s proposal, “The

other

Weasleys seemed like they were going to leave. Arthur seemed especially determined.”

The Delacours and Greengrasses spent some time meeting other students and their families, and soon it was time to leave.

“See you at school, Gabrielle. Hope to see you more this year too, Fleur!” Azalea said her goodbyes.

Fleur smiled as she recalled her own plans for the upcoming school year and gave Azalea and Daphne a kiss on each cheek. The other girl had gradually warmed up to her over the course of the afternoon, “Perhaps more often than you would expect, Azalea, “ she gave them a wink as she stepped through the Floo back into her parents’ home, more excited than she had been about the year ahead of her.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Albus massaged his temples as he digested the new information. Since Harry’s poor muggle relatives were found dead a few days after he boy’s disappearance, the news just kept getting worse for him. The Grangers, it seemed, had also disappeared, and Ronald Weasley had no information about where Harry could have gone. Add to that the unfortunate demise of young mister Malfoy and several other Death Eater recruits at Bones Manor recently, and he was getting desperate.

Far too many lives now irrevocably beyond redemption.

“Beauxbatons? You’re sure, Severus?”

“The Dark Lord believes he will have remained near Britain, despite his claim to be leaving for good. He has dispatched a few spies around other schools, but is primarily focused on the French Academy.”

Albus nodded, “Thank you, Severus. I will have to send Alastor and Remus to keep an eye on Beauxbatons.”

Without another word, the dour potions master left the room.

If only the Delacour girl had not left the Order. She had shown such promise, and even seemed a decent match for the eldest Weasley. The boy had inadvertently caused so much damage with his act of rebellion. At least young Nymphadora had returned, as dedicated as ever.

The metamorphmagus was still a useful eye in the DMLE, and Albus was thankful that she had not followed Kingsley’s example of cutting ties with the Order. Her activities had to be more subtle, with Amelia Bones’ tightening of security after the disastrous attack on her home.

Albus shook his head again. The woman was now

the

frontrunner for the Minister of Magic position. Scrimgeour did not get along with Albus either, but he at least was politically minded. Amelia was far less likely to grant mercy to those Tom had led astray.

Publicly, the woman was beyond reproach, and Albus could do little after the Prophet began printing article after embellished article about young Harry’s life and the perceived misdeeds of Albus himself. He’d again been removed from the position of Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, along with his position with the ICW. Once again, it would seem Hogwarts was all he would have for the coming school year.

Horace had not returned his owls and Albus was struggling to fill the position of Defence or Potions. He still hoped that Severus could eliminate the curse on the position, though in Albus’ current condition, he would likely be driven from the castle at year’s end.

Albus glanced down at his shrivelled black arm and the ring he wore. It had been such a simple oversight. His excitement at finally finding the last of the Hallows had overcome his caution, and his life was cut short as a result. Severus had told him of the task he had been given by Tom, and Albus had insisted that he follow through with it before the curse inevitably killed him.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Narcissa

Black

clutched her copy of the papers to her chest. Potter had not asked any more questions. He simply granted her request for the divorce and sent his sympathies for the death of her son, who he had also reinstated as a member of the family posthumously. He had even given her her choice of Black property, inside or outside Britain to use as her own residence along with a generous stipend far greater than she had previously had available.

She had narrowed it down to a few places, including her childhood home and, though she had not told Andi yet, one of the smaller properties in France. Andi was the only thing left tying her to the country, and it was still painful, and dangerous, for her to remain.

Only around 50 miles to the west, Lucius Malfoy tightly gripped his own copy of the divorce papers. The Dark Lord had tortured him again, and he had been reduced to little better than a House-elf! That his Cissa had escaped and been granted a divorce by the new Lord Black for breach of contract, as if it was Lucius’ fault that Draco had been killed by the Aurors! It was preposterous, but Gringotts’ agreed with the Lord Black, and the Blacks had always made their contracts well.

Lucius was finished. The Ancient and Noble House of Malfoy, which his father had done so much to strengthen under the Dark Lord, was a ruin. He had no wife, no heir, and he was a wanted man after his capture in the Department of Mysteries, though the Dark Lord had quickly broken him and the others who were captured out of Azkaban.

He stumbled into his cellar to the potions storage, quickly finding what he was searching for in the well organised room. Cissa had always been very particular about it, and had ensured everything was labelled meticulously. He held the venomous green potion he did not recognise, except for the symbols Cissa had used to identify it as a particularly deadly poison, and a bottle of the Draught of Living Death.

There, in the cellar, before he could be tortured again by the Dark Lord, Lucius Malfoy met his end.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Azalea eyed her opponent. Eckhard Richter had been the previous year’s winner in the U-17 duelling circuit. The German boy was good. Azalea had been able to watch one of his previous matches, and it had ended quickly. He seemed to favour wind-based magic between precisely cast spell chains. Several of his opponents lost due to being literally blown off the platform.

She had not had long to think on her strategy, but she had a few ideas.

“3… 2… 1… Begin!”

Azalea stepped sideways as she loosed her first spell chain, keeping it simple to start with the classic ‘Duelists Hello’, a Disarm-Stun-Disarm chain. Richter easily sidestepped and returned a chain of his own, including a blast of wind immediately after.

Azalea dodged the regular spells and blocked the wind with a basic shield charm.

The pair exchanged spells for a bit, Azalea having to block wind from several directions while avoiding the regular spells to conserve her magic. She didn’t let Richter rest, sending her own spells in his direction as often as he sent his.

Then, wind came from an entirely unexpected direction: below. The powerful gust blasted her high over the platform, and a little to the side. Falling directly would cause her to land out of bounds.

With a quick Despulso on herself, she directed herself toward the platform, casting a hasty shield charm to protect from Richter’s follow-up attacks. Just before she hit the ground, she used her earth-softening spell on the entire platform and tucked into a roll, only feeling slightly bruised as she returned to her feet.

At the moment she reached her feet, her wand was pulled from her grasp, flying through the air toward her opponent.

“Match, Richter!”

Richter walked a bit carefully over the still uneven ground to hand her back her wand.

“Good match, Noire. The spell to make soft ground is good.”

Azalea accepted her wand and a handshake, “You too, Richter. Your wind magic’s great.”

With a nod, he headed off to his own coach. Azalea returned to the Greengrasses, where Daphne immediately gave her a hug.

“I was worried for a moment when you were flying out of bounds. Then I remembered how much you love flying.”

“Heh. I still prefer it with a broom, I think.”

Daphne’s face scrunched and she shoved Azalea away, “Ugh, you stink. Go get cleaned up and we can watch the rest of the duels.”

Cyrus chuckled, “Well done, Azalea. Quarter Finals on your first try is great. U-21s next year will be tougher, but I think you have a good shot.”

“Thank you, Coach Cyrus,” Azalea winked and grabbed Daphne for a quick kiss on the cheek despite the girl’s protests, “Back in a bit!” she darted off to the changing rooms to get cleaned up.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
“I can’t believe I’m the only transfer student who

didn’t

get to go to Orientation…”

The oldest transfering witch who was transferring into sixth year had not stopped muttering to herself since before she arrived in the Great Hall. Ruby was getting a bit annoyed at her condescending tone. At least she wouldn’t be in any of her classes, unless the older girl failed in some of them.

Ruby was more interested in listening to the pair of students, also Brits, who would be in their fifth year as well. They knew the other witch, Hermione Granger, apparently, from Hogwarts. Ruby wasn’t surprised at the number of younger transfer students from the British school. Things in Britain had been going downhill for a while, since before she had transferred to Beauxbatons, at least.

Yeah, Ruby was a transfer, too. She’d done her first three years at Ilvermorny, Puckwudgie house. Then she’d been moved back to France to live with her grandma after her family died in a stupid sinkhole.

Daphne Greengrass was about what she expected from a Brit, though she could tell she had a softer side for Azalea Noire. Greengrass had a sister transferring into her second year, too.

The Noire girl was more puzzling. There was a hint of fear mixed with hope as she whispered to Greengrass about the Granger girl. It sounded like they had been friends of some sort before a difficult break before this school year.

From her spot near the exit of the Great Hall, she didn’t have a clear view of any of the proceedings, but she could easily hear the whispered conversations all around the room. It sounded like Fleur Delacour, Beauxbatons’ own Triwizard Champion, also knew the three older Brits. She probably met them during the Tournament. Now Delacour was going to be assisting old Professeur Capucine in Charms. She heard the girl’s sister, Gabrielle, excitedly conversing with the younger Greengrass, Astoria.

“It is so romantic, Stori, running away to France with her betrothed!”

“Ugh,” the younger Greengrass was clearly of a different opinion, “my sister is

not

romantic, and while I agree Azalea is great, I also wouldn’t describe

her

as romantic.”

Well, that was interesting. Betrothed lesbians. Ruby almost snorted into her crossed arms she was pretending to sleep in. And by the way the younger girls were talking, it was supposed to be a secret.

Ruby collected secrets. It wasn’t even intentional at first. Her enhanced hearing just picked up on other people’s conversations so easily she couldn’t help but hear them telling each other their deepest darkest secrets.

She’d never revealed a secret. It just wasn’t worth it. Besides, she didn’t exactly have any friends to reveal them to. Last year, she had been labelled the brash American transfer. Her classmates were naturally suspicious, and most who made an effort to connect were usually too loud for her to want to spend much time around.

She half listened to the proceedings as the new students were announced, followed by the transfer students. She lifted her head just enough to peek through her curtain of auburn hair when the older Greengrass and Noire joined her section of the room.

Both girls were surprisingly pretty, Ruby thought. Greengrass had long honey-blond hair and bright blue eyes, and Noire had black hair and bright emerald green eyes. They at least knew how to keep their voices down.

Finally, Granger took her seat, and the feast could get going properly.

The welcome feast eventually wrapped up and Ruby made her way to her dormitory, which she thankfully shared with no one. Once alone, she opened her window and jumped out into the night sky.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
When Azalea and Daphne reached their dormitory, they both went a little pink. The only names on the plaque were the two of them.

“I thought we would have at

least

one roommate…” Azalea murmured as she entered the room.

The room was well decorated and had plenty of space for both of them. The beds themselves were isolated from each other, at least, so hopefully it wouldn’t be too awkward. Sure Daphne had seen her naked before she’d even seen herself, but spending the night in the same room was already going to be awkward with other people in the room.

Daphne was drawn to the window, which she opened to get a look at the view.

“Eek!” she stumbled back into Azalea’s arms.

“What is it?”

“I dunno. A dark shape flew past as soon as I opened it.”

“Ah, vous avez rencontré le vampire de Beauxbâtons,” [Ah, you have met the vampire of Beauxbatons] an unfamiliar voice came from the doorway.

The speaker was a seventh-year student wearing a pin that reminded Azalea of the Prefect pins at Hogwarts. She had light brown hair pulled into a high ponytail and otherwise wore the standard uniform.

“Vampire?” Daphne asked firmly after a short pause.

The older student rolled her eyes, “Bien sûr que non. Beauxbâtons possède des protections contre de telles créatures. Le vampire de Beauxbâtons est une légende urbaine lancée par des étudiants plus jeunes l'année dernière. L'un d'eux a été effrayé comme vous l'avez été et ils ont commencé à raconter des histoires.” [Of course not. Beauxbatons has wards against such creatures. The vampire of Beauxbatons is an urban legend started by some younger students last year. One of them was spooked as you just were and they started to tell stories.]

Daphne sighed in relief. The older student chuckled, “Mais où sont mes bonnes manières? Je m'appelle Céline. Je suis la responsable de la résidence pour ce couloir. Ma chambre est la première du couloir.
Si vous avez besoin de quoi que ce soit venez me voire plutôt que de déranger les professeurs.
Tout combat dans les résidences est bien
entendu
interdit, et aucune magie hostile ne doit être pratiquée dans vos chambres.” [But where are my manners? My name is Celine. I am the residence supervisor for this hallway. My bedroom is the first one in the hall. If you are in need of anything to help make you comfortable, you are to see me, rather than bothering any professors. Any fighting in the residence halls is forbidden, of course, and no hostile magic is to be practised in your rooms.]

The pair thanked Celine and finally began settling in, though Daphne closed the windows tightly.

Azalea’s face was quite warm as she prepared for bed, cleaning her teeth at the sink next to Daphne, who was looking pink in the cheeks as well.

As they left the bathroom and reached the point where they would have to separate to their own beds, Azalea swallowed and turned to her fiancee, “Good night, Daphne.”

Daphne also turned, but seemed too shy to meet her eyes, “Good night, Azalea.”

The pair stood unmoving for another uncomfortable pause.

“Er -” Daphne pulled Azalea into a hug and kissed her cheek before dashing off to her own bed and drawing the curtains.

Azalea put a hand on the spot Daphne had kissed her and smiled a goofy smile as she made her way to her own bed.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The dark side of magical France was much less straightforward than it was in Britain, Bella noticed. They’d finally caught the Potter girl’s scent in

Place Cachée

a week ago, and it was clear the girl hadn’t been present herself. Whoever it was had spent a lot of time around the girl, and based on their stops in the alley, had been gathering her school supplies for Beauxbatons.

Beauxbatons, unlike Hogwarts, did not have the protection of Albus Dumbledore, but it

was

unfamiliar territory for Bella. She was also not quite sure where in the Pyrenees the school was hidden. She and Greyback could hunt through those mountains for months and still be no closer to finding it, so they’d had to start looking for allies in the seedy underbelly of France’s magical community.

Bella was proud to be such a well educated pureblood witch. Her mother had taught her French, Italian, and Spanish, as well as everything about pureblood culture… in Britain. Her name might now be Lestrange, but the British Lestranges had not had much of any contact with their French roots in generations.

Greyback, the fool, had rushed ahead into the mountains a few days ago, though with the full moon approaching, Bella had made sure he would be steering clear of most populated areas. They were not to give away their presence any more than necessary.

The underbelly of magical Paris was proving elusive to the foreign witch. Despite her flawless French, the years of disuse in Azkaban had taken their toll on her accent, and she was viewed with distrust by the few she suspected were involved with the criminal underworld.

Fenrir was at least satiated for now. He had found an appropriately isolated family with a small daughter for the full moon, and had continued hunting through the mountains, leaving the whole family dead, rather than turning the girl. She would have most likely died either way, since the family wasn’t magical, but he couldn’t take the risk.

He’d let Bellatrix handle the politics of French crime. Sure he could have helped her identify possible marks by scent, but sitting in one place was never his way. He’d find the bloody French school or she would, either way, he wouldn’t waste his time running free in the countryside.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Mad-eye Moody grunted as he entered the flat he and Remus were renting in Paris for the week.

“You were right. They separated. Greyback headed south, Lestrange is staying in Paris for now, still trying to make contacts.”

The werewolf definitely looked worse for wear. They’d been lucky they had a supply of wolfsbane for the trip, but the full moon a few days ago still took its toll.

“We’ll never find Greyback in the middle of nowhere. He’s too clever in the wilderness.”

Moody grunted in reply, “We’ll keep an eye on Lestrange for now. French school has plenty of wards against werewolves.”

Remus nodded and sat up a bit straighter, “I’ll get back to making us some contacts in the meantime. I’ve rested enough.”

Moody grunted again, “and I’ll keep track of Lestrange. Meet up every two days at the new address until the next moon.”

Soon the flat was empty, and would be rented out again in a week to someone else.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Tonks was grumpy. Her boss was working her hard, though for the moment she seemed content with Tonks’ claim that her mum would be the best chance at protecting Harry. She was rethinking it now, wishing she’d said she needed to go to France so she could take a little vacation.

Beauxbatons kept their students’ identities secret, and getting the information from the French equivalent of the DMLE wasn’t going anywhere.

On top of everything else, her mother and aunt were clearly trying to kill her with all the ‘heiress lessons’. She appreciated that she was getting to spend time with her mum and aunt more than she used to. Family was important to her, and she’d finally reconnected with her aunt Narcissa, who was a lot more fun than she’d expected.

When they heard Harry was almost certainly attending Beauxbatons, the lessons to refresh her French had begun.

“Auror Tonks, you’re late.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tonks stood at attention as she came to a stop in front of Director Bones’ desk, though she’d be minister Bones in a month at the rate things were going.

“Congratulations, Auror Tonks, you’re going on vacation.”

Tonks frowned in confusion, “Ma’am?”

“We’ve managed to get the name of the magical village Beauxbatons students visit from time to time. You are to find a place to stay and a part time job. Blend in with the locals and keep an eye on the students when they come for visits. If you spot Potter, great, otherwise keep an eye out for suspicious activity and try to pay attention to how the students get to the village.”

She slid a slip of parchment with the name of the village and approximate location on it.

“The first visit is in early October. You have two weeks to head to France and start blending in.”

Tonks picked up the parchment and pocketed it, “Yes, ma’am.”

Dumbledore was disappointed, but made it sound like it was his idea to send her to look for Harry. Tonks finished that meeting quickly.

When she got home and told her mother and aunt about her assignment, Aunt Narcissa became very introspective.

“You said the village’s name is Batons-le-Petit?”

“Er - yes. That’s the name.”

Narcissa nodded, “Then I have a solution for your living arrangements. There is a small house in Baton-le-Petit owned by the Black family. I was considering moving there for a bit to get away from Britain, but hadn’t made up my mind, yet. I will move there and employ you as a servant, though you wouldn’t have to actually do any servant work of course, but it would make a good cover for your sudden appearance. Just a young servant of a British widow who runs errands and spends her free time in the village.”

“Huh. What do you say, mum?”

Mum looked sadly at her sister, “Oh, Cissa, why didn’t you tell me you wanted to leave Britain? Of course, you can go, Nymphadora. I expect you to keep in touch, of course, regular owls and Floo calls. I’ll also send Harry a message letting him know you’ll be in the area, so he’s not too wary when he sees you.”

“I think that would be best,” Narcissa agreed.

“We’ll have to have a nice dinner to send you off. Ted and I should be able to get off work and we can help with the move, as well. I’ll have to see what kind of dining options Batons-le-Petit has available.”

“You’ll have to return with Andi and Ted at first, Heiress Black,” Narcissa winked at her. At least she wasn’t calling her Nymphadora, “then Floo back a day or two later as your servant persona.”

“Well, I guess we

both

need to pack, then.”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
King Ragnok was not happy. Before him sat an abomination of wizard-magic. The soul-anchor had been thoroughly checked by Gringotts to determine whose it was, and they had come up with the answer: Tom Riddle. By law and contract, the goblins had seized the wizard’s vaults, including the vast Malfoy fortune he had recently come into when the last head of House Malfoy died.

The vaults of the man’s servants remained untouchable, by normal means. Without a current Minister, he couldn’t even get an official audit of the lower vaults. If he came out in support of the most promising candidate for the position, it would backfire completely as wizards assumed she owed the goblins something. All he could do for now was order a general audit, which would take years to cover the vaults of his lesser followers.

He still made the order, sure that they’d catch a few stupid enough to hide other dark objects that were a breach of their Gringotts contract in one way or another. Wizards could be so stupid, thinking that they were somehow exempt from the rules.

The immediate decision, however, was what to do with the soul-anchor. They could destroy it, of course, and the soul piece would be purged in any case, but the young Lady Potter-Black had technically defeated Tom Riddle enough to earn a boon as right of conquest. The fact that the amulet had been found in one of her properties and its retrieval had led to the death of her house elf also had to be considered.

The goblins in charge of her accounts had also described her as unusually respectful of goblins, and many in the bank were starting to believe that she would be a useful ally in the long term. With all the information he had available, King Ragnok the Third made his decision and the abomination was removed from his presence. In a few days, young Lady Potter-Black would receive an unexpected package with a note describing what had occurred.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The first week of classes were busy, but the workload was quickly becoming too easy for Azalea and Daphne.

“I think we need to start focusing more on branching out socially,” Daphne brought up one afternoon after they’d completed their homework again in their dormitory. The atmosphere had lost much of the awkwardness, though neither girl had yet dared to approach the others’ bed.

“Who would we try to talk to? Your father’s been making plenty of contacts. Any of them have kids near our age?”

“Unfortunately not,” Daphne shook her head, “you can still try out for one of the Quidditch teams.”

“You know I love flying, but I don’t want to play Quidditch anymore. What about Vallée?”

Ruby froze as she listened to the pair next door. She had found she enjoyed their conversations quite a bit. She felt bad about scaring Greengrass their first night, and had even listened as Céline explained the rumour she’d inadvertently started the previous year.

“The girl who sleeps through all the morning classes?”

“I don’t think she’s actually asleep, except maybe in History. How do you explain her getting such good grades? I think she’s just listening most of the time. Also, she looks kinda cool with the headphones she wears when studying in the library.”

“Maybe, If the opportunity comes up to talk to her, we can introduce ourselves properly. Maybe we should also look into some kind of project to learn more advanced material. That would help fill our free time with something useful.”

“Ooh, yeah! I miss having a big project to work on!”

“We should head to the library. Maybe we can get some ideas before dinner.”

“Careful, you’re starting to sound like Hermione!”

“I am not!”

Azalea laughed, “Of course, Daph.”

Ruby quickly opened her trunk and pulled out one of the few things she still had from her mother, an old, but heavily annotated book about transfiguration, and darted off to the library. Maybe she’d finally be able to make some friends!
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
When they entered the library, Azalea noticed that Vallée was sitting in her usual spot, tucked away in the corner reading an old, beat up book.

She met Daphne’s eyes and shrugged. Getting a small nod in return, she altered their course in the girl’s direction. When they got close enough, she noticed that Vallée’s leg seemed to be nervously bouncing.

“Er - bonjour.”

Vallée dipped her head a little and moved her headphones off her ears, “B - bonjour. I - um - I speak English, if you’d prefer…”

Azalea noticed the girl’s voice was quite timid, and her accent was clearly American.

“Sure, thanks! I’m Azalea Noire, and this is Daphne Greengrass. May we sit here?”

“I know. You’re in the room next to mine. Um - I’m Ruby Vallée. You can sit here if you want.”

Azalea and Daphne sat across the table from Ruby, “What’re you reading, er - can I call you Ruby?”

Ruby nodded quickly, “Please. Can I call you Azalea and Daphne?”

Azalea smiled, “Sure.”

Ruby seemed to bounce a little more. It was honestly quite cute. It reminded Azalea a bit of when Hermione knew an answer to a professor’s question in their first year.

“Oh, and this was my mom’s. She was really good at transfiguration. She added a bunch of notes in the columns. This book covers lots of advanced topics, like animagus rituals.”

Azalea was a bit surprised. She shared a look with Daphne again, “There’s more than one animagus ritual?”

Ruby’s voice was suddenly more confident, and a little louder than Azalea expected to hear in a library, “There’s two main animagus rituals. The European method and the American method. The European method is technically much easier, but it has a lot more things that can go wrong. The American method requires a very good grasp of transfiguration, so you two should have no problems with it.”

“How did you know we were looking for an advanced project, Ruby?” Daphne cooly cut in.

Ruby suddenly looked terrified. She opened her mouth, but little sound escaped, “I - uh - I’m sorry…”

Her head fell to her chest as she whispered the last bit. Her transfiguration book lay forgotten on the table in front of her. Azalea could see tears forming in her averted eyes.

“Hey, it’s okay. I knew you were a good listener. I guess we were probably a bit too loud in the room right next to yours, huh?”

Ruby shook her head vigorously, “No, you two are

never

too loud. Your voices don’t hurt. I just have

really

good hearing.”

Daphne raised an eyebrow and glanced at the book, “Because of your animagus form?”

Ruby stiffened and shrank in on herself. She nodded stiffly, “I’m sorry. I didn’t try to listen in… at first, but then you said my name… and… I’m sorry…”

Azalea met Daphne’s eyes and raised her eyebrows, glancing meaningfully toward Ruby. She hoped Daphne would get the message.

Daphne sighed, “It’s okay, Ruby, just try not to listen in too much. We’ll try not to talk about you when you’re not around to reduce the temptation.”

Ruby sniffed and nodded sadly, “Okay. I - I’ll just go now,” she reached for her book, but Daphne placed a hand on top of Ruby’s, causing the girl to stiffen again. Daphne quickly pulled her hand back, and Azalea saw that Ruby’s hand was shaking.

“I’m sorry, Ruby. I didn’t think... Do you not like being touched?”

Ruby pulled her hand close and hugged it to her chest, “I’m sorry. I know I’m not normal.”

Azalea thought about how she had felt before getting to know Daphne, “It’s fine, Ruby. I don’t like being touched by most people, either. I - er - I didn’t have a very good home life growing up.”

Ruby looked confused at the declaration, before realisation crossed her features, “OH! You’re… not anymore, obviously, but… okay. I’m sorry. I’ll stop talking…”

Azalea took a deep breath, “It’s okay, Ruby. You don’t have to stop talking. If,” she shared a nervous glance with Daphne, “if you’ve figured out what I think you’ve figured out, I would appreciate it if you didn’t share it with anyone.”

‘Of course. I don’t share other people’s secrets. That would just be mean,” Ruby frowned.

Azalea let herself relax a bit, though she wasn’t sure what to say next. Thankfully, Daphne came to her rescue, “What ritual did you use, Ruby?”

Ruby jumped a little, and her leg started bouncing slightly again, “Oh, um, I used the American method, but my mom was helping me the whole time. I’m not that good at Transfiguration, but my mom was awesome!”

Azalea snorted, “Aren’t you top of our class in Transfiguration?”

“I am?” Ruby seemed genuinely confused at the statement.

Azalea nodded, “According to your records, you are. You definitely had the highest score last year.”

“Huh, I had no idea. I don’t really check my scores in that class as long as I pass.”

Daphne pinched the bridge of her nose. Azalea smirked, “So you’re only a genius casually, then?”

“I’m not a genius, and who cares if I score highly if I’m never going to use the class? You’re great at flying, right? Are you planning to play Quidditch?”

It was Daphne’s turn to smirk. She turned toward Azalea, “Okay, I like her. We can keep her.”

Ruby sat up straighter with a hopeful look on her face, “Does that mean we’re friends, now?”

Azalea smiled, “Yes, Ruby. We’re friends now. So what

is

your animagus form?”

“Um,” her posture dropped back into a slouch and she looked at them through her fringe that covered her left eye, “can I keep it secret for now? I’ll show you when you get yours, okay?”

“Sure, Ruby. So how do the different methods work?”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Fleur was brought out of her work by a firm knock on her door.

“Entrez,” [Come in] she called as she set aside the assignment she had just finished grading.

Hermione Granger entered her office.

“Ah, Miss Granger, I was wondering when you would come to see me. I presume you have questions about Harry and the Order?”

Hermione nodded, “My parents decided we were moving out of Britain so suddenly, I didn’t have a chance to try to have someone from the Order come help me. Then, once we got to France, I got a letter from Harry saying he’s left Britain, too. What’s going on, Fleur? What’s the Order doing?”

“Please take a seat, Hermione. This may be difficult to hear.”

Hermione sat stiffly in the offered chair. Fleur sighed and sat up straighter, “As you said, Harry has left Britain. He sent a Howler to the Order explaining himself, and is clearly adamant that he will not return. I agree with Harry.”

Hermione frowned deeply, “But, what about Voldemort? And how can Harry be really safe so far from Dumbledore?”

Fleur pursed her lips, “Do you truly believe Dumbledore has done his best to protect Harry?”

“Of course he has. Wasn’t that the whole point of sending him to his relatives every summer? I know now that it wasn’t a good place for him, but he still had his mother’s protection.”

Fleur sighed again, “And what of the supposed ‘protections’ on the Philosopher’s Stone in your first year. Surely Dumbledore did not believe that a wizard as powerful as Voldemort would have trouble with such simple defences when three first years were able to get past them with no fatal injuries.”

Hermione’s frown deepened. When she didn’t answer, Fleur continued, “And in your second year, he knew the Chamber of Secrets had been opened before, and could have asked the ghost of the girl who died about it at any time. Surely he must have suspected it was a Basilisk, non? Your third year, Mr Black had escaped Azkaban. Was Dumbledore not the Chief Warlock at the time of his incarceration? Could he not have made a greater effort to ensure that justice was truly being served, especially for Harry’s sake? Fourth year, Harry was emancipated by the Goblet of Fire, but he had to learn this from the goblins of Gringotts after the Tournament was over, Voldemort had returned, and Cedric Diggory was dead. Finally, last year, the Umbridge bitch was torturing students, and the Headmaster did nothing. It is only thanks to Harry convincing you to keep such complete records that she is being prosecuted at all for her actions.”

Hermione had deflated significantly, “How do you know all this?”

Fleur smirked and pulled out the latest edition of the Daily Prophet, “Because Harry sent his story to the Skeeter woman, who is surprisingly accurate in her reporting on this story.”

“You get the Prophet?” Hermione snatched the paper and began reading through the story. Her hand moved to cover her mouth as she read the interviews of many of Umbridge’s victims, “Harry did this?”

Fleur nodded, “He was forced to grow up far too early. I was a member of the Order only while I believed it was doing what was best for Harry. I resigned as soon as Harry’s Howler explained why he had left.”

Hermione slumped back into her chair, “I can’t believe I missed what he was going through. He’s my best friend, Fleur. I - I think I loved him.”

Fleur’s gaze softened, “He loves you, too Hermione. Maybe not in a romantic way, but he cared about you enough to send you a letter of your own to explain himself. Trust Harry, Hermione. Perhaps you will meet again in the future.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The village Beauxbatons students visited was not very much like Hogsmeade. Yes, there were the usual shops catering toward students: a candy store, a sporting goods store, stores for parchment and quills, but the style of the village was far more modern.

Azalea and Daphne made their way through the streets, their destination very different from the other students. At the first opportunity, they slipped under the invisibility cloak to go the rest of the way to the large house on the edge of town.

Unlike most of the village, the house was definitely an older design. It seemed to have been repaired a bit recently, and the wards were clearly in good shape as they stepped past the fence and into the property.

Once they reached the door, Azalea knocked. Almost immediately, the door was opened to reveal Narcissa Black. The woman looked quite different from the last time Daphne had seen her. Missing was the look of disgust, as though everything she saw was beneath her. Instead, there was an age to her eyes that had been missing in her previous interactions.

Azalea stuck her left hand out of the cloak to show her ring, causing Narcissa to jump and her eyes to widen. She quickly stood back enough to let them in.

Once the door was closed, they removed the cloak and Azalea greeted Narcissa.

“Hello, Narcissa. I’m Azalea Noire. I used to be Harry Potter. Sorry for startling you earlier. And I believe you know my fiancee, Daphne Greengrass?”

Narcissa looked between the teens before nodding, “We have met, my lady, though I never really got the chance to speak with her. Please, come this way. Your Heiress is eager to see you.”

“Right, Tonks. Thank you. Also please call me Azalea when among family at least. I understand the titles and such in public, but I’d prefer family to be a bit more comfortable.”

The small size of the house meant that it did not take long to reach the small dining room where Nymphadora Tonks was currently waiting.

“Hey, Auntie, where’s Harry?”

Azalea smirked at her cousin, “Wotcher, Tonks. Name’s Azalea now!” She held out her hand to show the ring again, “And this is my fiancee Daphne Greengrass.”

Tonks’ mouth dropped open, her hair cycled through several colours before settling back into a pink shade, “Er - I guess that explains why the prophecy is shite, huh.”

Azalea sighed, “Yes. And before you ask, no, I will not be going back. If you want, you can reveal that I’m a girl now to Madam Bones, and your mother I suppose since you’ll probably need to contact Madam Bones through her. Andromeda and Ted can know my name, but I’d prefer if others knew as little as possible for now.”

“Right. Er - so, I’m working for Bonesey, partially to spy on Dumbledore but mostly to keep you safe. Dumbledore has Moody and Remus in France looking for you and whoever You-Know-Who sent. Since you already refused to go back to Britain, my orders are to stick around and watch for suspicious activity, protecting you when necessary. Obviously I’ll be protecting your - er - fiancee, too. Wotcher, Greengrass.”

Daphne smiled and shook her head, “Nice to meet you, too, Heiress Black, but you can call me Daphne. We’re going to be family, and Azalea prefers to keep things informal.”

“Right, the whole heiress thing, what the bloody hell were you thinking naming

me

your heiress?”

“Name a better candidate,” Azalea countered.

Tonks shrugged, “My mum, Aunt Cissa, hell, you could reinstate Cedrella Weasley and pick any one of those kids.”

Azalea grimmaced and shook her head, “Firstly, I wanted someone who is in my own generation until I can have kids of my own. Secondly, I do not trust the Weasley family enough to take over my house if I die. Finally, I knew you would have your mother to guide you. That Narcissa ended up reuniting with you all is definitely a bonus. Face it, Tonks, you’re the best I was going to get.”

Tonks slumped in her chair and crossed her arms while her hair turned a bit redder, “I hate this posh shit.”

Azalea rolled her eyes, “Then you’d better do a good job protecting me so I can have kids before I die.”

Daphne cleared her throat. They were a bit short on time. Azalea turned toward her slightly before remembering the rest of why they were here.

“Right! Tonks, this information is for Madame Bones as well. Daphne, can you show them, please?”

Daphne pulled the small package from her robes and placed it on the table before opening it to reveal the ornate golden locket with a snake in the shape of an ‘S’. The locket of Salazar Slytherin.

Narcissa’s eyes widened, “Is that…?”

“The locket of Salazar Slytherin, yes. It used to hold a piece of Voldemort’s soul.”

Narcissa had been reaching toward the box, but quickly withdrew her hand with a hiss, “What?” Her voice took on a dangerous edge.

Azalea nodded seriously, “Voldemort created Horcruxes. At least two. The goblins found this one in Grimmauld Place when they were cleaning it out for me. Kreacher had been protecting it. The other one I know of was the diary that was possessing Ginny Weasley in my second year. I destroyed the diary by stabbing it with a basilisk fang. Apparently the goblins have a method of getting rid of the Horcrux without damaging the object. As long as even one horcrux remains, Voldemort cannot fully die. He’ll just keep coming back as a wraith like he was for almost fourteen years.”

“Fuck,” Tonks looked at the locket, “and we don’t know how many there are?”

Azalea shook her head. Daphne added, “I would think he would want to make the total number of soul pieces some magically powerful number, so three, seven, or thirteen are the most likely. Obviously, there were at least three, but I would guess he has chosen seven. The goblins don’t think he could cut his soul into thirteen pieces stable enough to keep himself alive.”

“Is it safe?” Narcissa continued to eye the locket warily.

“It is now,” Daphne lifted the locket out of the box, “It only opens with Parseltongue, so only Azalea and Voldemort can open it. We checked and it looks like a really old picture of a woman. We think the Horcrux broke whatever enchantment Slytherin originally placed on it to preserve it.”

Narcissa took the locket with awe as Daphne passed it to her, “Can you show me?”

Azalea nodded, “This is going to sound creepy, sorry.”

A creepy hiss did emanate from Azalea’s lips and the locket clicked open, revealing the picture, which was difficult to distinguish.

“I don’t recognize her. Perhaps Salazar’s wife or daughter.”

“We thought so, too.”

There was a short silence in the room until Tonks broke it, “So, probably looking for four more of these things? We got the diary, the locket, and the creep himself. What else could he have used?”

Azalea shook her head, “We’re not sure. If he found more of Salazar’s things, maybe he would have used them, but I don’t know.”

“Not Slytherin…” Narcissa whispered, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“What was that, Narcissa? Did you remember something?”

Narcissa nodded, “I only caught a glimpse. It was many years ago during his first rise to power. I know now that he gave Lucius the diary, but he also gave Bella something. It looked like a golden cup. I think it may have been the Cup of Helga Hufflepuff. She visited Gringotts almost immediately, so it’s probably in her vault.”

Daphne turned to Azalea, “Get Gringotts to send us a copy of Bellatrix’s marriage contract. See if we can do something to get access to that vault. Lestrange is probably in breach of contract simply by virtue of not producing any heirs, so we should have all the power.”

“I agree, Daphne,” Narcissa added, “In the meantime, we’ll write up a letter to send to Andi so she can deliver the information to Madam Bones. You two should head back up to school and get that message to Gringotts. We’ll keep you updated through them. We can also keep the locket safe here or you can bring it back with you.”

“Keep it here for now,” Azalea directed, “Thank you, Narcissa. It’s good to know another

responsible

adult.”

On their way out the door, they heard Tonks shout indignantly, “HEY!”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
It had taken a bit of convincing, but Hermione had finally acquiesced to letting Fleur show her around Batons-le-Petit. Arm in arm, they walked through the street, with Fleur pointing out her favourite places. The bookshop, the fountain in the square, the quiet cafe. With everything else, she wouldn’t be able to fit in the hike to the overlook view she liked best. She could wait until next time for that.

“I would have expected you to be more interested in the chocolates or maybe the sporting goods shop with how athletic you are, Fleur,” Hermione panted a bit beside her.

Fleur felt a wave of guilt wash over her, “Oh, I am sorry, Hermione. I was over eager to show you. We can take a break for a bit. Come.”

She directed her, this time more slowly, to a nearby bench. The pair sat for a bit as Hermione caught her breath.

“Sorry I’m not in better shape, Fleur. I do appreciate you showing me around, and it’s nice to see you so excited. Back at Hogwarts…” Hermione trailed off and her face fell into a scowl.

Fleur sighed, “I was a bitch, non?”

Startled out of her brooding, Hermione quickly cycled through thoughts, “Er - yes, a bit. That and the boys were all incapable of rational thought around you.”

“And a few girls, as well,” Fleur nodded, “It helps to spend more time around Veela. One builds up an immunity to some effects of the Allure.”

“Right, the Allure. How does that actually work? I tried to look it up, but couldn’t find anything in the Hogwarts library.”

Fleur smirked at the bookworm, “I am sorry, Hermione, I can only reveal so much to one who is not bonded with me,” she raised her eyebrows suggestively.

Hermione’s face became flushed quickly, “Oh! Er - I suppose it must be important, then. Are - are there any male Veela?”

Fleur leaned back and spread her arms over the back of the bench, “Non, are you not interested in women, Hermione? A powerful witch like you would make an attractive mate for many Veela.”

If it was possible, Hermione got even redder. She sputtered for a moment before fixing Fleur with a hard stare, “Are you making fun of me?”

“Non,” Fleur replied seriously, “I never make fun out of such things, Hermione.”

“Hmmph,” Hermione crossed her arms and leaned back a little on the bench as well. She turned her head away slightly and spoke matter-of-factly, “Well, I can only reveal so much to one who is not bonded with me.”

Fleur quietly chuckled to herself as she enjoyed a few more minutes of relaxing on the bench. She wondered to herself how while Hermione had grown in many ways, she still had that bit of youthful impetuousness about her when flustered.

Though Fleur had been honest that she wasn’t trying to tease the younger witch, she couldn’t deny she enjoyed Hermione’s reactions.

Hermione slowly relaxed and seemed to be enjoying the atmosphere finally before returning to the tour.

After a few more stops, they returned to Beauxbatons with the other students. Fleur spied Azalea and Daphne a little distance away and smiled in greeting.

“I didn’t know you knew Daphne Greengrass,” Hermione was following Fleur’s gaze. Fleur’s eyes met Azalea’s for a moment. Seeing the younger girl’s panic, Fleur thought quickly.

“Oui. I met her at the orientation. Her sister is about the same age as Gabrielle, and they have become friends.”

Hermione huffed, “Right, the orientation that I missed.”

“It is alright Hermione. If it is any consolation, you would have been the oldest one there. At least Miss Greengrass had her friend Miss Noire to keep her company.”

“You mean her

girlfriend

?”

Fleur’s mind blanked for a moment. It must have shown on her face, because Hermione nudged her playfully, “Didn’t you think I paid attention? Those two are obviously smitten with each other.”

Fleur chuckled, “Perhaps you should try talking to Miss Greengrass sometime. You may have more in common with her than you think.”

“What’s that supposed to mean? Fleur! Answer me, Fleur!”

But Fleur had already moved ahead of Hermione and allowed herself to be pulled into another conversation about a Charms assignment.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ginny watched the little dot labelled ‘Luna Lovegood’ on the map in one of her rare moments of free time. OWL year had descended upon her like a ton of bricks, and she couldn’t wait to drop a few classes next year.

Unfortunately, she’d been so busy with homework and Quidditch practice that she hadn’t had time to follow through with Harry’s suggestion to get closer to her neighbour.

She remembered playing with the blond a few times when they were much younger, but especially with the way her first year had gone, she hadn’t had much time to make friends. And now this year, both her best friend and her long-term crush were gone.

She still had friends, like Neville and her roommates, and she wasn’t wanting for male attention, either. Dean had asked her out to the first Hogsmeade weekend. She even thought about saying yes, but it just didn’t feel right for some reason.

Shaking herself out of the depressing thoughts, she returned her attention to the Map, only to find she had lost track of Luna on it. With a sigh, she cleared it and slipped it back into her bag. She had Quidditch practice to get to.

On her way out of the library, she heard some hushed voices around a corner. She immediately put a hand in her pocket and palmed her wand while slowly approaching.

A peek around the corner revealed a scene that was pretty clear confirmation of Harry’s suspicions. Luna had been backed against the wall, her bag lay discarded behind the three girls cornering her there.

Despite her unpleasant circumstances, Luna wore her dreamy smile.

“What’s this, Looney? A diary? Did you write about all your stupid fake creatures in it?”

Ginny could feel her anger rising rapidly. She rounded the corner, drawing her wand.

“Hey! Leave her alone!”

The girls, three seventh-year Ravenclaws, jumped at Ginny’s voice. When they saw her, the one in the middle turned to her with a sneer.

“Weasley, right? Drawing your wand on a prefect? That’s five points from Gryffindor. Get lost or I’ll give you a detention.”

Ginny’s eyes flicked to the blue and bronze badge on the girl’s chest, “Give Luna her book back and apologise.”

“You asked for it, Weasley,” the girl and her friends began to draw their wands. Ginny shot off a pair of disarmers, disarming all but the prefect before they could get off a spell. Her quick Shield charm caught the disarmer sent her way.

The prefect narrowed her eyes while the other two stepped to the sides, trying to inch forward to reclaim their wands. A wicked smile grew on her face and she held up Luna’s book, holding her wand tip near it and lighting a small fire on its end.

“Give it up, Weasley, or Looney’s diary goes bye-bye.”

Ginny spared a look toward Luna, who was staring at the diary, her smile gone and tears growing in her eyes. Ginny slowly lowered her wand, dropping it to the floor.

“Okay, just, give her back her book, please.”

The prefect chuckled darkly and started moving the book closer to the fire.

Three things happened at once. Both items flew out of the girl’s hands in different directions behind as she stumbled forward slightly. Ginny rolled to the side, picking up her wand and casting a Bat-Bogey Hex in the same movement, and the two other girls rushed toward their friend.

As a result, all three bullies were hit with Ginny’s favourite spell and ran away screaming.

In the direction the wand had flown, Ginny caught a glimpse of brown hair disappearing behind a portrait. From the direction the book flew, Ginny saw Susan Bones rapidly approaching.

“Are you both okay? Did you see who cast the other Disarmer?" She held out the diary for Luna.

Luna clutched the book close to her chest as she nodded, “I’m fine. Thank you.”

Ginny pointed to the portrait where she’d seen someone, “It came from that portrait. Secret passage behind it. I think that one lets out near the kitchens. They had brown hair.”

Susan looked mildly impressed and nodded sharply. She glanced between Ginny and Luna, “Take care of her?”

Ginny returned the sharp nod and Susan hurried toward another secret passage that was shorter and let out right by her common room. Trust a Hufflepuff to know about that one. Ginny returned her attention to the Ravenclaw.

“Luna?” she saw the girl had dropped to the floor and was trying to return her things to her bag while still clutching the diary close to herself, “Here, let me.”

Ginny began helping Luna organise her belongings in her bag. Luna sat back and watched her as a few stray tears stole their way down her face.

Once the bag was packed, Ginny picked it up and held out a hand to help Luna. Luna allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. Ginny didn’t immediately hand her bag back. She knew she was probably going to be late for practice, but this was more important.

“Where were you headed?”

Luna frowned in confusion. It was an alien look on her features. “I - you have Quidditch practice on Thursdays.”

Ginny raised an eyebrow, “You know my schedule?”

Luna shuffled her feet nervously, “You’re very good. I like watching you play.”

Ginny smirked proudly, “Always good to meet a fan, I suppose. Want to come watch practice? I can walk with you to the Feast after.”

“Why?” the girl’s big silvery grey eyes stared into her own browns. Ginny felt oddly warm under the girl’s scrutiny.

“Er - I - I guess I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

Luna slowly tilted her head to the side, her eyes unblinking. Finally, she spoke calmly, “Okay.”

Ginny blinked a few times and smiled, “Okay?”

Luna nodded serenely, “Okay, I’ll come watch you practise and walk with you to the Feast.”

“Great! Er - this way,” Ginny pointed awkwardly and set off next to Luna, still holding her bag for now.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
“Going somewhere, Davis?”

“Fuck!” Tracey jumped back against the wall, dipping her hand into her wand pocket as she looked to see who had spoken.

Susan Bones was leaning idly on the opposite wall a little ways down the corridor, though it looked like she was breathing pretty deeply. Had she just run to catch her?

“Er, just coming back from the library, Bones.”

Susan hummed in response, “I just wanted to say, thank you, for helping Luna and Ginny. Think you’d be up to joining me going to Flitwick about his prefect’s behaviour?”

Tracey straightened and frowned, “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“How very Slytherin of you. I suppose if I used Prior Incantato on your wand, the last spell you used wouldn’t be a disarmer, would it?”

Tracey shrugged, “I don’t recall.”

Susan pushed off the wall, “Well, I suppose I better go talk to Flitwick. Seriously though, thank you, Davis. Let me know if you need help sometime. I know your house is not in a great place this year.”

Tracey’s frown deepened as she watched the redhead walk away. What did

she

know? She was neither a half-blood nor a Slytherin. She huffed and turned on her heel to head back toward her common room, but stopped suddenly when she remembered why she had been heading to the library to begin with.

“Bollocks!”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Halloween at Beauxbatons was

very

different from Hogwarts. Rather than a giant feast to celebrate, students were given the afternoon off and were encouraged to take time to themselves for their own celebrations.

Some of the muggleborn students planned a little costume party, but far more students seemed to actually be celebrating Samhain.

The evening meal was a much more solemn affair, and was set to finish an hour before sunset to allow as much time for last minute preparations as possible.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to join you guys for this?” Ruby shifted uncomfortably in her spot in Azalea and Daphne’s room.

Daphne offered the girl a soft smile, “Of course, Ruby. This is a bigger deal for Azalea, and she’s the one who wanted to invite you, so I have no problem with it.”

Azalea nodded to her fiancee gratefully. She found she didn’t like to talk too much just before sunset.

She took another glance at the window. Their window was facing west, so they would be able to see the moment the sun set and begin their rituals on time. To this purpose, Azalea had, with Daphne’s help, set up a trio of little shrines where they could light candles and offer little sacrifices.

Ruby held a small box in her hands in front of her shrine. Azalea wondered who she was thinking about. Probably her mother. She’d dropped a few hints that the woman wasn’t around anymore.

Azalea herself had placed a small athame next to her own shrine, since the only

things

she had of her parents were not things she was comfortable sacrificing or were still waiting for her to look through properly in her vaults. A small picture from her parents’ wedding that included Sirius was set up next to it.

Daphne had a small box of her own and a picture of an older woman at her place.

They waited silently for the last few minutes before sunset. The three shrines had barriers between them for privacy so Azalea couldn’t see what the other two were doing. Daphne had even thought to soundproof Ruby’s so she wouldn’t accidentally overhear them.

Azalea lit her candle as the sun set and set aside her wand. She carefully picked up her athame and pricked the tip of her finger. Holding it over the candle, she gently squeezed out three drops.

“Lily Potter. James Potter. Sirius Black.”

She sat quietly for a few more seconds before quietly beginning, “Hey, Mum, Dad, Sirius. I did it. I’m a girl properly attending Beauxbatons. I’ve even got a fiancee. I’ll introduce her in a bit, along with our new friend, Ruby. I miss you, and I wanted to say I’m sorry, Sirius. If I hadn’t rushed in like I did, well, maybe you could have been here, too. Your cousin Narcissa is nearby with Nymphadora Tonks. I actually made Tonks my heiress for now. She hates it. I thought you might enjoy that, especially Dad and Sirius. I’m not sure how much of a prankster you were, Mum. I hope you would like Daphne, though. She’s helped me so much. I don’t know what I’d do without her -”

Azalea couldn’t speak for a moment as sobs wracked her body.

“I’ll go see if they’re ready to come meet you. Be right back,” she sniffed and slowly stood up, heading back to where she could see Daphne already waiting, a few tears on her own cheeks.

She held out a hand for Daphne with a smile that probably looked more like a grimace. Daphne accepted and let herself be pulled along with her. She turned back to the shrine as they both knelt down.

“Mum, Dad, Sirius, this is Daphne Greengrass, my fiancee. She’s the one who taught me French and helped me curb my more reckless ideas.”

Daphne sat for a moment, new tears starting down her cheeks before she spoke softly, “Mrs. Potter, Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, I just want to thank you. Without all three of you, I wouldn’t have Azalea in my life. I wish you could be around to meet in person, but I am so thankful for keeping her safe so I could meet you through her a bit.”

Azalea’s sobs began anew and she felt Daphne reach an arm around her shoulders. She leaned heavily into her side as she let the tears fall a bit longer.

Once her tears were more under control, together, they headed to Daphne’s shrine, where she was introduced to Daphne’s paternal grandmother, Irene Greengrass.

“Grandmum, this is my betrothed, Azalea Noire. Like I said, she’s a girl. Getting father to agree to the betrothal was an interesting experience, but I can’t imagine spending my life without her.”

“Hello, Mrs. Greengrass. I love your granddaughter very much. I promise to do my best to take care of her, even though it feels like she takes care of me most of the time. Thank you for being a part of her life.”

They returned to find Ruby waiting. Azalea offered a hand, which Ruby accepted. Soon, all three were kneeling at Azalea’s shrine.

“Mum, Dad, Sirius, this is our friend Ruby. She knows who - who I used to be and has been helping us become animagi the American way. I wonder which method you used, Dad, Sirius. I honestly don’t know if you ever tried, Mum, but I bet you would have been something cool.”

Ruby just sniffed and shook her head. She tapped her throat to indicate she couldn’t speak right now, and Azalea nodded in understanding. Daphne introduced her grandmother again, with Ruby still mute.

Finally, the three moved back and Ruby held out both hands to pull Azalea and Daphne toward her shrine. There was a small photo, now. Alongside a younger Ruby stood a tall man with the same red hair colour and nose, a woman with light brown hair and grey eyes like Ruby’s, and a small boy who looked more like his father.

Ruby shuffled the box open and pulled out a slip of paper. With a pen, she scrawled out a short message. She showed it to Azalea and Daphne:

Mom, Dad, Simon, these are my first ever friends Azalea Noire and Daphne Greengrass. They don’t mind that I’m weird sometimes. I think you would like them. Daphne has a little sister about your age, Simon. She seems about as crazy as you, too.

Once they had both read it, Ruby held it over the candle and let it slowly burn away.

Daphne leaned forward slightly and spoke gently, “Mr. and Mrs. Vallée, Simon, it’s nice to meet you. Ruby is a good friend, and I’m learning a lot from her. Thank you for your part in making her the person she is.”

Azalea shifted slightly, “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Vallée and Simon. Ruby

has

been a good friend, and I’m glad we got to meet her. She’s helping us become animagi with the help of your notes, Mrs. Vallée. She won’t tell us her form yet, but we have our suspicions. Thank you for helping make her the person she is.”

The three girls returned to the spot where they could see all three shrines and sat together in a blanket nest on the floor. Daphne leaned her head against Azalea’s shoulder, and Azalea absently ran her hands through her hair. Azalea was surprised to feel another weight on her other side as Ruby sat much closer than usual, half-leaning on her as well.

Azalea offered a small smile and held up an arm in invitation to her friend. Ruby slowly leaned in and set her head on Azalea’s open shoulder. Azalea placed her arm around the other girl and held her gently as her attention returned to the candles until she nodded off to sleep.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Hermione looked at the enigmatic blond former Slytherin uncertainly. Why had Fleur seemed so certain they would get along? Sure, they were both top of their class at Hogwarts, but she couldn’t see any similarities beyond studiousness.

Also, for some reason, Greengrass had elected to repeat her fifth year when she transferred to Beauxbatons, unlike Hermione who was eager to challenge herself with the Beauxbatons comprehensive exams. Her OWLs had all come back Os, so she was sure she could handle the content.

Today, Greengrass was strangely not accompanied by her girlfriend, the Noire girl. Hermione wondered if their relationship had any connection to her educational choices. But, the girl was British as well and also transferred to Beauxbatons this year. Hermione might have thought she wasn’t accepted to Hogwarts for some reason, but she seemed like a perfectly good student. She couldn’t imagine Dumbledore rejecting her.

Deciding to get it over with and see what Fleur had been talking about, she rose from her own work and walked over to the girl’s table.

“May I join you?”

Greengrass lifted her head and raised an eyebrow, “Granger. You may.”

Hermione nodded and sat across from her, “Fleur seems to think we would be good friends, something about having more in common than I think.”

It was subtle, but Hermione noticed that the girl stiffened slightly before answering, “I couldn’t say. Perhaps a bit more context would shed some light on the reasons for her assertion.”

Hermione frowned a little and recalled the conversation, “Well, we were on our way back from the first village visit and Fleur clearly knew you. She mentioned how she met you and Noire at the orientation I missed, and then I - er - we started talking about your relationship…”

“My relationship?” the eyebrow was raised again.

“Er - yeah, with Noire. I mentioned that I was pretty sure you were dating and Fleur just said I should talk to you and implied we had a lot in common.”

A hint of a smirk played at the corner of Greengrass’s mouth, “So you think you might like women?”

Hermione’s face immediately warmed in a blush. Greengrass’s smirk grew before she could think of a response. Hermione scowled, “I don’t know why I bothered if you’re going to just mock me,” she made to stand up.

Greengrass shook her head, “Why, Granger, would I mock you for something like that. Obviously, I like women, so I understand very well the potential social ramifications involved.”

“I figured purebloods wouldn’t approve of same-sex relationships.”

The other girl sighed, “They don’t in Britain. But we aren’t in Britain anymore, are we?”

“Is that why you left, then? So you could be with Noire?”

Greengrass caught her in a sharp gaze. After a beat, she responded, “In part. There was also the Dark Lord to consider.”

Hermione tensed at the mention of

him

, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean… I suppose he’s horrible for everyone, not just muggleborns and Harry.”

Greengrass shifted at the mention of Harry. Once again, it was subtle, but Hermione noticed. She thought back to her earlier interactions with the girl. She found that there were almost none. She hadn’t ever been among the Slytherins who would bully her and the other Gryffindors or muggleborns at Hogwarts. Something was niggling at the back of her mind. What was she missing? Did Noire have something to do with it? No, she couldn’t. Hermione had never seen the girl before this year, had she? She

was

oddly familiar, now that she thought about it.

“Who is she?”

Greengrass stiffened, “Who?”

Hermione gave her a hard look, “Your girlfriend. I feel like I’ve seen her before, but I don’t know where.”

“If you want to know the answer to that, Granger, you’ll have to ask her. I am not in the habit of talking about my girlfriend behind her back.”

Hermione sighed. So Fleur sends me to Greengrass, and Greengrass sends me to Noire. Where next?

“Thank you for the chat Greengrass, perhaps I’ll talk to her sometime soon,” she stood and headed back to her own table to add some more to her Charms essay. She could feel Greengrass’s eyes on the back of her head the whole way, only ceasing when she sat down.

What would Harry do? She wondered. Probably start hunting through the school immediately to find the girl and interrogate her. At least, that’s what the old Harry would do. Last year’s Harry… she wasn’t sure, anymore. She wondered now just when he’d decided to leave. Maybe if she’d sent him more in her letters instead of following Dumbledore’s orders, things could have been different.

A tear hit the parchment she was working on and she startled. When had she started crying?
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Tracey found herself once again in the Hogwarts library, avoiding the Slytherin Common Room. With Daphne running off to France with Harry Potter, or Azalea Noire now, most of her contacts in the house of serpents had revealed their fickle nature and deserted her.

She wished Daphne had told her earlier, but knew that there was no way she could have transferred, too. Her mother’s work required her to be in Britain, and a move plus new school costs were expensive.

Now it was just her, Blaise, and occasionally Millie. The common room had become an echo chamber of praise for the Dark Lord, and most moderate students avoided it.

“Hello again, Davis.”

Tracey jumped at the sound and scolded herself for letting her guard down again. How did Bones keep sneaking up on her so easily?

“Bones.”

Without asking for an invitation, she sat across from her and crossed her arms. Tracey continued to work in silence for a bit before she was interrupted again.

“They’re cute together, don’t you think?”

Tracey looked up with a frown and followed the redhead’s gaze across the library to a table where Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood were sitting together. From everywhere except the table Tracey had chosen, they would just look like two friends working on homework together, but from her vantage point, she could see their hands entwined under the table.

Tracey raised her eyebrows, silently thanking Bones for this bit of gossip, though she knew she probably wouldn’t ever share it.

“Hmm,” she returned to her parchment, stealing glances at the pair of witches at the other table.

Bones, however, did not seem content to let them lapse back into silence, “You know that group of students Umbridge caught last year? The one Granger ran?”

“Mmhmm…” Tracey hoped Bones would catch her annoyed tone. No such luck.

“We’re running it again this year. Mostly Longbottom and I are running it. With everything going on, it makes sense to be as prepared as possible.”

Tracey sighed in frustration, “Why are you telling

me

this? Go bother Abbott.”

Bones looked a bit sad, “Hannah is already part of it. I was hoping you might join us sometime. Snape’s been surprisingly good for Defence, but the D.A., it feels more like actually preparing for what’s coming.”

Tracey blinked back her surprise, “Why would you want me? You do know I’m a Slytherin, right? Y’know, a bunch of Dark Lord supporters or sympathisers at the minimum.”

Susan shook her head, “I think we both know you’re not all like that. You helped Luna and Ginny when you didn’t have to, I think, given the choice, you would sit out of this war, but I don’t think that’s going to be an option much longer,” she swallowed, “There are rumours that a lot of dark families are pushing for marriage contracts with the girls who aren’t spoken for among the neutrals. You may be

only

a half-blood, but eventually, they’re going to try to force you to pick a side. I’d rather you had a fighting chance to do what you want.”

“How Hufflepuff of you,” Tracey commented dryly.

“I prefer to think of it as human,” Bones’ piercing blue eyes met Tracey’s.

They stared into each other’s eyes for a few moments before Tracey broke eye contact. It was getting too uncomfortable, “Fighting isn’t the only choice. There are other ways to deal with the Dark Lord.”

Bones nodded, “True. You’re good with information, I hear. I was raised by my aunt. I know wars are won not by just showing up and fighting, but by picking your battlefield carefully whenever you can, and sometimes not fighting is the better option. Knowing how to acquire and use information is important. Maybe you can share some of your wisdom on the subject with the D.A.?”

“I’m wise, now?” Tracey began.

“Please come? Just one time? We meet every Friday afternoon, four to six, and every other Tuesday at three to six,” Bones fixed her again with that piercing stare.

Sensing the girl wasn’t going to leave without an answer, Tracey sighed, “I’ll think about it. Can I get back to my essay, now?”

Bones’ face lit up. With a small smile, she stood, “Thanks, Davis. I’ll see you there.”

“I said I’d

think

about it, Bones!” Tracey spoke as loudly as she dared in the library, but Bones was already halfway to the door.

Tracey rolled her eyes and returned to her essay, but still felt distracted. Maybe just one time. It couldn’t be that bad, could it?
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Azalea sat between Narcissa and Tonks at the Gringotts meeting table, looking over the marriage contract between Bellatrix and Rodolphus Lestrange.

“This is abnormally thorough, even for the Blacks,” Narcissa noted as she flipped the thirty-seventh page of her copy.

Tonks had taken one look at the pile of parchment and wilted visibly, her pink hair dimming to a dull brown. She was making her own way, a little faster than Narcissa, through it.

Azalea had started by skimming the main points before searching more thoroughly in the parts that might be relevant. She’d dogeared a few pages that features the words ‘child’, ‘children’, or ‘vault’, and was on the last few pages, “well, like you said, we probably won’t have any trouble cancelling the contract, since they have no children, but the few pages I found with the word ‘vault’ were full of legal jargon I couldn't wrap my head around.”

Tonks just grunted and the room returned to silence other than the sound of turning parchment.

Azalea sighed as she revealed the final page, and was about to go back to the pages she’d marked when she noticed something, “Why did Voldemort sign it?”

Narcissa stopped mid page turn, “What?”

“Voldemort signed it, right next to Rodolphus’s signature. I know he didn’t do that with yours, was it just something for her for some reason?”

Narcissa and Tonks both quickly turned to the last page and stared. Narcissa’s jaw dropped, “But, that’s…”

“The line for the husband’s signature?” Tonks finished for her.

“So Bellatrix is married to Voldemort?” Azalea made a disgusted face at the thought.

Narcissa nodded numbly, “

and

Rodolphus Lestrange. Oh Bella, what have you done?”

Azalea stared at the signature a moment longer, “I’m cancelling it. We’ve already established that the Black family is not at fault. The cup would be in her own vault, since Voldemort doesn’t have one and Rodolphus and Bellatrix had separate vaults. I can demand a meeting with her as her Head of House and pick the meeting place. I can even demand that she not inform Voldemort, though she can still talk if she wants to be cut off from the family completely.”

Narcissa nodded, “I don’t think there’s much else we can do. You might also be able to allow Gringotts to audit her vault once it’s under the Black family name.”

Azalea returned the nod and stacked the contract back together neatly, turning to her goblin solicitor.

With a press to the rune on the desk, the privacy ward between them came down.

“Cancel the contract and send word to the affected parties, but delay sending it as long as you can. We’ll get something written to send with the notice to Bellatrix.”

Fuerik nodded sharply and collected the extra copies to take for filing.

When they returned to Batons-le-Petit, Azalea turned to Narcissa, “What happens when someone marries two people?”

Narcissa looked a bit pale, “When each has their own contract, nothing special. Each marriage involves a sharing of magic between the couple. It helps with fertility issues sometimes and makes it much easier to live with each other. It’s part of why divorce is so rare. Forcefully removing a part of one's magic is… painful. When you add a third, the results would be unpredictable, especially when imbalanced with more husbands than wives or vice versa. If you even survive the bonding, the balance of a normal marriage couldn’t exist. Imagine someone stripping you of your magic and replacing it with the magic of someone completely different. It would drive anyone mad.”

Azalea clenched her jaw, “Is that what happened to Bellatrix?”

“I don’t know,” Narcissa stared vacantly as tears began to build up in her eyes, “and I’m not sure which reality I want more. Whether she was already lost before the marriage or was forced after…”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

The cold of December nights was honestly not that bad at Beauxbatons compared to Hogwarts. Azalea could understand why Fleur had reacted the way she had when she first arrived at Hogwarts. It almost felt like early November in the Scottish Highlands.Due to the New Moon, it was darker than usual, but the forest around Beauxbatons was quite tame next to the Forbidden Forest. There were no signs of Centaurs, Acromantula, or any other dark creatures, really. There were probably a few deeper in, but thankfully the girls only had to be out of sight of the castle.She and Daphne walked close together under the invisibility cloak as the sounds of the night echoed around them. After a few minutes’ walk, they reached the clearing where Ruby was waiting for them. She was sitting against a tree a few feet from the ritual circles reading a book by starlight.Azalea pulled the cloak off as they entered the clearing, stuffing it into her bag, “We’re here, Ruby.”“I heard, yeah. Should be ready in ten. Got everything?”Azalea and Daphne nodded and began pulling out the few items they needed, placing them into the circles at the points Ruby directed them to.“Three minutes. Sit in the centre and meditate like you practised. When you feel the heartbeat, focus on that and don’t fight the change.”Azalea and Daphne nodded and took their places, facing East. Azalea took a deep breath and focused. It was not unlike Occlumency, except after the stage where you cleared your mind, you were supposed to open yourself to nature, rather than build walls.Her steady breathing continued for a few minutes before she felt it. At first, a faint thumping about double her normal heart rate. Her first instinct was to focus on the feeling, but she fought that down and instead allowed it to approach her. The minutes seemed to tick by forever, and at the same time, it felt like almost instantly she felt herself start to shift.Now she focused her magic on the change, letting instinct guide her as she made minor adjustments. Her clothes melted into her body and she felt warm fur sprouting from all over. Her ears shifted upwards and the smells around her became much more potent.Once again, it felt like forever and only a moment before it was done, and she opened her eyes to see that the night seemed much less dark than it had previously. She looked to her right, where Daphne had been sitting, and saw a beautiful golden owl staring back at her with sapphire eyes.“Mrrp?” Azalea startled herself with the questioning sound that escaped her throat.The owl looked like the closest thing to an owl laughing she’d ever seen. Then, it vocalised a screeching cry and winced. Azalea hissed out her own laugh and walked forward, nearly tripping as she got used to walking on four legs. She held her long, silky tail high as she came close enough to sniff at the owl. It definitely still smelled like Daphne, and Azalea felt herself start to purr.She had the sudden urge to rub her face on Daphne, and slowly circled her while rubbing against her. Daphne’s head followed her all the way around, quickly spinning when it reached its limit. She reached down to nip at Azalea’s ears affectionately and gave a softer screech, lightly pushing Azalea away.Curious, Azalea stepped back a bit and sat down. Daphne opened her wings and tried a few test flaps, falling flat on her back as she pushed too hard.Azalea’s shoulders shook gently as she held her laughter back. Daphne quickly got back to her feet and shook herself, sending a glare in her direction. More confidently, this time, she opened her wings and flapped while leaning just a bit forward. The result was a short flight to the edge of the clearing and an imperfect landing.A sharp chirp broke the regular night sounds as a flutter of wings approached. From the treeline where Ruby had been, a bat fluttered toward them, landing smoothly upside-down on a branch of the tree next to Daphne. The bat had a bit of reddish fur covering one eye.“Chirp!”Azalea felt the urge to catch the bat, and crept forward low to the ground. Once she was close to the tree, she naturally moved her shoulders rhythmically to prepare for the pounce. Daphne let out a quiet screech toward the bat as Azalea leapt toward the tree, finding it remarkably easy to climb with her sharp claws.She reached the branch as the bat swooped down to the ground and shifted into the form of their friend. Ruby was smiling ear-to-ear and bouncing up and down!“Ohmigosh! You’re both so beautiful! Don’t forget to turn back human soon. It gets easier with practice. Just imagine your forelimbs as hands. The rest will follow.”Daphne nodded and Azalea watched her close her eyes and spread her wings forward a bit. Slowly, she returned to her human form. She let out a breath and looked up in the tree.“Your turn, Azalea.”Azalea nodded and stared at her front paws, imagining them as her hands. She felt herself slowly shift into the human form and only realised at the last moment that she was still in the tree.“Aaaah! Ooof!” she fell on the ground, which thankfully wasn’t too far from her perch.Both Daphne and Ruby cracked up in laughter.“That’s what you get for chasing me up a tree. So you should practise as much as possible, at least once a day until you can change as fast as me. We can go out every night to hang out together!”Azalea smiled at Ruby’s excitement. She found herself wondering if the Marauders were the same way when they achieved their first transformations.Daphne nodded along, “So, I know you’re some kind of bat, and I think Azalea’s a kneazle. I’m some kind of owl, but I didn’t hoot. It was more of a screech.”Ruby paused her bouncing somewhat and looked like she was thinking deeply, “There are a few owls who don’t hoot. There’s a bunch of different types of screech owls, I think, and barn owls also have a kinda screechy call. We’ll have to check the library. Oh! And I’m a barbastelle bat. They mainly eat insects, but they don’t taste very good.” She made a face.Azalea snorted, “I doubt I’d like cat food, either, and I really don’t want to see Daphne swallowing any mice.”Daphne suddenly looked quite green, “Ew. No. Not happening. Why would you even suggest something like that?” She shivered in disgust.Azalea walked over and tried to pull her into a hug, but Daphne dodged, “Nope. You don’t deserve a hug for that comment.”“I’m sorry Daph, really. I didn’t mean it. It just came out, please?”Daphne huffed and stopped dodging, allowing Azalea to hug her. Ruby watched their antics with amusement.After a few moments, Azalea pulled back, “We need names for our animagus forms, like my dad was Prongs and Sirius was Padfoot.”“Hmm,” Daphne put a finger to her chin, “I’ll have to think about it.”Azalea noticed Ruby nudging a bit of dirt with her foot, her hands behind her back.“You okay, Ruby?”“Um, I’m fine. Just had a stupid thought. Don’t mind me.”“I’m sure it wasn’t stupid, Ruby,” Daphne encouraged her, “What is it?”“Um, well, I was just thinking, your eyes stayed the same colours, and they’re so pretty, like sapphires and emeralds, maybe the names ‘Sapphire’ and ‘Emerald’? ‘Saph’ and ‘Em’ or ‘Emmi’ for short?”Azalea felt a little swoop in her stomach at the idea, “I guess we’d all be gems, then. Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. I like it. What do you think, Saph ?”Daphne narrowed her eyes, but had a little smirk, “Alright Emmi , I guess we’re gems. Is that okay, though, Ruby? That your animagus name is the same as your real name?”Ruby nodded slowly, her face flushing red under the starlight, “I like it.”As they started back toward the school, Azalea and Daphne arm in arm, Azalea held her open arm out for Ruby, who seemed happy to slide her arm into the loop. Azalea realised that it felt quite natural to have her there now.Over the last few months, this sweet girl had slotted herself into their lives, filling a space that she hadn’t realised was empty. She hoped she’d stay even with the animagus ritual done.Glancing between the girls beside her, Azalea realised she wanted this, and it made her mind pause. Was that normal? 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 Bella was in hell. That being said, she still somehow felt relief at the once familiar magic coursing through her frayed body. Her left arm below the elbow was gone, severed by herself the moment she felt the marriage contract break. She’d passed out immediately after, and the next time she woke up properly, she found herself in a dingy old room with her arm heavily bandaged. At least the wrapping looked clean.She could vaguely recall flashes of sensation, but not how many or what exactly the sensations were behind the agony of her magic recovering. It still hurt to move. Even the slight shifting of her eyes as she took in the room was like stabbing needles into them. The quiet sounds of activity in the next room were like someone yelling with a Sonorus right in her ear.She let herself fade again into darkness, hoping for some reprieve from the pain, even for a moment.The next time she woke, the pain was mercifully less. Moving her eyes felt more like pushing them through mud than needles, and sounds were dulled. Someone held something up to her mouth and slowly tipped in some liquid. When she couldn’t swallow, she felt gentle hands massage her throat forcing the muscles to work. It hurt, but she supposed it was preferable to drowning.Six times she woke up, drank soup that gradually gained more flavour, and fell back unconscious. The seventh time, the low rumbling sound that had been dulled became recognizable as a voice.“Ere… oo… o… owee… uu…”The next time, she could make out the words properly. She could make out the basic shape of the man feeding her.“There you go. Slowly. Good.”When the bowl was taken away, she tried to open her mouth to speak, but only a painful croaking sound escaped.“Shh. Do not try to speak. Your vocal chords are not yet healed.”The man had a strong French accent. She wondered why he was speaking English when she must still be in Paris.A week later, she was given the clear to try using her voice, but only a little.“Who… you…?” her voice came out as little more than a whisper and it was difficult to make her vocal chords cooperate.In response the man smiled, “I am a doctor, of sorts. I found you nearly dead and bleeding out in an abandoned alley and brought you here. You may call me Raphael. Tell me, English girl, are you an animagus?”Bella would have frowned at the odd question, but her muscles were still recovering. Instead she managed a “No…”Dr. Raphael nodded, “Would you like a new arm?”The confusion in her eyes must have been obvious, because Dr. Raphael laughed, “I can build you one. I am what you English call muggleborn, and have studied medicine and cybernetics, and how I might combine them with magic. I was not able to save your old arm. It was burned too badly.”It had burned. That’s right. Unholy black fire had enveloped it as she cut the damn thing off. Did she want a new one? She managed a weak nod and passed out again.When she next woke up, she felt more lucid, and her voice was working better. Her arm remained missing, though.“Raph…”“Oui, English girl?”“How do… you know… I’m English…?”“Ah!,” he turned to the nearby table and picked up a small stack of parchment, “This letter arrived a week after I found you. It is written in English, so I assumed. I did not read the whole letter.”“Who sent…?”“Would you like me to check?”Bella managed a shallow nod. Dr. Raphael quickly moved to the last page.“Looks like a Lady Black. Sounds important.”Bella’s mind was sharpening, but it still took her several moments to put together the pieces, “Divorce… papers?”Dr. Raphael shuffled the papers again and nodded, “Oui.”“Anything… else…?”“There is a letter. Would you like me to read it to you?”Bella nodded slowly.Raphael cleared his throat and began, “ Dear Bellatrix Black,  
I am sure you noticed by now that I have dissolved your marriage to Rodolphus Lestrange and the Dark Lord. I apologise for any pain this may have brought you.

I am also aware that the Dark Lord is aware, at least in part, of my new identity.

As your Head of House, I invite you to meet me at your earliest convenience to go over your duties as a member of my House. You are instructed to keep the meeting and anything further you may learn about me secret from anyone outside the family.

If you would like to accept, go to any Gringotts and inform them who you are. You will not be arrested in any Gringotts. They will give you a portkey to the meeting place, and inform me of your arrival immediately.

I hope to hear from you soon. Cissa is anxious to see you again,

Lady Black”
 Bella felt tears stinging her eyes. Cissy wanted to see her? After all the horrible things she’d done? And Lady Black, Potter she supposed, was willing to actually meet with her? Probably a trap, honestly, but she knew she deserved whatever they would do to her.“Need to… Gringotts…”Dr. Raphael held a gentle hand on her shoulder to keep her from trying to sit up.“First, you must recover. If you must respond immediately, I will try to send a message through Gringotts to this Lady Black.”Bella slowly blinked and nodded, “How long…?”“A month, at least. You have much recovery before you can move.”“One week…” Bella argued.Dr. Raphael smiled sadly, “No less than two, English Girl. I will prepare a mobility aid.”Bella closed her eyes, guessing this was the best she was going to get.His guest asleep, Dr. Raphael left the room and wrote a quick note for the Lady Black. Letter in hand, he opened his window, revealing a road that, despite its clear poverty, hosted a variety of decorations for the coming holiday. He tied the letter to his owl’s metal leg and sent the bird off.After closing the window again, he turned to the room, noting the date: 18 December 1996.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Azalea scrutinised her reflection very closely, noticing every minor imperfection. She momentarily panicked when she saw a few black cat hairs had made their way onto the shoulder of her festive green gown, but they were easy enough to remove.

Her improved vision since the animagus ritual wasn’t doing her any favours. The fact that Daphne’s eyesight was now ridiculously good meant that she

really

needed to make sure she got everything right. This would be their first Yule Ball together, after all.

Not that she’d be around for much of it. As the hostess, she had to make

some

appearance. Cyrus had completely refused to host anything in

her

house, but had agreed to the position of co-host. After a short appearance, the plan was for her to retire to her chambers, claiming to feel unwell.

It wasn’t a perfect plan, of course, but they couldn’t do much until Voldemort was taken care of. She caught herself scowling and quickly rechecked her makeup. Finding no problems, she sighed in relief.

“Mademoiselle Noire, it be time,” Pinny announced from the door.

Breathing slowly and deeply, Azalea corrected her posture and nodded to Pinny, thanking her as she passed. Chateau Noire was big, and her rooms were especially private, so the walk took several minutes. She was

very

thankful for the cushioning charm on her silver heels.

The sounds of conversation and light music gradually increased as she approached. When she arrived, she was introduced and swept off by Cyrus to meet a few guests of honour. She didn’t retain much, too focused on following the etiquette Daphne and her mother had taught her. She remembered three kisses, starting on the left side. Address guests by title if they had one. If they asked you to call them by their first name, you can drop the title, but keep using their last name, check for a signal from Evelyn if there’s an exception, etc.

Finally, it was time for more dancing, and she quickly found Daphne. There was some scandalised whispering as they opened the dance, but Azalea tuned it out easily as she focused on the beauty before her. Daphne’s blue dress shifted with the light through several shades. The actual colour was a shimmering azure, and she wore a few pieces of silver and sapphire jewellery to accent it.

“You look beautiful, Azalea.”

Azalea felt herself blush a bit at the compliment, “So do you, Daph.”

“You did really well tonight, but I bet you can’t remember a single person, can you?”

Azalea smiled guiltily, “That obvious?”

Daphne laughed, “It’s fine. You haven’t been doing this for years like I have. I didn’t remember any names outside of family and friends until my third ball.”

Azalea continued smiling and dancing for a bit, thinking about what Daphne had said. She must have been making a face, because Daphne got her attention.

“Everything okay?”

Azalea smiled and nodded, but still furrowed her brow slightly, “I just wish Ruby had been able to come, too. I know she wouldn’t handle all this,” she gestured around with her eyes, “well, but it would have been nice to see her open her gifts and just spend time together.”

“I know what you mean,” Daphne smiled, “she’s really become something of a staple in our lives, hasn’t she?”

Azalea felt guilty again, “Sorry for bringing it up right now. We’re supposed to be enjoying ourselves and I’m just making it depressing.”

“You like her, don’t you?”

Azalea nearly stumbled, but Daphne caught her and guided her back into the rhythm.

“I, of course not, Daph. I -

You’re

my fiancee. I love you,” she felt her face flush.

“It’s okay, Azalea. I like her, too.”

Azalea’s eyes went wide and they moved to meet Daphne’s again, “Huh?”

Daphne smiled, “You know, I’ve always liked the idea of being in a coven. Real ones aren’t really a thing anymore, but… we both like each other, and we both like Ruby. Why don't we ask if she wants to date both of us? Once we’re all legal adults, Gringotts would even be fine with anything legal we wanted to do. They don’t really care about human romance.”

Azalea was feeling a bit dizzy. Daphne noticed and guided her off the dance floor to a seat. She sat next to her and held her hands in her own, “If you don’t want to, just say so. I will be happy with you as my wife no matter what. You don’t have to answer right away. We have all holiday, except for the first, obviously.”

Azalea nodded and smiled.

“Mademoiselle Noire, may I borrow your betrothed for a dance?”

Azalea turned sharply, but relaxed when she saw it was Fleur.

“Of course, Mademoiselle Delacour, if that is alright with Mademoiselle Greengrass, of course. I am feeling unwell and should retire for the night,” she gave Daphne a subtle wink.

Daphne smiled and nodded, helping Azalea to her feet before accepting Fleur’s hand, “Good night, my love. You don’t need to stay up to wait for me. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Good night, my love,” Azalea echoed the sentiment and began to make her way back to the exit, politely informing anyone who tried to engage her in conversation that she was feeling unwell and would be retiring for the night.

Finally, she exited the ballroom and took a deep breath. She started toward her rooms, occasionally slowing to gaze through her windows at the ground illuminated by the light of the full moon. She decided she would suggest having the ball next year on a night that wasn’t the full moon, just in case the Voldemort issue was resolved and she could invite Remus.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Moody had had worse Christmases, he supposed. There’d been that one year he got captured by a dark wizard for a few days, but he had escaped on Christmas, so maybe that didn’t count.

Still, there were worse things than babysitting a transformed werewolf, especially a werewolf on the Wolfsbane Potion. Remus was really just a giant puppy, a giant deadly puppy with an extremely infectious curse.

‘CONSTANT VIGILANCE!’ he chided himself internally. He never got good rest on full moons when working with Remus. They’d settled into a comfortable pattern the last few months. When Lestrange disappeared a month and a half ago, they’d decided to start heading south, hoping to find more information around the Pyrenees.

For tonight, they’d found an abandoned farmhouse with a cellar for Remus. Mad-eye was once again thankful that Severus was at least pretending to be on their side for now. Without the Wolfsbane, these nights would require much more recovery time.

A pitiful whine echoed into the empty house.

“Keep it down, Remus. Constant vigilance.”

The whining stopped for a moment before the scratching started.

Moody’s eyes widened. They’d been very clear on how to signal there was a problem. He immediately moved as quietly as he could, flicking his wand to unlock the cellar door. Remus silently crept into the room. He was far from a healthy werewolf, Mad-eye knew. The poor man could never get over the idea that everything was his fault, couldn’t make peace with himself for the few times he’d almost done something.

Moody’s magical eye spun in his head, looking for any hint of movement outside the house.

There! In the woods near the side window, a hulking shape much larger than Remus. Moody’s eye remained fixed on the figure as it approached silently. He pointed his wand at the most likely angle of approach for the large beast.

When it left the woods, he could see that it was also a werewolf, though it was clearly much healthier and stronger than Remus.

“You can’t take this one, Remus. Back in the cellar. The wards should hold until morning. I’ll draw him off.”

Remus looked like he wanted to argue, but silently slunk back through the door. Once the door shut, Moody locked it and reinforced the wards as much as he dared. With a thump of his wooden leg, he spun and reappeared outside the house. His eye focused instantly on the suddenly moving predator, charging his position.

Gritting his teeth, Moody got ready to apparate again. He reappeared a few dozen yards further from the house.

He repeated this pattern several times, feeling the strain of the repeated apparitions until he was almost too late.

As he spun, felt a tug on his peg leg and heard a snap. With a crack, he appeared a bit farther than he was aiming and collapsed, unable to balance properly on his one good leg. Rather than wait this time, he activated his emergency portkey and felt the hook behind his navel as sharp jaws approached in the darkness.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Bella hissed in pain as Dr. Raphael worked on attaching the mechanical monstrosity to her arm.

“I am sorry, English girl, pain and sleep potions block the connections.”

Her arm was strapped down tightly to the table so it didn’t move too much while Dr. Raphael worked. Her hand gripped the other side of the table, tightening with each stab.

“Just get it over with,” she snapped around the thick strip of leather he’d told her to keep in her mouth.

Dr. Raphael’s pace did not change. Bella felt another sharp stab and turned away, trying to focus on something else. Dr. Raphael had set up one way silencing wards, keeping sounds from leaving his house, but still allowing the sound from outside in, so she could hear faint music from a neighbour playing Christmas music. Carol of the Bells, she had been told. The muggle composition seemed to be the favourite of that particular neighbour.

Sharp pain struck again and she bit down hard. Her teeth were starting to hurt a bit from the pressure. She turned her attention to the inside of the house. She had memorised the room she had been sleeping in, but this room was new to her. The walls held many strangely shaped metal pieces. Worktables were cluttered with paper and instruments made of glass, metal, and something else that looked very clean and white.

Stab! She let out an involuntary whimper and eyed the one piece of apparent sentimentality in the room. It was a muggle photograph of a much younger Dr. Raphael standing with a woman about his age, holding a baby. She wondered if they were his family and where they were now.

“Almost done, English girl. This one will be the hardest, then you must slowly let your magic move through the arm.”

Agony! And yet, it dulled quickly, turning into an odd throbbing sensation.

“Now, English girl, let your magic flow.”

Bella turned to look at the remarkably clean-looking appendage, directing her magic to flow where Dr. Raphael directed. Slowly, she felt a prickling sensation in the nerves she’d cut off.

A finger twitched. Then another. Then the whole hand. Ghosts of sensation when the fingertips touched the table beneath them. She found she could control the movement slightly when she focused on it.

“Breathe, English girl.”

She released the breath she didn’t realise she had been holding, feeling a bit dizzy after the lack of air.

“You are doing very well. We will start on daily exercises to get you used to your new arm over the next week. It will never feel full sensation, but you may find it more… flexible than it was previously. It is also much stronger than any human arm, so you will have to get used to carefully holding things with it.”

Bella nodded as she panted a bit from the effort, the leather strip falling out of her mouth revealing deep tooth marks and a bit of blood. Dr. Raphael cleaned it quickly and set it aside.

“Rest now, English girl. We can start tomorrow. Joyeux Noël.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Cissa had insisted that they arrive early for the meeting. It made sense, Azalea thought. Bella

was

her sister. Reconciling with Andi had certainly motivated her to reconnect with the rest of her family. Bella was the last holdout, and Cissa still held some small hope for her.

Still, arriving early meant an early morning for Azalea. She grumbled as she forced herself out of bed, though she thanked Daphne’s foresight in preparing an outfit ahead of time. It was - appropriately - black.

Once she got dressed and had a small meal to help her wake up, she made sure she was thoroughly cleaned and made up to look like the Lady she was supposed to be presenting herself as.

She would be returning to Beauxbatons after the meeting, so most of her things were already packed. She was just sitting down for a bit of tea when the fireplace turned green and spat out a few relatives.

Azalea stood to greet her guests, “Andromeda, Edward, good to finally meet you both in person.”

Andromeda curtsied, “My lady, thank you for inviting us.”

“Let’s save the ‘my lady’ stuff for formal occasions. Call me Azalea with family.”

Andromeda smiled and nodded, “Of course, Azalea.”

Mr. Tonks smiled widely, “Then please call me Ted. How’s our Dora been?”

“She’s doing very well, though I hear she tries not to spend much time in the house with Cissa. I’m pretty sure she’s scared she’ll be forced into extra heiress lessons.”

Ted’s booming laughter probably would have woken up someone had the house been smaller and less warded, “Sounds like our Dora! And how have things been with you, Azalea?”

Azalea smiled at the jovial man. She could see a bit of where Tonks got her brashness.

“I’ve been very well. Beauxbatons has been much better to me than Hogwarts, and I get to spend time with my fiancee.”

“Ah, yes. How is Miss Greengrass?” Andromeda asked.

“She’s doing very well, Mrs. Tonks,” came Daphne’s voice from the door, “Sorry for interrupting. I came to see you off. The portkey will be leaving in just a few more minutes.”

Azalea pulled Daphne into a brief hug, laying a kiss on her cheek, “Thank you, Daph. This is Andromeda and Edward Tonks. Andromeda, Ted, this is my fiancee Daphne Greengrass.”

Andromeda nodded respectfully, “A pleasure, Miss Greengrass.”

Ted gently offered Daphne a light kiss on the hand and repeated his wife’s words. Daphne smiled, “Likewise, and I’m sure Azalea has already expressed her desire to keep things less formal among family. Call me Daphne.”

The three Black family members gathered around the table with the letter from Gringotts confirming their appointment that would double as their portkey. Soon, Azalea felt the hook behind her navel and found herself in a larger meeting room. Cissa and Tonks arrived at the same time, and after brief reunions, they settled in to wait for the last member of the family, who arrived looking different than they’d expected.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Bella was definitely

not

a fan of the rickety metal wheelchair Dr. Raphael had prepared for her to travel to Gringotts. It kept slipping around in the snow, which was falling heavily the whole walk.

Thankfully, Dr. Raphael had draped a frayed and patched old cloak over her, so she wouldn’t be recognised by any Aurors looking for her. She wore long sleeves and gloves over her hands to hide the mechanical arm, and her legs were covered with a heavy blanket.

When they got to Gringotts, Dr. Raphael had handed her old wand to her, which now felt extremely uncomfortable. It felt too much like

him

. If she ever got the chance, she would definitely get a new wand.

The goblins escorted her to a back room, where Dr. Raphael was separated from her. She was handed a slip of paper and a moment later felt the hook.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
“Bella?” Cissa gasped.

Azalea didn’t blame her. The Bellatrix who had appeared looked terrible. She was sitting in a structurally questionable wheelchair and looked very weak. Her shoulders were hunched and her clothes were patched and frayed in several places. At least she looked clean.

Azalea could feel Cissa wanting to stand and go to her sister, and gave the woman a nod. Cissa didn’t wait and was quickly at her sister’s side. Bella weakly shrugged her off and turned tired nearly black eyes to Azalea.

“Lady Black,” she croaked, “I submit myself to your judgement. I have committed many terrible crimes and am unworthy to carry the name Black.”

The room was silent for a beat. Azalea took a slow breath while she studied the broken woman before her. Her movements were stiff, especially her left arm.

“That is not your decision to make, Bellatrix. Show me your left arm.”

She winced and moved her shaking right hand to start pulling on her sleeve, but couldn’t grip it properly.

“Help her, Cissa.”

Cissa nodded and slowly pulled the sleeve back to reveal her forearm. There were a few gasps around the table.

At first, Azalea didn’t understand what she was looking at, then she remembered the time she had spied on Dudley watching a movie he wasn’t supposed to about a killer robot from the future.

“How did you get that?” she asked.

Bella kept her face downcast as she spoke, “Dr. Raphael made it for me. He found me after - after I cut the old one off.”

Andromeda leaned forward, “Doctor? Not Healer?”

Bella shook her head weakly, “He’s m-muggleborn. Studied their medicine and something called cybo - cybo -”

“Cybernetics?” Tonks inserted.

Everyone turned to Tonks, who shrugged, “I’ve seen Terminator. One

and

Two. Killer robots - er - muggle technology golems - from the future.”

“I assume this was shortly after I authorised your divorce?” Azalea returned her gaze to Bella.

She sighed, “Immediately. I - it was so painful, but it was so much better than before… I cut it off the moment I felt

his

magic leave me. I should have died, but Dr. Raphael brought me back,” she sounded a bit bitter to Azalea.

“Tell us everything, Bella. Start from your marriage.”

Bella began her tale, speaking numbly about her body and magic leaving her control and how she felt like she was watching herself commit so many terrible deeds under the command of her husband. They took a meal break around noon. Bella had to pause several more times to take a drink of water and recover, and it was late evening when she finally finished.

Azalea had to rely heavily on her occlumency to prevent herself from collapsing in tears by the end of it. Tonks and Ted were crying, and Andi was holding her husband’s hand tightly.

“Thank you, Lady Black, for divorcing me from that monster. At least I will die a free woman.”

Azalea frowned, “You are not going to die, Bella. Not yet. You still have duties as a daughter of the House of Black.”

Bella’s eyes were brimming with tears, but she closed them and forced a shaky breath, “What duty would you have me perform, my lady?”

Azalea glanced at her family. All eyes were still on Bella. She nodded to herself.

“Firstly,

he

gave you something, possibly a golden cup. Do you remember what you did with it?”

Bella winced as she searched her memories, “... In my vault in London.”

“Give Gringotts permission to search your vault.”

Bella nodded, “Yes, my lady.”

“Were there any other items he seemed particularly attached to, especially anything connected to the Hogwarts Founders?”

Bella shivered as she searched her mind again. She sighed and her head tipped forward in exhaustion, “N - nothing, my lady.”

“Thank you, Bella.”

Bella’s head, though clearly still exhausted, snapped up in confusion.

“Cissa, Dora, bring her home with you and reach out to this Doctor Raphael. See if there’s anything else she needs for recovery. Andi and Ted, see what we can do for her legally. I want her legally free as soon as possible. Bella, I have another duty for you.”

Bella was breathing heavily as she searched Azalea’s face for something, “Y -yes, my lady?”

“Live well, Bella. I wish you a speedy recovery,” she smiled softly.

Andi and Cissa hugged their sister with tears in their eyes, but Bella remained focused on Azalea.

“Why?” She whispered.

Azalea smiled sadly, “this family has been broken for too long, each member trapped in their own way. I do not wish for any member of my House to suffer any more than they already have. Welcome back, Bella.”

Once Bella popped away with Cissa and Tonks, Ted spoke.

“It won’t be easy, getting her name cleared. What happened to her isn’t exactly common, and a lot of people will claim that she’s guilty because she signed the damn contract. I know Madame Longbottom especially has reason to go after her.”

Azalea sighed, “I know. If she’s never cleared, she can stay in France and we can make her a new identity, but I would prefer if the truth of Voldemort’s actions come out instead. It hurts… to have a family member accused of something they aren’t responsible for.”

Andi gave her an understanding nod, “Well, whether she ends up cleared or not, thank you Azalea. You brought my sisters back to me. You brought our family back together, somehow. I never thought such a thing was possible, and you did it. I don’t think our family could be in better hands.”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
“What are you thinking?” Fleur smiled at Hermione and tilted her head in curiosity.

“I was just curious,” Hermione began. Fleur continued staring at her, expecting an answer. What was it about the beautiful older witch that made Hermione always want to answer her questions?

She shook her head and  continued, “This is the second time recently that I’ve seen Greengrass without Noire.”

“Ah,” Fleur nodded, “I believe Mademoiselle Noire had some family business over the holidays to take care of. I am sure she will be back soon and you can ask her about herself.”

Of course she’d told Fleur about her conversation with Greengrass. Hermione had always had a hard time making friends, and the familiar face and wit of Fleur Delacour was welcome. She felt like they’d settled into a comfortable friendship since she transferred schools, even though the Veela teased her so much.

“I just can’t remember where I know her from. I’ve searched my memories over and over and keep coming up blank,” it wasn’t the first time she’d complained about it. She’d even looked into Occlumency, Fleur gave her a book on it for Christmas, to help organise her thoughts better, but this one detail eluded her.

“Just talk to her, ma chère. That seems the only way you will satisfy your curiosity.”

She huffed, intentionally ignoring the way she felt when Fleur used the pet name for her.

Fleur gave her an amused smile in response, “Have you asked your parents about my invitation?”

Hermione’s face heated up slightly at the thought of Fleur’s invitation to spend a few days with her family over the summer. From an academic perspective, it sounded wonderful of course, but the idea of spending such a long period of time with just Fleur, and occasionally members of her family… Well, it wasn’t like Hermione’s parents were likely to be okay with it, anyway.

.”I was going to write them later this month. Let them settle a bit after the holidays.”

She heard a sigh, and looked over to see Fleur looking uncertain, “Am I that unpleasant to spend time with, Hermione?”

How? Just how could this woman be so confident and teasing one moment, and slip into such a vulnerable state the next? Hermione supposed that she’d had few real friends as a Veela and was somewhat used to betrayal, but she had always seemed so confident from an outsider’s perspective.

“Of course not, Fleur! Your company is the only thing keeping me remotely sane. You know how hectic sixth year is here.”

Fleur chuckled lightly, a smile creeping onto her face, “I seem to recall you were often in the middle of the insanity, ma chère.”

Hermione smiled back as she recalled the fun times in her first years. Lighting Professor Snape on fire, punching Malfoy, time travel with Harry… A sense of nostalgia stole over her as she remembered the quiet times, too. Reading by the fire in the common room, Ron having already gone to bed so the only other person there was Harry; dragging Harry to the library to study while Ron whined the whole way; quiet mornings when Harry was the first up from his dormitory, waiting for Ron to wake up in a comfortable quiet.

Losing Ron was sad, sure, but Harry had been her best friend, her first friend since he jumped on the back of the troll in their first year. It had taken him leaving for her to realise that she loved him the way she had.

Now, the feeling had faded into something a little different. A memory of what could have been, if only she hadn’t been so stupid. She should have realised Harry would never put his name in the Goblet, that Harry

needed

someone to believe in him. She wondered if he’d found someone back then, or if he even had anyone when he left at the start of summer.

Fleur had been great, a taste of the past with some stability in the present. She would send that letter to her parents, and she would talk to Noire, then maybe she could finally move on without regrets.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Remus sat in Dumbledore’s office with Moody standing nearby on a new peg leg.

“Greyback was telling the truth, Headmaster. Harry Potter is a girl. I can smell it on her old clothes and I could tell he was being truthful for once.”

“This is most troubling,” Dumbledore had his good hand laying across the desk in front of his frowning face, “Any more word on Bellatrix Lestrange’s whereabouts?”

“None,” Moody grunted, “Fell off the map in mid November. After that, nothing.”

“Based on the words of Fenrir Greyback, young Harry is indeed at Beauxbatons. I have asked Olympe, but she holds the security of her students above even me,” he shook his head in disappointment, “We must bring him back so he can fulfil his destiny. Without Harry, Tom may be unable to be killed.”

“But she’s a girl, headmaster. Doesn’t that mean the prophecy can’t apply to her?”

“If only that were so, but Tom remains fixated on young Harry. Whether he wishes it or not, Tom will come after him and one of them must die.”

Remus leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. He’d always taken Dumbledore’s word for everything. He was only now starting to see that his plans had resulted in the deaths of more than one of his dear friends. Perhaps if he had not been so fixated on the prophecy, James and Lily would have lived.

Remus shook his head and returned to listening to the conversation.

“... yes, that would be best. Searching blindly through the Pyrenees will lead to more encounters with Greyback. I shall send a letter to Nymphadora. If she can return soon from her mission, we could make use of DMLE resources to narrow our search. Remus, my boy, I must ask you to make another effort with the packs. With Greyback out of the country, perhaps you will have better success.”

Remus clenched his jaw. The packs were a dead end and the headmaster knew it. He just kept sending Remus because he had nowhere else to use the werewolf, “Yes, sir.”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
“Brainwashed?” Amelia eyed her guests speculatively.

“Yes. My sister had no control over any of her actions.”

“You do realise what this sounds like, don’t you?”

“Of course, but unlike the Imperious Defence, we have documentation to lend credence to our claims.”

Amelia sighed heavily, “even a Gringotts certified marriage contract will not be enough to convince the Wizengamot. Many members lost family to the actions of Bellatrix Lestrange.”

“She is not a Lestrange any more. She is under the protection of House Black, and will remain so until Lady Black chooses.”

Amelia massaged her temples. Azalea was proving to be very good at giving her headaches. So much had changed since she took up the seat. Dumbledore’s resistance movement was crumbling, though many of the fleeing members had come to the ministry offering their services. The Potter/Longbottom alliance was officially dead. The Malfoy family was extinct in Britain, leaving the Dark faction scrambling. Now she was the Minister for Magic and the most feared servant of Voldemort was completely innocent of everything she was accused of?

At least the Unspeakables were cooperating on trying to secretly locate and destroy the horcruxes. They were fairly certain that at least one was in Hogwarts and another had recently spent some time in Wiltshire until Malfoy Manor was seized by Gringotts. Adding the three they

knew

had been destroyed, and they were potentially missing only one more to complete the set of seven soul pieces they suspected he had planned to make.

“I’ll do what I can to help. Merlin knows we’d still have no idea about the horcruxes without Lady Black’s help. Thanks to her giving us a hand, we may have a chance to eliminate Voldemort forever.”
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Ginny dashed away from the breakfast table as soon as she could. She’d woken up early every day she’d been back at the Burrow to get her chores done before breakfast so that after breakfast, she could sneak away to Luna’s.

If she ever saw Harry Potter again, she would give him a huge hug for pushing her in the cute blond’s direction. It had happened quickly. They started hanging out after the confrontation with Luna’s bullies and the next thing she knew, she realised she was attracted to the other witch. Seizing her Gryffindor courage, she had asked her out the same day she noticed.

Luna was brilliant! She always had the best stories and didn’t have any problems with Ginny wanting to play Quidditch professionally. She was happy to just let Ginny be herself, and had shared her own dream of being a magical creature researcher, going on expeditions to find rare and undiscovered species.

Ginny was starting to believe in the creatures, too. It made a strange sort of sense, when she really thought about it. That only Luna could see them didn’t mean they weren’t real. They had

magic

, for Circe’s sake!

She saw Luna before Luna saw her, she thought, sitting in the snow against a tree with a book, but as she snuck up on her, Luna’s soft voice carried her way.

“Hello, Ginny.”

Ginny groaned, “How do you always do that? I can even sneak up on the twins, but never you.”

“I could pretend to be surprised next time, if you want me to,” Luna turned her amused gaze to meet Ginny’s.

Ginny sighed and sat next to her, entwining their fingers, “You know you never have to pretend with me, Luna.”

Luna looked down and blushed, “I know. Thank you, Ginny.”

They sat in silence for a bit, simply enjoying each other’s company. Luna occasionally turned a page to continue reading. Ginny watched her for a while, enjoying how Luna looked when she was focused on something.

Eventually, Ginny took a breath and leaned her head back, which resulted in her looking up.

“Oh…” Ginny felt her face flush.

“Hmm?” Luna hummed and turned to her.

Ginny just pointed to the mistletoe she had spotted above them.

“Oh,” Luna said simply, “Mistletoe is often infested with Nargles.”

Ginny tilted her head as she stared upward, “Do you think we’ll be safe?”

She heard Luna shifting, then heard her voice closer to her ear, “I think we’ll be just fine.”

Ginny turned to see Luna’s face inches from her own, wearing a dreamy smile. Their combined breaths fogged the air between them, but Ginny leaned forward to capture Luna’s soft lips with her own.
 
“That’s ten galleons, my uglier brother,” either Fred or George spoke. It was hard to remember whose turn it was to be which twin over the holidays. Everything tended to blend together more.

“I thought

I

was the one with money on Lovegood,” George or Fred complained, handing over the small stack of coins.

Fred or George shrugged, “I’m pretty sure you had money on Bones, actually. We can check the books later.”

“Right you are, brother of mine.”

George or Fred and Fred or George slipped away to give their sister and her secret girlfriend some privacy. The mistletoe they’d conjured would disappear in a few hours.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Lord Voldemort sat at the head of the table in Parkinson Manor. It was… less comfortable than Malfoy Manor had been, until Gringotts stole that from him. As soon as he controlled magical Britain, he would show those foul creatures their place.

Bella was dead, he had taken extra steps to ensure that she could not survive without the bond. Her Dark Mark would have turned on her and killed her if the divorce didn’t end her first. The werewolf was now running wild in the Pyrenees, several of his best Death Eaters were wanted by the ministry, and the wretched woman, Amelia Bones, had secured the position of Minister for herself. Ministry security had been improving, and a few of his agents had already disappeared.

He took some comfort in the fact that Dumbledore would be dead by the end of the next Hogwarts term.

He had to do something big soon, or the populace may stop fearing him. He, Lord Voldemort, who had nearly taken Britain sixteen years ago, was being made a fool of by the papers. Perhaps it was time to remind them who they should fear…

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Hey Ruby?”

“Hmm?” the girl didn’t look up from her book. Her leg bounced as it always did.

Azalea shared a look and a smile with Daphne.

“What are your thoughts on covens?”

Ruby’s leg paused its bouncing for a moment. Ruby tilted her head and the leg returned to bouncing.

“European, American, African, Asian, Polynesian, or Australian? Or a more obscure one?”

Azalea’s eyes widened and she turned to meet Daphne’s eyes again. Daphne shrugged and took over, “European, I think, though it’s more the general idea than the specifics of any one culture.”

“Hmm…” Ruby’s head rocked back and forth for a bit, “they definitely help with rituals.”

“Er -” Azalea tried again, “what about the other aspects, like having a group of three or more witches working together that - oh this is ridiculous. Ruby, both Daphne and I like you. Would you like to date both of us?”

Ruby was completely frozen. It took Azalea a moment to notice that her breathing had become erratic and shallow. Then her hands started shaking.

“Ruby!” Azalea was quickly at her side, holding a hand in her own. Daphne took the other side.

“It’s okay, Ruby. Slow, deep breaths. Can you focus on my voice? In… Out… In… Out…”

From the side, Azalea could see that Ruby’s eyes were wide open and unfocused. Still, her breathing slowly started to slow and deepen. Finally, she relaxed and flopped onto her back, her eyes closed. She took a few slow deep breaths and started moving her lips.

Azalea could

almost

make out words, but even her enhanced hearing couldn’t understand.

“Ruby, dear,” Daphne gently spoke, “We can’t hear sounds that high. Take your time. We’ll still be here when you’re ready.”

Ruby nodded slowly and took a few more slow deep breaths. When she spoke again, her voice was still high and quiet, but it was within their hearing range. “Y - you want to date

me

? But why? You’re both so amazing together. I’d just mess it up.”

“You could never mess it up, Ruby. Saph and I are still together. We just wanted to include you more. We really do like you or we wouldn’t have suggested it.”

“As for why

you

,” Daphne added, “you fit. You are sweet, kind, passionate; you’re easy to love and more patient than just about anyone I’ve met.”

“Your sense of justice is inspiring,” Azalea began, “You have such dedication to the truth and your friends, and, I know it’s not necessarily something most people think about when starting a relationship but, you understand,” Azalea paused sadly, “what it’s like to lose someone you love.”

Ruby was silent for a long while, and Azalea was worried she may have gone nonverbal, but she finally spoke quietly, “I - I’ve never been in a relationship… I don’t even know what it would feel like to kiss someone…”

Azalea breathed a sigh of relief and offered a soft smile, “Would you like to? Kiss us, I mean?”

Ruby’s eyes widened and her face turned red. Azalea and Daphne both looked worried that she might have another attack, but she managed to keep her breathing calm and speak again, “H - how does that work? Do we - meet in the middle or? Is it like a triangle?”

Daphne covered her mouth as she held in a laugh. Azalea smiled brightly, “I think we

can

do that, but I was thinking more of taking turns, or just kissing each other whenever we wanted. I - er - if Daphne’s okay with it, we could - er - show you?”

Daphne’s cheeks turned a bit more pink, but she nodded eagerly, “Want to watch us kiss, Ruby?”

Ruby nodded, staring wide eyed between the two. Azalea scooted around to meet Daphne in front of Ruby and placed her hands on Daphne’s hips. She suddenly was feeling self-conscious. She’d kissed Daphne before, of course, but never in front of an audience like this. Definitely never in front of another person she wanted to kiss, too.

She lifted her eyes to see that Daphne’s face was pink, and her sapphire eyes were sparkling as they stared back lovingly. Together, they leaned forward and tilted their heads slightly. Azalea felt her eyes close automatically when their lips brushed together.

There was a sharp intake of breath from the side, and they turned to see Ruby with wide pupils still staring at them.

“So - er - there’s a bit more to kissing than that, but that’s the basics. Would you like to try, now?”

Ruby stared at her and nodded slowly. Azalea adjusted herself and gently brought her hands to Ruby’s waist, “Just take it slow. Tilt your head to the right slightly to avoid bumping noses too much.”

She felt Ruby’s small hands resting a bit tensely on her hips. Azalea looked into Ruby’s eyes, noting the cloudy grey colour with a ring of gold around the pupils, “Just lean forward. You’re doing great.”

Azalea leaned forward, followed slowly by Ruby. Ruby hesitated for a moment before their lips met, and Azalea felt her breath on her lips. She smiled and let Ruby close the last of the distance.

When she did, it was different than with Daphne, but definitely just as nice. When Ruby moaned a little and tightened her grip on Azalea’s hips, she pulled back a little, finding her breathing had quickened quite a bit.

Ruby’s eyes fluttered open, “Why’d you stop?”

Azalea giggled, “I think Saph would like a turn, before we get too carried away.”

They looked over at Daphne to see a hungry look in her eyes. She held out her hands to Ruby, who quickly moved closer and started pulling them closer. When their lips met, Azalea found it interesting that she didn’t feel the jealousy she had expected. Maybe it was because this was literally what she and Daphne had planned, what they wanted, but all Azalea could think was how

good

they looked together. She felt herself growing warmer as she watched, though she narrowed her eyes slightly when it didn’t show signs of stopping.

Finally, Ruby pulled back and turned to Azalea, “Can we try the triangle thing, now?”

Azalea and Daphne both laughed at that and they all adjusted themselves so they each had a hand on the hips of the girls next to them. As one, they leaned forward, but paused when their noses were almost touching.

“Er - I guess we all tilt a little and -”

They each tilted their heads slightly to the right and pushed the last bit forward.

Kissing both of them at once was… once again very different. It wasn’t

bad

necessarily, but Azalea definitely preferred one at a time.

After a few seconds, they all drew back and giggled.

“I think I prefer one at a time,” she admitted.

Daphne nodded in agreement while Ruby just smiled.

“Well, Ruby,” Daphne focused on her, “do you want to date us?’

Ruby bit her bottom lip and nodded shyly, “yes, please,” she whispered.

Azalea squealed in excitement and pulled her girlfriend and fiancee into a hug. Daphne and Ruby giggled and hugged her back.

She released them and Ruby bit her lip and tilted her head.

“What is it, Ruby?” Daphne asked.

“Um, what about your, um, betrothal and stuff. How do I fit in?”

“Do you want something like that, Ruby?” Azalea offered.

Ruby shrugged, “I just mean, if you’re both going to be married, what about me?”

“Daphne?” Azalea turned to her. Daphne was much more knowledgeable about the details of these issues.

“Well, I doubt we’ll be able to make anything legal until we’re all adults. Your grandmother is your guardian, right?”

Ruby nodded.

“And I doubt she would be willing to sign anything, especially not with a girl. I also don’t think my parents will understand right away, but once we’re all adults, we can just go through Gringotts directly. They don’t care about how many people a human wants to marry and their contracts can be

very

difficult to break.”

Ruby nodded and spoke with a quiet voice, “Okay.”

“First, though,” Azalea added, “we have to date for a bit. I love you both, but we are only teenagers. I’m not ready to get married right this second.”

Ruby blushed and leaned into Azalea. Her next sentence was almost silent, “I love you, too.”

That night, after Ruby had returned to her own dormitory, Daphne came from behind to give Azalea a big hug and kiss.

“How is it,” she asked, “that you are somehow able to grant every impossible childhood wish I had?”

“Well,” Azalea responded, “Am I still missing any?”

“Hmm, I used to want a pet dragon to ride around on.”

Azalea raised an eyebrow, “Not a unicorn?”

Daphne returned the raised eyebrow with a wicked grin, “I was never innocent enough for

that

, my love.”

She winked and walked to her own bed, leaving a flustered Azalea behind.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
‘Finally,’ Hermione thought, ‘Noire without Greengrass.’

She was in the halls between classes, and had spotted the now-familiar black hair ahead of her. She was walking with another fifth-year, Ruby Vallée if she remembered correctly. She hurried her steps a little to catch up.

“Excuse me, Miss Noire? Can I talk to you for a minute?”

Noire turned around and met her eyes and Hermione’s world stopped.

“Ha -”

Suddenly, she was being shepherded into a study room with H - Harry and Vallée. Once the door was closed and Harry had cast a dozen privacy charms, he - or was it she now - turned to face Hermione.

“Er -” she scratched the back of her head, “Hi, Hermione.”

Minutes later, Hermione paced back and forth while Ha - Azalea and Vallée watched her. How could she have missed it? Harry had never really fit in properly with Ron or the other boys. She’d always been rather standoffish and more considerate, when he wasn’t following Ron’s lead.

She was angry, she was sad, but the worst part was that she

understood

. ‘Harry Potter’ had always had expectations forced upon him. He was expected to be the hero, to take responsibility and risks in a crisis, probably to eventually marry someone and produce heirs, according to British purebloods.

Azalea had found a way to escape. She’d given Hermione chances, and she had failed over and over again. In the end, there was really only one thing she could say. She stopped in front of Azalea and closed her eyes.

“I’m so so sorry, Azalea. I should have been there. I should have never doubted you. I should have been your friend like you’ve always been mine. I - I wish I had been worthy of your trust, but I know I failed. Can we ever be friends again?”

Through her tears, Hermione saw Azalea and Vallée shared a look. Vallée reached over and gave Azalea’s hand a squeeze, and Azalea turned to Hermione.

“You really hurt me, Hermione. First with the Tournament and then over the summer when you cut me off. Last year… last year I wasn’t a good friend either. I kept wanting to reach out and tell you everything, but I was sure you would just run to Dumbledore and ruin everything. Then Daphne showed up and asked for help with Defence,” She smiled wistfully, “When she first cast her patronus, she asked me out, and - I knew I could trust her, so I told her everything. It didn’t feel right to start a relationship with so many secrets, so I told her. From my childhood with the Dursleys through everything at school. When I told her about me being a girl, she laughed and told me she was gay and had wondered why she ever developed a crush on me,” She turned to Ruby and shared a meaningful look.

She took a breath and looked back at Hermione, “I forgive you, Hermione. I hope you can forgive me.”

Hermione felt her bottom lip tremble, “Oh, H - Azalea! Sorry. You have nothing to apologise for. You’re right, I probably

would

have gone to Dumbledore. But not anymore. I’ve had plenty of time to think about it, and he had a really unhealthy fixation on controlling your life,” A sudden realisation hit her, “

Pronouns

!” Vallée winced, and Hermione continued a bit more quietly, “Sorry. That’s how you figured out the prophecy wasn’t about you, isn’t it?”

Azalea smirked and nodded, “Pretty simple. I’m

really

not a fan of Divination.”

“Ugh, tell me about it,” Hermione rolled her eyes and returned the smirk.

Azalea raised her eyebrows suddenly and turned to Vallée, “Right. Ruby, this is my best friend from Hogwarts, Hermione Granger. Hermione, this is Ruby Vallée, mine and Daphne’s girlfriend.”

Hermione’s polite smile froze on her face as she blinked a few times to digest the new information, “G - girlfriend? Both of you?”

Azalea smiled shyly and nodded, “Yeah. It’s pretty new, but we’re all dating each other.”

“Er -” she shook her head, “Sorry, of course. Nice to meet you, Ruby,” she held out a hand to shake.

Ruby smiled, though she looked a bit uncomfortable, “N -nice to meet you too, Hermione. I, um - I don’t really like touching people, sorry.”

“Oh,” Hermione pulled her hand back quickly, “That’s fine. I didn’t mean to offend.”

“It’s okay. Emmi’s told me lots about you.”

“Emmi?”

“Oh, um -”

“It’s okay, Ruby. We have nicknames, me and Daphne. I’m Emmi, or Emerald. Daphne’s Saph, or Sapphire. Ruby already has a gem name, so it fits.”

“Okay. I suppose that makes sense. Trying to be the Marauders of Beauxbatons?”

Azalea cleared her throat nervously. Hermione narrowed her eyes. She was hiding something. She opened her mouth, but Azalea beat her to it.

“Daphne’s probably waiting for us. Want to join us for dinner, Hermione?”

“Hmm, alright,

Emmi

.”

Azalea huffed a laugh, “Come on, we’ll introduce you properly.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Rita Skeeter set the latest draft of the biography of Harry Potter, working title “The-Boy-Who-Lost”, aside for her editor to look over later. The next article she’d written about the boy’s tragic life was not as good as her previous work, yet. She’d exhausted most of the letter he’d sent her by now.

She considered whether she might retire from writing for the Prophet soon. The sales forecasts for her book were already more than enough to set her up for life, and she could keep the Witch Weekly column to keep herself sharp with little effort.

She glanced through the windows of her office into the chaotic main room, glad she didn’t work in the Pit anymore. As she returned her attention to her article, the building shuddered. The magic in the air shifted. If she wasn’t so used to the way the wards felt after years working under them, she wouldn’t have noticed.

She stood quickly and tried to apparate, but found she couldn’t. She also saw that her private office floo was out. The building shook again, harder this time, and the silencing charm around her office collapsed.

The sounds of screams broke into her office and she knew she had to act quickly. Diving under her desk and out of sight, she shifted into her animagus form and crawled out the bottom of her barely open window.

The street below was flooded with people in dark cloaks, some of them firing indiscriminately at random shoppers who hadn’t yet reached shelter in the alley, others were pushing forward into the Daily Prophet offices. Not willing to take any unnecessary risks, Rita crawled to an out of the way corner and flew over to the next building, trying to put as much space between herself and the Death Eaters as possible.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Amelia Bones looked over the pile of reports on her desk. Diagon Alley had been attacked, and by the time Aurors had been able to respond, the Daily Prophet was in ruins. Seventeen people had been killed. They were mostly civilians, but a few Death Eaters and one Auror were also dead. There were an additional twelve employees of the Daily Prophet missing, including Rita Skeeter.

This could not continue.

“We’ll have to increase patrols in Diagon Alley. We can pull a few from the smaller villages and release a statement that the Ministry is standing strong against the Death Eater threat. Adding a few raids in Knockturn would also send a good message.”

Amelia viewed her political rival, Rufus Scrimgeur, sternly, “If we remove the patrols from the smaller villages, the Death Eaters will see them as easy targets.”

“We don’t have enough Aurors to cover both, Minister. The department has been steadily growing since Fudge left office, but it’s still severely understaffed.”

Amelia sighed. There

weren't

enough Aurors, it was true. Voldemort had a whole year ahead of them. At this point, there really was only one option in her mind.

“Keep the patrols as they are for the moment. Put together your suggestions for their assignments and get it to my desk by tomorrow morning.”

Scrimgeur grunted and left her office. Amelia closed the door with a wave of her wand and pulled out a piece of parchment to write a letter. If Britain couldn’t handle the threat alone, it was her duty as Minister to seek help elsewhere.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
“So, I know this is going to be weird, Hermione, Fleur. I just want you to keep in mind that they are not the same as you thought. They’re my family now, and I’m going to protect them.”

The larger group than normal entered the small mansion that three of her family members currently called home.

As they walked through the main hallway to the living room behind Tonks, Hermione responded, “I understand, Azalea. Fleur told me what happened with Draco and Lucius. If Tonks can stand to live in the same house as her, I’m sure we’ll be fine…”

She and Fleur both froze in the doorway when they noticed one more person than they expected. Fleur quickly stepped in front of Hermione and drew her wand. Bella shrank in on herself and held her hands up.

“What is

she

doing here, Azalea?”

After a

long

explanation, Azalea was able to convince everyone to put away their wands and sit. Hermione and Fleur remained wary of Bella, though Azalea could tell Hermione

really

wanted to look at her new arm. Bella herself mostly just sat looking ashamed.

“So, it’s like the Imperious Defence, but it’s actually real?”

Azalea nodded, “She had no control over herself until magic recognised her divorce from Rodolphus and Voldemort.”

Hermione had a bewildered look on her face, which was not something she’d seen often.

“One more thing, and I mean no offence to anyone, but why would you pick

Tonks

as your heiress?”

“Thank you!” Tonks agreed vehemently. Azalea was thankful that no one had shouted. Everyone present was aware that Ruby had sensitive hearing, but only her and Daphne knew why.

“So you are now a high profile heiress, Mademoiselle Tonks?” Fleur leaned forward in her seat and slid her eyes over Tonks. Azalea noticed Hermione frowning and smirked internally.

“Yes, and as her Head of House, I would appreciate it if you make any intentions to court my heiress known to me.”

Tonks’ horrified stare at Azalea was enough to send her into a fit of giggles.

“How? Why would you -? Don’t make me pull a mum on you, Azalea!”

Azalea managed to get control of her giggling, “I honestly don’t care who you date, Tonks. You’ll always be welcome in

my

family.”

A tapping at the window interrupted further conversation.

“That’ll be the Prophet. They missed the last few days,” Narcissa stood and opened the window to pay the owl and collect the paper.

“Is the Prophet the only news you get?” Azalea asked.

“Out of Britain specifically, yes.”

“Maybe you should look into a Quibbler subscription.”

Narcissa gave her an odd look and opened the paper. Her eyes immediately widened, “Oh my!”

She laid the paper out on the coffee table, revealing the headline.

MINISTER BONES CALLS IN INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE AFTER FATAL DIAGON ALLEY ATTACK!

“Shit. Bonesey isn’t playing around, is she?”

“That would explain why the Prophet missed a few days. It says here they were the primary target,” Hermione read quickly over Cissa’s shoulder.

“Calling in the ICW will have the Wizengamot in an uproar. They don’t like letting others into what they consider British business.”

“Too bad. The war has already spread internationally,” Bella added spitefully, “Greyback is here under

his

orders, and he has several spies in countries throughout Europe. Don’t bother asking me who, he never told me. Then you have Dumbledore sending Order members after Azalea, and to counter

his

activities.”

“Right, you split up with him in Paris. Do you think he can find us?”

Fleur shook her head, “Beauxbatons’ wards would never allow him in, and we are only in the village on some weekends during the day. He may try to attack this house if he finds it, but the wards in place here are also quite powerful.”

“I agree,” Cissa added, “Especially since our Lady has been visiting, the wards have shown a marked improvement. Greyback may still try, but we would have plenty of warning and time to accrue enough firepower to end him.”

“Why would it matter that I specifically visit?” Azalea had heard that wards tend to be stronger in places where more magical beings tend to gather, like Hogwarts and Beauxbatons.

“You do know that you are extraordinarily powerful, Azalea, don’t you?” Cissa eyed her with a hint of concern.

“I am?”

Cissa let out an exasperated sigh. Daphne took over the explanation.

“So, other than being the Head of House, which boosts the wards as well, you

are

ridiculously powerful, Azalea. You summoned a Patronus at thirteen. You completed a

very

complicated and power intensive ritual at fifteen, and you’ve faced Voldemort more times than anyone other than maybe Dumbledore and survived. That wasn’t just luck.”

“Is that how you changed? A ritual? I thought those were illegal,” Hermione frowned.

Azalea cleared her throat, “

technically

, yes it was illegal, but I could find no other long-term methods that wouldn’t require constant upkeep. I likely would have had to resort to surgery and been stuck on hormone potions for life.”

There were a few quiet hisses around the table and Bella’s arm twitched.

“And I thought the power requirement was why we tied it into the leylines beneath the Chamber?” Azalea continued.

Daphne nodded, “That was the intent, yes, but I looked at the arithmancy again recently after some of Beauxbatons classes and noticed we made a small miscalculation. The ritual

did

tap into the leylines, but at least half the power came from

you

Azalea.”

Azalea was stunned. She remembered the power that the ritual required very well, having gone over the calculations multiple times with her own mostly self-taught Arithmancy skills, “That’s - a lot of power… You’re saying I have

that much

?”

Daphne inclined her head, “You are

very

powerful, Azalea. At least on the same level as Dumbledore.”

Azalea felt a bit dizzy. She leaned back in her chair and tried to take slow breaths.

“Wow. I guess I’m glad the wards are better, then.”

“I still think we should tell someone about Greyback running around the Pyrenees. What about the French Ministry?”

“Perhaps, Hermione, but then we may need to tell them how we learned that, and Bellatrix is still wanted.”

“What about Madame Maxime?”

Fleur tilted her head, “Oui, she will also wonder where we heard the information, but will be more likely to take it seriously without knowing all the specifics.”

“Alright, Hermione and Fleur, you can go talk to Madame Maxime. You three,” Azalea turned to Bella, Cissa, and Tonks, “Be careful and try not to spend too much time outside at night. Bella, do you still have your wand?”

Bella winced and she moved her right hand away from the pocket that currently held her wand. Azalea nodded, “I’ll try to get to Gringotts soon and see if I can find a family wand you can use. Daphne, Ruby, and I will keep our eyes and ears open for any other information and keep visiting when we can. Tonks, can you send Andi a message about Greyback? I know the British ministry isn’t in a great place, but they might still be able to help somehow.”

There were nods all around the room as the participants started toward their tasks.

Tonks decided to walk them back, sticking with Hermione and Fleur.

On her walk back with Fleur, Hermione glanced at where Azalea was walking several paces ahead with her girlfriends.

“She really has changed. At Hogwarts, she was never so…”

“Commanding?” Tonks offered.

Hermione nodded.

“Yeah, she’s really taken to the whole Head of House thing. I know I complain about being her Heiress, but Azalea gave us back our family, especially for mum. Also, with how close those three are, I don’t think I’ll have the spot for too long. A couple years for them to finish school and maybe a few more before they settle down, and I’m sure there’ll be a bunch of little - er - miniature versions of those three running around.”

Fleur smirked at Tonks, “‘Miniature versions’?”

“Hey, it’s hard to make the phrase work with a relationship like theirs.”

“Well, you’ve got straight blond and red and wavy black hair; and blue, grey, and green eyes,” Hermione offered.

“Their children will also likely be quite powerful,” Fleur speculated.

“And cause no end of trouble for their mums,” Tonks added.

The three older witches snickered, while the three younger continued to walk red faced, having heard the entire conversation with their enhanced hearing.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Everything was falling apart. How could Amelia have involved the ICW in this. It was political suicide. If the ICW were not holding up her government, she would have been voted out weeks ago. Now, there were ICW Aurors far outnumbering the DMLE Aurors while the department was being audited.

Nymphadora had never responded, and Albus was sure now that she would not return. Severus had received a summons from the investigators to report immediately when the school year ended, and he hadn’t heard from Remus on his progress with the packs, yet.

Now he sat at his desk looking over a notice that the ICW would be searching Hogwarts the day after term ended as well. The school governors had even signed it.

He looked over to Fawkes’ perch and wondered when he’d last seen his faithful phoenix companion.

He set down the paper and sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“I shall have to tell them. And Harry will have to learn the truth, all of it. I only hope he will make the right decision for the greater good.”

An hour later, Alastor and Severus stood in his office.

“Gentlemen, I am going to die soon. The curse on my arm has spread and shows no signs of stopping. Before I die, I must tell you many things…”

The explanation was long, and both men were frowning by the end.

“You’ve killed two of them, then?” Alastor growled.

“Young Harry destroyed the diary at the end of his second year. I was able to destroy the ring earlier this year. I suspect the remaining horcruxes to be objects related to Hogwarts, specifically Slytherin’s Locket, Hufflepuff’s Cup, and perhaps one more. I believe he also made his snake into a horcrux, and the final one that must be destroyed before Tom is defeated…” he swallowed the lump in his throat, “I believe it to be in Harry Potter’s scar.”

“Shit,” Alastor swore as what little colour he had drained from Severus’ face.

“What was it for, Albus?” the dour man whispered. His voice began to rise until he was nearly shouting the last bit, “I have spied for you, and lied for you, put myself in mortal danger for you. Everything was supposed to be to keep Lily Potter’s child safe. Now you tell me you have been raising them like a pig for slaughter –”

“Severus,” Albus looked hopefully at the man, “Have you grown to care for the boy after all?”

Snape simply narrowed his eyes.

“Unfortunately, Severus, I am afraid that with the ICW presence, our original plan may have to be rejected. Hogwarts needs you. If you are the one who kills the previous headmaster, it will not be enough. Tom may have ordered you to kill me directly, but even he must understand the dangers of ICW interference.”

Severus nodded sharply, disappearing behind his laudable occlumency once more.

“When I do finally pass, I have some items that must be given to Harry and, if she can be reunited with him, Miss Granger.”

Albus reached into his desk for the book, the snitch, and his deluminator.

“Harry must be told of the horcruxes and how to destroy them. Ensure that the sword of Gryffindor reaches him as well. Once all are destroyed, he must stand before Tom and willingly sacrifice himself to fulfil the prophecy.”

“Very well, Albus,” Snape spoke slowly, picking up the items and tucking them into his robe, “We shall tell him.”

“Thank you, Severus. Alastor, this will be our last meeting. Goodbye, old friend, and good luck.”

Alastor shook hands with Albus and left the office for the last time. Albus felt a tear leave his eye as he watched one of his oldest living friends disappear in the green flames.

“Severus,” Albus looked upon his spy, “Our own meetings will be reduced as well. After the ICW has cleared you, find Harry. He will likely be staying in one of the old Black family homes in France -”

“Avada Kedavra.”

The last thing Dumbledore saw was a flash of bluish-green light and the enraged face of his potions master.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
The last visit to Batons-le-Petit was always at the end of exam week. As a result, far more students than usual tended to join rather than spend more time studying.

Azalea’s usual group of Daphne, Ruby, Hermione, Fleur, and Tonks were joined today by Astoria and Gabrielle. Fleur had suggested a picnic at one of her favourite places on the walking trails around the village, and everyone was excited.

As they reached a good distance from the main village, Ruby stuttered in her steps before straightening herself and continuing.

“What is it, Ruby,” Azalea whispered.

“People, big ones, three of them in the trees to our right.”

Daphne nodded, “They’re good at keeping quiet in the woods.”

“Be ready to get help, I’ll catch up with the others to let them know what’s up.”

Azalea sped up, “Hey, wait up a second!”

The older girls turned to see her and Azalea saw that Astoria and Gabrielle were further ahead.

“Come back here for a minute, girls!”

“EMMI!” Ruby shouted as the hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. She cast a powerful shield to her right just in time to catch a bright orange spell.

“Get the girls!” she shouted at anyone who would listen.

“Now, now, Miss Potter, I’m sure we can talk about this,” Azalea turned just enough to keep the two figures emerging from the treeline in sight and saw a large, hairy man holding a girl in each arm. He put his face right up against Gabby’s and took a long sniff. Gabrielle whimpered.

“Fenrir Greyback, I presume?”

“Right in one, Miss Potter. Now, I got a job to do and while I appreciate a good mess, I’m sure you’d prefer your pretty little friends to get out in one piece.”

Azalea nodded slowly, “You want me.”

“Right again. So how about you just hand your wand over to one of my associates and come quietly. We’ll make sure to let these little morsels go once you’re secure.”

Fleur and Daphne had their wands fixed in Greyback’s direction, while Tonks and Hermione each had one on the two to the side. Ruby was nowhere to be seen. Had she slipped away before they were ambushed?

“And you won’t hurt any of them, right?”

“Azalea, no!” Hermione cried out, “We can save them without you giving yourself up!”

“They’re werewolves, Hermione. We’re kids. We can’t keep up with their reflexes or resistance,” Azalea briefly met Daphne’s eyes, attempting to convey her idea. She hoped Daphne understood.

“But I just found you again! What was the point if you’re just going to give yourself up like this?”

“Hermione, I understand, but we have to do what’s best for Gabby and Stori. Greyback!”

“I’m listening, little missy.”

“I’ll surrender, but you need to let both of them go immediately. Promise on the honour of your pack that you will release them unharmed immediately.”

“The honour of my pack? Someone thinks they understand werewolves. I’m surprised a student of the pitiful lone wolf has any idea of what we’re truly like.”

“Promise me, Greyback!”

“Alright, little Potter bitch. Maybe the Dark Lord will let me take you into my pack after he’s done with you. I can always use more bitches!”

“Azalea!”

“Quiet, Hermione! Your promise?”

Greyback narrowed his eyes, “Deal. If you give yourself up to my associates, I will release the little ones.”

“Immediately!”

Greyback nodded in annoyance, “Yes, yes, immediately. I swear this on the honour of my pack.”

Azalea nodded and straightened, lowering her wand and flipping it in her hand. She allowed the smaller werewolf in front of her to take it and the other one produced some rope to tie her up. As they started to drag her away, she looked pointedly toward Greyback.

The older werewolf rolled his eyes and grumbled. His arms started to loosen as he backed away toward the trees. Finally, he shoved them forward at the same moment Azalea was dragged into the trees.

The werewolves moved quickly and efficiently through the woods. She kept careful track of which directions they went and for how long. She was also sure she could probably smell their tracks if she needed to use them to find her way home.

“You’re lucky full moon was only a week ago, little Potter. You could be back home in Britain in a week no worse for wear. Of course, if you don’t continue cooperating, we may have to take a longer route…”

“By cooperation, I assume…”

“The Dark Lord wasn’t too picky about the

condition

you arrive in, only that you are alive.”

The other two werewolves laughed at Greyback’s statement as Azalea forced her mind not to think through the implications. They weren’t going to have the chance if she had anything to say about it.

As the day started to cool off, Azalea found her opportunity. She shifted into her kneazle form and leapt forward to grab her wand from the pocket where the smaller werewolf had carelessly placed it before darting off through the trees.

Yelling quickly followed her and she knew they would catch her eventually. They knew how to travel in the woods too well. She doubted her nighttime explorations with Saph and Ruby would give her any advantage.

She sprinted as far as she could to make as much distance between them as possible before reaching a small clear area. Shifting back, she spat her wand into her hand and cast the spell to soften the earth - as powerfully as she could.

The first two werewolves charged straight into the muck, sinking to their waists almost instantly. They had no chance to avoid the overpowered cutting curses to their throats.

Then Greyback arrived. Seeing the two headless bodies of his underlings sinking into the mud, he slowed down, watching Azalea like a predator watches prey.

“Well, well, little miss Potter! Seems you have a backbone after all! Oh, you’ll make an excellent bitch once I finish breaking you, darling! Our cubs will be able to take over their own packs easily!”

'Not like prey,' Azalea almost retched, 'like a potential mate.' She couldn’t help the involuntary shiver.

“Not. Interested.”

“You will be darling,” He sniffed deeply, “Oh, yes, you will be once you feel a true alpha on top of and inside you!”

Azalea responded with a Cutter aimed at his pelvis, which he dodged easily.

“Good, you already know how to fight dirty. I wonder how long this spell lasts…” he tapped the edge of the initial spell area with a foot. It didn’t sink. Azalea noted that the bodies were still sinking, but more slowly than before.

Another idea, though a bit reckless, came to mind. It would leave her open for a few seconds that could be critical. She’d also never used the spell this way, so she couldn’t be certain it would work. She made her choice while the ground was still unstable. She thought of her girlfriends.

“Expecto Patronum!”

The doe patronus shot into the air - and dashed off in what she thought was the right direction.. Greyback charged, and it was only luck that he stepped on a part of the ground that had kept its instability somewhat. Rather than grabbing her by the throat, he slashed a deep cut across her shoulder with his razor-sharp nails.

“Depulso!”

Greyback was tossed back to the other side of the clearing, but immediately charged forward again. Azalea shifted and darted up the nearest tree, shifting back once she was on a more stable branch.

Greyback threw himself at the base of the tree, causing the entire thing to shake. Azalea barely held on thanks to her years of experience riding a broom. She would have much rather been doing this with her Firebolt, she decided.

Greyback backed up slightly to make another attempt to knock the tree over, and Azalea aimed her wand, throwing a Cutting Curse at the werewolf. Her shot wasn’t as accurate, missing the centre of mass, but it managed to catch a few fingers on his hand.

Greyback howled in pain and anger as he redoubled his attempts to knock over the tree. Azalea could feel her grip weakening, until a final crash knocked her off her branch and she started plummeting to the ground below, screaming.

She saw Greyback’s manic eyes and sharp teeth about to close on her before she was suddenly pulled in a different direction. She was gently deposited on the ground and her vision filled with the worried faces of Daphne and Ruby. Behind them, she could see the

very

tall form of their Headmistress, Olympe Maxime, standing between them and the enraged werewolf.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Are you injured, mademoiselle Noire?”

Azalea quickly processed the question and shook her head, “Just a scratch, Madame.”

Greyback decided that the interlude was over and charged toward the small party. Madame Maxime moved her wand like she was directing an orchestra, and indeed Azalea began to hear music. [Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, from 2:00-3:30]

In time with her wand movements, the ground beneath Greyback began to shift. The werewolf had to put in everything he had to keep his footing, and all forward progress seemed to have halted.

He started getting more reckless, throwing himself forward to make up even an inch of ground, but the movement of the earth increased as the music approached its climax.

With the sound of a cannon, the ground rolled over Greyback and turned into flat stone. All that remained of Fenrir Greyback was an odd block of granite in the middle of the woods.

Azalea looked with wonder at Madame Maxime. Her performance felt on par with Dumbledore’s fight against Voldemort at the end of last year, though of course her opponent was significantly weaker than Voldemort.

“Merci, Madame.”

Madame Maxime turned to Azalea and smiled, inclining her head slightly, “My pleasure, Lady Potter-Black. Let us get you and your friends to Beauxbatons and see about that scratch. In light of your condition, we can worry about proper introductions later.”

In the hospital wing, Azalea, Daphne, and Ruby were quickly joined by the other five. Gabby was attached to Fleur while Stori rushed to grab Daphne’s arm.

The medi-witch had a whole cart full of potions as she started to examine Azalea, but she sighed in relief and dismissed them back to her office. When asked why, she responded.

“Vous avez beaucoup de chance. Il n'y a aucune trace d'infection par un loup-garou dans votre sang. Même un loup-garou non transformé peut transmettre une partie de sa malédiction par le biais de blessures.” [You are very lucky. There is no hint of werewolf infection in your bloodstream. Even an untransformed werewolf may transfer some of their curse through wounds.]

Azalea smiled at her girlfriends as her shoulder was quickly healed. Hermione narrowed her eyes at her.

Once the medi-witch finished, she looked around at the gathered group, “Je souhaiterais vous garder cette nuit en observation. Je vérifierai une fois de plus demain matin pour m'assurer qu'il n'y a pas de problèmes persistants. Vos amis peuvent rester pour l'instant, mais doivent rester silencieux pour ne pas déranger les autres patients.” [I would like to keep you overnight for observation. I will check once more in the morning to ensure that there are no lingering issues. Your friends may stay for now, but must remain quiet to not disturb any other patients.]

Once she had shuffled off to work on something else, everyone else gathered closer. Hermione flatly pointed out, “So, you’re immune to werewolves, now? What a rare and fascinating ability.”

Azalea shrugged, “You know my luck by now, Hermione. It always looks terrible at first, but somehow I pull through.”

“Mmhmm. And I suppose Ruby’s

timely

disappearance to bring help was just a bit of luck as well?”

“If you want to be an animagus, too, I can teach you, Hermione!” Ruby offered innocently.

Everyone slowly turned to Ruby, who squirmed in her seat, “Um, please don’t stare at me.”

Thankfully, Fleur and the younger girls averted their eyes.

“So

you

taught Azalea and Daphne?” Hermione pressed.

Ruby nodded shyly. Hermione looked at the girl with great interest, “When can we start?”

Azalea chuckled, “I wonder what you’ll be Hermione?”

“I’m guessing a horse. Imagine a mane of that curly hair!” Daphne suggested.

“I think perhaps a beautiful swan,” Fleur offered, causing Hermione to blush.

Gabrielle made a gagging face toward Astoria, who hid a giggle.

“I don’t know,” Azalea began, “I think she might be a ca -” she stopped suddenly when Hermione shot her a glare, “ca…uriousity of some sort. Something rare and intelligent.”

“Hmmph,” Hermione continued her glare, “Nice save, Noire.”

Daphne and Ruby eyed her curiously, to which Azalea shook her head. She’d leave it to Hermione to tell them

that

story from second year…
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Minister Amelia Bones stood in the office of the Headmaster of Hogwarts, “And Snape hasn’t been seen since?”

“Left him alone with Dumbledore after he told us about the horcruxes. Dumbledore gave him a few things he wanted to go to Potter. They weren’t in the list of things found, so Snape’s still got them.”

Amelia “A snitch, a book, and a deluminator? Cryptic to the end, old man.”

“There’s more.”

Amelia eyed him sternly.

Moody grunted, “Dumbledore said the scar’s one - a horcrux.”

Amelia’s jaw opened slightly, “No.”

Moody nodded, “Worth checking out, at least.”

Amelia tightened her jaw, “I’ll send her a message.”

“Minister Bones, we found one.”

“Croaker,” Amelia acknowledged the cloaked figure who had appeared seemingly from nowhere, “another horcrux?”

Croaker nodded and produced a lead-lined box. He touched a rune on the side, causing the top to become clear. Inside was a tarnished silver tiara with a blue gemstone. Barely visible etched into the surface was the phrase ‘Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure.’

Croaker didn’t keep it visible for long. Amelia was thankful, as she had already felt the darkness of the object starting to reach out to her.

“The Diadem of Ravenclaw? Where was it found?”

“A couple of sixth-year students showed us a secret room on the seventh floor. Said it was the legendary Room of Requirement. I’m inclined to believe them.”

“Which students?”

“A Hufflepuff who requested not to be named,” despite the way the Unspeakable’s cloak distorted his voice, Amelia could hear the amusement, “and a Slytherin named Tracey Davis.”

“Remind me to raise Susan’s allowance and ground her for the summer.”

Moody grunted in an approximation of a chuckle.

Amelia looked at the box again and frowned, “That makes five. That just leaves the snake…”

“And the girl…” Moody growled in confirmation.
 
<🐍🐍🐍🐍🐍>
 
Azalea was given a clean bill of health and allowed to leave in the morning. Daphne and Ruby had stayed in the hospital wing with her, and the others had returned in the morning.

As the group left the wing, they met Madame Maxime, who was accompanied by a few other Professors.

“Mademoiselle Noire, vous connaissez les professeurs Nathan et Pénélope Vetus. Ils souhaitaient vous parler, ainsi qu'à Mademoiselle Granger.” [Miss Noire, you know Professors Nathan and Penelope Vetus. They wished to have a word with you and Miss Granger.]

The two professors were the oldest staff members at Beauxbatons, with Nathan Vetus teaching Ancient Studies and Penelope teaching Foreign Cultural Studies. They were quite competent in Azalea’s experience.

“Bien sûr, messieurs les professeurs.” [Of course, Professors.]

Penelope’s sharp eyes swept over the others, “Vos amis peuvent également nous rejoindre, s'ils le souhaitent.” [Your friends may also join us, if they wish.]

They were led to the Vetus’ shared office. It was simply furnished, but had enough seating for everyone.

“Forgive us for taking so long to speak with you, Lady Potter-Black, Miss Granger.”

Nathan spoke in perfect English. There wasn’t even a hint of accent.

Penelope smirked, “We wished to thank you for your efforts to protect our property five years ago. Though it was, of course, a fake, your courage was noticed by us.”

Azalea’s mind started running through what exactly happened five years ago. That would have been first year… But that would mean…

“You are Nicholas and Perenelle Flamel?” Hermione gasped.

Perenelle nodded.

“The stone was a fake?” Azalea quirked an eyebrow.

“Of course. Albus was a brilliant boy, but we would not just give him our stone. Not when it is perfectly safe where it is,” Nicholas huffed.

“Does Dumbledore know that it was fake?” Hermione pressed.

The Flamels’ faces fell, “Ah, I am afraid Albus never knew, nor shall he. He was killed last night.”

“Voldemort?” Azalea frowned.

Perenelle shook her head, “Not directly, at least. The current suspicion is that it was Severus Snape. The man was the last to meet Albus and has not been seen since.”

“Dumbledore trusted him -” Azalea began, but she was interrupted by a hand on her back. She glanced to the side to see Daphne watching her with worry. She sighed and let herself relax slightly.

“Forgive us, we seem to have gotten off track. It happens far too often when you get to be our age,” Perenelle quipped, “Nick and I have also noticed your more extracurricular activities this year, and though we are not particularly interested in politics ourselves, we can tell a good job when we see it.”

Daphne smiled and looked at Azalea proudly.

“We were curious,” Nicholas spoke, “about what you plan to do after you graduate?”

“Oh!” Hermione sat up straighter, “I want to help creatures who are treated unfairly by magical humans.”

“Mostly, I want to marry my betrothed and girlfriend, but I also would like to get at least one Mastery. I was thinking Potions, as I can work on that while taking care of children.,” Daphne offered.

Azalea blushed, and she noticed Ruby squirming and trying to make herself smaller.

“Um, I don’t really know,” Ruby admitted, “I just figured I’d get a job somewhere and then I dunno…”

“You have been a good student in our classes, Miss Vallée. I’m sure you will do well whatever you choose.”

Azalea sighed and leaned back, looking at her lap as she spoke, “I’m not sure. I know I don’t want to be an Auror or anything like that, but I’ve got so much magical power, I want to do something with it. I know I want to take care of my family. I’ve thought about being a teacher, but I don’t know what I’d teach.”

Perenelle smiled, “What about Alchemy?”

Azalea looked up, “Alchemy?”

“The practice of Alchemy requires large levels of raw magic, which you clearly have. You also have excellent scores in both Transfiguration and Potions, your Hogwarts scores notwithstanding. You could begin taking classes with us next year, though you will need a Mastery in Transfiguration or Potions before becoming an official apprentice. The offer would be open to you as well, Misses Granger, Greengrass, and Vallée. Your raw power levels are not at the level of Miss Noire, but you are still quite powerful for your age.”

Azalea blinked a few times as she digested the offer.

“It requires Transfiguration?” Ruby asked.

“They are closely linked,” Nicholas answered.

“Then I’ll pass. If it was just Potions, then sure, but I really don’t like Transfiguration.”

“Even though you’re a genius,” Daphne grumbled, earning a chuckle from the Flamels.

“I might be interested,” Hermione was clearly conflicted, “How long would it take to get a full Mastery?”

“Alchemy takes a lifetime to truly master, but the qualifications for an official Mastery take around ten years for the average student. Albus was one of our best students, and he managed it in six.”

“Who was your best student?” Hermione leaned forward eagerly.

“That depends on your definition of ‘best’, Miss Granger. We each had our favourites, of course, but the quickest one who completed his Mastery, or the equivalent of a Mastery at the time, went by many names. While in England, he went by the Count of St. Germain. Remember him, Nelle?”

“Ugh, don’t even remind me. A pompous fool who caused no end of trouble for the Statute of Secrecy in its early years. Kept offering Alchemy services to non magical nobility. Not a subtle bone in his body.”

“How old

are

you?” Ruby asked innocently.

Daphne facepalmed, and Azalea bit her bottom lip to keep from laughing at her girlfriend’s brutal innocence.

Perenelle offered Ruby a smile and a wink, “Quite old, my dear. We weren’t born Nicholas or Perenelle.”

Azalea considered. She had more than enough money, and alchemy could produce some amazing things, even if you don’t consider the Philosopher’s Stone. There were so few Alchemists that those products were almost never available to the average person. Maybe she could change that.

“I’ll take the class,” she announced confidently.

“We will prepare a book list for you to read over the summer.” Nicholas inclined his head, “Yes, Miss Granger, we will give you the same list whether or not you choose to take the class.”

Azalea sent Hermione a smirk. She’d felt her bouncing from across the room.