Chapter Thirty Four - The Retreat and Planning

Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe belongs to the proverbial Duchess of Magic, JK Rowling, Scholastic, Bloomsbury, Warner Bros and some other high falutin' companies. No matter how much I whine about not owning anything related to the HP universe, other than a few fanfic plots, I do not profess to own - and would never dream of making any money off - JKR's wonderful world... Damn it!

In Memorium: I don't usually do something like this; however, one of the first - if not the first - stories I read on FFN was by an author who went by the name 'broomstick_flyer'. I'm sure many of you have also read her stories.

'broomstick_flyer' passed away at the beginning of March after a short illness relating to heart bypass surgery. The sort of surgery many have gone through with little ill effect. However, as with all surgery, there is a risk. And, sadly this time, the numbers were against 'broomstick_flyer' and her husband 'Merlinsapprentice'. I think we shall all be just that little poorer for the loss of her contributions.

In memoriam, I dedicate this story to her.

Chapter Thirty Four - The Retreat and Planning

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—==(oIo)==—

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When Harry finally boosted his courage enough to visit Potter Retreat, the Seat of House Potter, he asked his two wives if they'd like to accompany him. Both replied in the affirmative.

"Just give us a few minutes to change into something more appropriate," said Daphne, rising from her seat and heading for their bedroom.

As Hermione moved to follow her, he asked, "How do we know what'll be appropriate? For all we know the place will be anything from pristine condition to nothing but a pile of burnt remains."

"We'll dress as if it's in pristine condition," replied Hermione.

Walking into their bedroom, Daphne was going through their wardrobe looking for something particular.

Harry just sighed and watched as she, with Hermione's help, laid out a set of wizarding casual wear for him to wear.

"Clearly, I'm not going to be allowed to wear jeans, collared t-shirt and joggers," he said.

"No," Daphne replied, while still looking through the wardrobe; this time through her own clothes.

Harry quickly changed into the wizarding world version of casual wear and was slipping on a pair of slip-on shoes when Daphne finally made her own selection and began to change. Hermione was almost finished changing and only needed to don her own footwear.

Once his ladies deemed them presentable they headed down to let Deece know what they were up to before they Floo'ed to the Leaky Cauldron. From there, both girls touched Harry's Head of House ring portkey as he softly called, "Potter Retreat."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When they arrived near the outskirts of a little Welsh village, they looked around to see if they could see where they were. Harry then felt the ring on his finger pulling him to a rusty old gate on the side of the road.

The ring led to him guiding his hand to a small metal plate on the gate, where you'd expect a handle or a lock to be. Seeing a small depression he made a fist and pressed the stone on the ring into the depression.

Suddenly, words sprang forth in his mind. In clear words he said, "Potter Retreat is located in Merlin's Bridge on Under the Hills Road."

As he said the last word, the land beyond the gate, including the gate and the fence either side, changed. Where what looked like fields of wheat or similar crops, now appeared as extensive lawns, gardens and a huge Manor House with smaller out buildings and attached.

The gate swung open and the three stepped through.

They'd no sooner stepped about five paces in when the gate they passed through silently swung back until they heard a click as it latched.

As soon as the gate latched closed, a house elf appeared about five feet in front of them. "Who be..." the little elf began before it's eyes suddenly widened. "Master Harry!" it gasped.

"Hello," smiled Harry. "And who might you be?"

"I am Jeeves," said the little elf. "You are Master Harry." The little elf then turned to Hermione and said, "And you are, Mistress?"

"Hermione Granger-Potter," replied Hermione.

When the little elf turned to look at Daphne, she said, "Daphne Greengrass-Potter. Both of us ladies are Master Harry's wives."

Looking a little shocked, the elf asked, "Two?"

"Yes," grinned Harry. "Two."

The little elf thought about that for a moment before it snapped its fingers. Two other elves popped in alongside him.

"Master Harry has returned and brought his two wives," said Jeeves. "Take them to the Entry Hall."

Both elves gave a little nod before one each took a hand of the ladies and popped away with them.

Jeeves then stepped forward and said, "Come," while holding up his hand.

Harry had no sooner taken Jeeves's hand when the elf popped him to inside the manor house and alongside the girls.

Jeeves then looked to the three of them and said, "Come." He walked out of the room as the three were still looking about. And led them through to a very large study.

He guided the girls to chairs before the desk and then led Harry over to a portrait.

Indicating a depression carefully hidden in the bottom gilding of the frame, Jeeves said, "Master Harry must press his ring to there."

With an amused shrug, Harry did as he was told. He then felt a click through the ring as the portrait came adrift from the wall a little.

Once the portrait came loose, Harry lowered his hand. Jeeves then opened the portrait further and indicated a large ledger within.

"The ward book, Master Harry," said the little elf before it levitated the book out and moved it to the desk. It was a red leather-bound book with gold lettering and filigree embossed on the cover. It also had a large single-toned copy of the Potter crest, also in gold gilding.

Jeeves then indicated for Harry to walk around the desk and take a seat in the office chair.

Once Harry was happily comfortable, and watching the amusement play over the faces of both his wives sitting on the other side, Jeeves said, "Press your ring to the crest, Master Harry."

Looking down at the book now before him, Harry gave another amused glance to his wives before doing as the elf instructed. As soon as he did the gold embossing softly glowed a little before fading.

Jeeves them stepped forward and opened the book to the last page of entries.

"This is the ward permissions book," said the elf. "It defines who is allowed onto the grounds. You must add your name and the name of your two wives, just as Master James did for himself and Mistress Lily before you."

Harry looked down at the page and saw the list of names written ledger-style on the parchment. The last name entered was Harry James Potter. Names appearing above his own were Remus John Lupin, Sirius Orion Black, Peter Andrew Pettigrew, and then Lily Sophia Potter (Lady). Looking up the list, Harry saw a number of other names he recognised until he reached, on a previous page, James Charlus Potter (Lord).

All the other names, except for James Charlus Potter, Lily Sophia Potter, and Harry James Potter were crossed out; ruled through as if to cancel them.

"Master must add the term Lord after his name before then adding the full names of his wives with Lady after them," instructed Jeeves.

When Harry looked around for a pen or quill with ink, Jeeves snapped his fingers and an expensive self-inking eagle feather quill appeared next to his right hand.

He picked it up and made the changes as Jeeves instructed. He added the Lord in brackets after his name, and then added the names Daphne Anna Greengrass-Potter (Lady) and Hermione Jean Granger-Potter (Lady).

"Should I add the rest of the names for people I want to grant access now, Jeeves?" asked Harry.

"Not just yet, Master Harry," replied the elf. "First, close the book and press your ring to the crest again."

Harry did that and the gold embossing glowed for a few moments again.

"Now, do the same to reopen it," instructed the elf.

Once Harry had the book reopened to the page he'd just been on, he asked, "Now, can I enter the names?"

"Now, Master Harry," smiled the elf.

"Alright, ladies," he said, looking up at his wives, "Let's start with the full names of Daphne's parents and sister."

As Daphne slowly listed out the three names, Harry entered them on each line.

After he was done, he looked to Hermione. "Your turn, love," he said.

He then entered the names of both her parents. When he looked up he asked, "Do you know the sex and name of your soon-to-be new sibling yet?"

"Not yet," she smiled back.

"Pity," he said. Giving it a bit of thought he then re-entered the names for Sirius and Remus and added Tonks.

"Alright," he muttered. "I've added Padfoot, Moony and Tonks. Anyone else I should think of adding?" he asked.

Both girls thought and Daphne piped up, "If we're going to consider moving in here sometime over the holidays, can we add some friends now?"

"Yeah, I guess we can," replied Harry. "Let's start with Tracey's full name..."

As the girls suggested friends who should or should not be added, Harry wrote down the one's they thought should be granted immediate access. They were Tracey, Neville, Luna, and the twins. Harry had to think hard all the way back to his first remembered meeting with John to recall some of the middle names.

He then added Susan, Madam Bones and Augusta Longbottom - the last two whose middle name he found from previous entries, the same with Frank and Alice Longbottom.

"Anyone else?" he asked as he finished writing Alice's name.

"That's it, I think," said Hermione, to which Daphne nodded.

With a firm nod of his own, Harry blew the page dry as he put the quill down. He then closed the book and, once again, pressed his ring to the crest.

"All done, Master Harry?" asked Jeeves.

"Yes, thank you," replied Harry.

Jeeves then levitated the ledger back into the still open hidden wall safe before pushing the portrait closed with elf magic. Harry didn't even hear it click but knew it was firmly closed.

"What was all that about Lords and Ladies, Jeeves," asked Harry, curious about that little detail. "I thought there was no such thing as Lords in the wizarding world.

"Master Harry is not a Lord," replied Jeeves. "But, Master Harry is still Lord of the Manor."

"Oh," replied Harry. "I wondered what that meant. Does that also mean that Daphne and Hermione are now considered the Ladies of the Manor?"

"Yes, Master Harry," replied the elf. The little elf then said, "Please come, Master Harry. There are a few other jobs that must be seen to, right away."

Giving another amused shrug to his wives, Harry rose from behind the desk and walked over to the opposite wall where the elf was standing.

"Master Harry must now make an oath to the family crest," said Jeeves indicating the large crest sitting on the wall.

The elf then snapped his fingers causing a small piece of parchment to appear in his hand. He held it up for Harry to read.

"Hmm," said Harry, reading it. He then popped his wand into his hand and held it in the correct position to give the oath. "I, Harry James Potter, Head of the Most Ancient House of Potter, lay claim to this manor, my ancestral home. As I say, so I swear."

There was a muted flash and pulse of magic from the tip of Harry's wand to the crest on the wall and back again.

As soon as the magic pulsed, three more elves popped in to the office. Two of them were two Harry saw earlier, who brought both girls inside.

"Master Harry, you are now Lord of the Manor," said Jeeves. He then gestured to each of the elves. "These are Benny, Paddy and Sally. I am head elf of the Lord of the Manor. Benny takes care of guests and gardens, Paddy takes care of gardens and Sally is personal elf to Lady of the manor."

Hermione was lightly snickering from where the girls were still sitting.

Looking at them, Harry raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Harry," said Hermione. "That's four more elves you now own."

"Ummm... oh," he replied.

Looking at Jeeves he said, "Jeeves. That's an unusual name for a house elf."

"Jeeves is my name and title, Master Harry," explained the elf. "All head elves to the Lord of the Manor for the House of Potter are named Jeeves when they ascend to that position."

Nodding, he asked, "Do you and they need to bond to me?"

"It was done when you accepted the Lord of the Manor position, Master Harry," replied Jeeves. He then looked to the other three elves and, without a word, the three disappeared again.

"Alright, now comes the next problem," sighed Harry. "I already have a personal elf named Dobby. He is very loyal to me, personally. Plus, we have a second elf named Winky. She is currently performing duties relating to Mistress Hermione's extended family. Will there be a problem bringing them both here?"

"No, Master Harry," replied the elf. "In the past, when an Heir has a personal elf and the Heir ascends to the Head of House position, the elf to the Heir sometimes becomes Jeeves. The current Jeeves then reverts to his old name and returns to other duties.

"However, sometimes the current Jeeves stays on as Jeeves and works with the elf of the new Head of House. Or the elf of the Heir goes on to other duties."

Harry nodded and said, "Next question. How is it your diction and manner of speaking is so refined?"

"All elves in the House of Potter work hard to ensure their manner of speech does not embarrass the House. We all learn hard to speak as wizards do."

"You'll need to teach that to Dobby and Winky when you get a chance," said Harry.

"Yes, Master Harry," replied the elf, with a small bow.

"Alright," said Harry, as he rubbed his hands together. "Is that all the urgent and important stuff out of the way?"

"Yes, Master Harry."

"Good. What say we now get a tour of this place?" said Harry. "I know I must've been here as an infant; but, I don't remember any of it."

"Of course, Master Harry," replied the elf.

Harry then gestured both girls join him and they followed the elf back out the door.

Potter Retreat was even larger than the main house of Greengrass Farm. However, it did not have the outlier homes. The Manor stretched up to three floors above ground with attic, and one below. The floor they were on, the ground floor, was the public floor. It contained the Head of House office, a small ballroom that had a built-in wizarding space sizing capability, the formal dining room with the same, the kitchen with one end of it being the informal dining room, the bottom floor of the library, the parlour, the entrance hall and a welcoming hall that contained the main fireplace and Floo connection with an attached audience room.

The next floor up contained guest suites, the lady's parlour, a huge games room, the second floor of the library with a huge railed opening in the middle between the two floors, and the family portrait hall.

And the third floor contained the family bedrooms, the master bedroom, a second private office for the Lady of the Manor, an activity room for children, an accessway out to the manor owlery, an accessway out to the manor observatory, and access to a large outside deck.

Down in the basement they had a decent sized potions laboratory, a training room, and general storage.

Out on the grounds they had a set of private stables, though no horses at present, a couple of greenhouses, a Quidditch pitch, a garden shed and - surprise, surprise - a three car attached garage accessible indoors through the welcoming room.

During the tour, Jeeves explained how Harry's parents left in a hurry and the manor hadn't been put into stasis. As a result, the elves maintained it in pristine condition by using the greenhouses to grow vegetables and drawing as sparingly as possible from the Potter main vaults for what they needed.

Harry congratulated the little elf for his and the other elves' dedication to the House of Potter and assured the elf he was not unhappy about it all.

Inside the attached garage Harry was stunned when he saw a top of the line, though fifteen year old, Jeep Cherokee Chief four wheel drive; a similarly aged Bentley T2 sedan in 'British racing green'; and a single 1979 Triumph Bonneville in black with gold trim.

While Harry stood gaping at the garage, Hermione said, "Don't even think about it until you've learned to drive."

With a sigh, Harry exited the garage following the girls and Jeeves, closing the door behind him.

When they returned to the Welcoming Hall, the three thanked Jeeves for the tour.

"When may we expect Master and Mistresses to move in?" asked Jeeves, with an almost pleading look on his face.

"We do not know," replied Harry with a sigh. "However, over the coming weeks we intend to bring family and friends to show them around. I do not expect we'll make a decision, one way or another, until then at least."

"Very well," bowed Jeeves, clearly disappointed.

"Never fear, Jeeves," Hermione gently said. "We will move in. However, with the dark one returned, it may be a while."

"As you wish, Mistress," replied the elf.

"Portkeys to Greengrass Farm?" asked Harry of his ladies.

Both nodded back and reached for their rings. Each then activated their portkey to the Farm and were away.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

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"So, it's still there?" asked Matthias. "We were told it had burned down."

"It was a lie," said Harry. "The elves weren't even aware of anything wrong. Apparently, either a Potter put the word out it had been burned down, to stop people going to have a look for it; or Dumbledore put the word out to stop me thinking of looking for it if I ever discovered my heritage."

"It's beautiful, Dad," said Hermione. "Three above ground floors plus the attic, and a basement that covers the entire floorplan of the manor. There are extensive gardens, stables, greenhouses, and even a small Quidditch pitch."

"There are four house elves," continued Daphne. "They've been living off the ambient magic in the area, and the manor appears to have been built on the convergence of two minor ley lines, which is how the elves have managed to live for a decade and a half without a Potter in residence."

"The manor head elf, Jeeves, stepped me through everything I needed to do to take control of the manor," explained Harry. "The ward book has been updated with us three - both Daphne and Hermione are listed as the Ladies of the Manor - you and Deece, Stori, Sirius, Remus, Ant and Cele all added to the wards. I've also added Frank, Alice and Augusta, and Amelia Bones and her niece, Susan. Plus, a small group of our friends - Neville, Tracey, and the Weasley twins, Luna Lovegood and Hannah Abbott.

"Jeeves is eager for us to move in, but I said it was something we needed to discuss with family, first. After all, while it's under the Fidelius, it doesn't have an escape tunnel yet."

Thinking, Matthias said, "You should think about spending at least a week there, anyway. That there's not been a Potter in residence for fifteen years, at least, means the magic needs recharging, even with the ley line convergence."

"What about the tunnel?" asked Hermione. "Is that team of dwarves you used able to work with the Fidelius in place?"

"Yes," he immediately replied. "So long as you tell them the secret, they'll be able to work."

"Can the secret be removed from them once they've done their work?" asked Daphne.

"I don't... yes," he said. "Maybe."

Harry gave a little snort and grinned, "Well, as long as you're sure."

Matthias smirked back. "It may just be easier to strip the existing Fidelius away and erect a new one once the dwarves have finished."

"Or don't bother with the tunnel and trust to the security through obscurity," said Hermione.

"Huh?" asked Harry, confused.

"Everyone but a handful of people believes Potter Retreat to have been destroyed by fire," she explained. "That means, they won't be going looking for it."

Surprised, Matthias said, "That's a very valid point."

"Potter Retreat can be our sanctuary!" said Daphne a little excitedly. "All the portkeys used to escape in the escape tunnels can be pointed to there!"

Surprised, Harry said, "That's actually a very good idea. However, before we do that, can the magical trace left be used to track where the portkey went?"

"Only if they know to look for it," said Matthias. "And, only if they know the escapees used a portkey to escape."

"A slight risk, then," said Harry. "Still, it's better than having the portkey take you to somewhere where another attack is occurring."

Nodding, Harry said, "Do it. It's the right thing to do." Turning to Hermione he smiled and said, "Good job, love."

"Harry will have to make them," said Matthias. "He's the only one who can create a portkey that will take people directly through the wards."

Nodding, Harry replied, "I'll get started on them tomorrow. First, though, we need to purchase a heap more quoits to make them."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Though they had now reached the decision to move to Potter Retreat for a week - a week where Harry would be making the emergency portkeys - they still didn't leave until they'd gone and spoken to Sirius, Remus, Ant and Cele about the change of plans. Harry went on his own to see Sirius.

At the Black House, after his discussion with Sirius in the kitchen, he found Draco ensconced in the library.

"How go things, cousin?" he asked with a smirk, as he stood in the doorway.

Looking up, Draco smiled back and said, "As well as can be expected."

"Any news on Malfoy Manor?" asked Harry.

"The goblins are still going through the place," sighed the blonde haired boy. "They're reluctant to inform us as to when they're likely to be completed."

"Best they take their time and not rush to try and meet an arbitrary deadline," said Harry.

"That's mother's opinion, too," said Draco. "Though, you did express it better than she did."

Harry walked over and sat in an armchair in sight of Draco.

Seeing the wistful expression on his ex-nemesis's face, Harry asked, "Something else troubling you?"

Draco took a few moments to gather his thoughts. With a slight shrug he said, "Olaf Parkinson has cancelled the contract between Pansy and me."

"Marriage contract?" asked Harry.

"Yes."

"I was reliably informed there was no marriage contract," said Harry, remembering Daphne's explanation of soon after they initiated the bond.

Draco thought for a moment before he said, "Truly, it was a contract contract in name only. Either party was able to withdraw without penalty. It would take a magical marriage for it to become ironclad. That is now highly unlikely."

Thinking for a moment, Harry asked, "You seem to be a little ambivalent to that news."

With a sigh, Draco said, "I am. I've known of the contract since my father deemed me old enough to understand what it meant. I was about... seven, I think... when he told me.

"For me it's been somewhat of an undeniable fact of life. When I came of age I'd be marrying Pansy. And the marriage would strengthen the alliance between our two Houses. However, I've never felt I loved her. At least, I don't know if I did or not."

With a small snort and smile, Harry said, "Trust me, if you loved her you'd know." When the other boy nodded in understanding, he said, "Did The Parkinson give a reason?"

With a sneer, Draco replied, "Apparently I'm now considered a blood traitor; no better than a mud... muggleborn. It matters not that I can trace my lineage back way beyond even Parkinson in some instances."

"It never did, Draco," said Harry. "This war has only ever been about one man and his quest for power. He needed money and followers, and the place to get both was from the established and cashed-up ancient pureblood families. He lied, wheedled and convinced them that a lie was the truth.

"He's convinced folks that muggleborns get their magic by stealing it. That is a lie. He's convinced folks that any pureblood who doesn't agree is a blood traitor. That, too, is obviously a lie. He needs to lie to justify his actions. Think about how many ancient pureblood families have been wiped out by, or because of, Riddle and his thugs; and how many border on extinction. It'll be easier to see who, then, the real blood traitors are.

"However, now that the betrothal contract between you and Miss Parkinson has been cancelled, you now have plenty of options. You want to bring the House of Malfoy closer to the light; this is yet another opportunity to do so.

"Think about how many unattached witches there are of a suitable age at Hogwarts, who are either of the grey or could be considered various shades of that. Look for the future Lady Malfoy among those. And, for Merlin's sake, don't restrict yourself to just Slytherin.

"It might interest you to know that, while my fraternal grandfather was a Gryffindor, my fraternal grandmother was a Slytherin - Dorea Black. Another such was Septimus Weasley and Cedrella Black. There are plenty of similar happy marriages that occurred in spite of the rivalry between our two Hogwarts' Houses."

While Harry was talking, Draco leaned back and adopted a pose where he was clearly deep in thought. A few moments after Harry finished, he said, "You're right. It is an opportunity." He looked Harry in the eye and slightly smirked. "Yet, again, I find myself having to thank you. It's getting to be a habit."

Harry chuckled back and said, "As I've told you previously, the Hat wanted to put me in Slytherin. I am capable of employing strategy, cunning and guile."

While the two boys had been talking, Sirius - who had been silently listening from the doorway - quietly slipped away. He was gently smiling to himself as he left.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When Sirius walked into the parlour a few moments later, where Narcissa was sitting, she looked up and asked, "And just what has you grinning like a loon, Sirius?"

With mock-horror he replied, "I'll have you know my expression was one of dignified pleasure."

With a soft snort she asked, "Whatever it was, what brought it on?"

Taking a seat of his own, he replied, "Harry has just convinced young Draco that the dissolution of the marriage contract between he and Heir Parkinson is actually a good thing."

"Oh?" she asked, quite interested. "And, pray tell, how did he manage that?"

"By demonstrating to him how, with the contract out of the way, Draco now has the opportunity to form an alliance with a House of the Grey through another contract," he smugly replied. "And, this way, Draco gets to choose who that will be."

Smiling back, she said, "Interesting. Even more so, for the truth of it." Looking speculatively back at her cousin, she said, "You and I should have thought of that."

"True," he acceded with a small nod. "However, this way was better. Draco got to hear it from a peer."

"Then let us hope we'll now see an improvement in my son's mood," she said.

A few moments later she asked, "Am I allowed to know what happened to cause young cousin Harry to pay a visit?"

"He's not allowed to just turn up out of the blue to visit his godfather?" he asked with a smirk.

"Of course he is," she scoffed. "However, you and he immediately sequestered yourselves in the kitchen. That implies more than just a social visit."

"It was," he acknowledged. "Harry is still coming to terms with the depth of the Potter family history and finances. He seeks me out, from time to time, to ask for advice. I'm just thankful he does. I'd hate to think of the hash he could make of things if he didn't."

"You're also thankful he wants to spend time with his godfather," she offered.

He only gave a small nod back in agreement.

"Would you... consider allowing Draco the same pleasure and letting his godfather visit?" she carefully asked.

This was an uncomfortable subject for the both of them. Sirius thought about it for a few long moments before he said, "I'll allow it based on certain conditions."

Inwardly pleased, she waited for him to elaborate trying not to show emotion one way or the other.

Listing them off, he said, "At all times he is here, he must remain civil to everyone else who is here at the time. That includes myself, Remus and Harry, at an absolute minimum. No sneering, let alone snide remarks.

"He cannot have anyone else accompany him. I will not allow my home to become known to any Death Eater, or Death Eater sympathiser. And all such visits must be both arranged in advance, and approved of by myself.

"If he is willing to meet those demands without question, he may visit."

"Thank you, Sirius," she gratefully said. "That's most agreeable of you. And, for what little its worth, I agree with your reasoning."

Sirius responded with only a slight nod.

To change the subject before Sirius changed his mind, Narcissa thought for a moment before returning to the previous matter. She opined, "Young Harry shows signs of being much alike Great Aunt Dorea. I can see her influence on him. He is much different than what Draco's letters home purported him to be."

"He is an enigma at times," admitted Sirius. "I can see signs of James, Lily, Charlus, Dorea... even myself... within him. He is both a Potter and a Black. I'm pleased he seems to have adopted the best of the personalities of both Houses."

Narcissa could only nod in response.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When Harry returned to Greengrass Farm, Hermione immediately asked, "How'd it go?"

"We managed to switch out the portkeys without either Narcissa or Draco learning of the tunnel," he replied, relieved. "Sirius and I locked ourselves in the kitchen. Then I carried on a one-sided discussion, telling him all about the so-called difficulties I was having with the Potter accounts. As planned, while I was gabbing away at an empty chair, Sirius bounded down the tunnel as Padfoot and switched them out.

"I'd almost run out of things to complain about before he returned. I was even thinking of whinging about how difficult my wives have been, of late, when he finally came back."

From across the room where she was working on something or other, Daphne wadded up a ball of parchment and threw it at him without a word.

"Desperate measures, love," he smiled back.

She just huffed back at him in mild annoyance.

"How's the ferret and his mother?" grinned Hermione.

"I don't know about her as I didn't see her. He, however, is depressed," he replied. "It seems Olaf Parkinson has cancelled that faux betrothal contract between Draco and Pansy."

"Ouch!" winced Daphne. "That's a major, and very public, slap in the face."

With a shrug as if he didn't care, he said, "I managed to convince him, I think, that it gives him an opportunity. He can now use how he's currently unattached to find himself a bride from the Grey Houses. That should work in his favour to help pull House Malfoy from the Dark and closer to the Light."

"How'd he take that?" asked Daphne.

"Quite well, I think," he replied. "He genuinely hadn't seemed to think of the positives the breaking of the contract allowed him. But, at least, I've managed to give him a few things to think about for now."

"He never loved her," said Daphne.

"No," he replied. "He admitted as much as we talked. I have the impression he really doesn't know what love is; other than what he feels for and from his mother."

"Is he really thinking of moving towards the Light," asked Hermione. "Or, is at all an act?"

"I think he's genuine," replied Harry. "But, I'm still not going to trust him."

"A good stance to take," said Daphne.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After a couple of weeks with the Greengrasses, Hermione was practically bouncing in happiness at their move to the Granger residence - as they'd come to call it.

Harry had spent time learning the ancient sport of golf from Matthias, and the two males of the Greengrass household developed a closer bond than they had already. While Harry found he could hit the ball quite firmly, he also found that when he tried too hard he developed a wicked slice, causing the ball to arc off to the right. However, the slice came in handy when the fairway dog-legged to the right.

By the end of their stay, Harry was able to 'card' fewer than twenty shots over par. He'd never become a professional golfer, but he found that some of his worst shots would occasionally almost reduce his father-in-law to tears from laughter. And that made things actually better for Harry.

Moving to the Granger residence, this time they simply allowed Matthias, Deece and Sirius to side-along apparate them to the Granger's garage. As usual, Harry almost immediately doubled-over and groaned. "I hate side-along apparating!"

Laughing, as Hermione opened the internal door into the house, Daphne said, "You've finally got the hang of Floo and portkey travel, apparating is the last to get used to."

"We're here!" Hermione practically sing-songed when she opened the door.

"Really, dear?" called her father. "You're not pulling my leg, are you?"

While Sirius chuckled Daphne, Harry, Matthias and Deece all grinned at one another; Hermione took off down the internal hallway into the sitting room.

As the others followed, they heard an excited squeal from Hermione as Ant laughed aloud. As they expected to see when they walked in, Hermione was standing in the middle of the floor wrapped in the arms of her father, while Cele was calmly sitting in an armchair watching them with amusement.

"Doesn't that ever get old?" Deece smiled to Cele.

"Yes," Cele instantly replied. "That was back in about 1985, if I remember right."

Even while she was sitting down, everyone could easily see Cele was pregnant. At over six months along she was now in maternity wear, and wearing it well.

Harry walked over and gently kissed the woman on the cheek before he leaned back and said, "You're looking good, Mum Granger."

As everyone found or conjured up more seats, she gave him a dazzling smile right back in happiness. "It's better now I'm able to keep down what I eat." With a gesture to her tummy she continued, "But, this little football hooligan still manages to wake me up at night and send me to the toilet."

"Already?" asked Deece. She didn't understand that much what 'football' was, but the term hooligan even made it to the wizarding world. And the nightly trips to the toilet were the same in either world.

"He or she is a real kicker," grinned Ant.

"You still don't know the sex of the baby?" asked Deece.

"The doctor knows, but we left specific instructions not to be told," said Cele.

Deece hesitated a moment before she asked, "Do you mind if I check to see if the baby is magical or not?"

Ant and Cele looked at one another for a moment as everyone else fell silent. The Grangers stared at one another for a moment longer before Cele turned to Deece and asked, "It won't affect anything, will it?"

"No," replied Deece.

Taking a deep breath, Cele said, "Do it, please."

"It would be best to know as soon as possible so we can take steps, if necessary," said Ant.

Deece walked across the room and kneeled before Cele. With her wand she lightly cast over Cele's tummy. Almost immediately there was a green glow over Cele's baby bump for a few moments.

With a firm nod she looked up and smiled at Cele. "Magical," she said.

Harry let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He wasn't the only one. He even heard Hermione sigh in relief from where he was.

Ant gave her a slightly annoyed look and said, "It would not have mattered to us if he, or she, wasn't. We'd love them just the same."

Blushing a little in embarrassment, Hermione looked down and said, "I know. But, it's going to be real nice being able to help my little brother or sister learn magic."

Smiling in acceptance of Hermione's remark, Ant said, "And I've no doubt you'll do a bang up job of it, too."

"Bags buying Baby Granger his or her first broom!" piped up Harry.

"Hey! No fair!" pouted Sirius as Matthias and Ant grinned back while the ladies generally rolled their eyes. "I didn't even get a chance to think of it first."

"You snooze, you lose!" grinned Harry.

"Who bought Harry's?" asked Hermione.

"His Dad," Sirius grinned back in remembrance. "He bought it the day after it was confirmed Lily was pregnant. I thought Lily was going to kill him."

"What's so special about the first broom?" asked Cele.

"It's like buying a child's first bike, Mum," answered Hermione. "Boys seem to think it's important."

"In that case," said Ant. "Father's prerogative; I'm buying the first bike... and first football and football boots... and first cricket set."

"And if it's a girl?" smirked Cele.

"She'll love football and cricket," Ant adamantly replied.

Hermione rolled her eyes again and mocked growled at Harry. "Now, see what you've done?"

Harry was unrepentant in his grin back.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After a little while, the ladies went to the kitchen to talk as the men remained in the sitting room.

"Any news?" Ant immediately asked.

"Well, Amelia and the Unspeakables are ready to go with getting rid of all the Death Eaters and sympathisers out of the Ministry," said Sirius. "They're just waiting until the right time to kick Fudge out of office. Between when the Minister is sacked and a new one wins the election, they'll make their move."

Matthias nodded and said, "With Sirius's and Harry's help, I've just about convinced Ogden to step up and run for the post. Once we've finally convinced him, the plan will go into action."

"What's the hold up?" asked Ant, clearly just curious.

"Tiberius... Ogden, that is... is not quite ready yet to believe Fudge isn't the better person to lead us through the war," explained Matthias. "Tiberius still thinks Fudge will soon come to his senses. We just know he won't.

"I think it's going to take getting Tiberius to talk to Fudge directly to push him to the point he'll take the job. I'm trying to set up a meeting now."

"Any news about this Riddle character?" Ant asked next.

"None," said Harry. "He's laying low. I suspect it's because he doesn't feel as powerful as he expected to be after the resurrection ritual, and he's worried something went terribly wrong. If that's the case, he's right of course.

"However, we need to keep an eye out for Death Eater attacks on muggleborn homes, Diagon Alley and the like. The first one we can't do much about, because there's too many of them and not enough of us. But, we should set up a monitoring system, or something, for the Alley.

Shaking his head, Matthias said, "I don't think we'll see any overt attacks until Riddle's resurrection is publicly acknowledged."

"I'd have to agree," said Sirius.

"Then, if there are any attacks, they'll be on the muggleborns," sighed Harry. "We need a way..."

He suddenly stopped and sat up straighter, deep in thought. The others gave him a few moments to think what ever it was he was thinking about, through.

"Portkeys or alert wards?" he said to himself. "But, how many are there? And how do I track them down? For that matter, how do the Death Eaters track them down?"

"Harry?" asked Sirius, confused. "What're you talking about?"

Coming back to himself, Harry looked to his godfather and said, "We know Voldemort will send his thugs after muggleborns; right?"

Sirius nodded back.

"Right, so how does he find them?" he asked. "Is there a record of... oh, of course there is."

"A record?" asked Matthias. "Of muggleborns?"

"Yes; the Ministry has a couple of different ways to track down muggleborns," explained Harry. "The first is through accidental magic in non-magical areas. The second is through the Hogwarts' register, which would have to include the home addresses of all students. The third would include the rare time a muggleborn used magic outside of school and received a warning of underage magic notice.

"We need the information in those records to immediately become even more tightly regulated. We need to stop the Death Eaters getting access to that information."

Nodding, Matthias said, "I'll get Amelia onto that. The Obliviators work from within her department, as does the Underage magic office. I guess the Education examination authority would also have the records of muggleborn students."

"Yeah, that information needs to be placed under better protections," said Sirius. Looking to Harry he asked, "What made you think of it?"

"I was trying to determine whether I could offer an emergency portkey to the families of the all the muggleborn Hogwarts students," explained Harry. "But, I don't know their addresses to visit them to ask. Then I also thought of setting up alert wards for each property keyed to the Dark Mark, or something; and that had the same problem – finding them. So, how do Riddle's thugs find them?

"That's what led me to think about whom at the Ministry would know. Accidental magic was the first and most obvious clue. And things snowballed from there.

"However, if we can get those records better secured, the chance of muggleborns being targeted in the first place is greatly reduced. Riddle's thugs can't do them harm if they can't be found."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, the girls were sitting around the dining table. As they sat down, Deece cast a silencing ward around them so they could speak freely, without the males overhearing them.

"Everything's on target for the fourteenth of August for the wedding," said Cele. "Roma and Della have been helping us co-ordinate."

"They're lovely, aren't they," said Hermione.

"Yes, they've been a real godsend..." realising what she just said, Cele stopped in a shock for a moment before suddenly bursting out laughing in embarrassment as the others laughed. "I cannot believe I just said that."

Once they'd all calmed down again, Deece said, "I have no idea how they're doing it - and I don't know I really want to know - but close family and friends have already been notified."

"Because of the dangerous times, the guest list is being kept small," said Cele. "From my side, we're inviting Hermione's grandmother, Elizabeth; her Uncle and Aunt, my brother and his wife, Robert and Marybeth; her Uncle, my brother, John and his partner, Suzette; and her Aunt, my sister, Stacy. All, with the surname Cummings.

"From Ant's side, we have Hermione's grandfather, Stephen, and his partner, Clarice Brennan; and her Aunt, Ant's sister, Gloria Playwright."

Taking it from there, Deece said, "From ours, we have kept the list even shorter due to security. Too much of our extended family have ties with Riddle for us to be comfortable. "We'll have Daphne's Aunt and Uncle, my sister and her husband, Violet and Amos Diggory; and their son, Cedric, and his girlfriend, Cho Chang; and Matthias wants us to invite Tiberius Ogden as a representative from the Ministry."

"And Harry will want Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, the Longbottoms and Nymphadora Tonks to represent family," said Hermione. "I think he'll also want to invite Arthur Weasley and the twins.

"For friends, there's Neville to stand with Harry, Luna to stand with me, and Tracey to stand with Daphne. Other friends include Blaise Zabini, Cedric you already have, and if we can get them there's Victor Krum and Fleur Delacour."

"That should be about all," said Cele. "As we said, we want to keep the guest list low."

The four ladies then set about writing down the list of just over two dozen names, before running through the rest of their wedding plans.

Once the wedding planning was out of the way, that was pushed aside.

Deece then delved straight into the next topic.

She turned to both girls and asked, "You two are still taking your contraceptive potions, yes?"

"Yes, Mum," both replied, blushing a little.

"And you're also casting the contraceptive charms?" she pressed.

"Yes, Mum," both replied again, blushing a little more.

"But, I really don't understand why both," continued Hermione.

"As soul bonded your magic is so closely linked that it practically thrums between you," explained Deece. "Magic knows you're compatible. On top of that, it's also clear Harry is quite the magically powerful young wizard. And that will carry across to his seed.

"Powerful seed, with magic recognising the bonding, means magic will want you to reproduce. It knows, from such a union, your children will also be magically powerful.

"Taking the potion and casting the charm is a fervent hope magic's desire for you to conceive is not as strong as the potion and charm combined to prevent it."

"We do that," said Daphne, a little confused.

"Good; but, what Cele and I want to talk to you about, now, is muggle methods to prevent conception."

"Oh, Gods," winced Hermione. "You want to give us 'The Talk' again."

"Think of this as... The Talk, part two," smirked Cele.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

When the girls were finally able to escape, they disappeared into their room upstairs. Both were madly blushing away.

With an embarrassed giggle, Daphne said, "I don't believe Mum and Mum Granger felt they needed to give us that talk."

"I know!" Hermione softly exclaimed. "It's not as if we were thinking about having sex for the first time. We've been doing that for a few months now!"

"We can't take the muggle Pill, because it could interfere with the potion; and may not work on witches, anyway," said Daphne. "And the Rhythm Method only allows for a few days each month to have full sex. I don't like the sounds of that. And, Harry's allergic to the powder, or whatever it is, of those com-com things."

"Condoms," Hermione unconsciously corrected. "I also don't think it's wise for either of us to be fitted with an IUD if we're planning on convincing Sirius to teach and help us become animaguses; and there's no evidence it would work for a witch, anyway. Finally, there's spermicide. However, it has no evidence of success working on the seed of a wizard; so is probably a similar moot point to other muggle methods."

"So, we're stuck with continuing doing what we've been doing and hope for the best," said Daphne. "Sorry, but, thank Merlin for that! We'll just have to get Harry to also remember to use the wizard's sterility charm as a third anti-conception method and that's going to be about all we can do."

Hermione nodded back, just as relieved.

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

After Sirius, Matthias and Deece left; Harry called for Dobby, who fetched their trunks. Then he and Winky unpacked them.

The three changed out of wizard casual wear and into muggle casual wear in case Ant and Cele had unexpected visitors; or they wanted to do a quick run down to the shop.

Then they plonked themselves down in front of the television for a while and watched a video on the VCR. They didn't even notice Winky dropped off popcorn and soft drinks for them.

When Ant returned as the credits scrolled up the screen, he asked, "So, no plans for the summer?"

"No, Dad," the three said.

"But, we do hope you won't mind if we have friends over, now and then, for a visit," said Hermione.

"Of course not," said Ant. Turning to Harry, he said, "Now, son; the ladies will be spending a lot of their time occupied with wedding planning. I, for one, am happy to leave that up to the ladies and those angels of yours.

"Instead, I wonder if and when you're not doing anything else, you'd like to work with me in building an elevated deck out the back door."

Surprised, Harry said, "Yeah, that'd be nice. But, I don't really know much about how to operate electric tools. I only know how to use ones like a hammer and stuff."

"That's quite alright," smiled Ant. We'll figure it out together."

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ

The next day Ant and Harry disappeared for a while. They went to the local timber and hardware supplies store to purchase up on what they needed. Ant had with him a book on home construction jobs and a sheet with written measurements.

Taking a look at the notes and numbers, Harry said, "You've had this planned for a while."

"Guilty," smiled his father-in-law. "This has been a major home improvement project for a couple of years, now. It's only recently, with your mother-in-law falling pregnant, that I decided I should remove the ol' digit from the rear and get on with it."

Harry thought about it for a few minutes before he said, "The house faces north, so the back deck will always be in the sun. You'll need hardwearing timber for the deck, and use a lacquer that's sun resistant."

Surprised, Ant grinned back and said, "The entire structure will be made of hardwearing timber, Harry. I'm also building it with an eye to roofing it over later. So it has to be built with enough strength to support a roof, as well."

With the aid of a tradesman shop assistant with a depth of experience in home construction projects, Ant discussed what he wanted to build and what he felt his needs were. The shop assistant made a few suggestions, and also referenced Ant's book as they went.

Once they were finished choosing timber and concrete for the footings and deck, Ant paid for the lot and organised for it to be delivered later that day. Then they headed for the tool section.

Again referencing his book, Ant chose good quality tools specific for the job. They included a circular saw, an electric plane, an electric drill with enough strength to power a half-inch drillbit through four inch thick hard wood, and an electric screwdriver with power to drive two inch long 3/16th wood screws through hard, pre-bored, timber. He then added a selection of nuts, bolts, and timber screws; a large tin of creosote and two similar sized tins of outdoor wood decking oil; and a long-handled post hole digger.

"I already have the rest of the tools and drill bits we need, so no need to buy them," Ant explained to Harry.

A little concerned with the costs involved, Harry took Ant aside and softly asked, "You know us three can magic a deck up for you, don't you?"

Ant grinned back and said, "Building it is part of the joy of it, Harry. We get to work hard, escape wedding planning and, at the end of it, we can stand back and admire our handiwork. Besides, it's also something I can tell my friends and our non-magical family about how it came to be. Its 'bragging rights', son! I get to tell people my son-and-law and I built it ourselves."

"As a bonding exercise?" asked Harry, better understanding.

With an even bigger grin, Ant slapped him on the back shoulder and said, "Exactly!"

_‗_

—==(oIo)==—

ˇ