HP: A Cadmean Victory Remastered

December 28, 1997

London, England

Harry was going to the Department of Mysteries. Croaker wanted to meet with him, and Harry was not going to allow the man into the wards of Potter Green. There was too much information there that he couldn't risk anyone finding. He would have to look at building a guild hall at some point, but he wasn't ready. He still had years ahead of him to complete a mastery or two before he could train others. He still had a while to be able to make the crystals. A task he couldn't do without getting into Camelot, and after his last dealings with the goblins, Croaker was his best avenue to get there.

Thus, he was in the Ministry.

As he approached the door to the DOM, he rose his hand. The ring of the Peverell's glowed blue for a second, and the door opened. Terri may be the Heiress, but Harry would remain the Lord of the Houses. After a lot of talking with Daphne, Sirius and Aunt Ami, his cousins would be cadet lines. Only if they were all to die off would Dani and Terri become the primary Ladies. They would be able to sit on the Wizengamot. When they all had children, it would have to be decided if he split the houses off or kept them as cadet lines. Harry didn't like so much power in his hands, but he felt if they had more than two children, they should have the option to take a title.

The room just inside the door spun. He closed his eyes until it stopped. "Croaker," was all he said. The third door on the left opened.

He walked down the hallway to the third door on the left. It was a different door than last time, but his ring told him this was it. That was one thing he had found. The original twenty-eight families that founded the Wizard's Council had access to the Ministry if they had legitimate business. Harry's business today was a legitimate concern about the Ministry and Wizengamot, so his ring let him past all the wards that would keep him out. He would still fall afoul if he tried to hurt anyone though.

Harry knocked on the door.

"Come in," a voice said from inside.

He opened the door. Croaker frowned to see him. "You will have to tell me how you do that, Scion Potter-Greengrass."

Harry just shrugged. If Croaker didn't know, then Harry wasn't going to tell him. Harry found it hard to believe the man didn't know though.

Harry took a seat when one grew out of the floor. It was a neat transfiguration that he was wondering if he should copy. Croaker regarded him for a moment before saying, "I think I am underestimating you and your alliance. That was an unexpected turn around on the second day of the Wizengamot meet on the contract bill and funding restraints to my department."

Harry fought the urge to smile. This time around he had caught people off guard. Harry may not be eligible to fully take up his voting rights and seat until he was twenty-one, but auntie had promised to vote his way unless she had solid grounds to oppose him. "I have been learning at the hands of some very knowledgeable politicians."

Croaker regarded him for a moment. "You remind me very much of your grandfather. I assume Lord Greengrass and Madam Bones are tutoring you?"

"Among others," Harry admitted. He wasn't about to say that Slughorn, Daphne and others were teaching or guiding him as well.

"I assume the funding restraint is a direct shot at me?" Croaker questioned.

"No. We didn't stop any research, the Wizengamot just wants to form a committee to review your research and where your budget goes. It wasn't my idea, but I do agree with it. The Unspeakables should report to a body that can review what you do. You say you want a more Muggle style government, this is just one way the government works. The thirteen people on the committee will be sworn to secrecy, it will just be an oversight board," Harry told him.

"A board with teeth that can constrain our budget and research," Croaker told him.

"It can also act as backer for more funding or to keep certain research going," Harry replied.

"I assume my research into the ancient sites will be stopped?" Croaker asked.

"No clue. I'm not old enough to be on the board and I won't tell any of my allies which way to vote, what to back or not since I won't know what you are doing," Harry told him with a little smile.

Croaker snorted in amusement. "I take it this was Hermione's doing?"

"She is very dedicated to changing our government," Harry answered.

"What do I need to do to make sure you won't shut down my research?" Croaker questioned.

Harry shrugged. "No clue. You have six months to get all your projects and the divisions in your department to present a report to the new committee. It's whatever they decide."

Croaker shook his head. "How did you hide this? I usually know everything that is going on."

Again, Harry shrugged. "No clue. Though, we didn't talk to anyone inside the Ministry. Are you suggesting that the Unspeakables are listening or observing everything here?"

Croakers passive face seemed to lose even more emotion. "That would be illegal."

"It would," Harry agreed, not really knowing if it would be or not. So much of the Department of Mysteries was clouded in mystery, for lack of a better term. Most of its orders and rules were shrouded by sealed orders and laws. The Unspeakables took oaths to keep it that way. The new committee would be given access to all this.

Croaker regarded him. Harry felt a small touch on his mind, which quickly retreated. "Your mental capacity is very impressive."

"I have to learn to protect myself. If that was just a probe, Voldemort, Snape and Dumbledore were far more skilled," Harry told him.

"Let's call it a tap," Croaker told him. "What do you want if you are not here to gloat?"

Harry reached into his robes and took out a book. "This."

"And what is that?" Croaker questioned.

"The complete language of the goblins," Harry told him.

Croaker couldn't hide his greed around his eyes. It was gone as quickly as it came. "I already have texts and scrolls on Gobbledygook."

"This isn't Gobbledygook," Harry simply said, putting the handwritten book onto his lap.

"Impossible," Croaker whispered.

"Not really," Harry replied.

"Let's say for a moment I believe you. How did you get that and what do you want?" Croaker enquired.

"Well, that depends," Harry told him. "Do you want to keep the Arkenstone you have or not?"

Croaker's face stayed impassive. "The what?"

"That celestial bronze sphere you have," Harry simply answered.

"What is an Arkenstone?" Croaker asked.

Harry had the feeling the man didn't know what he had. Harry wasn't going to tell him everything, and he doubted that Croaker would ever be able to figure out its full potential, even with the book in his lap. Harry wasn't even sure if he had found the full potential of an Arkenstone. His concern was if the goblins got one or more, the Ministry would need a way to counter it. With Harry having a purer translation that was linked to his blade, he knew he could use its power better than anyone.

"It is a tool that is used for inscribing, powering and empowering runes. Most specifically those languages that go back to ancient Greece," Harry informed him.

Croaker took in a sharp breath. "And this relates to the true goblin tongue how?"

"If you don't know, that is a secret I will keep. This book could give you the power to use it," Harry told him.

Croaker leaned back in his chair. "Why would you give me that?"

"I don't need it and the goblins agreed I could give all the secrets to one other. This is my price to get into Camelot," Harry told him, patting the book.

Croaker's mask broke. He wanted the book. "The book and the bloodlines."

Harry shook his head. "The book or I will work with the goblins to break in."

Croaker pursed his lips. "How do I know this is the true goblin language? How do I know what I may or may not have is and Arkenstone and it will work?"

"It is an Arkenstone," Harry told him.

Croaker didn't miss the distinction. "An Arkenstone?"

Harry nodded. "I don't know how many there are. I have references to at least three. I know the goblins are looking for one. I offer the Unspeakables a way to defend the Ministry and our world."

"Again, why would you give me this? If this is as powerful as I think, I could find a way to get everything I want," Croaker said.

Harry laughed. "Hardly. There are restrictions, and it is used to make runes, not break them. I guess you could make runes to destroy other runes. That is an interesting thought," Harry said to him.

"What type of runes?" Croaker questioned.

"Ones as powerful as the ones that made Hogwarts and the Wizard Council seals. Maybe stronger," Harry replied.

Croaker looked hungry. "As powerful as Camelot?"

"Don't know. I don't have one, so I couldn't say," Harry said. "If you would rather give me the Arkenstone, I can find something as valuable."

"Like?" Croaker asked after a moment.

"The bloodlines you want," Harry offered.

Croaker looked torn. "If I give you this Arkenstone, you will be able to get into Camelot, won't you?"

"Potentially. Potentially not. Like I said, it should be possible to craft runes that would counteract those protecting the city. I would need it to know though," Harry said, hoping an Arkenstone would work, but he doubted it would do anything except give him a way to counter the wards. Merlin had used the Pelanstone to make the wards.

"And the bloodlines?" Croaker asked.

"All that is known about those that made up the Wizarding Council and Wizengamot," Harry told him.

Croaker looked to have an internal struggle. "But not back to the Camelot Court and yours or the other Triumvirate?"

"A lot of that is shrouded in time," Harry replied. It wasn't the total truth, but they had not been able to verify six of the thirteen knights. None of his inner circle wanted that knowledge out there. Hermione felt very confident that knowing the families involved in both covenants would allow Croaker to change things.

They sat there for a long time. Harry being patient as Croaker made his decision. He had a birthday party to get too, but that didn't start until four.

"I have to decide today?" Croaker asked.

"The goblins know where Rogsnorg is," Harry told him.

Croaker must know what he was talking about because he paled some. "How?"

"I told them," Harry said.

"You fool. You could kill us all," Croaker hissed in anger.

Harry held up the book. "Would you like the Arcenstone or me?"

Croaker had a string of swears that had Harry's neck heat. "You are a bloody fecking dick," he ended with.

Harry gave a cheeky grin. "Perhaps. What option would you like?"

"Give me the bloody book. How many people will be entering?" he asked.

"Six for now," Harry told him.

"Three days. I will have a way for you and three others to get in in three days," Croaker told him.

"Then I will hold onto this until then," Harry said, putting the book back into his inner pocket.

Croaker looked extremely upset with him. "I hope you understand what you are playing with, Potter. This isn't a kid's game."

Harry gave a serious look to the man. "I may know better than anyone the stakes of this game. Three worlds hang in the balance."

Croaker snorted. "There are only two. Wizards and Muggles."

Harry stood up. "If you say so."

He left a fuming Croaker. The knot in his stomach tightened. He understood this was a dangerous gambit, but he couldn't figure out a better way. Now he wanted to go enjoy his betroths eighteenth birthday.

-oOo-

January 2, 1998

Laverstock, England

Harry stood on the edge of what the maps said was a large moor. Given how much of the countryside was farmland or small towns, it seemed odd that it would be here. Looking at the mist that started only a hundred or so from him had him nervous. He knew what those mists could do to someone and what was supposed to be inside it. After a thousand years, he wasn't sure if the guardians were still there, but he wasn't sure he wanted to find out.

Sirius and Remus were standing with him. As much as the others wanted to come, Harry only had four of the badges that were supposed to get them through, and his godfather and Remus were the only other adults he trusted for this. Aunt Amelia would come, but she wasn't an adventurer like Remus, or insane like Sirius…

"There is a lot of magic there," Sirius said.

Remus sniffed. "Do you know what is in there?"

"Lesser dragons," Harry told them.

"What type of lesser dragons?" Sirius questioned.

"Wyrms and lindworms," Harry told them.

Remus whistled. "I didn't think there were any left."

"Do you smell them? I know they were there when the mists were crafted," Harry told them.

Remus and Sirius both sniffed. "There is something in there that smells dragonish."

"Brilliant," Harry snarked. "We can apparate beyond the mists with these or walk through it."

"Why aren't we just apparating?" Sirius questioned.

Harry looked at the mist determinedly. "The mists are created by using crystal ward stones. I need to study them. That can wait, though. What I really need is inside Camelot. Supposedly, the Aurors have a secret prison in the mists, but I suspect that is part of Avalon. These are the mists of Camelot."

Remus blinked a few times. "Are you saying Avalon is real too?"

"Pretty sure. After looking at these badges, I think Croaker thinks Avalon is Camelot. I think they are two different places," Harry told them. He lifted his wand, moving it in an intricate Celtic knot. After a moment, a shadow of the runes lifted off the badges in a round cypher. He kept it up until some of the mist pulled away. It wasn't the full rune scheme that made them up, but it was enough that he frowned.

"What are you doing, pup?" Sirius asked.

Remus was looking at the runes. "What language is that?"

"Ancient Greek," Harry told him.

Remus' eyes rose. "I thought Merlin adopted the Roman alphabet and magics."

Harry shook his head. "There are deeper secrets here that I haven't told either of you. Do you want to join the guild when its established?"

Sirius looked at the mist. "You know I'm with you, but I don't understand any of that."

"What does it say?" Remus asked.

"These badges won't work. Either Croaker gave me the wrong ones, or Avalon still exists too," Harry told them. "I could use your help, Remus. You've been on curse breaking teams. I admit I'm a little over my head here."

"Why not ask Bill?" Sirius questioned.

"He works for Gringotts. They can't know how to get in," Harry told them.

"I feel like you've been keeping some big secrets, Harry," Remus said.

"I have. I'm willing to let you both into them if you want. I don't know if this will be dangerous, Sirius. I don't want Quinn growing up without a father," Harry told him.

"Erica and Quinn will be taken care of. I don't have much to do beside be Lord Black now and let me tell you that isn't all that time consuming or interesting," Sirius told him. "Besides, I promised you when you got this idea I would be by your side."

"I'm with you too," Remus told him. "Now, you want to tell us what you are hiding?"

"Not here," Harry told him, taking out a leather-bound journal. He copied the runes that his tests could get. He did a few more of the complicated test spells.

"I've never seen a curse breaker do that," Remus commented to Sirius.

"It's all Greek to me," Sirius replied.

Remus cracked a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes. "Trying to concentrate here," Harry muttered.

"A regular Aristotle. Maybe we should get some pi after this?"

Remus snorted. "Maybe gyros for lunch?"

"Arses," Harry said, having to start his spell over again.

"What is the Greek word for arse?" Sirius enquired.

"Not sure, but I'm sure your face is next to it in the dictionary," Remus said deadpan.

"I hate you both," Harry said annoyed, having to start the spell for the third time. The two 'adults' behind him kept cracking jokes and by the fifth time he was casting stinging hexes at them.

-oOo-

February 7, 1998

Redhill, England

Hermione was sitting on the edge of the toilet. She had come home, not knowing where else to go, after doing some dress shopping with Tracey, Daphne and Susan for next weekend. Their boys were doing something special for them and they had been told to look presentable… or to get dolled up for them. She liked doing that and the way Blaise looked at her.

Now, her eyes were wide as she looked at the plastic stick in her hand. She had not been feeling that well for the last week or two, actually off for more than a month now, but after an off comment by Tracey earlier and a trip to the chemists, she was now sitting in her bathroom.

When had she had her last period?

Things had been so crazy. They were all studying for their NEWTS, helping Harry where they could and trying to keep up with their head duties… Being late was not an uncommon thing when being stressed… but five weeks late?

Had she really been that busy she hadn't noticed she never had one in January?

She had thought her slight weight gain and belly change had only happened because she wasn't working out with Harry and Daphne now that things were so busy.

Fear raced through her as she watched the first strip appear, and then a moment later, the faint signs of a second line started and she started to feel sick. Within another minute, it clearly showed that she was pregnant.

Her stomach roiled. She quickly plopped on the floor and emptied her stomach. Her mother knocked on the door. "Hermione, are you alright?"

"Yeah, mum. Just feeling a little sick," she said, leaning her head on her arm as she sat on the floor, unsure if she was going to get sick again.

The door handle rattled. "Maybe I should come in to just look you over?"

"I'll be fine, mum. Just give me a few," Hermione said. She was unsure what her parents might think and knowing she had to go get this checked out right away.

"Alright, but when you get out, let me just take a look at you," her mum said through the door.

"Sure, mum," she said, not going to do anything of the sort.

Taking the box and the stick, she waited for her mum to walk away before she rushed into her bedroom. What was she going to do? This was not what Blaise and her wanted right now. She was only eighteen. NEWTS were in a few months. Harry needed her. The research they were doing was beyond NEWTS and she was pretty sure she had just found her passion for when they graduated. The arithmancy of the ward schemes they were making and researching was fascinating.

She was indecisive for a few before making up her mind.

She apparated from her bedroom to the front of St Mungo's. It took an age to get through the line, which was probably fifteen minutes. A half hour in the exam room. Ten minutes with the Healer and ten more minutes as her brain tried to catch up with what was going on.

More than seven weeks... she was more than seven weeks pregnant.

Thinking back, she realized that would put her getting pregnant the night of Yule. She was sure she had taken her potion for December… right?

Looking at the pamphlets in her hands, she was trying to figure out how she had missed taking the potion. Madam Pomfrey said it was near infallible.

With a big sigh, she realized that 'near infallible' didn't mean totally infallible.

The Healer had said that Apparition was not recommended while pregnant, and Hermione didn't want to take the Knight Bus. She was sure her still unsettled stomach wouldn't handle it. That left getting a portkey or Nomaj transportation.

Looking at her watch, it was almost four in the afternoon now.

With a sigh, she made it to the main road near St Mungo's and hailed a taxi to take her to the train station.

It was half-five when she finally walked into her home. She didn't feel like going back to Hogwarts at the moment. She wanted Blaise. He had to know.

Hermione was still standing in the hall, just inside the door, when her mother found her. There was a look between them that told Hermione her mother knew. Her mother took the positive test out of her pocket. "Something you need to tell me?" she asked.

Hermione felt the tears bite at her eyes. "I thought we were being safe," Hermione said.

Her mum didn't look upset. Maybe slightly disappointed. "Does Blaise know?"

"I just found out," Hermione said across the distance.

Her mother's face softened. "Come here, princess."

Hermione rushed into her mum's arms. She started to cry. "You must be so disappointed in me," Hermione got out.

Her mum kissed the side of her head. "I don't think you could ever disappoint us, Hermione. The question is, what are you going to do? Do you want to keep the baby?"

Hermione pulled back as though struck. "What? Of course, I'm keeping the baby! Why would you even ask that?"

Her mum took her face in her hands. "I had to ask. I'm glad you will keep the baby. Now, do you want to tell Blaise before we tell your father?"

She nodded her head.

"You know we will always be here to support you?"

"I love you, mum," she said, hugging her mother again.

"I love you too, Hermione. I suppose this means you need to get married soon," she said.

Hermione buried her face into her mother's shoulder. She hadn't been totally serious with Blaise about getting married earlier, but her mother was right. Marriage and children were very important in the Magical world, and she wouldn't have her child being illegitimate, even if she didn't like the Wizengamot nepotism.

"Let's get some tea going. Your father is bringing some take home tonight. Can you contact Blaise and maybe have him come for dinner?" her mum asked.

Hermione pulled away and took out her wand. They needed cellular phones or something better. "Expecto Patronum," she said. Her playful otter came out. "Go tell Blaise I need him to come to my home as soon as he can."

"You made that sound like its dire," her mum commented.

Hermione gave a wan smile. "No. Not dire. But he needs to know, and we need to start talking. I will have to go see Madam Pomfrey and Headmistress McGonagall tomorrow."

Hermione was starting to make the plans she would need. Blaise had to be here. Her parents and Phoenicia would need to be involved. Would Easter be too soon? Would they be able to get married rooms at Hogwarts? How was she going to get her mastery now?

"Come on, princess. Let's get some tea and we can start making some lists," her mum said.

"I'm going to be due in September," she told her mum.

"Then we have time to plan and do things," her mum told her, leading her into the kitchen.

-oOo-

February 21, 1998

Hogsmeade, Scotland

Blaise was feeling nervous. The last two weeks had been a bit of an eye opener for him on life.

That night she had taken him into her room to say that she was pregnant had him feeling like his world was falling out below him. He loved her. He knew they were going to get married, most likely sooner than either of them had originally thought, but he figured having a child would be years off. Years and years off. Like maybe they never would?

Now he was looking at being a father in September.

Merlin! He was still having a hard time believing it.

So far, he had only told Theo. He knew that Daphne and Harry knew, but he was pretty sure none of their other friends did. That was part of why he was going down to the Three Broomstick for a pint with the boys while Hermione was having a tea with their girls.

Harry, Neville, Theo, Dean and Seamus were walking and joking with him. Blaise wasn't a huge fan of Dean or Seamus, especially Seamus, but Dean was with Susan and Susan was one of them. Hermione was going to ask Susan to be one of the bridesmaids because she was Harry's cousin, and they were good friends.

"You going to finally tell us why you look like you've been going to the gallows this past week?" Neville asked as they walked down the drive.

"Well, I don't know about the gallows. Maybe the cradle," Theo said.

Blaise punched Theo's arm. "Shut it," he said.

Harry shrugged. "It's not that bad. We'll all be around."

"Easy for you to say," Blaise griped. "There is a reason I've asked you all to come, but I want a pint first, and not butterbeer. That's too soft."

Theo laughed. "It's not the end of the world, you know."

"I feel like we are going to drink your last guy's day out," Seamus said.

"It's not," Blaise said. At least he hoped not.

They made it into the bar and had a round of ale, butterbeer and fire whiskey shots delivered to them. Blaise toasted to them all before downing his first shot.

"Alright, now that we all have our liquid courage, you going to tell us what is going on?" Harry asked, giving Blaise a significant look.

"I'm getting married," Blaise said as though it was the end of his life.

Most around the table laughed. "That's usually what a betrothal means," Dean teased.

"You won't see me tied down like that," Seamus said. He pointed to Harry, Neville and himself. "You are all barmy, you know. Not that I blame you for catching the hottest birds in the school, though."

"Fuck off, Finnigan," Harry said. "I'm quite happy with Daphne."

They all laughed as Seamus gave him a two-finger salute.

"Blaise, I have the feeling you mean you are getting married sooner than I thought you were," Neville said.

Blaise took another shot, the heat from the fire whiskey taking the edge off his nerves. Don't get him wrong, he wanted to be with Hermione for eternity, but not like this. "Hermione's pregnant."

There was a silence for a moment.

"Well, they always say it's the uptight ones," Seamus said.

Harry hit the boy for him. Blaise gave one of his best mates a nod. Neville and Harry may not be as close as Theo, but they weren't far behind.

"Shut it, Seamus. Does that mean you two have decided to get married over Easter?" Harry asked.

"Yeah. I've asked this lowlife to be my best man," he said nodding to Theo.

"I've been mental enough to accept," Theo said before taking a swig of his ale.

"I wanted to ask you three, sorry Seamus but not you, to be groomsmen. Hermione is going to ask Daphne to be her maid of honour, and Luna, Tracey and Susan to be bridesmaids," Blaise told them.

"You know that I'll stand by my sister whenever she asks," Harry said.

"Blimey, mate, you really want me? I'm only dating Susan," Dean said.

"Only dating?" Harry asked.

Dean glared at Harry. "Just dating. You sure you want me there?"

Seamus shook his head. "This is how it begins."

"How what begins?" Neville questioned.

"All your friends start getting married, then you see them less, next thing you know its twenty years later and you are stuck wondering what happened to your life," Seamus said.

"Bloody dick," Blaise said, tossing his napkin at the boy, who laughed. "What do you say?"

"Of course, I'll be there," Neville said. "Tracey would kill me if I said no anyways."

This had them all laughing.

"I thought Tracey would just kick your arse. Daphne's the one I see killing someone," Theo said in a joking manner.

"You don't have to tell me. I already said yes," Harry said back with a grin.

"I'll be there," Dean said.

"Thanks," Blaise said to all of them.

"So, when is Hermione due?" Neville asked.

"End of September. She is wondering if she will deliver on her birthday," Blaise told them.

"That would be wicked. You would never forget either of their birthdays," Seamus said with a cheeky grin.

Most of them laughed. "That would make it easy," Neville agreed.

"Would you want to share a birthday with your mother?" Theo asked.

Harry shrugged. "Wouldn't matter to me. Daphne is excited that she is going to be an aunt. I'll have to learn how to take care of a baby. She is going to want to babysit."

Blaise was starting to feel better by the time he was stumbling back up to the castle. He knew he had friends that wouldn't abandon him and others that would give him and Hermione the support they needed.

-oOo-

March 27, 1998

Laverstock, England

Harry was supposed to be at Hogwarts this afternoon. His best friend was starting to go into freak out mode. Not that Harry blamed her. She was getting married in a few weeks, had a baby on the way and was trying to get through her NEWTS. Harry had picked up most of her Head duties, so wasn't exactly allowed a ton of time himself, but he just couldn't let this go.

He would be back in an hour or so and study with Hermione. Daphne would probably want the break by then. Blaise was being super mature about everything, but even Harry could see his stress.

He felt a little guilty to leave Daphne to deal with Hermione, but Harry had to try out this new calculation and rune set. If he could get this, then they could start exploring Camelot by the summer.

He cast the cypher spell on the modified amulet. He would make new ones if this worked, but he needed some of the base rune chains that the Unspeakables had come up with. He looked at the circular readout of the runes and enchantments.

"That is still amazing that you can get that. I've never seen a cypher like that," Remus said from just over his shoulder.

"I've tried to modify the one the Peverell Grimoire has. I haven't been able to find a better one to show the links and power levels," Harry said, concentrating on what he was looking at.

"Is it that impressive?" Sirius asked.

"Very, actually," Remus confirmed.

Harry cast the spell at the fog. The cypher that came back was only half complete and broken. He was too far away from the ward crystals to get a full reading. The important parts were here. Taking out his notebook, he copied down the information. Each time he came back he got a little more. He now had about forty percent of the full cypher. Most importantly he was sure he had the full key now.

"Are we going in today?" Sirius inquired.

Harry shook his head. "Not today. I want to make new badges. I don't trust the Unspeakables to not hide something I haven't found yet."

"You sound so much like Lily at times," Remus said. "The Unspeakables wanted her to work for them. Approached her a number of times, but she always turned them down."

Harry smiled. "I heard she was a pretty bright woman."

"The brightest," Sirius said.

Satisfied, Harry put his notebook back into the extended pocket in his trousers. "I need to get back to Hogwarts. I'm sure Daphne and Hermione are missing me. I'll see you both over Easter?"

Sirius extended a hand and pulled Harry into a one-arm hug that Harry happily returned. "Come by to see Quinn and Erica soon."

"I will," he said, letting him go and doing the same with Remus.

"We'll see you later, pup," Sirius said.

"I plan to be at Potter Green on Sunday if you want to come over for lunch or dinner," Harry told them.

"Wouldn't miss it," Sirius said.

"I was going to head over there this afternoon for a little bit to do some work," Remus said.

"Say hi to Melly and Elden for me. If you could let Melly know that there will be a bunch of us there on Sunday, I would appreciate that," Harry told him.

"Sure, Harry," Remus said.

They all said their final goodbyes before they apparated away.

-oOo-

April 10, 1998

Mosedale, England

Hermione was looking out the window at the slightly dreary morning from the rooms that Harry had given her to stay in whenever she was here. It was a large room with all the furnishings that a proper lady should have, along with a small receiving room, full bath and walk-in closet. It was one of four such suits after Daphne requested a few changes, though this time it had been Wizarding builders since Harry didn't trust the goblins any more.

Out the window was the growing village of Mosedale at Potter Green. There was a large inn and a few three story row buildings next to it, and a half dozen other houses being built around a small network of streets off the town square. The first three shoppes had opened in the row buildings, with apartments above them.

She was surprised to see how quickly the town was building given how busy Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade was. She suspected that the Potter name had a lot to do with it. Her brother was becoming one of the most influential wizards of their age, even if he couldn't officially use his Wizengamot seat.

She put her hands on her stomach. Something fluttered in her midsection. It took her a moment to realize that she was probably feeling the child growing in her. It had been a shock when she had first realized what had happened, but now she was starting to grow to like the idea. Her parents had struggled so much to have her, and if things went well, she would have the opportunity to provide them with a few grandchildren. She hadn't thought she wanted children so soon, but the idea was growing on her.

It helped that Blaise, her friends and family were being supportive and offering to give her and Blaise all the support they could.

She smile to see the tents on the lawn outside of Potter Green castle. Her family was staying in the castle. Her parents had agreed to a small Nomaj wedding yesterday. It had been fun to see the little bit of her mother's and father's family she didn't normally see and their friends and colleagues, and to have her friends there because they didn't stick out like a sore thumb. Today was going to be the day that Blaise and her would share their true vows before magic. Getting married in the church had meant a lot to her, but to be bound to Blaise in a way that only a witch and wizard could understand had the butterflies really going in her.

The child in her moved again. She smiled. "Mummy's alright. Just nervous," she told her stomach.

A knock came at the door. "Come in," Hermione called out.

The door opened and her mum came in. "I wasn't sure you would be up yet or not," her mother said.

"I couldn't sleep," she said. "I can feel the baby moving today."

Her mum gave her a soft smile as she shut the door and walked over to the window. "I can remember the first time I felt you. I thought I was having gas."

Hermione chuckled. "It feels like butterfly touches."

Her mum put an arm around her shoulder and Hermione leaned her head onto her mum's shoulder. "I can't wait to meet the little angel."

"Neither can I," she said, meaning it.

"The girls were going to having a breakfast for you about nine and then get you ready," she was informed.

"I can't believe they would go through all this for me. I need do to something to thank Harry for all this," she said, wrapping her arms around her mum's midsection.

"You found the best of friends. I'm glad that things worked out for you. I know how much you struggled in primary," her mum told her.

"That feels like a lifetime ago," Hermione said, not having thought about that for years. Ever since her fight with Harry over the Firebolt in third year, life had changed so much. She had friends, friends she viewed as family, friends that were family, and would soon have more family. She still hated that she had done that to Harry, but she never could have foreseen that it would have led to this.

Her mum laughed. "I'm sure at your age it does."

"I'm eighteen," Hermione said in the way all young people did when they were finally an adult.

Her mother chuckled. "You are, dear."

They stood there for a moment before her mother said, "Your father and I are thinking of moving here. Are you and Blaise still thinking of building a new house here?"

Hermione looked up to her mum. "What about your practice? Wizards won't need dentists," she said.

Her mum smiled. "We've been talking about it for a little bit. I've been a dentist for twenty-two years. You are moving out. I want to do something different and be near my grandchildren. You see that house," her mum pointed to a two-story Tudor style house that was closer to the castle.

"Are you serious?" she questioned.

"We have already talked to our two partners. They will buy us out in June. The new house should be done by then. Harry has said we can use portkeys and there is talk about extending a rail line to Mosedale from Penrith, even if it only serves us. We can leave our car at the edge of town until Harry can figure out how to allow Muggle electricity here. I hear that Muggles are welcome here too," her mum said.

Hermione hugged her mother tight, her slight bulge pressing between them. "You are welcome here. Harry and Daphne would not allow that bigotry in Mosedale." Tears started to roll down her cheeks. "I hate these hormones," Hermione said wiping her face.

Her mother laughed. "It only gets better from here."

"Brilliant," she said in a sarcastic way.

"Isn't it? Why don't you go take a shower and put some of that hair tonic in your hair to get it more manageable," her mum said.

That was one of the few downsides of her pregnancy. Her hair had been curlier, now it was frizzy again. The Healers said it should be temporary while she was pregnant.

About nine she was invaded by her wedding party. Melly laid out a spread in her receiving room. Daphne, Tracey and Susan were the first to hug them. They were joined by Luna, her mum, Phoenicia, Iliana, Reba, Dani and Terri. It was a fun morning until Daphne and Tracey got the gleam in their eyes that Hermione was in for a few hours of primping and pampering.

Even then, there was a lot of laughter.

It was close to one-thirty when she was finally in her dress. Looking in the mirror, she ran her hands over the fine material. It was a fine satin with bead work around her bodice. It didn't try to hide her small bump. She was pregnant and wasn't ashamed. It went over her slight bump and in a line down to the floor with artful folds.

Daphne stepped up to her in a lavender dress. The girl was a picture of beauty. She was happy that Harry had been lucky enough to catch her. "You look beautiful. If Blaise isn't impressed, I'll hex him for you."

Hermione laughed. "Merlin, Daphne, I love you. I don't recognize myself."

Daphne gave her a smile. "You are beautiful, Hermione. Blaise is a lucky man. I can't wait to see how beautiful that little bump is going to be."

Hermione smiled, putting her hands on her bump. "I never thought it would go like this."

"Are you happy?" one of her best friends enquired.

"Very," she said contentedly.

"Good. I have to make sure Tracey is finished. We love you, Hermione," she said. Daphne lightly hugged her shoulders from behind so that neither of their makeups or hair would be bothered, even though the magic they had used today should prevent that from happening for a few hours.

A moment later, a knock came at her door. Dani went over to answer it for her. "Hello, Mr Granger," the girl said. Her time in training with Madam Bulstrode had Dani acting very proper and prim.

"Hello, Ms Danforth. You look rather fetching today. Is it safe for me to come in?" she heard her father.

Dani looked to her and her mother. Reba nodded her head. "It is."

Her father came in and everyone seemed to find a reason to leave the room. He was gracious to keep the door open, earning him a kiss from her mum before they were the only ones in the room. His eyes looked to be shining and her eyes teared up. "Daddy, don't do that. I don't want to tear up."

He gave her a watery smile. "It's hard not to, princess. It's not every day that a father gives his little girl away. You look beautiful," he said, coming over to her.

"Thank you," she said.

"You about ready?" he asked her.

"I am," she said. Her Gryffindor courage wouldn't allow her to say anything else. "Are you happy with this?"

He gave her a genuine smile. "I won't admit this isn't the way I saw you getting married, but Blaise is a good man and he'll take care of you and my grandchild. That is all that really matters."

She felt a few tears roll down her cheeks. She reached for a handkerchief to have her father hand her his. She patted at the tears. "Thank you, daddy."

"Anything for my princess. You ready? The ceremony is ready to start in about ten minutes," he offered his hand.

She had to fan her face with her hands. "I'm ready," she confirmed again.

He moved to lower her veil for her, then extended an arm. She wrapped her arm around his, putting her other hand over the one holding his arm. When they walked down the stairs, to the small guard room, her bridesmaids were in the small room making sure their flowers and everything were just perfect.

She opened the heavy door at the base of the gate house. Peaking around, she could see the huge tent that took up most of the courtyard.

The slight mist that had dominated the morning had turned into a mostly sunny day. Inside the tent she could see the more than hundred and fifty that had come. She had never expected so many, but given that she had a large friend group, allies and other of British Wizarding Society that would want to be here to see two Wizengamot Houses wedding, she shouldn't have been so surprised. She couldn't imagine what it might look like when Harry and Daphne were married. Daphne had said it may top four or five hundred.

"Don't let him see you yet," her father said in a teasing story.

She rolled her eyes. "You know that is just a wife's tale?"

"Perhaps, but I do believe in tradition about this. Plus, your mum and I have a bet as to his reaction," he said with a grin.

"Really?" she asked incredulously.

He just smiled as the music started.

"Time for the show," Tracey said happily.

Susan giggled. "I bet Blaise will freeze up when he sees Hermione."

"If he doesn't, he's a moron," Daphne said with a grin.

Luna giggled too. "How much is it for him to say something like 'wow'?"

"Why is everyone betting of this," she huffed.

"Because you are beautiful," all three of her friends said at once.

Hermione blushed.

Susan went out first, followed by Tracey and then Daphne. Hermione took in a deep breath before the traditional wedding dirge started. She walked out into the full sun before going underneath the tent. Rows and rows of people were looking at her. Hermione was only looking at Blaise in his smart wizarding robes. He was tall, fit and his dark eyes were locked on hers.

His jaw dropped open a little bit before mouthing something that looked like, 'Bloody hell.'

She smiled at him, forgiving him his mouth today.

When she was led to his side, her father lifted her veil. "Love you, princess."

The bonder asked, "Who is presenting this woman to her betrothed?"

Her father sniffed, took a second to gain his composure before saying, "I, Daniel Granger, father of the bride, present my daughter, Heiress Hermione Jean Granger, to her betrothed on behalf of her mother and I."

She fought down tears again to see the ones her father was fighting off.

"And who presents this man to his betrothed?"

His mother stepped forward. "I, Lady Phoenicia Cadenza Zabini, Regent of House Thatcher, mother of the groom, present my son, Scion Blaise Terrance Zabini, Scion of House Thatcher."

The bonder nodded. Her father kissed her forehead before turning to put her hand in Blaise's. He went to join her mother.

"We are gathered here today to celebrate and join these two young people in marriage through the bonds of love and magic…" the bonder started. Hermione listened as the man gave a small liturgy.

"Now, with this cloth, the two will be bound by hand and spirit. Before I put it over their hands, are there any objections?" the bonder asked.

Hermione was trying not to grin like a fool at the love she saw on Blaise's face. Thus, she was not expecting the deep voice saying, "I object to this joining."

In shock, she watched Blaise turn his head, shock and anger quickly following suit. She turned to see an imposing black man with short, grey hair, impeccably cut black robes, dark eyes and features similar to Blaise's. What caught her eye was the crest on the man's robes. It was that of House Zabini. The crest that Blaise had been denied for his whole life.

A sense of dread came over her. Not now! Not on my wedding day! NOT TODAY! she screamed in her head.

Phoenicia stood up and moved towards the man. Harry went to move and Blaise reached out to stop him. "You were not invited and have no right to be here," she hissed, but in the silence everyone could hear.

"I have the right as Head of House Zabini to be here and approve or disapprove of my grandson's choice in a spouse," the man said authoritatively.

"You have no right," Phoenicia hissed, grabbing his arm and trying to drag the man out of the tent.

Even with he man's age, he was not swayed in the least. "I have the right."

"Grandfather, leave now. This is my wedding, and you are not welcome," Blaise said. She had never heard him so angry before. He had stepped to be before her, his wand out. This caused many others to pull their wands.

The man only raised an eyebrow.

"Lord Zabini, leave now," Phoenicia demanded.

"I would see my grandson. You have denied me that all these years. I would also make amends," the man said, his tone still hard.

Blaise stiffened, as did his mother.

"Amends! Amends! On my son's wedding day! What amends would you make!" Phoenicia said angrily.

"I would make amends for my rash actions more than eighteen years ago. I would cast Blaise Terrence Zabini and Phoenicia Cadenza Zabini out of my house, breaking the curse on you both," the man said in a heavy Italian accent but very clear English. He looked down at his daughter. There was a pulse of magic that rippled out from the man. A black shadow she hadn't even knew was there suddenly lifted. "I cannot take back the years of torment you may have suffered, but I can prevent another tragedy before it occurs."

Hermione's eyes widened. There were sounds of protest, anger and other stuff. Blaise was ramrod straight, his hand gripping his wand so tight his hand was paling. Phoenicia looked dumbstruck.

"My damage is done," the man said, finally turning and walking back towards the tents opening.

Hermione, for reasons she would never know, suddenly called out. "Lord Zabini, please wait a moment."

The man stopped and the tent quieted. He turned to look at her. "Heiress Granger would want a word with me?"

Blaise gave her a questioning look, the anger still on his face.

"I would ask your blessing, Lord Zabini," she said. She knew this man would never be forgiven by her new family, but she felt this was important. Something in her had her magic calling for this.

The man looked at her long and hard for a moment, then Blaise and finally his daughter. When he looked back to Hermione, his face had softened just a little. "I give the blessing of House Zabini to this union. May you ever prosper and not suffer for sins that were never yours."

With that, he nodded and walked out of the tent.

"Want me to go rough him up?" Harry whispered to them.

"I would sooner kill him," Theo added.

Blaise finally relaxed, his wand falling to his side. "If he is to be killed it will be at my hand for what he has done," Blaise said.

She reached out and took his hand. Blaise squeezed, letting her know he would be alright eventually. "I need to get my mother and then I will marry you," he said rather determinately.

She nodded.

Daphne stepped up to put a hand on her shoulder. Hermione felt comforted by the touch.

A few minutes later he had led his mother back to her seat. She looked a little shocked still. When Blaise was certain she was alright, he stepped back to Hermione. "Do you still want to marry me?" he asked.

"With all my heart," she said. She took both his hands in hers.

With a nod to a question by the bonder, the man asked one more time, "Does anyone else have an objection to the joining of this couple?"

When none did, she was happy to take the vowed of the hand fasting with the runes of the cloth and the intentions of those around them cementing their bond. The bonder put his hand over the clothe, "Do you, Heiress Hermione Jean Granger, take this man as your husband in bond and agree to combine your magic, love and houses?"

"I do," she said solemnly.

"Do you promise to honour Scion Blaise Terrance…" the man paused, suddenly realizing that Blaise didn't have a last name.

Blaise caught the pause and whispered, "Thatcher."

"… Thatcher for as long as you live? Do you promise to provide children and heirs? Do you promise to be by his side through sickness and health, riches or none, good times and bad?"

"I do," she said, a smile coming to her lips as Blaise playfully rolled his eyes as though this was taking too long.

One set of blue runes lit up on the cloth. She could see them as blessing for fertility, longevity, peace and bonding.

"Do you, Scion Blaise Terrence Thatcher, take this woman as your wife in bond and agree to combine your magic, love and houses?"

"I do," Blaise said, his playfulness gone. She felt his heart swoon at how he was looking at her.

"Do you promise to honour Heiress Hermione Jean Granger for as long as you live? Do you promise to provide for your children and heirs birthed of this woman? Do you promise to be by her side through sickness and health, riches and none, good times and bad?"

"I do," he said. The rest of the runes glowed a blue colour. These were for happiness, prosperity, health and the last of the binding magics. She felt the magic move between them. It had a pleasant feeling and the butterflies inside her were from their unborn child.

The man leaned in. "Am I to assume that it will be Thatcher now?"

She looked to Blaise. It would be sad to lose her last name, but she knew the traditions and was willing to go along with them. Blaise gave her a knowing smirk. "Thatcher-Granger."

Hermione had a huge swell go through her. She didn't wait to move in and kiss him. This caused a stir of laughter and other responses as the bonder laughed out. "Magic has blessed you as husband and wife. I'd say to kiss your bride, but…"

Theo let out a wolf whistle at them.

Hermione pulled back, a flush on her face. Blaise's eyes blazed with passion. "I am going to make you my wife later."

She smirked. "I think you already did."

The girls behind her giggled as Theo clapped him on the back.

"If you would turn and walk down the aisle," the bonder encouraged. "My I present Scion and Heiress Thatcher-Granger."

There was applause and cheers. Hermione beamed as she walked on her husband's arm.