Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Who are you?” Bellatrix eyed the tiny child with something close to trepidation. She knew that she wasn't always the most sane, but surely she wasn't reduced to hallucinating children. Especially children who looked like they could belong to her.

“Don't know,” the child replied with a whimper. 

“How did you get here?”

“Don't know,” it repeated, its lip wobbling as its eyes filled with tears. 

Deciding not to second guess herself, Bellatrix stood from the bed and moved over to the child. It felt real. Solid. She'd never had a solid hallucination before. “Nyx.” she hissed. The child jumped when an elf appeared next to it, it’s eyes blowing wide with fright. “Get my sister. Now.”

The elf nodded once and disappeared.

“What was that?”

“A house elf,'' Bella dismissed, waiting somewhat patiently for Narcissa to arrive, her wand in hand just in case. She didn't think Dumbledore was sending toddlers to hex unsuspecting witches but it seemed just as likely as a solid hallucination if she was honest. Best not to take any chances. Stranger things had happened after all.

“Bella?” Narcissa checked warily, hovering at the doorway. Somewhere in the back of her mind, Bellatrix realised that her sister looked ill. Gaunt. Dark-eyed. She'd come absurdly quickly given that it was the middle of the night and she should have been asleep. And the tiny part of her that remained Bellatrix Black knew that something was absurdly wrong, that it wasn't ok for her sister to look like that.

“Can you see that?”

“Can I see what, Bella?” Narcissa checked in that same wary tone, her eyes trying to adjust to the darkness.

“Lumos,” Bella murmured, gesturing her head towards the child. “That.”

“Is that…sweet Salazar Bella is that a child?”

“So you can see it? I wasn't sure if I'd made it up.” Bella turned away from her sister with a hum, remembering that she should have cast detection wards to check the curly haired being staring back at her with her husband's eyes. Really, she should have done that first. What if it had been a distraction sent by Dumbledore? The man wasn’t much saner than she was after all. Waving her wand, she chanted the spells her parents had drilled into them all. Her father would be horrified she’d been so lax. Thankfully, all of them came up blank, she didn’t fancy her father resurrecting himself in order to crucio her for her mistake. 

“Bella!” Narcissa hissed, “Focus! Where did she come from!”

“She? It's a girl?” Narcissa’s face showed her disbelief.

“The child has pigtails and a pink nightdress on, yes Bella, I assume she’s a girl.”

“Ah, regardless, it doesn't know,” Bella mused, spotting the warning look that flashed over her sister's face and deciding to heed it. “ She doesn't know her name either.” she paused, surveying the child that was quite clearly not a hallucination and didn't seem to be here to murder her. “She looks like she could be mine though, doesn't she?”

Narcissa froze before slowly approaching the clearly frightened child, kneeling down in front of her. “So she does,” she murmured softly. “We can check, no?”

“Or I could keep her.” 

Narcissa blinked, “You wish to keep her?”

“She looks like me. And Dolph  I suppose. His eyes.”

“Yes but Bella…you can't just keep a child.”

She shrugged in response, ignoring her sister's incredulous look, “Why not? Who's going to stop me?”

“Bella!”

“I think I’ll call her Aquila.” Bella nodded, reaching for the child, feeling awkward as she hoisted her into her arms. “Aquila Bellatrix Lestrange.”

Narcissa stared at her, completely unsure what to make of this utter madness, before she conceded defeat. She had far more to worry about than her sister's strange decisions. After all, as strange decisions went this wasn't the worst one Bella had had. 

“Of course, Bella, I’ll arrange for Nyx to prepare a nursery.”

“Thank you,'' Bella nodded, her eyes going back to the child. “Now. Mummy needs sleep, we’ll introduce you to Daddy in the morning. You can stay here tonight.”

Aqilla nodded slowly with a look that indicated she wasn’t entirely sure what to make of this new situation. “OK Mummy,” she agreed finally.

Chapter Text

“We’re just…keeping it?” Rodolphus checked, not at all sure what to make of the serious-faced child staring back at him curiously. The child his insane wife kept insisting called him Daddy. He’d never wanted children for fucks sake. And if he had, he certainly wouldn't have wanted a daughter. Daughters were difficult. Daughters brought boys. Boys they needed protected from. And that was before he began to consider that any daughter raised by his wife would be deadly and terrifying. Bella scared him enough, thank you very much, he didn't need two of her. Actually, perhaps a daughter wouldn't need protected from anything. Perhaps, the world would need protection from any daughter raised by his wife. He was too old to be hiding bodies for fucks sake. Even if he did find himself wanting to smile at her serious little face.

“Yes Roddy,” Bella nodded, “Of course we are.”

“Right,” his eyes met his brothers, his feelings of bewilderment mirrored on his face. Apparently, he was gaining a daughter. Time to practise his transfiguration skills then; bodies were much easier to hide when they didn't look like bodies after all.

“What's your name then?” Rabastan demanded, seeming to gather himself. 

“Keela.” the child whispered.

“Pardon?”

“Aquila,” Bellatrix interected. 

“Huh,” the wizard eyed her speculatively. “Have you told Him?”

Something unreadable crossed Bella's face before she masked it, a fleeting vision of her terrified nephew leaving feelings that aren't typical as a second vision of Tom deciding to use her new daughter for his own ends played alongside it. “Not yet,'' she dismissed. 

“He wont like it.”

Bella scowled, “I'm hardly asking him to parent her, Bast.”

Rabastan hummed, reaching for the girl, “Let's be having a look at you then.”

Aquila took a hesitant step forward, flinching slightly when he gripped her chin, turning her head. “Our eyes.” he mused, “Black hair. Are you sure she's definitely not yours?”

“No,” Bella admitted, “but I assumed I'd have some inkling, no? Cissa says she can't be less than three. And I wasn't free three years ago. None of us were.”

“True,” he agreed slowly. “Are you adopting then?”

“I think that's best.” Bella agreed briskly. “Rod, meet us in the library in an hour.”

“Of course,” Rodolphus agreed in defeat knowing there was no way he was talking his wife out of this.

“Say goodby to Daddy and Uncle Bast, Aquila,” Bella commanded, “We’re going shopping with Auntie Cissa for robes.”

“Bye,” the child whispered shyly, allowing her new mother to escort her from the room in a whirl of robes.

“He's going to go spare,” Rabastan muttered the moment the door closed behind his sister-in-law.

“Probably,” Rodolphus agreed, his eyes darting nervously before admitting quietly, “I don't think it’ll end well for Him.”

“No,” Rabastan mused thoughtfully, “No I don't imagine it will. Which means we need a plan.”

“A plan?”

“I won't have your wife end Him only to end up back in that hellhole,” he hissed.

“So what do we do?”

Rabastan shrugged. “I don't know,” he murmured slowly. “Lucius was always the better strategist, especially now.”

Rodolphs hummed, a flare of anger overtaking him at the thought of the years his brother-in-law had been free despite knowing that he only had himself to blame. He’d been stupid, allowing himself to be talked into his wife and Barty's madness-fueled bloodlust. He'd never liked getting his hands dirty before, avoided it unless it was a direct order if he was honest. Still, if Lucius was his best hope, he'd speak to him, even if he did want to casually hex the man from time to time. At least the urge had lessened the further from favour Lucis had fallen. He looked rather ill currently which tempered his anger. “Fine, I’ll speak to him,” he agreed finally, hearing his brother's sigh of relief; Bast wasn’t any more fond of Lucius than he was.

“You want to go shopping?” Narcissa repeated, looking at her sister in shock.

“Yes. She’ll need robes as is fitting of her new station." Bella hesitated. “I will need new robes. I find myself utterly out of touch. Mother would be furious.”

Narcissa blinked, it was the closest to sane Bella had sounded in decades and if not for the threat of Him appearing, bringing in the worst sorts of people…creatures, she might have rejoiced. As it was, it was less than eighteen months since His return and she was both exhausted and terrified. Her only joy was Draco, and even that was tinged with fear in light of his currently failing mission. “Of course Bella,” she murmured instead, eyeing the child clinging to her sister's hand. She was still innocent and while she knew that she should stop this madness for the child's sake, she couldn't, not when her sister's eyes were almost clear. So she stood, smiling down at the silent child. “Shall we go and pretend to be princesses?

Her new niece nodded slowly, a spark of interest appearing in her eyes even as Bella gave a soft scoff.  “Well then, let us go.”

They returned two hours later, Aquila now dressed in the most darling little black robes that made Bella want to coo at her. The others, in far more garish colours…like pink were hidden away in Narcissa’s pocket so Bella didn’t lose them on their way back home. “Let's find Daddy shall we?”

Aquila nodded warily, attempting a smile when her new Aunt smiled reassuringly at her, running a fond hand over her curls. “And maybe afterwards the elfs will bring biscuits,” she whispered conspiratorially, drawing a wider smile from the child that made her miss the days when her son was still this small. This innocent.

Bella rolled her eyes indulgently, picking the child up, the feeling less foreign than it had been the night before. “Auntie Cissa is going to ruin you.” she lamented, an amused gleam in her eyes instead of the madness. She let out a sigh when Aquila wrapped tentative arms around her neck, a strange feeling of warmth radiating through her, utterly unable to remember the last time someone's touch had been that gentle. Unbidden, a lost memory of Draco doing something similar as a far smaller child appeared in her mind. Back when he didn't flinch away from her, when he looked at her with trust, not fear. It cut through the usual fog of devotion she felt for her Lord, the man who was punishing her sister as if he had a right to. A small frown creased her face as she wondered when she had begun allowing that. Almost against her will, the hand not cradling Aquila, shot out towards Narcissa, gripping her wrist tightly. 

Her sister masked her fear quickly, but she’d seen it, it shocked her enough that she let go as if she’d been burned, raising her head to meet the eyes that matched her own. “He won't hurt Draco again.”

She turned, stalking in the direction of the library,  missing the way Narcissa paled, having to reach for the wall to steady herself in her shock. 

“Are we sure about this?” Rodolphus checked as his wife walked in, the child perched on her hip looking startling like Bella even without the ritual.

“Of course we are,” Bella barked.

He merely nodded, noting the missing mad gleam that was normally present, the lack of giddiness and the robes. Dear Merlin, the robes that made her look more like the Bellatrix Black she had been instead of the mad Madam Lestrange she’d become. Perhaps there was something in this idea of a child after all. “I assume your sister is joining us?”

“Yes.” Bella agreed, looking at the door with a frown. “Shortly I presume.”

“May I?” Rabastan checked, gesturing towards the child.”

“Why?”

“I thought we’d check who she is,” he shrugged.

“What difference does it make?”

“It doesn't.” he agreed, “But if she's a mudblood…”

“She won't be within the next ten minutes,” Bella hissed. “And if she's a mudblood she's uncommonly powerful. How else could she get through the wards?”

Rabastan blinked at her, “But mudbloods…”

“Are occasionally powerful.” Bella scoffed, “Not often. The Meadowes witch was though, we planned to recruit her, remember? The Potter bitch ended up being more powerful than we expected in the end, too.”

He sat down heavily, “You're…advocating for mudbloods now?” he checked.

“Don't be absurd!” she hissed. “Or not entirely. I wanted to remove them from their filthy muggle families, remember? Adopt them into our world. Keep the magic. They can't be beasts and capable of stealing our magic. That never made sense.”

Rabastan frowned, a long-lost memory resurfacing. “I remember,” he mumbled. “Back at Hogwarts. When did that change? I remember…I remember agreeing.”

Lucius walked in with Narcissa clutching his arm, catching the end of the conversation. “When we were Marked,” he sighed, the exhaustion clear on his face.

“When we were Marked,” Bella repeated quietly, her eyes on Aquilla; the child stared very seriously back at her. “Very well. Test her.”

Rabastan nodded once, taking the child, and settling her on his lap. “I'm going to cut your hand.”

“Why?” she whispered.

“To see who you are.” She frowned clearly not understanding. “Give me your hand.”

Slowly, her tiny hand moved to rest on his, watching, Narcissa cast a silent, wandless numbing charm seconds before he broke the skin on her palm, turning it to drop her blood into the waiting vial. 

He healed her almost without thought, handing her over to his startled brother who held her like she was a bomb, both of them staring at each other with fear-laced curiosity. Lucius bit back the first laugh he had felt bubbling since he had been sent to Azkaban following the debacle at the Ministry as he watched his brother-in-law try to work out what to do with his soon-to-be daughter. He was beginning to suspect this was going to be wonderfully entertaining for them all, well…all of them bar Rodolphus. 

As Rodolphus and Aquila engaged in their staring contest, Rabastan poured the potion onto the waiting parchment, his eyebrows climbing high on his face as the names appeared.

“Well?” Bella demanded impatiently, moving restlessly from foot to foot.

“She is either the best or the worst thing that has ever happened to us. It doesn't make sense but…” he held up the parchment, enjoying Narcissa’s sharp inhale. 

“Well then,” Bella dismissed briskly, a slightly feral smile overtaking her face, “Now we know.”

“You intend to go through with this?” Lucius demanded.

His sister-in-law shrugged, a wicked smirk replacing the smile, “We already know she's powerful. I can make her unstoppable. And she’ll be an effective bargaining chip if we need her.”

“In what way?”

“Something has clearly happened, and they're going to want to know she's alive at least.”

“And we can exploit that,” Narcissa murmured. 

“Exactly,” Bella agreed.

“Well then,” Rabastan smirked, “Let's get on with it then.”

Twenty minutes later, the newly official Aquila Bellatrix Lestrange, blinked dazedly at her new parents, making her mother grin. “Oh you are going to be terrifying my darling,” she cooed. “Lets go and get biscuits with Auntie Cissa while Daddy works out a plan with Uncle Bast and Uncle Lucius. Mummy will rewrite it when they're done.”

In a move that startled all of them, Aquila beamed at her, reaching for her willingly as she tugged her from the room.

Chapter Text

Draco stepped off the train, his eyes darting warily before landing on his mother. She looked less haggard than she had the last time he’d seen her, which while welcome, was rather startling. “Mother,” he mumbled, kissing her cheeks.

“We have a lot to talk about,” she whispered into his ear. “But it will have to wait until we get home.”

Confused, scared if he was honest, he apparated home with his mother, landing in the hallway of his ancestral home, his eyes darting around nervously.

“He's not here,” Narcissa soothed, reaching for him as her heart broke as the very real consequences of their decisions came back to haunt her in the shape of her son's clear fear inside his own home. “It's just family.”

“Auntie Cissa!” came a childish squeal, interrupting whatever Draco had been about to say as a tiny blur of curls barreled into her, “Uncle Bast’s a dragon!”

Draco’s eyebrows rose sharply, climbing higher when Rabastan Lestrange ran around the corner roaring, making the child squeal in delight. With an indulgent smile, Narcissa bent to ‘rescue’ her, setting the child on her hip.

“I think I've gone mad,”  Draco mumbled, his eyes wide with shock. 

“No,” Narcissa argued. “Or at least not yet. Draco, meet Aquila. Aquila, meet your cousin Draco.”

“Hi!” she whispered, peering at him shyly from her perch on Narcissas hip.

“Hi,” he repeated weakly, his eyes meeting his mother's incredulously, “I ah…who…ah..what…”

“Your Aunt Bella adopted.” Narcissa offered blandly making Rabastan snort.

“Come along little star, lets let your Auntie Cissa get Draco settled in.”

“But Uncle Bast….”

“I'm sure Daddy added to the library.” he coaxed smirking when her eyes lit up and she reached for him. 

“Mother. What the fuck?” Draco demanded the moment they were out of sight, his usual control obliterated. 

“Your Aunt Bella adopted,” Narcissa repeated, cuffing the back of his head, “And that does not mean we can forget our manners.”

“Apologies Mother,” he responded automatically, his face still showing his complete shock.

She nodded sharply, “Come with me, I’ll explain.”

He followed her through to her sunroom watching as she sat primly on her favourite chair facing him. ”Mother.” he prompted when it became clear she wasn’t starting the conversation.

Narcissa sighed, “Were you aware of an accident at school Draco?”

“What?” he demanded.

“Accident at school. Someone missing?”

He scoffed incredulously. “Mother, the Dark Lord is back and people are disappearing daily.” he frowned suddenly, “Less so the last month.”

“Yes well.” Narcissa sighed, “He's not been here and Bella has been…distracted.”

“By a toddler.”

“She's a surprisingly good mother if you ignore her letting Aquila use Greyback for her first round of target practice.

“She what?” he demanded.

“Oh she could only reach his knees.” Narcissa dismissed with an airy wave of his hand making him choke. “And we obvlivated him afterwards. However, answer my question. Any strange disappearances?”

He eyed her thoughtfully, “Granger’s missing,” he replied slowly. 

“Yes she is.” Narcisaa agreed seeing the dawning realisation on his face.

“Mother what the fuck!” he hissed. 

“Do not make me scourgify your mouth Draco Lucius!” she growled. “Aquila appeared in your aunt's room, in the body she currently inhabits. I had wondered if you had any insight but apparently not. Regardless, your Aunt and Uncle have adopted her and therefore whoever she was she is not now. She is…surprisingly delightful.”

Draco froze as he attempted to assimilate that information before deciding that it was going to take more time than he currently had and changing tact.“He’ll be furious. There's no way he's going to stand for Aunt Bella being distracted by a toddler of all things! For Merlin's sake Mother, he’ll murder her outright!”

“He will do no such thing!” Narcissa hissed, her magic flaring. “He’s about to be dealt with once and for all. We have a plan. We couldn't make it work without your Aunt on board or I'd have enacted it earlier.” she attempted a wobbly smile, “And for that my boy, I am truly sorry. I would never…” she blew out a harsh breath. “It should never have happened, you should never have been put in the position you have been and I imagine I shall spend the rest of my life seeking your forgiveness for it. Regardless, your Aunt Bella is now on board. She is…Aquila has managed to bring her back to us. Bella rather than Madam Lestrange. I do not know how she did it, but we must be grateful. Bella intends to take over,” Narcissa rolled her eyes, scoffing, “Of course she does, but a different message than before.”

“How?” Draco checked, looking unsure as he reached to squeeze his mother's hand in an attempt to comfort her.

“Well. We intend to offer proof of Miss Granger's being alive. And then we intend to offer up both the Dark Lord and Greyback.” Narcissa’s smile turned dangerous. “Mulciber too probably, Dolohov will also have to go, I understand he cursed Aquila at the Ministry. I believe your Aunt intends to let Keela play with him for a little bit and then we’ll remove him.

“Play with him…Mother she’s a toddler!”

“Which means we’ll silence him as we did with the wolf,” she shrugged, “But it is never too young to learn to aim.”

“You're all insane.” Draco breathed, torn between fearful hope and just plain fear.

“Yes darling, we’re Blacks, do keep up. Now, I imagine He’ll be here at some point. He’ll summon you, and you will come and get either me or your aunt, am I clear? We are in the process of dealing with his followers, between us we know them all. “

“Mother if he finds out…”

“Your aunt will destroy him. He had failsafes that we now know about and have…removed. It's been a vexingly busy month in all honesty. Although on that note, if you could have a look over this list, let me know if we’ve forgotten anything.”

He took it, looking dazedly down at the parchment, his eyes skimming the list. “You forgot Umbridge.”

How careless,” Narcissa frowned, taking the parchment back in order to write it down.

“Ahd if you're avenging Granger I’d suggest Skeeter.”

“Oh?”

“She wrote nonsense in fourth year, got her sent to the hospital wing after hate mail.”

“Very well.” she agreed.

“Mother..do you truly think the Order is going to accept this?”

“We will make them Draco,” Narcissa retorted with a surety that had him shutting his mouth with an audible clack. “Now. Your godfather should be here early next week, perhaps he’ll have some insight into what happened to Miss Granger.”

Draco stared at her, stunned into silence, wondering if this was the family madness finally hitting.

Chapter Text

Severus stalked through the halls of Malfoy Manor wondering slightly at the air of calm that permeated for the first time in a year and a half. He was beyond exhausted. Hermione Granger had fallen foul of what they suspected was a curse. Not that they had been able to explain how or when or, indeed what curse it was. And that was before they considered the who . No one was boasting, no one was crowing amongst their friends that they’d taken down Potter's mudblood, and truthfully, that worried him more than anything else had. They should have heard something surely? It wasn't like the witch would have done it to herself.  And to add insult to injury, she had been sequestered away with a house elf at Albus’ command until suddenly, the witch had vanished. And still , no one was taking ownership. Albus was on at him to find her, suspecting foul play and the Messers Potter and Weasley were erratically irrational. Not that there was a huge amount of change there. On top of that, he had Draco to worry about and all of that was before he even began to consider his second bloody job as a spy. 

He prayed to whoever might be listening that Lucius was in a giving mood this evening. He might have only been granted the leave to keep up appearances and Albus might expect him back first thing to continue the hunt for Hermione sodding Granger but that didn't mean he couldn't fit in a glass or two of Lucius’ superior firewhiskey. He deserved it surely, he was vastly overworked and supremely underpaid and underappreciated. The least they could do is ply him with decent alcohol. Especially as it had been over a month since Granger's disappearance and despite Albus’ demands, he had no idea what they thought they were going to find. Nothing good certainly. He felt a momentary pang of sadness for the witch. She was an irritating chit, but she was intelligent, loyal and skilled. She was, whether he wanted to admit it or not, a loss to their world. 

He kept walking, a feeling of unease prickling the back of his neck as he realised that the halls were empty and there was no noise that indicated the usual gathering of at least a handful of his brethren. “Dixie.” he murmured softly, looking down at the elf when they appeared. “Where is your Master?”

“Master be with the little Miss in the library.” the elf replied promptly.

“The little Miss?” he checked.

“Little Miss Aquila is having her story before bed.”

“And she belongs to?” he asked, knowing he had never heard an Aquila mentioned.

“The Mistress Bella.” 

Severus barely bit back a shudder at the thought. “Merlin I had no idea she’d had a child.” Quickening his steps, he paused outside the library, startling at the sound of Lucius’ voice mixed with childish giggles.

Three sets of eyes swivelled to him as he pushed open the door, his jaw dropping at the sight, of a toddler, not the baby he’d anticipated. 

“Severus,” Lucius smirked before glancing at his niece, “Princess, can you say hello to Uncle Severus.”

“Hi!” Aquila beamed 

Severus sat down heavily staring at her. The cheekbones were sharper even in her childish face, the eyebrows slightly more arched but overall, she looked like he remembered.  “Why the fuck do you have Hermione Granger!” he blurted. 

“Language Severus!” Lucius chided with a smirk, “Meet Aquila Bellatrix Lestrange.”

“No.” he paled as the implications of that hit him with all the force of the Hogwarts Express. “Christ on a bike. No!”

Lucius shrugged nonchalantly as if insane Death Eaters adopted deaged muggleborns regularly, “Draco get your godfather a whiskey. Severus, behave until I've finished this story.”

Draco snorted at the dumbfounded look on his godfather's face, doubling the whiskey just in case. 

“Now Princess,” Lucius closed the book once he was done, gazing down at his niece with undisguised fondness. He’d always wanted a daughter but given that he wasnt getting one, this tiny witch would do instead. And truly, he got to spoil her rotten and hand her back without having to discipline her. He was enjoying himself immensely. “its bedtime, who do you want to tuck you in?”

Aquila pouted, “One more please?” she batted her eyelashes at her uncle making him laugh. 

“You’ve had two more than you were meant to, Princess, now come on. Mummy will hex me.”

She sighed dramatically before her eyes zeroed in on her cousin. “Will you read me one then tuck me in Draco?”

Lucius watched with genuine amusement as his son folded under the weight of her pleading eyes. “Of course, Princess,” he agreed, taking her from his father, “Merlin you are going to be the most spoiled little witch in the world.”

Aquila smiled, “Daddy says Princesses need spoiled.” she yawned, snuggling her face into his neck. His face softened into unconcealed affection for the tiny witch who appeared to be the key to ending this war. 

“Far be it from me to argue with your daddy,” he murmured, cuddling her into him, “say goodnight, little witch.”

“Night night,” she mumbled sleepily, her eyes already closing.

“Goodnight Princess.” Lucius smiled as Draco left him alone with Severus.

“What in the name of Merlin is going on!” Severus exploded the minute the door was closed.

Lucius shrugged, “She appeared in Bella's room. It's the most bizarre thing, she shouldn't have been able to get through the wards, yet she did. It’s…Bella is, for the most part, sane. Or as sane as any Black ever is.”

“Pardon?”

“Bella. Sane. I truly do not know why Aquila made a difference but she did.”

“She is not Aquila! She’s Hermione sodding Granger!”

“Not any more,” Lucius shrugged, clearly unconcerned that they’d essentially stolen a child. “Bella and Rod blood adopted the witch. She’s now Aquila Bellatrix Lestrange, as I said.”

“Holy fuck,” Severus breathed, looking horrified. 

“It’s done now,” Lucius dismissed, “She’s a delightful child. I can only imagine how much more formidable she’ll be with the Black family training alongside her previous power. Narcissa has already begun. I believe Rodolphus intends to teach her as he would a son. He is utterly besotted despite not wanting her originally.”

“Can you hear yourself!” Severus demanded, his mind whirling as he attempted to figure out what the fuck he was going to do. He couldn’t tell Albus this! Merlin’s saggy left tit! Maybe someone could obliviate him and he could remain in his previously blissful ignorance. 

“Yes,” Lucius agreed, continuing briskly, “Now. Along those lines, we’re moving in a new direction.”

“What?” Severus gaped at him, wondering, entirely seriously, if he’d been given something hallucinogenic. He didnt have any other explanation for this lunacy.

“New direction,” Lucius repeated as if he were an idiot. “We’ll let you look over the plan of course. If nothing else you’ll have more insight into The Order’s thinking.”

“The Order?” he repeated. 

Yes, we're going to give them Tom. And Greyback, Umbridge and likely Mulciber. If you have others you think they’ll want, do let me know.”

“Bella!” he shouted.

“Well they cant have her,” Lucius dismissed with a careless wave of his hand. “We’ll obviously provide proof of Miss Granger’s well being and we’ll continue with the changed message. We’ve found all his horcruxes and dealt with them, with the exception of that bloody snake. That’s unfortunately with him. We’ll need to deal with that once he returns.”

“His what?” Seveus wheezed.

“Peter!” Lucius shouted, apparently randomly. “That was the name we forgot! They can have him. Now, we’ve begun repopulating Diagon Alley, returned Ollivander to his rightful place after a thorough medical see too and we’ve called back the snatchers. We’ve disbanded Madam Umbridges idea of a muggleborn registration, instead we’re gong to implement a swap system.”

“A what?” Severus was acutely aware he was beginning to sound like a broken record…but seriously! What in the name of all the Gods was happening!

“Muggleborn for a squib,” Lucius explained as if it were perfectly reasonable to be discussing swapping out children. “Bring the muggbleorns into this world via the book of names, which we will need you to acquire for us.”

“You’re…you’re stealing babies.”

“And replacing them where we can. Those we can't, we'll have to obliviate the parents. Keep the magic in our world, prevent the issues with muggles speaking out of turn.”

“And those who marry a muggle?” Severus checked, trying desperately to gather his scattered wits.

“Why would they?”

“Free will.” he retorted sardonically.

Lucius frowned as if the idea had never even occurred to him, “Will be discouraged, I imagine.”

“How do you propose to work alongside those that not two months ago you were trying to murder?”

“They will accept the assurances and concessions we are willing to give or they will not. But if they do not, there will be laws detailing punishment. I want you to set up a meeting with Shacklebolt, Lupin, Mcgonagall and potentially my erstwhile sister-in-law.”

“Is that wise?”

“That child has won over Bella and both Lestrange brothers in a month. Rodolphus is utterly besotted. Draco adores her. There is no way Andromeda is standing up to that. Lupin will also be allowed in her life if he can behave civilly. We would like to discuss werewolf rights. Draco pointed out that removing Greyback and giving them some was probably wise. Yaxley mentioned getting Mcgonagall onside given Dumbledore's imminent death. Narcissa made me aware of your vow.”

“Hes dying anyway,” Severus sighed, his head spinning with the utter insanity of this conversation.

“Yes I gathered. Draco mentioned his hand. Make them aware so they dont turn on you.”

“And Potter? Albus thinks hes a horcrux.”

“Good gods,”  Lucius muttered, “Well. We arrange for a showdown, either Potter dies and we can then dispose of Tom or Potter deals with Tom, fulfilling the prophecy. We win either way.”

Severus nodded slowly, “I wonder if this is what insane feels like.”

“Wait until you remeet Bella,” Lucius muttered quietly

Chapter Text

Severus steeled his spine, walking into the room. He’d requested Minerva reach out to Kingsley, Andromeda and Remus, avoiding Albus knowing for now. As far as Albus was concerned no one knew anything and given the man's penchant for meddling and making things worse, he very much intended to keep it that way for now lest Albus decide something stupid…like forceful removal. That would not go well. And would presumably kill him off now he thought about it, what with the vows he was tied into and all. Definitely best to keep Albus in the dark then. And if he was lucky, it’d be time to murder him before he had to explain anything. 

“Are you going to tell us what this is about, lad?” Minerva asked shrewdly as he sat down.

“I don't think you’ll believe me,” he muttered, running a tired hand over his face.

“Try us.”

“I was…asked to make contact with the four of you.”

“By?” Andromeda prompted impatiently.

“Lucius Malfoy with the backing of all three Lestranges, Yaxley and Narcissa.”

They stilled, “Go on,” Remus gestured with clear frustration at his prevaricating.

Severus blew out a breath, noting their shock at how visibly rattled he was. “They are offering to give you Tom, Mulciber, Pettigrew, Greyback and Dolohov….I think there were more but those are the main ones.”

“Why?”

“Because they…want something in return.”

“What?” Andromeda frowned, her eyes scanning his face.

“Their guaranteed freedom.”

“No.” Kingsley barked.

“Hear me out,” he pleaded, hoping no one drew their wand. Four to one wasn't the worst odds he’d ever faced but he’d really rather not have to bind them so they listened. That probably wouldn't help negotiations and Merlin knew he wasn’t starting off from a strong position as it was. Add in that Andromeda was a Black….and Minerva had a tendency to hold a grudge, he held back a shudder with difficulty. He’d have to bloody emigrate. Minerva knew where he slept. “They…Bella is something resembling sane.”

“That’s not possible,” Andromeda whispered. 

“And yet I’ve seen it. She..adopted a child, a child she is willing to allow you access to if you agree.”

“A child?” Minerva frowned.

He grimaced, “Miss Granger apparently appeared in her room. She is now Miss Lestrange.”

“No!” Remus growled, his eyes flashing in his fury.

“She is doted on, pampered and utterly ruined.” Severus continued as if he hadn’t spoken. “And I mentioned Bellatrix was mainly sane? We dont know why, but its working. She was not pleased with the things that she’d let go since she was Marked. It turns out they all had a different vision than the one Tom enacted. You must have noticed that since hes been off hunting for the elder wand that things have settled?”

“Yes,” Kingsley agreed reluctantly. “What is their vision?”

“Keeping up with tradition,” Severus chose his words carefully, “They are willing to discuss werewolf rights and the integration of muggleborns.”

“Why?”

“Because they don't want the carnage Tom is wreaking! They are aware Albus is dlying and understandably see the writing on the wall.”

“Albus is what?” Minerva screeched.

“Dying. His hand…withering curse. I stalled it but I cant stop it. He has until the end of this year at most.” he paused. “Draco was tasked with murdering him. You cannot fail to see how ill he looks.”

“No.” Minerva agreed, her face ashen “We assumed it was the familial expectations.”

“No.” Severus replied bluntly, “It's the threat of death when he fails. Albus knows. He’s bound me in a vow to ensure I murder him instead.” his face twisted into a sneer, “To save Draco’s soul.”

“No!” Minerva howled.

“I can prove it,” he gestured wearily to his head, “Take the memory, take it from him if you don't trust me. But I will have to kill him in the end. He ensured it.”

“Mother of God,” Minerva whispered. “Why didn't he tell us?”

“Because he's a raging arsehole with control issues?” Severus shrugged.

Minerva opened her mouth and promptly shut it again before turning to look at Andromeda, “You are the most skilled in mind magics.”

The witch nodded, her face pale as she placed her wand against Severus' temple, withdrawing the silver strand.

“Well…” Andromeda cleared her throat looking as stunned as the rest of them upon exiting the pensive.

“I can't believe…I don't want to believe,” Minerva muttered in the corner. 

“Sirius will need to be included.”

“What?” Severus reared back in shock at Remus’ words.

“Sirius adores Hermione. Ensure hes going to be free. Deal with the arsehole hunting his godson and I’ll talk to him.”

Severus blinked back at him in surprise. “You think the mutt is going to accept this?”

“You’re giving us Peter, stopping the madman hunting Harry. I think he’ll listen,” he paused. “I’ll make him listen,” he paused again, revising his statement. “Minerva will make him listen. I’m going to demand a vow in regards to Hermione's safety”

Severus nodded slowly. “I...I imagine that will be acceptable.”

“And I want to see her now. I want to know that this isn't an elaborate hoax.”

“Right. Because I often joke about missing witches and completely upending the world as we know it,” he muttered, his eyes glancing at the clock. “Might I suggest tomorrow not today? The witch is currently three. She’ll be asleep.”

“Sirius tonight then,” Remus replied in a tone that brokered no argument. Severus bit back a groan. He didn't want to deal with Sirius sodding Black tonight. It was only sheer bad luck that the wizard had avoided death by murderous curtain at the Ministry and truthfully, he wasn't any less arrogant after the near miss. Surely he didn't deserve to deal with him on top of everything else?  

“Bring him here.” Andromeda commanded. “I intend to be included in your field trip to Malfoy Manor tomorrow.”

“Very well.” Severus groaned, resigning himself to dealing with Sirius sodding Black for an hour or so. “Go fetch your mutt.”

“I’ll agree to a meeting,” Kingsley began, his words slow and measured, “but I refuse to agree to anything else until I've spoken to them.”

“I expected as much. Madam Weasley is going to be hard to convince.”

“If this turns out to be true, leave Molly Weasley to me.” Minerva retorted. “The end or incarceration of Mr Dolohov will help in that regard. Augusta Longbottom on the other hand.”

Severus nodded, “The Lestrange brothers had thoughts on that.”

“Oh?”

“They might have a way to reverse the effects. They were…not willing participants and as poor an excuse as it is, we now know that the Mark warped Bellatrx.”

“You’re sure?”

“I think that I remember Lucius discussing her ideas and then they were Marked and it changed. I had…forgotten until they mentioned it.”

“What ideas?”

“They wanted to recruit Dorcas Meddowes, they are not against muggleborns beyond the eradication of tradition. They are shrewd enough to know that we do not teach it. I won't lie and say they do not believe muggles are beneath us, but they want them left alone, the barriers between us strengthened. They do not seek to harm them.”

“Barriers strengthened,” Andromeda murmured, “What does that mean?”

He winced, cursing his carelessness. “They don't believe they should know about our world.”

“No. I remember,” she agreed, “Perhpas Ted needs to be brought in.”

“Why?” he hedged.

“Because he has muggle parents.”

“And?”

“And…” she sighed. “And it's hard. He loves them, they love him. But they do not understand one another. He often says that as much as he loves them, it would have been easier if they weren't so different.

“You agree with the divide?” Kingsley asked incredulously.

“I think that there are some amazingly accepting muggle parents out there who do their best,” Andromeda replied diplomatically. “But from what Ted says, they are not the norm. Fear of our abilities, fear of things they cannot understand, lack of connection, all impacts parenting. There is an argument for drawing them further into our world.”

“But you think its wrong.”

“No.” she disagreed slowly, “I dont necessarily think its wrong, but i do think its unlikely.”

“So we give in to their demands?” Remus checked, looking at her as if he’d never seen her before.

“I think we need to be practical,” Andromeda admitted with an apologetic smile. “I want this horror to end. I want lives resume, for the fear to stop. This is the closest we've gotten to it. However I also want to know exactly what they’re planning. And I want families here monitored far more closely than they are.”

“In what way?” Kingsley asked.

“We have horrific, abusive parents here too. They’re not any more acceptable because they have magic.”

Severus hummed. Well. I imagine that conversation with your sister will be illuminating.”

Andromeda snorted. “I imagine I'll end in blood drawn.”

“Who's drawing blood now?” Sirius's sardonic voice interrupted, a sneer automatically appearing on his face at the sight of Severus.

“Sit down,” Andromeda commanded sternly “And behave yourself. Severus is just the messenger and you will behave like the adult you are meant to be.”

He startled violently at her tone, slouching into a seat. “Good dog,” Kingsley muttered under his breath with a smirk. 

“We have rather a lot to cover,” Minerva sighed, “So if we could all just settle down and listen.”

Sirius was pacing restlessly by the end of their conversation. “I want to see her now.”

“No. She is three and it is past nine. She’s asleep.”

“How am I meant to trust they aren't hurting her!” he howled.

“Because Narissa would never allow anyone to hurt a small child!”

Sirius froze. “No.” he murmured, deflating slightly. “I expect to be there for breakfast.”

“I’ll let them know,” he agreed before he paused, “Your history with your family is fraught, but I feel duty bound to remind you that the former Miss Granger is three . She adores them, as they do her. Do not frighten her. None of them will allow you near her again if you do.”

They all stilled, “We’ll behave,” Remus returned stiffly. 

“Good because if you murder Bella in front of her, i imainge she’d be traumatised by the loss of her new mother.”

“Are you personally guaranteeing our safety?”

“I am recommending that you are followed by a hogwarts elf who can escort you out if need be.” he retorted, noting the way their eyebrows rose.

“Good thinking,” Minerva murmured. “Very well. We’ll reconvene here in the morning.”

“Breakfast is at seven thirty.”

“Then we shall see you here at seven fifteen.”

Chapter Text

“Uncle Sev’us!” a childish voice shouted as he stepped out of the floo. 

“Miss Aquila. Are you behaving?”

“Yes!” she shouted, nodding her head vigorously, her curls flying in all directions making Draco laugh.

“Keels! My face!” Draco laughed. 

“Sorry.” she mumbled, tightening her arms around his neck for a hug. 

His face softened immediately as he hugged her back. “It’s fine.”

“Who’s that?”

“Ah remember we said Uncle Severus was bringing people to breakfast?”

“Uhuh,” she whispered, peering at them shyly. 

“Well, this is who he's bringing, will we say hello?” She immediately hid her face in his neck. “Hey, Princess Aquilla defeated a dragon yesterday! Don’t tell me she's shy now?”

She giggled slightly, “Uncle Bast was just pretending.”

“I know.” he agreed, “But did you know that the lady in the green dress can turn into an actual cat? And the man next to her with the long hair? He's our cousin, and he transforms into a dog.”

“A real one?” she gasped.

“A real one.” Draco agreed, “Will we say hello now?”

“Will he turn into a puppy now, Draco?” she asked earnestly. Unable to help himself, he bopped her on the nose, grinning when she scrunched it. “Maybe if you ask nicely, Princess.”

“We keep him?”

“Ah. Probably not. I dont think Auntie Cissa wants a dog.”

She sighed heavily. “Fine.”

Hiding his grin in her curls he approached cautiously. “Mother, Aunt Bella and the rest are in the dining room.” he informed them. “They thought it’d be less confrontational that way.”

“Very well Mr Malfoy,” Minerva agreed. 

“Princess, can you say hello to Professor McGongagall?” Draco coaxed.

“Hi,” Aquila whispered. “You turn into a cat now? Please?”

Minerva laughed softly, wanting to cry for the girl the toddler had been. “Oh lass. Maybe later but I'm sure your cousin Sirius will turn into a dog. He likes any excuse.”

Aquila's wide pleading eyes met Sirius’ and he folded immediately, shifting into Padfoot so quickly she let out a shout of surprise before demanding Draco put her down. She ran to him immediately, hugging him so tightly around the neck that his eyes bulged.

“Princess, let Cousin Sirius breathe!” 

She let one arm fall before rhythmically petting his head in a way they all suspected she believed was gentle. “Merlin, she's going to give him concussion.” Remus snorted.

Andromeda laughed before she knelt down next to her. “Like this.” She took Aquila’s hand, skimming it over Sirius's head.

“Oh.” 

“You have to be gentle.” Aquila nodded seriously, making her smile. “I'm your Auntie Andromeda.”

“Like Auntie Cissa?”

“Yes. Your Mummy is my sister, and so is Auntie Cissa.”

“Oh.” her tiny face scrunched in confusion. 

“We all have the same mummy and daddy.”

Hermione's face cleared. “Oh I don't have any brothers or sisters. Daddy says I'm not allowed.”

“Why's that?”

“He says it wouldn't be fair.”

Draco smirked having heard this conversation already. “Why wouldn't it be fair?” Andromeda checked curiously.

“Because I'm perfect.” she declared with the surety of a child who believed it. “And they wouldn't get lucky twice.”

“Ah.” Andromeda laughed looking slightly shocked, 

“Auntie An..An…”

“Andy is fine.”

“Auntie Andy, why wouldn't they get lucky twice?”

Andromeda floundered slightly, Draco coming to her rescue, “Because there's no one else like you Princess.”

She nodded seriously, “Who’re they?”

“Well,” Minerva smiled down at her, “This is Kingsley Shacklebolt. He's an Auror and the man next to him is Remus Lupin. He likes books as much as you do.”

“Oh.” Aquila's eyes lit up. “What's your favourite?”

“I have lots of favourites,” he admitted, “What's yours?”

“I have lots too,” she shrugged. “Daddys reading me Wilma the witch.”

“Good choice,” Remus agreed seriously.

“She's a bit silly,” Aquila giggled. 

“Ah a little bit, but she's not as silly as Baxter, now is she?”

Aquila laughed again, her entire body almost vibrating with excitement as she realised that Remus wasn't just humouring her. “No! He's the silliest!”

“Baxter?” Kingsley ventured. 

“Wilma’s unfortunately accident prone cat,” Remus supplied.

“Oh of course,” he replied faintly. 

Aquila reached out, tugging gently on Remus’ sleeve. “You read to me?”

“How about I’ll ask your ah…Mummy once we’ve had a chat?”

She pouted, but to everyone's relief nodded before reaching for him. Feeling slightly stunned, he complied, hoisting her onto his hip, wincing when she traced a gentle finger down the scars on his face, “Ouch,” she mumbled, dropping a kiss onto them, with soft, singsonging, “all better.”

“Course it is,” he agreed, sounding suspiciously choked. 

“Bella did not teach her that,” Andromeda muttered.

“No,” Draco agreed, “Bast on the other hand…” Trusting they would follow, knowing the wards wouldn't let them take Aquila by force, he spun on his heel to lead them into the dining room as if he hadn't just shaken their worldview all over again.

Bellatrix’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the wolf holding her precious daughter, only her husband's warning glare stilled her tongue. 

“Please have a seat.” Narcissa offered with her society smile. Andromeda immediately arched a brow at her sister; Narcissa smiled blandly back, making her snort. 

“I'm surprised you all agreed.”

“We've agreed to nothing yet,” Sirius countered sharply as he turned back into a human, smiling apologetically when Aquila made a small noise of disappointment. 

“Maybe Uncle Bast will take you to the Menagerie, Princess,” Rabastan soothed.

“Maybe Uncle Bast will not!” Bella countered.

“We just wont tell Mummy, Princess,” he grinned, making her giggle. 

Bellatrix growled but didn't push it, knowing from the look on her husband's face that he’d back his brother.  “We are here,” she voiced loudly, “to discuss terms. Draco if you could take your cousin…elsewhere.”

“Oh but Mr ah…” she looked beseechingly up at Remus.

“Lupin,” he supplied.

“He said he'd ask if we could read.”

“But not until I’d had a chat with your mummy,” he reminded her, wanting to take it back when she visibly deflated. 

“If you ask nicely Draco will take you out on the Abraxans, Princess,“ Lucuis wheedled. “You could ask the elves if you can take a picnic breakfast with you.”

Aquillas eyes zeroed immediately onto her cousin who sighed dramatically despite his twitching lips, “You are going to be so spoiled. Come on, little witchling. We’ll see if the elves have apples for the abraxans to put in with our picnic.”

She scrambled off Remus' lap immediately running to take Draco’s hand with a careless, “Bye!” over her shoulder.

“Well, while it's reassuring to know she is not being mistreated, I admit I have reservations.” Minerva admitted. 

“We imagine you do,” Rodolphus allowed, helping himself to the food that appeared on the table. “What exactly did Severus tell you?” 

He hummed when she had finished, nodding at the plates, “You can presumably see we have not poisoned the food. Help yourself.” Slowly, they all began putting food on their plates, watching as their hosts ate before taking a bite themselves. Bella rolled her eyes scoffing a quiet, “Ridiculous idiots,” under her breath.

Rodolphuis shot her a quelling glare, turning back to Minerva, “That is indeed the crux of it. Alongside that we will not deny you access to Aquila as long as certain conditions are adhered to.”

“Such as?”

“Discussing her old life. I imagine it would be confusing. To our knowledge she has no memory of it, of course if that changes we can discuss it further. Whatever you think of us, I will not tolerate you discussing it with my daughter. We have made large, abhorrent mistakes. She will be told some of it as she grows, when we decide.”

“She will?” Sirius asked incredulously.

“If she retains even a fraction of Hermione Granger she will look,” he countered. “Therefore she will hear it from us, not the Daily Prophet or her peers.”

“How do you plan to accomplish this?” Kingsley interjected. 

“Tom made horcruxes.” Bella replied bluntly. “We have dealt with all bar two. Your headmaster is aware of both, one we can deal with as soon as Tom returns.”

“Horcruxes?” Minerva frowned as the rest of them paled.

“Soul anchors,” Andromeda supplied softly, “The worst magic imaginable. It is barbaric. No wonder he is not sane.”

“Quite.” Bella clipped. “Along those lines we have begun to work on severing the Mark's connection to him. We believe it can be used to boost his power.”

“How close are you?”

“Not close enough,” Narcissa admitted. 

“You said all bar two?”

“Yes.” Lucius agreed, “You wont like this. However I will say it again, your headmaster is aware.”

“Spit it out then.”

“His snake Nangini is one,” Severus supplied, seeing the vein throbbing in Lucius’ temple at Sirius’ rudeness. He might despise the wizard but even he wasn't stupid enough to believe his murder would be worth Narcissa’s wrath if they got blood in her breakfast. “And Dumbledore is of the belief that Potter is a living Horcurux. It explains the events at Christmas with Arthur.”

“No.” Sirius replied bluntly, his face completely blank. 

“Unfortunately it's likely.”

“No!” he repeated louder.

“If we can sever the connection to the Mark, we might be able to do the same with the Horcrux.” Corban Yaxley spoke for the first time. “That's the theory anyway.”

“Then we’ll help.” Andromeda interjected, sending a silencing charm at a raging Sirius before summoning his wand just as he’d aimed it at an antique vase.

“The more the merrier sister,” Bella muttered sarcastically as Sirius rounded on Andromeda in a fury with a silent growl.

“I'm glad you think so, because if we agree you’ll be seeing more of me sister .” Andromeda arched a censoring eyebrow at her cousin, radiating her disapproval. Severus immediately vowed to add that look to his armoury, even the cockiest of the little sods would wither under the force of that look. He could practise on the Weasley twins next time he saw them. 

“Lucky me.” Bella quipped sarcastically, breaking Andromeda’s stare-off with their cousin.

“Bella,” Rodolpuhs growled.

She rolled her eyes turning back to her sister, “I assume your husband will be included.

“Will that be an issue?”

Bellatrix shrugged, “I don't like him but I imagine I'll get used to it.”

“How magnanimous,” Andromeda drawled, “Sirius sit down!”

“TImescale?” Minerva checked, realising Andromeda had summoned Sirius and cast a sticking charm at his backside. A charm he was desperately trying to break by the looks of things.

“We don't know when he's due back, so soon.” Rodophus admitted. 

“Are we meant to just trust you’ve removed the horcruxes?” Remus asked, sending a second sticking charm at his friend. Sirius’ head snapped to his with a look of clear betrayal.

“No, you can see them, what's left anyway. You can see the memories if you must.”

“And the people we were promised?”

“Dolohov is in the dungeons. Greyback is easily lured. Mulciber and Umbridge are hardly a challenge We can have them all gift-wrapped in a location of your choice by morning if you so desire.'' Bella shrugged. 

“Who else needs to be dealt with?” Remus sighed, looking tired.

“The carrows I imagine, Thoros. Crabbe and Goyle Snr, unfortunately potentially jr as well. A lot truly were too frightened to argue.”

“And the Longbottoms?” Minerva asked.

“There's an obscure charm in our grimoires. I think it might help.” Rodolphus offered.

“Can you guarantee it?”

“No. We can only try.”

“How are we meant to trust you?”

“You can't,” Bella replied bluntly, There are no guarantees. But whatever Aquila did, my brain no longer feels foggy.”

“It seems utterly unbelievable,” Minerva admitted.

“I imagine it does,” Bella allowed, “And yet, here we are. Now. Thoughts?”

“Thoughts,'' Kingsley muttered, biding Sirius when he finally managed to unstick himself and went to bolt, with a sigh. “I don't know where to even begin with this insanity.”

“Trust me, this isn't even close to what insanity looks like,” Bella grinned. 

“For the love of Merlin,” Andromeda muttered.

“Too soon?”

“Bellatrix.” she growled. “At least try and be serious, we are discussing ending the world as we know it. Augusta Longbottom will need assurances. Harry Potter is going to want an explanation for what happened to his best friend. So if you can at least attempt, just for a moment to be a reasonable human being for five minutes.”

“Harry Potter is not getting anywhere near Aquila!” Bella exclaimed indignantly.

“Harry Potter will need to be around Aquila if Sirius is.” Andromeda retorted.

Bella's eyes narrowed. “I don't like it.”

“That's…unfortunate,” Andromeda dismissed, “Along those lines, Dora will also need to be included.”

“For salazar's sake, are we to be overrun with family and meddling gryffindor’s?”

“Yes,” Andromeda smiled serenely back at her. “Now let's discuss those….bargaining chips.”

Narcissa rolled her eyes at her sisters, “Could we all at least pretend to be civilised?” she sighed. 

Kingsley spoke over them both when they opened their mouths “We want written unbreakable promises.”

“Very well,” Yaxley agreed. “Let's go down the list then shall we? The snatchers have already been disbanded, we have most of them in some semblance of gainful employment.”

“Most of them?” Remus checked.

“We had to…make some executive decisions for the rest.” he murmured.

“They're dead I assume?” Andromeda checked bluntly. 

“Yes.” he agreed. “Issues?”

“None.”

Yaxley hid a smirk, “Splendid. Now, your bargaining chips. Tom, Peter, the senior Mulciber, Crabbe, and Goyle, we’ll monitor the jrs closely for just now, Dolohov, Greyback, Umbridge and Rita Skeeter. Did we miss anyone?”

“The senior Nott and the Carrows,” Remus countered. 

“Done.” Yaxley agreed.

“What do you envision will be done to combat prejudice in the younger years?” Minerva checked.

“Education. We dont believe in condemning children. ALong that line, we need to discuss more inter-house unity.” Lucius answered smoothly.

“Inter House unity?”

“Quite,” he nodded, “The hostility between Gryffindor and Slytherin is at an all time high. We need to address it.”

Minerva blinked stupidly back at him. “You wish to make relationships between Gryffindor and Slytherin more…cordial?”

“My niece was a Gryffindor, I have no idea if our influence will change that.”

“It will.” Bella muttered.

“She's not wrong,” Minerva agreed, looking like it pained her. “Miss Granger embodied many of the traits of Slytherin House despite her sorting. I can only imagine what a pureblood upbringing will do.”

Bella grinned, unnerving them all. “Good. Blacks look good in green”

Silently Sirius scoffed, throwing himself onto a seat having escaped Kingsleys binding, gesturing at his throat. With an impatient sigh, Remus cancelled the silencing charm, keeping his wand trained on him lest he attempt to run again. “Peter,” he prompted with a growl.

“You can have as soon as we summon him,” Rabastan offered. “Just make sure he's dealt with.”

“Oh he will be,” Sirius growled, turning so he met Remus’ eyes. “Tomorrow. We need to arrange a room.” 

“Before or after breakfast?” 

“Before.” 

“Done. Now. I imagine some of them need to be transferred to Azkaban, is there anyone you particularly want to ah…play with?”

“Aquila’s already played with Greyback,” Bella dismissed. 

“Pardon?” Andromeda checked.

“Just testing her aim, sister.”

“Sweet salazar.” Andromeda muttered before she paused, “how was it?”

A sinister grin spread over Bella's face, “Exemplary,” she purred. 

“Good. Now. I imagine he needs to die.”

“If you want the packs, yes.” Remus agreed.

“Best way to do that?” Yaxley checked. 

“Bella, you still have the dagger don't you?” Narcissa asked sweetly.

“Dagger?” Bella frowned before her face cleared. “Yes.”

“Crushed aconite on the blade should do it.”

She hummed, looking at Severus who sighed, “I’ll arrange to acquire some after the meeting.”

“Good. Can the rest be sent to Azkaban?”

“Umbrige can't.” Sirius cut in. “That bitch has a date with the end of my wand.”

“Fine,” Rodolphus nodded, “Then Antonin is mine.”

“Yours?” Kingsely’s eyebrows shot up at his tone.

“He cursed my daughter!”

Kingsley blinked back at him slowly. “Well then… he can be yours.”

“Skeeter can wait until its all over. I imagine we can have some fun with her,” Bella cut in. “I rather think killing her career will be far more devastating than killing her.” she paused, “At least initially.”

The family resemblance was eerily obvious when Narcissa, Andromeda and Sirius all mirrored her smile. Severus and Corban visibly held back shudders at the sight.

“Now, Tom.” Rabastan redirected, deciding not to think too hard on that strange synchronisation of the last remaining members of the Black family. No one was ready for that.

“Yes,” Minerva agreed, “What exactly is your plan?”

“I think we have to work on severing the Mark before we do anything,” Yaxley replied promptly, looking at Remus, “I gather you have some experience with the Dark arts?”

“Yes. nothing like that though!” 

“No, none of us have.”

“I’ll also help.” Andy cut in, “I am still a Black.” She inclined her head towards Sirius. “And so is he.”

“Very well,” Corban agreed. “The next thing we have to consider is where we will contain Him when He returns.”

“I imagine there's suppression cuffs in the vaults,” Sirius mused.

“Wouldn't they just murder him? He's a construct!”

Sirius looked at Lucius thoughtfully. “Maybe.”

“Goblins.” Remus blurted.

“Pardon?”

“Goblins. It might be worth asking them for help. They’ll want a fee, of course, but maintaining the economy is in their interests. They might help.”

“I hadn't considered them,” Lucius mused.

“No. No one does.”

“Very well. Let's speak to the goblins.”

“Ask about Harry.” Sirius instructed.

Lucius inclined his head, “Very well. I imagine it’s worth asking about containing the snake while we’re there.”

“Fair point. Now, that seems to be enough to be getting on with.” Yaxley mused, “Lucius will visit Gringotts tomorrow.”

“With me,” Minerva interjected.

“With Minerva,” he agreed, deciding it wasn't worth arguing. “Shall we meet back here tomorrow evening? We really do need to move quickly,” He waited for their agreement. “Good. Here’s to a successful day tomorrow then.” 

They stood, Remus, looking around sheepishly.

“I promised Herm… Aquila a story.”

“Nyx.” Narcissa called, waiting until the elf appeared, “Fetch Miss Aquila if you please.”

Seconds later, a pink-cheeked Aquila appeared with Draco, looking around questioningly.

“I promised you a story before I left.”

Her eyes lit up and she let go of Draco’s hand to run to him. “Now?”

“If you’d like.”

With a grin she tugged him forward impatiently, heading in the direction of the library. 

Draco laughed into the silence, “That little witch is going to have half our world wrapped around her finger.”

“As it should be.” Bella replied primly. 

“She was terrifying before.” Sirius muttered, despite his amused expression.

“In what way?” Rodolphus hedged. 

“Did they tell you she kept Rita in a jar the summer following her fourth year?”

“No.” he replied slowly.

“Oh yes. Gave her to me to look after. She didn't let her out until the end of the summer. And then she blackmailed her in order to get that article written in the Quibbler.”

“Merlin’s balls,” he muttered. 

“Punched your nephew too, third year wasn't it, Cousin?”

Draco flushed his hand moving automatically towards his nose. “She broke my nose.”

“I know,” Sirius grinned.

“Good girl.” Bella nodded, “I have no idea how the witch wasn't biologically ours.”

Rodophus let out a slight huff of laughter, “It hardly matters, she's ours now.” 

“I never thought I'd see anything like it,” Andromeda murmured. 

“And yet here we are.” Rodolphus dismissed, “Apparently we were just waiting on the right witch.”

“Are you the sum total of ....reasonable…?”

Bella snorted, interrupting Kingsley, “The lower orders will do as they are told. The inner circle…well. I’d say this is it.”

“I agree.” Severus cut in. “His inner circle included the Carrows, Mulciber, Avery, Dolohov, Nott and everyone here.”

“Rowle.” Rabastan interjected. 

“Rowle.” Severus mused. “I had discounted him.”

“He's too close to Dolohov,” Lucius dismayed.

“Is he? Or is he wary of the man's temper?”

There was a pause. “I don't know. He was…young the first time. Perhaps…”

“I’ll sound him out,” Rabastan offered, “And then bind him into an unbreakable vow if he agrees just in case.”

“Well then, I think we’re done. We’ll reconvene tomorrow to look at the Mark.” Andromeda dismissed, turning to look at her cousin, “You will behave as if you know nothing or I will obliviate you, am I clear?”

His eyes narrowed, “Harry…

“Is as safe as he can be right now. If you go in all wands blazing, we’ll tip Dumbledore off and Merlin only knows what he’ll do.”

Sirius seemed to deflate. “I don't like it.”

“No I imagine you don't but it's safest. We intend to move quickly, Merlin only knows that the dark arsehole wont be away forever and while we likely can contain him it would be a pain in the arse to have to do so for a significant period of time.”

Sirius scowled but didn’t contradict her. “I’ll expect Remus back for lunchtime,” he muttered sloping off towards the floo.

Chapter Text

“Now Poppet, I want you to throw it like this.” Bella demonstrated her throw with a slightly sadistic grin, hitting Dolohov just above his knee, the knife embedding in his flesh. She smirked at his silent scream.

Aquila frowned, “It hurts, Mummy.”
“No, Poppet,” Bella cooed, “When you're very very naughty it doesn't hurt, this is just letting the naughty out.”

“Oh” She nodded then, attempting to copy her mothers stance.

“That's it, aim for near Mummy’s.”

She missed, the knife embedding in his other leg. “Close enough,” Bella nodded, “Now again, he really was very naughty.”

Half an hour later, she handed Aquila over to Rodolphus, “I’ll just….”
“Leave him,” he snarled, his eyes darting back down to his daughter who was watching him with wide eyes. “Staunch the…leakage. I’ll be back to deal with him later.”
“Very well,” Bella pouted, “But I want in on some of the fun.”
“Fine.” he agreed with a sharp nod, “Come along Princess, let's get you changed. Auntie Cissa said Rosies got some special cake in.”

“Ah good!” Narcissa beamed as she caught them sneaking into the kitchen. “I was going to organise tea. Come along.”

Biting back a groan, Rodolphus heard the command for what it was. “Very well,” he grumbled.
“We still get cake?” Aquila checked.
“Yes Princess, Auntie Cissa is just going to make us use the good cups.”
“Oh! The pretty ones? With the flowers?”
“Only the best for you darling,” Narcissa cooed, smiling down at her niece. She truly was the most delightful child, so curious, quick to learn and, thankfully, with a wonderful vicious streak she very much intended to nurture, even if less overtly than her sister. After all, no one suspected the society wife of quietly removing their enemies. Narcissa allowed a feeling of smugness to flow through her. More fool them. If she had her way, Aquila would be as deadly as any other Black witch, with the reputation of a delicate flower. The same as she had. 

“Now, you sit here darling, Daddy will sit next to you. How do we begin?”

“With tea, Auntie Cissa,” Aquila replied as if confused as to why she was being asked to state the obvious.
“Well yes,” Narcissa allowed, hiding a smile, “but who begins?”
“You?” she hedged. 

“Quite. As host, I pour, now who do I pour first?”

“Daddy” she voiced with certainty, before continuing, clearly having memorised a response, “Because wizards think they're important but they're really just children.”
Narcissa stifled a laugh at the outrage on Rodolphus' face, “Correct darling, but we weren't meant to tell them. They get very upset.”
“Sorry Auntie Cissa!”
“It's quite alright.
“Is this what you're teaching my daughter?” Rodolphus demanded.

“Yes.” she agreed, pouring his tea.

He glowered, “We’ll be discussing Auntie Cissa’s thoughts later, Princess,” he muttered mulishly. 

“OK Daddy,  but may I please have the cake?” He sighed, sliding the plate over to her, “Thank you, Daddy,” she beamed before turning to her Aunt, continuing at a volume both adults suspected she thought was a whisper, “Auntie Cissa, is this what you meant by wizards being upset?”

“Yes darling,” Narcissa smirked, biting back a laugh at the way her brother-in-law's scowl deepened, wisely redirecting her niece back to the expected social niceties.

“What did Gringotts say?” Bella demanded the moment Lucius stepped out of the floo. She felt antsy, not liking not feeling in control of all the pieces. And while dispatching Dolohov earlier had been a welcome distraction, it had been short lived. She had almost owled her cousin to find out how he'd got on with Pettigrew and Merlin knew she hadn’t owled Sirius voluntarily in years.

“They are willing to look into it and have passed on the Potter boy’s issues to one of their healers. They’ll be in touch shortly.”
“How shortly?”

“A week at most for the Potter boy, they thought. As for our other issues, who knows. They were unsure whether they wanted to get involved. Despite that, I have to admit the idea was inspired. Perhaps Lupin isn't the worst ally to have.
“No. Aquila seems to like him,” she allowed reluctantly, “I assume we’re aiming to have him lead the packs?”
“Ideally. He isnt an unknown.” 

She hummed, “And the Ministry?”
“We need an interim minister,” Lucius mused.

“What about Shacklebolt?” Rabastan voiced wandering into the room. “We need someone on our side who the Order will trust.”
“But can we trust him?” Bella demanded.

“We can if we bind him into a vow.” Rabastan smirked.

“Perhaps we sound out Severus first. He knows him better than us.” Lucius replied.

“Very well. Now, timescale for sending people to Azkaban?”
“I’d suggest now.” Narcissa supplied, settling herself daintily beside her husband. “Even the most idiotic must realise something is happening, the last thing we need is Him to get word sooner than we’d like.”
“Right. Let's round them up then.” Bella stood.

“After we’ve discussed Christmas, sister,” Narcissa spoke pointedly, arching her brow.

“What about it?”
“I want a family Christmas.”
“Mother of Merlin,” Rabastan laughed, trying not to look at Bella lest the expression on her face set him off properly. He could well imagine how distasteful she’d find the idea. “Well…it’ll be entertaining if nothing else. You've three days to persuade Andromeda.”
“We’re meeting Ted and Dora tomorrow. We’ve ample time.” Narcissa waved him off.

“And your cousin?” Lucius hedged, also studiously avoiding looking at Bellatrix.

“Yes, he is rather more challenging,” she admitted. “One also assumes he comes with the Potter boy. I don't see that going well.”
“We can ask tomorrow.” Lucius soothed, before a flash of mischief stole over his face. “We’ll invite Severus too.”
“You just want to see a duel over the turkey,” Rabastan taunted.

“They wouldn't dare!” Naricssa growled in response.

Wisely, no one, not even her sister contradicted her.

While the details of Christmas were being ironed out, Draco had commandeered his cousin and coerced her into the gardens.

“Draco do we have to?” Aquila eyed the broomstick in his hand with clear trepidation. 

“All good little witches fly, Princess.”

“But why Draco?”
He paused, “Ah….well….”

“They just do, Princess.” Rodolphus appeared beside them. “There's nothing to be scared of.” She remained pensive, making Draco snort, well aware that Hermione Granger had never been a lover of flying.

“Just think you can say hello to the birds.”
“BIrds walk on the ground too,” she muttered.

“Alright, enough of this,” Rodolphus laughed, summoning his own broom, arching a brow pointedly at his nephew who took the hint and copied him. “Draco and I will come up with you.” he smirked, “We’ll give you ten minutes to find your wings and then last one to Uncle Luc’s birdhouse doesn't get pudding tonight.”

Aquila’s jaw dropped as she eyed her laughing father before her tiny eyes narrowed and she thrust her arm out over the broom Draco had set down for her. “Up.”

Draco tried exceptionally hard not to join in with his uncle's laughter, having a horrible feeling his new cousin was going to coerce her mother or bat her eyes at his father and commandeer retribution. 

The smirk she sent him over pudding that night left him in no doubt he’d been correct. A feeling that was compounded when his uncle turned into a pigeon at the table, sending his father into a fit of laughter, muttering to the bird that he should remember that witches were merciless, vengeful creatures and that he really should be grateful she hadn't also requested a cat to eat him. Bella had never looked more proud.

Chapter Text

“Lovely,” Andromeda smirked, eyeing the group around the table. At one side of her, Sirius glowered, her sister looked bored across from him with Lucius Malfoy eyeing Remus Lupin as if he couldn't believe the man was sitting at his table again, Corban Yaxley and the Lestrange brothers rounded them off. “No Narcissa?”

“She and Draco have taken Aquila out.”

“To where?” 

“Flourish and Blotts I believe, an after dinner treat” Rodolphus shrugged, brushing away a feather from the front of his robes with a scowl. “Now shall we?”

“Very well, give me what you have,” Andromeda gestured grandly, reminding them all of Narcissa.

A bundle of parchment fluttered over to her and she moved closer to Sirius so he and Remus could see. “Interesting,” Remus muttered as his eyes flew over the page. “But what if…” he scribbled something on a spare piece of parchment.

“Add in this,” Sirius commanded, adding something underneath his equation.

Andromeda frowned, “But won't that trigger that one?” she pointed to the original parchment, both men stared at it. 

“Maybe,” Remus replied slowly. 

Rabastan sighed, “Might I suggest making it visible to all of us?”

“Oh, yes I imagine that would help.” Andromeda waved her wand in a complicated pattern over the original parchment, the arithmancy standing out vividly in the air. Remus completed the same spell over his spare piece. 

Rodolphus frowned, his eyes darting between the equations. “What if….” he began slowly, “we added this…”

They all watched as he swapped the beginning and end of Remus's equation, adding in a complicated sequence in the middle.

“Doesn't it counteract that?” Bella jabbed her wand sharply at the equations. 

“Fuck.” he muttered. 

Two hours later, voices in the hallway disturbed them, “Auntie Cissa? Will Daddy get me a unicorn do you think? Or a niffler?”

Draco's loud bark of laughter masked whatever Narcissa had replied. 

Bella swivelled to look at her husband, “No.”

Looking torn, Rodolphus sent her a weak smile, “Perhaps the unicorn rather than the niffler?”

“Mother of Merlin,” Bella muttered. “What part of no was difficult to understand, husband?”

“The part that means upsetting our daughter, darling,” he retorted, muttering about beaks and feathers under his breath.

Andromeda hid her smirk as Sirius and Remus both gaped at them.

“How are you getting along?” Narcissa checked, gliding into the room. 

“Mummy, Daddy, Uncle Bast, PUPPY MAN!”

They all winced at the volume of her last exclamation as Aquila tugged Draco impatiently into the room only to let him go to barrel into Sirius’ knees. “Will you be a dog now?”

“Um I…” he glanced around the room looking for help but finding none. “Of course.”

“Most spoiled witch in the entirety of Britain,” Draco muttered with an amused shake of his head as Sirius transformed and began chasing a giggling Aquila around the table.

“It's like I wasn't even here,” Lucius pouted, making Andromeda snort. Loudly. 

“Are you finished?” Narcissa redirected quickly. 

“Almost.” Rabastan replied with a heavy sigh. “We’ve one link we’re still struggling with, the rest of the theory is sound though.”

Narcissa held out her hand imperiously, Draco peering over her shoulder. “You're all idiots,” she muttered.

“Pardon?” Bella barked.

“Once you're at this stage all you need is a simple finite. Obviously.”

Bella blinked, snatching the parchment from her sister's hand. “Well fuck.” she muttered five minutes later. “Who's up first then?”

“Crabbe? Goyle? Let's test on a flunkie first, surely?” Rodophus replied.

“Good call," Bella agreed quickly, "Anyone who cannot stomach it, get out.”

All of them remained stubbornly seated. “Dixie?” Rabastan called, waiting for the elf to appear, “Take Miss Aquila to the library, please. She’ll need a story before bed..”

“Yes Master Bast.” the elf nodded, reaching for a pouting Aquila.

“I’ll go with her,” Sirius transformed quickly, “I have no need to see the thing being removed until you’ve worked out the kinks.”

Rodolphus nodded, “Might I suggest silencing charms…just in case.”

Sirius grimaced, but inclined his head, holding out his hand “Come on then little witch, say goodnight and then you can show Uncle Pads where the best stories are.”

Bella grinned as Crabbe snr screamed most pleasingly. Only the unfortunate knowledge that it would be them if they didn't work out how to control the pain kept her from being too gleeful. After twenty minutes the man had passed out, and a further ten saw the Mark completely gone from his beefy arm.

“Works then,” Rabastan mused. "Who knows how to put it back?"

They all froze. "We'll extract memories of his exploits. That should be enough." Rodolphus dismissed finally.

A chalk-white Draco stared at the unconscious man looking close to vomiting before voicing hesitantly, “Tell me you're going to knock us out?”

“Seems as good a plan as any,” Bella replied briskly. “Dreamless sleep? Draught of living death?”

“Get Severus here,” Lucius commanded, “he can check whether either of those things interact with that ,” he gestured carelessly towards the parchment housing their formulas.

“I’ll contact him… perhaps from Hogsmeade, the owl will reach him quickly from there,” Rodolphus murmured, “And maybe if we’re lucky I’ll meet Alecto or Amycus on my journey.”

“Nothing permanent,” Andromeda warned, “We’re sending them to Azkaban, remember?”

He pouted in response, heading for the floo.

Severus stared around the group of unlikely co-conspirators and tried not to grimace. Lucius was going to force him to endure Christmas with Sirius's bloody Black and the terrifying Nymphadora. He had been almost vibrating with glee when he told him. Arsehole. He briefly pondered what the fuck he had done to deserve that before forcibly turning his mind to the far less horrific thought of intense pain and being under someone's wand. He could cope with that.

He had only been allowed to leave because Dumbledore wanted to keep up appearances and now he was going to have to come up with a story to feed him for why Rodolphus summoned him. Perhaps he should let them remove his Mark without any sort of potion and then he could just tell him that Rodolphus was bored and wanted someone to torture. Albus would believe him. He could make it convincing after all. Silently he poked one of the equations, sending one of his own to lie underneath it. It shimmered faintly in response before turning a violent red. “Not Dreamless sleep, he concluded, vanishing it quickly before sending a second equation in its place. The equation seemed to blink before merging into one. “Draught of living death it is” 

“And do you have some?” Lucius checked.

He rolled his eyes. “I am the Dark Lord's pet Potions Master, what do you think?”

“It's curable…so…no?” he hedged.

Severus sighed heavily. “It's only curable if you allow someone to administer the cure. Knowing that your loved one can be cured but won't be unless you comply with his demands is an…interesting form of torture for those he wishes to persuade. As is dosing someone and burying them alive and taunting their families with the knowledge that if only they'd done as he’d bid their family member would have survived.”

“So…yes then?”

“Yes Lucius,” he sighed heavily. “I have Draught of Living Death. So shall we get on with it? I assume he’ll return for Christmas to show what a benevolent dictator he is by allowing the torture to stop before we lose control of our bodily functions.”

Fair point,” Lucius agreed with a grimace. “Who's up first?”

“Me.” Draco demanded quickly, “The sooner this is gone the better.”

“I’ll go too, surely we don't need to do it one at a time?” Lucius voiced.

Two hours later, a huddle of now ex-Death Eaters stared at their pristine arms. “I feel…lighter.” Lucius mused. 

“Me too,” Rodolphus agreed sounding awestruck.

Severus scowled. “I feel just as annoyed as I was before, when do you intend to start shipping the rest off to Azkaban?”

“Now, I think,” Narcissa instructed briskly, checking the time. “Let's owl the rest while we’re at it, we can invite them for drinks, it would hardly be out of the ordinary; the Dark Lord always did like to wait until the most inconvenient times. Sell it as a pre-Christmas get-together. Bella, Dolph, if you could create portkeys to the Ministry. Remus, Sirius contact Kingsley if you would, let's warn him they're coming.”

“Yes, Commander.” Sirius saluted cheekily. 

She rolled her eyes, "If I were in charge we would not be having so many issues,” she muttered. “Now. Sister. I suggest you invite my niece to dinner. Oh…and someone should see about Sirius’ pardon.”

“And a locked room.” Andromeda returned.

“Pardon?”

“A locked room, for when his Lordship returns in case the goblins don't have a plan they are willing to share.”

“Ah. Yes. Good catch. Nyx?”

“Yes Mistress?”

“Ward the green bedroom if you please, ensure Mr Riddle cannot leave or harm anyone once he's entered.”

The elf's smile was feral, “Yes, Mistress.”

“Well then, now that's sorted, Sirius I imagine you should prepare your Mr Potter sooner rather than later.”

Sirius groaned in response, “He's going to be so angry.”

“Not my problem. Now is Peter dealt with?”

A vicious, feral look took over both Remus and Sirius’ faces. “He's not quite…well. He's breathing. For now.”

“Do get on with it, Cousin!” she scolded.

“He can't go anywhere,” Sirius shrugged, “He has no limbs.”

Narcissa paused. “I…see.”

“In an entirely unrelated note, did you know that a fabric sealing spell works on people? Stops the blood staining the floors.”

Narcissa sighed heavily as Bella cackled. “I rather think we might get on better than I had anticipated, Cousin.”

“Bella! Portkeys. Sirius, for the love of all the Gods, stop playing with your food!”

“Food…” he mumbled thoughtfully. “Whatever happened to Hermione's cat?”

Several confused faces stared back at him. “Pardon?”

“Well…Crooks is a good boy and he wanted to eat Peter back in their third year. Whats say we let him?”

“I'll check Hogwarts.” Severus groaned reluctantly when all eyes turned to him before sweeping out of the room.

“I’ll go speak to Kingsley,” Corban offered, nodding his head at Sirius and Remus who were now almost bouncing, “those two will be useless until we’ve got that cat.”

“Very well,” Narcissa allowed magnanimously. “Remus, go and read, Dixie will take you to the library, Sirius…go run in the gardens. I cannot bear your restlessness. I’ll inform you when Severus returns.”

Chapter Text

“One orange beast.” Severus spat dropping Crookshanks into Sirius' waiting arms with a look of extreme distaste.

“Hello Crooks,” Sirius cooed, scratching under his chin, “Want a tasty snack?”

Crooks mrowled at him “Good boy, lets go and do that shall we.” Sirius’ eyes met Remus. His answering smile was all teeth as they practically ran for the floo. 

“That’ll be them occupied for the next half hour at least,” Narcissa mused, “They’ll let the cat play with his food first no doubt.”

“With no limbs?” Severus frowned.

“I’d forgotten that. Fifteen then. Now, shall we go and see how my sister is getting on with those portkeys?”

“Yes, Commander,” he replied sardonically.

“Careful Severus,” she warned, “I might get used to that title and begin demanding it all the time.”

He snorted in response but didn't dare push his luck further as he followed her further into the house.

They stopped in the doorway of one of the Malfoy’s many sitting rooms to find Bella and Rodolphus sitting in front of a pile of useless objects.

“Porkeys done then?”

“Yes.” Rodolphus agreed, “Is Corban back yet?”

“Yes!” a voice called as Corban appeared holding the hand of Nyx. “Kingsley needs to know where we’re sending them to.”

“Atrium,” Bella muttered, jabbing her wand at a cardboard box before sitting back with a smug smile.

Corban nodded, looking at Nyx, “You know what Kingsley Shacklebolt looks like dont you?”

“Yes Master Corban.”

“If you could tell him then please.”

“Shall we acquire everyone then?” Bella grinned menacingly as Nyx disappeared.

“We shall.” Narcissa agreed.

“And then the pink toad.” Rodolphus growled.

“And then the pink toad,” Bella agreed. 

The gaggle of Death Eaters milled around the Malfoy’s dining room looking confused. “Is there a reason for this meeting?” Thoros Nott eyed them suspiciously.

“We just thought a gathering before the rush of Christmas would be nice,” Lucius soothed. “Narcissa’s idea, all very last minute you understand.”

“I must admit you're looking better than I last saw you,” the man sniffed in response, seemingly mollified by that explanation; it wouldn't be the first time a gathering had been called late at night after all.

“I have…recently begun to reconnect properly with my sister-in-law,” he gave a bland smile.

“Bellatrix?” Thoros looked stunned.

“Quite. I find we are both better for it.”

“Good gods, man. It appears there is hope for you after all. How goes young Draco's mission?”

“He is exactly where he should be with it,” Lucius smiled.

“Greybacks here,” Narcissa murmured into his ear as she slid an arm around his waist.

“Last one?”

She nodded silently, smiling at Thoros. “I'm so pleased you could join us, let me just go and get Bella and Dolph. Luc, do go fetch Bast. I don't trust Dixie to not give in to his whims, he always was her favourite.”

Lucius rolled his eyes for show , making Thoros smirk. “Of course, dearest.”

They shut the doors behind them quickly. “They’re all there.”

Severus hummed, handing a vial to a waiting elf. Coley smiled viciously disappearing with a crack only to return with a manic laugh minutes later. “Coley watched them drop like flies, yes he did.”

“They're all down?”

“Yes, Mistress.”

“Remus, be a dear and behead a werewolf for us.”

“Yes, Commander” he muttered with a sarcastic salute, casting a bubble-head charm, taking the proffered dagger and slinking into the room.

“Bella, the portkeys.”

Bella rolled her eyes, “Aye Aye, Commander.”

Narcissa sniffed, “I told you, this would never have occurred if I had been in charge.”

“Mother for Minister then,” Draco muttered, shuddering slightly at Narcissa’s predatory grin. 

“Minister Malfoy does have a rather nice ring to it. Unfortunately darling, I would never be so uncouth as to work, especially not as a glorified civil servant. I would never live it down.”

“Of course not, Mother,” he replied quickly, watching as his aunt and uncle slunk back out of the room.

“Everything went as it should?” Narcissa checked.

“Of course it did,” Bella scoffed, “we are not amateurs!”

Remus appeared moments later, scourgifying himself and holding two grey buttons. Draco’s eyebrows lifted.

“More portable this way,” Remus grinned.

Nodding slowly Draco took an unconscious step back when the implications of that hit him; it only made Remus grin wider. “I think I'll wear them on my robes,” he mused, “That way if anyone challenges my authority, I can simply…finite them.”

Bella eyed him thoughtfully, “I might like you after all.” she mused.

Sirius gave a bark of laughter, “For that Cousin I might consent to sharing the pink toad.”

“I had better be included in that, Pads,” Remus growled, “That bitch made the werewolf laws.”

“All of us?” Rodolphus suggested.

A slow predatory grin was mirrored around the group, “All of us,” Rabastan agreed.

“Well then," Bella clapped her hands, "let's get her here.”

Dolores Umbridge walked down the silent halls of Malfoy Manor trying not to look as smug as she felt. Narcissa had finally recognised her for what she was and now she was here, invited to tea with the Malfoy matriarch herself. She felt almost giddy.

“Dolores!” Narcissa purred, “How good of you to join us.”

“Madam Malfoy, I am so pleased to be here.”

“Oh and we are so pleased you are, Dolores,” Narcissa cooed, “So pleased. This way, dear.”

Dolores followed her into one of the Malfoy’s ornate sitting rooms, almost ready to combust with excitement.  “You have a lovely home, Madam.” she simpered.

“Thank you dear, now, tea?”

Her mind felt groggy as she woke, seeing nothing but darkness. Until someone murmured a soft Lumos. A shark-like grin that was all teeth appeared in front of her. 

“Hello Dolores, I have been desperate to meet you.”

Her eyes blew wide, “Filthy half-breed!” she howled, only making Remus’ grin turn more feral, “I am the Senior Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic! I will have you Kissed for this!”

A loud snort sounded from the corner of the room as Sirius sauntered forward. “Tied up, wandless and with no clue where she is. That's some arrogance right there eh Moons?”

“Arrogant and a liar.” Remus nodded sagely, “she's not Scrimgeors Senior Undersecretary. In fact I'm not sure she's currently employed at all, is she?”

“Indeed she is not” Lucius agreed, smirking at the look of horror on Dolores’ face at the sight of him, “Hello Dolores. How kind of you to join the party.”

“What is the meaning of this!” she blustered, her eyes darting like a frightened rabbit.

“Well dear. It's really quite simple,” Narcissa smiled her bland society smile, “You tortured children. You harmed my beloved cousin's godson and threatened to crucio him. You waged war on my niece.”

“Your…your niece! You don't have a niece.” Dolores spluttered wildly

Bella stepped into the light, a feral grin on her face, “Oh but she does.” she purred. “Hermione Granger is really Aquila Lestrange.”

Umbridge turned so pale she made Lucius look tan. “I..I didn't know.”

“How sad,” Severus cut her off. “Now you do, not that it’ll do you much good.”

“Who wants to start?”

“I propose we draw for it.” Rabastan drawled.

“Or we could just go all at once,” Rodolphus suggested.

“Me first,” Sirius retorted sharply, his nose wrinkling at the stench of urine. “Ew.”

“Blood will mask it soon enough Cousin.” Bella dismissed.

“That doesn't excuse being uncivilised, Bella,” Narcissa admonished, waving her wand, vanishing the puddle and leaving a faint hint of lemon. Bella rolled her eyes.

Cocking his head Sirius contemplated the terrified woman with a sadistic smirk, flicking his wand. The blood started pooling immediately, running into her eyes as ‘ I must not be a bitch” appeared, carved into her forehead. She immediately began screaming.

“Merlin we’ve not even started and she making that racket.”  Rabastan muttered in disgust.

“We could silence her,” Lucius mused. Bella looked immensely put out.

“But their screaming is half the fun!”

Rodolphs arched an eyebrow, “You are attempting something nearing sanity, darling.”

“We’re torturing a deplorable waste of skin, darling ,” she countered, “I'm not sure sanity comes into this.”

“Fair point,” Rodolphus allowed, “Do continue.”

Narcissa sighed heavily, sending a bone-crushing hex to Dolores’ knees, “ Today if you please. I have Christmas to plan.”

Remus blinked at her, shook his head as if dispelling water and then blinked again before shrugging. “Do you think we could transfigure a wolf?”

“Why?” Rabastan checked with a frown.

“All her werewolf laws. I can't decide if she has a strange obsession or she's just scared of them. Either way she ends up half eaten.”

“Good point,” he agreed. “You don't fancy…

“Absolutely not!” he interrupted, “Merlin she’d taste fucking awful. I’d be scrubbing my teeth for a week. Even in wolf form I doubt I'd be desperate enough to eat her. Gods…” he shuddered.

Severus muttered something inaudible before casting a silent sectumsempra . “You're all taking too long,” he complained. Beside him, Bella was practically vibrating as Dolores’ screams increased in volume.

“What if we made her think there was a wolf?” Rodolphus mused.

They all turned to look at Severus who froze for a second, fidgeting under their unexpected scrutiny. “Salvia combined with legilimency,” he murmured slowly. “Nyx!”

Five minutes later, the plant procured and fed to an unwilling Umbridge, Lucius entered her mind, shuddering violently at whatever he found there. “Someone is going to obliviate me after this,” he muttered as he wove in his magic.

“My turn!” Bella shouted,

“Doing what?” Sirius checked.

“I thought I'd start by removing her fingers,” she replied casually.

He hummed, “I’ll do the other side. Remember the sealing spell.”

“Wolves tend to be hungry,” Remus mused. “Perhaps I’ll remove a foot…or a leg.”

“I’ll keep her alive in the meantime. We wouldn't want her to miss it, after all,” Narcissa offered. 

Rabastan and Rodolphs shared a look. “I wonder if you can send a stinging hex into a cut.”

“Want to find out, brother?” Rabastan checked.

“Gladly.”

Chapter Text

“We got them all,” Kingsley eyed the occupants of the manor warily. “Dolores Umbridge is missing.”

“Pity,” Corban drawled. “Now I assume there will be trials?”

“Yes.” Kingsley agreed. “Starting after the new year.”

“And mine?” Sirius checked

“We thought you first, before the real horrors. I’ve spoken to Scrimgeor, given him memories, Harry and Ron have given memories and after some…persuasion, so has Severus. He thinks it’ll be cut and dried.”

“Which leads us on to pardons.” Rodolphus prompted.

Kingsley groaned. “I honestly have no idea how we’re managing that without imperiusing someone. No!” he barked when Bella visibly perked up. “We cannot Imperius the Minister for magic.”

“Pity, we were going to invite you into the job,” Rabastan smiled blandly.

“Me?” he frowned.

“On our side, reasonably morally flexible with enough of a spine to keep Bella from running roughshod over everything.”

Kingsley paused, his head cocked to the side. “Scrimgeor did mention wanting to return to the Aurory.”

Corban grinned, “Excellent, lets help him make a firm decision on that shortly.”

“Once Tom is gone.”

“Yes yes,” he waved him off. “We’ve given you the rest. Have a little faith.”

Kingsley stared at him incredulously, “Less than two months ago you were causing chaos and trying to murder us. Forgive me if I’m still a little sceptical.”

“ I wasn't murdering anyone. I was schmoozing and blackmailing Department heads,” Corban responded primly.

“Oh because that is so much better,” Kingsley drawled. Putting on his most winning smile, Corban beamed back at him.

“Are we sure this isn't an ambush, Mother?”

Bella snorted at the strident voice of her niece as they stepped out of the floo. Merlin, they really needed to look at reopening Lestrange Manor, that way she could lock the floo when she needed peace. Cissa had informed her it was rude in someone else's house. Which was a shame really. 

Whatever Andromeda had replied was lost when Dixie appeared offering to take them to the sun room.

“Sister,” Andromeda's drawling greeting held just a hint of mocking, “Do stop skulking in the shadows like a boggart and come and meet your niece.”

Bella sighed heavily, stepping away from the wall, running her eyes over the pink-haired creature in front of her, entirely ignoring her sister's husband. “If my daughter meets you and wants pink hair I will personally shave yours off.”

Andromeda sighed, the picture of exasperated disappointment, “I believe the traditional greeting is hello, Bellatrix.”

“Hello,” she sneered.

“Mummy! Uncle Bast says we can go to the Men…men…”

“Menagerie?” Bella suggested, her entire demeanour softening.

“Yes, Mummy!” Aquila squealed excitedly, throwing her arms around her mother's legs. 

She hummed, “You have to stop mummy murdering some people first, little star.”

Her head cocked to the side, “Who?” Bella nodded her head at her sister, “Auntie Andy!”

Andromeda smirked “Hello to you, little miss.”

“You bring the puppy?”

“Ah, sadly Cousin Sirius had something else to do today,” Andromeda lamented, glaring at the husband when he let out a disbelieving snort.

Aquila looked at him with a slight frown. “This is your Uncle Ted,” Andromeda supplied, reaching for her hand, “Can you say hello?

“Hi,” she whispered, attempting a clumsy curtsy the way Narcissa had been teaching her.

“I hate that that's adorable,” Dora muttered as Ted returned her curtsy with a bow and a kiss to the back of her hand making Aquila giggle.

“And this is your cousin Nymphadora.”

“Nymp…Nymph…”

“Dora’s fine kid, your Auntie Andy was not in her right mind when she named me.”

Nymphadora!” Andromeda growled, “There is nothing wrong with your name.”

“It's bloody awful.” Dora retorted.

“Your hairs pretty,” Hermione mumbled in response. Dora turned immediately pale, her hair turning dark and curly to match Aquila’s own. Her eyes immediately blew wide, “Can I do that!”

“Unfortunately, little witch, our Dora was born like that, she can change anything,” Ted whispered conspiratorially, “Do you have a favourite animal?”

“Oh…Oh…elephants!”

Dora rolled her eyes goodnaturedly, transforming her nose into a trunk. Aquila jumped on the spot, her entire body vibrating with excitement, “Oh, oh oh! Can you do a duck!”

Obligingly Dora gave herself a beak. 

“Keels! Where did you disappear to, your Daddys looking for you,” Draco's voice called as he rounded the corner, stopping comically at the sight of everyone looking back at him.

“Draco! Cousin Dora has a beak!” 

“So I see,” Draco agreed faintly.

“Nephew,” Andromeda nodded.

“Aunt,” he returned warily.

“Draco?” Aquila frowned, her brows furrowing as her eyes darted between them before she took a step back, reaching for him.

Draco blew out a sharp breath, settling her onto his hip, using the weight of her to ground him. “Did you know that i've never met Cousin Dora?” he offered, poking her side to make her giggle and remove the pensive look. She shook her head, her curls flying. “I'm a bit shy,” he whispered.

One small hand came up to cover her mouth as she fought a laugh. “No you're not Draco!”

“I am!” he protested, fighting a smile despite his unease, feeling the weight of all of their stares as he focused on the smaller of his two cousins. 

She sighed heavily despite her smile in a move that was so perfectly Lucius, Bella actually laughed “Your Uncle Luc is corrupting you little star.”

Aquila shook her head, giggling, “You come with me Draco.”

“Oh but of course, my Lady” he agreed, setting her back on her feet and taking her hand.

She led him to Ted first, “This is Uncle Ted,” she informed him imperiously, staring at him for several beats before prompting impatiently, “Draco you bow!”

“Merlin Princess, no more lessons with Auntie Cissa.”

She scowled, “Bow, Draco!”

Giving a helpless laugh, Draco did as he was told. Ted very seriously bowed back. “Now Dora, Draco!”

“Merlin, are you going to expect me to curtsy, mini dictator?” Dora checked eyeing Aquila warily.

Her eyes narrowed, “It's polite,” she growled, glaring until Dora returned Draco's bow with an unsteady curtsy.

“How are you so cute and yet utterly terrifying?” Dora muttered.

“It's a skill,” Bella replied, looking thoroughly entertained.

“What's a skill?” Rodolphus asked, rounding the corner, “Ah Princess, there you are! Why are we congregating in the hall?”

“Being both adorable and terrifying,” Draco replied dryly, “Aquila appears to have it mastered.”

Rodolphus snorted, looking down at his daughter fondly, “Of course she has. Now, I assume everyone is moving…elsewhere?”

“I imagine Cissa will be expecting you,” Bella dismissed, looking at her sister “Dixie? Please take them to your mistress.”

“You're not joining us?” Andromeda asked disingenuously.

Bella froze, clearly looking for a way out of that. “I have ah…”

Andromeda smiled blandly, hooking her arm through her sisters, “Nothing on, I am so glad. Come along sister.”

Dora and Ted shared a look deciding to keep their mouths shut as they followed Dixie.

“Were you heading out Uncle?” Draco asked Rodolphus almost desperately.

“Yes, Bast and I are taking Aquila to the menagerie.”

“You know, I really need owl nuts for Hermes. Mind if I join you?”

“Your mother will avada you!”

Draco whined. “But I don't want to sit through that meeting!”

“How sad for you,” his uncle smirked. “Come along Princess, let's find your Uncle Bast.”

With a pout, Draco stomped in the direction of the sunroom.

Aquila’s eyes were round as she took in all the sights in Diagon Alley, skipping in between her father and her uncle. 

“It's unbelievable isn't it?” Rabastan murmured, his eyes darting down to his niece.

“Slightly,” Rodolphus agreed with a hint of a smile. “I..I was so against it, but I cannot imagine her not being here.”

“No,” Rabastan agreed softly. 

“We get ice cream, Daddy?”

Rodolphus hesitated, it was still unwise to be out for long periods of time and while he had changed some of his features, there was still a risk that someone would recognise them. 

“What if we get ice cream to take home to Draco, Princess? It might make him feel better about being forced to have tea with your mother and aunts.”

Her tiny face scrunched before she nodded, “He likes chocolate Daddy.”

“I know,” he agreed dryly. “We’ll pick some up after we’ve been to the menagerie.”

“Ok,” she grinned, tugging them in the direction of the shop.

Inside was a cacophony of noise and Rodolphus felt his daughter clutch his hand tighter in response, clearly overwhelmed.

“Why don't we go and see the kittens, Princess?” Rabastan suggested coaxingly.

Behind the counter, the shopkeeper smiled, “First pet?”

“Hopefully,” Rodolphus agreed, forcing his body to remain relaxed.

The man hummed, "Well, let me know if you need anything. And if you want to see something special before you leave, just shout.”

Intrigued, Aquila turned to him, her curiosity palpable. “Something special?”

“Oh very special little miss,” he grinned, “We had a stowaway in our recent shipment of crups.”

“What's a sto’way?”

“It means something that's snuck in that shouldn't be there,” Rodolphus supplied. “I'm sure if you ask Mr…”

“Oh, Coulson,” the man grinned.

“If you ask Mr Coulson he’ll show you.”

“Will you please?” 

“Of course little witch, bring your Daddy and we’ll go and take a peak.”

With a ripple of unease, Rodolphus followed him into the back room where only one cage was occupied. “We have the cages for sick animals,” Mr Coulson explained at Aquila's curious look upon finding them empty. “So we can help them get better.”

“Oh,” she breathed. 

“Now, here's our little stowaway”

Rodolphus peered into the cage at the same time as Aquila, spotting a curled-up ball of fluff. He frowned wondering what was special about a kneazle kitten before the beast yawned and stretched revealing an extra pair of limbs. “Is that a wampus cat?” he exclaimed, turning to look at the shopkeeper in horror.

“It is indeed. I can't sell it so I'm trying to arrange to get it sent back to the States.”

“Good Gods,” he murmured, turning back towards his daughter, his heart freezing at the sight that greeted him, “Aquilla! No!”

Aquila stilled immediately, her arms cradled around the kitten and a guilty look on her face. The tiny cat was purring loudly, batting its head under her chin.  “But Daddy look!” she offered finally, holding up the kitten as well as she was able.

“I can see,” he replied faintly wondering how he was extracting them from this situation without tears. 

“I have this one, Daddy?” Aquila looked up at him hopefully.

“They say that wampus cats who bond to an owner as a kitten are far less violent.” the shopkeeper offered wearing a look of patent disbelief.

“Far less is not not at all!”

“Well no, but they tent to turn it protective see, your little witch will be well looked after.”

He groaned, “But…Merlin your Aunt is going to murder me.”

Mr Coulson grinned knowing he'd won. “Might I suggest you start with some kneazle supplies?”

Twenty minutes later, the newly christened Pumpkin was purring in her new mistresses arms, her head resting on top of Aquila's shoulder surveying her new kingdom in the hallway of Malfoy manor.

“Lets take Draco his ice cream.” Rabastan suggested with a wicked grin before turning to his brother, “I know Bella wasn't for a pet, but she might actually approve of this one.”

Rodolphus snorted, shaking his head. “Perhaps.”

They found Draco in the sunroom, the Tonks’ still there, Bella scowling in the corner. “We brought ice cream!” Aquila announced.

“And a kneazle I see,” Draco pointed out, sounding amused before he froze. “Ah…Princess, your kneazle has extra legs.”

“Extra…” Bella stood swiftly, stalking over to her daughter, “Good gods. Rodolphus Lestrange is that a wampus cat?”

“Well..yes.”

“Yes! They are vicious!”

“Apparently not if you train them young,” he countered, gesturing at the cat, “And does that look vicious?”

Bella arched a brow, reaching out a hesitant hand; the creature snarled, bearing its teeth.

“Hush, Pumpkin!”  Aquila scolded, “That's Mummy!”

Pumpkin froze, before pushing her head against Bella's hand. A slow grin travelled across Bella's face, in direct contrast to the fear on everyone else's, “Well…this will be interesting.”

Chapter Text

Thorfinn Rowle walked uneasily through the halls of Malfoy Manor. Strange things had been happening lately, strange inexplicable things. Despite that, those things had made life better.

He stepped through the door the elf opened for him and came face to face with Rabastan Lestrange, a tiny witchling and a rather alarming cat that had more than its fair share of legs. 

“Bast,” he greeted, his eyes on the cat.

Rabastan snorted. “Princess, can you go with Dixie and find Draco or Daddy or…”

“Me.” Narcissa interjected, stepping into the room, “Nyx informed me you had a guest. Come along darling, let's work on your insults over tea.”

“Yes, Auntie Cissa!” Aquila agreed, stroking a hand down Pumpkin's head, “Pumpkin, you stay with Uncle Bast.”

Pumpkin yawned, her eyes on Thorfinn as she showed all her teeth. 

“What,...I ah…you wanted to see me?” he stammered, paling significantly.

“I did,” Rabastan agreed slowly, nodding his head towards the sofa, “Do sit down.”

“Right I…right…the cat…”

“Is a wampus.” Rabastan finished with a predatory smile. “Vicious beastie, if you're not on my niece's list of trusted people.

“Your niece?” he squeaked at a pitch completely at odds with his giant size.

“Oh yes,” Rabastan's smile turned fond, “that delightful little witchling that just left with Narcissa.”

“Has a wampus cat?” Pumpkin gave a warning growl leaving Thorfinn rushing out, “I’m sure it's the perfect fit for such a….a…distinguished little witchling.”

Rabastan snorted, “Quite,” he agreed. Now, do you have any idea why I've requested your presence?”

“Truthfully, no,” Thorfinn admitted.

“You have to have noticed some…changes.”

“Yes,” he agreed slowly.

“We're moving in a new direction. I’ll be honest, you are either in, in which case you are going to agree to a vow or you are out. And if you are out we have a few options. None of them are overly pleasant for you, of course but I imagine the rest of us will find them entertaining.”

“Such as?” he squeaked.

“Well…Pumpkin needs to test her strength. Aquila needs some more hands-on practice with her aim. And I suppose, we could technically arrange transport to Azkaban, but that's dreadfully dull so I’d opt for a mix of options one and two personally.”

Thorfinns hands were shaking, reading the utter seriousness on the other man’s face,, “And if I was in?”

“Well that's entirely different.” Rabastan smiled, sending a shiver up Thorfinn’s spine. “I bind you into an unbreakable vow and you work with us.”

“Doing what?” he checked, despite knowing that he’d agree to just about anything to avoid death by wampus cat, despite how small it was currently. He didn't put it past Rabastan to keep him locked up until it had grown.

“Well…incorporating muggleborns into our families, stopping the mindless violence. Disposing of our dear, psychotic, murderous leader.” he paused, “And potentially dumbledore. We're not sure if Severus has to do that all on his own quite frankly. Sadly you've missed the rest of the fun.”

“Fun?” he checked warily.

“Oh yes,” Rabastan's smile grew, a slightly feral look on his face, “Dolores was splendid fun. She disagreed of course, but that hardly matters. Antonin, I believe, was amusing. Aquila spent a long time practising her aim on him. And Fenrir.”

“Sweet Merlin, am I to assume that the tiny witchling that just left is Aquila?” He tried not to look as horrified as he felt at the idea of such a small child participating in torture sessions , given the amused, knowing look on Rabastan's face, he didn’t think he succeeded.

“Oh yes, Bella is determined she’ll be deadly. Narcissa too to be honest, although they have vastly different approaches.”

“She’s…what…four…five?”

“Three.” Rabastan corrected. “I predict by the time she's ready for Hogwarts she’ll be terrifying.”

“Sweet mother of Merlin,” he muttered, barely repressing a shudder. “I…I'm in.”

“Splendid,” Rabastan's smile was all teeth. “Let me acquire a bonder, and then we can discuss who is left and who our allies are.”

“Sirius!” Harry breathed with a grin, accepting his godfather's hug the moment the man stepped out of the floo and into the Burrows's living room.

“Dumbledore said you can come for Christmas,” Sirius explained squeezing him tightly. 

“Yes!”

“You must return to the Burrow the day after Christmas,” Albus cautioned. “Although Molly has invited you both to stay for Christmas dinner.”

Sirius waved him off, “Can’t I want a Christmas with just me and my godson? There's rather a lot of Weasleys to contend with. And Andy mentioned joining us, it's been years since i had any sort of Christmas with my family.”

Albus’ eyes narrowed as if he wasn't sure Sirius was being truthful but he nodded, “Do give Madam Tonks my best. Will Nymphadora be joining you?”

“I believe that's the plan. Remus too most likely.”

For some reason that seemed to reassure him and he nodded benevolently, his customary twinkle back in his eyes. 

“Come on then Pup,” Sirius clapped Harry on the shoulder, “let's get out of here.”

He locked the floo the second they stepped out of it, nodding to Remus.

“Now?”

“Now.”

“Now what?” Harry frowned. 

“Come and have a seat Pup, we’ve a few things to discuss and not a lot of time to do it in.”

“Like what?”

“Don't look so worried, Harry,” Remus soothed. “It’ll be alright in the end.”

If anything Harry looked even more shaken. “Right, I want to start this with you checking we are who we say we are,” Sirius began.

“Why?”

“Because I imagine what we’re about to tell you is going to be difficult to hear so I'd like to get that bit over with,” he admitted.

“What..what ah…what was my mum’s patronus?” Harry stumbled over the question looking bewildered.

“A doe.” Sirius replied, “Now Moons.”

“What form does my boggart take?”

Remus smirked, “A dementor.”

“Right so you're both you…” Harry gestured impatiently.

“Hermione is alive.” Sirius blurted . Harry froze, a look of pained longing on his face.

“Is she alright?”

Sirius gave him a gentle smile, sitting down next to him, “She is the most spoiled little witch in the entirety of Britain.”

“You've seen her?”

“Yes, I've seen her. I read her what felt like forty stories last night before she allowed me to put her to bed.”

“Oh, she’s still three then?” Harry whispered, swiping a tear away impatiently “Where is she?”

“Yes she's still three and this is where I'm going to ask you to trust me.” Harry nodded warily, “We were contacted by Snape, me, Minnie, Kings, and Andy at the behest of the Malfoys, Lestranges and strangely Corban Yaxley.”

“The Malfoys have Hermione?”

“After a fashion. Sit down!” he barked when Harry jumped to his feet. In return, Harry stared at him in disbelief.

“We have to get her! She isn't safe!”

“She is safe.” Sirius blew out a breath. “I will take you to see her.”

“You will?”

“Yes. If you sit down and actually listen.”

There were several beats of silence before Harry sat back down slowly, despite remaining visibly tense. “Go on.”

“Thank you. Bella is…sane. Or as sane as any Black gets. She and Rodolphus adopted Hermione.”

“No!” Harry howled.

“Yes,” Sirius grimaced, “It's not what I'd have chosen for her but…I wasn't kidding when I said she was spoiled. That entire house dotes on her. They have agreed to allow us to be in her life with some conditions.”

“Such as?”

“Mainly allowing them to tell her about their pasts, agreeing to work with them.” 

Remus cut in quickly before Harry could open his mouth, “Harry, all of the Death Eaters are dead or in Azkaban. They worked out how to remove the Mark. They have a plan in place for Tom and they are committed to ending this war with no more bloodshed. I…i know it is a lot to take in. Merlin knows I was sure I was hallucinating, but I helped them remove Marks last night. I have been at Malfoy manor twice now and no one has attempted to murder me.”

“How do you know they won't?” Harry demanded.

“Because I also…removed Greyback from the equation. After Christmas I intend to visit the packs. Werewolves are pack animals, as much as it pains me. I took out their alpha. They will know. It makes me the next alpha and i very much intodnt to move them in a different direction. Lucius Malfoy intends to introduce some werewolf laws to help.”

“Why would he?” he scoffed.

“Because he knows exactly what terror a feral wolf can wreak,” Remus replied gently. “Tom was living in their house. They haven't said much, but what little they have said paints a rather bleak picture.”

Harry inhaled deeply. “You believe them?”

“Yes,” Sirius admitted, “I don't trust them completely, we got several things in writing under specific vows.”

“And…Hermione's really safe?”

“Yes,” Sirius agreed , “ I would never have left her there if she wasn't .”

“Can I see her now?”

“Let me just check in case his lordship has returned, Dixie.”

“Yes Master Sirius?”

“Harry's asking to see Miss Aquila, can you check if that's possible?”

“Aquila?”

“Oh, they renamed her Aquila Bellatrix Lestrange.”

Harry stared back at him helplessly, completely lost for words.

Half an hour later saw Sirius and Remus striding through the manor, Harry trailing behind him , his eyes darting nervously.

“Breathe pup,” Sirius commanded,”it's not as bad as all that. Ah cousin!”

Draco rolled his eyes from his perch on the floor , a handful of dolls surrounding him , a tiny curly-headed child sat across from him on the lap of Lucius bloody Malfoy of all people.

“Puppy!” Aquila squealed, barreling into his knees.

“Ooft, little witch! My knees!”

“Sorry!” her gaze switched to Remus, and she beamed, “You come meet my cat?”

“Another one?” Sirius checked, looking at Lucius, “I was going to return Crooks.”

Lucius smirked, remaining silent as Aquila hoisted her kitten into her arms, “Meet Pumpkin!”

“Holy mother of Circe,” Remus breathed, “Is that…”

“Of course it is,” Lucius agreed.

“How….”

“What's wrong with the cat?” Harry ventured, stepping out from behind Sirius.

Aquila froze, “Who’re you?” she demanded. Pumpkin growled.

Immediately Sirius's hands came up placatingly. “This is Harry, little witch. He's your…he's another cousin.”

“Oh,” her tiny face scrunched before she turned to her cat, “ Pumpkin be nice.” Sirius and Remus relaxed until she continued, “ for now.”

“That cat's a wampus cat,” Remus murmured under his breath to a confused Harry. “They're lethal. So for melins sake do not provoke it or anyone here.”

“Right,” Harry muttered, looking quite frankly terrified. “I ah….gods this is strange.”

Aquila glared at him, stepping back, burrowing herself into the safety of Draco's lap.

“I don't like him,” she muttered. 

Draco smirked before he schooled his expression into one less antagonising, knowing instinctively that if his cousin ever regained her previous memories she wouldn't thank them for not at least trying to salvage this situation.

“He takes a bit of getting used to,” he admitted, “but maybe give him a chance?”

“Why?” 

“Well…” Draco floundered. 

“Because Auntie Cissa wants a family Christmas, Princess,” Lucius interjected, looking like it pained him, “And unfortunately…Mr Potter is…family.”

“Oh,” she scrunched up her nose. 

“Maybe we could start over?” Harry offered at Remus increasingly pointed nudging, barely holding back a reaction at Lucius calling him family. It was an utterly horrifying thought.

She scowled, “You bow?”

Harry's eyes darted to Sirius who nodded, “Right I…right.” he bowed looking supremely awkward.

“You're supposed to tell me your name!”

A hint of a smile appeared on his face, “Some things don't change, little miss bossy boots.” he bowed again slightly sarcastically, “Harry Potter, my Lady.”

Still looking suspicious she stood, giving a wobbly curtsy, her eyes remaining on him the entire time, “Aquila Lestrange ”

He hummed, “And your ah…cat?”

She brightened considerably, “This is Pumpkin.”

“Of course,” he agreed, reaching a hesitant hand out to stroke her. The cat tolerated it for a few seconds before wriggling to be put down.

“You come and play?” Aquila checked. 

Not looking sure, he nodded, sitting down beside Draco. Sirius let out a relieved breath as he watched them, wanting to laugh at the way Aquila bossed Harry and Draco who’s dolls were clearly her underlings and the way Lucius escaped quickly when her focus was split.

“Not a fan of dolls?”

Lucius snorted, “That little witch is terrifying.”

“And you love it,” Remus finished.

“Yes I do.” he admitted, “I always wanted a daughter and now I have a niece. It's delightful getting to spoil the tiny witch and hand her back to someone else to parent.”

Remus snorted, “Gods she's going to be a holy terror.”

“Bellatrix is that witchlings mother, nothing I can do can be worse than that.”

Sirius inclined his head, “Let's just stay on her good side, yes?”

“Gods yes.” Lucius muttered, “nowhere else is safe.”

They all startled at the excited cry of “Cat!” that tore through the air as a blur of curls barreled towards the floo sending five panicked wizards to their feet with a shout only for her to skid to a halt in front of a ginger monstrosity that was purring loudly, rubbing his head against her legs.

“Mother of fucking Morgana!” Sirius swore, “I think she just shaved forty years of my life.”

A pale Lucius nodded silently, one hand pressed against his chest where his heart was threatening to give up. 

“Keels….” Draco wheezed . “I…Merlin little witch. You can't…”

Aquila frowned, bending to pick up an unusually compliant Crooks, trying to hoist him into her arms and failing miserably; the cat was almost the same size as her. She settled for dropping to her knees so she could cuddle him instead, turning back to her cousin, “It's a cat, Draco!”

“So I see,” he agreed faintly.

“His name is Crookshanks,” Harry offered, still shaken looking. 

“Cooks…crooks…hanks?” she attempted, struggling to pronounce it.

“We call him Crooks.” Remus interjected.

“He's yours?”

“Ah well…technically he's yours.”

“Mine!” she squealed. “Pumpkin, come and meet your new friend!”

Scooping up the wampus cat, Draco carried her over, tugging his cousin onto his lap in an attempt to convince himself she wasn't about to set herself on fire. Harry watched him with wide, disbelieving eyes.

Crooks and Pumpkin eyed one another before Crookshansk stalked up and sat down on Aquila’s lap, much to her clear delight, clearly staking his territory. Pumpkin looked miffed and hissed at him, until with a look that could only be called disdainful, Crooks growled and batted the kitten on the noise. Looking startled, Pumpkin stared back. Clearly deciding that everything was decided and he was absolutely on top, Crooks turned rubbing his face against Aquila's jaw, making her laugh as she wound her arms around both him and Pumpkin and gave a happy little sigh, a look of utter contentment on her face that remained for the entirety of Harry's visit.

“The goblins sent an owl,” Lucius informed the table over lunch. “They cannot interfere with Tom or Nagini but they are willing to look at Potter for a fee. They speculate that as long as the horcruxes are viable, Tom can survive magic suppression cuffs. What they are not sure of is whether it will be his wraith or his construct that remains.”

“It's something, at least,” Rodolphus mused. “No magic suppression just in case then.its much harder to contain a wraith ”

“No, sadly not. Doxie warded the room?” 

“Yes.”

“Then let us work on a containment and lure for Nagini.”

“Shame we didn't keep a body,” Lucius muttered, “That would make luring the beast easier.”

Rodolphus snorted but did not disagree, instead, he began drawing up a list of alternatives, while silently wondering if there were people they had forgotten to dispose of that could perhaps be of use. Sadly, he concluded eventually, they had gotten everyone they needed to.

Chapter Text

Lucius paled, feeling the wards shift. He had known this moment was approaching but Merlin did he feel utterly unequal to it now it was here. Across the table, Narcissa met his eyes, the flash of resolve he saw there bolstered him slightly. Not that it made any difference, what was coming, would come and they would need to react accordingly.

Seconds later with a sneer on his face, Voldemort appeared in the doorway, his eyes flicking around the room. 

“Where is everyone?” he hissed.

Narcissa took a deep breath , “It's almost Christmas, My Lord, many are with their families.”

His eyes narrowed in displeasure. “And your son?”

“Draco is here,” Lucius replied, trying not to recoil. He was more monstrous than he had remembered, his alien face showing nothing but hate. And his robes, Merlin, did they look disgusting. He barely bit back a shudder as he tried not to stare. Was it too much to ask that the wizard wore fucking shoes? His nails were more filthy than his robes. 

“Get him!” he demanded.

“Of course my Lord,” Lucius agreed, calling for Coley as he hid his disgust. “Get Draco,” he commanded, knowing no level of manners could be displayed, not towards a House elf with the Dark Lord watching.

“Yes, Master,” he agreed.

Voldemort's eyes narrowed further. “I find myself….disappointed that my followers are not here to welcome me home. Bellatrix is usually so devoted.”

“Bella demanded to be allowed to join a meeting with Rodolphus and Corban to discuss plans for muggleborns and the Ministry, My Lord,” Lucius murmured, his eyes on the table in a show of subservience.

“What plans?”

“I am unsure,” he replied slowly, bracing himself for the cruciatus he knew was coming. On cue, he felt the searing pain of the curse as he toppled his seat, landing on the dining room floor. Briefly, he contemplated whether they should have considered a rug. Wooden floors were both cold and hard, especially when it felt like someone was flaying you alive and pouring vinegar in the wounds. The curse lifted after several minutes, allowing him to catch his breath, Draco's pale face staring down at him.

“Ah, Draco,” the Dark Lord all but cooed, “I assume you must have finished the task I set you for you to be here.”

“I have a way into the castle my Lord,” Draco agreed promptly, “I requested Aunt Bella's assistance with identifying the best people to infiltrate, which is why I am home.”

“I see,” he hissed. “Show me,.”

If anything Draco paled further, missing Narcissa’s hissed “Coley, now.”

He blinked in surprise when the Dark Lord promptly disappeared. “What…”

“We sent him to cool off and think about his actions,” Narcissa smirked.

Slowly letting out a breath, Draco stared at his mother. “Merlin, I hope those wards hold.”

“They will,” Coley's satisfied little voice interrupted, handing Lucius a vial that he promptly downed. “Coley has Nyx watching. Milly will take the nightshift and Coley and Mar will check the barriers hourly just in case.”

“Thank all the gods for elves,” Draco muttered as Narcissa lavished the slightly bloodthirsty elf with praise. 

“And the Mistress will let Coley be there at the end?”

“Of course, Coley,” Narcissa cooed, “although I cannot promise we’ll have time to play with him. My cousin plans to ah..help Dumbledore move on shortly though. As long as Severus deals the final blow, we’ll have time to play with him.”

Coley's answering smile sent a shiver through Draco and Lucius, both glad the elf was on their side.

“Where is his snake?” Draco checked.

“The snakey be hunting,” Nyx answered, appearing beside Coley. 

“If you could let us know then that changes,” Narcissa answered smoothly before turning to her husband, “Cake for breakfast? Chocolate cures most ills.”

“I don't think it stops shaking hands,” he muttered but accepted the slice Coley handed him.

They jumped when Coley reappeared over an hour later. “The snakey is on her way back”

“Good,” Narcissa growled, “Is the trap set?”

“Yes Mistress, Coley put in a nice pig that the snakey will want to eat even if she's full.”

“Well done Coley,” Narcissa praised hearing the crash that indicated the trap had fallen, her smile turning smugly sinister. “It's all coming together now.”

“Merlin mother you are terrifying,” Draco muttered.

“Nonsense,” Narcissa dismissed, ignoring the look her husband and son shared. “Now who's good with a bow and arrow?”

Corban, it turned out, was good with a bow, a throwback to his teenage years when he had been attempting to impress a boy he was fond of. It hadn't worked but at least he’d gained a new skill. A skill that meant Nagini was now very much dead, a basilisk venom-laced arrow completing the job with minimal fuss. They’d let Bella behead her just to be sure before shipping the snake off to a delighted Severus to experiment with. 

“Just his Lordship now,” Corban mused.

“Indeed,” Narcissa agreed briskly. “And after christmas we’ll arrange that.”

“After Christmas?”

“Well, there's no point until we’ve done something about the Potter boy,” she pointed out. “He’d still have an anchor and we risk the boy being possessed.”

“Fair point,” he sighed. “How is He doing?”

“Tom? Oh, he's furious. The elves are finding it endlessly funny that he’s trapped. Coley keeps taunting him.”

“Your elves are insane,” he muttered.

“They fit in rather nicely,” Narcissa agreed. “Now. Why don't you go and find my brother in law and see how he's getting on with that cure for the Longbottoms.”

“If I must,” he grumbled, stalking off in search of Rodolphus. Narcissa smiled smugly at his retreating back. She did so appreciate underlings that did exactly as they were told.

Christmas morning dawned crisp and cold. From inside the warmth of the Manor, Narcissa smiled around the sitting room, all of her remaining family finally in one place. Granted, her eldest niece looked like she couldn't believe she was here, a look that was mirrored on the faces of Severus and Harry Potter, but no matter. She had finally gotten what she wanted. 

“Auntie Cissa there's lots!” the awed voice of her youngest niece as she stared at the presents under the tree with wide eyes drew Narcissa’s attention to her and she smiled indulgently, wanting to coo at the sight of her. Bella had given in to her badgering and the child was dressed in the most darling green velvet robes, her hair in tamed curls that fell halfway down her back. She was adorable, the perfect embodiment of a miniature Black witch.

“Yes there is,” she agreed, “will you help me give them out?”

“Yes!” Aquila squealed, drawing fond smiles from the rest of the room. 

“Well then, this one is Draco’s,” Narcissa handed over a present, watching as she very carefully carried it over to Draco before darting back. She allowed her to hand something to everyone before she handed over a garishly pink parcel that made Bella wince. “Can you guess who this is for?” Aquila shook her head and unable to help herself Narcissa ran a fond hand over her curls. “Might it be yours?” she suggested.

“Mine?” Aquila breathed. 

“Yes yours, go and open it Poppet, I’ll distribute the rest. Sit beside someone so they can tell you who it's from.”

“This is weird right?” Harry muttered to Sirius as he watched the former Hermione Granger scamper over to Rodolphus Lestrange, waiting until he picked her up so she didn't have to put down her gift before she wriggled until she was nestled between both her new parents. The smile on Bellatrix’s face was quite frankly terrifying.

Sirius merely gave a huff of laughter that was cut off by Aquila’s gasp of delight at the doll in her hands.

“That ones from your Auntie Andy,” Bella sneered at her sister.

“Thank you Auntie Andy!”

“Oh you're most welcome, little witch. What are you going to call her?”

Aquila’s nose scrunched adorably, “Simon.” she declared.

“Simon?” Narcissa checked. “That's an…unusual name for a girl, Poppet.”

“Simon’s an un..unusual girl, Auntie Cissa.” she replied with such seriousness that they struggled not to laugh.

“Very well, open the purple one next, Poppet. It's from me and your Uncle Luc.”

Very carefully, she ripped the paper off. “A tea set for my very own!”

“Narcissa is that real Wedgwood?” Andy wheezed , silently reaching over her sister in order to pick up a delicate teacup.

“Well of course it is.” Narcissa dismissed, “I’m hardly likely to buy her some cheap imitation.”

“My god,” Remus muttered, shaking his head.

“That's expensive isn't it?” Harry muttered.

He let out a choked laugh, “I have no idea how expensive, but yes.”

“It was hardly that expensive,” Lucius waved them off, overhearing, “It was a little over 1000 galleons. I imagine her first proper one will be five times that.”

“1000 galleons,” Remus wheezed , “Thats…thats over £5000! On a  tea set for a child!”

Lucius shrugged, opening a few of his own gifts as Aquilla pulled out robes and shoes that his wife had taken great delight in shopping for before moving on to more dolls and toys that, based on his sister-in-law's look, Rodolphus had acquired all on his own. She let out an unholy squeal at the box of books Draco had gifted her that was only surpassed by the noise she made when she opened the box of what Rabastan described as ‘play jewellery.”

“I think they robbed the Queen for that jewellery,” Harry muttered as Aquila immediately draped several necklaces around her neck before placing what Harry suspected was a real diamond tiara on her curls, making Sirius laugh.

“Ah well, the little witch will have much more fun with it than the Queen.”

Sirius’ addition of a leather jacket with Princess embroidered on it in pink, with a tiny gold crown over the P made Bella roll her eyes and Severus’ potions kit was predictable, if well received. He regretted it slightly when Aquila batted her eyelashes at him and asked him to “Please, please, please Uncle Severus, teach me properly.” Especially when they all laughed when he folded completely and agreed, determined to cure her of her reliance on the textbook this time around . She’d be in his House when the time came after all, he could afford to play favourites. And truly, it would be a blessed relief to teach one competent child. 

He was spared further scrutiny with Harry's gift of a plethora of craft supplies that Sirius had insisted he add glitter to. It had Bella sending Avada’s with her eyes , but Aquila almost vibrating with excitement, especially given that Remus had found a colouring book based around Wilma the witch to go alongside several classic muggle fairy tales. 

“Last one!” Bella cooed, finally drawing her glare away from Harry and Sirius and immediately putting them all on edge. 

Inside her last gift was a set of beautifully ornate throwing knives, “For my very, very own?” Aquila breathed, running a careful finger over the flat side of a knife.

“Of course, we’ll begin some proper training after the New year.”

“Really Mummy!” her eyes lit up, “I be as good as you?”

“Oh no, my darling, you’ll be so much better.”

“No ones putting a stop to this?” Dora checked hesitantly.

“Hush, dear, “ Andromeda countered, “If you recall, I taught you how to wield fire.”

“Not at three !”

“Well if you’d been able to remain on your feet for more than two minutes, I would have begun much earlier than I did. I had also intended to teach you to throw, unfortunately, I rather thought you’d do yourself an injury.”

“You didn't teach me to throw knives!” Draco pouted at his mother before eyeing his cousin's knives covetously.

“Your father taught you how to wield a sword, Draco,” Narcissa replied exasperatedly.

“So he did.” he nodded, seemingly mollified. 

“Is anyone here sane?” Dora checked.

“Likely not,” her father shrugged, “Embrace it. It's happening either way.”

Christmas night found Aquila in pink silk pyjamas Narcissa had fallen in love with, tiny niffler slippers and the fluffiest of cream dressing gowns, cuddled into a slightly bemused Harry's side as he read Peter Pan stiltedly, all too aware of his audience. It was a mark of how tired she was that she didn't make any comment on that and merely cuddled close and closed her eyes. He still wasn't sure how to feel about any of this. He was glad she was here, at least physically ok but Merlin did he miss her older self. Still, he would take her however he could get her and if that meant putting up with the Malfoys and the Lestranges, then he imagined he’d get used to it. After all, they had managed to be something close to pleasant today, and he definitely hadn't been expecting that. It had turned out to be one of the best Christmases he’d ever had and given the company, that was nothing short of miraculous.

“I’ll take her to bed,” Sirius offered when Harry finally fell silent and it became clear Aquila was sound asleep, Simon clutched in her arms.

“I’ll do it.” Harry offered quickly, nodding at Crookshanks curled on his lap, “ I wouldn't want to disturb Crooks. If someone tells me where I'm going...”

He saw the Lestranges share a glance before Rodolphus shrugged, “Right to the top of the stairs and then two down on the right.

With slightly awkward movements Harry stood, ignoring the way Draco was watching his every move as if ready to step in and headed in the direction he was sent.

Finding the room that he imagined most little girls dreamed of and assuming he was in the right place, Harry settled her on the bed with a sigh. 

“I miss you,” he muttered, dropping a kiss onto her forehead, feeling incredibly awkward. “Love you, ‘Mione.”

Chapter Text

“Alright, that's enough moping,” Bella commanded, taking in the sight of her listless little girl. Draco had gone back to school and Aquila had made her displeasure known at the time. Now, though, two weeks later when she realised he truly wasn't coming back, she just looked devastated. “Let's have an Aquila and Mummy day.”

“Doing what, Mummy?” Aquila checked, looking up at her mother with adoration, some of her despondency leaving her. Bella smiled, still not entirely sure how she’d gotten here but happy enough to go along with it. 

“Mummy’s going to teach you how to hunt.” 

“Hunt what?” 

“We’ll begin with some moving targets today and aim for Deer before the end of the month, I think,” Bella mused. “Big enough to see and less violent than pigs. We’ll work our way up to Uncle Corban teaching you how to use a bow and arrow. Maybe by Easter”

Cocking her head to the side, Aquila seemed to contemplate that. “Ok Mummy,” she agreed. 

“Good girl, go and get your knives.”

Passing them on his way to meet Rabastan to discuss trials with Kingsley, Thorfinn did a double take before shaking his dead and very determinedly walking in the direction he was heading without looking at Bella lest he draw her attention.

With a satisfied smirk, Bella watched him go before turning on her heel and stalking up the stairs to ensure Aquila was properly attired. There would be no pink frills on this outing.

“Now,” Bella commanded, taking in the sight of her tiny child, hair pulled back in two tight plaits, and a miniature version of her all black outfit. She had never seen something so adorable in her life. She flicked her wand at the targets she’d prepared, and they began to move slightly. “We’ll begin with this before Mummy makes them move more. Do you remember how to stand?” Aquila immediately fell into position, pleasing her no end. “Now, you’re aiming for one of the crosses.”

Aquila hummed, squinting slightly before letting her knife loose. It hit just slightly to the right. “Good. Now, again.”

They continued until she hit the crosses three times in a row and managed to pull her knives with fluid efficiency, throwing one after the other seamlessly, exactly like they’d been practising. She didn’t hit the target every time, several knives needing to be summoned back from the bushes, but the basics were well in place. Bella had never been so proud.

“Oh my darling you are going to be deadly !” Bella cooed in delight.

“Like you Mummy?”

“Oh yes darling, like Mummy. Now, we’ll practise again tomorrow.”

Aquila grinned, accepting her mother's hand. “OK, Mummy.”

Bella cocked her head, “And maybe once we’re hunting real animals we’ll begin training Pumpkin.”

“I think she’d like that Mummy,” Aquila agreed seriously. “She and Crooks brought Uncle Bast a duck and a mouse this morning. He didn't look pleased.”

Bella let out a delighted cackle “Well Uncle Bast will have to get used to it.”

“We’ve got it!” Rodolphus crowed, startling Corban and Remus.

“You've got a cure?”

“We've got as close as I think we’re going to.” he admitted, passing Remus the book to look over.

“Well.” he murmured, “I’ll go and speak to Minerva.”

He nodded, “Any word from the goblins?”

“They have an opening to see Harry in a fortnight.”

“Thank all the gods. I hate that he's here and growing more murderous by the day.”

Remus winced, “Yes I try to forget that he's just upstairs.”

“Quite. The elves are loving it. I never thought they'd be quite so bloodthirsty.”

Corban snorted, “I don't think Narcissa’s elves are quite the same as most others.”

“Works in our favour,” Rodolphus shrugged. “What's happening with Dumbledore?”

“We’re meeting the Order to lay everything out next week.  And then we’ll discuss what Severus needs to do. I imagine we’ll need another containment room.

“If I didn't think it would kill Severus I'd put them in together,” Rodolphus muttered, before he sighed, ”I’ll ask Coley to set up the room next to his lordship then.”

“Good idea. Lets hope they dont start working together to escape.”

Rodophus froze before shaking his head, “The rooms will be silenced. We’ll be fine. Now go and see Minerva. The sooner we have Madam Longbottom at least somewhat onside, the better.”

Minerva eyed Augusta from behind her desk. “I appreciate it's a lot to take in.”

“A lot to take in!” Augusta hissed, her face utterly furious. “You want me to allow them to walk free! They stole my son!”

“And now they have a way to bring him back.” Minerva sighed, “Augusta, there is nothing I can say that will ever truly make what I am asking of you reasonable. However, their freedom is a condition of them giving us Voldemort. And so far, they have done exactly as promised and removed all active Death Eaters. You have to have noticed that there is something close to peace.”

Augusta stilled, suddenly looking lost, her ever present grief all too apparent. “They tortured my son,” she whispered.

“I know,” Minerva agreed, “And we now know that they were not in their right minds. The Mark…it warped them. Truly, I will never ask you to be in the same room as them, but I almost wish you could see them. They are nothing at all like I expected.”

“They promise it will bring them back?”

“To the best of their knowledge they believe it will.” Minerva agreed.

“And if they show an ounce…”

“If they dare regress Augusta, I will end them myself.” Minerva interrupted grimly. 

“Very well,” she murmured finally, swallowing harshly. “But Minerva. I do not ever want to see their faces as long as I live.”

“Understood.” she nodded, “I’ll have them teach Remus and I the spell. We’ll meet you at St Mungo’s as soon as we are sure we are proficient.

Augusta nodded once, her face still belying her unease.

Sirius stalked into Grimmauld place, allowing his rage to sink into him. He'd been so very careful, so very controlled, refusing to think about all the things Dumbledore had known and kept from them, things that put Harry at risk. At his side, he knew Remus was doing the same. Andy, Ted and Dora followed behind them, Minerva and Kingsley were already in the room.

“Ah good, we’re all here now.” Albus looked out at the Order with a serene smile that Sirius desperately wanted to curse off his face.

“Kreacher,” he commanded lowly, “Lock the doors.”

Kreacher's eyes lit with malicious glee, “Yes Blood-traitor Master.” he agreed quickly.

“Sirius?” Albus frowned.

“It's my house, you see,” Sirius shrugged, leaning back in his chair indolently. 

“I am aware,” Albus agreed slowly.

“Stupid of you,” Sirius mused. “To not factor it in when choosing somewhere.”

“What's going on?” Alastor barked.

“That is indeed the question, isn't it?” Sirius mused.

“Get on with it Mutt, some of us have other places to be,” Severus grumbled.

“Teaching, Severus? Don't pretend you don't loath it.” Andromeda chided. 

He rolled his eyes in response, replying stiffly, “I promised Miss Lestrange I’d visit to begin her potions lessons. She is not coping well with Draco's absence.”

Andromeda's face softened, “I know,” she sighed, “I've been attempting to convince my sister that she cannot just have the child working on her hunting skills. Ted offered to take her to the cinema.”

Dora snorted loudly, “And she threatened to curse him.”

“Ah but she didn't,” Andromeda replied smoothly, “Progress, no?”

Rolling her eyes, Dora scoffed derisively. “I might see if Bella will allow me to take her for ice cream,” Remus mused, cutting over whatever Dora had been about to reply. 

“ O r ,” Minerva interjected with exasperation, “one of us could take her to Hogwarts and let her see her cousin!”

“We could do that.” Remus agreed with a faintly surprised look. “Harry would love to see her too.”

“Who in the name of Merlin are you talking about!” Molly demanded, almost deafening them with her volume.

“My niece,” Andromeda informed her primly.

“You don't have a niece!”

“I do now. Aquila, delightful little thing, if worryingly competent with a knife for a three year old.”

“They’re going to let Corban teach her how to use a bow and arrow at some point shortly.” Kingsley interjected with a flash of mischief. 

“Merlin preserve us,” Severus muttered, “I pity the wizard she ends up contracted to. The boy’ll have to sleep with one eye open.”

“Or girl.” Sirius pointed out, “Don't be shoehorning her into a relationship she might not want.”

“Miss Granger, to my knowledge, liked wizards,” Severus returned pointedly.

“Fair point,” Sirius conceded. 

“Miss Granger.” Molly gasped, “Hermione….you know where she is?”

“My sister adopted her.”

“Narcissa?” Molly hedged.

“Not quite.” Sirius’ grin was vicious. “Bella and Dolph adopted her.”

“No.” Molly stared at him in horror, her face turning grey. It was a look mirrored around the room.

“Yes. She is so spoiled I'm surprised she has not yet demanded the Ministry as a gift.

Minerva snorted, “There is still time.”

“Still time!” Molly's tone was ear-splittingly shrill. “Bellatrix Lestrange has Hermione!”

“We know,” Andromeda agreed, “We’ve seen her.”

“Then we must of course get her back.” Albus interjected.

“No.”

The room stilled when Minerva spoke.

“Pardon?” Albus’ tone was light even if faintly disbelieving.

“I said no,” she repeated. “That child is adored, indulged and thoroughly attached to her new family. And you will not interfere.”

“The hell we will not!” Alastor growled.

“Sit down!” Minerva barked in response when he stood. “You are, as bloody always, operating with a fraction of the facts and none of the context. So you will sit your cantankerous backside back down on that seat Alastor Moody or Merlin help me I will make you!”

Looking stunned as he automatically compiled, Alastor stared at her in shock, leaving both Sirius and Severus snickering like children, the Weasley twins sharing confused, concerned looks before turning to their professor. 

“Professor…has someone checked you for curses….”

“Good idea, Mr Weasely,” Albus agreed swiftly.

“Point your wand at me you absurd old coot and I will shove it so far up your left nostril you’ll be able to channel your magic via thought!”

At that, Kingsley and Ted lost their battle and howled. “Let's never let Minerva and Narcissa collude,” Remus muttered quietly to Dora. She shuddered violently. 

“God's no.”

“They'd have order and decorum and all of us in line,” Andromeda countered with a hint of a smile before pitching her voice louder. “Do you intend to listen to any of us or are we going to be forced to make you? We will…but I really do not have the energy unless it's imperative. We’ve been rather alarmingly busy of late.”

“I think we’re all a little…confused.” Arthur offered hesitantly.

“Understandable,” Kingsley agreed briskly, still wiping tears from his face.

“Which is why listening would presumably be beneficial, no?” Minerva interjected snarkily.

He nodded warily, his eyes darting around the room, “Anyone lifts a wand in here and you’ll be automatically bound,” Sirius offered lightly, nodding his head towards Kreacher. 

There was a beat of stillness that Kingsley took full advantage of. “We have Tom Riddle contained and all of the active Death Eaters are either in Azkaban or dead.”

A loud bang interrupted the swelling of noise at that pronouncement. “Be quiet!” Andromeda demanded, waiting until they all settled back down. 

“Bellatrix is not in Azkaban.” Molly pointed out.

“No.” she agreed, “My sister is…sane-ish and instrumental in the capture and neutering of Death Eaters. Antonin Dolohov for example.” Molly froze, “He’s dead. He…suffered rather a lot beforehand.”

“Good,” Molly growled. 

Andromeda's answering smile was sinister, “Quite. Greyback too. Which brings us to the real reason we’re here.” She turned to look at Sirius, who finally allowed his control to unspool and the rage to show on his face.

“My godson,” he growled, his eyes on Albus. “Care to explain Horcruxes, Headmaster?”

“Horcruxes?” Alastor frowned as Albus paled. 

“Indeed. Apparently our esteemed leader was aware that Tom made several and didn't see fit to share it. They're gone by the way in case you were curious. All bar one.”

“What exactly is a horcrux?” Emmeline Vance hedged.

“Abominable magic,” Amelia Bones hissed, her face pale. “Soul anchors brought into being using the vilest magic there is. It makes a person immortal.”

“Quite,” Andromeda nodded, “and as my cousin said we’ve or well, my sisters and their band of reformed lunatics, have dealt with them. All bar one.”

“When were you going to tell us, Albus?” Sirius’ voice was soft and dangerous. “Or were you just planning to send my godson off on a suicide mission?”

“Well I….Miss Granger and…”

“Miss Granger is as good as dead.” Sirius hissed before he paused, “I had wondered if it was your doing but clearly not.”

“What suicide mission?” Molly interrupted sharply.

“Turns out dear old Albie here was talking Harry through Tom's life. I assume to lead him to the conclusion about the horcruxes. Afterwards, I assume he was meant to find and destroy the rest.”

“He's a child!” Molly wailed.

“He's also a living horcrux.” Andromeda spoke leaving deafening silence in her wake. 

“Hes..hes a what?” Amelia looked sickened.

“Living horcrux. Albus was aware.”

He flinched when the entire Order turned to look at him.

“I…was…that is to say, I devised a way that perhaps young Harry could rid himself of his extra piece.”

“How?” Andromeda inquired deceptively politely.

“Well…I imagine that a confrontation with Tom will…kill off a living entity which would remove it. An avada exorcises the soul in a body…”

“You imagine,” Sirius repeated dangerously. “You imagine…what if it's Harry's soul that is killed off? What if we have two bodies hosting Tom's soul rather than one? What if he doesn't use an avada?”

“Well I….”

“Well you…” he mocked, flicking his wand and sending Albus careening heavily into the wall.

“Don't kill him!” Severus barked.

“Not yet,” Sirius agreed. “You get the final blow. I haven't forgotten.”

“What?” Arthur demanded.

“Albus is dying,” Minerva cut in briskly, gesturing to his now visible hand. “Withering curse. He had intended for Severus to murder him and didn't see fit to tell us. Thought it would cement him in Tom's ranks and save Draco Malfoy from having to do it on threat of his mothers murder.”

“Is that true?” Alastor demanded, standing to loom over Albus’ still prone form.

“It is…Severus’ loyalty had to be indisputable.”

“Without letting any of us know?” Alastor growled.

“If it had gotten out…”

“No!” Amelia cut him off. “Just no!”

“Kreacher?” Sirius muttered quietly while they were distracted by their rage. With a sinister little grin that he had definitely learned from Coley, Kreacher appeared next to the fallen headmaster, whisking him away to his new lodgings right next door to Tom.

Chapter Text

There were several minutes of utter chaos in the wake of Albus’ removal followed by several more of stunned silence. Eventually, Minerva had had enough, outlining their plan going forward. The shouting commenced almost immediately until, exasperated, Kingsley shot a series of bangs from the end of his wand. Alastor was the first to break the resulting silence.

“You want us to meet them?” His voice was alarmingly controlled, his face pale and pinched. 

“Yes, we think that it would be best,” Minerva agreed briskly.

“All of them?”

“Yes, Alastor,” she bit out impatiently, trying desperately to remember that they had had their worldview turned on its head and therefore she couldn't just hex them into submission for being a bit slow on the uptake. “All of them.”

“Right. And we’re not allowed to hex them?”

“For Merlin's sake!” she hissed. “No! You bloody irritating man, you are not! Did you miss our explaining that they are responsible for the collapse of the Death Eaters and Tom's containment! We’ll let you hex Albus if you're that desperate for target practice, or Tom, I suppose. Although the elves are torturing him by all accounts.”

“The elves?” Amelia checked, sounding incredulous.

“Bloodthirsty little creatures,” Kingsley mused. “I wouldn't want to cross them.”

“Right. She muttered, before shaking her head, her expression leaving them in no doubt that she Just Was Not Dealing With That Right Now. The capitals were visible and made Kingsley want to laugh. Thankfully, he held it in, Amelia was as vicious as Narcissa’s elves if properly provoked. Pulling herself together, Amelia glanced around the room, squaring her shoulders. “Shall we get this over with now then?”

“I’ll send a patronus.” Sirius agreed with a smirk.

“Don't bother, someone will need to take Aquila,” Andromeda stood, looking at Ted. “Cinema?”

“Mother Bellatrix is going to Avada you,” Tonks warned with an edge of worry.

“Nonsense.” Andy dismissed, “She held herself back from hexing us when it was first suggested and once she’s been, Aquila will be so excited that she’ll accept it even if she doesn't want to. She hides it better but Bella dislikes disappointing her as much as the rest of us.”

“She's going to Avada her.” Tonks repeated stubbornly into the room as her parents left. 

“She might try.” Sirius allowed, “And then I imagine Andy’ll curse her back. It’ll be fine.”

“Fine! It won't be fine, Sirius! It’ll be carnage!”

“I forget you’re a Hufflepuff sometimes,” he mused. “Pain and death threats…it's our love language Cousin. Keep up.”

Her jaw dropped as several people stifled laughs around the table, none of them acknowledging Tonks’ pleading eyes, begging them to step in. 

Their bickering was halted when the floo roared. “And so it begins,” Remus whispered. In response Sirius shot him a grin, standing and opening his arms dramatically, “Cousins! How good of you to join us.”

“Really Sirius!” Narcissa sniffed, running her eyes disdainfully over the assembled group and then the room in general. “Mother of Morganna, what was your mother thinking when she decorated this room?”

“That she wanted the entire house to represent the state of her soul, Cousin.” he deadpanned.

“She managed that,” Rodolphus muttered with a shudder, 

“I quite like some of it,” Bella mused, turning to Sirius, “Do you intend to keep the heads?”

“Yes!” Rodolphus barked, “He intends to keep the elf heads, Bella. Mother of Merlin.”

Around the table, people were openly gaping. “I’ll see what I can do about them before your next birthday,” Sirius whispered conspiratorially.

“Do and I will allow my daughter to hug you as hard as she likes,” Rodolphus growled. “Following that I'm sure I can convince her that you would make a wonderful moving target for her archery practice.”

Sirius blanched briefly before shaking it off, “That little witch adores me.”

“Not if she thinks you've hurt the elves,” he shot back smugly.

Sirius paused trying to ignore the slight silver of unease as he realised Rodolphus wasn't wrong. Beside him, Remus’ shoulders were shaking with badly repressed laughter, Kingsley appeared to be faring only marginally better across from them. “True enough, sorry Cousin, it would appear the elf heads are not giftable.”

Bella pouted but Corban stepped forward before she could offer a counter argument, “Now we’ve that covered, may we sit down?” he smiled winningly, sidling up to Kingsley, wrapping an arm through his “It is safe isn't it?” he batted his eyelashes dramatically.

“Sit down,” he grumbled, shoving Corban into a seat, a faint dusting of pink on his cheeks.

“Well….” Minerva trailed off, all of a sudden at a loss. 

“Im beginning to think we’ve been drugged,” Emmeline Vance muttered. 

“If only that were an option,” Rabastan commiserated, “Perhaps after.”

Lucius let out a heavy sigh, “I thought we wanted them to take us seriously?”

Bella shrugged as she sat down next to a visibly startled Alastor, throwing her feet up onto the table as she did, only just missing Fred. She bared her teeth in an approximation of a smile, making her sister sigh as she cuffed the back of her head and glared at her until she sulkily removed her feet and sat up straighter, earning herself a pleased nod.

“Next time we’ll leave her at home,” Rodolphus offered with a pained smile. “I promise she can actually behave.”

“With the right incentive,” Bast muttered before turning to his sister-in-law, “The longer you drag this out the longer your daughter is with Andy and Ted. Who knows what they’re teaching her. Tolerance...equality…muggle superiority…kindness…” he grinned when Bella looked immediately alert.

“They won't teach her that!”

“Miss Granger was one of the most tolerant witches I knew,” Severus mused, “One only had to watch her cope with Mr Weasley's bumbling incompetence and Potter's moodswings to realise that.” Molly looked as offended as Bella which was beyond amusing for the rest of them.  “And of course, she was always so very fond of the underdog.”

“Absolutely not!” Bella retorted. “She’ll be deadly and ruthless.”

“And kind, Bella,” Narcissa interrupted. “For merlin's sake, she's a child not an assassin.”

“She could be an assassin. Later. In a couple of years. No one expects a five year old.”

“Merlin preserve us.” Narcissa turned to her brother-in-law with a pointed look. He held up his hands immediately. 

“She can be kind and deadly?” he offered.

“Of course, she can.” Narcissa agreed, “But we won't be using her as an assassin at five!”

“Six or seven though,” Corban voiced softly, making Kingsley laugh.

“Oh you are all ridiculous!” Narcissa grumbled, and Molly relaxed fractionally, relieved at least one person appeared to be looking out for Hermione until Narcissa continued. “She will be at least of age! She’ll be too young to appreciate the subtlety of certain methods before then!”

At that Remus lost his composure and howled, Sirius and Kingsley joining them. “Maybe it's not us that has been drugged?” George voiced hesitantly.

Things settled after that, Bella managing to behave under Narcissa’s gimlet eye and by the end even Alastor was grudgingly accepting. 

“I don't like you.,” he admitted bluntly, drawing an exasperated sigh from Minerva, “But you've ended this quickly and no one else managed that. I expect to be present when you end his lordship…lest anyone get ideas about him being a viable option again.”

“Of course,” Lucius agreed over Bella's scoff. “In the meantime, we are waiting on an appointment with the goblins for Mr Potter, following which we should be able to proceed.”

“How do you plan to secure pardons?”

“We have so far left that in Kingsley's capable hands,” Corban purred.

“Stop it!” Minerva warned

“Oh but it's fun!” he protested. “He looks delightfully uncomfortable. And that blush! Adorable!”

Kingsley sighed heavily. “I’ve a good mind to redden your arse to the point of discomfort.” he muttered. “We’ll see how adorable I am then.”

“Careful. I might just take you up on that,” Corban parried back. 

Lucius shared a look with Sirius, as Fred ventured,  “Anyone else confused whether they're actually flirting or not?”

“I could pull a wedding together in a few months,” Narcissa mused, wanting to grin at their startled expressions, “A sign of the new progressive world as we merge two families, each from opposite sides of the war.”

“Ah that's very kind,” Kingsley began, “But…”

“Purple and silver themed?” Corban checked.

Narcissa frowned, “Absolutely not. Purple perhaps. For you less silver, more…grey. Flatter. With perhaps a greyish white to tie it all together.”

“We’re not getting married!” 

“Well no darling, you've not asked me yet.” Corban smiled winningly up at Kingsley before turning back to Narcissa, “Winter weddings are always stunning.”

“Aren't they?” she agreed. “If we could guarantee frost, it would be wonderful.”

“Congratulations?” Amelia offered looking at Kingsley impishly. “Do ensure I get an invitation. I imagine that people's reactions will be hilarious.”

“We’re not getting married!”

“Of course not darling,” Corban patted his arm insincerely, turning back to Narcissa with an eye roll. “If we make the colours duskier, we could push it to Spring.”

Kingsley's groan could be heard loudly over Narcissa’s delicate laugh “Someone stop this.” he begged. 

“Nonsense,” Sirius dismissed, “I look ravishing in purple! You’ll want that for your best man.”

Kingsley's head thunked onto the table with an alarmingly loud thud. “I’m better suited to grey's myself,” Alastor mused, with a rare flash of humour that had people gaping in surprise.

The next day, Rabastan and Rodolphus were quietly working on a plan of next steps in Lucius’ study when the sound of the floo roaring had their heads snapping up, meeting Remus’ eyes.

Realising exactly what had to have happened, both of them felt a jolt of unease. “Well?” Rabastan demanded, the strain clear on his face.

“It worked,” Remus replied softly, not bothering to hide how much the afternoon had affected him. Seeing Frank and Alice aware for the first time in years had him sobbing in a way that had been both painful and freeing, the last decade's pain seeming cleansed in a way he had never dared hope for. “It’ll take time, Merlin knows they've some intensive work to do before they can leave but they've been moved to a rehabilitation ward. Neville was in with them when I left.” he paused, “They sent both threats and gratitude. It was rather confusing, truth be told. 

Rabastan hummed, “I am…glad,” he replied softly.

Remus nodded sharply, “As are we all.”

“Alright Harry?” Harry looked startled as he met Remus’ smiling face, clearly wondering what on earth he was doing in the common room.

“Remus! Why…is everyone…?”

“Breathe! Everyones fine. We’re just borrowing you for a weekend, so pack a bag.”

“Why?” he checked warily, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

“The dog was missing you,” Remus shrugged impishly, making Ron laugh. He shoved Harry pointedly.

“Go and see Snuffles. We wouldn't want him to be lonely,” his face fell briefly, “Maybe see if you can pop in and see our favourite toddler for a bit while you’re there, eh?”

Offering him a slightly wan smile, Harry stood, “I’ll be back in a minute.”

“Sirius!” Harry grinned at the sight of his godfather as he wrapped him in a hug, “What's going on?”

“Come and sit down, Pup.”

“Is this another conversation I won’t like?” Harry checked warily.

“Probably,” He grimaced, “but, I feel like I should start with we’re fixing it. It's why you're here.”

“Fixing what?”

“Your scar. It's not…entirely normal and so we’re going to go and see the goblins.” he blurted, ignoring Remus' exasperated sigh.

“What do you mean it's not entirely normal!”

Sirius immediately sent Remus a pleading look. With an eye roll, he sat down next to Harry, keeping his voice gentle,  “You have a….small extra piece of soul we need to remove.”

“I have an extra piece of soul!”

“Yes. And we need to remove it, hence the goblins.”

“My soul?”

“Not exactly.”

“Whose soul is it, Remus?” he demanded flatly, looking like he was bracing himself.

“Well…Toms.”

Harry paled “No.”

“Look Pup, we’re going now. We're meeting the goblins and they're going to fix it. It'll be fine.” Sirius stood, trying not to look as frightened as he felt.

“No.” he repeated.

“Yes. It's going to be fine.”

“No.”

Remus sighed, “Harry we need to leave now. I understand that we’re not giving you any time to deal with this and that's massively unfair, but the sooner we leave the sooner it's gone.”

Harry froze, “We’re going now?”

“Right now.”

“Then lets fucking go!” he shouted, all but barreling towards the floo, muttering “Fucking bastard inside my head….”

Remus shook his head, “I blame you for this level of dramatics.” he grumbled at Sirius as he passed him, hoping that Harry had the sense to wait for them on the other side.

Chapter Text

“Merlin Pup slow down!” Sirius commanded, exiting the floo and running after Harry. Behind him, Remus sighed heavily, wandering up to one of the desks, knowing Harry had no idea where he was meant to be going as he watched the frantic boy head in entirely the wrong direction.  

“We’ve an appointment with Nessa.” 

The goblin nodded slowly, his eyes darting to Harry who was now being forcibly corralled by Sirius. “Is…Mr Potter quite well?” he checked.

Remus sighed again, “it's been a rather startling half hour, he’ll be fine.”

“I see,” he replied slowly, looking very much like he didn't believe a word of it, “very well, this way.”

He checked over his shoulder and satisfied that Sirius had Harry well in hand, set off after the goblins retreating back.

“What's this?” Harry blurted the moment the door closed, eyeing the stone slab in the middle of the room with clear trepidation.

“A ritual room,” Remus breathed, a hint of awe in his voice. “Mother of Morganna, I doubt many can say they've seen the inside of a goblin made room.”

“Almost none,” came a voice from the door. “You are very lucky you were so generous with your returns, Lord Black.”

“Nessa.” Sirius greeted. 

“Lord Black.” Her eyes scanned Harry before she turned to the four armoured goblins beside her. “Take him to be cleansed and robed.”

“Harry,” Remus interjected frantically, “Dont argue, do as you're told.”

Looking utterly terrified, Harry did just that, “May we stay Nessa?” Sirius voiced quietly.

The elderly goblin considered him. “Yes. but you must not interfere.”

“Understood.”

Harry was as pale as the robe they dressed him in as he was led back out and guided towards the slab in the middle of the room. Once he was settled, Nessa hissed something guttural, pressing her finger to his chest, and he slumped. Neither Sirius nor Remus dared breathe, their hearts beating frantically; he looked dead.

With little fanfare, the four armoured goblins placed themselves at the four corners, and Nessa set an ugly-looking gold cup hovering over Harry's head. Seemingly satisfied with the arrangement, she began chanting, her colleagues joining in, the oppressive feeling of magic almost sending Remus and Sirius to their knees. At a point that made sense only to her, Nessa stepped forward, dagger in hand, drawing it down Harry's scar until it bled, before she pressed her two index fingers on either side of the wound, the chanting becoming frantic. 

It was all either man could do to remain still when Harry immediately began screaming, a foul, tar-like substance leaking from the cut on his head. The four goblins moved as one, their chanting at odds with Nessas as their right arms lifted, fingers splayed, seeming to guide the tar-like substance forcibly into the cup. Given the way their arms were shaking, it was putting up a fight. 

And finally , the screaming and chanting stopped, the cup clattering to the ground, an oppressive stillness filling the room. Despite looking exhausted, Nessa moved swiftly, pulling a knife from her boot, plunging it into the cup, unleashing an unearthly scream.  

“It is done,” she announced shakily. “Take the boy home, let him sleep. He’ll wake in the morning.”

“Thank you,” Sirius offered quietly. “Just…thank you.”

She nodded, “Remember that the next time you come across a goblin made heirloom in your vault Lord Black.” 

“How are you feeling?” Sirius checked, eyeing Harry over breakfast. 

He paused, clearly considering that. “I…sore but better? Less angry.” Sirius hummed, summoning a pain potion for him. Harry swallowed it gratefully before checking quietly, “If we’ve ah…dealt with my extra piece of soul, do I really still need to be the one to kill Tom?”

Both Remus and Sirius froze. “I dont kno w.” Remus replied slowly. “ Perhaps…not?”

“Who would we ask?” Sirius demanded.

Remus grinned wickedly, “I’ll owl Kings, get him to reach out to Yaxley.”

Sirius choked on his tea, clearly confusing Harry, “Why is that…funny?” he asked.

“Well, Corban Yaxley is gay and watching him flirt with Kingsley is one of the funniest things I think I’ve ever seen. It…unsettles Kings. Especially as It's all but been decided that they’re getting married this winter.”

Harry blinked. “Um…and Kingsley isn't gay?” he hedged.

“Oh no, he is.” Remus laughed. “But Corban is…exaggerated in his flirting and Kings is not entirely sure what to do with him. I'm sure he’ll have worked it out before the wedding.”

“Wait…they're actually getting married?”

“Between Corban, Narcissa and Amelia Bones, yes I imagine they are. Whether Kings realises that remains to be seen.”

Harry blinked at him dazedly, “You know that's insane, right?”

“Appears to be rather a lot of that going about,” SIrius mused, making Remus snort. “Now, you have to go back to school at some point soon but I imagine we can give you a day or two so what do you fancy doing?”

“Um, I thought maybe I'd be able to see Hermione?” he hedged.

“You could,” Remus agreed , “ I don't know who she's with today but if it's Bella maybe we’ll get her to include you in her lessons , Merlin knows you could do with some weapon training.”

“Weapon training?” Harry repeated, looking more than a little alarmed.

“Did you miss her knives at Christmas?” Sirius asked pointedly , “I was taught how to throw them too , and how to wield a sword.”

“Seriously?” Harry breathed, his eyes wide and disbelieving.

“Yes.” Sirius frowned, “Why wouldn't I be?”

“Absolutely insane.” Harry whispered.

“Dixie?” Sirius called as he stepped out of the floo.

“Master Sirius calls for Dixie?”

“Where is Miss Aquila, Dixie?”

“Outside with the Mistress Bella and Master Corban,” the tiny elf replied promptly.

“Let's go then pup,” Sirius commanded, “I’ve always wanted to try and shoot a bow and arrow.”

“Sirius?” Bella frowned at her cousin, “Lupin…and you brought Potter.”

“Puppy man!” Aquila squealed, twisting her head to beam at him. However, in a show of remarkable restraint, she didn't move from Corban's side where he had her set up with a tiny bow and arrow. She turned back, her face scrunched in concentration as she attempted to follow his instructions, releasing the arrow. It landed on the target. 

“Well done,” Bella cooed, “I told you you were going to be deadly!”

“Me next!” Sirius called, making Aquilla giggle. 

“Can you practice with Mummy, Princess?” Corban checked, “And Uncle Corban will get your ridiculous cousin set up.”

“Yes!” she agreed, already setting up an arrow. 

“I thought you were waiting until Easter?” Remus asked as Bella passed him.

“Thorfinn made her a bow,” Bella replied with a shrug, wandering over to her daughter, correcting her position slightly, “and she needed to be kept busy.”

“I see,” he murmured, gesturing Harry forward. “Those are training knives, perhaps once Bellatrix is finished she’ll teach you the basics.”

Bella's head swiveled towards him, clearly weighing him up, her mouth curling into a slight sneer , “I’m told we’re keeping you,” she grumbled, before letting out a loud sigh , “ Fine. I cannot have family that’s incompetent . Aquila?” 

“Yes Mummy?”

“Ten more arrows and then you and mummy are going to teach Cousin Harry how to throw.”

Aquila’s eyes widened, “He’s old, Mummy!” she protested, “Why can't he do it already?”

Harry flushed and Remus interjected, “Harry wasn't as lucky as you, little witchling. He's had no one to teach him until now.”

“Oh,” she whispered, “that's sad.” She nodded once, her face taking on a look of determination that was all Hermione Granger, “Very well Harry, I’ll teach you”

“Thanks,” Harry muttered, managing to only sound slightly sarcastic. 

“You're welcome,” she beamed, before turning back to her mother, attempting a whispered, “He better learn quick.”

Bella grinned , but managed with great difficulty to restrain herself lest she be on the receiving end of another lecture from her sister , “Next arrow, little star.”

“Right, Harry,” Aquila's fists landed on her hips and he wanted to groan. “You need to.” She stopped completely, squinting at him. “Mummy, he's not wearing a belt!”

“I didn't know I had to!” Harry protested. 

Bella's eyes cut to her cousin, who was blissfully ignoring them all, firing arrows with plenty of enthusiasm but no skill, completely ignoring Corban's exasperated attempts at corralling into some semblance of decorum. 

“Here,” Remus offered with a conciliatory smile as he handed Harry a belt he’d hastily transfigured.

“You have to put the holder on before you close it!” Aquila interrupted Harry's movements exasperatedly. Flushing, he did as he was told. She sighed loudly before her hand curled into his making him startle. “Sorry you had no one to teach you,” she murmured. 

He squeezed her hand gently, attempting a smile around a sudden wave of overwhelming emotion as he looked down at her,  “I’m not. I'm being taught by our world's most terrifying witchling. I'm very lucky.”

A small, pleased smile appeared on her face as she nodded, “Yes, you are.”

Remus let out a surprised giggle before he could stop it, flushing at the noise he'd made. Bella shot him a faintly disgusted look, “Let's get Harry to choose some knives, little star.”

Harry grinned almost magically as he eyed Aquila, now looking less sure of herself. Knife throwing had been…an interesting experience. Bella, it turned out, was rather more patient than he had anticipated, despite being stricter than Professor Snape in a foul mood. It was still rather galling that he’d been beaten by a three year old , but he was determined to practice, managing to elicit a faintly approving nod when he had asked Bellatrix where to get a set of knives to practice with. She had gifted him some, looking rather like she couldn't believe it was happening. It was a feeling he wholeheartedly shared. 

The weapons had eventually been banished when Sirius, in a fit of wild enthusiasm, had managed to completely miss all the targets and land an arrow on Lucius' backside. The scream that had erupted from the man had made him laugh so hard he cried but Lucius had been furious, ranting about incompetence and Gryffindors until Narcissa had come to investigate. As she led him away, soothing his dented ego, she shot a pointed look at Sirius that promised painful retribution. Sirius had the sense to look more than a little worried.

So now he was here, with this miniature version of his best friend wearing an all too familiar look of trepidation when being faced with a broomstick.

“Draco already made me fly, Harry,” she protested, “I can do it.”

“I know you can,” he agreed, “But you don't like it.”

“I'm not going to like it!”

“You don't know that, why don't we give it a go?”

“Because I already did!” she whined. 

“But think how impressed Draco will be when he comes home at Easter and you're flying properly,” he wheedled. She pouted, her tiny face creasing in genuine conflict, before she nodded slowly. “Aquilla?” Her head snapped up to look at him and he felt a slight pang of regret at the very real fear on her face . “I won't let you fall.”

“Promise?” she whispered. 

He grinned, pointing his wand at her, levitating her slowly before bouncing her in the air, making her shriek with giggles, “Promise. I’ll keep my wand on me, you won't fall.”

“Ok,” she agreed slowly, once he'd set her back down. 

He took her slowly through a series of movements, keeping a close eye on her balance. He could tell, despite his best efforts, that she truly wasn't sure. He wanted to sigh, acknowledging that at least this time she'd be competent. 

“Aquila?” she turned her broom to look at him slowly. “Do you want to come with me?”

She frowned in suspicion. “Why?”

“Well…if I was holding on to you and moving a teeny bit faster, you might enjoy it.”

She cocked her head, seeming to contemplate that. “Ok,” she finally agreed. 

Muttering a quiet sticking charm just in case, knowing that if any harm came to this child there was a long and intimidating queue of people who would murder him slowly, Harry took her up into the air. “Ready to go faster?”

Despite the unsure look on her face, she nodded. 

“What in the world,” Narcissa muttered, hearing the shouts coming from outside, hastening her way out into the garden, her jaw dropping at the sight of Harry Potter and her precious niece screaming and laughing as the boy did manoeuvres that made even her breath catch. 

“Again! Again, Harry!” Aquila called as Harry accelerated before banking sharply and falling into a sharp twisting drive. 

“How did he manage it?” Rodolphus demanded with a pout as he came to a stop beside his sister in law apparently also drawn by the noise.

Sirius bit back a laugh , “Gryffindor daring?” he suggested with exaggerated innocence.

Chapter Text

“Princess? Why are you pouting?” Rodolphus asked, finding his daughter snuggling both Pumpkin and Crookshanks, looking more than a little sad.

“Harry’s gone back to school,” she muttered dejectedly, “And Draco's there. And Auntie Cissa says I can't go for ages and ages.”

“Ah,” he hummed, looking thoughtful. “Well, why don't you and daddy do something?”

“Like what?” Her head lifted so she could peer at him curiously over the ginger monstrosity taking up most of the space.

“I ah…I don't know.” he admitted, “What would you like to do?”

“We go back to the cinema, Daddy?”

Rodolphus froze, torn between giving her what she wanted so she would stop looking so sad and abject fear at the thought of being surrounded by muggles in an environment he was decidedly unsure of. “I ah…well…I..” he deflated at the pleading look in her eyes. “I’ll contact your Auntie Andy,” he sighed.

Andromeda had viewed her brother-in-law's request with barely concealed suspicion. “Are you looking to give my sister an excuse to curse me?”

“No!” he protested. “Aquilla is…sad.”

“Oh.” Andy paused, “Why?”

“Potter was here and now he's away back to school and it reminded her of how much she misses Draco.”

“Ah,” she hummed, “I see.

“I asked her what she wished to do and that was her answer so please…I have no idea where to even begin.”

“I’ll check the listings,” Andromeda sighed, giving in to the inevitable, “Give me five minutes and I’ll floo you back.”

“Thank you.” He breathed out a sigh of relief; no part of him had wanted to return to Aquila and tell her they needed to come up with a new plan. He couldn’t bear her being disappointed.

Five minutes later, Andromeda stepped through the floo. “We have options,” she announced.

Aquila eyed her curiously, scrambling off the sofa to curtsey.

Andromeda very seriously curtseyed back, “Hello, little Miss.”

“Hi Auntie Andy! Are you taking Daddy and me to the cinema?”

“I am. But do you want to see a film about dogs or a magical little girl?”

“Oh.” Aquilla froze comically, the indecision clear on her face. “I don't know Auntie Andy!”

“Tell you what, little Miss, why don't we go and see 101 Dalmatians and I’ll see if I can get my hands on Matilda. It's a book too. And maybe when it comes out on video, if you like the book, you can come and watch it at Auntie Andy's house?”

“Yes!” she squealed. 

“Very good,” Andromeda turned to Rodophus, smirking in a way that was alarmingly reminiscent of her elder sister. “Now shall we change Daddy's clothes?”

“Yes,” Aquila agreed, running over so her aunt could pick her up, clearly knowing what was coming, much to her father's confusion.

“What's wrong with my clothes?” he demanded.

“You’ll look like you're wearing a costume in the muggle world!” Andromeda explained exasperatedly. “Now Miss Aquila, what colour of shirt?”

“Pink!” she shouted, making Rodophus pale in horror and Andy laugh.

“I don't think pinks your daddy's colour, little Miss, maybe a different colour?”

Her nose scrunched as she clearly thought about that, “Um…um…green, Auntie Andy.” 

“Very good, now we point the wand like this, put your hand over mine and we’re going to move it in a circle with a quick line down. Ready?”

Aquila nodded excitedly, her curls flying as she did as she was told, letting out a delighted noise when Rodolphus’ robes changed.

“I think his trousers will do. Now, shall we make you a little less fancy?”

Aquila pouted but nodded, “Purple please, Auntie Andy.”

With an indulgent smile, Andromeda transfigured her robes into a simpler dress, adjusting the colour to her niece's specifications. “Beautiful. Now, why don't you get a coat, and we’ll be off.”

Fifteen minutes later saw a visibly uncomfortable Rodolphus following Andromeda through the muggle world. It was far, far busier than he'd been expecting, and he felt faint stirrings of dread. There were just so many of them! He hadn’t realised just how vastly outnumbered they were until this moment. Magic might make protecting themselves easier, but for the first time in his life, he wondered if perhaps muggle weaponry had progressed past fire and swords.

“Breathe!” Andromeda commanded quietly, making him jump. “To them you are just a man.”

“I…I right.” he let out a slow exhale as her words sunk in, following her silently into a building he assumed was the cinema.

“Now I’ll handle everything this time but if you intend to bring Aquila back, I suggest you pay attention. You know how to acquire muggle money?”

“Yes,” he admitted. “Not that I've ever…”

“Well now is the time to start, no?” she cast a silent, wandless, notice me not, “Look, they have the numbers denoting the value on the notes. Each note denotes a specific number of pounds.” Rodolphus took the paper money gingerly, a look of complete fascination on his face.

“I see too, Daddy!” Aquila demanded. Almost distractedly, he picked her up, balancing her on his hip, his focus entirely on the notes Andromeda had placed in his hand.

“It's…parchment.”

“Not exactly, although it feels like it. Rather more convenient than coins,” Andromeda noted, before taking the notes back, and forcing his hand flat so she could deposit coins far smaller than he was used to into it.

“Now, the coins also have their value on them, see?”

“I see,” he murmured.

“It's not hard, the coins are counted in pence, there are 100 pence, or pennies to a pound.”

“Clever,” he mused lightly.

“Quite,” Andromeda agreed, taking the coins back, “We’ll discuss cards later.”

“Cards?” he frowned.

“Muggles have cards, little pieces of plastic, look.” He frowned at the thing she tried to hand him. 

“You swipe it in a machine and then sign a piece of paper and it comes straight out of your bank.”

He blinked at her in confusion, “Straight from the bank?”

“Yes, it's…rather hard to explain quickly, so a lesson for another day, I think. Now.” She cancelled the charm. “This way.”

He followed her warily as she approached a muggle who looked too young to have left school.

“Three to see 101 Dalmatians please.”

“Anything else?”

“Oh. Aquila? Do you wish popcorn again?”

“Yes!” 

“Rodophus?”

He stared back at her in abject confusion, making her smile. “A child's popcorn, a small adults and ah…Maltesers. Three waters too. Thank you.”

“Right. Sweet or salted?

“Sweet please.”

Rodolphus watched in fascination as the muggle pressed against the thing in front of him, giving Andromeda a number, before paper spewed from another machine next to him. A third contraption popped open, revealing more of the muggle money Andromeda had shown him. He wasn’t entirely sure what was happening, but he wondered if perhaps it was time to find out. This was fascinating. Bella would no doubt object, but perhaps between Aquila and himself, they could convince her to at least visit the muggle world once.

They waited for several minutes, although he wasn't entirely sure what for, before the muggle placed two cartons of something, followed by a garishly red packet and three bottles of what he assumed was water on the counter. 

Realising he'd likely have to help carry whatever all this was, he set his daughter down, taking her hand as Andromeda stuffed the bottles and the red packet into her bag, handing him the larger of the cartons. Peering into it, he realised he hadn't the faintest idea what it was.

“We’re screen three, this way,” Andromeda commanded, handing over the paper to be ripped by another bored-looking teen.

“What are they?” he whispered as they passed.

“Oh they're the tickets.”

“Ah.” he muttered, “And they're ripped because…?”

“They know someone's seen them and you can't sneak in when you're not meant to.”

“Ah.”

“And the bucket of…”

“Popcorn. Just try it.”

He nodded, climbing up a flight of stairs to settle in seats that made his daughter look comically tiny but were admittedly comfortable.

He almost jumped out of his skin when the room went dark and a voice boomed out. Only Andromeda's hand on his wrist stilled his need to draw his wand, although Merlin knew it was an incredibly close thing. Willing his heart rate back down, he settled in to see what it was about this place that had his daughter enthralled.

Andromeda watched Rodophus out of the corner of her eye, wanting to laugh. His eyes had been glued to the screen from the moment the film had started. Half his popcorn was scattered all over the floor as he kept missing his mouth. She did so love widening other purebloods' worlds, and the cinema had to be one of the best. At her side, her niece was as enraptured as her father, her tiny face scrunching into a multitude of expressions. Briefly, she wondered how long it would be before the child added a puppy to her collection. She’d need to work on her shield charms. Bella was surely going to try and avada her.

Remaining seated to allow everyone else out once it was done, Andromeda braced herself.

“What…I don’t…the puppies…” 

Giving in, she laughed so hard she cried as the words tumbled from Rodolphus' mouth. 

“Oh. Oh gods. I think if you want an actual explanation then we’re going to have to go back to the manor.”

He pouted, but complied immediately, his head swimming with questions, mainly how the name of all that is magic did they bring this into their world. In the end, Andromeda had had to promise to bring Ted back to answer all of his questions; she was sure he had mentioned a cousin having something to do with films. Hopefully, he’d be better equipped to answer Rodolphus’ increasingly technical questions. She was almost certain that it would only be a matter of time before the Wizarding World had its own version.  

Two days later saw an uncomfortable group trying not to show their unease, hovering in one of the Malfoy sitting rooms.

“Are we sure this is wise?” Rodolphus voiced hesitantly, his eyes on Sirius.

“We think so. No one is going to hurt her, and let's face it, if anyone can charm them, it's that little witch.”

“I don't like it,” Bella glowered. 

“We’d noticed,” Sirius agreed.

“She takes Pumpkin.”

“Merlin,” Remus muttered, seeing horrifying visions of a mauling inside his head, "Who's silencing Alastor?”

“I don't care but she's not going without her.”

Remus held up his hands placatingly, realising how close to the edge the witch was. “Alright.”

“I’ll go and chase her up then,” Sirius offered, all but running to remove himself from his cousin's line of fire as she glowered at him. 

Bella was still glowering when they exited the floo, her body held tense, her hand automatically coming out so Aquila could hold it the second Rodolphus put her down.

“Relax,” he muttered, his eyes on a tense Pumpkin. “Or the cat will eat someone.”

“Good.” she bit back tartly, “Come along then, little star. Let's go and try not to curse everyone.”

“Just one or two, Mummy?”

Behind them, Remus choked. “Maybe we shouldn't curse anyone, little witchling.” he voiced.

She pouted in response, “But Auntie Cissa was….”

“Ah you're here.” Aquila fell completely silent at the sight of Minerva in front of them, taking a step closer to Bellatrix, her other hand coming out to rest on Pumpkin's head. 

“We are,” Narcissa agreed briskly, “I do hope you've warned them to be on their best behaviour.”

“Of course I have,” Minerva scoffed. “Alastor has already been silenced. Now, shall we cease loitering and go and let Molly reassure herself that Miss Lestrange is in one piece.”

She turned swiftly on her heel, not checking that they were following.

There was a beat of silence before Sirius’ confused voice mused, “Is she showing me the way…in my own house?”

Remus clapped him on the shoulder, “She knows you well, Pads. Now let's not piss off the scary witch who knows all our weaknesses.”

With more than a little trepidation, they all filtered into the room, coming face to face with an equally anxious Molly and Arthur Weasley, a silenced Alastor, unusually silent twins and a few more curious Order members who had no real need to be there but were unwilling to miss out on the spectacle that was Bellatrix Lestrange as a mother. 

“Oh…oh look at you!” 

Aquila's slightly fearful eyes darted to her mother for reassurance at Molly's loud exclamation. Sensing Bella's reluctance, Sirius stepped in, “Will I introduce everyone, Princess?”

She nodded slowly, accepting his outstretched hand, giggling when he used it to swing her up and onto his hip. He turned once she was settled, “Well, sit down then! You already know that the only one likely to bite is Bella.”

Emmeline Vance bit back an out of character and completely inappropriate giggle, the nerves clear in the unusual atmosphere.

“Right then, Princess,” Sirius began, pointing around the room, “That is Mr and Mrs Weasely. Mr Weasley used to have a flying car and Mrs Weasley makes the best cake in the whole world!”

“The whole, whole world, Pads?” she checked softly. 

“Definitely.” he agreed, “Now, next to her are two of her boys, Fred and George. She has six and one little girl.”

“Six!”

“Six.” he nodded seriously.

“She had to keep going until she got it right,” George quipped.

“Ronniekins was meant to be a girl.” Fred nodded sagely. “But he gets a bit cross when we remind him.”

“Boys!” Molly growled, and Aquila's eyes darted to Sirius’ as if silently asking what was wrong with them. It was all he could do not to laugh. Never before had she looked so like Narcissa. 

“Now ah…the man who looks a bit red is called Mr Moody.”

She peered at Alastor curiously, “His eye looks fun, Pads.” Very quietly, several people let out inappropriate huffs of laughter, looking like it had been very much against their will. Alastor turned even more alarmingly red. 

“I imagine it is,” Sirius agreed, before moving on quickly; Alastor's glare promised retribution. “Next to him is Madam Vance and Madam Bones. Madam Bones likes to put bad people in Azkaban, so we keep her onside. Now you know Kings, and Uncle Corban,” Corban gave her a little wave that she returned, leaving half the room cooing. “And of course Professor McGonagall. The man next to her is Professor Flitwick, and then the witch is Professor Sprout and of course…

“Uncle Severus!” 

Severus flushed slightly but returned her slightly manic wave with a brief twitch of his hand. “And the rest are unimportant.” Sirius dismissed with an airy wave of his free hand. 

“Sirius!” Andromeda chided.

“Auntie Andy!”

“Hello, little Miss, you've rather a big audience today, haven't you? Did you see Dora and Uncle Ted?” She nodded vigorously, her curls flying in Sirius’ face, “Well next to Uncle Ted is Mr Dodge. And…”

“Yes alright!” Bella interrupted, ignoring Narcissa's glare. “I’m sure everyone is very interesting, but now you've seen she's alive, can we go?”

“Bella,” Narcissa sighed, “Please try to behave like a reasonable human being or I’ll be forced to look out Mothers book on raising well bred young witches.”

Bella turned to stare at her sister in horror, “You wouldn't."

“Of course I would. Now. I understand there is cake?”

Half an hour later, Bella had been reluctantly drawn into an alarming conversation with the twins, Aquila managing to act as a suitable distraction for their mother. Nymphadora was sure that if the world wasn't already ending, it would be soon, as the twins and Bella tossed more and more terrifying ideas at each other. 

“Come over to the Manor,” Bella invited, “I’ll teach you suitable knife skills, we’ll need one of the wizards for the swords unfortunately, Father thought it was unseemly for a witch to learn and by the time I was old enough to do it myself, I didn't need to. I'm more than proficient with a knife. And in return I want to hear more about these lethal sweeties.”

Fred and George shared a slightly sinister grin, “Aye, aye, Ma’am.”

“Now if you were open to some experimentation, we could probably make a version like our Skiving snackbox items….curable. But only if you have the other piece. For ah…persuasion and such.” George continued.

“We should stop that shouldn't we?” Remus checked. 

“Nah.” Sirius waved him off. “That was inevitable."

Remus nodded several times before whispering as if to himself, “We’ll demand all antidotes. Make them take an unbreakable vow not to make more without giving us some.”

“Good call.” Kingsley agreed quickly, watching with slightly fear tinged fascination, wondering if Molly was purposely letting Aquila’s chattering distract her or if she was truly oblivious to the horror her sons could unleash. He rather thought it was the former, silently reassessing his view of the witch inside his own head.

Before they could leave, having been forced to concede to smuggling Harry, Ginny and Ron from school to attend a tea party with Aquila and the twins, at the twins’ insistence, Corban grasped Sirius’ arm. 

“Is this a wedding update?” he quipped, turning to face the man.

Corban laughed at the sound of Kingsley's groan in the background, a muttered, “I’ve a good mind to marry someone random just to shut you all up.” only making him laugh harder.

“Nonsense darling, at least you know I'm reasonably housetrained.”

“Are you?” Kingsley checked disbelievingly. 

“Well,” Corban batted his eyelashes, “If not, I'm sure you promised me a spanking.”

Kingsley closed his eyes in resignation, letting out a deep sigh. “Why do I do this to myself?”

“Give in,” Amelia advised with a grin, “Or at least take the man on a date. Maybe he’ll realise that you're a boring git and change his mind.”

They all laughed at the offended look on Kingsley's face, "I'm not boring!”

“Prove it.” Corban taunted.

His eyes narrowed. “Tomorrow. Wear something…muggle.”

A flash of fear shot across Corban's face. “I’ll take you shopping," Ted offered. “Merlin knows you won't own anything.”

Kingsley smiled smugly as he sauntered towards the floo.

“He's not serious?” Corban demanded.

“Of course he is, we goaded him,” Amelia replied. “And so now he's going to make you so uncomfortable you’ll want to hex him.”

“I wonder if he needs a spanking,” Corban muttered.

Amelia eyed him blatantly, "I'd genuinely love to see you work out the logistics of that, Yaxley. Kings has several inches and even more stones on you.”

“I’d manage."

“Sure, you would.” she smirked. “Now was there a reason you're manhandling another wizard?”

He scowled, “I would,” he muttered petulantly, before turning to Sirius. “However, yes. I spoke to some people. They believe that Mr Potter is off the hook so to speak.”

“Really?” Sirius breathed.

“Yes. So. Lets plan for removing him shortly without involving the teenager.”

“Dumbles first. He has an expiration date.”

“I’m going to pretend I didn't hear that.” Amelia muttered.

“Good call. He died in his bed.”

She nodded once. “Of course he did. Let me know when that happens.”

“Will do.” Sirius saluted. His eyes darted to the side of the room where Arthur had a charmed radio playing music, the twins and Aquila doing increasingly outlandish moves and giggling like lunatics. “Now…how are we getting that little witchling to go home?”

Amelia smiled quickly, heading for the floo, “Bye!” she called over her shoulder, stepping inside the fire before she could be commandeered to help.

“Coward!” Sirius shouted after her.