FicWad

Harry Potter and the Witches' Secret
Chapter 27
15 Sept 1995 (Sidereal)
13-15 September 1995 (Off Sidereal)

Unfortunately Poppy's instructions were completed disregarded by first the mates and then, when he caught his second wind, Harry. First he drew on them, then the realm, until they were all in complete satiated submission including him. Harry finally went to sleep at 7 a.m.

Poppy was called immediately, and she was furious. They would be fine, but this was uncalled for; they had hundreds, maybe thousands of years to love and be loved. They were acting like newlyweds before their first baby. The light suddenly broke on Poppy. It was the breeding urge of Harry's magic that was doing this. It was going to keep driving them until they had enough children to satisfy the magic that the line was secure.

Poppy frowned and wondered how she could do anything about this. Hermione rose and walked to her. In an odd but pleasant contralto she asked, "Poppy, what's wrong?"

"Hermione, are you all right, dear?"

"I'm Rowena, Poppy; Hermione is resting."

Poppy's eye's bugged as Rowena explained the shared-body arrangement. Poppy took a moment adjusting, first to the fact that she was addressing the corporeal manifestation of a thousand-year-old castle and then, for just a moment, that it was even possible. A scan revealed that it was, in fact, possible. Somehow the diagnostic spells could tell the difference.

Poppy, satisfied, told Rowena her breeding urge theory. "Poppy, you're brilliant. Of course that's the answer."

POP!

Geoffrey handed the family book to Rowena. She paged to the appropriate section and read for a few moments, then she handed the book back to Geoffrey.

POP!

"So, Rowena, what can we do?"

"Nothing that I know of. Apparently Nym is going to have to get pregnant, and that will allow a cascade of pregnancies. One of Elizabeth's councilors espoused this theory and the Potter family book backs it up."

Poppy stood and moved to the bed, running some very specific scans on Nym. "She got off the potion a short time ago, apparently. Her natural cycle is taking over but she'll have to have her period naturally before she will then ovulate with everything in the correct condition. Maybe a month total, depending on where she is in her cycle and how regular it was while not on the potion. It could be much longer if her body doesn't adjust easily."

"We'll try to take a more responsible approach, Poppy. Now that we know this we should be okay, and Harry can draw on the Realm."

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St Mungo's
Long-Term Care Ward

Albus diligently continued the task he had set himself. He felt a little worse this morning, but still, better than he had in years.

His notes were as comprehensive as he could make them. He was saddened as he reread them; so many mistakes. Why? What had gone wrong? He was desperately searching for the one decision that had led down the path to here.

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Little Hangleton
Riddle Manor

Lord Voldemort groaned and rolled over in the stinking gloom. Silence fell again; roaches and spiders skittering through the walls were the only sounds to be heard beside the occasional groaning rasp.

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Corwen
Wales

Peter Carthage looked across the table at Lauren. "Are you ready for tonight, gel?"

"Yes, Da. Shelia, Susan, and Rose will be here at four this afternoon, packed and ready to go. We'll dress while we wait for the Duke's representative."

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Colonsay
Hebrides

Agnes McNeil looked at her second. "Are we ready, Millicent?"

"Yes, Agnes. We'll all be here at four this afternoon, ready to go, even the wee bairns. We even got his pattern-dark red and old gold with green and black stripes, the Myrridin."

"Don't change yet, Millicent. Let's wait to see what happens."

Millicent nodded.

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Royal Academy Building Site

Hookknife and Slasher missed Harry. Geoffrey had popped in and told them that the young Duke would be otherwise engaged today and sent his apologies.

It just wasn't as much fun without Harry.

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In the Master Suite

Rowena had gone back to sleep, or put Hermione's body back to sleep, or something. Poppy chuckled; no wonder Minerva, Aurora, Septima, and Bathsheba hadn't shown up this morning at breakfast-they were all lying here shagged silly, like teenagers. She scanned them and, as with the other mates, gave out some very specific anti-inflammatory potions. Well, she wouldn't have to worry about them wearing Harry down for a couple of days; they'd all probably be too sore.

Harry was another story. He just lay there looking like a Michelangelo marble; even completely at rest he was cut and firm-looking. She scanned him, healed a few bite marks-not vampire, thank Morgana-and then covered him with the sheet again. Poppy sighed and sat down in a wingback by the fire. She looked at the hugely expanded room and bed and laughed bitterly. It could only have happened to poor Harry.

With Ginevra in the bond they would probably transfer that strange bit of familial magic the Weasleys and Prewitts were famous for, but very few wizarding families that had that kept the children's uncontrolled magic from harming their siblings, and had a child apiece every couple of years. Harry could end up with thousands of children-unless they practiced a lot of birth control, of course.

In the dining room

Most of the vassals and the Royals had remained, it being Friday. Andrew sat at the table and slowly ate breakfast alone; Sarah and the girls had slept in.

"Andrew, good morning. Girls not up yet?"

"Morning, Dad. No, not yet."

"Busy night."

Andrew chuckled. "Sarah had to shield; the mates overwhelmed the stones."

Phillip leaned closer. "I know. I'm trying to convince your mum to move here permanently."

Andrew's spit-take had orange juice coming out of his nose. "Bejesus, Dad, that's yacky."

Phillip waggled his eyebrows. "Only for you, boyo."

Andrew groaned. "Eat, Dad. I want to go look at the Royal Academy since it looked like the Goblins were there working."

"Poor little beggars don't get a day off? Harry's worked them every day since we got here."

"Harry's on the prod to get the school up, and they have to get the shell and roof up before the snow flies."

Phillip nodded and tucked in; soon he and Andrew were on the way to the site.

Elizabeth entered the dining room at 9 a.m. As she ate, the other ladies slowly filtered in. All of the males had had the same idea as Andrew and Phillip and had left for the building site already.

Fortune sat by Elizabeth. "They're such little boys."

Elizabeth gave her a Mona Lisa smile. Fortune gazed at her for a moment and then giggled. "Or maybe not."

Elizabeth just continued to smile.

"Ma'am, what are we going to do about the Clan mates? I've been reviewing the available information, and Clan McNeil has witches from fifty-six to twelve."

"You know the answer, Fortune. If their cycle is regular he'll have to take them. He'll bond them. I've started intelligence-gathering efforts on the other Dark-associated families to see where the next potential bonding problem will come. I think to prevent it he can not cast the Praedia Bellica, but it will leave them to run loose and then he'll have to judge them when they're captured."

"I'll have a conversation with him, Nym, and Sarah when he wakes up. He can decide what he wants to do."

"And Suzanne Grofton, ma'am?"

"I'm going to let him decide Grofton's fate as well. Hopefully the silly cow will save her own life."

Fortune nodded and they finished breakfast. By that time the rest of the Ladies of the Court had arrived, and after the extended breakfast they all went to join their men who were still at the building site.

Nym's eyes opened and she focused on the form of Baroness Grofton kneeling by the edge of the bed with her crossed wrists extended to her. Nym sighed and Vanished Suzanne's clothes with a negligent flick of her fingers and pulled her into the bed next to Harry.

Harry slowly dragged his eyes open later to find Nym encouraging Suzanne to at least touch him. He lay perfectly still, knowing that Nym felt him awaken. The other mates were coming awake and quietly watching as Nym coaxed Suzanne into saving her own life.

Suzanne reached out a trembling hand and placed it on Harry's sculpted abdomen. She was instantly lost to everything but what her senses could drag into her about Harry, his appearance, his smell, the taste of his skin, the way his skin felt under her hand. She suddenly found herself with Harry in her mouth and she marveled at the smoothness and warmth of him on her tongue. She gave in to the compulsion at that point.

Harry chuckled, and using all he knew, he took Suzanne through her bonding. While the bonding was physically shattering, it had nothing on having her mates run through her thoughts, and oh, by the way, her having access to theirs. She was strangely attracted to and not disgusted by Amelia Fastida's long memory. It was like having a first-person perspective on western European history.

Harry sighed contentedly.

"Harry, get up!"

"Why, Eugenie?"

"We're bored, Harry. We want to go look at the hole."

"It's not a hole, Eugenie, it's a foundation."

"But it looks like a hole."

Harry had no reply for this and, noticing that he was hungry, he sat up. He just managed not to scream, between his very sore abs and his very full bladder. He hobbled into the ensuite and the mates were amazed at first by the loud sound and at its going on for so long, and then by how good Harry suddenly felt.

Nym could only look around at her red-faced mates and laugh. Harry had very obviously enjoyed relieving himself, and the little shiver at the end had been amusingly delicious.

After a quick shower Harry came striding from the ensuite and the mates tracked him with appreciative eyes.

"I never get tired of that."

"Nympho much, Rosmerta?"

"I didn't say I was going to do anything about it, Ginny, but Morgana, what a view!"

They all giggled and began rising and wandering off to their own baths. It was fortunate that the mates' quarters were strictly off-limits except for the Royals and that Andrew was at the building site, as the hallway was briefly full of naked mates. In the free-for-all yesterday evening, everyone's clothes had been Vanished.

Winky led Suzanne to a room that now contained all her remaining things.

Harry dressed and waited, thinking. The mates were amazed at his careful consideration of the situation with both the Carthages and the McNeils.

There will be young women with the clan. Hmmm...well, if they've achieved regular cycles, then it should be okay. The magic shouldn't consider them of age before that, and I'll be very careful with the ones of age, take it slow, let them decide when.

Lauren, though, that's going to be a problem. The vampires and the werewolves are at war. Hmmm. I'll need Remus with me to meet Peter, and then we'll have to talk to him. Don't want another Parkinson thing if we can avoid it-poor Mi, Jacquelyn, and Pansy too.

Hermione shuddered as Harry caressed her in the bond. Jacquelyn and Pansy joined her as Harry's thoughts turned to them.

Nym was convinced Harry didn't know he had completely stopped shielding from the mates and they were all privy to his thoughts. It was very endearing knowing that he trusted them so completely. If any one of them ever betrayed him, she wasn't sure she would be able to leave them alive.

Nym re-entered the bedroom and dragged Harry from his wingback. "Come on, lover boy, let's get you fed."

Harry offered his arm and led her to the dining room. As they passed each mate's room, the occupants fell in behind the group.

Lunch was delicious and the elves were ecstatic. They were being worked hard serving the vassals, Royals, and guests at the site and the bonded in the dining room.

After lunch Harry and the bonded moved to the site; as the older women all sat and laughed at them, the men all tried their hand at construction. Slasher rolled on the ground laughing most of the afternoon. Hookknife, however, found an artist in Dan; the human loved buildings, and architecture was a passion. The kindred spirits were the cause of a significant percentage of Slasher's humor as they clambered over the site.

Slasher looked up and saw Harry working with the females by the pile of raw quarried bedrock and was amazed to find not only him teaching them the cutting and polishing spells but the females using them. And the stone they turned out was gorgeous.

Slasher sighed; too bad he couldn't add them to his crew permanently. They had set up a sort of line and finished blocks were coming off of it as fast as his normal crew could stack them.

Geoffrey and the elves kept a steady stream of drinks and, at intervals, finger foods circulating. The nanny elves chased their charges and Sirius over the site. All in all, a grand time was had by all.

The humans all returned to the Castle as the sun set, and the Goblins packed up and went home.

At the Castle everyone withdrew to their rooms to dress for dinner. At 5:45 Harry escorted the mates back to the entry hall. They found everyone else there waiting for them.

Amelia Fastida considered for a moment. "Master, I must withdraw."

"Amelia?"

"The Alpha werewolf will not react well to my presence, Master."

Harry thought for a moment. "Okay, we'll bring the McNeils in first and then you may withdraw to the master suite until I can talk to him."

"I meant the female, Master. She is Alpha; her mother died and she has achieved that status."

"Amelia, stop that. Call me Harry. And I'll speak to them both with Remus before dinner."

Harry nodded to Geoffrey and the double doors opened.

Agnes, Millicent, and the other members of Clan McNeil landed in the drive facing the Castle.

Harry had started to move to the door, but Nym held his arm as Sirius went and greeted the Clan.

"Lord Black at your service, Lady McNeil."

"Me laird, nice little place you have here."

"Actually this is my liege's country house, as he calls it. Welcome to Potter Castle. Let me escort you inside; the family has set up a receiving line for you."

Agnes had been a little stunned at the "country house" comment. The Castle was a small city in and of itself. She laid her hand gently on Lord Black's arm and let him lead her inside.

The "family" turned out to be the Queen, her consort, and the Prince and his wife, followed by a good-looking young man who radiated magic in waves and fifty-nine stunningly beautiful women and girls, including-unless she was badly mistaken-Amelia Fastida, the currently awake vampire Elder. She cut her eyes at the smiling Lord Black.

"Very droll, me laird."

"Sorry, Lady McNeil, couldn't resist."

Agnes proceeded to the Queen, and as she dropped her curtsy the vassals moved forward and introduced themselves to the women of the Clan and escorted them to the Queen.

The clanswomen found themselves with the urge to submit to Duchess Nymphadora and Duchess Sarah. Heather, a twenty-three-year-old, and Eileen, a fifteen-year-old, felt it most powerfully and offered their wrists immediately and in a kind of daze. Agnes had known it was probably going to happen; they were both very powerful, as her daughters should be.

After the last of Clan McNeil had passed Amelia, she withdrew. Harry nodded to Geoffrey, and Peter, Lauren, Rose, Susan, and Shelia appeared in the drive. Remus greeted them.

"Peter, good to see you. Ladies, a pleasure to meet you all."

Lauren watched from the corner of her eye as Rose's lips parted slightly. She smiled as she thought, "Oh my, that was quick. I wonder how long she's been found?"

"Remus, good evening. Fine place you have here."

"It's one of my liege's holds, Peter. He likes to tell people he likes to have a small place in the country."

Lauren started. "One? Small place? Who is your liege, Lord Lupin? Croesus, perhaps?"

Remus laughed. "He owns quite a few properties. He's kidding about the small, we think, and no-until a month or so ago he lived in a closet. He's still getting used to all this. The family has set up a receiving line. May I escort you?"

Lauren stepped up and lay her hand on his arm. Remus led her into the impressive entry hall.

Lauren chuckled. "The family, Lord Lupin?"

"Yes, you'll see."

Lauren's eyes tracked down the line until she saw Zsuzsa. She stiffened and her Betas took up position around her, shaking off the courtiers escorting them.

Peter stepped forward, sniffing the air and growling.

"You will attend me, Lord Carthage, or you will forfeit."

Peter eyed the Queen and started to reply when Harry suddenly appeared in his field of vision. He was not suppressing, and his aura was bending the air around him.

Harry smiled. "Of course, we could settle this the pack way, Lord Carthage."

Peter knew it was hopeless to challenge this young man in a contest of power, either physical or magical.

"Your intentions, Your Grace?"

"Not to piss off a future in-law, Lord Carthage, much less a mate." Harry tuned and focused on Lauren and she blushed from the tops of her feet to her hairline.

Peter nodded, chuckled, and the group passed down the receiving line.

Peter leant forward and sniffed Zsuzsa. "You're human, but you smell of vampire."

Zsuzsa looked him straight in the eye. "My mother is a vampire."

The entire group minus the Queen, Harry, Remus, Lauren, Peter and, surprisingly, Luna, was led to a giant dining room and seated. Nym started a general conversation while aperitifs were served.

In the study Harry seated the Queen, Lauren, and Luna, but remained standing. "Lord Carthage, what is your problem with vampires?"

"Your Grace, they have attempted to enslave werewolves for eons, sometimes successfully."

"I will not tolerate that. There will be no non-consensual slavery or forced bondings in Britain any longer. My Duke will see that those violating my decree are punished."

"There is consensual slavery, your Majesty?"

"As you will find out in a moment, Lauren, there is. Your lord, His Grace the Duke of Magic, currently holds three slaves; he will hold many more."

Lauren looked first at the Queen and then at Harry. "I will-"

"This is a waste of my time, and I, for one, am hungry." Luna concentrated and Amelia Fastida appeared. She immediately knelt beside Harry, who caressed her hair without even thinking about it. "There are consensual slaves; however, only as a last resort, when the only other choice is death."

Peter howled and surged toward Amelia, to be stopped, frozen in mid-air, and silenced.

Harry blinked. Luna said, "Yes, yes, big bad Alpha, booooorrrrrriiiinnnnggg. Vampires and werewolves are the results of a disease. The same disease. The virus that causes the disease is headed toward a mutation which will cause a new...eerrr...manifestation, a creature with the powers of both the wolf and the vampire. Clan Potter will support as many of these creatures as comply with the law and eventually cure as many of these, as well as the vampires and werewolves, that wish it. All others will comply with the laws that my lord issues, or die. It's that simple. I will release you now, and you will decide-compliance or death."

Lauren was spluttering at the white-eyed Luna. Peter hit the ground and regained his balance.

"Because you're hungry and bored, you treat me thus, gel?"

Luna walked to Peter and patted the huge man on the cheek with her small hand. "Good decision,. There's a good wolf. Harry, take me to dinner."

Harry could only smile at her and do as she ordered. He bowed. "Your Imperial Highness."

Luna pulled a moue at Harry. "What am I supposed to do with this, Elizabeth? Such cheek."

Elizabeth, laughing outright now, returned, "Quit while you're ahead, Luna-and fix your eyes, dear."

Luna frowned. "Drat." The white appeared to drain from her eyes. Harry raised Amelia Fastida and offered Elizabeth the arm Luna was not on, and led them to dinner.

Lauren found herself beside Amelia. "You are his slave? Amelia Fastida, a slave?"

Amelia eyed Lauren, amused. "Do you think you can supplant Luna? No, I don't think you do. You can then not even attempt to supplant a Primary wife, much less one of the Alphas. I tried to force him into submission; he won. I could die, or accept a life of being loved completely. I am his creature, to do with as he will."

Lauren contemplated that. A human wizard had forced the only female vampire Elder in the world into submission, a feat that the two known male vampire Elders had been unable to accomplish in over fifteen hundred years.

She had met the Potter Alphas. Sarah had weakened her knees to the point of collapse; only her father's arm had kept her upright. Nym was the end; power and confidence rolled off of her in waves that had Lauren on her knees. Harry alone had been able to raise her.

Dinner passed pleasantly enough. The conversation was erudite and pleasant but answered no questions. Where had this young Duke sprung from? How had he come into so much power? And where had he come into so much property? Feh, that was all minor. How was it she got wet at the sound of his voice? It was embarrassing, really.

Rose and the Lord Lupin, though, that was entertaining. Like watching two teenagers, really, all the glancing and blushing. And no, the blushing she was doing every time he looked at her was not at all similar. Not at all.

Dinner passed and Harry stood, raising Nym and leading them to the sitting room. That everyone followed their lead without question was not lost on either the werewolves or Clan McNeil.

Heather and Eileen had found their age groups amongst the mates and were staying very near them.

Lauren was near Katie and Luna. Susan and Shelia, her Betas, were near but Rose was talking with Remus.

"Lauren, you're very quiet."

"Susan, I just can't get used to this. I mean, look at him-sitting there like a sultan. He doesn't even notice Allison, Bellatrix, and Amelia at his feet. And the Princesses. How does the Queen allow that?"

Susan followed her Alpha's eyes and heaved a great sigh. "You're going to be all hard-headed about this, aren't you? Is it because you won't be Alpha? Is that really worth your sanity?"

"I don't feel like mating a pedophile, Susan."

"That was beneath you, Lauren, and patently untrue as well as hypocritical. You know that in the pack, girls as young as Eugenie are already breeding in their wolf form. And Harry refuses to touch her or Beatrice in any way that could be interpreted as sexual. What's really your problem?"

"She's afraid Harry will supplant her father as Alpha and kill him in a dominance struggle, Susan."

"Shelia!"

"It's true, isn't it?"

Lauren dropped her head. "Yes."

Susan chuckled. "Silly bitch, he has no intention of that. Look at him; he's sitting with Amelia Fastida at his feet, negotiating a truce with your father. Would he bother with that if he was just going to dominate us all?"

"You know, if I wasn't a wolf...."

"Oh yes, my Alpha, I'm not worthy. On to important things: do you think Rose is just going to change right here and wave her bloody bottom at Lord Lupin, or do you think she'll keep on with the giddy teenager routine?"

"Susan! How crude!" Lauren succumbed to the giggles, ruining her reprimand.

Harry wrapped up his conversation with Peter with a handshake. Then he rose, offering Nym his arm. "Ladies and gentlemen, tomorrow we'll resume our normal training schedule. Geoffrey will show you to your rooms, where you'll find schedules posted. We will be using Time-Turners on the Castle shortly. Please stay in the areas shown to you by the Potter elves, and if you're uncertain, call for Geoffrey."

Harry bowed and led the bonded from the room. They stopped in the hall of the wing that the bonded were using and one mate transported herself to the center of each wall of as many floors as they could cover and connected the golden chains that the elves brought them to the Time-Turners they carried. Under Nym's control they wound and simultaneously released the Time-Turners. The Castle floors and the dungeon levels needed to be turned back in time.

"You know, that's amazing. If we had enough of these, we could Turn the whole Hollow."

"I'd settle for the whole Castle, Zsuzsa. As it is, we're using all of the Time-Turners the department has, and we're using them up. They're devilishly hard to make, and the sand is very rare."

"Why, Emmeline?"

"It's made from the gastroliths of a certain species of crocodile that only existed in ancient Egypt. The department has the only known supply of these gastroliths. So once we use these up only the ones out of Ministry control will be left. The Ministry knows that there are a few devices out there, but generally they get used up and the owners can't replace the sand."

"Eeeewwww."

By now the mates had returned and they looked around. In this wing there was only one set of double doors. Harry frowned and pushed the doors open. Inside was a common room with another set of double doors and two single doors leading off of it. Harry pushed open the double doors and laughed out loud. The bed against one wall was so long it was comical.

Geoffrey appeared. "Your Grace always ends up with the mates all in his bed; this just facilitates the process. The bondeds' apartment is off the common room, and there is a guest room." Andrew and Sarah turned with the girls and opened the first single door onto a beautiful three- bedroom apartment. They took the Princesses and shut the door behind them.

The mates explored till they found the swimming pool-sized tub, and suddenly a blizzard of clothes and underthings filled the air. Winky and the ladies' maid elves popped in and began picking up the clothing and vanishing with it.

Harry shook his head and undressed, laying his clothes on the wingback by the fireplace. Then he wandered in the direction his mates had gone.

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While Harry and the mates were playing, Elizabeth was talking to Peter. Lauren joined Peter.

"So, milord, has our Duke talked you into foregoing your rather senseless conflict with the vampires?"

"I do not believe it will be as easy as he thinks, ma'am."

"Does Amelia Fastida not have full control of her people?"

"Yes, ma'am, no question of that, but she only has a few more years awake and then Marcus will be awake." Peter shuddered.

"So this Marcus is the worst of them? But Luna assures us Viktor and Marcus will be killed in a conflict with the werewolves of the Balkans under this Lucien's control and the hybrids Selene and Michael Corwin."

"My people are notoriously hard to control, ma'am. Many will go over to Lucien. And then when and if he's killed, they'll be lone wolves. We'll have our work cut out for us finding them and offering them and the vampires the cure, if we can get it developed in time. And if they don't accept it, Duke Potter and I need to either kill them or re-establish dominance over them. And who's to say this Selene and Michael will be amenable to this plan?"

"We know they win, Peter. Luna says they'll be amenable. I trust her. She's been correct in every detail. I suggest we continue to go with our strength, and that is Clan Potter."

"I agree. Excuse me, Rose-will you and Remus go get a room and stop making moon-eyes at each other? Merlin!"

Remus and Rose blushed fire-engine red. "I'll take that as permission, then." Rose rose and dragged Remus from the room amidst the chuckles.

"Thank you, Peter, that was becoming irritating."

"Ha, you're one to talk, Grim. I'm just waiting to figure out which one will take to you when we get back to the pack. The full moon is the eighth of next month and I've been hearing rumors of you running with Remus since the last full moon. Best be careful; I know a few of the females are laying for you."

Now the chuckling turned to laughter as Sirius sputtered.

"Ma'am, His Grace didn't say-do you know when he intends to complete the conquest of my House?"

"This turning, Lady McNeil. How do you feel about all this?"

"Relieved, actually, ma'am. The clan needs new blood, and the men were beasts. I've kept the women well and they haven't succumbed to the Dark, but it was trying."

"And how will the Clanswomen feel?" Elizabeth swept her eyes over the of-age females of Clan McNeil.

"Hopeful. You've seen him, ma'am-and that island is barely fit for beasts, much less men."

The chuckles were back and the looks on the women's faces all reflected their hope for at least a mate-bond.

"So you won't mind staying here?"

"Mind? I might beg. We can use Apparation or the Floo to see to his land and livestock, and we'll work hard to make ourselves useful for him in whatever he undertakes."

Elizabeth nodded and rose. "That, I believe, is all we need do, any of us. Now, if you'll excuse me, His Grace starts very early in the morning."

Elves appeared and everyone took the hint and were escorted to their quarters.

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Minerva stretched and wondered why she had awoken so early. She looked toward the center of the huge bed and smiled. Shifting to her Animagus form, she padded lightly to the space next to Harry and lay down between him and Nym. She purred as Harry stroked her in his sleep. He turned his mind to her and shifted his form. Minerva gave a startled yowl and shifted back to her human form. Harry stayed a sleeping cat.

"Harryistic Metamorphmagi skills, I guess, Min."

"Nym, that isn't possible! No one has ever done that before."

"No one has changed their sex to the point where they could bear children before, either, Min, but he can."

"I thought you said he'd revert to his natural form in his sleep."

"That's a power-based thing. I think he might be able to hold it for nine months."

"Min, you dirty girl."

Nym had seen the flash of Min's fantasy of Harry mating her in cat form. Min blushed furiously.

"You should try it sometime, Min. We should probably figure out the Metamorphmagi process of his change first, though. He could do real damage if he lost concentration. It will need to become second nature to him."

Min was speechless; she shifted and curled up, with Harry in his cat form and her in hers. Nym pulled the ball of cats to her belly and drifted back to sleep.

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Potter Castle
First Turned morning

Harry awoke early and felt a rough tongue licking his fur. Wait a minute-fur? His eyes snapped open and he looked around. He saw Minerva's Animagus form, and he was a cat. How had this happened? Mmmm, who cared, with her licking him like that? Harry rose and stretched and pushed Minerva onto her back with his head. Then he went exploring her with his new cat senses. It was amazing. Minerva felt firm and muscular in this form also; it was hugely stimulating.

Nym was laughing at Minerva's indignant squirming, which turned into rubbing and rolling as Harry the cat continued to advance on her. Minerva suddenly hoisted her bottom in the air and yowled plaintively. She popped back into human form and made to leap from the bed, but Harry, who had followed her back into human form, dragged her down and covered her like a blanket.

Harry took her lips first and then slid down her blushing, lithe body. Nym on one side and Amelia Bones on the other watched as Harry drove an at first protesting and then pleading Minerva slightly out of her mind with lust and then slid back up her body, sheathing himself in her and grinding against her exposed, engorged clit. What followed was a furious bout of sex that could only be a mating; and after Minerva, Nym and then Amelia Bones found themselves under their mate and losing their minds for moments at a time.

This started a chain reaction that went on for the next hour and included both Patil girls, the Abbots, and Marietta, until finally Emma, of all the mates, collapsed on Harry and refused to budge from him. "Harry, we have to go to PT. Go shower. You can take more of us later."

Harry sighed and nodded. As she rose from him he kissed her on the nose and she led him into the ensuite and then the glassed-in shower enclosure.

Harry left the bath and returned to the bedroom, where he found his PT things laid out in the center of the bed. He stretched again and dressed for PT; then he offered his arm to Nym, and Geoffrey led them to the gym.

The McNeil women and the werewolves watched them sweep into the gym and immediately begin their stretches. The werewolves were amazed to find out they could not keep up with even the youngest mates. Marie was again explaining the equipment and routine to any and all that needed help.

Agnes approached Nym. "Your Grace, we're ready and some of us are already feeling the effects. Could His Grace take us soon?"

"Agnes, whenever a Clanswoman is ready, all she needs do is approach Harry. He'll be glad to take her. He feels bad about having to do this, though."

"Aye, I thought as much. An innocent, isn't he? How does he stay that way, running around in your heads? He has to know women have needs and very little compunction about satisfying them by now."

Nym smiled at her. "I don't really know. He always manages to find something to love about every woman he takes; it's never just sex to him."

"So what happens the first time it is just sex?"

Nym frowned. "I'm not sure he would do it."

"Even to keep her alive?"

"Not if he felt he was hurting her."

"We'll probably want to look into some compulsion potions, then-mainlanders call them Love Potions. If he logically sees the reason and agrees but can't make himself, then we'll have to help him along with it."

Nym sighed. "Yes, we'll have to look into it. If you know about them, you should speak to our Potions Mistress, Chu."

Agnes nodded. "Of course, ma'am. Now, if you'll excuse me, I want to finish so I can drag His Grace off after this PT. I'll bring him down to breakfast."

Nym nodded.

After PT Agnes approached Harry. "Your Grace, may I have your assistance, please?"

"Of course, Lady McNeil." Harry offered his arm and led Clan McNeil to their wing.

As soon as they were out of the gym, Harry said, "Agnes, please call me Harry, and I'm sorry to have to do this to you."

"If you tell me that one more time, Harry, I'm going to kick your arse. First, you saved us from a bunch of Death Eaters. Second, none of us mind. Third, after seeing you I'd like to have you anyway at least once; hopefully I'll bond, and I know the lasses want the same thing. Now, you need to quit being so noble and start shagging. There are a lot of us to get through, and you have your mates and the werewolves to worry about."

They had reached her room and Agnes had backed him against the bed. She knelt in front of him and yanked down his shorts. Agnes caught the head of his semi-hard cock in her mouth and sucked hard, moaning as she felt him grow.

Suddenly her clothes were Vanished and she felt herself go weightless. She kept her grip with suction as he spun her and buried his face in her. No one had ever done that to her, and Harry was applying all his skill. Agnes lasted about two minutes and then came hard. Harry never let up and soon had her moaning for mercy around the hard cock in her throat.

She found herself lifted off of him, spun around, and rolled under him. She shrieked out another peak as he sank into her. Harry began the long, full-length strokes and picked up the pace until Agnes was in the long, continuous orgasm and then she spasmed one last time, clamping down on him, and he came in her. The light flared.

She was overwhelmed as she was dragged into the bond. Finally bonded after all these years; Morgana, this was good!

Harry felt himself pushed over onto his back and Millicent McNeil sheathed him. She was nude and her tight, muscular body called to him. Harry pulled her down to him and as she rode him he paid homage to her tight, high, firm, almost hard breasts. She didn't last as long as Harry did and by the time he peaked and released in her she was completely undone. The light flared again.

Maude gently removed Millicent from Harry, and after lying her down comfortably she found herself on her back looking into a pair of glowing green eyes. "If you want me, Harry, I'm yours."

Harry took her mouth, and then as she clasped her legs around his waist, he pushed into her, at first gently and then very hard, as she rocked her pelvis up into him. They came together moments later and the light flared again.

Nym sighed and relaxed as Harry stopped. The next McNeil woman that came in, Rosalind, just kissed him and then cleaned him up. Nym led the mates to breakfast and a bouncing Harry led Agnes in at the front of Clan McNeil.

Agnes, Millicent, and Maude were definitely bonded, but it was the same kind of bond the other chattel women had, not as full as any of the other mates yet.

"Some of them will get better with time, Nym. Something about Harry, though-he doesn't seem able to not bond them."

Nym nodded at Luna as Harry came around to her and sat. He leant over and kissed her soundly.

Chuckles went round and breakfast was served.

Classes began and the McNeil witches and werewolves joined right in. Their knowledge was not as technical, but the practical work they did was very good. The McNeil women were heavily versed in what the current wizarding world considered Dark Arts.

In Runes, with all the magical people working, they created hundreds of runestone pairs with the simple Dark Mark and intent-based string. Nym had a production line going; the most proficient in Runes were doing the complicated charging strings and tying the rune strings together.

"Harry, you know that what you're doing here is area denial warfare."

Harry grinned at Tim viciously. "The thought had occurred to me, yes."

"So as the logical extension of your thought, how much terrain do you plan to deny to the enemy?"

"Well, we have to do some experimentation to determine the range of the fully charged stones; but I was thinking, oh, say all of Britain and then the world. Might leave out the oceans, but it depends on what the Merpeople want.

"For now we'll use the choke-point method in the Mundane and magical world. It will eventually affect the percentage of people inclined to act with evil intent."

"And you see continuing this forever? How will you handle them all?"

"All crime is not committed by people with evil intent, Tim. The ones the stones capture will be handed over to the regular courts after interrogation, depending on their crimes and their magical status. I'll judge magical beings, while the Queen's courts will judge the Mundane if their crimes were not against magical beings.

"My judgments will not leave beings with evil intent that are of age alive. I am not Dumbledore. I won't make his mistakes. I know that I can't overcome a lifetime of training. I can either tolerate evil or eliminate it.

"Those not of age will who are not rapists, pedophiles, or murderers will be shown the error of their ways in the most horrible manner possible that leaves them alive and unharmed. Education, hard labor, corporal punishment, and whatever else I can dream up. If they re-offend after their release, they will be summarily executed."

The room quieted as everyone contemplated what the bonded already knew. What the non-bonded did not know was that Harry was going to offer the stones to all the countries he and his mates judged as allies.

The stones were completed and inspected. Geoffrey popped in and removed the basket of them. Hestia slipped a stone hanging from a mithril chain around Amelia Fastida's neck that contained the by now standard set of mate runes and a complicated one-way ultraviolet filter.

The classes segued to Charms, and while the theoretical discussions went on in the more advanced group, many more witches from Clan McNeil joined Frank and Alice's group. Emma was making amazing progress, devouring text in all subjects and making the necessary cognitive leaps.

Hermione was immensely proud. As was Neville; his parents had recovered, and as they stayed in the Castle the years seemed to melt away from them.

Frank and Alice were themselves amazed at the improvement they were making. It had made for some very interesting pillow talk, but they were willing to accept it. Who wouldn't be?

In Transfiguration, Minerva took over. "I would like to begin everyone on the Animagus transformation." She blushed as her mates reviewed what had happened this morning and chuckled throatily.

For the foreseeable future, Transfiguration was going to be doing Animagus. Harry and Nym would work on it, too; however, there had never been a Metamorphmagus who was an Animagus, at least not recorded as one.

Lunch rolled around and as Nym led the others to lunch, Harry caught Hestia and faded them both to the roof garden. Nym delayed lunch a little with a detour to freshen up and Harry and a smirking Hestia returned just in time for Harry to seat them.

Harry was feeling really good. In DADA he took on Janet, Krystal, Krista, and both golems. It was a spectacular display as the war mages restricted their spells as Harry was restricted. It had to be stopped twice as the mates got pissed and attacked the unfortunate golems for attacking Harry. All in all it was a good workout, except for the poor smoking golems. They were not destroyed, but they were glowing red-hot again.

In Stealth and Tracking, Hermione and Anastasia found themselves deliciously caught.

Unarmed Combat was interesting with the addition of the McNeil women. They were matched up by age with the mates, where possible, and the duels were fierce. Harry was pleased to find himself in a duel against both Peter and Remus. The outcome was never in question, but the werewolves were quick, and strong enough together to give him a real workout. After they finished, Amelia Fastida stepped into the ring and had herself a very arousing-eerrr, satisfying-eerrr, complete workout. Harry actually broke a sweat by the end. The courtiers watching were horrified as Amelia Fastida and Harry went after each other tooth and claw. Marcia tsk'd and healed them afterward.

After a dip in the cold tub and shower-Ginny getting pinned to the wall very nicely-and dressing, Harry led the bonded to dinner.

Dinner was a raucous time, and afterward Harry was dragged away by Aasta, Abagail, and Abreal McNeil.

He returned to the sitting room two hours later and collected the bonded after a single round of mixing with everyone and said his goodnights.

Susan looked at her friend and sighed. "Lauren, you're going to have to go with him."

Lauren let go of her bitten bottom lip. "Not yet, Susan."

"Morgana's teats, Lauren, what are you waiting for? He's handsome, powerful, wealthy, confident, and obviously capable of love. Does he have to have some fault? Then consider his youth."

Shelia pushed Lauren into the line of mates and Luna took her hand and dragged her along.

Her taking was an epic battle followed by a staggering bout of lovemaking. The flash resulting from her full bonding blinded the mates for a few moments as it poured forth first from her and Harry and then them.

HPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWSHPATWS

Potter Castle
Second Turned morning.

Harry woke with Bellatrix suckling on him in a return to the mates normal morning activities. He tried to pull her up his body but she squealed her displeasure, so Harry contented himself with pulling her around and burying his tongue in her. Her mumbled protest soon turned to moans. They peaked together and then lay panting.

Amelia Fastida pushed Bella off and took Harry, settling into him and gently rocking her way to their mutual gratification.

Just after this Nym nuzzled into Harry, and as the mates bathed or showered, Harry and Nym had a long, slow, loving session ending in their mutual collapse. Daphne levitated them, still connected, to the bath and gently washed them.

Harry noticed something odd in PT. Although he felt like he wasn't working out as hard as he had, he was getting much, much stronger. The treadmill really didn't tire him at all, even on its best speed and highest incline.

After the cold pool Ainsley, Leslie, and Maise McNeil caught Harry and dragged him away to the classroom the mates used for Mind Arts. They all emerged smiling broadly and parted to get ready for breakfast.

In the dining room Phillip and Elizabeth were talking in their bond. "Elizabeth, he's bonding them all."

"Mostly mate-bonds to him, Phillip, but they're improving. Only Lauren has been a full Harry-bond. The full moon will be interesting."

"So this is okay, then?"

"Yes, Phillip, it will be fine. They all want him and the mates are dealing with it well."

"And we can expect this to continue?"

"It really depends on the families that oppose him. None will be as big as the McNeils, though, mothers and daughters mostly. We've identified two families with mothers and three daughters, but it seems most of our Dark-inclined subjects terminated the pregnancies that would have resulted in daughters."

"Bastards."

"Yes, another reason why we need him."

"What about what Grofton said? I mean, will he bond in the same way with completely nonhuman magical species?"

"Yes and no. The Realm is trying to tell me something, but I can't quite get it yet. It has something to do with the Metamorphmagus abilities he has."

"People will go round the twist."

"Yes, no doubt."

"You don't seem worried."

"And what can I do about it? Neither he nor I nor the females are in control of this. The Realm or something is, errrh, correcting an imbalance, is the closest I can get."

"You have to quit hanging out with Luna, Elizabeth; next thing your eyes will go all white. Although on her that's fairly sexy-hmmm, maybe you should talk to her more."

"Why, you old rounder!"

Phillip chuckled and Elizabeth gave him a Mona Lisa kind of smile.

"Potter Castle seems to agree with everyone. His Grace should start a spa."

"Good morning to you, too, Fortune." Elizabeth smiled at her.

Fortune smiled back. "Elizabeth, seriously, Clan Potter running around like bunnies, all the free magic around here is even doing the Mundane good."

Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, I've noticed."

The bonded entered and Harry went round the table seating mates, vassals, and courtiers alike. He was in a very good humor, and it was apparently contagious.

Breakfast and classes that morning went well. Just before lunch everyone outside the bond looked up and noticed Harry was missing. The bonded retreated to their apartments to "freshen up" for lunch as all the females smirked at them.

Lunch was delayed as three more of the McNeil women-Aileen, Ailsa, and Blair-fulfilled their obligations.

As Harry lay on the lawn in the roof garden, he asked, "Blair, what happened with Leslie and Maise? I mean, I noticed you ladies are mostly going in alphabetical order."

"It's the fairest way, but they were ever so anxious, Harry, they traded."

"Harry you don't have problems with me like you did Emma and Victoria. Why not?"

The bonded tensed. "Relax, ladies. I don't know, Blair, maybe I've accepted it, but really I don't want you dead. Besides, you're a very nice girl and your cycle is stable; were you not ready, baby?"

"Ach, no, are you kidding? That was great! I want to do it again."

Harry smiled at her and kissed her. "Later, baby."

"No cutting line, Blair."

"Yes, Nym."

Harry stood and dressed, casting cleaning charms on the ladies. "Well, come on, then, let's eat. I'm starving."

The women smiled and entered the circle of his arms, and he faded them straight to the dining room.

The afternoon was much the same, except in Weapons Amelia Fastida took on Harry. They both had to be healed afterward, but they were grinning the whole time.

Stealth and Tracking found Nym snatched up and transported to a room deep in the castle. Candles lit the room very romantically and Nym did not figure out that Harry had taken her in a ritual room until the amplified orgasm rocked her to her core. An odd glow accompanied the orgasm, but neither of them noticed as they had fallen deeply into each other's minds.

The dinner hour was also slightly delayed as Bonnie, Christy, and Donalda (call me Dona) met their obligations and succumbed to it joyously.

Dinner was marvelous, and afterward Harry was in rare form. He and Nym were seated in a loveseat with Allison, Bellatrix, and Amelia Fastida arrayed at Harry's feet. Nym held Julius and Harry had Juliet in his lap.

Emma sighed in her seat next to Dan, who followed his wife's eyes. The bonded were all watching Harry, misty-eyed, and Dan saw what he considered some dangerous looks of longing on some of the courtiers' faces.

"Saints in Heaven defend us; the boy is an absolute hazard."

"What, Dan? What are you on about?"

Sirius, who was sitting one chair away, said, "There isn't a woman, magical or Mundane, in this room who wouldn't sleep with Harry right now, besides the mothers-in-law, the Queen, and Sarah."

Emma giggled. "I know, and my Hermione caught him before all this began. She could have had him any time from first year on."

Dan looked at his gloating wife, stunned. "Emma!"

"S'true, now hush. I'm watching the show."

Sirius signaled with his head and Dan rose and accompanied him to the study, where cigars and whisky were out in abundance.

As they passed the silencing charm on the open door, Sirius said, "And how do you compete with that?"

Dan and the rest of the men in the room laughed. Dan said, "You don't. You trust your woman and reap the reward."

"Easy for you to say, old man. You're already well married. And the rest of you are at least intent-bonded."

Laughter flowed as Arthur handed Sirius a drink and a Hoyo De Monterrey. "Well, here then, help us punish him by putting a large dent in his supply of this excellent whiskey and these tremendous cigars."

"Oy, Sirius, where's Remus?"

"Out there making moon-eyes at Rose, Ron. You'd think they just discovered that witches and wizards were different and what that really meant."

"Oh, Sirius, settle down. Harry will give you back your godchildren before too much longer."

Laughter followed Andrew's sally after Sirius, grumbling, flung himself in a wingback.

Soon Harry came through the study saying his goodnights, and the men wandered out to the sitting room to say goodnight to the bonded and in not a few cases be buttonholed by their mates.

They really didn't begrudge Harry his ability to slay their women when it turned out like this-well, not for the next six months. That last trimester was hell.

Harry escorted the bonded away. Agnes pushed Heather and Eileen into the line. Hestia picked up Heather and Hermione took Eileen's arm.

Harry relaxed in the bath that night, at least until Hestia came in, stripped, stripped Heather, and led her into the bath.

Harry came fully awake with two sets of hands exploring him and let his feet down to the bottom. He turned toward Hestia and she shook her head and wordlessly turned him to Heather.

Without really knowing why, Harry slowly and with infinite care and patience explored Heather. This was exactly what she needed after having been forced to watch her mother brutalized repeatedly by her father. Harry brought her from fear to curiosity, curiosity to desire, and desire to a raging inferno of heat, need, and lust.

Heather was in the bonding orgasm when Harry took her on the cushioned floor of the bathroom. It was a good thing, as she screamed out the rupturing of her hymen into his mouth and Harry, fully sheathed in her, froze his hips; but she was having none of it. As she desperately thrashed beneath him, trying to finish the monstrous series of orgasms that was cramping her insides, Harry finally began moving. Heather screamed and raked his back, leaving eight raw, red tracks across his middle and upper back. Harry never noticed, and as Hestia held Heather's shoulders, he pushed her higher and higher into her howling orgasm.

"Harry, Morgana! Come, baby, you're killing her."

Harry had been holding back, as he could sense that Heather was not quite done yet. But as Hestia said this, Heather clenched and her muscles spasmed. She let loose a bloodcurdling scream and Harry released in her. The walls rang as the light flared, signifying the full bond.

Heather was in the bond sobbing, shattered. She was soothed and comforted by all the mates. Harry brought her to bed and he and Nym curled around her. Hestia got in behind Harry, healed him, and pulled the sheet over them all.

Heather finally relaxed when she saw in Harry's memory that he had after all released in her. She had thought he had not achieved release before she collapsed.

"Shhhh, baby, it's fine. You were fantastic and I can't wait to make you come some more."

"Morgana, Harry, not tonight, my love. You've ruined me."

Harry and Nym snuggled her into them and caressed her in and out of the bond.

Harry awoke in the night with Minerva licking his fur. He head-butted her and she stretched and raised her bottom. Harry, wasting no time, mounted her and drove into her. As he released a few moments later, he bit her hard on the back of her neck. Minerva had a shattering climax that she screamed out. Nym, who had been watching, chuckled, and an obviously distraught yowling Harry-cat tried to nuzzle Minerva the cat; he got raked across his short muzzle for his trouble and instantly reverted to human, as Min did.

"Oh, gods, Harry, I'm so sorry,. I don't know why I did that."

"Nt's nokay, Mim."

Nym was sputtering with laughter as she waved her hand over his face, muttering a healing charm. Minerva gave her a death-glare.

Harry tackled them both and as his mates watched and cheered, he quickly took Min again and then Nym.

They lay panting and chuckling as their mates cheered and clapped.

"Harry, you beast, what's gotten into you? Not that I mind, but you've been after me pretty hard today, baby. Maybe some of the others want some Harry time, too."

Harry blushed so brightly they could actually see it in the starlight coming in the illusioned wall.

Harry mumbled in a tiny little embarrassed, almost inaudible voice, "It smells like the right time."

"What, Harry?"

"It smells like the right time for you."

Nym's mouth opened but no sound came out.

Megan saved the day by squeeing delightedly. "Pheromones, he's smelling your pheromones! You must have ovulated, Nym."

Nym, casting back over her talk, smiled and, gathered her still blushing and hot to the touch mate to her, she snuggled into him.

In the morning Harry came awake and stared down at the back of Nym's pink head of hair. That wasn't what he was feeling, so he worked his way through the bond to where he was seeing what Hermione and Eileen were doing. He smiled and relaxed into Hermione's hands (lips?) training Eileen in how to acquire some pre-PT protein.

Eileen started tentatively but soon gained confidence and received her reward. Nym moved her head, and Harry pulled Eileen up his body and rolled over on her. He smiled and eased down into her, licking and nibbling. Eileen had a look of amazed surprise on her face that deepened into pure lust. Harry drove her into and through several climaxes before he climbed up her body and took her mouth.

Eileen dove into the kiss, and then she felt him bumping against her. She spread her legs as far as possible and begged, "Harry, please?" into his mouth.

Harry took her mouth again and as gently as possible eased down onto her. He felt her hymen. "Eileen, this will hurt," he cautioned her gently.

Eileen nodded and Harry quickly pushed through and into her. He froze and waited until she began moving. Harry matched her and they came to a rhythm. Eileen slowly but surely went into the long bonding orgasm and then, when she thought she couldn't last any longer, she felt him tense in her and they both suddenly peaked together.

The walls rang and light flared from the mates. Harry collapsed beside Eileen, whose face appeared to be frozen in a delighted grin. Hermione dragged her off to the bath and Nym crawled over to her collapsed lover and laid her body down on his right side, with her head snuggled into his neck and her right leg thrown up on his belly.

"Mmmm, that was very nice, Harry. You're very sweet."

Harry just pulled her head up and kissed her. He intended it to be a brief kiss, but Nym shamelessly took advantage.

Later, Amelia Fastida picked Harry up and threw him across her petite shoulder and walked to the bath and then down into the tub with him. Bellatrix floated Nym behind her.

Harry rested a while in the bath and then quickly rose and dressed for PT. The mates followed his lead and they all ended up in the hall for PT. Harry went through his workout and the cold tub. He emerged and waited, and soon Edme, Euna, and Fiona joined him.

Harry smiled at them and transported them to the roof garden. Nym smiled and led the mates to their wing. They rested and smiled as Harry's climaxes washed over them and the new bonded joined them.

Harry transported the girls down to their wing and then transported himself, minus his clothes, straight into the huge tub in the master ensuite. He rinsed off and relaxed for a moment and then wandered into his dressing room.

After he dressed, Harry and the mates slowly walked to breakfast and Harry seated Nym.

The bonded, while carrying on polite conversation, were watching Lauren watching Rose and Remus. Her running commentary in the bond was driving them all into hysterics. She was obviously impatient for them to move their relationship along.

Eventually, though, everyone had had a chance to eat, and Harry rose and led them to the hall.

Classes went well. Runes was another good session of producing the mines, as Tim called them, and they began trying some of the charms they had been creating in Charms class. Some worked, others fizzled and were noted for more work. Transfiguration involved more work on the Animagus change. The Mind Arts classes helped and a few of the mates were getting close to their animals. Both Harry and Nym could sense something, but they really couldn't figure out what it was. It was infuriating.

Harry broke away from that class and went to the roof garden with Grear, Greer, and Grier. They were quite a threesome. Harry had to rest for a while before lunch. Nym found him at the bottom of a pile.

She laughed and transported the McNeil women back to their rooms and Harry to his favorite place, the tub with her.

Lunch was very pleasant. The bond was settling nicely and there were apparently no crises looming.

The afternoon passed in the heavy physical classes, and in Stealth and Tracking Narcissa and Amelia Bones found themselves found and thoroughly loved.

Iona, Isla, and Kristie McNeil also found themselves scooped up and transported to their room in the wing they were occupying. They did not complain.

Nym found Harry in the tub and chuckled. He was asleep with a Bubble-Head charm on. She stripped and went in the tub and pulled him to her. She smiled as she looked at his relaxed, boyish face and held him to her tightly.

Harry woke up and rolled over. He kissed Nym gently and then rose form the tub to go to the loo. Nym smiled as her "horsie" had a noisy pee. "Harry, why do you make so much noise peeing?"

Harry was dumbfounded. "I don't know, Nym, I just pee."

"Because he stands up and pees in the middle, Nym."

"How do you know, Sally?"

"I watched him." They all felt Sally's blushing in the bond and watched her memory of following Harry into the loo while she was invisible and watching him peeing. Oddly enough, none of them were disgusted; they were all at least slightly interested.

"Ahem! Ladies, if you don't mind?"

"No, we don't mind, Harry. Pee some more."

"Eugenie!"

"Oops!"

"Ladies, please. If everyone has had enough of the Harry biology lesson, could we go eat?"

He left the loo and Nym left the bath. They dressed and Harry escorted them to dinner. He was bright-red as most of the mates were busy reviewing every memory they all had of him in all situations. Including Sally's-especially Sally's-over and over.

The mates were seated, and almost universally their mothers leaned over and questioned them as to why Harry was blushing. Harry could have kissed all his mothers-in-law as suddenly his mates blushed furiously under their close questioning and laughter.

Harry's blush finally faded and he smiled.

Dinner proceeded normally, and afterward Harry rose and led them to the briefing theatre.

"Ma'am, sir, Your Grace. There are no changes to the briefing, so we believe we should use this briefing session to take questions and receive guidance."

Andrew had his hand up immediately.

Nym smiled at him from her podium. "Your Grace?"

"Nym, have we determined the range on the snatch stones?"

Hestia stood and a map of Europe appeared behind her. "Your Grace, we have. The fully charged stones are capable of snatching a person based on intent up to fifty meters away and up to one hundred meters for a person with the Dark Mark."

Hestia waved at the map and red dots appeared as it zoomed in. "Currently the Dark-Mark stones are placed where you see the red dots."

Several people mounted the stage and studied the map. "So mostly around Magical Britain and the Royal establishment," Tim observed.

Hestia nodded. "Yes, Tim. We're currently satisfied with the locations but, as has been pointed out, the stones are essentially free and we're happy to put them anywhere."

Tim nodded. "I'll get with my colleagues we'll produce a target list."

"Harry, how have your plans changed-or have they?"

"Tim, I think we're on the right course. This Horcrux thing is throwing us a little. We'll need to eliminate them or kill Voldemort enough times to use them up, but we're unsure how many there are."

Luna cut in. "Err, Harry, I've been working on it and I believe there are, or were, nine. I believe we actually have one of the last ones in our possession and the other, I think, is at Gaunt Place. A trophy was picked up in our sweep of Hogwarts that reads as a Horcrux. The ring was a family signet ring and the last known heirs of Slytherin were the Gaunt family."

Harry looked at Emmeline and she nodded. The trophy appeared on a table. Harry walked to it and extended his hand. After a moment he chuckled.

"Emmeline, I can strip this thing any time."

"Err, the Department has asked that they be allowed to study it, Harry. We have the situation under control and Vulturewart is, we believe, currently incapacitated. I think we can focus on getting his minions or possible minions out of circulation while we go about our business. If you decide it's time, we can destroy this and then hunt him down. We do need to get the ring under control, though."

Harry thought a moment and then smiled. He extended his hand and the ring appeared in it.

Gasps were heard around the room. "What? I've conquered the House and cast the Praedia Bellica. I can call any of the House's assets."

Sirius gave his barking laugh and slowly everyone joined him. "Only you, Harry. Nobody else would have even thought of that."

"I believe Emmeline is correct, Harry. Let's cut down the number of evil persons and then take care of Riddle. That is, as long as he's under control and we're taking no losses."

"Ma'am."

"Don't ma'am me, Harry. This is your charge. Tell me what you think."

"Eeerrr, I was, ma'am. I agree with you."

"See, Elizabeth? She never believes me when I just agree with her, either, Harry. I think she likes a good fight."

"Phillip!"

"What? It's true."

The Queen glared at her consort amidst chuckles from everyone present.

"I do hate to be the fly in the ointment here, but the stones don't distinguish between Mundane and magical. How do we explain when suddenly citizens of other nations start getting snatched?"

Phillip smiled broadly as the Queen's ire turned on Baron Fellowes.

"Our Duke has full authority in dealing with persons determined to be evil by the stones. They will be questioned under Veritaserum and their crimes reported to the Mundane authorities. If they have committed no crimes in Britain, they will be deported and their countries' law enforcement officials informed."

"Ma'am, I wasn't questioning his authority, but there are governments in the world who employ these people. Or at least condone their activities. What happens when we snatch, say, a Russian Mafioso who is also a member of their government?"

Harry had not liked the Queen's answer. "It depends on their crimes, actually. Murderers, rapists, and pedophiles will be executed and I will cast the Praedia Bellica on them-Mundane, magical, or the Pope. All others will possibly be returned to their countries of origin or the country they committed their crimes in. If, however, their crimes resulted in or aided the commission of any of the abovementioned offenses, they will receive the same treatment. Besides, the current national borders do not reflect the Realm of Briton."

Baron Fellowes recoiled. "You can't be serious. That's barbaric!"

"You're deluded if you think I am anything other than deadly serious. Ten percent of the people on this planet commit ninety-nine percent of the crime. I'm tired of it. I will possibly make an exception on a case by case basis based on the intent and the circumstance of a murder, but that's it-the rest die."

"Harry, you can't."

Agnes, who happened to be sitting next to the Baron, laughed. "You are deluded, aren't you? He has forced a vampire Elder and the Alpha-Male werewolf of western Europe to submit. One of his mates has defacto control of a superpower's arsenal. He himself is probably more powerful than that arsenal, and then you have his mates, the vampire nation, and about three-quarters of the werewolves in the world, a sentient millions of years old magical nexus disguised as a Castle, whatever this Castle really is, and the magical realm of Merlin. In case you don't know, that includes what you would call portions of northern Europe and central and southern Europe entire. He literally can do anything he wants. How would you like to be a frog for a few hundred years?"

Fellowes blinked, and Amanda took pity on him. "Our seers have been aware of this for some time. We, the United States, support the Duke. As do our allies. I don't think you really have to worry about it, Baron."

"He's proposing summary executions. It cannot stand."

Baroness Grofton had had enough. "Baron Fellowes, please think about it a little more. I'm sure what you fear will not happen, and I suspect that the Duke would allow you to observe or send observers."

Baron Fellowes settled somewhat.

"Amelia, what are you doing?"

Amelia Fastida blushed slightly. She had been sniffing Juliet and then Bellatrix. "Their smell is similar, Harry. I think they are related, closely related."

Harry's mind spun, trying to make the adjustment. Nym jumped right on it. "You mean their blood smells similar? That can't be. Umbitch was not related to the Blacks at all."

Harry finally wrapped his brain around it. "But we never did find out who their father was."

Elizabeth rose and walked to the twins, she took Juliet from Amelia Fastida and placed her hand on the baby's forehead. Elizabeth called on the Realm and waited. Suddenly she smiled hugely at Sirius, and then her smile turned sad. She turned to Sirius. "May I present your niece, Lord Black-Juliet Potter out of Delores Umbridge by Regulus Black."

The room sat stunned, then Sirius rose and took Juliet. He then bent down and took Julius from Beatrice and sat back in his seat, smiling sadly. Remus put a hand on his shoulder.

Harry couldn't understand it. "How did that happen?"

"Love potion. Regulus wasn't killed, he was in hiding. Umbitch found him, dosed him, got herself pregnant off him, and killed him. Oh, Sirius, I'm so sorry. She put his body through the veil," Luna said with tears streaming from her white eyes.

Andromeda, Bellatrix, Narcissa, Nym, and Harry had moved over to where Sirius sat with tears streaming down his face. They were in a Black Family group hug.

Elizabeth was about to conclude the meeting and move the courtiers and vassals when Sirius looked up, smiling. "The only good thing she ever did was having Regulus's kids. I'll have to have a candle lit for her."

Elizabeth smiled and they all resumed their places.

Amelia Bones rose. "Harry, the evidence that we've developed against Dumbledore indicates that he purposely kept himself ignorant of Snape's activities. He instructed the portraits and elves of Hogwarts to not report on Snape's activities when he first hired him."

Baron Newton said, "Plausible deniability, the Yanks call it."

Harry looked at Amanda. "It is not unknown in government, Harry. Sometimes you must be able to do things, but the nature of these things makes the continuation of that elected government impossible. You establish a legal fiction of your subordinates doing the thing you need without your knowledge or consent."

"Well, I'm glad I won't have that problem."

"Errrh, Harry...."

"I'm not elected, Baron Newton. If somebody wants to remove me they'll have to do it by conquest. They won't want to live in the world that would leave."

"Still, Harry, what do we do with him?"

Griselda Marchbanks snorted. "Nothing. The Wizengamot should handle this. It would look bad for you to summarily issue justice to him, Harry. I also would prefer to see you issue laws and check our trials and verdicts but allow the Wizengamot to continue to function after the current crisis is over. At this point we are all bound to you by fealty oaths at least."

"I will sentence and carry out those sentences; however, Madam Marchbanks, we will still use the stones and question all suspects under Veritaserum."

"Your Grace."

"Newton, was that whole thing designed to force Harry to this decision?" a growling Dan asked, rising from his seat.

The Slytherin mates were nodding in support.

Baron Newton smiled. "Yes, except for the discovery of the Black heirs. We don't want to get into the position of giving possible enemies reasons to take on the Duke, and by extension the Crown. We must live in the present, Colonel."

"I appreciate the support, Dan, but they're correct. Remember, my goal after the crisis is resolved is to withdraw and attempt to increase the world's population by a percentage or two. I don't intend to stay out here forever, and people must be able to govern themselves. I expect to start releasing control in twenty-one years when the Royal Academy starts graduating students, and fully release in forty-two years. I'll maintain the ultimate authority and act if necessary, but other than that I want to see nothing but my beautiful mates and children. I'll be extremely disgruntled if I have to interrupt my life again to handle supposed grownup's problems."

The mates melted at the images Harry was projecting. Dan nodded and sat.

"Uh, after that I hate to say anything else, but in studying the memories of Bella and Allison's enslavement, we believe you incinerated Rodolphus Lestrange, Harry. You should cast the Praedia Bellica."

Harry nodded at Amelia Bones and extended his hand. "Praedia Bellica." He felt the spell take hold and he poured in power. The records in Gringotts and the Ministry updated themselves.

Gillian Shepherd stood nervously. "Your Grace, my Department has been studying your problem, and after further evaluation we believe that upon your success you will see a exponential increase in the number of magical beings being born each year. Taking that into consideration and noting the dimensions of the foundation you have excavated, we would like to propose that you change the design to a pentagon of pentagons-the architects in the Department are calling it a Pentaflake.

Harry raised his eyebrows and Gillian continued. "Imagine a regular pentagon twenty-five hundred feet on a side; further subdivide that space into five regular pentagons a thousand feet on a side. You'd have five wedges left over, starting at five hundred feet wide and decreasing to nothing. If you add concentric rings inside these structures you could end up with millions of square feet of space apiece. You wouldn't have to build these inner rings until you needed them. You'd be left with a pentagon shaped open space in the middle, one thousand feet on a side.

"We believe you would have enough space for hundreds of years, possibly thousands."

"Gillian, can you please stay and talk to Hookknife with me on the sixteenth?"

"Certainly, Harry. It's Saturday, so it should be fine. And if not, I'll be here for the Turning anyway."

"I'd like to look at those plans, Gillian."

"Certainly, Alastor."

No more questions were forthcoming, and Harry smiled and rose. He waved his hand and the assortment of wands and staffs were back.

"Ladies, if you would, I'd like all of you who haven't found a second wand or staff for yourselves to see if you can."

Harry moved to the stage and laid out the three staffs he'd held onto. Zsuzsa, Pansy, and Lauren were drawn to the staffs immediately.

While the mates looked at staffs and wands, Harry sat on the edge of the stage swinging his feet and Gillian found herself and her plans the absolute cynosure of the males in the crowd.

Elizabeth watched Harry. He looked up and into her eyes. He raised a brow Elizabeth chuckled. "Harry, what are we going to do with you? You absolutely have planned to withdraw and disappear?"

"I don't really like people, Elizabeth. I mean, you and all the people I'm meeting lately are okay, but in large groups something happens to people and their brains stop working. They turn into really annoying sheep."

Elizabeth looked startled for a moment and then laughed, "I have to keep you away from Phillip-that sounds like something he would say. You seem to have a very black and white view of the world, though, Harry."

Harry grinned at her. "I know. It's great to be young and idealistic."

"Why, you cheeky wag!"

Harry laughed. "Right now, Elizabeth, I think is the time for black and white. Hopefully by the time it gets to be time for the shades of gray I'll have gotten enough experience to carry it off. If not, you can always fire me."

"I'm more likely to spank you, you cheeky devil. Firing you would let you off the hook far too easily."

Harry pouted outrageously and they both looked up to find the bonded and all the other females watching them, smiling and chuckling.

Harry pouted some more.

Kyla, Lassie, and Leslie looked at Nym and she nodded. They curtsied to Elizabeth and dragged Harry away.

Nym sighed and sat. Allison, Bellatrix, and Amelia Fastida folded to their knees around her feet and Beatrice and Eugenie crawled into their laps, as had become their custom.

Elizabeth looked at her and chuckled. She was like some barbarian goddess someone had put an elegant gown on. "I was going to speak to you, Nym, about the other day when you argued with Harry over his scaring us, but you seem to have gotten over it and decided on a better strategy."

Nym blew at her bangs. "Phhht, not really, Elizabeth, but I do try to keep in closer to his thoughts. He's so impulsive. Fortunately he's also very powerful. I believe he is a sorcerer instead of a wizard. I've been watching his mental process lately and he develops a mental picture of what he wants to do and then makes his magic do it. The magic seems to be thrilled to comply. I try to give what advice and help I can."

"As we all do with them, Nym. He has to have his head, at least a little. He needs to make his own mistakes and learn from them. He seems to be gaining a little maturity, though."

"I think we all are; it's hard to explain, but look at Eugenie. Granted, she was very mature for her age, but now the differences in the bond are unnoticeable. Of course, it may help that we have so many young people in the bond. We all have the urge to play several times a day."

"Keep that, Nym; it will be important. Now, about getting pregnant-when are you going to give me an heir for my Duke, young lady?"

Nym blushed. "Elizabeth, I don't know. I'm off the potion. Harry says it 'smells' like it's my time, and we're...errrh...."

"Snuggling like bunnies two or three times a day?"

Nym favored Eugenie with a glare that fazed the child not one iota. "Thank you, Eugenie, but nothing yet."

"If I may, Elizabeth, it may take a while for her system to throw off the effects of the potion. We're hopeful that her next cycle will result in a pregnancy. I've spoken with Poppy, Anna, and Marie, and we all agree that it probably won't happen this cycle."

"My goodness, Marcia, I hadn't realized you were already paying so much attention."

The bonded shuddered gently.

"Ah, well, that's my signal, I believe. Nym, we'll find our own way home, although I believe most of us will be staying the weekend."

Nym nodded and stood. She led the bonded out. They stopped in the hall and Agnes kissed her. "We'll be fine, Nym, don't worry."

Nym nodded and Agnes led the dwindling Clan McNeil to their quarters as Nym led the bonded to theirs.

Harry faded into view later and collapsed in the tub. Nym went and fished him out after a few moments and levitated him to bed. Harry rolled half onto her and snuggled down into her breast.