Viridi et Caeruleo

VeC

"Ophelia, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Positive"

"But are you super sure?"

"David, if you ask me that question one more time, I might accidentally shoot my customary stinging hex downwards." She hissed as she looked meaningfully towards his crotch.

She turned back up to look at his eyes and softened at the terrified expression that was etched across his face.

"Look Longbottom, I know my parents can be intimidating, especially my father, but if we want whatever this is to be real, then you meeting my family is important. Considering that we'll be entering our final year in a couple of weeks, we haven't got long to think about our future together." She cupped his cheek. "You still want this don't you?" She asked softly, a shadow of vulnerability appearing in her eyes.

David Longbottom placed his hand over hers.

"Yes! Merlin yes!" He passionately exclaimed, "It's just that you know your parents and mine haven't got the best kind of relationship." He sighed. "I'm just hoping your parents won't disapprove."

"They won't. I just want to make sure we're all on the same page David. You know how important my family is to me." Ophelia replied.

"I know, it's one of the things I love about you." He said warmly as he leaned in to give a chaste kiss which she happily accepted.

"Ready? Just a warning, the wards on my home are sort of oppressive, especially to foreign magicals that are not added to the wards. You'll be fine as long as you stay close to me though it'll probably hurt a bit." She warned, a hint of nervousness creeping into her voice.

David took a deep breath to try and calm his heart rate and managed to give a weak smile and a nod to his girlfriend before she gave a squeeze of his hand and apparated.

He bleakly opened his eyes to the sounds of harsh hissing before staggering and dropping to a knee. He felt the oppressive wards that Ophelia definitely downplayed pushing down on him as if his body was being squished into the size of a galleon.

Though that was nothing to what he saw in front of him. He couldn't help his eyes widen when he saw a massive black and gold Runespoor standing menacingly in front of Ophelia who was stood protectively in front of him. They were exchanging harsh hisses between each other with the occasional sharp hiss aimed at him before his girlfriend retaliated with an even sharper hiss.

Eventually, a voice was heard which caused the Runespoor to seemingly relax but their threatening manner hadn't changed as they had kept their 3 heads fixated on him.

"What's with all the commotion?"

David recognised the voice of the older man as last year's Head Boy and older brother to Ophelia.

Curious emerald eyes of the older man locked onto electric blue before glancing at the hazel brown eyes of David's.

"Baby sis and you've brought a guest with you." He spoke pleasantly as he rubbed his hand on the closest head of the giant Runespoor who seemed to preen under his attention much to the annoyance of the other heads.

Ophelia sighed in relief. "Alex thank goodness you're here. Merlin was it hard to convince them David isn't an enemy nor is he a sacrifice for food." She said as she pointedly looked at the head on the right who looked away as if it was pouting.

"Food?!" David squeaked.

"Nonsense, they're just very protective aren't you Hera, Demeter", Alex chuckled, "yes even you my lovely Hestia." He cooed as he rubbed each of their snouts affectionately.

"Ugh, do you have to do all that coddling every time you see them? No wonder they act like a bunch of children." Ophelia scowled causing a cacophony of displeased hissing.

"Now now baby sis, you certainly weren't complaining when I coddled you when you were younger. I remember distinctly on the days father would have to leave the manor, you would run into my room and would beg over and over to play with you." He replied, a teasing but affectionate smile danced on his handsome face.

"I was like 4 years old, that doesn't count." She replied a little heatedly, a blush on her cheeks as she thought back to that memory.

"Um guys, sorry but I'm kinda struggling over here."

"David!" Ophelia yelped as she helped him up, her touch bringing instant relief from the oppressive wards as they felt much more bearable as long as she was touching him.

She fretted over him for a moment before a clearing of a throat was heard and she whirled onto the sound, seemingly forgetting she had an audience.

"Are you not going to introduce us, Ophelia?" Alex questioned, amusement dancing in his eyes as his baby sister flushed slightly.

"Uh right," she started as she cleared her throat, "David, meet my elder brother, Alexander Potter-Black, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Potter and Black. Brother, this is David Longbottom, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom."

"A pleasure to meet you, Heir Longbottom."

"David, please. Heir Longbottom makes me feel like I'm back at those overbearing parties." He said as he offered his hand which was shook by the older man.

Alexander nodded, "You may call me Alexander. It's nice to finally put a name and face to this friend Lia had been spouting about, though he's not just a friend is he?" He questioned teasingly at his younger sister.

She gaped, "How did you know? I've never even mentioned anything specific about David, we didn't even meet publicly at school."

"When it comes to the people around my siblings, baby sis, there is nothing I don't know believe me." Alex said, his smile widening.

David couldn't help but shiver slightly at the smile as he remembered the article he had read recently about the mysterious Heir.

'16-YEAR-OLD SON OF THE MAN-WHO-CONQUERED MAKES HISTORY AS HE WINS BRITISH UNDER-19 DUELLING TOURNAMENT BY CONSIDERABLE LANDSLIDE'.

Not only was Alexander smart and handsome, but his prowess on the duelling circuits had jump-started his popularity. He had become the youngest wizard to win an Under-19 ICW authorised Duelling Tournament in history, a feat which gained notoriety globally and now apparently he was training for the European circuit which would be held next summer. David wasn't ashamed to admit that he looked up to the older man and hoped they would get along. There was a dangerous aura around him, one which David wanted to avoid at all costs.

A pop was heard, and they all turned to a slightly older looking elf who looked impeccably dressed in a small maid outfit.

"Little Lia has returned!" She bounced happily.

She couldn't help but smile at her nickname, "I'm back Winky, would you mind adding David Longbottom to the wards please and let mother and father know."

Winky looked back and forth between both Ophelia and David and squealed happily causing them to blush before snapping her fingers and instantly, relief could be noticed on David's face.

"The Lady of the Manor is expecting Little Lia and her partner." With one last squeal after looking at David specifically, she popped away.

"Of course, Mother knows." She half whispered.

A laugh was heard that belonged to her older brother.

"Don't laugh!" She scowled, her cheeks turning red.

"Please, Winky was just as bad as when I brought Sistine here too." Alex snorted. "Well, let's not keep Mother waiting, shall we?"

"Let's get this over with, come on David," she said as she looped her arm with his and followed after her brother.

"Where is Sistine anyway?" She asked curiously.

"France. At some cousin's funeral that she had never met. You know what her family is like." He said. Ophelia could practically see the rolling of his eyes from the back of his head whenever he mentioned his girlfriend's family.

"Shame, I was hoping to see her."

He looked over his shoulder and gave a teasing smile, "She told me to tell you that she misses you and wished she was here today."

"That little snake! No wonder you knew about us!" She seethed; she would get her back for this.

He laughed, "We have no secrets between us."

David smiled happily at the conversation as he looked around the massive estate, large gardens of beautifully assorted flowers and trees of all kinds could be seen dotted around causing his eyes to widen in awe.

Ophelia watched amusedly, "All Mother's work, she likes to say that it's a hobby, whereas I believe it's an obsession." She giggled.

"It's beautiful."

"Yeah, it really is." Ophelia replied fondly as she looked around.

"Have you got horses?" David asked curiously.

"No why?"

"Well, why can I hear the sounds of hooves coming from all around us?"

Alexander answered, "Thestrals, invisible to those who haven't seen and accepted death."

"They won't attack will they?"

"No, they're family, have been on these grounds for generations. Unless you were not invited by one of the family that is."

"And what would've happened if I wasn't?" David asked, a chill running up his back.

"Well, let's just say that if you thought my Runespoor was dangerous, you've truly never seen an angry Thestral." He looked over his shoulder as he smirked causing his sister to roll her eyes.

"Relax, they won't do anything, they're just curious, though it's good to stay close." She said happily, enjoying the warmth of her partner.

David let out a breath. "Can you see them?" He asked Ophelia.

"Mmhmm." She started, her eyes suddenly getting watery.

"Merlin, I'm sorry, that was insensitive of me." He back-pedalled quickly.

"No, it's fine. I'm glad you asked." She gave a soft squeeze of his arm, "Our grandmother Andi on my father's side. She meant a lot to us but she couldn't get over the death of her daughter Nymphadora. She was slowly withering away as the years went by and eventually, she died. It really hurt Daddy." She whispered the end but the other two heard.

David kissed her forehead lovingly whilst Alexander carried on walking, a melancholy expression on his face as he thought about his wonderful Grandmother Andromeda.

"Anyways," She sniffed, "Twins home?" She asked.

"No, they're out with Teddy, Charles wanted to see the new Firebolt and Arthur wanted to get some new book by Luna Lovegood. Teddy wanted to go visit Victoire, but you know what Arthur is like when it comes to Luna Lovegood's books."

At David's questioning glance, Ophelia mouthed 'fanatic' and he grinned.

"And Rosy?"

"Inside, Mother's teaching her how to brew the Draught of Peace."

Ophelia gaped, "Alex, she's barely 11."

"She has a knack for potions." He shrugged, "Mother was ecstatic." Alex chuckled as he thought of his mother's expression.

"And father?" She asked warily, shooting a quick look towards David who she felt stiffen slightly.

"Not home," he started and then chuckled as he heard a sigh in relief behind him, "though, I'm sure he'll be home soon." He finished to a groan by David.

"Stop that, I told you it will be fine." Ophelia lightly scolded.

They eventually reached the doors of a massive manor. David thought Longbottom Hall was quite spectacular, but it didn't hold a candle to the brilliance of Potter Manor.

The doors seemed to open by themselves as the three walked into a large opulent foyer, though that wasn't the first thing David noticed as he walked in.

"Is that what I think it is?" He asked with awe.

"Yup," Ophelia responded smugly, "A Basilisk, the one Father slew when he was a second year at Hogwarts. He managed to get the skeleton and put it up here."

"Yeah, I remember Dad telling me about it but seeing it in person is a different feeling altogether. It's huge!" He exclaimed.

Winky appeared before them again with a soft pop and informed them that the Lady was waiting in the parlour for them and beckoned them to follow.

"Parlour's just through here. I'd wish you luck David, but you'd probably won't need it." Alexander said as he looked between the happy couple.

"Thank you, Alexander." David replied gratefully to the older man who gave a small nod and smile in return before motioning them to go in front of him.

Winky opened the double doors and announced clearly.

"Master Alexander and Mistress Ophelia have returned Mistress and with her is Heir David Longbottom, Heir to Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom. Heir Longbottom, introducing the Lady of the Manor, Lady Daphne Potter-Black, Lady of the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Potter and Black."

David stepped forward with Ophelia on his arm and looked around the warmly decorated room until his eyes came upon the woman standing in front of them.

The word beautiful was an understatement. She was mesmerising. Her long, honey blonde hair was half braided and pulled to the side and over one shoulder which ended with an elegant scrunchie. Her eyelids which were half-lidded and held powerful electric blue eyes that seemed to look right through you, was sat on top of high cheekbones, a small nose and pouty lips. She looked youthful and not unnaturally, which added considerably to her appeal and persona. This was the famous Queen of Slytherin he had heard so much about during his time at Hogwarts he thought as he stared at her in awe and watched as she stared impassively back at the three younger individuals who had entered.

She wore a long, frilly powder blue sundress that came down to her shins. It was modest enough that it showed no cleavage or extra skin and yet her large full assets could not be hidden. It had a high waist which perfectly accented her small waist and wide hips and teased her long legs beneath the dress. A curious silver pendant lay on her neck which was adorned by a silver bracelet and a multitude of rings on her fingers. Sparkling, diamond studs lined her ears until long, tear-drop shaped diamond earrings came down from her lobes. She wore pink fluffy slippers and altogether, had a casual and at the same time, mature look about her which screamed regality and wealth.

If this was how Ophelia would look like in the future, then he was one lucky man.

"Found out what the commotion was about Mother, it was only Lia." Alex replied as he rolled his eyes at the pair before walking over to a loveseat and picking up the book that he was reading before they came.

Daphne regarded her son in amusement before her eyes travelled to the pair opposite her. Quintessential Longbottom she thought. The dirty blonde hair, and hazel eyes. He was tall, about her height just shy of 5'11. He seemed anxious, good. She allowed a small smirk to appear which caused her expressionless mask to fade away and walked smoothly towards the pair, enjoying the look of wariness from her eldest daughter.

"Heir Longbottom, a pleasant surprise. Welcome to my home." She spoke with a cool tone as she raised her hand.

David was imitating a fish until Ophelia pinched him hard in the arm before he realised what he was doing, and his etiquette kicked in.

"L-Lady Potter-Black, I am honoured for your kindness and hospitality. You have truly a beautiful home." He spoke sincerely as he took the offered limb and brushed his lips.

Daphne's smirk turned into a pleasant smile at his compliment which she directed to him allowing David to release a breath he didn't know he was holding.

Her electric blue eyes gazed over to her daughter.

"Ophelia. Not going to run off again are we?"

The person in question blushed and looked down to avoid her mother's piercing eyes.

"I was in a hurry." She mumbled out.

"Not a reason to leave without saying goodbye or even letting anyone know where you would be going?" She asked frostily; her eyes narrowed.

"She came to meet me!" David winced when he blurted it out but nevertheless continued when her eyes bore down to his, "We had a date planned and we were supposed to meet up at 9 am. Though, she was late, it was probably why she left without saying goodbye." He finished, chuckling nervously.

"So, I have you to blame?" She questioned a well-manicured eyebrow raised causing David to gulp audibly.

"W-Well… no, I-I mean yes, the blame is with me." Despite his anxiety, David held eye contact with the matriarch until he thought he saw a gleam within the blue eyes before he blinked, and it was gone.

Daphne looked back at her daughter, "Nothing to add?"

"I'm sorry Mother" She mumbled out, her eyes downcast.

"What have I said about apologies?" Daphne replied coolly.

Ophelia winced before raising the same electric blue eyes back at her mother. She heard some light rustling going on in the background but ignored it.

"I'm sorry Mother, I didn't mean to worry you." Her voice warbled due to her emotions.

Daphne stared at her daughter for a moment or two before a small smile lit up her features and she opened her arms wide causing the younger girl to fling herself into her arms as Daphne ran her hands through Ophelia's midnight black hair.

Though they were growing up far too quickly for Daphne's liking, her kids would still be her kids no matter their age.

"Apology accepted sweetie. Though you will still have to explain it to your father when he gets here." She finished sweetly as she felt her daughter stiffen and then looked up to see Longbottom's expression of horror and couldn't help her smirk from appearing on her face.

"Tea?" Daphne pulled away and asked the pair who nodded, "Shall we head to the dining room, I feel as though our group may be getting bigger very soon." She finished knowingly before turning around and walking towards a set of double doors on the other side of the room.

"Alex, bring Rosy would you as well please."

"Aw, poo. How'd you know I was here?" Came a muffled voice of a teenager who had their mouth clamped by Alex.

Daphne looked amusingly at her youngest, her eyes locked onto the heterochromia eyes of emerald green and electric blue of her youngest daughter.

"I'm your mother." She said before she glided out of the doors followed by a bemused pair following behind her.

"How does Mummy and Daddy always know, it's like they've got eyes on the back of their heads seriously." The 10-year-old stomped petulantly.

"Because they're Mum and Dad, come along munchkin." Alex rolled his eyes and dragged his sister with him.

After everyone was seated at the large table, Daphne was just about to ask about David when she felt the wards flicker letting her know someone or some people had come through. Judging by the sounds of voices she and the other 4 had heard coming from a closed set of doors she realised it was her other children and that was when she felt him.

His presence was unique to her, it always had been ever since they were young. He was hers, utterly and completely. Everything about him, she knew and it's why she knew he was here, even though she couldn't see nor hear him.

Even her prodigious son, Alexander, for all the training he's undergone to feel magical signatures, still hadn't realised that his father was here yet.

"Must be the rest of my siblings." She heard Ophelia whisper to David. Daphne hid her smirk.

She stood up, resulting in the others looking at her in confusion before the sounds outside the door grew louder as they got closer. Eventually, Alex stood up also, causing her to give a warm smile which he returned half-frustratingly. He must've realised who else was here, just not quick enough.

The doors unceremoniously opened, letting in 2 same-height teenagers who were having a very animated conversation. One had messy black hair with electric blue eyes whilst the other had the opposite, messy blonde hair with emerald green eyes.

"Honestly Charles, let me explain it to you so that even your pea-sized brain can understand; if you were just as much in love with getting good grades as you are about Quidditch, then Dad would've probably bought you that new Firebolt by now." Arthur finished haughtily, barely able to support the 3 thick tomes he was holding against his chest.

"Pfft, that's definitely not why he hasn't bought me the new Firebolt plus, I know what your definition of love is and it's definitely not the same as mine." Charles snorted; his hands crossed behind his head as he strutted along.

"Yeah, try me." Arthur retorted.

"Ohh, Madam Lovegood," Charles started with big doe eyes and a squeaky voice, "I've read all your books on Headless Chicken and their theorised unity with Crumple-Horned Snorkacks. I only wish that one day I could see such a spectacular union with you, it would be a dream come true." He finished as he held his hands close to his chest with a look of absolute longing etched on his face.

A loud snort erupted from behind the twins before it changed it obnoxious laughter as a tall, handsome boy entered, his short hair switching rapidly in a mirage of colours.

"I didn't say or sound like that!" Arthur seethed, his face resembling a bright red tomato as Charles began laughing. "Tell him, Teddy! Tell him I didn't say that!"

Teddy ruffled his hair with a mirthful smile. "Trust me squirt, Madam Lovegood was flattered." He said causing Charles to laugh even harder.

"Keep laughing Charles and you'll be coughing up slugs next." Arthur exclaimed before he pulled out his wand.

"Yeah? We'll see about that. Hugo showed me a spell that his uncle George taught him. I've been itching to try it out and you'll be a perfect little tester."

"Alright kids that's enough, put the wands away." Teddy sighed.

"Don't stop me Ted, the little git deserves it, he's been insufferable all day." Arthur said as he pointed his wand towards his twin.

"Yeah well maybe if we didn't waste 3 bloody hours at that book signing event just so you could proclaim your undying love to Madam Lovegood, I would've at least been able to see the new Firebolt, you little beady-eyed twerp." Charles scowled, flashing his own wand.

"Take that back!"

"Make me!"

"Enough." A deep voice commanded.

Dressed in black intricate robes that were made with the finest quality just like the rest of his children, a tall well-built figure walked in behind Teddy. His slightly glowing emerald eyes were narrowed as he regarded his two sons who had stiffened before hesitatingly, turned to face their displeased father.

He swiftly plucked both wands out of their hands much to their consternation as they both petulantly moaned out 'dad'.

"I don't think you boys understood when I told you the other day that if you pointed your wand at each other again, you won't be seeing it until school begins."

"But Dad he started it!" The twins both shouted, both pointing at the other.

"And I'm ending it. Besides, is this any sort of way on how you're supposed to behave in front of a guest?" He asked, as he pointedly looked over towards the dining table where the rest of his family was plus one.

The twins looked over and unfortunately caught their eyes with an extremely displeased-looking Daphne. They quickly avoided her penetrating gaze and moved their eyes to the other occupants.

Alex and Rosy looked amused, with the latter laughing loudly at the twins getting told off much to her mother's displeasure.

It was when their eyes moved on to the other boy and girl that their expressions changed. For Arthur, he scowled as he looked at David while Charles got a teasing look instead.

"Well, well, well if it isn't Ophelia and she's bought her secret smoochy woochy boyfriend oooooo." Charles guffawed as he made kissing sounds.

"Charles." Daphne said warningly.

Ophelia ignored the little cretin; she would get him later for that. Instead, she was looking at the tall man behind him.

Her father had an impassive look on his handsome face. His mask which he used at home when he was displeased wasn't as good as mother's where Ophelia had absolutely no idea what the woman was thinking however, regarding her father, it was clear he was irritated as his right eyebrow was twitching as if it was pulsing.

Calming her nerves as best she could, she grabbed a very still and wide-eyed David and walked on over till she stood in front of her father.

David was one of the taller individuals in his year at just being shy of 6ft and yet that couldn't compare to the might of the Man-Who-Conquered.

He gulped audibly as glowing emerald orbs stared him down. He could feel himself sweating and wished the ground would just swallow him up. It would've been a quicker way to go than, to being stared down to death by the Premier Mage of Magical Britain.

It was pin-drop silence in the kitchen of Potter Manor as everyone watched interestingly to see what would happen.

She cleared her throat and hoped her voice was measured. "David. This is my father, Lord of the Manor, Hadrian Potter-Black, Lord of the Noble and Most Ancient Houses of Potter and Black."

David tried his absolute best to keep eye contact with the emerald-eyed wizard. His legendary scar had faded until it was just a thin line one could see if they looked close enough. Jet black hair that once resembled a bird's nest was now long and tame, round glasses were nowhere to be seen and he was sporting the short beard that he heard so much about recently and he couldn't disagree that it added major points to his charm and looks.

If there was one big change it would be the long scar that went down from his left temple and ended on the end of his jaw. Dad had told him that the scar was personally given by Lord Voldemort during their legendary duel in the Battle of Hogwarts.

If anything, it just adds to his image of a wizard one should never cross, David thought with a shiver.

"Father," Ophelia paused until his green eyes turned to her, "this is David. Heir David Longbottom, Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Longbottom a-and we've been seeing one another for the past year now." She finished somehow clearly.

Harry looked towards his beautiful wife who had a smirk on her face, her electric blue eyes sparkling with amusement as she glided over to him.

"Welcome back darling." She greeted him with a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth as she took his coat off his broad shoulders and gave it to Dobby, Harry's personal elf who popped in at that exact time.

Harry grabbed her waist, "You set this up didn't you?" He asked, his lips curling up in a knowing smile as he went to kiss her cheek.

"I have no idea what you are talking about my love." She whispered with a teasing smile.

"Vixen." He chuckled.

He looked back to his daughter and the Longbottom kid and watched them squirm a bit before he sighed.

"How about some tea, I feel like I'm going to need some."

They all adjourned to the dining table, comfortably fitting the whole family and David who anxiously sat next to Ophelia, the latter who held his hand on the table comfortingly.

Winky popped in with Dobby and began serving everyone. Large assortments of all types of confectionery were spread across the table.

"So," Harry began as he placed his cup down, eyeing the couple's joined hands, "tell me a little about yourself, Mr Longbottom."

Harry could tell the question stumped the young man as he began fidgeting when all eyes turned on him. He clearly didn't know where to begin and so, Harry decided to offer him a small olive branch.

"You're about to enter your final year now, how's the preparation for your NEWTS going?"

"Uh, as well as it can be sir. I think I speak for both of us that it was a bit of a surprise the jump in material from OWLs to NEWTs." He said as he watched fascinatingly as Rosalyn stole cupcakes from her father's plate.

Harry nodded absently, "I hope you're paying attention, Charles, Merlin knows how many times I've been telling you to start applying yourself more in school."

Charles had his mouth full and was about to respond before he caught his mother's eye as she raised an eyebrow.

He rolled his eyes before swallowing, "Relax Dad, I'll pass my exams, just like always."

Harry gave him a dry look.

"Barely." Arthur mocked, nibbling on a ginger cookie as he absently flicked through a book.

"Your father's right Charles," Daphne ignored him whining out a Muuuum, "getting Acceptables in the majority of your subjects is not good enough."

"Why am I getting picked on? Aren't we here for Ophelia and her brand, spanking-new boyfriend?" He moaned but then cried out in pain when he got kicked in the shin by his older sister.

"Exactly Daddy," Rosalyn chirped, a frown on her cute face as she struggled to pick which cupcake to eat first, "instead of asking boring questions about school and ponies, you should really be asking the important questions. Like, how they met, if David's a good kisser or how David feels that Lia sucks at potions and will never be as good as me." She said as she shrugged her small shoulders, ignored her cupcakes and went for Alex's instead but scowled when he pulled her ear.

Harry had a strained look on his face, as if he remembered why they were having this conversation in the first place, and it took all of Daphne's incredible Occlumency to stop herself from laughing.

Although Ophelia began glaring daggers at the little harpy of a sister who stuck her tongue out, she sighed before recounting how they met, her face slowly shining with warmth whilst David's slowly turned scarlet.

"It was so embarrassing." David moaned as he put his head in his hands.

Ophelia giggled, "We've always liked each other ever since we were second years when we got paired up for a potions project by Professor Russell."

"This weird little attraction was kind of festering on and then eventually, one-day last year, he came up to me in the library and then conjured up a dozen roses and asked me if I wanted to go to Hogsmede with him."

"How's that embarrassing?" Surprisingly, it was Arthur who asked who then blushed when everyone looked at him.

"Because Arthur, he sorta just froze after conjuring the roses and just stared at me and began turning red. Poor guy, he was sweating so much, I thought someone cursed him. He then proceeded to scribble out on a piece of parchment if I wanted to go on a date and after I said yes, he practically bolted from the library." She finished fondly.

"Wait so you're telling me, he just came up to you one day in the library, threw some roses at you, stared at you for a couple of seconds and then he just ran?"

"Pretty much." Ophelia tittered.

David's face went even redder than before as Teddy, Charles and Rosy began laughing, even the others couldn't help not smiling at the scenario.

The conversation became relaxed afterwards. Tension was still in the air, but it was very much benign as they all got used to David and Ophelia as a couple. Even Harry, with all the needling he did to get everything out of David, could find no faults with the man.

From the way David's eyes would travel to his daughters constantly, the small smiles and touches, the way he would rush to her defence if Charles or Teddy would tease her. And most of all, they looked utterly in love and happy and he had to begrudgingly admit to his wife, quietly, that he wasn't bad much to her teasing.

Harry was so caught up staring at Daphne that he almost didn't hear what was said which made everyone at the table pause in silence.

"What was that you asked David?"

"Uh, why are you and my father not on good terms sir? Dad wouldn't ever give me a straight answer all the times I would ask him, and I was just wondering if you could tell me instead." David had thought it was a casual question but the way everyone tensed, he was beginning to regret ever asking.

Arthur's face had turned red in anger, and he abruptly stood up, muttering an excuse me, he brusquely left the room.

A silence came upon the room until it was broken.

"Alex, why don't you take Charles and Rosy and go check up on Arthur." Teddy said to Alex, a serious expression on his face.

Rosy made to protest but kept quiet after seeing the stern expression on her mother's face.

Alex stood up, dragging a moaning 10-year-old and went over to Charles who had his fists bawled up, a tense expression on his handsome features.

"C'mon kid, let's go grab Arthur and we can go annoy Uncle Draco." He said softly, an arm around Charles' shoulder and his hand in Rosy's as they walked towards the doors that Arthur left through.

"Can I ask Uncle Draco when he's going to give Scorpius siblings?" Rosy asked innocently.

Alex cracked a smile, "You'd ask him even if I told you not to."

"Well, Mummy always says it's okay to annoy people as long as you ask. I hope it's a girl." Rosy chirped, skipping along as she swung their held hands back and forth.

The kids' voices gradually became quieter until the doors closed.

Daphne had a small smile on her face as she rubbed circles around her husband's hand under the table as he fiddled with her rings on hers. It was a tendency he developed whenever his emotions were getting the better of him.

David looked worriedly at Ophelia who only squeezed his hand in comfort.

Just when he was about to apologise profusely, Harry held his hand up causing David to snap his mouth shut.

"I'm sure you heard how the war wasn't good for anyone, least of all me." Harry began with a sigh as he really didn't want to speak about the war but after a look towards Daphne who gave him an encouraging nod, he rolled his eyes.

"Your father and like others among our generation who were fighting the war on the side against Voldemort had a certain sense of morals on how to fight. I, on the other hand, did not. To me, it was kill or be killed and I had lost so much that my mindset of how I went about that war became skewed."

"I killed his followers mercilessly. To me, anyone that was under Voldemort's banner, in whatever way shape or form, was a hindrance to my happily ever after." He spoke as he gave a warm smile to Daphne.

"I had been in the limelight ever since I was a 1-year-old for something I don't even remember doing. When I re-entered the wizarding world, I was once again thrust into the spotlight. Year after year, the world didn't know if at one point I was a hero or the next, a new budding dark wizard."

"I was vilified, humiliated, and betrayed countless times over the course of my years at Hogwarts. It got to the point where I didn't care anymore about anyone else. I could count on my hand the only people I gave a damn about, the only people that mattered."

He took a swig of some water, letting the cool drink relieve his dry throat. "My mindset changed. No more did I use spells that would merely incapacitate my enemies. I trained myself to the bone over and over, spent months upon months trying to close the gap between a prodigious megalomaniac, and used curses and spells that would even make a dark lord curl up in fear all so that I got my happy ending."

"And I did, Voldemort was dead, his followers that I could get to were dead, those I couldn't, were imprisoned and I finally reached my happily ever after."

"Though it wasn't without sacrifices." He whispered, placing a hand over Teddy's who had been staring at the table.

"I had lost my older sister, I had lost the last connection to my birth parents and, I had begun to lose my mother." He finished solemnly.

"After the war was over, news of the deeds I had done began circulating and people," he chuckled, "were not pleased with the way I went about the war. I, according to them, was supposed to be the next paragon of the light, defender of muggleborns and half-bloods and all those who were oppressed, the next Albus Dumbledore! But me, I was a broken man on a warpath to take everything away from the man who took everything from me."

"I didn't fit their narrative and so one day, I was hailed as the Man-Who-Conquered and the next as a future Dark Lord. There were some that were on my side, unfortunately, your father wasn't one of them."

"Neville's way of revenge was different to mine and that's perfectly fine. I brought the full might of the ruthless history of the House of Potter and the darkest of arcane arts of the House of Black on my enemies and I will never regret my actions. Those like your father had been against the way I went about the war, and it cost me their relationships. It's upsetting but I will never regret my choices."

"However, there are those that feel like it's their right to punish a father's actions on his children." He said, glowing emerald orbs burning like eldritch fires in his eyes as he stared at the doors his younger kids left through.

"These same people continue to test my patience as they are under the impression that because I don't attend their fancy balls and parties, my power is dwindling. I have remained quiet thus far, as they haven't done anything to tip my hand, but the moment even one fool crosses that line, I will bring hell upon this country." He hissed dangerously.

"So, tell me, David," he stared down ominously at the young man as he rose and began walking towards him around the table, "there may come a time when your union with my daughter is opposed, by the public, your friends and maybe even your own family and so what will you do? Will you promise to never abandon her, to protect her, to provide for her and love her for the rest of your life even at the expense of your own family? If you can't promise me that, then as her father, I will do everything in my power to ensure she never sees you again." Harry finished, his eyes burning.

David looked at Ophelia who sat there silently watching him, a powerful indescribable emotion etched on her face as she clung to his hands tightly. She looked so vulnerable, more vulnerable than he had ever seen her, and it broke his heart. He squeezed her hands and gave a soft smile in reassurance before he took a deep breath and stood up, facing the imposing visage of the patriarch who stared down at him head-on.

"Yes sir. Ophelia is everything I ever wanted and everything I will ever need. She is my rock, my partner. If I have to fight my parents, my friends, the world and even you to ensure she is mine then that is what I will do because she's worth everything and more." He shouted passionately as he stared up at Harry.

Harry fixed him with his powerful gaze and held it for a minute before he walked over to where Ophelia sat wide-eyed. "You chose well princess." He whispered placing a loving kiss on top of her head before he leaned back and walked over to his wife whom he helped out of her chair and then walked away to the double doors leading out from the dining room.

Before reaching the doors, he paused and turned his head slightly. "Familia ante omnia." He said with a small smile which the last 3 occupants saw as he walked away with Daphne pressed into his side, an arm around his waist. She quickly winked at a teary-eyed Ophelia before the doors closed.

Ophelia immediately jumped into David's arms knocking the wind out of him, she caught his eyes, and he couldn't help but gulp as he saw the smouldering gaze that promised everything and more from his girlfriend. Their hug was interrupted by Teddy who wrapped his arms around the happy couple.

"Welcome to the family David."

Many hours later, as the sun went down and it was getting close to midnight, Harry and Daphne were sat in front of a burning fireplace, snuggling up on an armchair as they shared a glass of wine. Daphne had claimed her customary spot since years ago with her right on his lap, her head on his chest.

"What a draining day." He absentmindedly said, wrapping strands of Daphne's golden blonde hair around his fingers as he stared into the flames.

"They're a perfect match aren't they darling." She whispered against his neck.

"Mmm. First Teddy with Victoire Weasley which was pretty predictable, Alex with Sistine White which I never saw coming especially with the history between the House of White and the House of Black and now Ophelia with David Longbottom which according to you, was a match made in the stars. Our kids are beginning to leave the nest baby and I don't like it." Harry huffed quietly.

He felt her giggle, "The joys of having children Harry, soon it'll be the twins and then Rosalyn."

"I look forward to the day the twins find a pair of girls fit enough to handle the pair of them. Did I mention that they already took their wands back and switched them with a pair of sticks thinking I wouldn't notice? Me of all people?" He scoffed. "They're getting too sneaky for their own good."

"Oh, I heard, the funny thing is that they somehow persuaded poor David to help them, unknowingly of course. Ophelia was rightfully upset that they manipulated him." She laughed.

"The little blighters." He spoke fondly.

"Don't think I forgot about Rosy, Daphne; I'll make sure she turns into one of those Christian Nuns. No man will ever go near her unless he's immediate family." He spoke heatedly.

"I'm sure when the time comes husband, that she'll have a few choice words for you regarding your mission." Daphne replied knowingly.

"I hardly doubt that she adores me." Though he knew he was wrapped around her little finger since the moment she was born.

A comfortable silence came upon the pair as he relished his other half. No life was worth living without Daphne by his side.

"You know… if you wanted, we could always make another one for you to coddle." Daphne whispered sultry in his ear.

Harry looked down at his wife, a look of pure innocence etched on her beautiful features.

"Not that I'm complaining mind you, but you have been far too insatiable lately." He slipped his hand under her dress, cupped her round cheek, and began kneading it causing her brilliant blue eyes to glow in lust.

"Word around the vine is that a few witches have made more than their usual advances to you."

Daphne turned herself around, so she was straddling him. Harry's hands instantly shot under her dress and to her cheeks as he continued his ministrations much to Daphne's pleasure.

Harry chuckled, "Daphne, we've been married for almost 20 years, been together even longer. A few women attempting to get my attention with their overindulgent flirting won't do much. Besides, not much they can say or do that I haven't seen before. When it comes to flirting, you, my queen, takes the whole cake." He finished as he pulled her closer causing her heat to brush strongly against his member.

She gasped and that was the moment he attacked, he closed his mouth around hers and heatedly kissed her causing her to moan in delight. Their lips soon parted, and their tongues began rolling over one another as she began grinding on him back and forth.

Eventually, they pulled back for air. Harry's hair was all over the place and Daphne was sporting a magnificently flushed face as her dress had hiked up almost to her hips.

"A girl gets jealous husband." She said as she attacked his neck.

"That why you made me grow this beard?" He said as his eyes rolled back from the pleasure.

"No, that was me hoping that if you hid most of your face, those lonely wives would leave you alone. That clearly backfired."

"Me thinks, you made me grow this beard to see it singed when it's covered with all your jui-" He was cut off by his wife's hand which clamped over his mouth. A brilliant red blush covered her neck to her ears as she glared at him causing him to smile teasingly behind her hand.

"Remember the vow we made back in the Chamber of Secrets baby?" Harry said after he slowly removed her hand from his mouth.

Daphne pulled back and stared at him, her glowing electric blue eyes fixed on his glowing emerald eyes.

"I am yours, and you are mine…" She whispered as she slowly closed the distance between their lips, her hands twirling in his long locks.

"Until the End of Time." He finished as he brought their lips together and shared a passionate dance of tongues.

Just when Harry was about to carry her off to their bedroom to completely ravage her, a squeak was heard behind them causing them both to pause and snap their heads towards the sound.

"Lia move your hands, I wanna see what's happening." Rosy moaned as she tried her hardest to remove Ophelia's hands from her eyes.

"Trust me, you don't want to see this." She squeaked out. "Mum, Dad, do you have to do that here?!" Ophelia asked, her pale face turning Weasley red as she looked at her mother's flushed look, hiked-up skirt, and tantalising cleavage as one of her straps had come down from her shoulder.

"Oh sweetie, we were just getting started." Daphne said teasingly, with a smirk as she began leaning towards her husband who shared a mischievous grin.

"Getting started with what?" Rosy asked, her head turning wildly from left to right.

Ophelia shouted, "Stooooop! Please, I think I'm going to be sick."

"Stop leaving me out, I wanna join."

Daphne rolled her eyes as she pulled herself up before pulling her husband off the chair too. She gave a quick swirl with her wand, fixing her appearance and did the same to Harry.

Harry laughed as he got pulled out of the chair, "Stop being so dramatic princess, after all, how do you think you got here?" He stole a quick kiss from Daphne placing his hand around her waist as Ophelia stood there gaping, slowly lowering her hands allowing Rosy to see.

"Finally!" Rosy exclaimed as she was able to see again. "Wait what happened?" When no one looked like they were going to answer, she pouted before her eyes brightened as if she had an epiphany.

"Oh I know, I bet you two were shagging again weren't you." She stated, wiggling her finger at her parents.

It was Harry's turn to gape.

"Rosalyn Potter, where on earth did you learn such a word?" Daphne said with her eyes narrowed, a hint of a blush on her cheeks.

"I've been bribed not to tell, especially you Mummy."

"Oh? Is that right? And what did they bribe you with exactly?" Daphne asked, a gleam in her eye.

"He said I could use his broom for the whole day." Rosy said happily.

Harry rolled his eyes at his wife who did the same. They both knew who the culprit was.

He walked over and scooped Rosy up who squealed, "Come on little lady, time for bed. You can ride Charles' Firebolt tomorrow."

"Daddy?" Rosy asked.

"Hm."

"When do I get a boyfriend like Lia?"

"Honey, has Daddy ever told you about these super cool and awesome people called Nuns?" Harry exclaimed brightly as the doors closed behind them.

Daphne looked fondly at the pair before her eyes rested on her eldest daughter who had a frown on her face.

"What's wrong baby?" She asked, walking over to her and guided her to a loveseat.

Ophelia bit her lower lip, "Mum, do you think me, and David will be as happy as you and Dad are in the future?" She asked, an odd sort of vulnerability on her face.

"Are you not happy with him Ophelia?"

"No, no I am, it's just that, when I think about how happy and in love you are with Dad after so long, I just hope that me and David will be like that in the future too."

"Not all relationships are the same sweetie, you know that. Mine and your father's relationship is different just like yours and David's. Take me and your father for example. We love one another immensely and are happy together but that doesn't mean we don't argue or have issues despite how rare they are. Whatever issues we have or will have, we will work them out together. That is what it means to be with someone Ophelia. You're a team." Daphne explained patiently, brushing some of her daughter's bangs out of the way.

"Was there a time when things were tough for you and Dad?"

"During the time we dated I suppose. Having a secret relationship as a Slytherin pureblood from a wholly regarded, dark family with Voldemort's arch-nemesis was incredibly difficult. All eyes were on your father, from both sides of the war. All that pressure, that expectation sounds incomprehensible to put on a teenager, especially on someone who has lost so much."

Daphne had a faraway look in her eyes. She was nowhere near an emotional person. Her upbringing didn't allow her to be and yet, when she thought about the days when it felt like the world had such expectations on such a young boy and she couldn't do anything except watch on the sidelines as the war took its toll on him hurt her more than she could admit.

"I wanted to be with him all day, everyday. It was hard for me to not be able to comfort him, to hold him, to show him how much I love him publicly because his enemies only needed a hint of weakness to exploit. If I had exposed myself as Harry Potter's girlfriend, I and my family would've been at risk. All they would have had to do was take me, and your father would've gone spare and then Voldemort would have won."

Ophelia held her mother's hand as Daphne smiled warmly at her.

"It's due to your father and people like him that you are able to love freely in this country sweetie. You have all the time in the world to work on your relationship, to take it at your own speed and look on forward to the future to see where it will lead you. You have all of that to come and I, your father and the rest of your siblings will always be there to support you along the way. That's what it means to be a team, a family Lia." She finished lovingly.

Daphne brought Ophelia into a hug. "Oh, my sweet, baby girl," She started as she laid a kiss on her cheek, "You're growing up so quickly right in front of my very own eyes. It's hard to think that it wasn't too long ago when you would chase after your father and brothers and now, you're chasing after boys, and you've seemingly caught a rather good one at that." She held her tighter.

"Muuum." She moaned.

"Quiet. Let me have this moment."

Ophelia rolled her eyes before melting into the hug.

"I love you, Mum."

"And I love you, baby, so very much."

They eventually stood up and headed towards the second floor and their bedrooms.

"Wait, Mum."

"Yes love?"

"What did you even get up to when you and Dad would meet? Not like you had many opportunities to right?"

A mischievous smile came on Daphne's face as she stood in front of her bedroom.

"You're right of course however, the times we would meet, let's just say, there isn't an abandoned room, broom closet or alcove that we haven't christened." Daphne giggled at her daughter's look of horror.

"Take it from me, your father is one insatiable beast, and I love every second of it and more. Sweet dreams sweetie." She gave one last kiss to her cheek before leaving the spluttering, red-faced girl in the hallway, her mother's laughter slowly going away after her door shut behind her as the Silencing Ward activated.

"Thank Morgana for the person who invented Silencing Wards otherwise I don't think I could live here." She ran her hand through her hair as she walked woodenly to her room.