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The Spiral Path

Chapter 02: Misjudgment Day(s)

The trial that was supposed to be a hearing

Monday, 3rd July, 1995

A young black woman sidled down a side street in downtown London this early morning. She entered a run-down red phone box aside a concrete government-type building. Assuring first that no one was watching her from beyond the alley, she lifted the receiver, popped in a tenner and dialed 62442. An officious-sounding voice echoed within the confines of the box.

"Please state your name and purpose."

"Jodi Burton- I need some paper pushed."

A small badge popped out of the coin return with the inscription: 'Jodi Burton; Administration; Visitor - 3rd July'

The voice echoed again, "Welcome to the British Ministry of Magic," and the interior of the box began to shift down to below ground.

Jodi's short descent ended in the middle of a bustling hallway with numerous people, both human and goblin, going to and fro- mostly to, as the majority were attempting to enter through one of the numerous sign-in desks. Jodi queued up and focused her waiting time concentrating on keeping her breathing even.

Several times while waiting, one of the (typically younger) wizards or witches also in queue would give her a nod and smile, greeting her as 'Jay-jay!' or 'Ice-cream girl!' Each time, Jodi would give a warm smile back and brief reply. Usually it was just a wave back and a shrug, but every once in a while she offered a rolled-eyes faux-grump about 'Paperwork! Go figure!'

Eventually she reached the desk for her queue, where a spotty young wizard took a brief glance at her badge. This was enough of a distraction that the man took a second, longer look at the girl's attractive cleavage. Jodi had left the top three buttons of her rugby shirt unclasped in hopes that it might smooth her travels a bit. That this was obviously the only layer of clothing at this latitude on her body enhanced the effect.

The wizard, whose badge read 'L.E.D. Munch', babbled slightly before offering Jodi's chest a warm smile.

"H-hello and welcome to the Ministry, Jodi. My name's Eric. How can you help I... m-me... you... ehmm, today?"

Jodi gave him a kind smile to calm his embarrassment. Seeing it was only partly successful, she tried to distract him by poking at a higher brain function. "What's all the ruckus? I wouldn't figure it to be this busy so early on a Monday."

"W-well, there's a major hearing of interest, for one. Wand, please?"

Jodi handed off a short stick of hawthorn. The badly-shaven wizard pressed the base of the wand onto a stone on his desk, and a ticket popped out. Before Munch could read it, Jodi leaned forward for a gossipy whisper. The fact that her breasts were pushed up by her crossed arms leaning on the countertop may not have been accidental.

"Really? Who's on the stand?"

Eric looked up to find a distractingly greater amount of cleavage dominating his vision. After staring for a moment, he handed over the ticket and then replied, "Buh... Black Holly- if she shows up in time. If things go as I expect, they'll declare her a renegade and she'll be hunted like her father, Sirius Black. Sign here."

The witch signed her name on the register as 'Jodi J. Burton' and wrote her purpose as 'registering foreign credentials'. She asked, "Why wouldn't she show up? Evans always seemed the type to accept a challenge rather than hide."

"Sure, but they changed the start time and location. Unless she's lucky, Black Holly'll arrive just in time to be sent to Azkaban."

"Well, then let's hope she's as guilty as they plan to treat her. Which department should I see?"

Munch dragged his eyesight down to the register to read her sign-in. "Uhh... Fifth floor, Department of International Magical Cooperation. Say! I thought your last name started with a 'J'."

Holly passed through the arch next to Eric's desk. He handed her back the hawthorn wand. She smiled at him and then replied, "So did everyone else, which is why no one guessed right."

"Well, what's the 'J' stand for?"

"Jezebel, which is why I don't usually write it. Nobody guessed that, either."

~o~

Jodi rode the lift along with a mass of others until she could gratefully exit on level five.

A few minutes of waiting at a tall desk and she was faced with a yawning witch who droned out several feet of instructions and disclaimers that basically amounted to 'You promise that these records are genuine and yours'. Jodi swore to that effect and handed over the letters of certification sent to her by the Accreditation of Competency in Magic and Enchantment (ACME) office in Luxembourg. Bernadette (as her nametag labeled her) took the certificate and placed it at the center of her work surface.

The clerk-witch applied seventeen different stamps, imprints and seals on the certificate in rapid succession, until the parchment resembled an envelope returned from a world tour. Bernadette took an idle glance at the details under the ink and crimping, in an effort to be 'personable', as her boss often had to encourage of her. "Thank you Miss... Burton. Have a pleasant-- Ninety-seven?!"

Jodi grinned at her. "For Defense, yes. Highest in years, they said. I've been offered a few positions, just for that. Who knew?"

The suddenly-alert witch stared as Jodi took her certificate, now considered a British Ministry writ of competency, out of her nerveless hand in return. Jodi gave the woman a saucy wink before turning to head back to the hallway with the lifts.

~o~

Jodi stowed the document in her robes and stared with a momentary dread at the closed door to the nearest lift. She clenched her fists several times while hearing the clanking of the cables within, drawing the car closer to her level. Just as the doors opened, she turned away and skipped down the hall to enter a nearby women's loo. Once inside, she checked the stalls and then sealed the door, ensuring her a moment of solitude. Finally she lurched forward to grip the sides of a sink as her body was wracked with tremors.

Natalia Tonks faded into view behind her and put a comforting hand on her shoulder. Jodi immediately spun into her arms and let herself hyperventilate.

"T-too... m-many people, 'Talia. I dunno if I can do this!"

"I'm here, Hols. I've got your back. I won't let them take you. You're doing great. Just remember- most of them can't even see what you're showing them, 'cause they don't really look at what they're seeing, right? The others may see, but only the surface."

The short witch giggled through her tears. "I love you, but I have no idea what you're saying."

Natalia replied, "Well, see, they see you but it isn't really you unless you're trying to be you instead of the other you. Y'know, this is hard enough an' I just remembered that we aren't even talking about Harry, yet. What was I saying?"

"You were almost nearly saying something heartfelt and meaningful?"

"Right." Natalia stared down into her eyes. "You've got this, sweetie. You've got this..."

After a few minutes of calming touches and tender pecks around her face, Jodi reached up to the top her head to pull out a jeweled barrette from around a dreadlock. Once it was removed, her subtle transfigurations reverted, changing her back into Holly Evans- coffee-coloured skin became pale; one brown eye turned green while the other became a glassy grey; black, frond-like dreadlocks shrank into spiky-short red hair. She then handed the barrette and the hawthorn wand to Natalia. "Here's you spare back."

The taller witch sheathed the wand in her boot. She teased, "Ready for your crucifixion, ya evil bint?"

Holly smirked and grabbed Natalia by her face, giving her a deep and passionate kiss that was readily reciprocated. Holly finished and stepped back to let out a forceful exhale.

"I'm titanium. Let's do this."

Holly buttoned up her robes and put up the hood of her cloak, wandlessly adding a charm to obscure her identity. Natalia tapped her own head with her wand, disappearing with a whispered 'Dissimulo'.

~o~

Holly shuffled into the gallery alongside a number of others, mostly press but occasionally just an older witch or wizard.

She heard Newt in her head, saying, 'Granny Longbottom's gossip groupies, table for eight.' Holly had to suppress a cackle so as not to draw attention.

Looking over the assembled Wizengamot, Holly noted that only a little over half the seats were occupied. Also absent was one Albus Dumbledore.

'I don't think you have many friends here today, Mum.'

'Brilliant. Because he doesn't know, his supporters weren't alerted to the change in time or venue, either.'

Soon the Aurors closed the doors and Cornelius Fudge pounded his gavel several times, alerting the assembled Wizengamot and curious visitors to quiet down.

"Good morning, all. Today's agenda has grown, so I appreciate that so many of you were able to arrange for an early gaveling. Seeing as our Chief Warlock is absent with a failing constitution, I shall moderate our proceedings."

Amelia Bones spoke up from her seat one row back. "Minister, have you heard from the Chief Warlock, indicating that he would be unable to attend?"

"I have not, though I was alerted over the weekend that his condition was not favorable..."

Several of the older members paled visibly, as if their own health had just taken a turn for the worse.

Fudge added, "So, let us not strain his recovery for what is likely to be a simple, if extensive, docket."

Director Bones simply nodded. "I see."

"Our first order of business is the recognition of the newly-appointed Director of International Magical Cooperation, Abraham Greengrass. Does the candidate meet with your approval? 'Aye's', please raise your wand to be counted."

The bulk of the officials raised their wands, each tip lit with a twinkle of one colour or another.

"That is sufficient for his instatement, and I thank you on his behalf for your support. Director Greengrass will be notified and we shall handle his swearing-in after the mid-day meal."

Percy Weasley spoke up from a half-height podium next to the Minister. "The record is so updated."

"Thank you, Percy. Our next matter of business is the issuing of a warrant for the arrest and detention of one Holly Jade Evans, as a suspect in the murders of ten wizards, honorable and true."

This time, a much older witch spoke up. "Minister, I don't believe I heard you correctly. Did you say that this girl is accused of murdering ten other wizards?"

"I did."

"Why is this girl not in custody already? I thought she was recovering at Hogwarts. Was she not served with notice to appear?"

"Alas, she escaped from custody at the school soon after the headmaster expelled her for cause. A notice was sent to her, but her absence here indicates that Miss Evans has chosen the road of lawlessness."

Holly stepped out from the shadows at the back of the gallery, pulling back the hood of her cloak. "Excuse me, Minister, but I haven't ignored the writ. It hasn't come due, yet. "

"What? Aurors- arrest that witch!"

The crowd in the gallery shrank away from her. Four Aurors surrounded Holly, though they all stood a yard back with their wands drawn.

Holly raised up a folded letter in her hand and bellowed out, "YOUR WRIT says 'Present yourself to the officials of the Ministry by ten this morning'. It's only half eight."

Fudge clarified, "It says to present yourself before the Wizengamot preceding your hearing."

"Ah. Well, here I am. Where should I stand?"

"You shall hand over your wand-"

"What wand?"

"Your wand."

"It was stolen during the incident. I haven't gone out to buy a wand or really anything else, since then. That's probably why you didn't know I was in the building."

"Then you shall allow the Aurors to verify that and then take the chair." At a wave of his wand, Minister Fudge invoked a shift of the floor at the center of the room, where a sturdy wooden chair with iron shackles at the joints rose into place, set upon a dais.

Holly glowered. "This is not the proper arrangement for a witch of my standing. I ask to be identified."

Minister Fudge shook his head in exasperation. "You just said that you were Holly Evans."

"Well then, I've changed my name to Merlina. I'll be on my way..."

Director Bones spoke up. "Aurors, bring the witch there up to the witness' podium, that she may be recognised."

Holly was then escorted to a small stand surrounded by a wooden railing, facing the Wizengamot on their right. Set in the center of the railing was a flat amber stone with a hand-shaped depression. Once Holly placed her hand there, the closest Auror tapped the railing with his wand. An officious woman's voice echoed out from the stone.

"Standing before you is Dame Holly Jade Evans of the House of Black, Regent to the House of Potter and witch in good standing. She has reached her majority and is registered as a competent witch pending confirmation of O.W.L. certification."

"Dame Evans?"

"Yes, Minister?"

"How is it that you hold the title of 'Dame', Miss Evans?"

"They're your rules, Minister."

"Then let me be more explicit; just exactly which Noble House's line of succession flows through to your child, and where is it?"

"Gifts and letters of congratulations may be sent to my post box in Hogsmeade, Minister. Otherwise, it is a private matter."

"Get over here!"

Holly walked around the railing and down across the pit to stand at the closest point to the Minister's podium, though ten feet below. Runes on the floor around her glowed briefly as a privacy charm took effect.

The Minister bent down and whispered, "Whose baby did you bear?"

Holly squinted up at him. "Would you like me to say I carry the child of Slytherin via a basilisk? Of Black by incest? Of Potter by incest? Howabout Dumbledore or Malfoy? Should I say I think it's yours, from when I was released from prison?"

"Don't fiddle with me, girl! You won't survive it!"

"You already want me dead. I just want to live. How many names should I slog through the mud of public inquiry to satisfy your curiosity? If I go through that list and then say 'I don't know', this could turn into quite the circus."

"Have you no idea?"

"Truth is a weapon, sir. Don't ask me to draw my sharpest blades unless you wish to see the blood fly."

The Minister stared long and hard at Holly, until he threw up his hands and gestured for her to return to the stand.

After a moment of quiet consultation with several wizards nearby, the Minister spoke out. "We have accepted the status of Dame Evans for the purposes of this inquiry. We shall now move to question the suspect-"

Holly interrupted with, "I elect to give a statement of testimony."

Minister Fudge groaned. "You cannot give a statement and be here- they are meant for those noble citizens unable to attend to still deliver true testimony as witnessed and sworn by a vow."

"Yes, but I'm a frugal witch and chose to personally deliver the statement rather than waste the postage or risk a delay in delivery. I'll even read it for you." Holly pulled out a scroll from her sleeve.

Percy Weasley sat up and barked in tandem with Minister Fudge, "Aurors, bring that document here!" Percy blushed and looked sheepishly at the Minister. By the time their silent conversation was done, Percy had Holly's writ of testimony in hand.

The Minister bent down to look over his shoulder at the document. "And what trusted individual was the signatory for this writ?"

Percy replied, "Auror Nymphadora Tonks, by her badge and vows, certified as a guardian of this Ministry 10th June, 1994."

Newt thought, 'I have this strange feeling that Natalia is going to be fired, soon.'

Holly thought back, 'Yup. Hopefully Amelia had already set up an Auror-empowered cover identity, preferably one other than 'Gordon S. Knot'. Shush, now.'

'Yes, Mum.'

The Minister grunted once, and then gave her an obsequious smile. "Very well. As a concession to your kind presence, you may read your writ."

The document was passed back to Holly, who adjusted her glasses before speaking out.

"In the matter of the events of 24th June where I was involved, I swear the following statements are the truth:

"I, with Cedric Diggory, was unwillingly portkeyed from the Tournament maze to a graveyard. We were both stripped of all clothing and jewelry. My blood was taken, against my will, to enact a ritual of some dark alchemy to bring... a being to life. This being summoned other people with the aid of an accomplice that appeared to be Peter Pettigrew; this is based upon pictures I've seen of him from my mother's time at Hogwarts.

"At least twenty others, all men, appeared over a short span of time, wearing masks that hid their faces from me. I was..." Holly paused to clear the catch in her throat. "...sexually abused many times by different men. Finally, my eye was plucked out with a large knife. The man who mutilated me then attempted to cast the Killing Curse on me, but the result was his own body exploding in fire, burning to death several others nearby and injuring me as well. I was found and brought back to Hogwarts where I recovered under the care of the school Healer, Poppy Pomfrey.

"I never wanted to be there. Crimes were committed against me and Cedric. I hope that one day the scales of justice are balanced against the atrocities that were performed on us at that place, on that day.

"This is the statement to which I swear, on this day and with no reservation in declaring it the truth, by my magic. Signed, Holly Jade Evans."

An ancient wizard piped up, "Ehh... would you be willing to answer questions about your statement?"

"Sure. That seems fair..."

A revelation soon came over Holly; if your enemies offer you something and you find yourself saying out loud 'That seems fair...', you are completely screwed.

Holly recognised the first questioner as the toad-woman who had broken into her dorm room the previous Christmas. Madame Umbridge said (in a cutesy, 10-year-old's voice that was disconcerting for many, given the topic), "You claim to have been sexually abused by different men. How is it that you know they were different men if they wore masks?"

The question ignited her emotions. She bit out, "There were three abusing me at once at several junctures during my rape. I know it wasn't the same three, because I could tell they each had a different length and girth. Or would you rather believe that one wizard raped me over twenty times while two dozen others watched?"

Another wizard of the assembly asked, "And, at no time did you ever indicate you may have enjoyed these acts?"

Holly paused. She was distracted by the memory of teasing Riddle about his Cruciatus Curse; at the time, she had said, 'A-are you kidding? I finally climaxed!' Before she could finish forming an answer, another question was posed.

"Can you attest that all the deaths in that graveyard came from the miscast Killing Curse?"

And another...

"Did you ever have a chance to escape?"

"Did you attempt to bargain with your captors for your life?"

"Are you certain on your figures? Were there exactly two dozen or were there more, and why do you then consider yourself as raped only twenty times?"

"How is it that all these crimes were done to you, when you were absent from the maze for only a few minutes?"

Holly finally caught up enough to stutter out, "They used a Time Turner."

Much arguing and protesting began to rise, both amidst the Wizengamot and amongst the dirt-peddlers in the gallery.

A few of the officials made their questions known above the noise. "You didn't mention a Time Turner before. That is a highly restricted item, carefully controlled by the Ministry. How would you know to recognise one?"

"And what of this 'being' you say was raised from the dead- such a ritual is known to be impossible, so what was the true purpose of the ritual?"

"How would you describe this being?"

Holly stuttered, "I- I can't. He disappeared from sight."

"I thought you said the being summoned the others."

She replied, "He was still there, just invisible."

Madame Umbridge responded with glee, "Invisible beings, restricted devices and impossible magic, you say? I don't believe there is a single piece of this statement that will stand up to proper scrutiny. While we investigate these dubious claims, I submit that Miss Evans be held for questioning. In Azkaban."

The assembly grew more raucous with some members shouting questions and others asking for the earlier ones to be answered. The Minister ended his own tennis-match attempt to follow the barrage to respond to his Undersecretary's request. "I have a motion to hold the witness for questioning and investigate this statement for its veracity. May I have a show of wands for those in agreement?" The tumult was such that the Minister's motion wasn't clearly heard... yet. He attempted to restore order by banging his gavel several times.

Newt called out in her mind, 'You're playing their game, Mum! It's a gauntlet, and you're standing below the murder holes.'

Holly clamped down on her panic and searched through the members of the Wizengamot for a friendly face. Her eye caught on Madame Bones and she quailed when she realised that Amelia's face was frozen in some ensorcellment.

She instead looked imploringly at Lucius Malfoy.

Lord Malfoy saw her gaze and returned a curious squint. He stood up- the accusations and invasive questions quickly died off. With a strong voice echoing over the dying cacophony, he said, "Minister, I believe Dame Evans would appreciate a break to recover her composure. May we recess?"

The Minister was happy to call out, "We shall hold the other motion. One hour recess." Minister Fudge then shared a second look with Malfoy, particularly noting the grip on his cane. He added, "Please clear the room for reasons of security." A single gavel strike initiated much movement and discussion.

~o~

Holly was escorted by an Auror to a side chamber with a table and chairs. A few minutes later, Lord Malfoy entered, along with a young woman carrying tea service. Lord Malfoy sat across from Holly and gestured politely for the assistant and the Auror to allow them some privacy. Once they had closed the door behind them, Lucius spoke.

"I sense that you did not expect this outcome when you came up with your plan to bully the Wizengamot into submission. You must think us all idiots. We are not."

Holly scowled in thought for a moment. "Lord Malfoy, I came here to clear my name so that I could live untroubled by this Ministry. My testimony was carefully composed so as not to imply anything about your Master's return."

"I think you mistake me for someone allied with your alleged rapists, Dame Evans."

Holly looked up at him and angrily whispered, "I've seen a vision of you and a few fellows in ornate masks lining up naked muggle men along a pier by order of skin tone as part of a Death Eater wine and cheese party. I know your allegiance, and your bent. You weren't there at the graveyard for my raping, because you had no interest. You were at the school, ready to assist his planned assault. I don't care. My problem is that I'm playing this whole thing right to your interests and your cohorts are bungling it!"

Lucius stared over at her for a moment before responding. "I cannot say what happened in that graveyard, because, as you say, I was still at the Tournament. Yet I suspect that the questions posed will be much more troublesome for you to answer. I believe I can help you out of this- "

Holly growled out, "Spare me the white knight ploy, Lord Malfoy. I looked to you because they look to you. If I hear one more indecent question, I promise you that the full pensieve record of my six hours of Hell will be presented along with physical evidence proving who all the rapists were. Riddle's return will be outed, and a number of your allies will be significantly less useful. And, soon after that, your friends Bulstrode, Falmouth, Parkinson, Montague, Pritchard, Selwyn and Goyle will be burying their wives and children alongside Draco's mutilated corpse. Rowle, Yaxley and the other bachelors will just have to wonder what I'm planning for them. By that point, playing by the rules will be pointless and we'll see who raises the highest body count."

Malfoy sneered at her. "Really. And... excuse my curiosity, but why would you spare my wife?"

"She's a Black. I'd give her a chance to return to the family. After I'm done, the only Pureblood family left will be the House of Black. Then we can put to bed this silly prejudice. Or you can just leave me alone!"

"I see. And what shall you do when the Minister orders you held in Azkaban while your testimony is reviewed and considered?"

"I will kill everyone in the room." Holly gave a swift gesture and the lights in the room went out.

"What-?"

After several minutes of bumping and a few flashes of magic in various colours, the light returned.

Holly stood with her arms crossed, facing Lord Malfoy as he hung upside down from the ceiling, bound and gagged by fibrous ropes. The desk and chairs had been reformed into three dozen sharp spikes of wood, all aimed upward, towards him. As Lord Malfoy rotated in his bindings, he noted that there was no longer a door. The walls of the room seemed to exist as the sole boundary defining his reality.

"In case you have forgotten, I have killed a troll, a basilisk, a dragon, and ten hardened criminals. I'm four for four against your Dark Lord. I don't need a wand to kill, and I'm losing the inclination to just walk away the longer this travesty goes on. I will never go back to Azkaban as a prisoner- I'd rather see Britain in flames, and I consider that the proper response to the threat. This is my last warning. Do not provoke me, ever again!"

Holly back-handed him in the face. As he was struck, a flash of red enveloped Lord Malfoy's perception.

When he was rennervated, he found himself sitting back in his chair across the table from Holly. A sharp pain shot through his left hand- taking a look, he found that a three-inch sliver of wood was embedded below the skin of his wrist. He recognised the wood- it was a shaving from his carefully hidden backup wand.

Holly sipped her tea and then mumbled, "You should have a healer take a look at that, Lord Malfoy."

~o~

Only Aurors, the Wizengamot and their officers had been allowed back into the room, aside from Holly. The gallery behind her was thus quite empty.

She heard Newt musing, 'There's only sixty in the room now. You could take sixty.'

She replied in thought, 'Are you daft? Even with Talia's backup, I could only take a dozen before they overbore us. I know you love me, but keep some perspective.'

'I am, Mum. Only a dozen would have the stones to attack.'

'Ah, fair point.'

The Minister gavelled them back into session. "Dame Evans, I would like to apologise for allowing our proceedings to get out of hand. After careful consideration, I submit that your statement of testimony is valid and that allegations of your complicity in the crimes committed on 24th June should be dropped. May I have a show of wands for those in agreement?"

More than half of the assembly raised their lit wands. Most of the others appeared to be confused with the change in sentiment, including Dolores Umbridge. She raised her wand to follow suit with Minister Fudge, but glared at Holly all the same.

The Minister concluded, "That is sufficient for the motion to pass." He then addressed Holly. "You are cleared of the charges. I welcome you to speak with the Department of Magical Law Enforcement to aid in their further investigation over the deaths in that graveyard on 24th June. You are free to leave."

Holly let her emotions loose and she sobbed in relief. She calmed her tears quickly, though, then nodded and stepped away from the stand.

The Minister added, "Miss Evans, it is appropriate to thank this assembly when you are granted such a ruling."

Holly turned back and cast her gaze across the group facing her. "Oh? Well I would thank you, Minister, for not allowing me to be humiliated in front of the press and the most honoured elders of our society, except that I WAS. I would thank you for seeing that justice was done, but with the press now absent, it wasn't. I would thank you for not abusing your authority trying to entrap me, but you did. I'd even thank you for your apology, but you didn't actually apologise- you only said that you'd like to. I will thank you all, in advance, for shunning me from polite society and then burying your heads in the sand while those who didn't die in that graveyard continue to spread their poison into this Ministry. It should make for very entertaining news copy. Good day."

~o~

Exiting the chamber proved to be another kind of gauntlet, as Holly was immediately surrounded by press people shouting questions and popping off flash bulbs from wizarding cameras. She eventually crouched to the floor under this barrage, covering her head with her hands. Finally, a tall black Auror stepped in front of her, bellowing out, "Enough! Back away. Let Miss Evans through."

Holly stood up just behind Kingsley Shacklebolt's imposing presence, looking every bit as surrounded and frightened as the press was hoping to make her. Eventually the Aurors maneuvered her into an empty lift, and she escaped the noise, alone.

Holly stopped the lift at level six, exiting into the hallway and running for the loo.

Half an hour later, a happy, triumphant and fresh-faced Jodi J. Burton emerged and signed up for Apparation testing, since this was the Department of Magical Transport.

A few minutes after, Auror Tonks left level six to return to her desk on level two. (Two hours of discomfort later, she realised the problem and went to the loo to put her stretchy pants back on frontwards.)

~[]~

Grimy Old Places

Tuesday, 4th July, 1995

Holly, Hermione and Natalia stood at the edge of the Weasley's vegetable garden, solemnly watching the rising dawn.

Once the sun had risen above the treetops, Holly grabbed hold of Hermione and they wept together, with Natalia wrapping her arms around them as well. They broke up the embrace and each witch tried to stem their tears.

Holly turned to Nat. "No one inside?"

"Place is scary empty, and their clock is missing, too. I've never seen this place so quiet. When I was dating Charlie and we snuck back in after an early morning howdy, I was amazed at how active a sleeping house could seem."

Holly teased, "And then Molly caught you."

Nat grudgingly nodded, "...and then Molly caught us. I thought she was gonna turn ME over her knee, and not in a fun, sexy way."

Hermione smiled, then whirled her wand to conjure a bouquet of gardenias. She knelt down to place them in front of a rough slab of slate- the tombstone of a loyal friend. Hermione snorted.

Holly asked, "What's funny?"

"Ginny's addendum- 'by the way, she was an owl.'"

The three witches stood up and looked down on the marker as one. Holly whispered, "Goodbye, Hedwig. See you next year."

They walked together to the edge of the property. Natalia leaned over and kissed Holly's forehead, and then Disapparated.

Hermione turned to look at Holly. "So, where are the Weasley's, anyway?"

Holly shrugged. "I dunno- does the Church of St. Ginger meet on a Tuesday? Let's get brekkers at a teahouse, seeing how Molly's not serving."

~o~

Later that day...

Hermione was sitting in a chaise on the observation deck outside Holly's bedroom, reading a book. Holly sat in the next chair, rubbing a calming salve into her temples. Her baby crawled around her in an aimless exploration.

Hermione closed her book and stated, "This isn't the Potter Grimoire. It's just an incomplete copy."

"I know."

"So, don't you think you should give it back to Professor Dumbledore?"

Holly turned a pained expression towards her friend. "Just because he copied my family's secrets into his own book from the original doesn't mean that he wasn't stealing. Anyway, how can you tell it's a copy?"

"There are sections on wand-making missing, as well as the layout and incantation for the library anchoring charm."

"So, the original must have snapped back into the Potter library at some point before Albus was done cribbing, due to the aforementioned charm. Yay, ancestors! Hang on; the Potters were wand-makers?"

"Not exactly. They were crafters in general, and had a section of insights into wand-craft. There are notes beside many of the pictures in the family tree indicating which materials were used for each of their wands. It's a curious thing to tally." She opened the book again to show Holly the relevant pages of charts.

Holly took an idle look. "Y'know, there weren't any wands in the Potter vault."

"That would be appropriate. Mention is made of the Potters' custom wands losing their power with the death of their owner. Here's a clipping from 'Eminences in Enchantment', a review of sorts. It refers to the Potter wands as 'flimsy toys when compared to the works of great wandcrafters like Gregorovitch and Ollivander'."

"We Potters are a selfish and flighty lot. Not a spine among us."

Hermione scowled at the weak attempt at sarcasm. "Perhaps so. Or maybe it was a factor of making the wands so specifically for their owners; Mr. Ollivander has to keep a ready supply in a variety of materials, so that the new students may be matched immediately. As such, his designs are no doubt a bit more... generic."

Holly leaned back in the chair again. "Fascinating. Are you thinking of going into wandmaking, now? I believe that's your fifteenth career goal so far."

"Holly... I'm going back to Hogwarts. I'm going to continue my education there."

"Good."

"What? I would think you would want me to keep away from Professor Dumbledore and the Death Eater's children and Snape-"

"Good lord, why? We need you there to protect others and continue our RE-classes. Mum's going to need your support as well, and Violet might need a safety net. Mum said she'll make you Prefect, right?"

"Yes. I was going to draft a polite apology. I'm glad I won't have to."

Dobby appeared with a pop, carrying an overburdening collection of letters and boxes. Chrysalis giggled and reached out to pull on an envelope which was apparently the keystone of Dobby's burden, as the whole collection seemed to burst out of his arms like popcorn. The baby clapped and giggled again, the one letter still clutched in her hand.

Hermione drew her wand. As several letters began to float up and refold themselves into Howlers, she shot them down with a quick succession of minor jinxes. She followed up with some Flash-burning hexes on the more animated packages.

With the tainted post filtered out, Holly went through the remaining handful of letters. "Hmm. I've been invited to the Malfoys for Lammas again. Think I should go?"

Hermione rolled her eyes.

Holly smirked and opened another letter. "Ah- another trap. The Wizengamot has invited Sirius to a hearing to 'reopen the investigation into his crimes'. Sent via me, seeing as he has no known address."

"Where is the precocious Mr. Pink?"

"Well, let's see what he wrote. Letter #3 says he's staying... uhh, you can read it for yourself. I can't say it back, but the message is clear. We've been invited to join the resistance." Holly handed the letter over to Hermione.

"Surely Professor Dumbledore doesn't expect you to side with him, now?"

"Check the calligraphy. The magical code-phrase is from Albus but the letter is from Mad-eye. They have re-formed the Order of the Phoenix, an underground militia, and would appreciate our help. That's mine and Natalia's help, by the way. Moody's not interested in the assistance of the under-aged."

"I'm coming, anyway."

"Where?" Holly leaned forward to take the letter Chrys was holding, but the tyke kept a solid grip.

"Aren't you going to go?"

"It's like you said- why would I?" Holly gently tugged at the missive, causing Chrys to giggle at each tug. She frowned.

Hermione tried to recapture her attention. "Holly, your father's house has been re-christened the Headquarters of the Order. Why would Sirius have gone along with that?"

"He hates that house."

"Because..."

"...it's a grim, old place where all the light of his youth was nearly sucked out of him, due to evil influences and the madness of his mother- oh, shit." Holly let go of the letter, causing Chrys to roll backwards off the chaise. The infant bounced up from the floor and landed back on the chair with a quiet 'wheee!'

Hermione nodded at Holly's concern. "Yes. Either Sirius has been hoodwinked or he's setting up the Order to fall into his family's traps. Neither result bodes well for the House of Black or the Order."

"WINKY!"

The elf popped into being at the foot of the chaise. "Yes'm?"

"Take Chrysanthemum for the rest of the day. We're going out." Holly and Hermione both rose from their chairs.

Winky grumped at her mistress, "Will Holly transmake her back from rubber, now?"

"Only if you can get that letter out of her hand."

Winky reached over to grab the letter, smiling at Chrys. The child smiled back.

"(Giggle!) Kee-kee play!"

~o~

Holly entered the hidden house in London without knocking or ringing the doorbell. She led Hermione into the darkened foyer only to stop short when the candles of the chandelier lit up, revealing six familiar adults with their wands all pointed at them. Arthur and Molly Weasley stood to their left, just behind Mad-eye Moody. Their eldest, Bill was to the right with Remus and Sirius.

Mad-eye growled, "Prove you're who you look like!"

Holly shrugged and turned around to leave, but Hermione stayed her departure. She answered, "If the fact that we already could see this house through the Fidelius wasn't proof enough, then surely the fact that Holly entered without setting off any alarms or protections would be clear enough indication that she has the right to enter here as a member of the family."

Mr. Weasley said, "She has a point. That sounds like Miss Granger and the other acts like Miss Evans."

Holly scoffed. "Oh, that's just stupid. Someone could have intercepted the letter, I could be Narcissa using Polyjuice and Hermione could be under the Imperius. Is this the best security you can come up with?"

Remus snorted; Sirius barked out a laugh and the three eldest Weasleys all lowered their wands. Only Mad-eye kept his wand and staff trained on the two witches.

"I'm waitin' fer proof, ladies."

Holly smirked. "Moody, the last time your eye left its socket it was stuck between my tits."

Both Hermione and Mr. Weasley blushed and coughed. Remus, Sirius and Bill all turned to give Mad-eye a look of surprise. He merely turned and grumped his way back down the hall, his gnarled staff making a loud thump on the wood floor.

Molly Weasley frowned at the young witches. "Surely you could have thought of a better-"

Holly interrupted, "I brought baby pictures."

The matron's squeal of delight indicated that any further possibility of Molly's ire being heard that afternoon was, at the very least, reduced.

~o~

Hermione left Holly, Molly, Ginny, Ron (who had nothing better to do) and an older witch named Emmeline to goo over the photos of Chrysalis. She found her quarry in the kitchen, in heated discussion with other men of the Order. As soon as she entered, Mad-eye started to chase her out.

"Now, Granger. This is no place for you. I'm sure Molly'll scrape up somethin' delicious as soon as she stops squealin' about infants. Why don't you join them?"

"I've already seen the pictures. Sirius, may I speak with you for a moment- it's about Holly."

Sirius followed her out into the hallway. A privacy charm went up at Hermione's gesture, eliciting a smile from her host.

"Ooh! Are we being sneaky?"

"Sirius, why did you give this house over to the Order?"

The wizard gave Hermione a squint. "I'll assume this goes beyond idle curiosity. Whatever else we may be attempting, Riddle must still be opposed. The Order needed a central point that was well-protected but accessible by private Floo and not easily staked out. This place, which I despise so, fits the bill. Why are you, and I assume Holly, upset by this?"

"Well to start with, this house was accessible to other Black family members during your absence. Is there any chance Narcissa Malfoy left monitoring charms around?"

"I doubt she'd want to come back here any more than I or Andi would."

"Yet, once you were known to have escaped, her husband might have asked her where you would go, to hide from the Aurors. She may have left instructions with that nasty elf you told us about, seeing as he would be more aligned with her values. Also, your family has a reputation for collecting Dark Magics. This is their homestead. One can only wonder what is contained here that may not be properly secured."

"We have some very capable Order members sorting through the dangerous items and tossing them out in the garbage or in the furnace where they belong."

Hermione scowled. "Tossing them out? Where muggle waste handlers will touch them?"

"I... uhhh... "

"And what of the Black library? Are you selling the darkest books, allowing them back into circulation, or committing the true heresy of burning them?"

"Well, we've opened it up to a few members..."

"Like the Headmaster... and Professor Snape? Do you know all the new members well? That grimy short fellow didn't seem like the upright sort. Are the Weasleys allowed to read what they wish?"

"They're here helping us clean up. Also, the Burrow won't be safe until Albus and Bill finish the new protections."

"Ah! You're referring of course to William, who is employed by Holly's most ardent fans, the goblins. He'll have access to your family secrets, along with Fred and George, our pranking business partners with more sense of innovation than self-preservation. One more thing- when did you decide that the Headmaster would be the optimal secret-keeper here?"

Sirius gave her a sly smile, hoping to charm her out of her rant. "You know, you're terribly sexy when you fume."

Hermione smiled. "I do know that, actually. If I may; I think you've been Confunded. Shall we retire to your bedchamber, where I can hopefully extract the evil influence that rots your thinking?"

Sirius' mouth twitched, but he held back a smirk. "You aren't the first witch to use that line on me."

"Yes but unlike them, I mean it literally; I actually intend to be successful; and I do not expect either of us to remove any clothing in the process."

Sirius grumbled and then pointed Hermione up the stairs. He followed after a pause, mumbling, "Uppity swot."

Hermione called back in a sing-song, "I heard that..."

Sirius followed her up the staircase, taking note of the attractive lure three steps ahead of him. "Nice arse, though. Oh, my. Didja hear that, too?"

Hermione blushed, fumed and then doubled the speed of her ascent.

Sirius grinned, whispering after her, "Chick-a! Chick-a! Chick-a! Chick-a! Bump-bump! Ohhhh, yeah!"

~o~

Molly was just deploying the evening feast when Albus Dumbledore arrived through the floo into the crowded kitchen.

"Am I too late?"

Molly replied happily, "Not at all! Take a seat, Headmaster. There's plenty for everyone."

Albus tucked his beard into his belt and hobbled over to the nearby bench. He was using a carved walking stick to aid his progress. Upon settling into a place between Mad-eye and Bill, he looked up to find Holly staring back at him. After a pause, he smiled.

"I'm delighted to see that you've accepted my invitation, Miss Evans."

Holly growled out, "Not quite, Albus. I'm just keeping an eye on my interests. Let's table any further talking by you, lest we spoil this excellent meal."

Most everyone gasped into silence the moment Holly referred to the warlock by his first name. The others did when she cut him off from speaking.

The uncomfortable silence was broken by Hermione asking, "Has anyone seen the Prophet yet today? I understand it was a quick sell."

Fred replied, "Of course it was. Hols defeated half the Wizengamot with the help of Lord Malfoy, of all people. It's like the world turned sideways."

George added, "Yeah, they should have packaged it with a shot of firewhisky, to set everyone's perspective aright!"

Sirius smiled. "Yes, how did you accomplish that, Holly?"

Holly shrugged. "I told him I'd kill everyone in the courtroom if he didn't back off."

Silence returned.

She smiled then, taking in everyone's expression in a long review of the table.

"You lot are so gullible!"

The rest of the meal continued in a sort of nervous, purposeful relaxation.

~o~

With the kitchen once again filled only with adults, Albus called the official Order meeting... to order.

"Now, if I may, I would like to ask Miss Evans about yesterday's events."

Holly was sitting at the other end of the long table. The distance, along with the low seat in this particular chair, reminded her immediately of her frequent placement in front of officials and Ministers. She stood up to speak.

"Question for question, Albus. You lie and I'm gone."

"Very well. What arrangement did you make with Lord Malfoy to escape detainment?"

"I pointed out that my testimony was worded to avoid mention of his Master, and then I threatened to kill everyone in the courtroom."

Several of the older members paled.

Holly's gaze never left the Headmaster. "My turn. How are you feeling? The Minister said you were ill."

"Thank you for your concern, though it seems a mite hypocritical of you to ask, Miss Evans. I am recovering well from your assault. The Minister was merely excusing his manipulation of the court's arrangements. Now, why did you not mention the Dark Lord's involvement in the graveyard events during your testimony? The truth would have been reported, even if your statement's veracity was in question."

"Because it would have been stupid and life-threatening for me to do so. Let's try this one; if you are surreptitiously recruiting people to this secret organisation based upon their character and hopefully their usefulness (though I can't be sure of that, given tonight's attendance), why would you want Riddle's return to be made public? Ask people now and you'll get earnest if gullible believers. Once he's outed, most of your further recruitment will be enemy moles and cowards without a safehouse."

The room erupted in scoffs, shouts and declarations of impatience with 'the hopped-up witch'.

Albus quieted everyone by calmly raising a hand. "I'm at a loss to understand your confusion. The only way the Ministry will be able to protect this country is to acknowledge that there is a threat. Even now, prominent friends are beginning to disappear in the night, as they did when Voldemort first rose to power, so many years ago. He has returned, and people will not act to defend themselves unless they are prepared, by knowing that the threat exists."

Holly countered, "The Ministry doesn't protect this country, it protects itself. Nor is the magical world defined by land borders. It's defined by its citizens. If these prominent people of yours can be alerted through trusted contacts, they may be able to protect themselves and do some good. The general public will just run and/or hide."

Mr. Weasley piped up, "Some would fight."

"For or against? I think you already know the names of the ones would try to make a difference, and that's barely more than the foolhardy folks in this room. Does the Ministry really offer us protection? Does it operate with an alert system with squads of trained units to answer a distress call? No. What would the Ministry do, in its current form?"

Albus looked over his half-moon glasses. "That's four questions."

"The first three were rhetorical. I mean it- what's the point?"

The Headmaster replied, "The wizarding world is affected by what its population believes. If they believe that the Dark Lord has returned, they will act!"

"Not if you just yell it out- they'll run for their bolt holes in a panic, left to be easily picked off in their isolation. The only way to rouse a large volunteer army is to invite their consideration of what will offend them."

Mad-eye grumbled, "What're you on about, Evans?"

"Aristotle said, 'Much like philanthropy, righteous anger is a gift'. Or was it De la Rocha? Anyway, you should use the media to alert them to the disappearances, make them get intrigued by the wrongness in the world, point out when things are done that are wrong, when initiatives are passed that will limit them and persecute them, taking away their rights and their comforts. Even point out when a troublemaker like me is having her rights suborned in order to railroad her into prison... again. A growing indignation could then be ignited with a well-timed series of revelations, arranged to lead them to the proper conclusion ; 'Oh, no! The Minister's bank account has doubled in the last year! Lord Malfoy was caught bribing him! Some guy named Tom was hiding in his basement, along with Doge's corpse! And wouldja look at all the Death Eater memorabilia!"

Albus replied with an elder's condescension. "We do not have control of the media, nor should the public be led around like sheep."

"In reverse order, yes they should, and yes you do. Not all of it- you don't need a monopoly over information to keep people informed, you just need a few consistent outlets. The Quibbler's owner could be convinced to editorialise for you and WWRX can broadcast year-round throughout the Wizard Wireless network, as they did during the Tournament. What's more, you have an accomplished journalist with a penchant for rabble-rousing available for a song. Mum?" Holly turned to Professor McGonagall.

Minerva nodded back and retrieved from her robes a stoppered flask containing some leaves and a small branch. She opened the seal, and a small beetle tentatively crawled out along the lip. With a gesture from Sirius' wand, Rita Skeeter appeared, sitting on the table in a very dirty sparkly-orange dress. Remus followed up with a leg-locker curse to keep the witch sitting on the table.

The Headmaster stood up in greeting. "Ms. Skeeter, I presume."

She turned to face him and growled, "You will never get away with this!"

From the other end of the table, Holly called out, "Rita! Would you rather live in the world Albus leads, or the one Voldemort will make?"

The magic in her words made the disheveled dish-dealer take pause and truly consider. She replied, "I... I have demands."

Albus huffed. "No doubt. My friends, we should adjourn so that I can consider what Holly's ideas may mean to our efforts. In the meantime..."

Mad-eye was accompanied by several others shouting, "Constant Vigilance!"

Rita scoffed. "That's your battle cry? It needs work. Now would someone please unlock my legs and point me to a lavatory? I desperately need to smarten up my look."

Sirius unjinxed her and offered her the hand not holding his wand to assist her off the table. He added, "Yes, you certainly do."

~o~

Everyone else had left the room aside from Albus and Holly. She took a chair next to the warlock and offered up her bag of cherry sours. The headmaster smiled as he took a few to sample.

Holly took one to savor as well. After a minute of quiet between them, she said, "You didn't attend on purpose, I take it?"

Albus shrugged. "Aiding you then would have weakened us both, Miss Evans, and I seem to recall you asking for me to keep my fingers out of your life."

Holly sat back. "Now, he listens."

"I always listen. What I decide to do about it is another thing entirely."

She ignored the humor and stared at him. "Politician; Diplomat; Spymaster; Strategist; Resistance leader; Researcher; and Secret-keeper? Not to mention, Moral Overseer? You're the only one with all the pieces it seems, but you can't be all things at all times. How many hats do you want to wear, sir?"

"I'm afraid I don't understand your concern. I fulfilled these roles just as well the last time. I know my responsibilities."

"You bungled it last time, sir. I strongly suggest that you consider what tasks that only you can perform at all, and delegate the other responsibilities to those who could do them at least half as well."

"And why should I do that?"

"Because, sir, YOU'RE OLD! Even if we come through this with colours flying, you'll be gone eventually and no one will know how to handle things the next time a Dark Lord rises. I thought you were also an educator. You simply don't have the time..." Holly's rant trailed off.

After a pause, Albus said, "Miss Evans, you seem to have exhausted your anger at me for the moment. May I speak, now?"

"Good God, Albus. You've been living every day twice for... I mean, just how old are you?"

"By my last accounting, one hundred sixty-three. I still can dance like a spry eighty-year-old, though."

"You should stop hobbling around on a cane for my benefit, then."

Albus chuckled, spinning the cane in his fingers while jumping up to his feet. "Goodness! Look at that- I'm cured."

Holly shook her head. "So, your Pensieve is just fine. The memories as well, I would think. And somewhere you have your own Philosopher's Stone- no, not the Stone; just some of the elixir that it makes. I can tell- you still expect to die some day. Sword's still stuck in your desk, though, right?"

"It is. Tell me, what is the Sword of Gryffindor? A symbol of leadership? An anachronism? An antiquated fetish, perhaps? A spit in the eye of the goblins who believe it is still theirs? I have tried thinking of many of its properties, but it remains locked in place."

She could feel him poking around her defenses, and smirked. "You'll figure it out eventually."

His mental probe retracted. "You've given me such a puzzle, Miss Evans. I thank you for that. I haven't been tested this well in quite a long time."

"You act like you have the keys to the kingdom, but I'm still right. You have to let others shoulder some of the burdens."

Albus shook his head. "I am not handing over leadership to you."

"I'm not asking you to! I told you- I'm retired. I came here because you needed an update and some advice, plus you've invaded my adopted family's homestead, which I take kinda personal."

"Still, you would leave your loved ones to fight the battles that you are meant to face? I do not want your leadership or influence, but we will need your capabilities. It is the one reason I have kept you involved with us. Yet, you are still a corrupted soul, one who dances at the edge of the Dark."

"You know I didn't abort my baby like you thought-"

"Do not toy with half-truths for my benefit. Yes, you kept that child, but you aborted another in my very school. Your taint is certain. If not for that, from the homunculus you created and killed and for your murder of Cedric Diggory! That particular action may be seen by some as a mercy, but your hands were bloody long before you entered the maze. Bloody with the deaths of dragons and innocents alike."

Holly scowled and bowed her head.

"Yes, Miss Evans. I know your secrets and your true crimes. You have insisted on honesty between us; I believe you may grow tired of it soon, as so many often do. I agree with what you said to the Minister as well; truth is a weapon. You will find that I am a veteran in its use. I should in all fairness and honesty warn you; I will not allow you to continue, should you fall to your darker impulses."

Holly rallied her ego at his threat. "You'll put me down, eh? I thought you kept Grace by refusing to kill."

"I do not need to kill you, for you to be ended. Your life is in Fawkes' hands, or rather, in his tears. They still operate within your blood, keeping you alive against the effect of the basilisk's venom which also remains active. Should you turn that corner and fall into evil, he will rescind that blessing, and you will immediately suffer the full effect of your poisoning. I'm told it's quite a painful way to die."

Holly blanched.

"Albus. You... you cannot blackmail me into the fight. Even Fawkes wouldn't abide by that. A phoenix would never kill me over NOT trying to fight. You just... think about what I said. I'm leaving." Holly stood from her chair and strode quickly for the door.

The Headmaster called after her, "And where will you go? Back to Sirius' chateau in Belgium? I imagine it must be a costly commute for your lover's occupation. Junior Aurors aren't highly paid."

Holly turned back to face him at the doorway. "I'm off to find the Order a new home. This place isn't safe. Where and with whom I sleep is my affair. Besides, Tonks is about to be fired."

"Indeed. Perhaps she may have some time to spare for a noble cause, then."

"Doubtful. I plan to marry her. The House of Potter must go on, after all."

Albus' eyes widened at that. Holly smiled in return.

"Guess you don't know all my secrets, do you?"

~[]~

Omake (because some readers may not care about the vagaries of raising magical children):

Baby pictures

While Hermione tracked down Sirius, Holly sat at the center of the drawing rooms' couch with Ginny on one side and Emmeline Vance on the other. Ron lounged on the floor, alternating his attention between a Quidditch magazine and the photos that were being passed around. Holly had been handing them out from a box she had brought. Originally, Molly had sat in the armchair next to the couch, but she quickly lost her restraint in waiting for the pictures to reach her and was now pacing happily behind the couch, cooing and gasping and making all the motherly noises of approval.

Emmeline pointed to another odd shot. "And what's this one, with the elf shaking her finger?"

Holly paused and blushed slightly. "That's... Winky, telling me to change her back into a baby."

Emmeline gave her a doubtful look. "What was she turned into?"

"Ehmm... a football. I find it better, y'know- when I'm angry, for her to be made mostly of durable materials."

Ginny smiled but covered her laugh, acting indignant for her mother's benefit. "You didn't!"

"Well, she'd made quite a mess of things, mistaking her nappy contents for fingerpaint! I was really mad- Chrys got good air, let me tell you. The lads down the way punted her back up to the deck... eventually."

Ron cackled, "Tha's brilliant!", to which his mother immediately crowed at him, "Oh, Ronald!"

Ginny interceded for him by asking, "Was she alright?"

"Sure. Every once in a while, she'll look at me and say 'Chryssy bounce!'"

Ginny mumbled, "I'll have to remember that one for later."

Molly coughed, "You should."

Ginny sat upright. "Ehhh... what?"

The four turned to look at Molly in surprise (though, really, Holly had no right to judge). Molly fumbled with tucking some imaginary stray hairs behind her ear.

"We Prewett witches can be a... short-fused lot. I seem to recall retrieving Bill as a quaffle floating in our pond more than once. Charlie as well." Mrs. Weasley turned a sad smile towards Holly, and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Holly dear, don't make a habit of transfiguring your children."

"Why not?"

"They'll get frustrated when they stop being able to bounce so ably. You're just setting the stage for later tantrums."

Holly turned and bowed towards the matron while smiling. "Clearly I have much to learn from you, oh great one!"

Molly smiled and played at being embarrassed, but her cheeks glowed more with pride.

~[]~

That other letter

Soon after escaping the Headmaster's company at Order HQ, Holly apparated straight to her bedroom at the Nautilus. This took Natalia completely by surprise, as she was half undressed, her shirt between her arms over her head. She yelped and fell back onto her arse and Holly exclaimed while clutching her forearm, looking for a wand and holster she no longer owned.

The two relaxed into a shared bout of giggles. Holly stumbled over to crash onto Nat, aiding her in liberating her arms while arranging to pin her down by sitting on her pelvis.

A quiet moment passed as the two shared a loving look. Just as Holly was leaning down to kiss the witch beneath her, Winky appeared. The elf carried Chrysalis in one arm; the letter still caught between their best grips in a tug-of-war.

"Holly... is... back... to help?"

Holly covered her laugh and reached over to turn Chrys' head to face hers. A moment and a gaze passed between them.

[Picture of baby's hand opening; RELIEF]

[Picture of Holly's breast with a drip of milk; HAPPINESS]

Chrys let go of the letter, in favour of crawling out of Winky's arm and over towards her mother's full breasts, aided by her mother's extended arms. Holly idly curled a toe, causing her clothes to switch away to leave her wearing only knickers, her new toe-rings and a pair of glasses. She resettled herself and her baby to sit on the carpet while reading the letter's cover. Winky disappeared after a 'huff' of relief.

Natalia had shimmied out from beneath her lover and set to removing the rest of her outfit, tossing her boots across the floor. Winky reappeared, glared at her, and then disappeared again with the footwear. Nat grinned. "What's it say, Hols?"

"'You may already have won a luxurious vacation to the mysterious Durmstrang castle!' It's a contest."

"Oooh! We should try and win that- normally no one gets to see the castle unless they attend." Nat finished removing her clothing and crawled up to wrap herself around Holly and Chrys from behind.

Holly winced as Chrysalis latched onto her right breast with enthusiasm. "'Talia, even if we couldn't just get Viktor or Ilya to smuggle us in, I'd hardly want to visit there right now."

"Why not?"

"Viktor mentioned that the muggles' shelling was really detracting from their studies the last few years, so they were grateful that the Tournament gave them an excuse to leave."

"Shelling? Y'mean like oysters?" Nat reached around to tickle Chrys' belly as she fed.

Holly replied, "No, as in artillery. The castle is hidden in the mountains near Konjic, and Serbia's in the midst of ethnic genocide. I doubt that's very good for tourism."

"I thought their ship came by way of the North Sea."

"Yeah, it did. After several near-misses disrupted their opening feast, Karkaroff moved everyone to the school's creature-breeding camp in Latvia. They all looked pissed off because none of them had slept in anything more than a tent for the first six weeks of term, then were stuck aboard the S.S. Gut-emptier for a week. I don't think Karkaroff gave Ilya enough credit for keeping up their morale."

"D'you think maybe that explains why they have a bad reputation?"

"For being surly? No, they have other issues around blood-purity and bias. Also, I'd say frequent bombing might be a key factor in the rise of recent Dark Lords. After all, Riddle spent his summers away from Hogwarts at a London orphanage during the Blitz. We should probably ask Mr. Izarek to copy their alumni records for future reference. We can take bets on which ones end up in Riddle's Rogue's Gallery."

"You may be onto something, there."

Before Holly could reply, she felt young teeth clamp down on a very sensitive part of her. "OW! Not so hard, you little leech!"

"If you switch her to the other side, I'll kiss it and make it better!"

"HMMmmm- you may be onto something there." Holly looked down into her baby's eyes. "Let go. Really, let go. Let go, now. I promise; the other side tastes the same."

Natalia giggled. "I can attest to that."

"Sure, but I'm getting the sense that she likes tasting blood in her milk."

Chrysalis smiled.

The witches turned to look at each other with a shared feeling of 'did that really just happen?'

Holly gave Nat a sympathetic look. "You may want to defer your own child-bearing until we know what this one can do to us."

Natalia grinned and wrapped her arms around Holly's shoulders. She pressed her lips to her lover's neck and then whispered, "Too late!"

Holly pulled out of Nat's hold to stare straight at her in surprise. "Really? After just the one... uhh... week of trying?"

Natalia nodded and leaned forward to snog Holly senseless. They kissed with verve but kept their position so as not to annoy the sharp-toothed toddler.

Chrysalis finally released her lock on Holly's tortured nipple. She burped loudly and then shouted, "Brubber!"

They broke their kiss and Nat grinned down at the baby. "That's right gremlin! You're going to have a-"

Both of them stopped smiling. For the second time that evening, the witches turned to look at each other with a shared feeling of 'did that really just happen?'

After Chrysalis burped again, Holly quietly offered, "I guess we should finally have me meet your parents, then."

Natalia paled.

Just then, Hermione apparated into the bedroom. "You left me behind!"

Holly scowled. "And earlier, you were boinking my father or something on the sly! You found your way back well enough."

"I was fixing his- wow, you two don't waste any time, do you?" Hermione had taken a second look and realised that the other witches were both essentially naked.

Holly protested, "She was half-assembled when I got here."

Hermione looked over to see a naked metamorph ducking to hide behind her short friend. Curiously, Natalia's hair was cycling through a rainbow of colours.

Hermione squinted at her. "Nat, what are you doing?"

Holly added, "Oh yeah, and she's pregnant."

"Yuh... you..." Hermione goggled, took a half step forward, and then fainted. Her forward collapse was caught by a quick wandless Cushioning charm from Holly.

Nat popped up from behind her lover with a smile of relief. "She's gonna kill me. I think she was still hoping to be Mrs. Potter."

"Maybe, but did you see her faint? She's really good at that. Quirrel should have taken lessons."

~[]~