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The Spiral Path
Chapter 5: POV - Promises, Oaths and Vows

We Gather Together

The rental bike from the shop in Trowbridge wasn't a bad ride- it was enough of a hybrid to handle the rough paths as well as paved thoroughfares. Erin Moore was sweating and struggling in the hot sun, and a poor turn on a patch of gravel had sent her into a hedge, but overall she was happily in her element. Her short curls wicked away the moisture to cool her head. Her long legs pulsed as they pumped the pedals, making good time on her journey.

Still, it was a relief to finally speed past the sign marking the entrance to Godric's Hollow.

Coasting into the centre of the village, she did a circuit of the acre-sized common green. It was as she was shifting to climb up a side street for a better view that she saw something out of the corner of her eye changing shape. Erin skidded to a stop and turned to look up at the cenotaph marking one end of the green, only now it was quite a different sculpture- that of a young couple holding a baby.

The plaque had changed its message as well. Instead of some commemoration for soldiers lost in the Great War, it said;

This memorial was established to honour the sacrifices of James and Lily Potter
and the victory of their infant son, Harry, against the Dark Lord.
31st October, 1981.

A second sign was anchored in the grass directly in front of the memorial;

Devotions to the Potters should be placed at their house on Matchstick Court.

A simple map beneath the message indicated the path, one street over and up the hill to reach the end lot.

Erin took a sip from her water bottle, returned it to the pocket on her backpack and then reseated her shoes in the stirrups to resume pedaling. She had to shift to low gear to make the climb up Matchstick Court and lifted her hips off the seat to get the leverage to make progress on the substantial incline. 'Isn't it always the way,' she thought, 'that the hardest part of the ride is the last leg.' When she reached the peak of the hill, a small curve gave her a plateau to ease her ride. Yet at the sixth and last lot on the row, Erin toppled off the bike- the house she was expecting to find was nothing but a collapsed ruin.

Crumbling walls delineated the foundation and withered brambles marked the plot. An intact block of limestone at the front corner of the yard acted as pedestal for a number of vases filled with scrolls, candles lit with flames in a variety of colours, and smoky braziers adding resinous perfumes to the breeze. A shiver passed through her as if tragedy still haunted the grounds, even if no ghosts were visible.

An older man in a uniform carrying a bag of post ambled up to give her a hand to standing. After a polite brushing off, he remarked, "Yeah- really fixed 'er up, did Miss Evans. It used to be a ruin- attracted all these odd vagrants- Tinkers, maybe, looking for a place to occupy. We weren't havin' none of that, though."

The postman wandered off to continue his duties, leaving Erin to her confusion. She then felt a tugging on her cycling shorts and turned to see a little elf-girl with a bulby nose, wearing a torn bedsheet like a toga. The elf held up a typewritten note.

The Nautilus is hidden at 106a Matchstick Court, Godric's Hollow, Wiltshire- just behind the foundation stone of the Potter's old house.

Looking up once more, Erin saw a restored century-old two-story as it rose up from the earth to replace the fading illusion of ruins. Standing at the open gate in a gap of the now-healthy hedgerows was a witch Erin hadn't seen in two months, and the last time she did, Holly looked like a burn victim, close to death. 'It's as if she and the house were regrown anew just now.'

Holly teased, "Found us alright, then?"

Erin scoffed. "One of these times I'll wake up and remember that I'm a witch and magic exists and everything, right at the start of my day. Until then, I'm gonna feel like a tourist in our world. This, particularly when buildings and statues appear and disappear right in front of me."

"And they made you Head Girl this year?"

Erin blushed and then strode forward to give Holly a hug. "Magic is great, but I don't think it helps with common sense."

"If anything, it hinders its development," Holly agreed. "Let's get you a bath and a meal,
and I'll explain why I asked you to come for the wedding a day early. Locomotor bicycle."

A pale lavender spark leapt from a stout piece of wood in Holly's left hand. The rented cycle snapped to attention from where it lay in the gravel and pedaled itself past them, through the gate.

~o~

As guests gathered in the den of the Nautilus that evening, Erin's nervousness grew to a breaking point. She diverted Holly into a hallway.

"That's Viktor Krum and Fleur Delacour, plus one of the Weasley twins and Tonks and your friend Hermione- and is that Sirius Black? I don't even know some- these are all your friends. What am I doing here?"

Holly looked up at her; at least one of her eyes did. Erin now noticed that Holly's left eye was grey and unfocused. "I think of you as a friend, and trustworthy, Erin. What we're proposing should help you in the magical world as well."

"How can you trust me? All we did was-" Erin's voice dropped to a whisper. "All we did was have sex together. I appreciated it and all, but aside from maybe fulfilling my fantasies about Tonks, I don't want anything to do with you or your problems! I'm not staying in the magical world- when this year is done, I'm training to compete in triathalons."

"Just listen to the offer and decline, then- I won't blame you and we'd still love to have you at the wedding. Isn't that fair?"

Erin wilted. 'She's using the Hufflepuff credo against me, damnit.'

Holly added, "And speaking of fair- with a subtle use of wandless magic, you can expel any sense of fatigue from your body. How fair would it be for you to compete against muggles, really?"

"I-- uhh..."

Holly shrugged and then led her back to the den, where Holly's friend Hermione was standing in front of a mantle capped by a large spiral fossil embedded in rock.

The young witch saw that everyone was ready to listen. "Welcome all. We- that is, Holly, Natalia and I- have invited you here to make a proposal to you. We'll also answer any questions you have, but first I'd like to explain the history a bit."

Holly cleared her throat and then faux-mumbled, "The abridged five-minute version, please."

Hermione turned to her. "Five minutes? How can I possibly--"

Holly held up a burnished brass pocketwatch. "And the clock's ticking."

Hermione huffed and stepped back for a moment. She took a deep breath and...

What Erin experienced next included words in English, but the complete lack of pause coupled with Hermione's near-hysterical yet exacting detail of delivery induced a kind of hypnotic buzz in Erin's ears.

When it was done, the silence after was nearly as deafening. The hypnotic spell was broken when Holly and Tonks burst out laughing, followed by everyone else in the room including herself.

Some jokes were traded and Erin felt like she could really enjoy having friends like these.

It was disconcerting, then, when she realised that Holly was walking with her outside the house again. Night had fallen in the space of a heartbeat.

"I'm sorry that you decided not to accept, but I understand. Head over to the Kiln and ask Mrs. Weasley for a spot of tea and sympathy. She'll get you bunked for the night and we'll see you tomorrow for the ceremony and reception."

Erin's head swam. "Wait, wait! Why did I say no? How much time has passed? Why do I now know where the Kiln is, but can't remember anything since supper?"

Holly gripped her shoulder. "Erin, you said no because you have the good sense to run away from danger. It's been an hour or two, but nothing we said is anything you want to remember if you want to feel safe. As for the last; magic."

"But... but... Tonks will be disappointed in me."

"Nah. In fact, she'll probably join you for your morning run."

"I didn't know she ran."

"You run- she chases. I recommend losing while you still have energy to enjoy her victory dance."

"Holly- what if I change my mind?"

"Run faster."

"No, I mean about the proposal. What if it looks like I'll be in danger either way?"

"When you realise and truly believe that, find one of us and say that you're interested in a tattoo. But keep in mind Erin- if you join, you will never be able to keep a secret from us ever again."

And Holly was gone, replaced by the rented bicycle. Erin rode through and around Godric's Hollow for several hours after, trying to remember the details of Hermione's discourse. All she could recall was that it made sense, gave her a healthy dose of distrust in both the Ministry and the Daily Prophet, and meant that as a muggleborn lesbian, her position in the magical world would never rise much above store clerk.

That, and to never be separated from her wand. It had something to do with protecting herself and her identity, but the maxim was easy to remember; 'a witch with a wand and no clothes is a threat. A witch with clothes but no wand is a squib.'

~o~

Minerva found Holly the next morning, drinking tea alone in the Nautilus solarium. She entered from the garden door to stand next to her, casting a shadow across the coffee table and Holly as well.

"Holly, dare I ask; how was your 'recruitment drive' last night?"

"Morning, Mum. It was tiring but fruitful; we now have some wizards who can extend the path. Since I'm still a bit shy on men I only facilitated, but we still worked a lot of magic. And before you ask, everyone there aside from Hermione was of age."

"I'd like to know who attended."

"Then you should have come yourself. I'm rather put out that you didn't, in fact."

"Preparing to obliviate me, are you?"

"No! I trust you. I trust that you would die before revealing anything important to Riddle or his minions. I've accepted that the Headmaster will eventually know whatever you know, anyway."

"How--?"

"Mum, I love you, but as of six this morning, there isn't anything that can be done to change last night. Sit down and have some tea. Be here for me; Hermione's playing stage manager and Natalia and I are keeping away from each other for tradition's sake. I'm getting married!"

Minerva relaxed into a tufted chair and took some tea. She began, "Holly, I really--" but she was diverted from making another protest by her god-daughter's pained expression. "I... I'm looking forward to a beautiful ceremony. You are good for Tonks- Natalia, I mean- and she has been good for you."

Holly smiled and wept. "Almost felt like a daughter just then. Thanks, Mum."

~[]~

Names Will Be Named

The Right Awesome Reverend Ted 'Theodore' Tonks stood in front of a small assembly of friendly faces sitting in chairs. He was wearing his officiant's white robe and purple tabard, so he knew he should at least stay standing. He was hoping the bookmark in his Book of Common Prayer was in the right place so that he would know what to say when it came to that point. Looking out over the crowd, he saw his wife Andromeda in the back, smoking a long cigarette. When Andi noticed him looking, she nodded back to him and mouthed the word, 'Wedding'. Ted smiled.

An organist initiated a march, and from the other side of the garden Sirius Black strode forward, escorting Holly along the path between the chairs up to the altar. When they reached the front row, Holly tapped her head with a wand- her white lace gown was switched into a black tuxedo, though instead of trousers she now wore a black floor-length skirt. Sirius removed the top hat that had appeared and gave her a kiss on the forehead, and then replaced it so that they could turn and stand with Neville and Ron, neither of whom looked very comfortable in their new black dress robes.

The organist changed key and the assembly turned to watch the archway again. Fleur, Hermione and Marguerite filed in at a measured pace. Each wore a different style of maiden's dress, though all were satin, tinted turquoise. When they reached the altar they lined up opposite Holly and her groomsmen.

Hermione swished her wand around her gown, transfiguring it into a turquoise tuxedo-dress and top hat that matched Holly's black outfit. Fleur smirked and took the hat off Hermione's head to wear for herself, though she left her sleeveless frock unchanged. As this happened behind Marguerite, the woman took no notice.

The organist changed tune once more, heralding the entrance of the other bride-to-be. Remus stepped over to the archway shrouded by layers of diaphanous curtains, ready to escort the tall bride (in Ted's place, as he was officiating, right? Pretty sure...) to the dais.

But instead of Natalia, it was Albus Dumbledore who stepped through the gossamer panels. The headmaster declared, "I beg your pardon, dear friends, but I must interrupt this most joyous ceremony before a terrible mistake is made."

The short bride to Ted's left made a flustered 'come here' gesture at the aged warlock.

As the headmaster strode up to the altar, Reverend Ted reached out and gave him a warm handshake. "Professor Dumbledore! How wonderful to see you. Still won't leave the office without your heels on, I see." He turned to give Holly a nudge, adding, "The man's already six-feet-and-two but won't stand for less than a three-inch heel."

"I never noticed. Everyone looks tall from my perspective," Holly grumped. "Where's Natalia?"

"Molly and young Ginevra are attempting to extricate your betrothed's dress from having entangled a planter. This is not the cause for my interruption, however."

"Professor, if this has anything to do with a prophecy or--"

"Would that I could blame Fate for this embarrassing moment of ours, but it actually has to do with contracts. Goblin contracts." He gave her a meaningful look.

Holly sighed and then nodded back. She stepped out of their huddle to address the assembly. "Umm, just relax for a jot and we'll get this straightened out." Turning to the wedding party, she hissed, "Hermione, Fleur; hold them at bay while we gather inside." She then turned back to address Dumbledore; "Who else should be in this conversation?"

"Your guardians, along with your intended and her parents... and Mr. Longbottom."

Holly returned the headmaster's rather judgmental look with a scowl.

~o~

Assembled in the drawing room attached to the manor's tea kitchen were Holly, Natalia, Ted, Andromeda, Sirius, Neville, Minerva and Albus. The rest of the wedding party were keeping the guests distracted.

"Alright, Mister Dumbledore," Holly growled, "what exactly is the nature of your concern?"

Albus explained, "While this ceremony is a consecration under God by your honourable Priest-via-post, it has no specific legal meaning until you write out a pair of names on the Certificate of Marriage and send it in to the Ministry. Mind you, whatever you choose to do at that point might carry more weight if the officiant were someone recognized by the Ministry, such as, oh, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot--"

"Reverend Ted's doing fine, sir," Holly said. "Besides, aren't you being demoted to 'just another wizard'?"

"Well, not until Monday."

"Known in this time zone as 'tomorrow'."

He waved a dismissive hand. "Yes, of course. This could be my final official act in the office. That said, this decision has a much greater impact than a declaration of devotion, as you had assumed. I'm pleased to see that Mr. Longbottom was invited to the ceremony, as it potentially affects him as well."

Professor McGonagall sat down and grumbled, "I would be remiss if I didn't mention that his grandmother Augusta probably should also be here, though I can understand why she wasn't sent an invitation."

"Don't think I didn't consider it," Holly said. "It just made things simpler to suggest that Neville was invited to a late celebration of Ginny's birthday in the Weasley's place of hiding, rather than explain exactly what he would be doing here, today."

Professor McGonagall turned to give the young man a judgmental look. "And are you certain of your decision, Mr. Longbottom?"

A silence settled, until Neville saw that the whole room was waiting on his reply (aside from Reverend Ted, who was distracted by the embroidery geese flapping across Albus' robes). He gulped. It didn't help. He wrestled past his parched throat, "Y-yes, Professor. I'm sure Holly will be alright protecting and raising our daughter. Until I find my perfect somebody and we have our own child, Chrysanthemum Alice can carry my name--"

Dumbledore interrupted, "Ah, that is a bit problematic, Mr. Longbottom. Your child with Miss Evans has not been formally registered with the Ministry, but the rolls of lineage already show a tenuous line of inheritance to her. The name is currently only listed in the Gryffindor library's 'Charts of Alumni and Legacies'- the Ministry's records won't show it until it is certified. When Miss Evans and Miss Tonks are wed, the result of their union will require that names be named, as it were. This is why I had to interrupt."

Sirius sighed. "Albus, why don't we just call them all 'Black'? That'd solve our problems."

Dumbledore shook his head. "Not in the least, Sirius. For one thing, the House of Black doesn't recognise succession through witches unless the wizard lines are all ended. Despite your adoption of her, Holly doesn't carry the authority of the Blacks, nor does Nymphadora. Assuming the name of Black would be presumptively an attempt to interfere with the succession. We are also confounded by the state of Nymphadora's pregnancy."

Neville gulped again. "She's pregnant? Holly, are you on a mission or--?"

Holly griped, "I'm potent, alright? I've been too close to death lately not to feel the urge to embrace life whenever I get the chance."

"I'm surprised that you're not pregnant again already, then."

Holly gave Neville a sultry look. "Maybe I was waiting for you to come around. You're pretty potent yourself."

Minerva groaned. "Holly, please. We have more pressing matters to consider."

Holly shook her head as if to clear it of noise. "Sorry, Mum. It's a really emotional day."

Natalia grinned and kissed Holly's neck while giving Neville a sideways look. "I'd be suspicious of your cradle-robbing if he weren't so... very... potent."

Holly grinned. "Uh huh."

Neville gulped again.

Albus cleared his throat loudly and said, "Be that all as those things may be, Nymphadora is carrying Harry's child, making her the presumptive Regent of Potter. I must remind you that formalizing the Potter lineage would bring numerous goblin contracts up for enforcement. Choosing Evans as a surname might do, but I'm uncertain what effect it would have on the Potter properties. I would encourage you to forego naming yourselves Potter, Black or Longbottom. Tonks is equally inappropriate--"

"Story of my life," snarked Natalia.

"Eh, not that way," Albus rejoined with a smile. "Taking the Tonks name is inappropriate as Miss Evans has authority over the Potter and Evans families in her own right, in a way that she would lose if her name was relinquished to marry into a House of no record."

Ted nodded and added in, "Bit of indecent for me to perform the ceremony to marry a girl into my family, as well. I don't think my ordination allows that. Have to prevent pastors from making harems for themselves and such."

Holly cocked an eyebrow but shifted her attention back to the Headmaster. "So, what we need is to marry as Potters without the name Potter, is that what you're suggesting?"

Albus threw up his hands. "If this were a Pureblood family situation, I would expect that you would be marrying Mr. Longbottom and Harry would marry Nymphadora within the next year, assuming the child that she carries survives your adventures. That would also be my recommendation to maintain the illusion of Harry's existence as a separate entity. It wouldn't hurt for Sirius to formalize his relationship with Miss Bara, as well. Politically, these would be the strongest moves, but they would not serve your intentions; thus, I'm unsure how best to advise you."

The sound of Hermione's polite denials echoed to them from outside, drawing attention to the opening door.

"I apologise, and with all due respect, but this really isn't the sort of meeting you should interrupt!"

Hermione's opponent croaked her ancient voice in protest, "I am well over a century old and have documented the state of the world for over half of that. Nothing happening in there will surprise me, missy!"

The door opened and Bathilda Bagshot shuffled into the study, turning around to regard the circle of people assembled. She stamped her gnarled cane and then stated, "I don't know what you lot are yammering on about, but SOME of us have other appointments to keep. Would you be so kind as to get a move on and have this wedding?"

Holly grinned. "Mrs. Bagshot, I apologise. We have a small technical matter to iron out and... say! Would you happen to know if Harry is the inheritor of any other Houses of note?"

"Well, the Potters are descendant of the Peverells, but who of the old families isn't at this point? Now get a move on. Some of us have responsibilites to attend to."

Natalia loudly whispered, "Mrs. Bagshot? It's Sunday- they're just showing the omnibus for the week."

That robbed the wind from her sails. "Oh? Bloody repeats. Well, take your time, then." She turned back towards the door and bellowed, "Dobby! Dig out the rum drops, m'boy!"

Andromeda Tonks turned to the assembled with a wide and mischeivous grin. "Oh, you should do that! Marry as Peverells- the old families will drive themselves insane trying to understand it!" She tilted her head towards Dumbledore. "Any reason to think it wouldn't take?"

Albus gave Holly a twinkling look. "Oh, I believe there is reasonable proof to guarantee that the claim would be considered valid."

Holly scowled. "Really. This works for you?"

"No, it's a disaster in the making, but it doesn't compromise my concerns of the moment."

"I kinda like that."

"I thought you might."

Hermione finally stopped squinting in thought and asked, "Did Bathilda Bagshot, the author of A History of Magic, just steamroll me because she wouldn't want to miss EastEnders due to a wedding?"

Natalia and Holly answered, "Of course."

Andromeda added, "My dear, why else would she?"

~o~

Holly stood facing Natalia. They had been switching which one was wearing the dress or the tuxedo every twenty seconds or so, but stopped when Reverend Ted became confused enough to reread the same paragraph five times in a row.

"Alrighty. Do you wish to make a personal declaration?"

"Yes," Holly replied. "Today, I am dedicating myself to this person who means so much to me, not just for all that she has done to help me survive my troubles, but for the person that she is. Natalia, yours is the face of hope. I cannot imagine my life having joy ever again without you being there. You are the future I believe in. I love you."

Natalia giggled and bit her lip, a few tears escaping her smiling eyes.

Ted turned to his daughter. "Did you also want to make a personal declaration?"

"Um, sure." She took hold of Holly's hands and stared down into her face. Holly smiled back and nodded encouragement.

"Hols... means 'home'." She smiled and teared up again. Ted waited for a minute in case there was any more, but Natalia seemed to have completed her thought.

"Groovy. Alright, well you two; put rings on each other."

They fumbled a bit; Holly's nervous hands flipping her ring for Natalia up into the air only to be caught and then fumbled again. They got that one placed and then Natalia retrieved the other ring from around the base of her wand, lining up her wand tip with Holly's ring finger and tipping it downward until the ring slid off it into its proper place.

Ted declared, "Good job. Wanna be married?"

They replied in tandem, "Yes!"

"By the power invested and the belief of the attended, by my magic and God's grace, I pronounce you married. You may kiss like lovers do."

They did, though both were giggling so much it took a few tries before they were satisfied that it was a good one.

Ted then turned them to face the audience. "I present to you the newly married couple, Holliday and Natalia Peverell. May their lives together be full of joy, prosperity and success. That will be twenty Galleons."

Sirius handed Ted a small satchel which he sequestered in his robes.

~o~

The music was bright, the sun was melodic, but the conversation was turning a bit shrill. In particular, some woman nearby was mangling a mixture of German, French and Dutch accents.

"Don' pity me, you arse! I will no' accept your patetic attempt to relieve your guilt."

"It's not like that!" Sirius replied. "I... you... every time you and I meet up, you stir a passion in me that neither of us can resist."

The short, turquoise-dressed muggle otherwise known as Marguerite Bara shrieked again. "Hunh! I know zis! My chil'ren sit ela as proof of zat!"

"Damnit Mita, I'm trying to tell you that I love you and I want to marry you!"

"You do? You will stand before God and swear to be wit me, to come 'ome to me?"

"Yes!"

"Reverend Ted!"

Ted Tonks jumbled his pipe in his hands while turning around to see who had called to him. "Hmm? Yes?"

Marguerite strode over, clutching Sirius' hand quite tightly in her own. "Marry us!" she demanded.

Sirius balked. "Wait- right now? I mean, it's a romantic outcome but don't you want to think it over at all? There could be engagement parties; we could bring over some of your friends from Ghent--"

"Non. I will marry you now, before you lose courage or get yourself imprisoned... or kilt." She dragged Sirius around to stand in front of Ted. "Now, you will marry us."

"So... that really happened," mumbled the scruffy man in the white robe and purple tabard. He looked around. "Ah well, seeing as I'm already dressed for the occasion." Reverend Ted then turned to look over his glasses at the intended couple. "I'll need you to write out your names in nice big letters for me, alrighty?"

While Sirius scribed a few notes on a conjured scrap of parchment, Holly and Natalia had snuck up and taken positions on either side of the couple. Natalia handed Marguerite her bridal bouquet, which the Belgian woman took with a suspicious look.

"Seems poor form to toss it when we know who should get it," Natalia explained.

Her heartfelt expression of cheer must have assuaged Marguerite's distrust for the moment, as she grumbled, "Sank you."

With Remus' guidance, Edouard and Grace Bara soon found themselves standing next to their mother, holding a flute of champagne each in lieu of flowers. Holly took a position opposite, then whispered to Sirius, "No backing out now, Pops."

He made a nervous cough. "Suppose not. My only regret is that I missed having a bachelor party."

Remus chastened, "You swore, after what we did to James- never again."

"Never figured it'd be passing up my own party- always thought you'd settle down long before me. Ah, well. Guess I'll settle with having been tattooed by a Veela."

Remus rejoined, "What a crime."

Marguerite hissed, "Wat is this?"

"You've got to take him as he comes," Holly warned. "Damaged goods, as you know."

Marguerite's grimace reflected her returned resolve. She nodded to the Reverend.

Ted orated, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here... again, also quite hastily, to see these two people joined in the bonds of matrimony. As an act of love and devotion--"

Marguerite stamped her foot. "Skip to de vows, man! I have only so much fait' dat zis dog's attention will last to th'end of de hour!"

"Ehh, okay. I was already a bit lost. Are you exchanging rings?"

Sirius looked to Marguerite and implored, "We'll find something later, alright?"

Dobby appeared at Sirius' side and held up two nickel naming rings usually used to deceive the Marauder's Map. "They's auto-size."

Sirius blinked and then took the rings, explaining, "These will substitute- I will get you a proper diamond. If you weren't in such a rush--"

Marguerite scoffed, "We have rings. Continue."

"Alrighty-tighty then." Ted looked down on the parchment and squinted for a moment before resuming, "Do you, Sirius Orion Black, take Marguerite Arielle Bara as your spouse before God, the state and by your own magic?"

"I.... uhhh... I do. Yes. I do."

"And do you, Marguerite--?"

"Absoluement! I do!"

"Well, that works for me. Trade rings."

There was a bit of a fuss as they both moved to emplace a ring. At first Marguerite's ring hung loosely on her finger, but Holly folded her hands around theirs, inducing the ring to size properly with a nudge of magic. As distraction, she told the bride, "Welcome to the family. I hope you both enjoy more happiness than you've known- you both certainly deserve it. Also, I should mention that this marriage puts Edouard in the position of Sirius' heir to the Lordship of the House of Black. I have no problem with that."

Marguerite's eyes widened as much as her wedding ring had contracted.

Reverend Ted nodded to Holly and she stepped back to allow the ceremony to finish. "By the power invested and the belief of the attended, by my magic and God's grace, I pronounce you married. You may kiss--"

Marguerite tackled Sirius to the ground in a mad snog.

"Or otherwise consecrate this bond to your mutual satisfaction. That'll be twenty Galleons."

Edouard drank down his champagne and then nudged his sister with a reassurance; "This will be good. Sirius is funny, and I think we're rich, now." Grace blushed and turned to inspect a nearby lilac bush rather than watch her mother snog her new step-father.

Holly hopped over the near-copulating couple to hand the Right Awesome Ted Tonks his fee. She shook his hand and said, "Brilliantly done. I'll sign the paperwork."

Ted's smile fell. "Oh, right. Paperwork. ANDEEEE!"

~o~

An hour later, Ted was once again roused from an enjoyable alchemical stupor when his arm was nudged from holding up his head. "Eh? What is it now? I don't have a group rate, y'know."

Holly squinted at the man and held up her baby, "Daddy, meet your new granddaughter... so long as you'll be kind enough to Christen her, that is."

Chrysanthemum giggled and then waved at Ted, adding a sneeze when he leaned in to smile at her.

Soon, Ted had re-christened Holly's baby as Chrysanthemum Alice Evans Peverell of Longbottom, with Hermione and Fleur as godmothers and Ron as godfather. Neville had nodded his approval when needed but wandered away in a sulk the moment the ceremony had finished. His place in the dissipating circle around Chrys was taken by the headmaster.

"Holliday and Natalia. Congratulations."

Both witches beamed at him for the (rare) use of their proper names.

Albus returned a warm smile but continued, "A word of caution. You understand that Holly has effectively ended the Potter line and ceded its leadership to the Peverells?"

Holly shrugged. "Are there any other Peverells to worry about?"

"Too many to count, though none who carry the name. It could create a lineage battle of untold complexity. The only thing that delays such a confrontation is the current state of the Potter debts. No one will want to take on that burden, so you will probably be permitted to go forward uncontested... for now. Should anything of sufficient worth owned by the Peverells be discovered, the game will resume, and this Manor will become one of the prizes in question."

"I guess you should start looking for another clubhouse, then. Don't you own a cottage down the lane?"

"It is barely the size of the Kiln's entry hall- the Dumbledore family was never a wealthy one. I mentioned the risk to your manor because there is one relative whose claim could be of concern."

"Certainly not a Potter, and you can't possibly mean the Dursleys," mused Holly.

"No. I speak of one of the last witches born from Ignotus' line of Peverells."

Natalia scoffed. "Didn't they all cark it centuries ago?"

"This one survived under her married name. Her given name was Perenelle."

Holly's heart skipped a beat. "As in Flamel?"

"Thus why I mention it. No one has found the Flamels' home. I may be the last living person who visited it, and even I cannot find it now."

"But their secret hideout, with centuries of accumulated knowledge, knick-knacks and trophies, would be sufficient prize to motivate someone to make a claim, if they could."

"Just one of many threads of research that I have been following."

"I guess it's good that we're getting along, sir."

"Your servant, Mrs. and Mrs. Peverell." Albus gave a teasing bow.

Chrysanthemum took that opportunity to grasp the Headmaster's beard in both hands. "Abbus, up!" she ordered.

Albus appeared perturbed. "Holly, if you could convince your daughter to let go?"

"Hasn't worked yet. She's got a grip like a goblin holding his last Galleon. I guess you're stuck with her."

With his grudging nod, Albus was given Chrys into his arms. The child kept her grip on his beard, twisting it tighter once she was settled facing forward. They soon ambled off together by Chrys' direction, guided as she pulled on his beard like reins.

Holly sat back and grinned. "That was worth the whole conversation."

Natalia grasped Holly's forearm and leaned in. "Sweetie? Do me a solid?"

"Anything for you, 'Talia."

"Stop thinking. Log this and toss it away, at least until we come back, alright?"

Holly smirked. "Forget what? Who was that? My God, you are lovely- can we have sex?"

Natalia beamed, "That's my girl! Oooh! Let's ditch for the honeymoon now- Molly will tell us how long it took until Albus cut off his beard so he could hand Chrys over to her."

"I love that thought, but don't we have another task first?"

"Y'mean the after-party?"

"No, convincing your parents to hide their house from potential enemies."

"Hah! Good luck with that; they're OUR parents now, and I elect you to be the traffic cop this time."

~o~

"No," replied Andromeda.

Holly glared up at her mother-in-law. "Well, what's the problem? You see the need; why--?"

Natalia interjected, "Hols- conference."

The two stepped back and engaged in a deep stare. Ted saw this and gushed to his wife, "They really are in love!"

H~ Natalia, what?

N~ Are you pushing this because you want another hideout, or what?

H~ It's to protect them; nothing more or less than that.

N~ So let's just hide them and leave their house out of it.

H~ We still need a carrot.

A moment later, the witches shared an evil smile.

Natalia turned back to her parents and offered, "Mum, pops; we'd like to move you to another safe-house. It's really close by--"

Andromeda scolded, "We just told you. Our lives aren't so meaningless that we can simply up and leave!"

Holly caught her attention by shifting to stand between mother and daughter; "Andromeda, my dear cousin and mother-in-law; we have a projection telly that gets the whole spectrum of signals, and we're putting in a satellite disk. The place is the end lot on a half-acre with twelve foot hedgerows and a view of the Hollow, yet safe as a bunker from both Riddle and the Ministry."

Hermione leaned away from her conversation with Viktor and added, "It's dish; not disk."

"Right. That. Five hundred channels of unending muggle pablum."

A look closest to ecstasy crossed Andromeda's face. She stuttered, "H-how'd you manage that, then?"

Holly replied, "It's only hidden from the magical, and otherwise isn't used for anything but living as muggles and servicing motorcycles. Telly and phones work just fine. It doesn't even have a Floo connection. We call it the Nautilus. The only obstacle is that you can't move in until the first of September."

"Why's that?"

Holly and Natalia looked at each other. Holly started, "There's a post-reception... umm..."

Natalia continued when Holly paused overlong; "... it's like a prayer meeting..."

"...training session..."

"...yoga... thing..."

"...planned. They'll need time to clean it up, afterwards."

Andromeda let them hang for a minute while she scowled at them, then responded with a curt, "Sold." She turned and called out, "Teddy! We're shutting down the business. You ring that Yarrow blighter that wanted to buy us out."

Reverend Ted leaned back in his chair, protesting, "Andi, we've got name loyalty. You say 'Tonks' and they know it's fine mint."

"You can still work there on Saturdays, but you're living with me in the new place."

"But... Aaandeeee..."

"You have a problem, living near where your grandchildren are being raised?"

"Whoa. You didn't say there was something new to cultivate." He smiled in a familiar tease. "Yer just a dumb purebloody twitch, aren'tcha? Twitchy!"

"If I thought you'd remember this later, I'd offer to argue the point. Let's be going, grandpops."

"I'm a grandpops! Utterly radical..."

~[]~

Murky Reception

Hermione slumped down onto the grand staircase and let out a loud exhale. She rested with her head on her knees for a few minutes, until a quiet voice interrupted, "Would you like some punch?"

She looked up to find Neville offering her a glass. She accepted it and shuffled to the left on the stair to give him a place to sit. "How are you holding up, Neville?"

"I'm basically stunned- have been for weeks," he replied. Neville shoved his hands in his pockets but didn't take a seat, instead rocking on his heels in discomfort. "Even with a wedding, Holly has all these secrets going on."

"How do you mean?"

"Well, the ceremony was secret, their names are a secret, there's even a secret meeting going on tonight. Were you invited to it? I wasn't."

"I am, but I'm not sure that I want to go."

"Is there any reason that you have to go?"

"Nothing requires it, but there are some... enticing ideas up for debate."

"Sounds like it might be over my head."

"Sometimes that's a blessing," Hermione mused. "Neville, I'd like to ask you a provocative question, if I may."

He turned and sat down next to her on the marble stair. "This is most certainly Holly's
house. Ask away."

"Well... when you finally marry someone, would you want them to have their virtue?"

"I... uhh... well, I'd want them to... huh. My gran has always insisted that I should be looking for a virtuous witch, but now that I can recall my... uhh... time... with Holly, I think that two virgins on a wedding night may not be a smart idea. It's probably better to have your first time with someone who isn't flustered by it, like I was. On the other hand, I don't think that doing it is just for fun. It should be important. It's a way to say things that you can't say with words; things that you should be saying only to someone special to you."

"So, you'd want a girl who treats it as importantly as you do."

"Yeah. Yeah, I would. Did that answer your question?"

"It answered my question to you. The question for myself is still unanswered."

"What are you asking yourself?"

She sighed, "Who am I?"

"Well, you're Hermione Granger."

"That's just it- I'm not, anymore. Hermione Granger would have nothing to do with this meeting tonight. Holly's Kittyhawk, on the other hand, might just look forward to it."

"You're talking about sex."

Her head tilted down. "Yes."

"Don't go."

"Why?" she said to the floor.

Neville reached over and guided Hermione to look at him directly. "Be yourself. Don't be Holly's... anything. I swear, the longer I spend near her, the more that sex is on my mind. And I'm not talking like... y'know how guys can be... provoked."

"You think people are affected by her presence?"

Neville looked up towards the clicking sound of approaching footsteps and gulped. "We'll see."

Holly strolled into the entry hall and smiled down at her two friends. "How's things for you two?"

Hermione looked up at her friend and her breath caught. It was Holly, but she was dressed to the nines, coiffed and radiantly happy. Hermione's face felt flushed and her fingers began to tremble. "W-well, Neville just was telling me an interesting theory---"

He hissed, "Hermione, no!"

Holly turned to Neville. His face paled and then flushed and he gulped, pulling at his collar and shifting his robes to cover his lap.

Holly prodded, "What's the theory, Nev?"

"Th-that you make people... hot."

Holly smiled and said, "Of course I do!" Seeing her friends' discomfort, she added, "You're talking about something magical, aren't you?"

Hermione blushed. "It's not like we blame you- I doubt that it was a conscious choice. You mutated after your ordeal in the Chamber. Your body began to change to suit the needs of the moment- you grew that quilltip finger, you became difficult to tire out, your strength increased... so perhaps you also developed a way of provoking affection from those close to you."

Holly glared at her. "Are you still on this? You really think I was using magic to seduce you?"

Hermione shrugged. "It makes sense. The one thing you wanted most that summer was me, and by winter, you had me, in complete defiance of all my intentions and inclinations. I did calm down after you were sent to Azkaban, much as I did this year when you left to have Chrysalis."

"And a simple 'out of sight, out of mind' doesn't explain your shift in temperament? Why does it have to be magic? Y'know, right now, I think you both are smarting a little, and trying to devise conspiracies to excuse your own feelings. It's insulting."

"Insulting?" Neville replied.

"Yeah- like there's no decent reason either of you would find me attractive or worth loving, so it must be magic. Do me a favour? Don't tell anyone else your theory. It could poison every fragile relationship I have left, aside from Natalia's. That, by the way, is why I married her. Trust, openness and loyalty."

"Holly, no! I didn't mean--"

Holly ignored Hermione as she stood to protest. Instead she tossed a purple spell at them that burst like a miniature firework. Hermione clutched at her chest and gasped, while Neville shuddered and let out a restrained, "Gahhh!"

"That's what magical lust feels like," she taunted. "It's dirty, it's brief, and leaves a bad taste in your mouth. Sorta like cheap whisky." Seeing her friends' faces flush, Holly's shoulders sagged with regret. She mumbled, "Nev, I think you should take Hermione home with you."

Neville looked at Holly's grim expression and gulped. He nodded, then stood up and took Hermione by the hand, leading her towards the fireplace.

Hermione protested, "But I was going to the--"

"No, I don't think you'd do well, there. I'm sorry that I've hurt you; both of you. I love you. Take the time away from me to figure out what you want for yourselves. It might be closer than you think."

Neville called out 'Longbottom Manor' as he threw green dust into the flames.

Hermione looked up at Neville. "Neville's a good man, isn't he, Holly?"

"Better at it than I am," Holly replied.

Neville turned to Holly with a curious look and then looked down at Hermione. Hermione grabbed him by the shoulders and kissed him, while pushing them both into the Floo. They disappeared into the green fire.

~o~

Neville and Hermione spun out of their embrace into the Floo receiving room at Longbottom Manor. They both were breathing heavily, but stood where they had landed, staring at each other while allowing their pulses to settle down.

Just as Hermione was about to speak, Augusta Longbottom strode into the room. "You were gone much longer than you said, and now you've brought a guest. And who is your guest, Neville?"

"I... uhh... "

"Speak up, boy!"

Hermione stepped forward to stand beside him, grasping his hand in a show of support. She glared at the old woman but said nothing, allowing Neville to speak for them, as her limited knowledge of protocol suggested would be best.

Neville stared down at their interlocked hands and then turned back to his Gran. "This is Hermione, a good friend from school. We just left a wedding, where things were getting uncomfortable for us. I'm extending hospitality to her for the evening."

"Really? You think so, do you?"

Neville's eye twitched. He took a moment and then replied, "Yeah. This is what's going to happen. Hermione and I will spend some time together in the study, talking, and then we'll retire to separate bedrooms. I'd like some privacy for the evening, but we'll all have breakfast together tomorrow, so that I can... so that you can..."

Seeing him lose steam, Hermione offered, "I would like to know more about the woman who raised Neville to be such a decent man, and I imagine you might be curious about some of his adventures at school, as well as how we came to be friends. I appreciate the hospitality of this house and thank you both for it."

Neville's Gran made a 'hmph' sound and muttered, "Very well, then."

Once she had left the room, Hermione smiled at Neville.

He smiled back and took Hermione's hands in his own. "I'm sorta glad she came in. A bit of a mood-killer, but maybe that's better for us, yeah?"

"Probably," Hermione said. She stepped forward and kissed him at the corner of his lips. "I wouldn't say the mood is completely dead, though."

He blushed and then led her by the hand to the study, where tea was already waiting for them.

~o~

Hermione slept fitfully. She awoke several times from the midst of sexual dreams- ones that she decided might simply be projections of events happening in a house a hundred miles distant. The final time she awoke, she could feel a sudden drop in the heat churning through her loins.

They must have left Britain.

Discomforted by the stickiness of sweat partly absorbed into her borrowed nightclothes, Hermione ventured out to the washroom down the hall. Once inside, she stripped bare and used several towels along with the magically self-filling washbasin to rinse off her body. She resigned her nightgown to a wicker hamper, wearing only the housecoat as she shambled back to her bedroom.

Carefully closing the door, she turned to see the first light of dawn coming through the window. She was startled when a knock came from the door behind her- she hadn't made more than a few steps into her room, and the sound shocked her after her own movements had been whisper-quiet.

Neville poked his head in. "A-are you alright, Hermione? Sorry to intrude. Never mind. I'll see you for breakfast in a few hours."
Hermione turned towards Neville and reached her arms out- she felt like she shouldn't force a hug onto her friend, but she desperately needed one. "Neville, please, hold me?"

Neville stepped into the room and obliged her, wrapping his arms around her and drawing her head against his shoulder.

She started crying, full force. Neville rocked her in his embrace, holding her close but not too tightly. The lapels of his dressing gown provided both handholds and tear-absorbancy for her weeping. In the back of her mind, she wondered if wizards' wear might be enchanted for such occasions.

Her emotional release petered out after a while. She left his cozy embrace and stepped back to look up at him. "Thank you, Neville."

"You miss her that much?"

"Oh, Nev. I miss my innocence. I miss having a family. I miss having a future. I miss my freedom. I miss..."

"What?" he asked.

"She's gone far away, and I can't feel her strength anymore."

"So, you're feeling alone? You're not alone."

Hermione looked up at Neville. Baby fat, overbite, mis-sized gown and pyjamas at least four inches too short. He also needed a haircut.

She then looked into the mirror by the door. Her reflection looked young as well. Summer freckles distracted from her tan. Her limbs looked and felt too long, her hips too wide, her breasts a little too tight to her chest.

They looked like a good match in that way- two adolescents. No wonder the bankers saw her as an intrusive girl instead of a potential customer.

"I feel immature."

"I don't see it. You're strong, and confident, and... and experienced. You might not have suffered like Holly has, but you've done amazing things."

Hermione blushed. Neville was referring to her schooltime adventures, but Hermione recalled some quite-sophisticated sexual experiences she'd had last winter.

"Besides," Neville added, "with Holly gone, aren't you kinda in charge?"

One eyebrow cocked, and her eyes lit up with a certain mad swirl; "You're right. I'm in command."

"It can be intimidating, I suppose--"

"Neville, close the door."

He squinted at her. "Eh? Oh, of course! You probably want some privacy to... I mean, do you want to... what side of the door should I be on, when I close it?"

Hermione removed her robe, letting it drop to the floor and exposing her bare body to the man of the house. "Your choice. I'd prefer that you stay."

Neville goggled. "Whuh... buh... last night you said we shouldn't."

"Last night, you and I weren't thinking about each other, we were just over-excited." Her voice dropped a half-octave. "What are you thinking about now, Neville?"

"You're really sexy when you say things like that."

She smiled and stepped towards him. "Prove it."

~[]~

Postcards from the Peninsula

Just past noon, Hermione walked into the kitchen of the Nautilus with a spring in her step. Gathered around the auto-steeping teapot, by contrast, were a motley collection of groaning souls in pyjamas and/or bathrobes, all awaiting the rejuvenating properties of the very English brew.

"Hello, fellow adherents! I see that you all have begun to recover from the night's labours."

Various moans of protest answered her chipper greeting. Sirius, Remus, Viktor, Padma, George and even Fleur all appeared nearly broken from exhaustion and no doubt some form of alchemical withdrawal.

The metal device chimed and immediately a half-dozen teacups were thrust forward. The dispensing faucet split itself into separate tentacle-like metal spigots that delivered aromatic tea to the center of each cup. They all drew the cups back into their personal space. Soon they relaxed, each awaiting the near-magical effect of a proper morning brew to take hold, even if it was noontime.

Padma broke the pattern of relieved grunts and moans, asking, "Hermione, do you know; where is the happy couple? I believe Fleur saw them last--"

"Oui, mais il y a neuf heurs..." [trans.: 'Yes, about nine hours ago...']

Hermione shrugged. "I only just arrived after checking on Molly and Chrysanthemum. No one at the Kiln knows where any of you are, much to their annoyance and curiosity. Ginny seemed to be in a particular snit about it."

Viktor groaned in acknowledgement. He had a difficult conversation with the girl in his near future.

Sirius' owl Joker then flew into the room, setting off a new bout of moans due to his sharp, disturbing laugh of a hoot. He circled the tortured partiers four times before landing on the counter next to Hermione. He cackled and screeched again, then offered up a small seashell attached to his leg. She detached the bauble and set a bowl of walnuts in front of the owl as a noisy treat.

Sirius winced as his owl cracked open nutshells with his beak less than a foot from the pounding in his head. Fleur hissed at him, "Stop whining, you ridiculous puppy. It hurts my ears." Sirius gave her a gimlet eye but replied, "Oh, oui Maitresse. Pardonnez."

Hermione tapped the seashell with her wand and it popped into a small stack of postcards tied with a ribbon. "Ah! They've sent along an update for us." After reading for a bit, Hermione explained, "It seems Holly asked Natalia where she would want to go on their honeymoon, and Natalia insisted that they make it as non-work-related as possible."

Padma pried open her bleary eyes and said, "I am unclear- how do they mean, 'non-work-related'?"

"Natalia said that they should go somewhere completely lacking in magical history, background or even the likelihood of being visited by wizards of any stripe. This, so that Nat would hold her full and complete attention, you see."

"I do," Remus replied, "but where in the world would they find a place that we haven't gone, haven't made our mark and never would try to visit?"

Hermione grinned. "DisneyWorld. The muggles refer to it as the most magical place on Earth. Our sort wouldn't be caught dead there."

She flipped over the first postcard to show off the related picture. Holly and Natalia were wearing neon-splattered bikinis, clashing bermuda shorts and glitter-covered trainers, their pale English skin appearing nearly ghost-like compared to the riotous colours. They were standing on either side of a seven-foot tall... thing that might represent a very happy giant black rat in a tuxedo. They also were both wearing headgear with similarly-shaped round representations of ears as appeared on the rat costume. All three waved out of the photo and appeared to be laughing.

Viktor wrestled with smiling during a yawn and then asked, "Hhh-how long do dey plan to stay?"

Hermione frowned. "Uhhh... it says, 'until we get bored'."

Sirius's head fell into his hands. He moaned, "We may never see them again."

Hermione flipped over the second postcard- it showed the two witches having a cuppa with Mickey, but the attractive young brunette underneath the costume had removed her headgear and appeared to be enjoying their conversation greatly. The third postcard apparently continued the visual story, as said young woman was now caught between the arms and lips of the two witches with most of the costume strewn about the floor of their sunlit hotel room.

"You may very well be right," Hermione mused as she circulated the pictures.

Remus mumbled, "They're like machines. They devastated us; then Apparated what-- ten thousand miles; apparently went shopping for swimwear and have already seduced another bed mate."

Hermione explained, "A happy Holly is like a force of nature, but the distance was less than five thousand miles."

George snarked, "Oh, well. Piece of cake, then."

"Vait," Viktor grumped. "If dey both seduce muggle girl, who takes photos?"

Hermione looked around the kitchen for a moment and then replied, "I think that would be Holly's dedicated assistant, Dobby."

A piece of parchment snapped into existence at the mention of the house-elf's name.

Hermione grabbed the missive and recited, 'Dobby is sorry for not being available and hopes
Miss Hermione won't miss him too much while he is assisting the Peverells. Dobby will return to your side soon, as his elf-visa for visiting Americas lasts only three days unless Dobby is joinings to a guild. Here is a picture to remember Dobby to you.'

Hermione flipped over the attached photo and gasped.

"Vhast ist?" Viktor mumbled.

"It's me, from when I fell asleep sunning last month. I had wondered why I didn't get a burn..."

Sirius grabbed the picture from her before she could react- the photo showed Hermione laying face-down on top of a beach towel with her blue bikini untied and the strings left to the sides. Occasionally, a small hand would appear at the base of the frame, massaging a white lotion across Hermione's impressive bare bottom.

Fleur chuckled. "As a fellow 'near-human creature', I feel obligated to honour that elf's taste and cunning. Bravo, M'sieur Evanson."

"Hear, hear," said Sirius. "Can I keep the picture?"

Hermione scoffed loudly while snatching back the photograph. "You most certainly may not! Now, if you're all sufficiently recovered, let's talk about the Spiral. Remus, I'm afraid--"

"Say no more," he answered. "I'll just look in on Marguerite, make certain she's still breathing." He slumped out of the room.

The remaining six mumbled in unison, "Phasmatis Reus." An amber glow emanated from the base of each person's spine, enacting a powerful privacy barrier.

Hermione continued, "I'd like to again welcome Viktor and George. You are our first male Regents. I have some instructions for how to induct others into the Spiral, compiled by Padma and me. It will require some unusual potions and spell work, so you should plan to practice the process. Best if you had a candidate in mind to prove it out once you're confident. As you might guess, trust and conviction is essential, so don't rush in selecting someone."

George winced as he read over the small script filling the scroll handed to him. "Can't I just look it over when I need it?"

"No, George. These must be memorized. You'll find that associating the reading with your vow to the Spiral Mark will categorize the information in your mind quite securely."

"I'm beginning to regret swearing fealty to Holly--"

Hermione barked to correct him, "You swore fealty to me, George Weasley! Your future is now mine to determine."

A silence fell over the meeting.

Fleur smirked. "Raise your hand if Kittyhawk's words excited you."

Five hands floated up in agreement. Hermione blushed and raised her hand as well.

~[]~

Author's Note: Reverend Ted is a priest of the Episcopalian Church of Hy Breasil, Ltd. It was established in 1888 by a convocation of magical Christians who were inspired by the Americans' post-Revolution separation from British-Anglican supremacy; in the words of charter Primate Dionysus Dolittle, "If they can edit the Book of Common Prayer to suit their needs, I don't see why we shouldn't." One of their specific changes was to assign standard fees for services, rather than relying on tithes or charity from their small, ill-paid and often nomadic flock.