HP: A Cadmean Victory Remastered

April 10, 1998

Mosedale, England

She walked from the lively great hall at Potter Green down to the inn. It was enough time for her to go from the joy of seeing her Blaise and his new wife enjoying themselves to the cold fury she had held for her father for decades now.

The fact he would wait for today, of all days, to finally show was galling. It had almost ruined the wedding until she realized he had given her son and his wife a blessing that would keep them from suffering the same fate she had. She had thought Blaise would be free of the curse, but apparently had been mistaken.

The inn was just off the large circular common that was soon to be the heart of Mosedale at Potter Green. It sounded loud and rowdy tonight. She knew that it had started to be as busy as the Three Broomsticks or the Leaky Cauldron, but hearing about it and seeing it were two different things.

Inside, the bar room was mostly full. Two barmaids were moving about bringing drinks and food to various tables. She wasn't here for this lively scene, where it seemed the celebration up in the castle was shared in the budding town.

Behind a full bar a man was cleaning a tankard. Caledon Fortescue, one of the sons of Florean Fortescue in Diagon Alley, was the proprietor. He was a relatively young wizard with impeccable taste in clothes and an attractive physique.

When she caught his eye, he nodded to her. "What can I get ye, madam?"

"Lord Zabini," she said in a haughty tone.

The man seemed to know what she wanted. "Up the stairs, last room on the left. Be careful. He has a few guards."

"He will talk with me," she said with a great amount of surety.

Caledon nodded. He looked so much like his father.

She went up the stairs to the first floor. Down the end of the corridor stood two men outside a room. She walked up to them, still in her finery from the wedding and holding herself like the Lady she was.

One of the men stepped out. She could tell they were expecting her as no wands were drawn. If her father didn't want her here, she would have been stopped already. In Italian the man said, "He has been expecting you. Leave your wand out here."

She just stared at him. "I will go in and you will not stop me."

After a moment, he nodded and stepped aside, not insisting he take her wand again.

Inside the room the imposing figure of a man that she had once thought her hero when young, then a strong man, and the bane of her existence, was sat in a chair at a small table. A bed and a dresser were the only other furnishings in the room.

A half empty bottle of sake was in the centre of the table. His hand rested on a half full glass of the liquor. His dark eyes were looking at her as she came in. Her rage was barely contained, but she had been through too many hard years to let it slip. She would have answers and blood for her and Blaise's suffering.

"I was wondering if you would come, my daughter," the man said.

"I am not your daughter. I haven't been your daughter for almost twenty years," she said, her voice devoid of emotion.

"Yet you kept my name all these years," he said.

"I had little choice. I could not change it, could I?" she asked him.

Her father swirled the clear liquor. "No, I suppose you couldn't. Is my grandson well?"

"Why would you care? You cast us out of the family long ago. I was forced to find my own way. Blaise is far more adjusted than I would have suspected, and that is mostly thanks to that woman he married and the friends he has made," she replied.

Her father took a drink of the Japanese liquor. "I care. I am a proud man, my little phoenix, but I have always cared about family."

She snorted. "You only cared about your ambitions and what your family could do for you. I have buried seven husbands. Do you know what that is like? What that has done to Blaise by not having a steady father figure? Knowing that it was his own vindictive grandfather that caused him to not only have a father but any other man I might have fallen for. Do you know what it is like to fall in love and know it was your own father that cursed you to live a lonely, widowed life?"

The pain of all these years was starting to leak through her composure.

Her father took another sip of his alcohol. "I only know the pain of when your mother passed. You were our favourite daughter… my favourite child. You cost the family dearly when you chose to run off with that English swine."

"SWINE!" she bellowed. "Terrence wasn't a swine. He was a good man. A far better man than you ever could be. He loved me. He loved his son. You killed him."

Her father was undisturbed by her outrage. "You were to marry a respectable Italian. No Zabini has ever married outside of those linked to our homelands. If you had stayed, I would have forgiven you in time."

Her face scrunched in anger. "I would curse the line of my birth if I could. You are to leave. Never come back. Never reach out to my son or his wife. They are no longer Zabini. He has taken on the name of his third father. Third! Not the name of the man that fathered him because you forced him to renounce that name."

Her father sighed. "Little phoenix, I am dying. Your brother, Ribault, passed last week. I have no other grandchildren and your cousins have all been barren these last two decades. The curse I lain on you has affected us all. If casting you out has brought us redemption, then I would see you and my grandson accepted back in."

She spat on the table. "That is what I think of you and your family. I hope you all die. I have suffered through seven husbands. I have had three miscarriages. I hope you suffer through seven generations of grief, if your family doesn't die first."

The man sighed again. "I need you and Blaise, little phoenix. Do you really want us to all die?"

"Yes!" she said vindictively. "If you do anything to go after my son, his wife or the child she is carrying you will find the allies here hold more power than any Zabini ever has, and they yield it with the grace and humility that you have never known."

She stood up. "If you are not gone by the morning, I will request of my ally that you be expelled. If you are not out of this country by tomorrow afternoon, I will put a bounty on your head so high that any wizard, beast or being would not give you shelter. If you do anything to my family, I will ensure the Zabini name dies and is cursed for all eternity. I am now a Thatcher-Granger. A Thatcher-Granger I shall stay."

Her father sighed. She had never seen him so defeated. He was always a proud man. A regal and ruthless man. Now, he looked broken. "Little phoenix, I know you don't mean that. I gave my blessing to your son and his wife. I give my blessing to their child. All I ask for is to have our line continue, and if we fall, take up my position in Italy."

She scoffed at him. "Never. I will die before I go back to the place I was born. I belong here. My child and my grandchildren belong here. We have pledged ourselves to uphold the magic of this country and will not fail. Not like you and the others you call friend and allies. I will rejoice the day I hear you pass."

She flung open the door.

"I never meant for you and the family to suffer like this," he said.

She gave a mirthless laugh. "I believe you never meant the family to suffer. I hope you know nothing but suffering."

The man sighed again just before she slammed the door shut. The two bodyguards were looking at her. "I did not kill him," she informed them. She had a desire too, but if his actions would lead to the death of the family that cast her out, that was a far better revenge.

The one that had stopped her earlier said, "He seeks redemption. There has been no end to suffering in the family since you left," the older man said.

She sniffed. "Talk to your Lord. He is the one to bring ruin to you all. Now, I am going to go spend the rest of the evening with my family, rejoicing in the start to their lives and the new one that my family will be blessed with. Goodbye, Uncle Benito."

She walked out of the West Wand Inn and back up to the castle. She had heard of the hardship that had befallen her family but hadn't known it was as dire as it was. A vindictive smirk crossed her face. Her father had not only curse her but the entire family. If he needed her forgiveness, he would never get it. Nor would he get the family that she claimed as her own. The Zabinis would die out and she would toast the end of that line if she was still alive to see it.

As it was, she was in time for the last dance of Blaise and Hermione, raising a toast to her son and daughter-in-law, giving her blessing for their bright future and the dismal one of the family that brought her into this world.

-oOo-

May 16, 1998

Hogwarts, Scotland

Dani was smiling like a loon at Cordi as she blushed furiously. It was hard not to laugh at her, but she knew that would be the wrong thing to do at the moment. Nathan Tasker, a Ravenclaw, was standing just behind her, his face looking mortified. "Oh, uhm, yeah… sorry," he said.

He went to walk away before Cordi reached for his hand. He stopped to look at her hand on his wrist. When he looked up, Cordi was still red. "I would like to sit with you, but I have to cheer for my friend today."

The boy opened his mouth a time or two before saying, "I could sit with you? Ravenclaw won't win the cup, but Slytherin might."

Cordi smiled. "I would like that."

"Your friends could join us too," Dani told him.

Tasker smiled. "I'll ask them."

When he walked back to the end of the Ravenclaw table, she couldn't help but break down in giggles with Gwen. Cordi sat up tall, her nose in the air and acting all haughty… except for her red face. "You two could have been better friends," Cordi told them.

Dani started laughing now. "We were," she said.

"Dani invited his friends to join us," Gwen pointed out between her giggles.

"I hate you two," Cordi said in a whisper.

"Not yet you don't," Dani said with an impish smile.

Today was the last Quidditch game of the year and like had been going on as the year went on, there were parents and siblings in the hall. Dani wished her parents could see her once, but she knew that wasn't really possible. Still didn't mean she didn't watch a red-haired woman and man walk over to the Gryffindor table and go to their Captain Weasley.

Dani was smirking with Gwen when Cordi perked up, her bright face lessening some. "Good day, Scion Potter-Greengrass," she said.

Dani turned to the shouts of, "Surprise!" and a smaller girl barrelling into her. Dani took a moment to realize it was Terry and her parents next to Harry with Madam Bones.

"Mum! Dad! You came? How," she asked.

"Madam Bones brought us here. There is so much magic. Does the ceiling always look like the sky? Harry said I could use his broom for a while. Dani, can I see Slytherin common room? Harry is going to bring us up to Gryffindor common room later…" her sister kept on chirping away like the squirrels she liked.

Dani got up and hugged her parents. "It is so good to see you."

"We wouldn't have missed this. I've wanted to see you play for a while and I hear they are letting Harry play one last time today," her father said.

Harry shrugged when she looked to him. "Someone has to break your winning streak," he said.

Her mother laughed. "He thinks pretty highly of himself, doesn't he?" she asked hugging Dani.

"I think I'm up for the challenge. The team is going down to the pitch in about a half hour. Are you here all day?" she asked them. Terry was now talking with Cordi and Gwen about their common room.

"We'll be here until Amelia decides to leave," her father said.

"Hey, I'll see you in a little bit, Dani. Ladies," Harry said to them.

Gwen sighed. "Daphne is so lucky."

Dani screwed her face. "That's my cousin," she said.

"Harry, wait," Terry said, taking off after him.

"I got her, Reba," Harry said, taking her hand when Terri caught up to him.

"Just have her back before we leave," her mother said. "She loves that boy."

"He's a good sort," her father said.

"He's hot," Gwen whispered.

"He's like your brother's age," Cordi replied.

"He's still hot," Gwen said petulantly.

"Oh, that's gross," Dani replied.

Dani was happy to have her parents sit with her and her friends before she had to go to the pitch with her team. Her parents found the Greengrasses as she trouped off with her teammates. They were here to watch Astoria.

When she found herself in the room waiting for the doors to open, Ben asked, "Is it true Potter is playing?"

"So, I heard," she said, excitement and nervousness racing through her.

"He hasn't played all year. I bet you win," Amanda replied.

"I'll take that for five galleons," Blaise said.

"I'm game for that," Theodore replied.

There was a general round of laughter until they heard the announcer. "And for Slytherin, we give you…"

Dani wasn't sure she heard all their names as she filed out and took off, doing a circuit or two of the stadium before going to centre field and waiting for the Gryffindors. When they came out, she knew she had to concentrate. Harry may not have played this year, but she knew he had still been flying and had still been training with her every other week. He was no slouch. If her team thought otherwise, they were in for a surprise.

Flying up to her, Harry nodded. "Little cousin," he said with a cheeky grin.

"I am not so little," she shot back.

"Little enough," he replied.

Her eyes narrowed as she realized he was trying to get a rise out of her. "I'm going to make you eat grass."

Harry just grinned. "Bring it, little girl."

She made an aggravated sound, nearly missing the whistle being blown and the quaffle being tossed into the air. Harry took off towards her goal posts. She made the decision that she wouldn't allow him to ruffle her. She stuck close. The Firebolt was still faster, but she easily turned inside of him.

"Potter and Danforth race around the pitch. I can't tell if they've seen the snitch already… Gryffindor is first to get points on the board!"

A cheer went up around the stadium. Harry did a sudden right turn. She saw him heading towards her chasers and followed him. Harry was a big opponent, so she would have to use her speed to veer him off course today. Was he going to play interference today or look for the snitch?

Deciding she wasn't going to play his game, she pulled up, starting her pattern near centre field. Harry dove through her chasers again, getting a curse from Astoria, before he finally pulled up. He had a wicked grin on his face. "It's a beautiful day for a game."

She rolled her eyes. "You going to get serious about this now? I want to have bragging rights I beat Potter in his last game."

Harry laughed. "We'll see about that Danforth."

She eyed him before noticing he was scanning the pitch now. She turned to her own scanning.

"… the game is already getting a little rough after Potter broke up the first few plays of Slytherin… oh, that was a glancing blow to Potter by the Beaters… the Gryffindor chasers use the distraction to pull off a Tarentela Tangle. Greengrass takes a bludger to her side but stops Weasley from scoring… this game will be decided by the Seekers with how this match is going," the announcer called out.

Dani caught a glimpse of gold in the centre of the field about level where the chasers usually would go. Seeing the Gryffindor chasers charging up, she decided to do a gamble. She suddenly looked down field before slumping to her left and going into a dive. Harry was right behind her, but she was closer to the snitch.

The small ball flittered there for a second before taking off right into Weasley's face. Weasley was forced to bat it out of her hair before a bludger hit her in the side. Dani was concentrating on the snitch and almost missed the bludger that hurdled towards her. She rolled over on her broom, pulling off a slough hold. Harry shot past her, the bludger just missing both of them.

She pulled herself close to her broom. It responded to her need, and she took off. Harry lost the snitch, and they were forced to climb out of the action again. When they came up, Harry was grinning like a loon. "That was a good play."

She smiled back. "I heard a story about something like that once," she replied.

Harry laughed. "Yeah, well, I never practiced it before I did it."

They bantered back and forth as they searched for the snitch.

"70-60 to Slytherin. There is some real flying out there today with most of the players having three seasons or more under their belts. And Weasley passes down the field to Robbins, who catches it… GOAL! 70-70! Can you believe that spin toss. Westford didn't have a chance to get it from the far goal. Greengrass and Heatherhoc line up. Both bludgers are before the Slytherin beaters…"

She was looking. Both Harry and her had taken the risk to break up plays over the last hour or more. She was ready to help her team when she saw Harry tense. She went to roll over, but Harry was already off. By the look on his face there was no way he hadn't seen the snitch.

As she took in the line he was making towards her goal posts as the play got tangled down the Gryffindor side of the field, she caught sight of the snitch close to the ground. She was closer but Harry was already accelerating to a point she might not catch up. She pressed her body to her broom. The air started to scream in her ears as she shot straight towards him. On instinct, she rolled, a bludger just missing her.

Harry was almost at top speed as he raced towards the snitch, which was just sitting there. She hugged the broom between her breasts, willing it to go faster. The broom went just fast enough that she was able to hit his twigs. Harry veered off course. She sat up, pulling on her broom hard as the ground raced up towards her. Her feet grazed the ground before she flattened herself out again, flying just high enough so that her toes brushed the grass. Her broom reached its top speed as she saw Harry going for the snitch again. He was forced to deviate as a bludger almost hit the front of his broom. It gave her a chance.

The snitch was still just hovering a few feet off the ground. She was getting close enough to get it before Harry, then the snitch took off straight for the sky. She pulled up to follow it. Harry lost more ground as his chasers tried to score and he was forced to avoid them. It allowed her to stay even with her cousin.

They were both concentrating on the snitch. Harry pulled up next to her. She braced and held out an elbow to keep him from pushing her off course. Harry hit her hard. He was playing to win, just like she was. Her elbow got him in the face while her side opened up in pain at the impact.

Harry grunted but didn't slow. The snitch was still going straight up and getting closer. Harry tried to push her away. She grabbed his broom to pull him to the side with her. Harry used the motion to force her to pull off. He shot up. Dani kicked out at his footrests. Harry wobbled enough to let her pull even.

The snitch was six feet ahead of them.

She kicked his shin.

Five feet.

Harry slammed his broom into her hands. She cursed at him before making contact with his knee with her foot. He winced in pain.

They both stretched out their hands.

Three feet.

Harry tried to grab her broom to pull himself ahead. She slapped his hand, wobbling a little as she let go of her broom.

Two feet.

Harry yelled, "DEMENTOR!"

Dani screamed. She had heard about them and knew that Harry had been attacked once while playing Quidditch. The distraction was enough for him to pull himself on his broom. He leaped up, his free hand still on his broom and his other hand wrapped around the golden ball.

"Bloody hell, Harry!" she cursed him as the whistle blew far below them.

They pulled up, stopping after a few seconds. Down below the stands had erupted in cheers. Dani rubbed her side. "Did you have to hit me so hard?"

Harry pinched his nose. She hadn't realized he was bleeding. "I told you I wasn't going to go easy on you today."

She shook her head, a smile coming over her face. "I suppose you'll add that to Daphne's collection?"

"Is there any other choice? Come on, butterbeers in the Gryffindor common room," he told her.

They flew down. She caught the final score of two hundred sixty to one hundred. Even with this win, Slytherin would win the cup with all her other catches this season. She was treated to just as raucous a crowd as Harry was.

-oOo-

June 23, 1998

Hogwarts, Scotland

Most of the other students had gone home on the Hogwarts Express earlier today. The ones left were the graduating students and any siblings or relatives that stayed for the final ceremonies. Thirty-three. The smallest class that Minerva could ever remember. The seven years that this class had been here had seen massive changes, most of them perpetrated by these students or their parents.

Hundreds of parents, guardians, aunts, uncles, cousins and siblings were in the hall. As the doors to the great hall opened, Minerva smiled to see some of her most prized pupils. Usually, the graduating students would walk in by house. This year they came in in a hodgepodge.

Head Boy Potter walked next to Head Girl Thatcher-Granger. There had been some talk about having her step down, especially with the situation she had gotten herself into, but Potter had refused to serve without her, and even though it wasn't ideal, she had gotten married and was still an exemplary student. She was really starting to show now.

Behind them walked Ms Greengrass. She had been passed over for Head Girl after much debate. She wondered if Mrs Thatcher-Granger would be disappointed to know that Greengrass had gotten the top marks this year?

Next to her was Mr Thatcher-Granger. He wasn't top five, but he was top six. He walked with the air of a strong young man and one she was immensely proud of. Like Potter, he had brought his grades up after their group of friends had formed.

Behind them walk Mr Longbottom and Ms Davis. Both top ten students, they both had bright futures in the fields they excelled in. Mr Longbottom would be back next year for an apprenticeship with Pomona while Ms Davis had indicated she would start work on a Mastery in Astronomy and Rituals.

Then there was Ms Bones and Mr Thomas. They had grown quite serious with each other over the last two years. Bones was in the top ten, like her other friends and cousin. Having expressed interest in Healing, Minerva had given her a recommendation for St Mungo's.

She wished she knew what her top students would be doing next year, but all she got was working on masteries.

As everyone filed up and stood before the house tables, she addressed the hall. "Welcome all our graduates, past and present, family members and friends. We have gathered for this final feast to say goodbye to those that have been with us the last seven years and have passed their NEWTS. This is no small achievement, as most of you know. Nor was it always easy to see these fine young adults get to stand before you."

There was some chuckling from the graduated parents.

"Before we celebrate their achievements, I would like to call a few out for special awards for academics, achievements or services to the school or their classmates. First, a round of applause for our Head boy and Head Girl. Mr Potter and Mrs Thatcher-Granger, would you please step up?"

There was a loud round of applause for both of them.

"As always, they stepped up to the post of Head students and accomplished all that was asked of them and more. They both achieved academic excellence. Mr Potter is third in his class and Mrs Thatcher-Granger is second." There was applause and Hermione looked a little shocked. "They managed to keep all the prefects in line, not to mention the students." She smiled at them. "And lastly, they have been exceptional leaders and role models that I think most aspire to be."

When the applause and cheering slowed, she held up a hand. "Thank you, Head Boy Potter and Head Girl Thatcher-Granger."

Harry bowed to her and the crowd. She inclined her head and took Ms Grangers inclined head as assign of gratitude.

"Next, I would like to acknowledge our top student. Ms Greengrass," she said.

Daphne stepped up. "It has been many a year when the top students were separated by so few points. Even though Mrs Thatcher-Granger and Ms Greengrass achieved the same number of outstandings in their classes and NEWTS, Ms Greengrass was able to get three accommodations. I would like to say that Mrs Thatcher-Grangers two accommodations is worth celebrating as well. For both young women, I would like you to celebrate their achievements."

The hall cheered loudly. She gave the young woman a satisfied smile when Ms Greengrass did a slight curtsey in her Slytherin house robes.

"Among these high achievers is the largest group of students to be accepted into mastery apprenticeships in years. Mr Longbottom, Mr Potter, Ms Greengrass, Ms Davis, Mrs Thatcher-Granger, Mr Carmichael, Ms Abbot, Ms Bones, Ms Parkinson and Mr Corner should all be applauded for such achievements right out of school," Minerva told the crowd. She had a great deal of pride in all her students, but this class was special. The last classes to make such high achievements was the classes around Lily Evans, James Potter and many of their friends. Unfortunately, too many of them died at such an early age. She had confidence that the children of this class would go onto having long and productive lives. Their society needed it.

When the applause subsided, she addressed the entire class. "You have all achieved the status of full witch or wizard. You all should be proud. Not a single student achieved less than an acceptable on all their Newts, and every one of you made at least one outstanding."

She beamed with pride. "As an educator, there can be no higher reward than to see our students excel, and I have high hopes that many of you may surpass us someday."

Many bowed or curtsied to her and the staff out of respect, started by Potter and Greengrass.

She watched Potter take Greengrasses hand and step forward. "Headmistress McGonagall, if you would, the Potter and Greengrass families would like to present the school with a gift for our gratitude for the years of service you have given us."

She rose an eyebrow. This had not been brought to her before this.

"I will allow it, Mr Potter and Ms Greengrass," she said.

"Thank you, Headmistress."

She watched as Potter stepped up onto the raised platform and she stepped back from the podium.

"My self and Heiress Potter-Greengrass started here at age eleven, just like all graduates of Hogwarts. It was my first home. This home has not always been easy or safe to be at, but it has brought me a sister, a betrothed and my family," he said towards Neville, Susan, Aunt Amelia, the Danforths, the Greengrasses, Remus, Sirius, Erica and Quinn.

Greengrass nodded. "Yes. Hogwarts has been our home away from home for the last seven years. I can never thank the professor enough for passing along their knowledge, or the castle leading me to my future husband."

Potter nodded. "Yes. As we are so thankful for being here, our families, soon to just be one family, would like to offer a hundred thousand galleon gift with twenty thousand a year to continue the work of modernizing the curriculum, grounds, classrooms and Hogwarts herself."

Minerva's mouth opened for a moment.

Potter turned to her and she saw the ghost of James Potter as he smirked. "I think you will catch flies like that, professor."

The hall broke out into laughter as he got a scathing look from his betrothed.

"I… Yes. Yes. This is very generous. On behalf of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, I would gladly accept this gift and will see the changes made that you would like," she said.

"I'm glad you feel that way, professor, for the Longbottoms, Bones and Blacks have offered a yearly fund that will match our donation," Potter told her.

She blinked. They had just provided most of their yearly class operating funds for next year and a significant amount for the years later to upgrade and fund more staff. A tear came to her eyes. "The staff and I would be honoured to accept such a generous gift."

Instead of bowing to her, Potter moved in to hug her. She would never usually do this before all these people, but he had been the student that had made the largest turn around she had seen and filled a spot just as large in her heart as his parents.

When he pulled back, she nodded at him before Ms Greengrass did the same.

She was happy to hug her now former student. This was the girl that had brought about this change in Potter, and she would be forever grateful to see him reach his potential. "Thank you, Professor McGonagall."

She whispered back, "It's Minerva, dear."

When they joined the other students, she was fighting back tears. As much as other classes had had achievements that could match this one, none of them had brought such change as these young adults.

"If you would, I would invite our graduates to join their families for one last feast," she said.

She would be sad to see them leave this evening.

-oOo-

July 4, 1998

Rotherham, England

Daphne was going over the final preparation plans for her wedding in just over five weeks. Tracey and Neville's would be two weeks after her and Harry, but there wedding was going to be nothing like the one her mother and her had been planning.

Daphne didn't exactly want the huge wedding it was going to be, but she understood the importance of the Houses of Potter and Greengrass joining together. They led an alliance of almost forty houses that accounted for forty-eight votes. It was the largest alliance in the Wizengamot, and the one that was leading it right now. As such, the wedding of Harry and her was going to be the most significant event for years.

Acknowledging that didn't mean she wasn't slightly daunted by the scale her mother had planned, with the acceptance of Madam Bones. Looking at the plans that Harry and her had agreed to, it felt more like a royal wedding or coronation than the more family affair she knew Harry would have preferred. The only good thing was that he understood the significance of this as well as she had.

The courtyard and great hall of Potter Green would never be able to hold the five hundred and thirty-seven guests that had been invited. The invitations had gone out at the beginning of May and so for over four hundred had been returned with a 'yes'. As such, three large tents were going to be erected on the lawns. If the weather was good, they would be married before the fountain in the square of Mosedale. Since the town was essentially theirs, it only seemed fitting.

Then, they would take a carriage up to the tents and host their closest allies and family in the central tent, with everyone else welcome in the other two. It would be a long day of going between everyone with a few special moments when she would be able to dance with her husband, share a piece of cake and maybe eat something…

"I really like these flowers," Tracey said from besides her.

"I was told to pick what I wanted. Neville is going to provide most of them," she replied.

Tracey smiled. "He's doing that for us too. He had to open one of the older greenhouses to grow everything."

"We are going for the final fittings tomorrow. Are you girls all good?" her mother asked, going down the list she had made for these final weeks.

"Yes," she said, butterflies in her stomach.

Hermione shifted in her chair. "I'm not sure I will be able to stand all day," she said.

"You don't have too, Hermione. I'm only glad you will be there. How are you feeling?" Daphne asked her, going through the pictures of the place settings they had had to order for this affair. What Harry and her would do with five-hundred and fifty sets of fine China after the wedding she had no clue about.

Hermione rubbed her large belly. "If this little one would get off my bladder, I would be better."

Her mother gave Hermione a sympathetic look. "Yes, I don't miss that. Speaking of which, I need to go check on Phillip."

Her mother got up to go check on her baby brother. Daphne smiled to think about that. Phillip was about five months old now. He was a cute baby with light brown hair and brown eyes. He would be the Greengrass heir to the cadet line of the Potter-Greengrasses.

"Have you and Harry decided what you are going to do for your honeymoon?" Hermione asked as she reached for some tea.

"We are going to go to Java and Fiji end of August. We don't want to miss you and Neville getting married and are hoping we are back in time for you to have your baby," Daphne told her.

"Oh, that sounds like fun. Neville won't tell me what he has planned for us. It's supposed to be some massive surprise," Tracey said. Daphne had a challenging time not letting her best friend in on the secret. Part of why Neville was keeping it a secret was because they were going to go with them.

"Is Harry going to be alright with the size of this wedding?" Hermione asked as she went through the itinerary again.

Daphne nodded. "I know he would like a more intimate setting but understands how important this is."

Hermione nodded, then winced. "Okay! I'll go to the bathroom," she exclaimed, grumbling at her stomach. Tracey looked a little apprehensive at Hermione as she left the room.

"Do I have that to look forward too?" Tracey enquired.

"Most likely. I want a child. Harry wants a big family and I think he will be a good father," Daphne said with a slightly wistful look to her.

Tracey eyed her. "I thought you didn't want children for a while?"

Daphne smiled. "Plans change, Trace. I am going to stop taking the potion next month and see what happens."

Tracey's brow rose. "Right. Well, I guess a green-eyed brunette would be cute."

Daphne's smile grew. "Just as long as their hair is more manageable."

Tracey giggled. "I don't know, I thought you liked his messy hair."

"I do, but sometimes it would be nice if it behaved," she replied.

"True." Tracey looked at some of the photos on the table. "Are you really ready to be married?"

"Yes," Daphne said. "I miss the nights I don't get to lay with him. I want to start my life and establish the greenhouses and potion lab at Potter Green. My mother starts my apprenticeship in the fall. I love him, Trace, and only want to spend the rest of our lives together."

Tracey smiled and took her hand. "Good. I'm happy for you. It will be odd to think that Harry will be my employer."

Daphne chuckled. "You were the one mental enough to say yes."

Tracey grinned. "Well, not as mental as you to marry him."

"Well, it's better Harry than Neville," she teased.

"HEY! I love Neville," Tracey complained.

"I know, Trace. Neville is a good catch. Now, when can I expect to be a godmother from you?" Daphne questioned.

"Not as soon as you think. I would like a year or two or four with Neville before we have any little ones," she told her friend. "I don't have to give him our first child until we are twenty-five."

Daphne smiled. "So, next Christmas?"

Tracey rolled her eyes. "I'm not baby crazed like you."

"Next Christmas?" she pressed.

Tracey stuck her tongue out at her. "I have no bloody clue."

Daphne grinned. She had seen the way Tracey looked at her brother and Hermione. She had the feeling it was only the jitters of going through pregnancy that was stopping her.

-oOo-

July 10, 1998

Laverstock, England

Harry, Sirius and Remus stood outside the fog. He had given them a badge he had created. If all his calculations and analysis were correct, these would take them through the fog without causing them any damage or to lose their minds.

It still didn't mean that he wasn't nervous about this. Daphne and him were getting married in a month. He wanted to be at her side in one piece, but this was so important he didn't want to wait anymore, not when Croaker and the goblins were starting to breathe down his neck again. He had a feeling the goblins didn't find what they wanted to at Rogsnorg and Croaker wasn't having much luck in getting the Arkenstone to work for him. That meant Harry needed to get the treasures of Camelot before either of them and to protect them.

He let out a big breath.

"You alright, pup?" Sirius asked, looking into the mists.

"Yeah. I just hope this works," he said.

Remus put a hand on his shoulder. "Let me go first. I can send you a Patronus if this works. I would rather not risk you or Sirius first. You both have families that need you."

"We need you too," Sirius told his oldest friend.

"But I am more expendable at the moment," Remus told them.

Harry thought about it for the moment. "The mists are supposed to be about two hundred yards wide. Fields and farms are supposed to surround the city, which isn't that large. Merlin said about eight thousand used to live there. If you apparate about three hundred yards straight in you should be safe," Harry instructed.

Remus nodded. "Tell Erica, Quinn and Daphne that I love them if this goes wrong."

"It won't go wrong. Harry is too good for that," Sirius said with some confidence.

"Thanks," Harry said, feeling nervous anyways.

Remus took in a deep breath, then turned. The crack was the only thing heard on the dreary day of the moors outside of Laverstock. Storms were threatening to the west and the birds that they often heard were silent.

After a moment, Sirius said, "Harry, do you have a way to get Remus back?"

"The badges are designed to take you back to Potter Green if something goes wrong," Harry replied.

"Good," Sirius remarked.

It was another long moment before a silver wolf came out of the mists. It stopped before them. "The landing zone is safe. Apparate four-hundred-and-twenty-meters in."

Harry let out a breath. He wasn't sure how he would have taken it if Remus had been hurt. "Ready?"

"If you are, pup," Sirius said.

Harry turned on the spot, focusing on the short jump that Remus wanted them to make. Estimating distances you couldn't see wasn't easy. If you were within five yards on a jump like this, then you were very skilled.

Harry popped out onto a cobbled road. Before him was an overgrown hedge row. Turning around, he caught Remus standing a few yards away and Sirius standing in a sodden field. By the looks of it, Remus had come out in the same field and hadn't cleaned off his pants yet.

"I didn't' think this would be a bog," Sirius griped.

Harry gave him a cheeky grin. "I don't know what you are complaining about. I'm dry."

Sirius grumbles some not so kind words. About a hundred yards back the soggy field disappeared into the mist. They heard something give out a strangled cry. Sirius and Remus turned to it. "Harry, are you certain the things in the mist will stay in the mist?" Remus questioned.

"According to the scrolls," he said, not so certain.

"Right. Let's get going and find this fabled city," Sirius said, trudging through the field.

The all kept their hands on their sword hilts and were ready to draw their wands. It was rather eerie. There was an occasional squirrel and a badger that ran across one field, but everything else was quiet. The houses looked different from what they were used too. Single story stone shells that once must have been thatched. Some old barns. The largest structures were two huge roman style villas on the top of two hills on either side of the road. It was like they were walking through a time capsule of what England looked like almost fifteen hundred years ago.

The villas still looked to be in decent shape, their tile roofs still intact. "They must have wards that are still active," Remus mused.

"I can feel it. There is magic all over the place here. I think those villas are the ward anchors for Camelot itself," Harry told them.

Sirius looked to him. "You can feel all that?"

Harry shrugged. "Sort of. I also know what Merlin said it was like, but I have no clue he meant they were actual villas."

As they crested the hill between the two villas, a small city spread out before them. Half the architecture was roman, the other was more Norman in origin. Most buildings were covered in red or black tile roofs. Thirty-foot-high stone walls surrounded the small city with square towers equally spaced around. By the straight lines of the streets and the way it was lain out Harry had the suspicion it was once a large Roman fort that had expanded into the city.

Sirius let out a soft whistle. "I always imagined a golden city on a big hill with a huge castle and flags all over the place."

Remus snickered. "You always did like those fairy tales that Lily had. From the scrolls that Harry let me see, Camelod was a Roman stronghold in the region that was then taken over by the local warlord after they abandoned Britain, then Arthur, Merlin and Morgana defeated the warlord and this became the crowning jewel of the new empire," Remus said.

"It was more than that, Remus. Camelot was the centre of all trade, knowledge, magic and peace for almost two hundred years. But when Arthur died, squabbling broke out among some of his children and knights and Camelot was sealed off to prevent them from destroying everything," he said.

"And then the Dark Ages descended," Remus said.

"Sounds about right," Harry agreed.

"Do we go in today or wait?" Sirius asked.

Harry surveyed the city, his eyes falling on the large building in the centre of the city. It was obviously the administration and palace, but it looked more like an ancient Roman palace. He wanted to go there. The only other place that drew his eye was a section to the north-east that had several buildings with domes inside a walled off section. From the descriptions, that would be the mage quarters.

"Except for the main gates, there isn't supposed to be any traps or other things to keep you out of the city. I'm not sure about the treasures, armouries or other places that were meant to be kept safe," Harry told them.

"Can you get us through the gates?" Remus asked.

"I don't know. It was all sealed off to prevent Arthur's children and knights from becoming too powerful. He mentioned something about the three descendants having to make the decision to open the gates," Harry said, not wanting to get closer yet. He could feel the magic in the city. It was drumming in his veins. He wanted to go but didn't want to press his luck.

"Right, so we know the badges work. We know it is here. There wasn't any sign outside that the Unspeakables know about this, and the goblins are still distracted. Do we press to go in today or wait to get the team together?" Sirius asked towards him. As much as Remus and Sirius were older, they deferred to him on this issue.

Harry looked around him. "I'm not going to waste this opportunity. I want to get closer to the walls to get any cyphers I can, then explore the villas. We should be able to enter those."

"It's your call, pup," Sirius said.

It was getting towards the middle of the afternoon when Harry was satisfied with his and Remus examination of the walls and the Southern Gatehouse before they apparated to the edge of the grounds around one of the villas. The villa was huge. He could easily see a large family of dozens of people living here, or in the houses around the fields. Standing at the edge of the stone wall about halfway up the hill, Harry could sense the wards that protected the structure and then extended to protect the lands inside the fog.

"I can feel that," Sirius said, walking the edge of the wall.

Harry moved his wand in intricate patterns to have three round cyphers materializing in the air. Remus started to look at them. "The badges should let us pass," Remus said.

"I was thinking that too. The wards are tied into the mists. It looks like the villas are built over a pentagon array that is the base for all the other wards around here," Harry agreed.

"How many ley lines intersect here? That is a lot of power to ward this type of area," Sirius asked.

"Three. The same as with Hogwarts and a few other places," Harry said.

When they were certain, Harry led them up the cobbled road to the main entrance of the villa. The wards of the place thrummed with energy. If they hadn't been recognized through the badges he would hate to find out what would happen. He also noticed that as they got closer his sword started to vibrate with the magic here.

Pulling it out, it was already glowing as bright as it did when he was at his ward crystal.

"You trying to blind us?" Sirius questioned.

"Well, it would make it easier on me to not see your ugly muzzle," Remus teased.

"Bloody dick," Sirius griped.

Harry smiled. It was the first time any of them had joked since getting here. Harry put the sword back into his expanded scabbard. The large oak doors opened silently. A thick layer of dust lay over everything. Harry was surprised to see the place still furnished. A tapestry hung on the wall. It had faded with time, but he could see it was a family tree.

"Is it safe to enter?" Sirius questioned.

"Yeah. There isn't anything bad here," Harry told him.

Harry walked over to the tapestry. At the base was the name Caius Everwand. Everwand was one of the original knights, not ones that had been made up years later. Harry looked at the tree. It was slightly older than the Peverell tapestry, so it had almost as many branches and generations. It ended with three branches at the top. There was an Everwand, Parkinson, and Corner branch.

"Bloody hell," Harry murmured.

"What you got there?" Sirius asked, coming over.

"A family tapestry. Look, where it ends," Harry pointed out.

"Well, shite," Sirius remarked.

"Did you know this?" Remus asked.

"If Hermione and Blaise knew they didn't say anything. We knew about the Everwands, but not that the Parkinsons were a break away branch only three generations ago or that Corner is four generations removed from the main branch. I wonder if there are more of these around," Harry pondered.

"Potentially. Family tapestries used to be a vogue thing to do," Sirius told him.

"Harry! Sirius, you have to see this," Remus called out.

Harry turned to see Remus standing at the end of the hall and looking out into a courtyard.

They walked over to him, and Harry's eyes went wide. Around the courtyard was wrapped the body of a sinewy dragon. It was covered in golden scales and had a maw open to the sky as though it was roaring to it.

"Is that a Golden Asian Dragon?" Sirius questioned.

"Looks like it. By the size it must have been centuries old when it was killed," Remus told him.

Harry frowned. "I hate trophies like that," he told them. Since finding Harssess and Sahassa he was rather protective of creatures' rights to live, especially those of higher intelligence like dragons.

"Back then it was a sign of a great warrior to best such a beast. I bet this was their family symbol. I knew that the Romans went all over the world, but how would they even get something this big back. They didn't do magic like us back then," Sirius questioned.

"I don't know, but to know this is at least a thousand years old is incredible," Remus said. "Golden Asian Dragons have been thought to be exist for at least that long."

"It is such waist. Why do wizards have to kill anything that is more powerful than them?" Harry asked.

"It's human nature, pup. It's why wizards hide from Muggles," Sirius commented. "Alright, why does it feel like my magic is pulsing in me?"

"It's the ward anchors," Harry said. "I've been feeling it ever since we passed through the mists. My sword is vibrating with the magic."

"Merlin, no wonder this place was hidden," Sirius said.

"You don't know the half of it," Remus and Harry said at the same time. They both shared a look. Harry had not given Remus all his scrolls. He wondered what the man had discovered he may not have. The look his parents' friend gave him broadcast the same thoughts.

"I want to find the runestone chamber," Harry told them.

"Are you sure it's safe?" Sirius questioned.

"Yeah. Should be," Harry assured him, feeling mostly positive about that response.

They went back inside to find a stairway down. They found rooms that were covered in dust. Beyond that they looked ready to move in. The silence with the thrumming magic creeped him out a bit. On the far side of the villa, they found a door with stairs that led down. Below the villa were cellars made for storage or workshops. Like at Peverell Keep the found another staircase that led to a cave below the villa. Harry had to shield his eyes as they found the underlying cause of the stairs. The crystal array was already glowing brightly.

"That is some light show," Sirius said, handing Harry some conjured sunglasses.

It helped, but he still had a tough time seeing anything. The power in the cave had his ears buzzing. "I've never seen anything like this," Remus commented.

"I don't know if anyone has," Harry replied. Looking around, Harry could see differences. The crystal under Peverell keep looked more like naturally grown quarts. This one was a giant emerald almost as tall as him. It had been shaped to be multifaceted, with each face containing a full set of wards. There were hundreds of facets. Harry knew he had never seen anything so complicated, and the scrolls and books at the castle didn't cover this.

"Merlin, how is this made?" Remus asked, moving around the crystal. "I've never seen an emerald of this size."

Harry took out his wand and started to cast analysis spells. In between them he said, "There should be five about this size. An emerald, a ruby, an amethyst, a diamond and a sapphire. Most arrays use more common gems like quarts, amethyst or garnet. If I had to guess, this gem was not this size to begin with, but enhanced to channel the amount of magic here."

"How in Merlin would you do that? I thought if you enhanced the size of gemstones they would become unstable. Rogthrots law or something," Sirius said, looking around the chamber.

"Robethorn Law," Remus said. "It doesn't make them unstable. It dissociated them so that they 'thin' and collapse in on themselves."

"Actually, that is a little wrong too," Harry told them, making both men raise an eye at them. "It actually works more at a Nomaj level. Like how you can't transmogrify any precious metal like gold, silver or platinum without something that breaks magical laws, like a philosopher's stone or a Pelanstone. Magic has something that blocks it from changing things at the molecular structure of certain things, or so Hermione is speculating. I think she is going to get her Transfiguration Mastery on that. I think it has something to do with the Merlinian bindings against wild magic and Camelot is the binder. It's also really important for how these crystals are made. Merlin didn't understand arithmancy or science like we do now, but magic hasn't changed much in that we can sense how to manipulate or change those laws."

Remus looked deep in thought while Sirius looked at him open mouthed. "Merlin, pup. I'm going to have to start calling you Lily. What in Merlin's saggy pants are you talking about?"

Remus chuckled. "The more you open your mouth the less handsome you are, you know? Now just stand there and be pretty for us."

Sirius bristled at Remus condescension. Harry chuckled and lost his concentration. "Bloody hell. Now I have to start on those last three again."

Remus laughed while Sirius huffed.

It would turn out to be hours for Harry to be satisfied enough that he got everything he could. By that time his stomach was growling and night had taken over. He made sure everything was in his book before closing it.

He turned to see Remus writing in his own journal.

"Where is Sirius?" Harry asked.

"He went upstairs to explore the villa more."

Harry nodded. "Let's get out of here. I'm hungry and I'm sure Daphne and Erica are wondering where we are."

"You're probably right," Remus agreed, stretching his back as they made it up the stairs. "When do you want to come back?"

"Tomorrow if we can. I want to catalogue all the ward stones and study them before we enter the city," Harry said.

Remus nodded his head in agreement. "I'm glad to see you taking this one step at a time. I've seen a few Curse breakers get themselves killed by rushing something like this."

"Well, I have a good reason to go home every night. Speaking of which, when are you going to bring him by?"

Remus stopped on the step. "Excuse me?"

Harry turned to the man. "I know you don't like women, Remus. We don't care. Sirius said you have someone you are seeing. Bring him around. Auntie won't mind."

"I'm going to kill the mutt," Remus muttered.

Harry chuckled. "Good luck with that."

Remus made a face. They were silent as they found Sirius in the courtyard looking at the Golden Asian dragon. Harry had to say he was sad to see it. They were impressive beasts and supposedly were like the greater dragon, able to speak and not as aggressive towards humans.

"You ready?" Harry asked.

Sirius was eyeing the dragon. "Are you sure this thing is stuffed?"

Harry looked up at it. It was in the same position it had been in earlier. Its eyes looked glassy and there was no hint of it breathing. "Yeah. There hasn't been any seen in about a thousand years."

Remus sniffed. "I don't smell anything, Sirius."

Sirius didn't look convinced. "I swear I saw a claw move."

"I think it's just the shadows of the night. Come on. I'm hungry," Harry told him. He eyed the dragon too. His godfather had good instincts, but there was nothing about the sinewy dragon that was encircling the courtyard that said it was still alive.

After a moment, they decided to leave, walking beyond the wards of the villa before apparating away.

-oOo-

Omake:

With all my planning and notes, I realized I forgot the birth of Phillip Greengrass in February. Thus, I present this omake…

-oOo-

February 17, 1998

Rotherham, England

Daphne appeared just outside the main doors of their manor. Astoria swayed a little as she had side-a-longed apparated with her. Harry cracked into existence just besides them. They had received an owl this morning that their brother had finally come, so after Astoria's classes were done for the day the three of them were here. Eric wanted to come but didn't have permission.

Ginger met them at the door. She was bouncing with happiness. "The misses and master are here. Mistress Iliana will be so happy. The new master is up."

"Easy, Ginger. Where is mother?" Astoria asked excitedly.

"In the master's rooms. Come. Come," Ginger said as excitedly as Astoria.

Daphne rolled her eyes at her sister. As grown up she was getting, she was still her little sister. "Do you want to run too?" Harry asked.

"I'm a little more mature," she told him.

Harry laughed, winked and she called out, "Harry!" as he turned into a red fox and took off with a yip. She jumped, landing on her four paws of her snow fox form, barking at her daft betrothed as his fox yipped like it was laughing as he charged past Astoria and Ginger.

"NO animals near the new master!" Ginger cried out.

"That's no fair! I can't change yet!" Astoria called after them. Daphne yipped in her own laughter as she tried to catch the faster form of Harry. He stepped back into himself, a huge smile on his face, as he approached her parents' rooms. She stepped, transforming back with her arms crossing under her chest.

"And are we proud of ourselves?" she asked rather imperiously.

"Yep," Harry said with a huge grin. Astoria was running down the hall with Ginger behind her.

"Don't runs! The master Phillip is too young," Ginger called out.

Harry looked slightly guilty to see the house elf chasing them down. "Ginger, I'm sorry. We didn't mean to upset you or Master Phillip, did you say?"

Ginger emphatically nodded. "Yes. Master Philip. You's will behave or Ginger will be seeing yous does," the house elf warned.

Harry held up his hands in a supplicating gesture. "I promise I will be good," Harry told Ginger. After a moment she nodded and let them into the room.

"I can't wait to find out what I am. I hope I'm a big wolf and can outrun you and Daffy," Astoria huffed.

"Or a little cat," Daphne told her.

"I hear mice can move pretty quick," Harry added.

"I am not going to be a mouse," Astoria said while slamming her foot into the floor. "Are you sure he needs to be my brother-in-law?"

Daphne sighed as though it was a great burden. "I'm afraid the ink is dried, and we have already met the clauses that we can't turn back from, though it is a dream to reconsider it."

"Oi! I'm right here, you know," Harry sounded put out.

Astoria giggled. "I'm sorry, Daphne."

"I am too," she agreed, trying to keep the smirk off her face.

"I think I'm the one that got the worst of the deal," he muttered.

Her father met them inside their room. "What is this about reconsidering a deal?"

"Oh, Daffy is just thinking of dropping Potter. Where is Phillip?" she said, gliding away like the little minx always did after dropping a grenade.

Her father gave them a questioning look.

"Astoria is just dreaming about it. He's still good enough to keep around," Daphne informed him.

"Good to know I don't have to talk with the goblins," Harry said sarcastically. She just stuck her nose up in the air. "It's good to see you, Anders. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Harry. Someday I'll be doing this with you and Daphne," he said.

Harry gave a nervous chuckle. "Someday," he agreed.

She knew that he had been spooked a little with Hermione suddenly becoming pregnant. Daphne had gotten tested, just in case, and wasn't. She wanted to wait. "Hello, father. How is mother?" she asked, moving to hug her father.

"She is doing well. Still a little tired, but up and moving about as the midwife suggested. She is excited to see you all." She moved into the bedroom. Astoria was already holding the bundle that must have held their brother. She was making faces and noises.

"Do you have a camera?" she asked Harry as quietly as she could.

"Knew I forgot something," he said.

They moved over to her sister. "Look, Daphne, he looks just like father."

The little baby in her arms was moving his mouth, his tongue going in and out and his very dark blue eyes moving around but not really focusing on them. She knew they would most likely change to the Greengrass brown as he grew. "He's beautiful," Daphne said, giving him her hand to take her finger.

Their mother laughed. "I think he's rather handsome myself."

Harry hugged her mother and congratulated them.

"You know, it's probably a good thing he's a boy," Astoria said.

"Why is that?" she questioned.

"Could you imagine having another sister with Harry and Eric around? No one would want to touch her knowing how Harry gets when he's really upset and that he's already duelled and won," Astoria said.

Daphne laughed. "He hasn't been too bad."

Astoria gave her an astounded look. "Not too bad? He threatened to throw Eric off the Astronomy tower if he touched me the wrong way."

Daphne moved to nuzzle Phillip. "Good. Though he didn't tell me that one. I thought it was only the Black Lake?"

Astoria's face scrunched up. "Oh, he did that too."

Daphne laughed as Philip grabbed her hair before releasing it. "I'll talk to him later."

"Does that mean a reward or a scolding?" Astoria questioned.

"Depends. He's still in a little bit of trouble from running up here," she said. Phillip smiled. Daphne smiled at him until there was a squelching, liquidly sound from him.

Astoria looked aghast. "He didn't just poop, did he?"

Their mother laughed. "Sounded like it."

Daphne scrunched her nose. "Smells like it."

"OH! YUCK!" Astoria said, suddenly holding Phillip away from her.

"Give him here. It won't be the first diaper I've changed," their father said.

"Can't Ginger do it?" Astoria questioned.

"Ginger will take care of Phillip when we need her too, but it is better that you learn to take care of this too," her father said, taking their brother over to a basinet near their bed.

"I don't ever want to do that," Astoria said.

Daphne shrugged. "I'll do what I have too. Can you teach me, father?"

"Of course," he said.