Chapter 25: Metallic Blue Liquid

December fifteenth, nearly the sixteenth…

Kelsey sat in her bed, staring at the two vials. They were shining metallic blue, and they seemed harmless enough. She wondered, though, why she was specifically asked to put it in Hermione Granger and Harry Potter's drinks. What had they done? They already had children; shouldn't they have gotten expelled already? Surely there would have to be a logical explanation. Two people (of fourteen, nonetheless) didn't get pregnant and just stay in school, now did they? Her sister had gotten pregnant when she was nineteen (she was now twenty) when she was a sophomore in college, and yet, she had to drop out. Why didn't these two?

They must have special connections, she thought. But then… why would Snape give me these…? There has to be another reason behind this… 

She shook her head. This was no time to be thinking; she had a task. Quickly putting the vials in a cupboard, she went under her covers and closed her eyes.

0—0—0—0

The next day, Hermione looked to her left and saw Harry sleeping peacefully. Yesterday, she had thought long and hard. She was still a bit unsure about murderingDumbledore, but she knew that he made his point. They would be safer, they would be able to live with Sirius, and their children wouldn't live in fear, knowing that a wizard was out to kill them and their parents. They could be normal… or, at least, as normal as Harry Potter's children could get.

She closed her eyes briefly, ready to accept the fact that her boyfriend was going to killsomeone. She heard the soft whimpers of her children, and she got up from the bed, hoping that she wouldn't wake Harry up.

He moaned and rubbed his eyes, getting his glasses from the bedside table. He looked to his right, not noticing Hermione, and saw the time, six forty-eight, and groaned loudly. He sat up, stretching his muscles, and stood up. He turned around, noticing Hermione for the first time, and smiled at her.

Together, they went into their children's room. Harry went for James and Hermione picked up Lily. He brought his son to the changing table and saw that his nappy needed changing, so he got a clean one from underneath the table and started to clean him.

Hermione knew that Lily was most likely hungry, so she quickly strode over to the rocking chair. After getting Lily into a comfortable position, she brought her shirt up and her daughter ate.

After cleaning James off, he picked his son up, not bothering with his small trousers. Turning around, blushing when he saw Hermione, he quickly mumbled, "I'm going to go give James a bath," and left.

She opened her mouth to speak, but he had already left. She sighed and looked down; Lily needed a bath, too.

As they finished bathing their children (they didn't talk; they barely even looked at each other), Hermione held Harry's hand.

"Wait, we need to talk," she said, ignoring her daughter's giggles.

He nodded. "Let me change him, first." He left the bathroom and went into the nursery.

0—0—0—0

McGonagall's eyes were slits, glaring at Dumbledore. She sat in his office after being summoned from Severus. For a few minutes, they talked about the Triwizard Tournament, and how the other Headmaster's were doing. Their chat went fine, until the topic of Potter came along.

"I do not understand, Minerva," Albus said once more, folding his hands together on the table.

She gave a small huff. "Of course you do, Albus. You perfectly know what has been happening to Mister Potter, Miss Granger, the Weasleys, and the two youngest Potters." After a moment, she added, "And Mister Malfoy."

"Minerva, it would be wise if you did not interfere in matters that are none of your concern. What has happened to Mister Potter and his family, is his business, and theirs alone." He gave a small smile and took a lemon drop, popping it into his mouth.

Her lips were a thin line, and she took off her small glasses. "Albus, I know what you have been doing to these poor children. I know, Albus," she said, her voice stern. "What you have done is dangerous and selfish. If you do not fix this at once, I will be forced to send you on trial." Her lips pursed, and she put her glasses back on, her eyes never leaving his.

He smiled. "Oh, of course the matter will be settled. Don't worry," he smiled. "It is being settled as we speak."

She quirked an eyebrow. "Oh, is it really?" she asked curtly.

Smiling, almost as if dazed, he replied, "Yes, and all shall be fixed." And all shall be mine, his mind supplemented.

She sighed and got up. "Albus, I used to think I knew you." She turned, and before leaving, she murmured, "What happened?"

After a few minutes, Albus got up and walked to Fawkes. He stroked his feathers affectionately. He smiled at the bird; he was so beautiful.

"I am doing right thing, aren't I, Fawkes?" he asked while stroking the red bird.

Fawkes merely gave a loud squawk, and then flared up until nothing was left but ashes.

Albus' eyes widened, and then looked away. A lone tear slid down his cheek.

0—0—0—0

After they finished dressing their children, they gently placed them on their bed. Hermione looked at Harry in the eye, and she took hold of his hands.

"Harry," she said quietly, "I thought about what you said yesterday."

He nodded. "And…?"

She took a deep breath, and gazing at their interlaced hands, she let a tear slide down her cheek. "If you must…" She spoke quietly, and Harry almost couldn't hear her.

"Really?" he asked in the same tone as her.

She nodded.

He brought their joint hands to his face, and kissed her knuckles. He smiled, and then brought her closer. Bringing his right hand to her cheek, he slowly leaned in, bringing their lips together for a lingering, chaste kiss. She smiled and wove her arms around his neck, resting her head on the crook of his neck. She gave a satisfied sigh as Harry brought his arms around her waist, giving her a quick squeeze.

"Hermione," he said after some time, "we have classes to go to. If we don't leave right now, we might be late."

She nodded and got up, giving him another lingering kiss. She picked up James and cradled him in her arms, kissing his forehead gently as she strode to the nursery. Harry followed her actions with his daughter, and they went to the nursery.

After putting their children in their respective cots, Harry went to get their bags. Once he got back, he saw Dobby, sitting on the rocking chair, rocking happily. "Hello Mister Harry Potter, sir!" the elf greeted enthusiastically.

"Hello, Dobby," Harry greeted, smiling at him.

"Dobby, please take extra precautions today. I cannot have anything happen to my children right now," Hermione said. "Right now, they're in danger."

Dobby nodded understandingly. "Yes, Harry Potter's Miss. I will take care of little Potter babies as if they was my own," he vowed, putting a frail hand to his chest.

Harry kneeled in front of Dobby, and put his hand on his bony shoulder. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

"For what, Mister Harry Potter?" he asked.

"For everything," he smiled. He got up and held his bag. "Well, I'll see you at Lunch." Quickly giving his children a kiss on the forehead, he murmured, "Bye," and left.

Hermione smiled weakly, and then repeated her boyfriend's actions.

0—0—0—0

Petunia Dursley was not a happy woman. Yesterday, Vernon announced that Aunt Marge was going to be staying for the Christmas holiday. She never liked the woman much, mainly because of her obsessive drinking habits. She would often be rude to her while Vernon wasn't around, and she would verbally abuse her on how they should've "taken the trash out" while they had the chance. While Petunia was just earning the trust of Harry, she had yet to throw him out of their home.

Often, when she was younger, she wondered why Lily would do things better than her. During their time in Hogwarts, she would receive the top marks in school, while she would merely be Average. She didn't like to admit that her sister was smarter than her, but she knew that it was true. When she was sorted (into Slytherin, surprisingly), she wasn't able to make friends. Everyone, especially her housemates, would taunt her, calling her a 'Mudblood' and other foul names. While Lily had three boys on her side, protecting her (even if she insisted that she could take care of herself). During her last few years of schooling, she formed a small liking to one James Potter. But, the only problem was, that he already fancied her sister.

"Petunia!" Vernon roared, interrupting her thoughts. "Where is my tea?" he bellowed.

"Right here, dear!" she shouted from the foyer. Quickly going into the kitchen, she took the tea pot and poured some into the china cup.

Vernon walked in, and sat on the sofa, putting his feet on the coffee table. "Petunia, where is my tea?"

She came in, tea in the cup. "Feet," she scolded. Now I've got to clean the table,she thought, sighing.

He rolled his eyes and laid his feet flat on the floor. She placed the tea in front of him, and left without so much as saying a word.

At least Marge will be here tomorrow, Vernon thought happily, picking up his tea.

0—0—0—0

Once their morning classes were over, Professor McGonagall called all of the students from year four onwards to meet. As the students slowly assembled into the room, they cheerfully talked about various topics.

Cedric, who was talking to his girlfriend, Cho, briskly walked towards Harry and Hermione. Cedric smiled at him, and said, "Hey, Harry."

Harry smiled. "Hey, Cedric."

"Hello," Hermione greeted.

"Hey, uh, can I talk to you for a moment?" he asked. "Alone," he said after a few moments.

He nodded, "Yeah."

"Have you ever taken a bath?" Cedric asked once they were alone.

"Err… Yes…?" he said. Why is he asking me this? Harry wondered.

"Have you ever taken a bath with that egg?" Cedric corrected himself.

"Err… No…" Harry raised an eyebrow. "Should I have?" he asked.

"Well, try it," was all Cedric said before leaving.

Harry stood there for a moment, thinking. Why would I possibly want to take a bath with that golden egg? Quickly shoving the thought away from his brain, he made his way towards Hermione.

"So, what did he-" Hermione started, but was then cut off by McGonagall.

"Boys, sit on the left, and girls to the right!" she commanded, briskly walking into the middle of the room.

Harry shrugged and went where he was instructed. Sitting in between Malfoy and Neville, he quickly turned to his left to give Draco a small smile. Draco, seeing Harry from the corner of his eye, barely nodded.

"Oi!" Seamus called. All of the boys turned to them. "Malfoy and Harry are sitting next to each other, and they haven't clawed out each others throats yet!"

Then, everyone's attention turned to Harry and Draco. "Oh, Honestly!" Draco spat. "Two people can't sit next to each other without engaging in physical violence?" He glared at Seamus. "Grow up, Finnegan, or I'll be forced to show you how you reallyfight."

"Mister Malfoy!" McGonagall reprimanded. "You will do no such thing!" She turned, making sure that everyone was in their seats.

"Now that everyone is seated, I'd like to announce something." She smiled, "This year, since there is a Tournament, a Yule Ball will be held." She remained quiet for a moment, letting the students take in the new information.

"A Yule Ball?" Neville said quietly. "Is that… a ball? With dress robes, dancing, and music?" he asked.

"What other types of balls are there, Longbottom?" Malfoy retorted, clearly annoyed.

"Shut up, Draco," Harry muttered, elbowing his side.

Draco's head snapped around, his eyes on Harry now. "Honestly, Potter, when will you stop sticking up for your friends?"

Harry returned his heated gaze. "The second you stop antagonizing them," he said in a low voice.

"Mister Potter and Malfoy! You will stop this nonsense right now!" McGonagall scolded.

They rolled their eyes, folded their arms, and glared at the wall. The girls sitting across from them—Hermione and Luna, ironically—both silently chuckled at having seen both of them in synch with each other.

"Now, as there will be a ball, only fourth year and above are allowed to attend. Every year there is a Triwizard Tournament; there would be a Yule Ball. It will be held on December twenty-fourth, and you will be able to take a train if you are leaving Hogwarts for the holidays. You do not have to attend, but as it is a dance, I'm sure most of you will.

"Third years aren't allowed to go alone, but are allowed, only if accompanied with a fourth year or older." She turned, heading towards what seemed like a very old record player.

"Now…" Her eyes searched for a student to help her, and she saw him. "Mister Weasley, please come here." She pointed towards Fred, who was sitting a few seats away from his brother, and he stood up, grinning happily.

"Of course, Professor," he said, stepping towards McGonagall. "What an honour, really."

McGonagall rolled her eyes. "Please, Mister Weasley, if you will?" She placed her hand on his shoulder. "This, ladies, is where you put your hand." She then put her other hand on his, "And this your hand."

They all nodded.

"And gentlemen," she put Fred's arm on her waist, "are where you place your hand."

She craned her head towards Filch. "If you will."

"Oh, I believe I am going to enjoy this," Fred said, loud enough for everyone to hear.

0—0—0—0

After their little 'class' was finished, Hermione left the room, with Luna Lovegood at her side.

"Well, that was rather interesting, no?" Luna commented, playing with her radish earrings.

Hermione looked to her right. "Yes… It was." She smiled.

Luna Lovegood was a very… interesting, person. She wore robes that were a bit too big for her, but it seemed as though she didn't mind. Around her neck, Hermione noticed, was a very odd looking necklace. After a few seconds of analyzing what it was, she figured out that it was simply made out of Butterbeer caps. She had radish earrings, and she seemed to have those everyday, judging by the odd looks she often got.

Hermione didn't know her well, but she knew that they would often call her 'Looney Lovegood' because of her beliefs. She would often talk what other people said was utter nonsense. Things such as Crumple-Horned Snorkacks, tucking her wand behind her ear for 'safe-keeping', and other people believed her thoughts were rubbish.

"Oh, I'm sorry," she apologized. "I must be bothering you, I'll just go now." She turned to leave, but Hermione held her arm before she could go.

"No," she said, turning her around. "You weren't bothering me."

She raised a pale eyebrow. "You certainly seemed like it." Her big, blue eyes widened. "Perhaps it's those pesky nargles again! Daddy said that if you leave your hair up for too long, that the nargles will come in through your hair and mess with your mind!" She smiled. "Oh, I must tell Daddy about this!"

Hermione blinked, but before she could tighten her hold on the younger girl, she took off. To tell her father of the narlges that was supposedly in her ear… messing with her mind. Hermione sighed.

Do I really want her to be my friend? She wondered, walking through the halls, forgetting about her boyfriend.

Of course you do, her mind defended. All of the girls in Gryffindor are either too girly, or despise you because you're the mother of Harry Potter's children. 

But that doesn't mean I want to hang out with Looney—Luna… 

Oh, yes it does… She won't judge you because you're a mother, and she won't treat you any differently than you treat her. Perhaps, even, she'll treat you better than you intend on treating her, her mind defended Luna.

Hermione shook her head, wishing that her mind would, for once in her life, shut up.

Sighing, she decided that perhaps a friendship with Luna Lovegood wouldn't be too bad.

0—0—0—0 

Draco rolled his eyes as he left, quickly dodging the Gryffindor boys that were headed his way. He turned left, nearing the Great Hall, and then looked around, making sure no one was there. As he did, he didn't notice Harry walk behind him.

"Are you ever going to grow up?" Harry asked, the other boy slightly jumping.

Turning around, Draco smirked. "Depends on your definition of 'grow up', I guess." He started walking, expecting Harry to follow.

"I mean, when are you going to start acting just a bit more mature?" Harry asked, trying to keep up with his steps.

"When you have another child," countered Draco, still smirking.

Harry rolled his eyes, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Well, then, I guess you won't grow up for a long time."

"Oh contraire, I believe you're going to have a child within a few years, if not next year." He quickly went left, heading towards the dungeons, Harry still by his side.

Harry laughed humourlessly. "I highly doubt that, Malfoy. Hermione and I aren't on the best of terms as of yet." He looked at Draco in the eye. "You know, we're still in that 'Oh God, I've got class in a minute, no time for shagging' stage."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I've been through that stage before."

He looked at him, surprised. "Really?"

Draco shrugged. "Mother wouldn't want me stocking up heirs before I had a legal one. So, no, I haven't gone through that stage before." He grinned. "Why, Potter, did you want me to follow your footsteps?"

Harry scoffed. "No. And besides, James ismy heir, as is Lily. And they are legal, mainly because, when we're older, I'm going to marry Hermione, and they're my biological children."

"No doubt about that," chuckled Draco.

After a few moments of silence, Harry spoke up. "Alright, well I have class in ten minutes. I better get going." He smiled. "See you during Defence Against the Dark Arts, Malfoy." He gave a mock glare, "I'll be waiting to hex your arse off."

"Of course," Draco said, sauntering off. "Bye, Potter."

Harry nodded and left.

0—0—0—0

Right before dinner, Harry and Hermione decided to pay their children a small visit. Currently, Harry was holding Lily in the Gryffindor Common Room, and Hermione was cradling James.

No one was in the Gryffindor Common Rooms, mainly because they were heading for dinner, so the two decided that it'd be safe if they brought them out. Harry sat Lily up, supporting her by putting his arm around her tiny waist, and played with her soft, brown hair. He smiled and kissed her forehead as she played with his father's watch.

It wasn't a very fancy watch, but it was a nice wristwatch. It was silver, with 'Potter' encrusted on the band. He wasn't sure on how old it was, but considering the condition of the watch, he concluded that it wasn't too old. His grandfather must've had it first, and then handed it down to James Potter.

When Harry was thirteen, just a few days before school started, he went to take a few galleons out, and saw that watch. From that day on, he never took it off, unless he had to.

Lily burped, and then threw up over his hand. "Oh bugger," Harry muttered, looking around for something to wipe the vomit from. On Hermione's lap, he saw a small napkin. He stretched to the side to get it, and he got the napkin. Quickly cleaning his hand, and the parts where the vomit was on his daughter, he got up to throw it in the dustbin.

"Harry!" greeted Kelsey joyfully.

Harry jumped, Lily nearly falling out of his arms. Sensing that something erroneous had happened, Lily balled up her fists, scrunched her face together, and gave out a loud wail. Harry held her close, putting her head on his shoulder, patting her back gently, willing his daughter to calm down.

Hermione came running in, James sleeping soundly in her arms. "What happ—" She stopped short, seeing Harry patting Lily's back, and Kelsey (Why is she here?Hermione wondered), waiting impatiently, something behind her back.

After a few minutes, Lily calmed down and slept. With her arms around his neck, her small hands fisting his hair, Harry didn't want her to wake up, so he kept her like that.

"Sorry," he said, looking at Kelsey, and then at Hermione. "Lily just got scared," he gave a feeble smile.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I'm going to put James in his cot, and then I'll be back." She kissed her daughter's back, and then left.

"So, err, Kelsey, right?" he asked.

She nodded.

"Right, well… err, did you want something?" he asked, wondering what a first year could possibly want out of him. Besides an autograph or photo, that is.

She blinked. "What? Oh! Yeah!" She suddenly turned shy. "Will you and Hermione have tea with me?"

"I… err…" Harry looked around, wishing Hermione would hurry up. After a few seconds, he sighed. "Uh… sure, Kelsey… Hermione and I would love to have tea with you…" He gave a small smile. "Just… just give me a few minutes; I've got to put Lily in her cot."

She nodded enthusiastically, "Alright! I have everything set up already, too, so take your time!" She grinned, playing with the potions behind her back.

He nodded, smiling feebly. "I'll be right back." And with that, he left.

0—0—0—0

"We're having tea with Kelsey," Harry said to Hermione as he put Lily in her cot.

"I don't like her, Harry," she said at once.

"I don't really know her… So, I don't really know…" He shrugged.

Hermione sighed. "But I'm hungry." After saying that, she blushed. "I err, mean…"

He laughed, "Don't worry about it. I am too." He left the nursery, Hermione next to him. "I guess we could just have Dobby send us some food afterwards."

She nodded. "Okay…" She still wasn't used to the idea of ordering house-elves around, even if he was getting paid.

"We'll, how bad could this go?" Harry asked, nudging her side a bit.

She shrugged hopelessly. "I don't know…"

0—0—0—0

Kelsey grinned, pouring the potions into their teacups.