Perfect Slytherins - Tales from the Fourth Year
Part 1

The fourth year was the year that was both the ending and the beginning of something else.

As with the previous three years it was a year that was memorable for all concerned with the Addams.

As was habitual for Snape, he spent the first week recovering from the rigours of teaching.  Only this year, he was bored senseless after the first day.

The excitement and sense of adventure had become almost addictive, and being alone was no longer the panacea that it once had been.

And so, he hadn’t been surprised when he had received an owl on his third day after his holiday.

Severus,

The marriage contract between the Black and Malfoy families has ended with the death of Lucius.  Harry has ensured that Narcissa can keep the Black name for now.

You may be aware that Draco is also a Black now.  Lucius disowned him while in jail, however, he failed to disinherit Narcissa, so she has inherited the Mansion and what remains of the Malfoy money (His support of Voldemort was expensive, so the Malfoy estate is not what it once was).

In other news, Harry has decided that he would prefer a competent be placed in charge of leading England, and as such we Addams will be quietly supporting Amelia Bones.

Please find attached some helpful charms.

Regards,

Morticia

Severus sighed faintly as he looked at the attached charms.  The message was unmistakable, he was to get off his arse and get on with the job in question: dealing with Narcissa Black.

The attached charms were more to do with his hair and the perpetual grease he endured due to his work with potions.

Why, exactly, he hadn’t thought of using a potion to reverse the effects probably had more to do with a complete lack of need, rather than any lack of thought.

He followed the instructions thoroughly, and was vaguely amused when he got an owl from Daphne, with included some instructions on how to put his long hair into a ponytail, and a leather twist to hold it.

He walked around his cottage, placing numerous privacy charms, and then closed his Floo so that he would not be disturbed.

His first step was a long shower, and vigorous use of the supplied potions.  When he finished, he followed Daphne’s instructions to the letter, before reluctantly walking over to his potions desk.

He took a deep breath, and opened the book.

Welcome to Gilderoy Lockhart’s Guide to the perfect smile!

Five minutes later, the book was on the floor, having been Crucio’d and then had the Killing Curse thrown at it, and Snape was hard in research, looking for a potion to do the same job.

Seven hours later, he gave up, threw a few ingredients into a cauldron, and brought it to boil.  A few swirls, a few drops of blood of a virgin elephant, a few hags teeth, and six Jolly Ranchers later, and he had a potion.

He poured it into a beaker, took a large sip, swirled it around his mouth a few times, and then spit it out.

He walked over to the mirror, and managed to get about four steps before he fell to the ground and started to moan as his teeth exploded in pain.  He tried to reach one of his pain numbing potions, but they were to far away, and all he could do was curl up and wait for it to stop.

When it finally did, he stumbled to his feet and looked in the mirror, and smiled.  His teeth, while not perfect, where a lot better.  With his hair tied back, his nose re-arranged by Marcus, and his teeth fixed, he hardly recognised himself. 

While he was no judge, he thought he looked decent enough to approach Narcissa now.

The next day, with his hair washed once more and feeling better than it had in years, and in some nice robes, he stepped in the Floo and called for Malfoy Manor.

He arrived in the luxurious entrance hall and looked around curiously.  He had expected some changes with Lucius’ death, but the room was identical to the last time he had visited.

“Severus,” Narcissa greeted him coolly, as she walked into the room.  She was wearing black mourning robes.

“Narcissa,” he greeted her.

“You have done something with your hair, finally.”

“Indeed.”

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?”

He smiled faintly.  “I am here to claim you.”

“Severus!” Narcissa said, in a completely shocked tone of voice.

“Surrender,” he suggested as he wandered over to one of the uncomfortable sofas and settled down. 

“I demand that you explain yourself!”

“You know that I’ve wanted you for years,” he said.

Narcissa nodded.  “But you have always acted correctly.”

“Quite.  However, I have decided that I do not want to be alone.”

“A new decision?” she asked acidly, as she sat primly opposite him.

“Indeed, and as you are the only person I particularly like outside of my Clan, I had Lucius killed.”

Narcissa blinked at him, before she shook her head as if she hadn’t quite heard him properly.  “I’m sorry?”

“I had Lucius killed,” he repeated slowly.  “By my Clan leader, who decided that I needed a happier home-life.”

“You had your Clan leader murder my husband so that you could have a relationship with me?” she asked in disbelief.

“Exactly,” he agreed.

“Oh,” she said in shock.

Snape smiled slightly.  “To be brutally honest, you haven’t got much choice here.  If you say no, you’ll be thrown out of the Black family, and probably killed.  Draco will be dealt with as well.  Lucius made himself an enemy of my Clan, and they only changed their plans for me.”

“This Clan of yours, who are they?”

“The Addams family Clan.”

“The mixed-bloods!”

“They would take that as a badge of honour, not as an insult,” he mused.  “And I would advise keeping these silly prejudices to yourself.  Blood is irrelevant, power is what matters.  The days of the Pure-Bloods are coming to a close.  The most powerful students in Hogwarts are no longer Pure-Bloods, as in the old days.  Why I am a Half-Blood myself.”

Narcissa looked amazed.  “Severus!”

He shrugged.  “I hid that fact for most of my life, now I say it with pride.  It is remarkable how times are changing, even if no one actually knows yet.”

“What do you mean?”

“That no one can see the change that is coming out of Hogwarts.  The students are now convinced.  Why, even a Greengrass has changed sides.”

“Daphne!?  It can't be Astoria!” Narcissa asked in shock.  “But her parents would never stand for that!”

“I doubt they know.  She is just one example of the fact that Slytherin house is now run by people with completely different agendas, and that the people running it make Voldemort look like a shrinking violet when it comes to eliminating people in their way.

“Slytherins are taught to follow power, and the people now in control wield power like a surgical instrument.

“The other houses have joined in.  Hufflepuffs are becoming stronger by association, Gryffindors are thinking more, and Ravenclaws have realised that not everything is to be found in their books.

“An entire generation has been switched around and everyone is focused on this farce of an election.”

“A farce?”

“Amelia will be elected; she has the support she needs.”

“No she doesn’t,” Narcissa said with a frown.  “High society is backing Scrimgeour.”

“Narcissa, Narcissa, Narcissa,” he said mockingly, “do pay attention my dear.  I said that she has the support she needs, not the financial support of the Pure-Bloods, but the backing of the Addams Clan. 

“She will be elected.”

Narcissa shook herself.  “You had Lucius murdered?”

“Yes, we’ve established that,” he agreed.

“And if I don’t go with you, I’ll lose all this?”

“It wouldn’t be a big loss,” Snape sniffed.  “I’ve seen more comforting mausoleums.”  He smiled faintly.  “Bad analogy.”

“Why?”

“You’ll see, later.”

Narcissa frowned faintly at him.  She sighed slowly.  “You’ve finally grown up.”

“It happens to the best of us.”

“If I agree to this, then Draco becomes your problem as well.”

Snape frowned, he hadn’t thought of that.  “Agreed,” he said, a little reluctantly.  “Is he still an idiot?”

Narcissa glared at him.

“Stop that,” Snape snapped.  “The boy told Wednesday he was planning on raping her.  It was all I could do to keep him alive.”

Narcissa softened slightly.  “He has changed, a little,” she admitted.  “He is no longer quite so idiotic.  But he is still my child.”  She looked at him for a long moment.  “He does not enjoy Beauxbatons.  Durmstrang would eat him alive.”

“If he comes back to Hogwarts he’s going to be a complete laughing stock.”

“But you can stop that,” Narcissa pointed out.  “Your Clan can protect him.”

“I think you’re over-estimating both my own, and your potential, value to them.”

“That is my price, Severus.”

“Your money, your wealth, your position, against one child?”

“That child is still mine.”

Severus nodded slowly.  “Agreed, then.”

Narcissa blinked.  “Oh.”

Severus shrugged.  “As long as we agree that he doesn’t have to keep the Malfoy name.”

“He has no right to it any more.”

“He may use the Prince name.”

Narcissa slowly smiled.  The expression softened her harsh face somewhat.  “Severus,” she said softly, “you know that we always wondered if you would ever become a proper Slytherin.”

“I had no real incentive before hand.  I do now.  Eternity beckons.”

“What does that mean?”

“I’m afraid that until you are a member of the Clan, I can not tell you.”

“Do I not get membership with you?”

“No.  I am only a provisional member.”

“How is this different to joining the Dark Lord?”

“Don’t call him that, he does not deserve such an honorary title.  How has he acted like a lord?  And don’t give me any nonsense about power.  Power is for the use of the people you support.

“Torture and contempt are the marks of a despot, not a lord.”

“Why Severus, you almost sound passionate.”

“Stop that,” he said irritably.  “They will push you to be what you can be, drive you to it.  Bad behaviour will not be tolerated, but rather than using fear of a curse, they use the fear of the worst thing imaginable.  Expulsion.”

“Surely that is not a bad thing?”

“If they are feeling merciful, then expulsion will be death.  If not, then you will live, for the rest of your life, knowing that you were in on something world-changing, and now you are doomed to be forever looking in.

“Or, in perhaps terms you are more familiar, it is being shown ultimate power and the ability to use it, and then being made to sit at the back, left behind.”

“And yet you have not told me what they do,” Narcissa pointed out.

“They have not yet informed me, but the hints they have given have me here, now, talking to you.”

“Finally,” Narcissa muttered.  “If you’d been more of a Slytherin, you would have dealt with Lucius years ago.”

“I liked him, then,” Snape pointed out dryly.  “Before he became an idiot.”

“It’s hereditary,” Narcissa sniffed.  “Draco gets it from him.  So, my cousin is alive?”

“And well,” Severus agreed.  “And working for the Clan.”

“I thought as much, when we were allowed the name.  Your Clan at work again?”

He nodded.

“What about Bellatrix?”

“She’s dead.”

“No, she’s not; her place is still on the family parchment.”

“She is not aware that she is dead, but she has been given to Wednesday.  She will not live past the next year.”

Narcissa sighed softly.

“However,” he suggested, “you could always rekindle your relationship with your other sister.  Lucius is no longer here to complain.”

“I would have to apologise, though,” Narcissa pointed out. 

“Merlin forefend,” he retorted dryly.

Narcissa gave him a brief smile.  “It would help if I could invite her back into the family.”

He rolled his eyes.  “Is there anything else?”

She thought for a few seconds.  “What happens to this place?”

“We sell it, and buy somewhere more manageable and less museum like.”

“Agreed.  So, you will arrange for Draco to get back to Hogwarts, and be protected, and for Andromeda to be invited back into the Black family, and for us to move to a more suitable accommodation?”

He nodded.

“Then we have a deal.”

“Is this where I jump at you like a slavering dog?” he asked, as he watched her body language turn slightly defensive.

She winced.  “Could you come up with a more appropriate analogy, please?”

He blinked, and then laughed.  “My dear Narcissa, if I was to jump at you like a mangy mutt, it would be with the firm intention of doing a lot more than getting your clothes dirty.”

“Even so, Sirius and sex are not two words I have any need to have associated with each other.”

“Fine,” he said, rolling his eyes.  “Like an enthusiastic squid?”

“Much better.  And yes.”

“Sorry, but I prefer my partners slightly more willing than resigned.”

She looked at him blankly.

“Oh god,” he murmured.  “It’s true, Lucius really was crap in the bedroom.  How the hell you two had Draco, I don’t know.”

“Nonsense,” Narcissa said.  “We had a – a satisfactory love-life.”

“Satisfactory, how wonderful.  I’ve had a satisfactory relationship with my fist; but that doesn’t mean that I want to stay single for the rest of my life.”

“Severus, how crude!”

“Grow up, Narcissa,” he murmured.  “It sounds like you know about as much about making love as I do about astrophysics.”

“What’s astrophysics?”

“Exactly.”

Narcissa suddenly laughed loudly.  “So, if you are not going to do a squid impersonation, what are we going to do?”

“When is Draco due home?”

“He is having some remedial lessons at Beauxbatons; he is due home in two weeks time.”

“In which case, you can go and pack for a few weeks, I’ll introduce you to the Clan.”

She nodded.  “And our relationship?”

“I hope it will evolve naturally.  As I said, I want you as a willing and active participant.”  He looked at her for a long moment.  “I have loved you for a very long time, Narcissa, and been content doing so.  If you can not return my affections, then I will continue to be content.  I will not let you suffer.”

“Thank you,” she said softly, lightly putting her hand on his knee.  “I must confess that I would have not been so open if it had been any other man in your position.”

He smiled and nodded.  “Will three hours be enough?”

“I can have the elves pack me with in an hour.”

“I shall return then, with a Portkey.”

“Until then,” Narcissa agreed.

He turned and walked to the Floo, throwing some powder into it.  Back in his cottage, he walked down to the nearest public telephone.  A surreptitious use of his wand ensured that the machine was under the impression a large amount of coins had been placed in it.  He dialled a long number from memory.

“You rang?” a heavy and deep voice intoned at the other end.

“Lurch, would you please put Morticia on?” he asked.

There was silence from other end, before Morticia’s regal voice echoed down the phone.  “Addams Residence.”

“Morticia, it’s Severus.”

“Severus, how wonderful to hear from you.”

“Thank you.  I’ve succeeded in my latest task.  Would it be possible to arrange a Portkey as soon as possible?”

“We can have one with you with in a couple of hours.”

“Thank you.  We will be ready shortly.  Please send it to Malfoy Manor.”

“Excellent.  In which case, I would suggest that you spend the time you are waiting at the Greengrass residence.  Daphne has been invited to join us, however, I believe that there are… some complications.  Harry is contemplating sending Wednesday to see her.”

“I’ll deal with it,” he promised.  “The three of us will arrive this evening.”

“Excellent news, I shall inform Grandmama.”

He smiled in to the phone.

“And of course, Harry will have some of his potions,” Morticia finished.

“My thanks, as always.”

“Tell me, Severus, what was her price?”

“Strangely reassuring.  Her son’s happiness, and her own.”

“Excellent.  People who do not know happiness are rarely worth the effort expanded on them.”

“Quite,” he agreed, wondering if he would ever stop feeling like a ten year old around her.

“Would you prefer one bedroom, or a suite?”

“A suite, please.”

“We shall anticipate your arrival with a great deal of pleasure.”

“Until later, Morticia.”  He hung up the phone and cancelled his spell on it.  The telephone clacked for a moment, before disgorging several coins into the chamber at the bottom of the phone.  He smiled and left them there.  Once home, he quickly packed.  He didn’t have much to do, as he had not really unpacked from Hogwarts.

He was planning on staying for the entire summer, so he ensured he had everything he would need for the next Hogwarts term, and prepared his cottage for an extended absence.

He contemplated selling it, but decided that it would make a nice holiday home for the two of them.  It would do Narcissa good to enjoy a slightly simpler life.

With everything he needed in his trunk, he dragged it over to the fireplace and floo’d back to Malfoy Manor.

Narcissa was sitting elegantly next to a window, drinking a cup of tea.  A slightly smaller trunk than his sat to one side of the fireplace.

“I think I will miss the gardens,” she murmured

He sat opposite her. 

She turned to look at him.  “I am ready.”

“I’m afraid that we have to try and save some friends of ours first.  Daphne wishes to join us in America.  Agatha and Mark appear to have an issue with that.”

“And?”

“And Harry was contemplating sending Wednesday to see them.”

“Ahh,” Narcissa agreed.  She stood, and he realised that she had changed out of her mourning robes.  “Severus, it is important to me that they believe that we are together properly now.”

“So you are saying that I should be affectionate?”

She nodded primly.

“Narcissa, I am not Lucius,” he pointed out with a sigh.  “I am capable of emotion, and of showing it.  Please, if there is something you desire, tell me so, but don’t expect me to act like him.”

“I am sorry,” she said, looking down.

“Damn it, Narcissa,” he half-roared.  “If I wanted a sheep I’d date a Hufflepuff.  I want the Slytherin bitch of my youth back.”

“I’ll see if I can remember how to be her,” she murmured, a faint smile appearing again on her face.

Severus sighed again.  “We’ll find her.”  He stood, and offered his hand to her.  She took it, and accompanied him over to the fire.

“Greengrass Residence,” he called.  He tightened his hold on her as they flew through the Floo, arriving in the living room.

“Uncle Sev,” Daphne cheered, as she jumped at him.  “Get me out of here before I curse these idiots,” she muttered through clenched teeth.

“Daphne,” he said, catching her and giving her a quick hug.  “Don’t worry,” he whispered, “I’ve been sent to help keep them alive.”

“You,” Mark sneered at Severus, as he stormed into the room.  “This is your fault.”

“Oh, do be quiet, Mark,” Narcissa snapped.  “Where’s Agatha?”

“Here,” Agatha, a tall dark haired woman said as she entered regally.  Daphne had got her colouring from her mother and her looks from… well, he wasn’t quite sure where.

Severus nodded at Agatha.

“Are you packed, dear?” Narcissa asked.

Daphne nodded.  “Yup.”

“That’s yes, Daphne,” Narcissa said firmly. 

“Sorry, Aunt Narcissa.”

Narcissa nodded at her and gave her a small smile.  “Go and get your stuff.  We’re leaving from the soon-to-be-defunct Malfoy Manor.”

Daphne smiled and bounced off.

Mark scowled. 

“Don’t even think about it,” Narcissa advised primly.  “You are not that important.”

Mark and Agatha both started to turn red.

“You do realise that your refusal to let Daphne attend the Addams had Harry contemplating sending Wednesday to see you?” He automatically purred the sentence, like he was dealing with an irritating student at Hogwarts.

The two elder Greengrasses went very still.

“To be precise,” Severus added.  “Wednesday Addams, the girl who believes that genocide is a fun hobby for a morning, coming to see you to talk about your attitude.

“Harry, and his intended, have accepted your oldest daughter’s request to join them.  You really have no choice in the matter.  She will come with us, she will be happy.”

“But we have arranged her marriage,” Mark said.  “She has to spend the summer with her intended and his family.”

“You have done what ?” Daphne demanded as she walked in, pulling a large trunk.

“Arranged your marriage.  To Angus Nott’s child.”

“To Theodore?” Daphne asked in disgust.  She turned and stormed out.

Narcissa smiled faintly.  “Oh dear, you do seem to have been caught not paying attention.  Surely you noticed that Lucius, Angus, and the old crowd are dead?  That Rufus is going to fail in his bid to become Minister.”

“What?” Agatha demanded.  “He will not fail, he has our support.”

“And we have given our support to Amelia.  Perhaps it is time for a competent leader, rather than yet another corrupt one.”

“But she believes in all that mixed-blood nonsense.”

“As was said to me recently, blood is irrelevant, power is what counts.”

Daphne stormed back into the room, she had another couple of bags with her.  She looked at her parents.  “Well, I’d say it’s been fun, but I’d be lying.  It took two years of two very special people working on me to open my eyes.  I will not go back to being blind now.  You wanted a perfect little girl to do your bidding, only you wanted a house-elf, not a human.  I am my own person, finally.  You can continue to have your fun with my darling soon-to-be-ex sister, by the way, have you told her that Draco's a Eunuch yet?” 

She pushed her trunk into the Floo, and stood there for a second.  “I won’t be back.  Don’t worry about paying for my tuition, I’ve got it covered.  Oh, and don’t try anything funny, I do know where all your skeletons are buried.  Malfoy Manor.”

With a flash, the teenager vanished, leaving behind two shell-shocked parents.

“You know,” Severus said slowly, “even if this whole thing with Harry was not happening, I’d still help Daphne if she asked for it.  Theodore can hardly string two sentences together on a good day; he is nowhere near good enough for Daphne.”

Mark scowled.  “What have you done with her?”

“With Daphne?” Severus asked.  “Introduced her to a future where she will achieve her potential.  An arranged marriage to an idiot Pure Blood is hardly that.”

“Hypocrite,” Agatha retorted.

“How?” Severus asked.  “I am a Half-Blood myself.  You can continue to be hung up on something as stupid as blood, you can ignore the fact that all the Pure-Bloods are creating squibs at never before seen levels, and you can continue to pretend that you matter.  That has no bearing on me, and now, the only person I truly care about in your family has left.  However, once, we were friends.  So I will give this advice.  Examine your beliefs.  The revolution is coming, sooner than you think, and those on the wrong side will be eliminated.”

Narcissa smiled coldly.  “I am leaving the country for a while.  I would suggest meeting with some of your friends and discussing what you know.  I am hoping that you choose to ignore our warning.  It will be fun to watch you crushed.  Perhaps that will teach you the proper behaviour of how to deal with a recent widow,” she finished with a sneer aimed at Mark.

Severus felt Narcissa’s grip on his arm tighten, and he was led to the Floo, and they soon arrived back at Malfoy Manor.

“What did you mean by that?” Severus asked.

“Mark invited me to be his mistress,” Narcissa replied primly.

Severus growled and turned back to the fireplace.

“No,” Narcissa said firmly.  “He is not worth it.”

“Yes, he is,” Severus responded.  “Killing him will have no serious repercussions, and it will send a message that you are not to be touched.”

“However,” Narcissa said, still clutching his arm, “it is far more fitting that he answers to Agatha, and that he spends the rest of his life in an unhappy marriage.”

Severus sighed.  “I will at least ensure that he is incapable of having sex with anyone other than her, that sex with her is unpleasant, and that the longer he goes without sex, the more painful it gets, so that the only relief he can have is unpleasant sex with Agatha.”

Narcissa smiled coldly.  “You are a Slytherin,” she said with a large degree of approval.

“Poor dad,” Daphne said, reminding him of her presence.  Her voice was deeply insincere.  “Couldn’t happen to a nicer couple of people.”

“How are you, dear?” Narcissa asked.

“Will be better when I can talk to Harry and Wends,” Daphne said.  “They’ll help me deal with it.”

“Will they?” Narcissa asked gently.

“Sure, that’s what they do.  They look after people in the Clan.”  She sighed.  “They warned me that something like this would happen.  Part of my price for membership was that I would lose my parents and sister.  At the time, I didn’t know if that would be a good thing.  Turns out that it is.  I should have known, really.”  She shook herself slightly.  “So, Uncle Sev and Aunt Narcissa?”

“You knew?” Severus asked.

“Part of the Clan,” Daphne replied cheerfully.  “Did you know that Lucius was the first person Harry has killed in cold blood?  That’s why Wednesday didn’t want to give him the knife.  She wanted to do it herself.  She’s very protective of him.”

“At one stage, I did love Lucius,” Narcissa interrupted.  “Can we not talk about his murder please?”

“Sorry,” Daphne said.  “Anyway, are we going?”

As if by magic, a house-elf appeared with a large bald eagle.  The eagle dropped a letter in front of Severus, and then flew out of a window – breaking it in the process.

Daphne giggled.

Severus smiled as the elf started to repair the window.  He floated over Narcissa’s and Daphne’s trunks, and arranged them in a circle.  He sat on his, and indicated for the other two to do the same.  He held out the letter, and as they touched it, he whispered, “home.”

They arrived in the same garden that he had appeared in last year.  This time, however, it was lunch time, and the sun was high in the sky.  The temperature was a lot more pleasant than what they had left in England.

“Good afternoon,” Morticia said as she glided toward them.  “Narcissa, Daphne, I bid you welcome to our home.”

“Thanks, Mrs A,” Daphne said happily.  “Thank you for giving me the chance to come here.”

“You are welcome, Daphne,” Morticia said with a smile at the girl.  “Did you have any further trouble?”

“Erm, yeah,” Daphne mumbled.  “I kinda found out that Mum and Dad had arranged for me to be married to an idiot.  I refused, and walked out, and I don’t intend on going back.”

Morticia nodded slowly.  “Are you sure?” she asked, her voice acquiring the tone of power that Morticia used whenever she wanted a direct answer.

“Totally sure, I am an Addams,” Daphne replied firmly, even as she paled dramatically.

Morticia studied her for another moment, before she moved forward and hugged her.  “Welcome home,” she said softly.

Daphne burst into tears and hugged the older woman back.

“There, there,” Morticia whispered.

“Tears before dinner?” Gomez asked, as he appeared.  Despite the heat he was still fully dressed in a suit, complete with an extravagant red cravat.  “Grandmama will not be pleased.  Tears should be reserved for afterward, after coffee.”

“Gomez,” Morticia chided lightly.  “We have a new family member here.”

“We do?  How wonderful.  I didn’t expect Harry to start recruiting properly for years yet.  Welcome, Daphne.”

“Thanks,” Daphne mumbled.

“‘Tish, why don’t you take her shopping?”

Morticia blinked.

“Those clothes are hardly suitable,” he pointed out, indicating her trunk.

Morticia stared at it for a moment.  “You poor child,” she muttered.  “Come.  Lurch, prepare the car.”  Before Daphne could blink, she was being guided down the path by a resigned looking Morticia.

“My wife will look after her,” Gomez said proudly.  “Harry mentioned this might happen, unfortunately, he has Wednesday tied up at the moment, and can’t be disturbed, or he would have taken care of it himself.”

Severus wondered if that was a deliberate slip of the tongue, but decided not to ask.

“Anyway, Severus, my good fellow, it’s a delight to see you again, and you’ve bought company.”

“Narcissa Black, may I introduce Gomez Addams,” Severus said formally.  “Gomez, this is Narcissa.”

“Enchanted,” Gomez said smoothly, as he bowed dramatically, took Narcissa’s hand, and kissed the back of it.  “I must congratulate Severus on his taste, such beauty is rare.”

Severus hid his smirk as Narcissa blushed like a school girl.

“Welcome to our home,” Gomez continued, as he dropped her hand and stood again.  “Before I give you the tour, I wonder if I might have a few minutes of your time?”

“Of course,” Severus said instantly, recognising the command hidden in the polite question.

“Splendid,” Gomez cheered, as he reached out and placed one hand on Severus’s shoulder, and one on Narcissa’s.  There was a strange feeling of movement, like a cross between Apparation and a Port-key, and they appeared in the middle of a large office.

In front of them, a huge desk dominated one corner of the room, with a large bookcase on each side.

Gomez jumped forward, into a cart-wheel, which he followed with several back-flips, before he pulled off a double-somersault with pike, over his desk.

With a rakish grin, he landed, lit a cigar, and offered the two seats in front of them.

Severus guided Narcissa to the seats, and settled down.

“Cigar?” he offered.

“No, thanks,” Severus replied.

“No,” Narcissa said in surprise, as she was offered one as well.

Gomez shrugged and settled back in his chair.  “I felt it best to warn you that Harry’s birthday is going to be a little special this year.”

“More so than last year?” Snape asked, remembering Pinhead all to well.

Gomez thought for a second.  “Yes, but in a different way.  We’re not expecting Elliot to visit this year, but I have called for the entire Clan to be here.”

“Oh?”

Gomez nodded enthusiastically.  “I’m retiring.”

“You are?” Severus asked.

“Yes, from being the head of the Clan.  I’m passing the glorious baton to the younger generation.”

“Harry?”

“Exactly.”

“Aren’t you a little young to retire?” Severus asked.

“Nonsense, old boy, don’t let these devilish good looks fool you, I am over three hundred years old, and well, I have a new priority.  ‘Tish is pregnant.”

“Congratulations,” Narcissa said.

“Thank you,” Gomez beamed.  “Our new child will be arriving around April.  This seemed like the perfect time to lighten my load a little.”  He frowned softly.  “‘Tish and I were not really happy with what we had to do with Wednesday, and to a lesser extent, Pugsley, to ensure that she would be capable of leading the Clan, but it was the only way we could ensure her survival.

“Our new baby will not have that responsibility, and we will try and raise our child to be a valuable member of society.”

“And not a psychopath who treats genocide as a hobby?” Severus asked lightly.

“Exactly,” Gomez cheered, thumping his hand down on to the desk loudly.

Narcissa frowned.  “And how exactly, do your current children feel about this?” she asked.

Gomez blew a perfect circle of smoke into the air, and then sent another small piece through the centre.

“Who do you think added fertility and energy potions to our evening meal, and then locked us in a room with a gallon of fresh whipped cream, two riding crops, a pair of handcuffs and the 1812 Overture and the Ride of the Valkyries on repeat play?” Gomez asked dryly.

Narcissa blinked several times.

“It may seem strange,” Gomez said whimsically, “to one who is not an Addams, but we could not be prouder of our children.  Harry, Wednesday and Pugsley have grown into fine people who are a great credit to our Clan.  I would not dream of handing this burden over to anyone who was not ready for it.”  Suddenly the clown disappeared, and the head of a worldwide Clan appeared.  He stared at Narcissa.  “Do not ever think that we do not love our children, or that we would do anything that would hurt them.  They mean everything to us.”

Narcissa paled dramatically, and shivered back into the seat.  Severus sighed under his breath.  “Gomez?”

Gomez looked at him directly, and Snape felt the power that Gomez contained.  Like Morticia, it seemed to bypass his Occlumency shields with ease and read his soul.

Snape didn’t look away.

Gomez was suddenly blowing smoke rings again.  “Harry made a good choice,” he mused to the ceiling.  “Anyway, this is the first full Clan meeting in over fifty years; all sorts of people are going to be there.  Harry is planning on supplying calming potions to those who want it.”

“Thank you for letting us know,” Severus replied.

Gomez was out of his chair and across the office.  “Come,” he said exuberantly, “I’ll show you to your rooms.”

Narcissa was still shaking slightly as Severus pulled her out of the chair and they followed the tall Addams patriarch through the house.  It didn’t take long until they were at the very top of the mansion, where they found four rooms for them – two bedrooms, a sitting room and a bathroom.

“This is brilliant,” Narcissa praised.

“’Tish does like to decorate,” Gomez said proudly.  “Now, you settle in, dinner’s at the normal time.  Marcus is planning on dropping by later to say hello.  Enjoy your stay.”  And with that, he was gone.

Narcissa dropped on to the nearest couch.  “You were not joking about the power, were you?”

“No,” Severus agreed.  “Morticia is normally the one to do that, she’s a little more subtle than Gomez.”

“I didn’t feel like that when Voldemort looked at me.”

“Voldemort?”

“Now that I’ve met Gomez, Voldemort isn’t quite as unique as I feared.”

“Harry and Wednesday love Gomez and Morticia,” Severus said as sat in an arm chair opposite her.  There was a small tray with two glasses and a carafe of brandy.  He poured out some of the brandy into the glasses, and passed one to Narcissa.  “And I know that Gomez and Morticia love them back.  There is no way they would do anything as huge as having a new baby without talking to them.”

“It just seemed wrong,” Narcissa said.  “It hit close to home, with the similarities between that, and what Lucius tried to do to Draco – turning him into a little clone, and practically ruining his life.”

“The difference, is that Gomez and Morticia were forced to do it, as the eldest child, Wednesday was always going to be a target, from people who you will meet later.  They are charming, fun, engaging, intelligent, and completely ruthless killers.  Marcus, who is a good friend of mine, is a vampire, for example. 

“And Gomez and Morticia could not commit to fight all of Wednesday’s battles for her, as that would have been self-defeating.  Instead, they gave Wednesday, the tools to do the job.  What they didn’t expect was Harry.

“The Addams consider Harry to be their own, regardless of the fact he was born to different parents.  Pugsley considers him to be a brother, and his Clan-leader, and Wednesday loves him in a way that I doubt I will ever understand.  They have suffered together through things that make me physically sick to even think of them.

“I don’t know what they did to Wednesday,” he finished softly.  “But I know that this new child will not under go the same treatment.”

Narcissa nodded slowly.  “This is going to be interesting.  Who is Elliott?”

Severus winced.  “Would you believe the Dark Pope of Hell?”

Narcissa paled dramatically.  “He is a myth!”

“You’ve heard of him then?”

“He is mentioned in several of Lucius’ books on the occult.  I believe that Voldemort was contemplating approaching him at one stage, but decided not to.”

“A wise decision,” Severus agreed.  “Pinhead would have eaten Voldemort for breakfast.”

“And he came to Harry’s birthday last year?” Narcissa prompted.

“Quite, it seems that Harry and Wednesday spent some time in his domain, and he wanted to drop off a present.”

Narcissa shuddered deeply.  “This has been a day of surprises,” she said.  “All the same, I feel more excited than I have in a while.”

“Good.”

Narcissa stood and walked over to a desk.  “I do believe that I will send Andromeda a message.”

Severus nodded.  “I’m going to head down to the library.”  He stood as well, and walked out of their suite, and down several flights of stairs, to the first floor library.  The room was dark, illuminated only by a thin shaft of light that came through a hole in the wall.  He pulled out a potions book and sat in an arm chair.  The lamp next to him burst into light, and he smiled.

“Severus?”

He looked up, he had no idea how long he had been sat there.  “Marcus,” he greeted the vampire.

“I’ve been sent to get you and your missus for dinner,” he explained.  “I figured that a vampire appearing would be a bit of a shock.”

Severus smirked.  “Possibly, or you’d find yourself attacked.”

“That too,” Marcus agreed.  “How have you been?”

“Bored senseless,” he admitted.  “I hate being on the periphery of things.”

“And it’s addictive.”

“Quite,” Severus agreed as he placed the book on the table, and walked back up toward their suite with Marcus.  “Should we get Gomez and Morticia a small present?”

“For the baby?  Good idea, but no.  We’ll wait until the kid is born, and then we’ll all spoil it rotten.  It will mean they have to work harder to bring up a proper Addams,” Marcus finished with a grin.

“Git.”

“Of course.”

Severus knocked lightly, and then opened the door.  Narcissa was still at the desk, and as she looked up she threw the quill to the desk in disgust.  “Writing an apology is more difficult than first appeared,” she said with a sigh.

“Narcissa, this is Marcus.  Marcus, Narcissa Malfoy.”

“Charmed,” Marcus said, as he bowed floridly. 

Narcissa moved over to them smoothly.  She curtseyed.  “Delighted to make your acquaintance.  Severus spoke most highly of you.”

“I did?” Severus asked in surprise.

“Oh yes, you called him a friend.  You do not have many of them.”

Marcus sniggered.  “And another bachelor is caught,” he announced.  “She clearly knows you better than you do.”

“Caught is hardly the right word,” Severus protested lightly.

“True,” Marcus agreed.  He offered his arm to Narcissa.  “I have lots of gossip about our Severus.”

Narcissa smiled coolly and placed her arm in Severus’.

Marcus rolled his eyes.  “Yes, I know you’re here with him.  One of the rules of the Clan is no poaching.  Your virtue was quite safe with me.”

“Maybe I just don’t like you,” Narcissa replied.

“Nonsense.  Every one likes me, it’s the law.”

“Laws have never really applied to me.”

“No, but family customs have.”

“Touché.”

“Yay, I win,” Marcus cheered.  “Now, let’s get down to dinner before they send a search party for us.”

The three of them walked down to the basement, where the table had been expanded.  A potion sat in front of one of the chairs, and he guided Narcissa to that seat.  “For the food,” he explained.

She nodded and took it.  She smiled.  “I do like raspberries.”

“Severus, Narcissa, welcome,” Harry said as he and Wednesday joined them.

Narcissa smiled.  “Thank you for inviting us.”

“Oh dear,” Wednesday muttered, as she looked at Narcissa.

“Not at the dinner table, dear,” Morticia murmured.  She was at the far end, with Daphne, Gomez, Pugsley and Fester.

“But…”

“I know,” Morticia said.  “After dinner.”

Wednesday nodded and sat down opposite them.  Harry slid into the seat next to her.  “We’re glad you’re here,” he said.  “We need some help tomorrow with a ritual.”

Severus leaned forward.  “Oh?” he prompted.

“Last year we arranged for Remus to teach us to become Animaguses,” Harry said.  “We don’t particularly appreciate our animals, so we are going to change them.”

“The Egyptian ritual of Animal Change?” Narcissa asked curiously.

Harry looked at her for a long moment.

“I’ve had little else to do but read,” Narcissa explained with a faint blush.  “I’ve done some quite esoteric research over the years.”

“Excellent,” Harry said, before he looked at Severus.  “You chose well.”

Severus did not blush; he merely smiled faintly, and concentrated hard on any thing other than the response he felt to the praise.

Dinner passed quickly; he had forgotten just how much he enjoyed the broth.  As soon as everyone had finished, Wednesday grabbed Narcissa and almost bodily hauled her out of the kitchen.

Severus looked at Harry, who shrugged.  Morticia sighed softly.  “I’ll protect her,” she promised, as she followed her daughter and the blonde Black out the door.

“Daphne.”  The single word had a lot of command in it, and Daphne obediently moved over to him.  “The library I think,” Harry continued.  He stood and guided Daphne in front of him, indicating to Severus that he could follow if he wanted to.

Snape stood quickly, and was flanked by Marcus and Pugsley as they headed back to the library.

In the library, Harry sat down in one of the chairs, Daphne sat next to him, and the others found their own chairs.

“You talked with Wednesday last year about joining.”

“I did,” Daphne said clearly.

“As with everyone, the price you pay is nothing and everything, and is personal.”

She nodded.

“You made a commitment to Wednesday that you would pay the price, and now you are here, with us.”

She nodded again, proudly this time.

“Daphne, this is your last chance.  You may back out now; we will still take care of you, and pay your Hogwarts fees.”

“I am an Addams.”  Her voice was proud and stern.

Harry leaned forward, across the chair, and gently kissed her.  “Welcome to the Clan, friend.”

Daphne looked at him in shock as he pulled back, before she jumped out of her chair and hugged him tightly.  She kissed him hard on the lips for a second, then buried her face in his neck.

It was over a minute before she let him go, and she had tears in her eyes. 

“Come on, Daph, I’ll show you to your room,” Pugsley said.

Daphne smiled and followed him out of the library.

Severus looked at Harry.  “Should I be worried for her virtue?”

Harry looked up and met his eyes.  He stood and moved toward the door, he paused and looked over his shoulder.  “Wednesday prefers blondes,” he said, as he exited the library.

“Oh for the love of Gorgonzola,” Marcus muttered.  “‘Wednesday prefers blondes’” he mimicked.  “If that’s true, why haven’t they grabbed Melissa?  And does that mean that if she’s a blonde, Wednesday will approve, but otherwise not?”

Severus shrugged.  “Was he even telling the truth?”

“What, you think he might have been winding us up?” Marcus asked.  He sighed.  “For humans, they’re all so bloody fascinating.  Vampires tend to be more fun than normal humans.  When you face immortality, you slowly find that standard entertainment can get a little boring.”  Marcus scratched his head for a second.  “Damn it, he said that on purpose just to drive me nuts.  He implied that there might be something there, but there could easily be an innocent explanation.  They don’t lie.”

“True,” Severus agreed.

“Bah, well, I’ll take my leave and go terrify some Muggle who deserves it.”

“Who deserves it?” Sev asked.

“I’ve found that it’s more fun when they’ve done something that deserves it – they put up more of a fight.”  Marcus winked and vanished.

Severus smiled and picked up the book he had been reading earlier.

“Severus?” Narcissa called.

He looked up, to find that she was wearing a pure white floor length gown.  Her long hair was loose around her head, and draped over her shoulders.  “You look lovely.”

She blushed prettily, and gave him a small smirk, showing that the Slytherin was very much in control.

He followed her up the stairs, making no secret of his admiration of the way her rear looked in the gown.

As he entered their suite, he found it impossible not to notice that the two previous bedrooms had been changed into one.

“Narcissa?”

“Do you have any idea,” she said, as she turned and started to slowly walk around him, “what it is like to have a fourteen year old girl laugh at your sexual experiences?  When you are a widowed mother of a boy the same age as her?”

Wisely, he said nothing.

“Or for that girl to give the same older woman a thorough explanation of everything she had missed over the past twenty years?”

Not one to muck up a good thing, he kept quiet again.

“I was shocked, my dear Severus, to discover that my view of my proper role and participation was, to say the least, quite limited, and that things like handcuffs can be used for fun and games.”

Not for the first time, Severus felt that joining the Addams Clan was the best thing he had ever done in his life.

Narcissa kept her slow pacing.  “This girl had pictures, diagrams, spells, devices, and potions for almost everything.  And then, her mother chimed in with a few more ideas, the likes of which I had never even considered, as I am an extremely good girl.  I remember my mother talking to me about sex.  The instructions were brief, mechanical, and largely unsatisfactory - which, it turned out, fitted the act in question.

“Now then, Severus, do you think that you need to study?”

“No,” he said quietly, more than confident.

“Good answer,” she purred as she stopped in front of him.  “Take me to bed, dear.”

Severus tried as hard as he could to control his grin as he joined the others for breakfast. 

“Thank you,” he said to Wednesday.

Wednesday nodded calmly.  “Poor girl, she was such a child,” she said.

He didn’t have a clue how to respond to that, so decided not to.

“There are sound proofing charms on all the guest rooms,” Harry said.

Severus nodded.  “Narcissa is sleeping in this morning.”

“We’ll start the ritual at one,” Harry replied, before turning to talk to Pugsley.

After breakfast, Severus took some broth up to Narcissa.  She was still asleep, covered in a thin silk sheet.  He sat next to her and softly stroked from her hip, up her chest, to her shoulder.

She smiled faintly and opened her eyes.  “You’re going to need some of those potions,” she said as she sat up, apparently unconcerned about her nakedness.  “I have twenty years to make up for.”

“Challenge accepted,” he agreed.

She took the broth and ate it quickly.

“We’re helping with the ritual at one,” he informed her.

She finished the broth.  “I presume they will have studied the ritual?”

He nodded.

“It will be painful.  From what I remember, the old animal has to forcibly expelled from them before they can create a new one.  It is not a ritual for the faint hearted.”

“I’m sure they will be ready.”

Narcissa nodded.  “In which case, I need a bath.  Join me.”

Not an invitation he had to think twice about.

Freshly clean, and dressed in formal robes, he headed toward the Library, with Narcissa beside him.  Harry, Wednesday, Marcus, Pugsley and Daphne were sitting around a table.

“Excellent,” Wednesday said eagerly as they entered.  “We’re through here.”

They entered a large elevator, which promptly dropped down.  No one blinked as the elevator hurtled at an ever increasing speed.

The elevator came to a sudden stop, and Severus could feel the charms ensuring he didn’t get hurt.

They walked into a huge domed room, the walls were bare stone, with torches at regular intervals.

“Welcome to the Addams Family Ritual Room,” Pugsley said softly.  “Generations of witches and wizards have charmed this room to accept the most potent of spells and remain undamaged.”

“We come here for only the most serious spell work,” Harry added.  “Narcissa, would you explain what you four will be doing while Wednesday and I prepare?”

Narcissa nodded.  “Our job is mainly containment.  We will each stand between the points of the Pentagram and cast the spell of Shielding.  We will reinforce the Pentagram to keep the magic contained.

“Harry and Wednesday will stand together in the circle, facing each other as they chant the spell.  They will chant it four times, before the magic will start to grow.  It will ask for a sacrifice, blood naturally, and they will cut themselves, and allow between a pint and a pint and a half of blood each to drop into the magic.”

“That’s a lot of blood,” Daphne muttered.

“Yeah,” Marcus agreed, absently licking his lips.

“The magic will take the blood, and if it is happy, will grant the request – the one of animal removal.  Once that is complete, the second stage will begin, where they will call forth the primeval spirit of the animals they desire, and request a joining.

“At this stage, no one knows what happens, as the walls of the Pentagram will go opaque, however, we will have to continue our spells.  At the end, the walls will drop, and they will either be alive or dead.  Those that live, never talk about what happened.”

“When you are ready,” Wednesday called.

Narcissa quickly taught Daphne the spell of Shielding.  Snape was comfortable with it, he’d used it numerous times when making volatile potions.

Pugsley looked excited as he bounced into place.  The boy was wearing formal robes, and appeared to have grown as well have lost some weight.

Daphne was in very fine looking black silk robes with dark red trim.  She had a confident look on her face, and she moved into position.

Marcus was dressed in formal robes from a century past, and yet they suited him down to the ground.  He took position as well.

Snape and Narcissa took the remaining two places.  In the centre, the two Addams were staring into each other’s eyes.  There was no movement between them, as they suddenly started to chant.

The words were harsh and complicated; they appeared to be dragged out of them backward.  They sounded painful and were in a tone not meant for human vocal chords to produce.

“Cast the spell,” Narcissa ordered.

In unison, the five of them said the words, and the Pentagram started to glow, before a transparent barrier rose around the edges.

Harry and Wednesday started on the second chant.  Then the third.  It was readily obvious that it had started to work, as the pressure against the shield was growing.  A small light appeared between them, as they started the fourth.

This time they had to scream over a rumbling noise.

With a shocking silence they finished.  Wednesday reached to her side and pulled out the silver knife Harry had given her.  Harry held out his arm, and she cut it, severing the vein.  Blood spurted out, and he heard Marcus groan next to him, as all the blood was sucked into the light.  After a few seconds, Wednesday reached up and healed the wound.  She passed the knife to Harry, who sliced Wednesday’s wrist open.

After Harry had healed it, they held each others hands again and waited.

They didn’t wait for long, as the magic granted their request.  How much it hurt them was not immediately obvious, although they did start to shift.  Harry was the first to react; he started to breath heavily, as he squirmed.  He didn’t move away from Wednesday, even as his eyes went blank.

Small cuts started to appear on his visible skin, before a bulge appeared under his robes.  From his chest, there was a magical explosion, as the outline of a giant white leopard tore itself from him.

The only sign of the pain this would have caused was the whitening of his knuckles, and his death grip on Wednesday’s hands.

Harry panted for a few seconds, before he shook himself, and concentrated on Wednesday.

A faint sweat appeared on Wednesday’s forehead, as she stared into Harry’s eyes.  Like Harry, small cuts appeared on her face, before the outline of a wolf exploded from her chest.

They both chanted together, and two new lights appeared, they were huge, and pressed against the shields.  They seemed to illuminate the entire room.

“Concentrate,” Narcissa shouted.  “Put everything into keeping the shields up.  If they fail, not even this room will contain the blast.  There are two primeval spirits in there, and they are bigger than they should be!”

Severus blinked, he could hear the undercurrent of fear in Narcissa’s voice, and that was all the inspiration he needed.

The shields went opaque, and all the noise died.  The pressure from the inside was immense, and he was struggling to hold it, when suddenly it vanished.

He dropped the shield, as did the others.

Harry and Wednesday were on their knees.  Slowly, they stood.

“It worked,” Harry rasped.  His face was covered in blood, as was Wednesday’s.  “We’ll see you tomorrow.”

Together, they limped off, into the Elevator.

“Harry?” Marcus called.  “What were the animals?”

Harry smiled faintly.  “You’ll see.”

“He does that just to annoy you,” Pugsley said.  “Narcissa, I thought that the spirits were supposed to be small, not huge and bright enough to almost blind me.”

“Yes,” Narcissa said.  “The cuts are different as well.  All I can assume is that they called forth primeval spirits of powerful animals.”

“Like?” Marcus prompted.

“I have no idea,” Narcissa said with a small pout.  “We’ll have to ask them when they’re not drained.”

“Well, as we’re down here anyway,” Marcus said, “I may as well see where you all are on your defence.”

“Excuse me?” Narcissa asked.

“Nope,” Marcus replied.  “I’m nominally in charge of making sure you can all handle yourselves.”  He swayed to avoid a curse Pugsley threw at him, before launching several back that made Pugsley dive to one side.  “So I’ll do my job.  Try and hit me.”

With a blur, Marcus vanished, before a stunning curse flew straight at Daphne’s face.

She dropped to the floor, allowing it to fly over her, as she snarled and rolled to a corner, erecting a light shield.  Pugsley did the same thing.  Narcissa backed up, and Snape decided to stick with her.

Marcus flashed past, destroying Daphne’s shield.  She used the faint burst of light to launch a curse over him.

Narcissa leaned and whispered in his ear.  “Send the other two a message to prepare, and then guard me.”

He quickly sent two messenger Patronesses to the other two, and started to cast some charms, trying to locate Marcus.

Pugsley and Daphne soon joined him; methodically casting spells to illuminate the room.

Marcus responded by covering the room in a thick fog, rendering the light useless.

“Move,” Narcissa hissed.

Severus dived out of the way, as Narcissa released a spell.  Everything seemed to change to a sickly green colour; before he realised he could see four other heat sources.  One was next to him; the other two were in corners.

With a grin, he cast Diffindo at the remaining shape.

The shape moved dramatically, into a stunning spell thrown by Daphne.  The shape flew into a corner, before it shook slightly, and got back to his feet.

“Excellent,” Marcus called.  “That spell of Narcissa’s turned your eye sight to infra red?”

“Correct,” Narcissa agreed, as she cancelled the spell.  “I’m not much of a fighter.”

“Not every one has to be,” Marcus replied.  “Research is just as important.  Severus, nice use of resources and protection.  Pugsley, Daphne, what is the first rule of being an Addams?”

“An Addams never stands alone,” they recited.

“So explain why you both backed into a corner alone?”

“Erm,” Daphne said.  “We forgot what Harry taught us last year?”

“Correct,” Marcus agreed.  “And to refresh your memory, I think the two of you can do some laps.  And no, you can’t get changed; you won’t have time in attack to get out some gym clothes.  Eight, please.”

As the two children started to jog, Marcus looked at the two of them.  “We’ll practice some of your spells,” he said.  “Diffindo is an old favourite, but really, it’s to slow and easy to dodge.  There are several other cutting curses that are more obscure, but faster to throw.”  He demonstrated, and a bright orange curse came out of his wand.

“Isn’t that Czech?” Narcissa asked.

Marcus nodded.  “I spent some years over there at the turn of the century.  Now, if you two could cast the curse.”

For the next three hours, they worked together on new spells.  Daphne and Pugsley joining them when they had finished their jog.  It seemed to have put Daphne in a foul mood, if the strength she was putting into her curses was any indication.

Marcus seemed to encourage it, using every opportunity to provoke her.  Eventually, Daphne half-screamed, turned, and punched him in the face.

Marcus didn’t move, and Daphne shook her hand.  “Always check who you are hitting before you do so,” he instructed her.  “I’m a vampire; I’m far stronger than you.”

Daphne nodded. “I’m sorry,” she said sweetly, as she stepped up to him, and rammed her knee into his groin.

Marcus didn’t go pale – he was a vampire after all – but he did drop to his knees.  Daphne turned on her heel and strolled to the elevator.

“Good,” Marcus said as she vanished up.  “She will be fine.”

“You have to push things, don’t you?” Pugsley asked.

“That’s my job,” Marcus responded.  “You know how our politics can be.  She’s going to grow up gorgeous, and be a member of a phenomenally rich Clan, with the direct ear of the Clan leader.  She’ll have men after her like flies on blood, and as many enemies.  She has to be able to look after herself, and it’s my job to ensure that she can.  Harry and Wednesday will protect her, but no one can protect her for her entire life.”

“Interested, Marcus?” Severus asked softly.

“She’s too young for me,” Marcus replied.  “Standard creepiness rule is ‘half your age plus seven’.  That, of course, doesn’t really apply when you’re immortal, so I had to adapt, and decide I’d only go for species long lived enough to understand what sleeping with a Vampire is like.”

“Bland, disappointing and very quick?” Pugsley asked with a grin.

Marcus cuffed him on the back of the head. 

“Try feral,” Narcissa said.  “You do have interesting habits.”

Marcus grinned.  “I’d offer to show them, but you’re both taken and a human.  I’ll stick with Veela, Succubi, Werewolves and the like, thanks.”

Pugsley looked at his watch.  “Dinner time.”

“Great,” Marcus cheered.  “I’m famished.”

-----

Perfect Slytherins - Tales from the Fourth Year
Part 2

The next few days were relatively quiet. Every afternoon, Marcus took them down to the ritual room, and worked with them on their spells and tactics. On the fourth day, Harry and Wednesday joined them.

Harry watched, while Wednesday practiced. Her curses were sharp and deadly accurate. Her movement was constant and graceful. Even though there were five of them, they didn’t stand a chance.

After they were all on the ground, Harry simply took Wednesday’s hand, and they walked off silently.

“And that,” Marcus said, “is why she’s the enforcer of the Clan. And just think, to get that way, all you have to do is be the result of the biggest cross-breeding experiment in history, to have rituals performed on you as a baby, and to practice for three to four hours every single day of your life.

“And before you ask, Narcissa, no, I don’t know if Harry can fight as well.”

That evening, Severus and Narcissa were in the library, when Harry and Wednesday joined them.

“I hear you have an issue?” Harry said, as Wednesday waved her hand, pulling two more chairs over to them.

Severus carefully placed a bookmark in the book, and turned to them. “Yes,” he agreed. “I have agreed to do something for Draco. He is not enjoying Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang would tear him apart.”

“So would I,” Wednesday murmured.

Harry lightly reached out and took her hand. “Home schooling?”

Narcissa frowned. “I’m not sure that would be good for him, either.”

Harry stared at Narcissa for a long moment. Narcissa met his stare evenly, her body language slightly pleading.

“He will never have a place in the Clan, he will; however, have our protection, as long as he follows the rules. We do not tolerate idiocy as an excuse for breaking them.”

Narcissa nodded.

Wednesday sighed and stared at Harry.

Harry met her eyes, and there seemed to be some form of disagreement between them.

“Fine,” Wednesday muttered. “I won’t kill him.”

Harry smiled at her.

Wednesday’s smile suddenly turned chilling. “You do know that everyone at Hogwarts knows that he is a eunuch? That he will be teased mercilessly, and we will not be able to stop it. He made himself extremely unpopular during his time there.”

Narcissa nodded warily.

“There is something we could do,” Wednesday continued. “And allow you to have grandchildren.”

Harry shook his head and sat back, an amused cast to his face.

“Oh?” Narcissa asked curiously, leaning forward eagerly.

“And, it would allow him to go through school harassment-free.”

“Tell me more.”

“I finish the job.”

“I’m sorry?” Narcissa said. “Please explain.”

“He’s already lost his primary genitalia along with all the testosterone and other chemicals required for normal development - all gone. What I can do is finish the job, a few more spells and potions, nnect the female Dracine Prince to the former Draco Malfoy.”

It was with years of practice that Severus did not gape at the idea. It actually made sense, in a twisted sort of way. He looked at Narcissa, who had a thoughtful expression on her face.

“The idea has merit,” she agreed. “He would still be my child, but this would represent a totally fresh start.”

“Quite,” Wednesday agreed. “And perhaps we could take the opportunity to make a few small personality changes to her.”

Narcissa nodded as well, “eliminate the effect Lucius had on her growing up.”

Severus noticed the use of the female pronoun and shook his head. The solution was brilliant, but he was well aware that there would be a catch somewhere.

“We shall allow you the use of our ingredients to prepare the potions,” Harry announced. “We will prepare the spells.”

“Thank you,” Narcissa said.

“Severus,” Harry said. “You have done what we required, and more, your judgement has proved to be reliable. If you so desire it, your acceptance to the Clan will be made permanent.”

“Yes,” Snape said instantly. “I do.”

Harry smiled and stood.

“Welcome to the Clan, friend,” Harry said solemnly. He leaned in, and kissed Snape on the lips.

A surge of power shot through him. He felt more alive than he ever had in the past. Knowledge shot through him, memories became clearer. He smiled; there was nothing else he could do. He was also grateful that the power had wiped the feeling of being kissed by another male away.

Wednesday moved over and kissed him as well. “Welcome to the Clan, friend,” she intoned.

Her kiss seemed to sear his soul, binding his promise to the two of them to a degree that would have had Voldemort insane with jealousy if he had but known about it. He understood the kissing now, and part of him wanted more.

The two turned and walked out, leaving him alone with Narcissa.

“I want it,” Narcissa stated.

He nodded. “I want you to have it as well. The memory boost alone is amazing.”

“You are theirs?”

“I am,” he said. “I understand Hermione and Daphne’s reactions now.”

“Lucius will be rolling in his grave,” Narcissa said with a small smile. “His son, soon be the that I always wanted.”

Severus wisely decided to keep his opinions to himself.

A few days later, during dinner, Harry suddenly froze, and then whisked his wand out. “Accio Globe,” he muttered.

From a distance, there was a loud series of crash noises, as the globe he had received for his previous birthday flew into the kitchen.

“Sirius,” Harry called.

“Harry,” Sirius’s face appeared on the ball. “We’ve found it.”

“Excellent,” Harry said. “Where?”

“Greece.”

“Fall back; we’ll be there tomorrow morning.”

“See you then, Harry.”

Harry banished theed slowly. “Gaunt’s ring,” he said to Pugsley.

“All right!” Pugsley said as he did a little dance in his chair. “That just leaves the Diadem.”

Harry nodded. “From what we’ve found out so far, Rowena’s daughter stole it, so that she could try and increase her intelligence, and live up to her Mother’s fame.”

“Violet?” Gomez asked.

Harry blinked at him. “The Grey Lady?”

Gomez nodded. “She was Helena many years ago.”

“Thanks Dad,” Harry grinned at him. “That helps.”

“You’re welcome. I’m free tomorrow as well.”

“Thanks, but we can handle it, you have something more important to do.”

Gomez pouted, but nodded as he looked at Morticia, who was knitting small baby clothing with five arms.

“Pugsley, call Marcus, Hermione and Ginny. We’ll pick them up on the way at eight. Severus, Narcissa, we leave tomorrow morning at three.” Harry didn’t hang around as he walked out with Wednesday.

“Is this another piece of soul?” Severus asked slowly.

“A Horcrux, yeah.”

“Foul magic,” Narcissa hissed.

“The foulest,” Gomez agreed, “and the most cowardly. Sacrificing others to help shatter your own soul for a form of immortality is the sort of sophistication we have come to expect from Tom.”

“Voldemort,” Severus said at

“Harry’s been tracking them down for years,” Pugsley added. “We’ve only got this and one other left.”

“How did you know what he made them out of?” Narcissa asked.

“Grandmama asked the people he killed. Lily and James searched the afterlife.”

Narcissa went slightly pale. “Necromancy?”

“It’s a hobby,” Grandmama said modestly.

“I’ve got people to call. Mum, Dad, we may as well bring Hermione and Ginny back here afterward.”

“We’ll have their rooms prepared.”

“What should I wear?” Daphne asked.

“Same thing Wednesday will. It’s not enough to win a fight,” he added with a wink. “You have to look good doing it.”

The two kids giggled and walked out.

“Severus, do me a favour and keep an eye on them,” Morticia said. “And you will find both Remus and Sirius there.”

“I know,” he replied. “I’ll keep my instincts under control until we get back.” He smiled. “Then I have a few pranks lined up for Sirius.”

“My poor house,” Morticia said, a faint smile on her lips.

“Come,” Narcissa said, as she stood and guided him out.

He followed her up to their rooms.

“You have got over your hatred of Sirius?”

He nodded. “All of them, I’m even friends with Remus. Holding on to grudges for so many years was holding me back.”

“It was,” Narcissa agreed.

“So I reserved the right to prank him.”

Narcissa smirked. “You wouldn’t mind some help?”

“Of course not.”

“Good.” Narcissa started to walk toward the bedroom, letting her clothes drop to the floor as she moved. “We should have an early night,” she said in a sultry voice.

“Yes, dear.”

“Severus?”

“Yes, Narcissa?”

“Bring the handcuffs.”

Three am came early, far too early for his liking. He found himself approving of the form of dress the girls were wearing. Wednesday, Daphne and Narcissa were wearing similar summer dresses of varying lengths. Daphne’s was the shortest, but he could see the shorts underneath, and he knew that Narcissa was similar attire.

His partner had complained about wearing Muggle clothing, until she had actually tried some on, and realised the freedom of movement they provided, while allowing her to look at her best.

The complaints had died as soon as she had looked in the mirror.

Harry held out the Portkey, and they were all dragged through space.

They arrived in the Weasley’s garden.

Molly dashed out of the kitchen and hugged Pugsley, and then a very surprised Daphne. “Welcome,” she said. “Narcissa, it is good to see you.”

“Molly,” Narcissa said with a small smile.

“Come, I have breakfast ready.”

“All right!” Pugsley cheered. “Molly makes a better breakfast than the house-elves.”

“Really?” Daphne asked, looking interested.

“Indubitably,” Severus agreed.

“And it is a known fact that her apple pie is the best in the world,” Narcissa added.

Molly looked surprised, and then bustled in to the kitchen.

“Fresh start for me as well,” Narcissa said softly, at his inquiring look.

“Good,” Harry said from right behind them. “It is rare to find people who are happy, and now that they are more open minded, the Weasleys are considered under our protection.”

Severus nodded and followed Harry and Wednesday inside.

Hermione and Ginny came downstairs together in a hurry. They looked around, before Hermione walked over to Daphne. “Welcome,” she said, and gently kissed her, before she walked over to Severus, and kissed him as well. “Welcome,” she echoed.

Severus felt his magic reacting to her; it was the first time he had met another Clan-member in this way. “My thanks,” he said, to be echoed by Daphne.

“Soon, Gin-gin,” Pugsley said.

Ginny sighed and nodded.

Molly shrugged; she looked confused. She bustled over to the kitchen, as the other members of her family joined them.

The twins were the first to bounce in.

“Harry, Wednesday,” they said. “You’re looking radiant. Are you planning on attending the World Cup final?”

“That’s an idea,” Marcus said, as he appeared in a seat.

Molly calmly smacked him on the back of the head with a frying pan. “It’s polite to knock first.”

“Sorry,” Marcus said.

“And I’d got some black pudding in just for you as well.”

Marcus vanished, and a second later there was a knock at the door. Molly smiled and opened it, to find a kneeling vampire.

“Marcus,” she greeted him.

“Is there room for one more at the table?”

“Always.”

Marcus grinned at her, then gave her a quick hug.

“Hands off,” Arthur said jovially, as he and Ron joined the ever-growing group.

“Why does everyone think the worst of me?” Marcus demanded as he sat down.

“Because you are a blood-sucking creature with the morals of an alley cat?” Pugsley asked.

“Apart from that!”

There was some laughter, as Molly started to dish out huge plates, full of bacon, eggs, tomatoes, hash browns, fried mushrooms, sausages, baked beans, and a huge pile of fried bread and toast grew in the middle of the table.

Marcus got a plate full of black pudding – a dish made out of pig’s blood – and was smiling happily.

“Well, dig in,” Molly said, as she put two bowls in front of Harry and Wednesday.

“Molly,” Harry said, before anyone could actually start. “Thank you for this breakfast.”

Molly smiled and blushed slightly.

“But if you do not mind, Wednesday and I would rather have the same as everyone else.”

Molly beamed as if Harry had just offered her grandchildren. “Of course.”

Pugsley looked surprised, as Harry shrugged and Wednesday smiled slightly. A few minutes later, two more plates appeared.

Everyone looked at Harry, and what was perhaps strange was that no one seemed to find it strange that a thirteen year old boy was in charge of a table containing four adults, and an immortal Vampire.

Harry raised his glass to Molly. “We thank you for the breakfast this morning, and are grateful for your friendship.”

“Friendship is never a burden,” Arthur said quietly.

“Words well spoken,” Harry agreed. Wednesday moved her hands slightly, and the plates glowed briefly, keeping the food warm. “Ginevra has expressed a desire to join our Clan,” he continued in a formal manner. “Each person who joins does so under different circumstances, and from a different price. We discussed this with Hermione’s parents last Easter, Daphne’s parents did not merit a discussion. So we discuss this with you, before we contemplate Ginevra suitability for our purposes.”

Molly and Arthur looked at each other. “We will hear your words,” Arthur said.

“Joining a Clan is, in a small way, equivalent to marriage. You never forget your first family, but you become part of another, and that other might make demands on a person. The difference is that our voice will be the more demanding.”

Molly and Arthur nodded.

“Ginevra will receive the protection of the Clan, and while she will be an Addams, she will retain the Weasley name, and live with you, until she marries or finishes Hogwarts. Any children will be Addams, but they will also look to you as Grandparents.”

Molly nodded, looking a little relieved at that.

“Of course, like a marriage, you are, in a way, losing a daughter, and that is something the Addams do not treat lightly. You will be recognised by all as our friends, and all that entrails.”

Snape nodded slowly, admiring the polite way it was phrased. There was nothing that the Weasley could take offence to, and nothing as crass as money suggested, just the promise of friendship from a powerful ally.

“In years gone by, I would have said no,” Molly said quietly. “My decision would have had no rational basis. However, you have opened my eyes to a more practical world, as such, I must treat this offer in the way I think best.” She turned. “Ginevra, is this what you desire?”

“Yes,” Ginny said simply.

“Then we will not stand in your way.”

Ginny bounced out of her chair, and over to her parents, where she hugged them both.

“Ginevra, we will discuss membership formally with you over the coming year.”

Ginny nodded. “Thank you, Clan leader.”

“The Addams Family recognises the Weasley family as friends. Our protection is theirs, and they may call on us as they desire.”

There was a feeling of ancient magic that seemed to erupt around the house, a whoosh that moved as fast as sound, and was gone in a tick.

Harry smiled and broke the spell of formality that had gripped the table. “I suggest we eat.”

“One question,” Fred said, “what in the name of Merlin was that?”

“Magic,” Pugsley said with a grin. “Friends of the Family get better wards.”

Arthur used his wand and his eyes went blank. “Oh my,” he said. “You don’t happen to have a test area, do you?”

“What for?” Harry asked.

“My eldest son, William, adores wards, and I don’t think he would be able to resist having a look around these.”

Wednesday smiled faintly. “We’d advise against poking these, but we will allow him access to one of our training facilities.”

“Well, dig in,” Molly said firmly and everyone did. Most people were keeping their thoughts to themselves, although there was a discussion between Daphne, Hermione and Ginny about some of the things that had happened over the summer.

When they had finished, Pugsley, Daphne, Hermione and Ginny started to clear up, while Harry walked off with Molly and Arthur. Ron stayed at the table with Fred and George.

“He is reassuring them,” Wednesday said. “We will be leaving shortly. Hermione, Ginny, go and get changed.”

Hermione and Ginny, who were dressed in jeans and t-shirts, both nodded and walked away. “Pugsley?” Wednesday asked.

He shrugged from where he was manually cleaning the dishes. “Sometimes it’s fun.”

“If you say so,” Wednesday agreed. She waved her wand and the dishes started to clean themselves. “Does a one speak Greek?”

“I do,” Narcissa said. “I speak most of the European languages.”

“ΠÏŽς σε λÎνε;?” Wednesday asked.

“Με λÎνε Narcissa, ΕÎ¯μαι ΒρετανÏŒς πολÎ¯της.” Narcissa replied.

“Good accent,” Wednesday praised. Narcissa smiled and nodded.

Hermione and Ginny came back down the stairs in similar dresses, and they were both carrying their wands.

Harry returned with Arthur and Molly. “Ready?” he asked.

Everyone nodded.

“We’ll return within forty-eight hours,” Harry said. He passed Pugsley the Portkey. “Give us three minutes.” He touched Wednesday’s hands and they vanished.

“How do they do that?” Narcissa asked. “It wasn’t Apparation.”

“No,” Pugsley agreed. He shrugged. “I’ve got no idea, I’ve never asked, actually. Really, for most of my life, I’ve been far happier playing than studying like they do. But then, I’m just a Clan member, not a leader or an enforcer. My life is far simpler.”

Ron looked up, but didn’t say anything, as the twins listened carefully.

“Pugs,” Fred said, “would they be open to a business proposition?”

“Probably,” Pugsley said. “After his birthday, Harry will have access to the full family accounts.”

“Thanks,” George said. “We’re working on something, but want to get it to a better state before approaching them.”

“Good idea.”

“Pugsley, what about the world cup?” Marcus asked.

“That will be on us,” Narcissa said. “We have a box at the stadium, and you are all welcome to join us.”

Ron’s eyes went wide. “Really?”

“Of course, you are friends,” Narcissa said smoothly.

“Thank you,” Arthur said. “I’ll give the tickets I have back, so that others can enjoy them.”

Narcissa nodded approvingly.

“It’s time,” Pugsley called. “Catch you all later.”

Everyone touched the Portkey, and they were soon swirling through space. They arrived on a sun-baked grass platform, row after row of stones to the right formed a banked spectator area. Two huge stone statues were behind them, and in front, a curved area gave way gracefully to forest. The view to the left was of an ancient city, long past its prime.

“Welcome to Delphi,” Sirius Black said. As everyone turned to face him, he grinned. “Surprisingly, it’s good to see all of you. Severus, welcome to the Clan.”

“Thank you,” Snape said, relaxing a little as he realised that he truly didn’t hate Sirius any more. He was even more relieved that Sirius didn't attempt to kiss him.

“For those that don’t know me, and that excludes my dear cousin, I’m Sirius Black, the silent guy next to me I believe you all know as Remus Lupin. I’ve not been in Azkaban for many years, any other questions?”

“Nope,” Pugsley said cheerfully. “This is Daphne Greengrass, and Hermione Granger, new Clan members. Next to them, as you’ll recognise by the distinctive hair, is Ginny Weasley, potential Clan member.”

“Hi Ginny, Hermione, Daphne,” Remus said. “Marcus, Severus, it’s good to see you again.”

“Let’s not be tiresome,” Narcissa said. “Sirius, it is good to see you looking well. Remus, we have had our differences, however time, maturity, and a lot of other things have made me realise that I was wrong. I apologise.”

Sirius and Remus blinked at her.

“This is when you apologise as well, Sirius,” Wednesday pointed out as she appeared next to them.

“Erm, yeah,” Sirius said. “I’m sorry, Narcissa, for some of it, anyway.”

“I accept your apology,” Remus said quietly.

Narcissa smiled briefly.

“Good, fill them in,” Wednesday ordered, as she vanished again.

“Okay,” Sirius agreed. “As I said, welcome to Delphi, and to Delphi stadium to be exact. In a few minutes, we’re going to take a short walk down the hill and enter the Temple of Apollo.

“For the past few years I’ve been on the trail of this damn artefact. It was originally hidden in Voldemort’s maternal family home, but he moved it when he inhabited Quirrell. It was on his person when Pugsley blew Quirrell into many small pieces, and was picked up by a magpie, where it was eventually found by a small boy.

“The horcrux took control of the boy long enough to be passed on to a Hag, who sold it on to a travelling merchant. From there, it was transported all around Europe, until earlier this year Bellatrix formerly-known-as-Black-now-known-as-that-crazy-haggard-bitch-with-no-family sent a message it was to be protected, and local sympathisers hid it here.

“The hiding was done by a mad-man, who killed everyone, including himself afterward, so no one knows how to get to it, or what protections are in place.

“I’ve got a large scale notice-us-not charm on the entire area, which allows us to move unheeded by the Muggle tourists who come here for a history lesson.”

“And a fascinating history it is as well,” Narcissa said quietly. “We are standing on the very spot where the Pythian games where held, they were one of the four Panhellenic Games that pre-date the modern Olympics. If you close your eyes, you can imagine the splendour of the Flute and Kithara, or the Acting and Dance Competitions.”

“Narcissa, you complete fraud,” Sirius said softly.

“Excuse me?”

“No one, and I mean no one can talk with such reverence about Ancient Greece, and hate Muggles.”

Narcissa blushed furiously.

“And I could mention that we’re not that far from Thermopylae.”

“Really?” she asked eagerly, her blush forgotten. “Can we visit?”

“Afterward,” Sirius promised.

Narcissa clapped her hands. “Well, let’s go find this Horcrux and destroy it, then we can get onto fun things.”

“Hermione,” Daphne said with a small sigh. “Explain?”

“Well, it’s the place that three hundred Spartan warriors held a strategic pass against an overwhelming force, before dying a heroic death.” Hermione said. “While true, it tended to glaze over the seven hundred Thespians who also stayed, but we’re massively digressing here.”

“Don’t worry, Daphne, I’ll explain it all as we go around,” Narcissa said eagerly.

“Bookworm,” Sirius called.

“Boy,” Narcissa replied snottily, before a small smile broke her face.

“Oh man, this is too good,” Sirius said. “Severus, we need to talk about Narcissa.”

“Oh?”

“I’m her head of house; it’s my job to make sure she has a good match.”

“We’ll talk later,” Snape agreed.

“And I can tell you all her secrets, including where she’s ticklish.”

“Sirius!” Narcissa yelled.

Snape smiled faintly. “Horcrux,” he prompted.

“Oh, yeah,” Sirius said, “follow me.” He jumped, landed as a dog and scampered off.

“Will he ever grow up?” Narcissa asked.

“We hope not,” Remus said. “He’s way more fun this way.”

Narcissa nodded, and strolled off after Sirius. Severus found himself walking next to Daphne and Ginny as they followed her.

“What does it feel like?” Ginny asked.

“Acceptance,” Snape said slowly, understanding what she meant. “There are magical things that come with it, but in general, it’s having an immovable place in the universe.”

“Yeah,” Daphne agreed. “You know you’ve been judged and accepted. I have a new family, so for me, it’s more. I think it’s different for everyone. You could ask Marcus. Have they told you the price yet?”

“No,” Ginny said with a small sigh.

“It’s a price that seems huge, but is not what it seems to be,” Daphne said quietly. “Part of mine was to lose my parents and sister; I didn’t expect that – until I found out that they had arranged for me to be sold off like a piece of meat to Nott.”

“Eww,” Ginny said.

“So suddenly, the price was a lot more palatable.”

“My price,” Severus said, “was everything, and yet nothing. I paid it without thought.”

“Thanks,” Ginny said, as they entered the stone remains that marked the temple of Apollo. Sirius moved down a series of steps and vanished from sight.

“It’s safe,” Remus called. “It’s had a very strong anti-Muggle charm on it for centuries.

They descended into a cold stone tunnel that seemed to go on for ever.

“Confundus charms,” Narcissa noted.

“Right,” Remus agreed. “It’s another hundred metres until we get to the next chamber.”

No one spoke as they walked; it seemed almost sacrosanct in the tunnel. There was a small piece of cape attached to a wall, and Sirius walked through the wall, to the right of it.

They emerged into a huge domed room.

“We are directly beneath the main temple,” Sirius said as he changed back into his human shape. “Above us, Greek Muggle priests sacrificed animals to their Gods, while their Wizard counterparts did the same.

“A lot of sacrificial magic came from this area. And fittingly enough, it was here that the spell for creating a Horcrux was created.”

Harry and Wednesday appeared. “Attention,” Harry called. “We’re going into the unknown now. Marcus and Wednesday will lead. They both have the best reflexes. Remus, Severus, Sirius, you will bring up the rear. When we encounter anything, I’ll ask if we want suggestions, if you have one, raise your hand – no one shout out, we don’t want everyone to know we’re coming.

“Pugsley, you’re in charge of making sure Narcissa and Ginny are looked after.”

Pugsley nodded.

“Hermione, you’re with Daphne.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Marcus said cheerfully. “Let’s get to it! Wednesday,” he offered, with a low bow.

Wednesday smiled faintly and walked into the dark. There was a snap, and a light appeared.

Harry went next, followed by Pugsley, Narcissa and Ginny, then Hermione and Daphne, and finally Remus, Sirius and himself.

The corridor was damp, drops fell from the ceiling, and he shuddered as he walked through something that made his hair stand on end.

“Gateway,” Harry said softly. “We’re not in Greece anymore.”

As they continued, the temperature started to drop. Snape pulled out his wand and cast a warming charm on everyone.

“Thanks,” Sirius whispered.

Snape could see his breath in front of his face as they came to a stop. In front of them was a wall of ice. Wednesday looked at it for a second, before she spun a few times and then jumped, her foot flashed out into the ice.

With a loud crinkle, the whole thing crashed down. Wednesday almost smiled, before she entered the new chamber that was revealed beneath it.

They were standing on a stone bridge, over ice-filled water. In front of them, two stone grotesques protected the entrance to the next chamber.

“Great,” Pugsley muttered, “a fan of shitty fiction.”

“Pugs,” Harry chided lightly.

“Come on, Harry, I’ll bet my cannon that when we move forward those two stone things come to life and attack us.”

“It is cliché,” Hermione agreed.

“Who wants them?” Harry asked dryly.

“I’ll do it,” Ginny called and dashed forward.

Severus blinked, trying to stop the urge to grab the young Weasley and protect her.

Harry looked slightly surprised.

As Ginny got to within ten foot of the stone gargoyles, they did come to life with a loud shuddering noise.

“Hi,” Ginny said to them as she stopped. “We’d like to go past please.”

The Gargoyles roared impressively, and started to move closer to her.

“That’s not nice,” Ginny said with a cute pout. She moved a little closer to them.

“Clever,” Wednesday praised.

Severus tried to work out what Wednesday had, and then slowly smiled.

The two gargoyles pulled out huge stone swords, and in unison, swung them at Ginny.

Ginny simply dropped to the ground, allowing the two gargoyles to decapitate each other.

Ginny stood up and dusted herself down.

“Come here,” Wednesday ordered.

Ginny dutifully walked over to the taller girl. Wednesday reached out and stroked her hair, removing all the dust, before she whispered something to her. Ginny blushed, but her smile was bright enough to light the room.

Without a word, Wednesday and Marcus moved forward through the exit. The next room was covered in water again, but instead of a bridge, it had irregularly spaced poles leading to a visible button at the far end.

“This is ridiculous,” Harry muttered. “It’s for children.” He vanished and appeared next to the button. He pressed it, and a rumbling noise signified the raising of a platform. As they walked across it and joined him, he continued, “it’s all very well hiring mad-men to do your dirty work, but they are often defined as mad-men for a reason. They’re incapable of original thought. We’d get more of a challenge trying to steal candy from a ten year old.”

He strolled through, in the lead, into the next room. Wednesday and Marcus flanking him. “I may as well use this,” Harry muttered as he looked at the streams of fire. “Narcissa, you’re up.”

Narcissa nodded and moved to the front. Streams of fire shot across the platform, causing the water on either side to hiss, releasing large amounts of steam.

She cast a small spell that floated everyone up a foot. She followed it with another that created a huge rock that she lowered into water. The water level rose, covering the holes emitting the flames. There was a loud hissing noise, before she removed her created rock, allowing the water level to go down.

The fires had been extinguished. “Eureka,” Narcissa said softly.

Harry nodded at her, and she smiled proudly.

“Pugs, you have the next one.”

“All right,” Pugsley cheered. He dashed down the path and through the doorway.

When they had all followed him, Pugsley was sitting on his cannon. It was pointing across the large expanse of water. “Water’s acidic,” he noted.

Wednesday walked over and put her hand in it. As she lifted it, the skin started to pull away from her hand, revealing the tendons underneath.

“Indeed,” she noted calmly as she shook her hand, and it was restored to normal.

“A cannon is the answer to all of life’s problems,” Pugsley said as he reached behind himself and lit the fuse.

Severus put his fingers in his ears, an action quickly copied by the normal members of the group.

With a boom, the cannon exploded against the far wall, throwing chunks of ice and stone across the water. A second boom bought more out.

“Daphne, let’s see if you can get across without killing yourself.”

Daphne nodded, and started to sprint. She jumped, clicked her heels in mid-air – thin blades appeared under her shoes. She landed gracefully and pirouetted on the spot, before she jumped to the side, and landed on another ice platform. She skated backward, doing a double toe-loop on to the next platform.

She finished with a triple axel, landing gracefully, turning and bowing at the waist.

Pugsley, Ginny, Hermione, Sirius, and Remus started to applaud widely, and held up cards with 10’s on them.

Harry and Wednesday smiled. “I think we’ll take the easy route,” he said, and absently waved his wand, causing the ice to form a nice path. Pugsley had already removed his cannon.

“Hermione, you want the next one?”

“Please,” Hermione said eagerly. The next chamber was empty; a simple stone bridge led the way across.

Hermione took the lead, walking slowly forward, her wand in her hand.

Without warning, two apparitions appeared, holding their hand out. They said something.

“Stop,” Narcissa translated.

“Why?” Hermione asked.

Narcissa asked the question, and then translated the reply. “Because madness lies ahead.”

Hermione smiled and walked through them.

“A galleon says they turn into horrific creatures,” Pugsley whispered.

On cue, the ghosts reappeared in front of Hermione – their transformations were rather amusing more than horrible. Admittedly, his perception might have been changed by meeting Pinhead. Narcissa clutched his arm and swallowed.

Hermione cast a spell, and her hair started to move wildly. The two ghosts turned to stone.

“Medusa spell?” Narcissa asked.

Hermione cancelled the spell and turned. She patted her hair, smoothing it down a little. “Yep,” she said cheerfully.

“You’ve all done well,” Harry said, “but I’m bored of this now. Wends, let’s just get to the centre.”

“Yay,” Wednesday cheered, as the two started running.

Severus grabbed Narcissa and dragged her along into a run – not wanting to miss any of the fun.

The next chamber appeared empty again, before a giant kraken emerged from the depths.

Two throwing knives appeared, one in each of the monster’s eyes, and it sunk back down. Harry and Wednesday hadn’t even bothered to slow down. Wednesday had thrown the knives. The two vanished into the next room.

There was a loud explosion before they could get into the next chamber. When they arrived, there was a large number of blocks on the ground, and in the centre, on a golden pedestal, was the item they had been searching for.

“Remus,” Harry said cheerfully, “want to tell me what the protection is on this thing?”

Remus walked up and studied it. “The wards are tied to the ceiling and the walls. I suspect if you touch it, everything will collapse.”

“Correct,” Harry agreed. “I reckon we’d have less than two minutes to make it back.”

“ Te adoro ,” Wednesday said softly.

“You spoke Spanish,” Harry purred.

“Aww crap,” Pugsley muttered.

Harry reached out and grabbed the ring.

“Better start running,” Wednesday said with a grin.

“You’re such a git,” Sirius complained to Harry, as he turned.

“Don’t just stand there,” Hermione ordered. “Get moving, the lot of you.”

Severus found himself to the fore, along side Narcissa and Ginny. They ran past a couple of chambers, before the ceiling started to fall in. He cast a tunnelling spell to protect everyone from the acid water.

A little out of breath, they all emerged into the confusing tunnel, and kept sprinting to the exit, back to Greece. The sunlight was bright and warm, a complete contrast to the coldness of underground.

“Where are Harry and Wednesday?” Marcus asked. “And some of you need to spend more time with me, you’re puffing like an asthmatic dragon.”

“They stayed behind,” Pugsley said, “they wanted a bit more of a challenge.” He held up his hand, showing two wands.

“I love them both, but sanity certainly took a vacation when it comes to them,” Daphne said as she sat comfortably on a stone.

“Agreed,” Ginny giggled.

There was an explosion, and a huge amount of dust rocketed out of the tunnel, coating Sirius and Remus. The tunnel collapsed.

“So,” Pugsley said, “what else did you study, Narcissa?”

Narcissa blinked at the destruction. “You’re not worried?”

“It will take more than a tunnel to kill them,” Pugsley said cheerfully.

“Well, there’s only so much reading you can do into Wizarding history, before realising that it is completely useless. Our society is so ridiculously pompous than it makes reading a chore.”

Hermione nodded in agreement.

“So after a few years struggling, I gave in and tried some Muggle books. To my surprise, they were vastly superior.”

“How did you get them around Lucius?” Severus asked curiously.

“Simple charms made them look like Wizarding tomes,” she said with a shrug.

“Good idea,” Harry said, from a block to the right – where he and Wednesday definitely hadn’t been a second before.

“And you got out of there, how?” Sirius asked.

“Climbed,” Harry said. “We emerged in Siberia.”

“Fun,” Wednesday added.

Harry held out the ring. “It’s a bit gaudy,” he pointed out. The clumsily hewn golden ring glinted in the light.

“No time like the present for a soul-destroying ceremony,” Marcus said.

“True,” Harry agreed. “However, to get to it, a small sacrifice is needed.” He turned to Marcus. “Marcus, put the ring on.”

Marcus moved slowly over and took the ring. He smiled faintly, and put the ring on his finger. He gasped in pain, and clutched his arm. “Fuck,” he hissed.

His hand, already pale, went white. “Damn,” he grunted, “this curse is nasty.”

Harry reached out, Wednesday’s knife in his hand. He calmly bound the top of Marcus’s arm and then ripped open the vein in his wrist. The blood that poured out was black and viscous. When the blood ran freely, and was the correct red colour, Harry healed the cut, and removed the tourniquet.

Marcus pulled the ring off, and was kneeling, clutching his wrist. Harry calmly lifted his own hand, and cut his wrist, pressing it to Marcus’s face.

Marcus grabbed the hand, and started to drink deeply. Harry closed his eyes.

“That’s enough,” Wednesday said softly, but the warning in her voice would have scared anyone still alive, and most people who were dead.

Wednesday knelt next to Harry and took his wrist. She gently cleaned the blood away with her tongue, and then licked his wounds. When she was done, his wrist was unmarked again.

“So,” Harry said, getting to his feet and pocketing the ring. “Are we going to spend the rest of day as tourists?”

“Yes,” Narcissa replied before anyone else could offer a contrary opinion.

That evening, Severus found another activity he enjoyed. Talking with Narcissa in bed. Of course, the fact that she was wearing some extraordinary lingerie, was half draped over him, and was tracing patterns on his chest with a wickedly sharp, blood red, fingernail had nothing to do with it.

“I never thought that Voldemort was a good leader,” she mused. “Sure, he was charismatic, but he was always selfish about everything. All that bowing and scraping wasn’t for me – I am a Black, after all.”

“That didn’t stop Bella-ouch,” he complained, as she dug one of nails against his right nipple.

Her kissing it better did, in fact, make up for it. “My dear sister was never what one might call sane; she was starved for attention, any attention. It’s not as if our parents were the most demonstrative.”

“You seem okay.”

“I was closer to Andromeda, before she went all Muggle, I just decided that I loved Lucius enough to give the whole thing a chance. I’m up for changing the world, like the next person, but Muggles are so tiresome.”

“And Muggleborn students?”

She gave a languid shrug.

“They should be used for what they can do. A lot of the Pure-Bloods actions are purely reactionary and are driven by fear. Fear is always interesting, but it comes from delusion. If you are truly powerful, you need not worry about losing your power, it’s only if your power is based on a fallacy.”

“Such as having pure blood?” he suggested.

She tapped his chest with her fingernail. “If my studies showed that pure blood had a magical advantage, I’d agree,” she said after a long pause.

“I thought that the days of magic were gone,” she eventually continued softly. “Can you imagine how you’d float Hogwarts?”

“Sorry?”

“Pay attention,” she snapped. “How would you float Hogwarts into the sky?”

“I don’t know.”

“Exactly. Wait here.” Narcissa suddenly jumped out of bed and stormed out the room. He watched her go in surprise. It was a couple of minutes before she returned; a pleased look on her face.

“Wednesday likes my lingerie,” she said as she climbed back into bed, and resumed her position.

Severus decided not to mention what Harry had said about Wednesday supposedly preferring blondes.

“Anyway, they do know a way of making Hogwarts float. They think that eight of us could do it.”

“Why would we want to?”

Narcissa sighed and poked him. “That’s not the point. The point is that the magic I read about as a child is returning, and not through Voldemort, but through Harry. I tolerated Lucius’ support of Voldemort because I hoped his revolution would be like a controlled fire – it would clear the deadwood and allow new forests of magic to grow.

“Sadly, it became obvious over the years that he is only capable of destruction, and not creation. I had hoped that he was gone, and was disappointed when Quirrell turned out to be hosting him. But I was ever the good and supportive wife, as I kept our wedding promises.” She paused. “If we get married, we’re having different vows.” Her tone of voice made it clear that she wasn’t making a request.

“Back to Muggles. It seems clear to me that the problem is people like Agatha and Mark, clinging to old ideals and hoarding their magic – of course, they have to, they don’t have much of it,” she added cattily.

“With a few notable exceptions, such as the Weasleys, or Daphne, the children of pure blood families are not that powerful. As such, I worry about the laws they will try and pass when they are older, and we would be even further from the changes we need to bring the magic back.

“What are we without magic? Muggles, living our lives sitting on a couch staring at a box. And the worst thing? I see it happening in our society already. Sure, there is no TV, but the art of conversation is fading, the Prophet makes people’s decisions for them, and libraries are gathering dust!

“It’s disgusting, we are Wizards, we should be creating magic, not listening to the Wireless twitter on about the latest teenage abortion with an adequate voice and no appreciation of the classics.

“We have been educating our children to be bigoted idiots. They understand that we are better that Muggles, but they don’t understand why. All the magical power in the world is useless if you don’t use it to get what you want.

“Which,” Narcissa continued with an emphasising prod, “leads me to the last few days neatly. Blood magic! We’ve seen genuine blood magic of a sort that hasn’t been seen in our country for centuries. The ritual to change their Animagus forms can be performed a different way. You need a number of sacrifices, the less magical, the more you need, and you cut out their hearts. You get what you want, but it doesn’t hurt.

“I did wonder why they didn’t do that, they clearly don’t care about killing, but today made it clear.”

“It did?” he asked. He was pretty sure he knew what she was thinking, but he hadn’t seen her this passionate about anything since she was a teenager.

“First, you had the mark of a leader. He ordered one of his people to do something he knew was going to hurt. He then dealt with the effects, and then, he gave up his own blood to a vampire. Do you have any idea how dangerous that is? A hungry vampire can drain a human in less than thirty seconds. And it’s addictive. Really addictive, when you’re bitten, you want it again. It’s something to do with the anti-coagulant that coats a vampire’s teeth, and the magic they use.

“Afterward, Marcus spent most of the day borderline drunk. He mentioned that Harry’s blood is like whiskey, while Wednesday’s is like a good vodka.

“At the Weasleys, no one but me seemed even slightly surprised that Harry was so completely in charge, and that display showed why. The other children will follow him where ever he goes, because they know that he will look after them. That is loyalty. Tell me, Severus, you are in a battle with him, and you’re outnumbered. Someone casts a cutting curse at his back, and you can’t cast a shield fast enough. Would you jump in the way and take the curse for him?”

“Yes,” he replied without hesitation.

“Would you have done the same for Voldemort?”

“No,” he eventually replied.

Narcissa nodded smugly. “Of course you would, and you wouldn’t just do it for loyalty, but because you know that if he survives, he will do what he can to make sure you survive, and that if you do survive, he will owe you.”

He smiled faintly. “True.” He did love her pragmatism and realism. True heroism was for Gryffindors, and was why they led the tally in receiving posthumous honours.

She paused for a few seconds. “Someone who kills just to avoid pain for themselves is never going to be worthy of your trust.”

Narcissa straddled him, using his chest to sit up. She calmly pulled off the top-half of her lingerie. “I’m going to make my request to join the Clan after his birthday,” she announced. “I want to help burn away the deadwood in our world and start us back on the road to true power.

“Now, enough talking.”

---

Draco arrived a few mornings later. He had no idea he was coming to America, he had just been sent a Portkey.

Severus was with Narcissa, in the garden, as they waited. Narcissa was humming to herself.

With a pop, Draco arrived with his trunk. His hair was still slicked back, he still had an arrogant tilt to his face, but his eyes didn’t have the same arrogance. He looked a little like a shell of his former self.

“What am I doing here?” he asked, as he looked around. “Mother?”

“Welcome to America,” Narcissa said.

“What have you done?” Draco demanded. “And why are you sitting like that with Snape? Father will have you both beaten!”

Snape turned and stared at Narcissa.

“Whoops,” she mumbled. “I forgot they don’t get British newspapers in France.”

“What are you talking about?” Draco demanded.

“I killed Lucius a month ago,” Harry said. No one had heard him arrive.

Draco paled.

“Say goodbye to your life, Draco,” Wednesday said. She hadn't been there a second before, either.

“You’re going to kill me?”

“As good as,” Wednesday said with a smirk that sent shivers down Snape’s spine.

“Mother!” Draco protested.

“You are your father’s son,” Narcissa pointed out. “We have never been as close as I wanted; I have guaranteed that you will live.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m going to finish the job I started in the Chamber,” Wednesday purred.

“You can’t,” he protested, backing off.

“I’ll make it fair,” Harry announced. “All you have to do is say no, when Wednesday asks. A test of will.”

“No,” Draco stated hopefully.

“Come here,” Wednesday ordered, her voice acquiring the underlay of power.

Draco slowly moved toward her.

“Are you happy?” she asked.

“No,” he replied.

“Do you want me to fix it so that you can be happy for the rest of your life?” Her voice had dropped the power, and now it was a straight question.

Draco’s mouth formed the ‘no’, but no sound came.

He tried again.

“Yes,” he said, his head going down.

“Draco,” Wednesday purred; Severus found himself looking at her, her voice seemed to reach into parts of him that they shouldn’t have.

Draco looked up as well. Wednesday’s arm flashed, her fist caught him on the jaw. He was unconscious before he hit the ground.

Wednesday waved her hand over Draco, and he floated up. “Coming?” she asked Narcissa.

Narcissa nodded and followed her into the house.

“He’ll be out for the rest of the holidays,” Harry said. “Wednesday and Narcissa will help rebuild her personality.” He smiled faintly. “We might actually get to see nurture versus nature in person. They’re starting with tabular rosa , and if she turns out to be a jerk still, we’ll know that the behaviour is inherited.

“You’ll want to contact Hogwarts and get her in, although I still think that Dracine is an awful name.”

Severus nodded.

“If you get bored in the library, Hermione, Daphne, Ginny, and Pugsley are going to be trying some new potions from a book Sirius picked up in Greece.” Harry turned and walked away silently. He paused at the door, and turned. “Grandmama is calling James and Lily this evening. If you want to talk to them, come to the basement at seven.”

Severus watched him go, before deciding that the library could wait. He headed toward the house, trying to decide if he really wanted to speak to James and Lily.

The day passed quickly, some of the potions in the book were sheer fun, and the unlimited ingredients at their disposal meant that they had no frustrating delays for some obscure item.

After dinner, he managed to get Narcissa alone. “I’m going to speak to James and Lily.”

“Okay,” she said with a shrug. “I barely remember them as first years.”

Severus smirked at her. “I guess that makes me a toy-boy.”

“Damn right,” she agreed. “And don’t you forget it. Use the opportunity to close off your past,” she ordered. “You’ve come a long way, no back-sliding.”

“Yes, dear.”

She smirked at him.

“I’m going to spend the evening with Wednesday in our daughter’s room.”

“I was advised that Dracine was a poor name.”

“Wednesday likes it,” Narcissa pointed out.

“Harry doesn’t.”

“Yeah, Wednesday said he was a little more hide-bound in his naming.” She gave him a quick kiss, and then did a more thorough job. “Don’t stay up too late,” she purred, before she wandered off her hips twitching in a bewitching manner.

“Young love,” Morticia said with a fond look. “Why, when I was your age, I tried that once. Gomez grabbed me, and well, it was a good job I’m not allergic to dairy products.”

“Is this appearing silently genetic?” he asked dryly.

“Humans are so fascinating,” Morticia said softly, “we view things in such a firm manner. If we didn’t, maybe our appearing wouldn’t be possible.”

“And you are all cryptic,” Severus added. “Why?”

Morticia smiled at his addition of a real question to his statement. “Because you will remember the answer that way. A ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ can be forgotten, but a riddle will stick with you.”

He nodded slowly.

“Come,” she ordered. “It’s time.”

He nodded and matched his stride with her.

“Nervous?” she asked.

“A little,” he admitted. “Communing with the dead is not an every day event.”

“For most people,” Morticia agreed. “Do not ask about death, they are not allowed to answer.” She opened a door. “You’ll be fine.”

It was an order as much as reassurance. “I will be.”

Another door opened, and Harry walked out. He looked a little tired. “They’re waiting for you.” He moved over to Morticia, who put her arms around him, pulling him close. It was the first time that Snape realised how much Harry was growing, he was close to Morticia in height now.

She guided Harry out of the room, keeping him very close.

Snape took a deep breath and entered the room Harry had existed. It was dark, with a thick fog, in the corner, Grandmama endlessly stirred a cauldron, giving everything a suitably surreal atmosphere.

He moved into the centre of the room.

“Hello Severus.”

The voice was straight out of his past. The only other woman he had ever fancied. He had thought he had loved her, but his recent experiences with Narcissa showed that it had been more of a crush.

Given the choice, he would go for Narcissa every time.

“Hello, Lily,” he replied softly.

“Severus.”

Another voice. The youth of it was strange. James Potter, his one time nemesis. Only, it was hard to hate someone who was thoroughly dead.

The first words out of his mouth surprised him. He hadn’t meant to say them. He hadn’t planned to say them. But he meant them all the same.

“I’m sorry.” He looked up. James and Lily were translucent, but were still recognisable as the people who had died fourteen years ago.

“As am I,” James said. He smiled faintly. “Did you get a warning before you came in here?”

Severus knew what he was talking about. “Harry didn’t need to warn me,” he said. “I had Narcissa.”

“Ahh,” James said, edging silently away from Lily. “A woman can really hit you where it hurts when she wants you to grow up.”

Lily just smiled angelically, and James moved back close to her.

Severus sat on a stool. “You know we got the latest Horcrux?” he asked.

Lily nodded proudly. “Harry told us before you came in. He destroyed it this afternoon. He’s getting very good at it.”

“I still think he should try the Sword of Gryffindor,” James muttered. “That’s what we were told he should use.”

“You know that Harry doesn’t feel any affinity to Gryffindor,” Lily scolded. “And that he does things his way.”

“I know,” James sighed. “So, how’s he doing at school?”

Severus smiled slightly. “Top of his year, well respected, tends to win enough points in the year, along with Wednesday, to ensure we win the house cup.”

James and Lily smiled proudly.

“I just wish he’d play Quidditch for us.”

“I was saying the same thing earlier,” James agreed. “From what we’ve heard, he’s a natural on the broom; Wednesday says that he loves to fly.”

Severus nodded. “He got a gorgeous broom from Morticia and Gomez for his birthday last year.”

“Grandmama has said that we’ll be able to attend this year’s party,” Lily said eagerly. “We’re looking forward to it immensely.”

“You know what is happening?”

They nodded together. “Morticia and Gomez do try and keep us informed as to what is happening.”

James and Lily looked at each other, before Lily sighed. “Harry is still working through his anger at us, and at Dumbledore.”

“What for?”

“Us, for leaving him; Dumbledore for leaving him with the Dursleys.”

“I swear,” James said, anger radiating from his eyes, “that as soon as Wednesday is finished with them, I’ll make them regret everything they did.”

“And you won’t be alone,” Lily added. She took a deep breath and visible calmed down. “I’m hoping that will change,” she said. “We had a long talk before you got here.”

“He looked a little tired.”

James and Lily looked at each other. “So, do you have any questions?” James asked, changing the subject. “We’re allowed to answer anything we know.”

“How did Harry end up here?”

James and Lily smiled. “We knew the prophecy about Harry, so when we heard rumours about a necromancer who was allied with a powerful Clan, we made ourselves known, and begged for help. Grandmama called Gomez and Morticia. They came and we talked for a while. We explained that our son was in trouble and the burden on him. They told us the price, we agreed to it.”

“Price?” Severus prompted.

“That if they saved him, he would never be our son again,” Lily said softly.

“You thought it would be just a name?” Severus asked slowly. “That he would be an Addams, but what you didn’t expect was that Harry took to them as real parents, and you, as, basically, genetic donors?”

“Exactly,” James sighed, as Lily started to look upset. “What was worse was that they told us the absolute truth, and that the price had everything to do with natural psychology, and nothing to do with us. Harry was being abused, in a way, it might have been better if he had continued to stay with them.”

“James!”

“If he had,” James continued, “then he wouldn’t have had such a large contrast when he arrived here. If he had stayed there, it would have been something he was used to. But by coming here he saw how life should have been, and just how badly he had been treated.” He sighed, “of course, I’m talking for an extremely selfish view point. But, I guess, I just wish that we had found someone else.”

Lily nodded. “It’s hard to see your son grow up the way Harry has.”

“What do you think about Wednesday?” Severus asked.

“It’s wrong,” Lily said. “But we have to accept his decision. It’s just not a decision he should make for years yet.”

“Yeah,” James agreed, “I’d have preferred him to play the field a little first. Find someone a little better looking.”

Severus laughed softly. “You’ve only seen her a few times, right?” he asked dryly.

They both nodded.

“Then rest assured that when she feels like making an effort, she is beautiful.”

“Really?” James asked doubtfully.

Severus thought for a second, and then pulled out his wand. He used a memory of Wednesday in her white dress at Harry’s birthday last year to create an illusion of her.

James and Lily looked for a second, before James smirked. “I take it back,” he said.

“She’s still a psychopath,” Lily snapped.

“Yeah, but a hot one,” James replied.

Lily elbowed him. “Thank you, Severus.”

He nodded to them and allowed the illusion to fade. “At least you are doing something helpful with the Horcruxes.”

Lily smiled, “and that has helped our relationship with Harry,” she said. “It’s been kinda fun tracking down Voldemort’s victims. We’re looking forward to Voldemort’s death. We’ve been promised we’ll be allowed downstairs.”

“By Pinhead?” Severus asked.

“Who?” James asked, as Lily somehow managed to become paler, despite being a translucent ghost.

“How do you know him?” Lily asked, fear in her voice.

“Harry and Wednesday know him.”

Lily dropped to her knees. “Please,” she begged, “tell us that they’ve not called him!”

Severus winced. “I’m sorry,” he said softly. “From what I know, when they removed the Horcrux inside Harry, they were sent on a journey, and ended up in his domain.”

“Who the hell is Pinhead?” James demanded, looking at his wife.

Lily said something in a language Severus didn’t recognise.

“Aww, crap,” James muttered, matching Lily’s paleness.

“If it helps, I think that Pinhead likes them.”

“How would you feel if you were told that someone who the Christian devil calls an equal liked your child?” Lily demanded.

“Scared, proud, confused?” Severus suggested.

“Yeah,” James agreed. “What we see from here is so limited. It’s like trying to work out the purpose of a mountain from a boulder. We see bits and pieces, but with no context, it’s impossible to see the full picture.”

“I feel that way at times, and I’m involved. You know that Harry is becoming Clan-leader?”

They both nodded. “We think he’s too young.”

“Technically,” Severus said as gently as he could, “he’s older than you two were when you died. They’ve spent years outside their bodies.”

“You keep saying ‘they’, why?” Lily asked.

“Because Wednesday went with him on the journey. She wasn’t going to let Harry do anything on his own.”

“Why not?” James demanded.

“Because the two of them are a partnership, neither would let the other do something dangerous alone. They are fiercely protective of each other. Not only would they kill for each other, but they would die as well. They have an adult relationship.”

James and Lily looked at each other, and sighed. “We find it difficult to talk to Harry,” Lily said softly. “We didn’t know half of this, he didn’t tell us, and we didn’t ask.”

“I’m trying to decide which prank I should play on Sirius first,” Severus said, changing the subject.

“Prank?” James asked, his eyes lighting up, before they faded. “The mark of a leader is how he treats his inferiors, not his peers,” he quoted.

“From Harry?” Severus guessed.

“Yeah, when I asked him to play a few pranks, you know, for old times sake.”

“Harry is the boss,” Snape pointed out. “I am just a follower, so I don’t have to worry about it. Besides, Sirius is my peer, not my inferior.”

“True,” James agreed, slowly smirking. “So, what are you planning?”

“Does it always have to be pranks?” Lily asked the ceiling.

“Yes,” James replied cheerfully. “And I still owe Sirius for that prank a few nights before we died.”

“Oh, yes,” Lily agreed. “That we do. The last chance we had for sex, ruined because a potion he gave you meant that you couldn’t get it up.”

James winced.

“Sirius is terrified of mice,” Lily added.

“Thank you,” Severus grinned. “I’m sure I can come up with something.”

“Save it for Harry’s birthday,” James said, “so we can watch it properly.”

“Okay,” he agreed.

“It’s time to say your goodbyes,” Grandmama said from the corner.

“So I’ll see you in a few weeks?”

“You will,” Lily said.

“We’re looking forward to it,” James agreed.

“Feel free to come back in the future,” Lily added.

“And I don’t believe I’m saying this, but yeah, I agree,” James said.

“I will,” He promised. The smoke slowly started to fade, and with them, the youthful looking James and Lily faded away.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, dearie,” Grandmama replied cheerfully.

Severus walked out the door, and wasn’t surprised to find Narcissa entering the other door.

“Sometimes this house makes clocks seem irregular,” Narcissa said in amusement. “Have fun?”

“No, not really,” he said with a sigh. “I feel sorry for them.”

“Oh?” she asked, as she took his arm, and they headed up toward their rooms.

“First they lost their lives, then they lost their son to the people who saved him. They’re dead, have a poor relationship with their living son, and appear bored with the after life. They need some closure so they can move on.”

The door in front of them opened, guiding them into Gomez’s office.

“I quite agree,” Gomez said, he was behind his desk. His jacket was off, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up. Morticia was sitting to the side of the desk, knitting something with seven arms. “They do need to move on. We’re hoping that seeing Harry on his birthday will give them the impetus to continue on their journey.”

“So they’re in limbo?” Narcissa asked curiously.

“Well, no, not really. The afterlife is a complete mess, or rather; it’s what you make of it. Which means that Valhalla is right next to heaven and the Kingdom of the Dead, and really, who wants to be next to a bunch of drunken Vikings intent on wenching all night?

“The after life is powered by belief, so once you get past your relevant gate keeper, and you’ve been sorted depending on your adherence and actions in regards to your beliefs, you move on to your specific idea of heaven.

“James and Lily are hanging around at the crossroads, it’s comfortable enough, and it means they can pop into any of the major branches, but its eminently futile, as they can’t be truly happy there.”

“Their work with the Horcruxes has been invaluable, but we do wish they’d find some happiness,” Morticia said softly. “They’ve paid enough, now.”

“Quite,” Gomez agreed. “However, it has allowed us to break the rules for Harry’s party, and they will be there all afternoon. We’re going to run it like last year, a private celebration beforehand, to which you two are invited. We’ll then move to the hall, we’re we’ll have a bit of a party. The ceremony will start promptly at six, as the whole Clan will be there.”

Severus nodded.

“What do you expect when you die?” Narcissa asked.

Gomez and Morticia stared at her for a few seconds. “An interesting question,” Gomez mused.

“I don’t think that it matters,” Gomez eventually decided. “Our belief system is complicated. We have no fear of death, nor do we fear life. We have lived balanced lives, some we have killed, some we have saved. William Shakespeare once wrote, ‘This above all: to thine own self be true.’ I believe we have followed that, and we’ll look forward to death with curiosity and impatience.”

“If we don’t like what we find, then we’ll create our own,” Morticia added calmly.

“And if Harry succeeds?” Severus asked.

“Then it will be a moot point,” Gomez replied. “Now, how about a brandy?”

Perfect Slytherins - Tales from the Fourth Year
Part 3

The next few weeks were comparatively relaxing.

Narcissa spent a lot of time with Wednesday and the as-yet-unnamed female Malfoy – soon to be Prince.

Apart from the daily afternoon training session with Marcus and the others, he spent his time either playing with new potions with the other kids, or reading through the Addamses incredible library.

Well, apart from every evening after dinner, where he was learning to dance with Marcus. It was a surprise for Narcissa.

It was clearly the calm before the storm, and everyone was taking the opportunity to relax as much as they could. Fester turned up, and involved everyone he could in some rough and ready games.

Severus denied the request for him to join in a game of Cowboys and Indians, until Narcissa had been “kidnapped” in a one piece buck skin dress that was a little too short. His “rescue” of her had led to some gratitude that night that still made him grin like a Gryffindor whenever he thought of it.

He had been much more open to playing after that. Occasionally, he would look at the house during the game, and see Harry on the balcony, watching them silently, before the boy would vanish.

---

---

“Have you been warned about Wednesday?” he asked. It was the morning of Harry’s birthday and the two of them had just climbed out of the shower.

“That she’s going to be more…” Narcissa paused as she searched for the right words. “Acting in a way that general society would perhaps consider normal?”

He applauded with a grin.

She smirked at him and looked in her wardrobe. It seemed that Narcissa and Morticia had found something in common with each other – the disliking of shopping. Morticia had introduced the concept of mail order, and Narcissa had taken to it like a duck to water.

Personally, Snape had decided that the Victoria’s Secret catalogue was the singular most compelling proof that Muggles were valuable, and that purple baby doll’s on a blonde was his idea of perfection.

He watched Narcissa pull on an elegant purple dress, with a small knot under her cleavage. Her hair was styled and curled to fall down the side of her face.

“How do I look?” she asked.

“Amazing,” he said honestly.

“I can’t tell you how much more comfortable this is than robes,” she said, as she span on the spot. The top half dress clung to her amazing figure, while the bottom half flared out, while managing to remain tasteful.

This year, he had chosen to wear a tuxedo and go Muggle. He’d also allowed Morticia to talk him into a haircut.

“You’re looking very handsome,” Narcissa said approvingly. “Now, grab the present and let’s join the others.”

As like last year, they met in the living room. Pugsley, Daphne, Hermione, Ginny, Thing, Gomez and Morticia where already waiting for them. They sat in two of the three spare chairs, and Fester joined them shortly afterward.

Harry and Wednesday turned up last. They were hand in hand, and moving in perfect unison. They were in matching jeans and plain white t-shirts, with brown boots. Harry dropped into a chair and Wednesday dropped onto his lap carelessly.

“We’re allowed to name her Dracine,” Wednesday said excitedly.

“Really?” Narcissa asked eagerly.

Wednesday nodded.

“And what did you have to promise for that?” Pugsley asked dryly.

Wednesday smirked. “You’ll see this afternoon.”

Harry was actually grinning. “Shush now,” he said to Wednesday. “No spoiling it.”

Wednesday nodded and curled up slightly. It suddenly showed that she was actually smaller than Harry now. It hadn’t really occurred to Snape before, because he never really looked away from her eyes.

“Presents,” Pugsley yelled, causing Morticia to lean away from him. “Us first!” He passed Wednesday and box, as she was on his lap.

She slid off him gracefully and knelt by his feet, looking up at him.

He grinned and opened the box, pulling out some smart looking black robes with faint silver runes inlaid.

“Nice,” Wednesday said admiringly. “Put it on.”

“It’s from me, Hermione, Ginny and Daphne,” Pugsley said.

Harry stood and pulled of his t-shirt. Daphne and Ginny both acquired faint blushes. Wednesday just had a faintly hungry look as she watched him. Apart from the scars, he had nothing to be worried about.

Harry dropped the robes over his head, doing up some of the buttons. He walked to the over side of the room and posed playfully.

Wednesday wolf-whistled loudly.

Harry smirked at her. “So?” he asked Pugsley.

“Don’t ask me, I’m straight,” Pugsley replied.

“Very nice,” Hermione praised with an amused look.

Harry turned slightly, and the smile vanished from his face. He seemed to drop all his humanity in one go, leaving only someone who was about to take charge of the Addams Clan. The robes added to the affect, leaving him looking dangerous.

Wednesday actually moaned under her breath. “Sweet Zeus that’s hot,” she muttered.

The effect was amazing, and it was soon gone again as Harry sat down. “Thanks everyone, it’s a great outfit.”

“No problem,” Daphne croaked.

“Me next,” Fester announced. He handed Harry another box with a grin.

Harry ripped it open and pulled out a pair of black boots. “Fresh Centaur-hide leather,” Fester said. “Charmed to be comfortable, waterproof, and allow you to run as fast as a horse.”

“That’s great,” Harry said.

Wednesday knee-walked backward a bit, and started undoing Harry’s current pair of boots. She pulled them off and chucked them carelessly to one side – breaking a window in the process. She pulled the black boots on to his feet and smoothed his jeans into them.

He stood and walked around a bit, before he bounced on the balls of his feet, before jumping into a spin kick at a truly frightening speed.

“Great spells, Uncle,” Harry said happily. “I can kick the speed spell in mid kick, and accelerate like anything.”

Wednesday jumped to her feet. “Try that again.”

Harry did exactly that, and Wednesday moved into the kick. It caught her square on the side of the jaw. She span through the air, and shook herself as she landed. “Now you know what to get me for my birthday,” she said with a grin.

“Ahh, I’ve got something special lined up for you,” Harry replied, as he picked her up and carried her back to the chair.

Thing scuttled over to them and handed a small package to Harry. Harry smiled and unwrapped it, chucking the paper behind him. “Cool,” he breathed and the two flat daggers.

Wednesday slipped off his lap again, and took the daggers, attaching them to the inside of his new boots.

“Nice one,” she complimented the hand.

Thing jumped up and high-fived her, before scuttling back over to Gomez, who shook his hand.

“This is from Severus and I,” Narcissa said, as she handed Harry a parcel. Severus had no idea what was in it, Narcissa had said she was going to take care of it, and frankly, he was glad not to have to think about it.

Harry ripped open the paper, revealing a walnut box. He placed it on his knees and opened it carefully. He slowly smiled and looked at Narcissa. “Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome,” Narcissa replied.

“What is it, then?” Pugsley demanded eagerly.

Wednesday lifted it out of the box reverently. She undid Harry’s robes slightly, and leaned forward. When she leaned back, she opened his robes slightly more, and moved out of the way.

Narcissa’s present was a silver necklace, with an amazing pendant. A solid silver dragon perched on top of a golden inverted pentagram. Each of the pentagram points had a blue sapphire.

“Nice,” Pugsley whistled.

“He doesn’t normally like jewellery,” Wednesday said, “but I think you’ve just changed his mind. Well done, both of you.”

Narcissa smiled, as did Severus, although he felt a little guilty for taking pride in the present.

“My turn,” Wednesday said happily. She grinned wickedly, “for my public present at least.” She knelt before him and handed him a card.

He opened it, the front was plain white, although the way Harry’s eyes moved over it suggested that it wasn’t blank.

He opened it and looked at the inside, and smiled softly at Wednesday. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“You’re welcome, my love,” she whispered, as he leant down and kissed her gently.

“I guess that just leaves us,” Morticia said dryly.

“Yes,” Gomez agreed eagerly. “It came to us in a flash when I left work early one day. What does every teenage boy want?”

Morticia threw something at Harry. Harry caught it automatically, and looked at the keys strangely.

“Look out the window,” Morticia suggested.

Harry walked to window and blinked. “No way,” he muttered.

Morticia and Gomez smiled.

“Wow,” Wednesday grinned.

“Well, go and try it out,” Morticia encouraged.

Harry dashed over to both his parents and hugged them tightly, before he turned and dived out the window, Wednesday following him.

Severus joined the rush to see exactly what the present was. They were just in time to hear a roar, before a black blur burst down the drive way and exploded through a fence.

Pugsley turned. “A mustang?”

Morticia and Gomez nodded proudly.

“Erm, isn’t Harry too young, and does he know how to drive?” Hermione asked.

“Oh, I got him an emergency permit,” Gomez replied. “And as for driving, what’s to know? Left foot goes, right foot stops. Round thing steers.”

Hermione laughed and subsided. “I believe that Muggles have to pass a test before they’re allowed out alone.”

“Harry’s with Wednesday,” Daphne pointed out. “And that’s a car, right?”

“That’s a car like a Firebolt is a sweeping broom,” Pugsley said dryly. “Great present.”

Morticia and Gomez were both smiling. “Right, we’re going to go and get ready,” Gomez said eagerly. “Don’t forget to take your potions.” He vanished, along with Morticia, Fester and Thing.

“Potions?” Narcissa asked curiously.

“Yeah, it can get a bit rough,” Pugsley said cheerfully. “This one’s gonna be huge, we’ve even got the Yeti coming. We’re going to have one corner of the room chilled, and another baking for all our guests. Come on, we need to get changed as well.”

The four children wandered out, leaving Severus and Narcissa alone. “You know, Draco used to get more presents just from Lucius and I,” Narcissa said softly. “And that’s not including the presents he got from Christmas, or our relatives, or the Malfoy toadies.”

“And he was a spoiled oik,” Severus pointed out.

“True,” Narcissa agreed. “We’re going to have to raise our children a lot better.”

Severus couldn’t help smiling at the idea.

“Let’s go take this potion,” Narcissa suggested.

They went up to their rooms and took their potion, before the made their way down to the ballroom. Grandmama was in the corner, and as they entered, James and Lily arrived.

“That won’t do,” Narcissa muttered. She pulled out her wand and waved it at the two spectral figures. The clothing they had been wearing blurred, before they cleared. Lily was now in a white ball gown, with her hair providing a bright red contrast. James was now in a similar tuxedo to Severus’ own.

“Thank you,” Lily said, as they walked over to them. They moved to one corner of the room, as it quickly filled up.

“You’re welcome,” Narcissa replied.

“We met Lucius the other day,” James added. “Not a man enjoying his death.”

“Oh?” Narcissa asked.

“He objects to what you have done with Draco.”

“Screw him,” Narcissa replied. “If he hadn’t been an impotent toad who was shit in bed, we might have had a few more chances to get parenting right.”

James grinned. “I’ll pass the message on,” he said eagerly. “Where’s the birthday boy?”

“Out driving the car that Morticia and Gomez gave him.”

“A car?” James asked, looking excited. “I always wanted one of them.”

“He’s too young,” Lily protested.

“He’s hardly likely to let a silly car kill him,” Narcissa said dryly. “And yes, a Mustang, I believe.”

“Aww, man,” James said enviously. “They could have least got him an Aston Martin.”

“They’re American, James,” Lily said with a roll of her eyes, “you can’t expect them to buy a British car.”

“I guess.”

Severus spotted Remus and Sirius enter. He grinned and waved them over. They were behind James and Lily, who didn’t turn around, although they grinned.

“Sev,” Remus said cheerfully, a hint of playfulness in his voice. “Who are you friends?”

“Yeah,” Sirius echoed.

Severus approved of the set up line that he had been given. “Sirius, Remus, allow me to introduce James and Lily Potter.”

“Hi,” Lily said as she turned around. “Nice to meet you, Sirius, and of course, Remus.”

Sirius stepped backward, tripped, and landed on his behind, staring up at the two ghosts in amazement, while Remus just sniggered

James raised his nose. “Finally, people are seeing that I should be worshipped.”

“JAMES!” Sirius shouted, before he got to his feet and pounced on his friend. Unfortunately, he fell right through the spirit, and landed painfully on the marble floor. “Ouch.”

“I am dead,” James pointed out with a grin. “And looking damn good at it.”

“It is good to see you two again,” Remus whispered.

“For us as well, Moony,” James agreed, clearing his throat slightly.

“We’ll talk later,” Lily promised, “but for now, let’s just enjoy the party.”

“Good plan,” Sirius said. “Remus, remind me to thrash you for not telling me about this. Narcissa, you’re looking distinctly Muggle.”

“And very nice,” Lily added.

“Thank you,” Narcissa replied cheerfully. “You should see some of the lingerie the Muggles have come up with.”

“I tried to,” James muttered, “but someone banned me.”

“I’ll show you the catalogue later,” Narcissa said to Lily.

A spotlight appeared, focused on the space in front of the entrance way.

“The guests of honour,” Severus announced quietly.

Harry and Wednesday appeared in the light, looking nothing at all like teenagers. Harry was still in the robes that Pugsley and the girls had supplied. His dragon pentagram necklace gleamed. His robes were still undone, revealing most of his chest, with his new pendant against his skin.

Severus moved his eyes to Wednesday and blinked.

“Fuck me she’s hot,” James whispered, forgetting to duck as Lily smacked him.

Severus lowered his eyes, then slowly swept them up. Wednesday was wearing an extremely dark purple crushed velvet skirt, with a one piece, fine boned off-the-shoulder velvet bodice. Like Harry, she had a silver inverted pentagram necklace and pendant. The pendant rested over her cleavage. She also had on elbow-length purple lace gloves.

A thin jewelled headdress peaked out from under her hair. The hair itself was loose and wild, different shades of dark brown had been introduced, which managed to highlight her pale complexion and flawless skin.

It was the sort of outfit that every dark lord in history had dreams about finding a consort who could both wear the outfit and pull it off. Wednesday seemed to have no problems with either.

“Damn,” Sirius muttered. “I’m with James.”

“She’ll be delighted to hear that,” Narcissa said dryly. “At least Severus kept his tongue in.”

He smiled faintly.

“Enough of this shit,” someone shouted, breaking the low murmuring.

The noise in the room dropped to silent, and a path formed between Harry and Wednesday and the person who had shouted.

“What did you say, Miles?” Wednesday hissed.

“Back off, bitch,” Miles snorted. “You know the rules, I can challenge him now.”

Wednesday’s eyes flashed dangerously, as Harry reached out and put his hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah, keep your attack bitch on a leash,” Miles taunted. “Let’s get this over with. No wands.”

Harry moved forward four implacable steps. “You have insulted my intended, and challenged me on the day of my birth. The punishment is eternal torment.”

“You have to beat me, first,” Miles sneered. He threw off his coat, showing a massively muscled torso. He pulled out a sword, and held it in front of him. Four men around him patted him on the back and cheered.

“We’ve got to stop this,” Lily said.

“No,” Marcus said firmly as he appeared next to them. “A leadership contest cannot be interfered with. Miles wants to be the next leader. This has to play out.”

Harry moved forward.

“Fall back,” Wednesday ordered. “Clear a circle.”

The onlookers did exactly that, leaving a wide circle in the middle of the ballroom.

Morticia, wearing a blood red evening gown, moved in to the centre. “By the rules, a challenge has been made. None may interfere, now, or afterward.” She raised a silk handkerchief. “You may begin when this hits the floor.” She released it.

The red silk floated down slowly. Miles grinned eagerly, Harry didn’t move.

It hit the floor, and with a yell, Miles charged forward.

The briefest of smiles ghosted across Harry’s face, as he leant forward. As he moved, his body seemed to grow massively. His robes vanished, leaving only thick scales, his neck grew, horns appearing out of his head, and huge wings grew from his elongated body.

Miles faltered, as Harry lurched forward, his jaws opening massively. There was a snap, followed by some crunching, then a swallowing sound.

Miles’ headless torso fell to the ground, arterial blood still pumping out of it.

Harry leaned back, raising himself on his hind legs, and spread his wings wide, as he roared, deafeningly to the sky.

“Sweet Merlin on a Bike,” Narcissa muttered.

“Seconded,” Remus agreed.

“Thirded,” Sirius added with a gulp.

Harry blurred and became himself again. He looked at the four now-terrified allies of the departed Miles. “Kill them,” he ordered Wednesday.

Wednesday slowly smiled. The smile was cold and chilling, it had no hint of mercy, no hint of forgiveness, no hint of anything but death. She took a couple of steps forward and held out her arms, parallel to her body, one over the other, and started to whisper. In between her arms, a small light appeared, it quickly started to grow, in brightness and in size, as it changed colour. The lights in the rest of the room seemed to dim as everyone watched her.

The ball of light now had multi-coloured lightning sparking out of it, and the light itself was reflected in her dark eyes, giving them a surreal look of power and beauty.

Without warning, she threw her hands out, and the ball of light exploded along a single axis. Before anyone could blink, the heads of the four men bounced on to the floor, and a faint smell suggested that their wounds had been instantly cauterised.

Wednesday let her arms drop to her sides, and moved back to next Harry.

“Anyone else?” Harry asked.

The room was completely silent.

Harry turned to Wednesday, who smiled and waved her hand. Something flew through the door, creating a hole, and into Harry’s fist.

“Marcus,” Severus said, finding actual spoken words difficult. “You’re up on Clan politics. How safe would you say that Harry is now?”

Marcus gulped. “No one, and I mean no one, is going to challenge him now. A fucking dragon Animagus. Kurva dr t!”

“He was beautiful, though,” Narcissa noted.

“I’ve never seen a dragon like that before,” James said.

“That’s because they were extinct centuries ago,” Narcissa replied. “The name translates as Great Dragon.”

“I can see why,” Remus said.

“Well, this explains why that ritual went like it did,” Marcus said happily. “They called forth the dragon spirit and requested an extinct species.”

“What ritual?” Lily asked, looking lost.

“Oh, Harry didn’t like the fact that he was a leopard Animagus, so he did a ritual to change it. That’s what he became.”

“That’s my boy,” James said proudly.

“But,” Lily whispered, before she sighed. “Did he have to have those others killed?”

“Yes,” Marcus said. “I’m guessing that you’re James and Lily, right?”

The two ghosts nodded.

“I’m Marcus, one of the many Vampires in this Clan,” he introduced himself. “I’m sure that Gomez and Morticia warned you that this could get violent?”

The two nodded reluctantly.

“Harry did exactly the right thing to ensure that he, and Wednesday, won’t have to do this sort of thing again. Mercy would have left them in more trouble. Now, were you warned about sexuality?”

“What?” Lily demanded.

Marcus sighed. “I guess not. Right, pay attention because I’m not repeating this. In the Addams Clan, you have to be aware of your own sexuality to get anywhere. There are too many creatures in here, like me, like Melissa, my dear Succubus-slash-Veela friend, for it not to be.

“So when you see Harry and Wednesday kissing someone, know that’s to do with power, rather than any real desire. Standard morals simply don’t apply here, and you’ll do well to remember that.”

“He’s right,” Sirius added. “But Harry and Wednesday can handle it, actually, I don’t think there’s much they can’t handle.”

From the centre of the room, a soft banal tune started.

“Aww crap,” Marcus moaned.

“Narcissa, hold on to me,” Severus ordered. “Remember that you are safe, no matter what happens.”

“No,” Lily whimpered. “Not him.”

“Severus,” Remus said softly, “What’s going on?”

“Damn it, wait here, Narcissa. Marcus, we need to find the kids!”

“I’m on it,” Marcus said, as he vanished. He reappeared a second later with Hermione, Daphne, Ginny and Pugsley.

“He’s coming, isn’t he,” Pugsley said calmly, only his eyes were wild.

“He is.”

“From last year?” Hermione asked. She straightened her shoulders. “I want to watch.”

“If she is, I am,” Daphne stated.

“Me too,” Ginny said with a sigh. “We can always use memory charms afterward, right?”

“Yes,” Marcus agreed.

The noise reached a crescendo, and the door to the room descended into darkness. From it, the now familiar figure of Pinhead strode forward.

“Pinhead, right?” James asked in a pained whisper.

“Yes,” Marcus whispered back.

Pinhead strolled forward. “You rang?” he asked, an audible tone of amusement in his voice.

Harry smiled. “A gift,” he said, indicated the five headless torsos on the floor.

Pinhead looked down at them. “Rise,” he ordered.

The five bodies slowly stood. Four reached around until they found their own heads. They turned, faced pinhead, and opened their mouths to scream.

“ Silencio ,” Wednesday hissed, stopping their screams before they could get started.

The headless body of Miles just stood there, his posture slumped.

“My thanks,” Pinhead said dryly. “What did they do?”

“Insulted Wends and tried to challenge me.”

“Challenge you?” Pinhead asked.

“Today I become Clan leader,” Harry replied.

“Ahh,” Pinhead said with a slow nod. He waved his hands, and from the darkness, fifty rusty chains exploded, ten digging into each of the bodies, removing them from sight.

Pinhead slowly started to walk around the Harry and Wednesday. “I’m pleased that you called,” he said in a low voice. “I’ve been faced with a vexing issue. Do not move.”

Four chains flew out of the darkness but stopped within millimetres of their faces. Neither of them so much as flinched.

“Trapped by my own hubris,” Pinhead said with a sigh. “Do you know what has happened?”

Harry looked like he was thinking hard. “Really?” he asked, as his face cleared. “That’s unexpected.”

Pinhead nodded; a sour look on his face.

He moved in front of them, and with an air of great reluctance, he started to bend one knee.

“Stop,” Harry ordered. Pinhead looked at him curiously. “That is not needed.”

Pinhead nodded slowly.

“You are welcome to stay, as are the others.”

Pinhead looked surprised.

“All members of the Clan are invited,” Wednesday said encouragingly.

“What is the role you have picked out for me?”

Harry looked at him calmly. “Nothing changes,” he said simply. “We’ll still send you presents when we find them.”

Pinhead laughed coldly. “And I will torture them for eternity for you,” he said. “And the Compact is bypassed. Clan leader,” he said with a nod. He raised his arm and made a gesture.

From the darkness, others appeared. The first was a tall bald woman. Her face was unlined and strangely beautiful. Her throat had been sliced open, and the four corners pulled back, revealing her voice box.

“Sister Nikoletta,” Harry greeted her.

The woman went down on one knee, lowering her head for a second. It wasn’t clear if she was kneeling to Pinhead, or to Harry.

“Rise,” Harry said, “enjoy the party.”

The next to appear was hideously scarred, from burns. His mouth was open, and held wide by eight wires. Despite the fact that his nose and eyes weren’t visible, he moved over to them easily, almost eagerly. He seemed to radiate pure violence, the contrast more obvious when he was next to Nikoletta, who was appeared to be more controlled violence and cunning.

“Chatterer,” Harry greeted him. “There are many here to talk to.”

The Chatterer seemed pleased as he moved to one side, allowing the next to walk in. She was tall, wearing leather that left her stomach exposed – literally, as it was pulled back, revealing the insides. She moved like a model, extremely confidently. Her hair was one long tail from the back of her head, the rest was bald. She marched up to Wednesday, “I’ve missed you,” she announced, before she kissed her, hard.

The Cenobite suddenly broke the kiss and her head flew back, as she screamed. A long black tongue lolled out of her mouth. Wednesday slowly pulled her right hand back, from where it had been burrowed deep in the model’s stomach. Wednesday kicked out, and the model fell to the floor, a loud cracking sound indicating a broken knee.

“Remember your place, Sharna,” Wednesday hissed.

The Cenobite lowered her head, while Pinhead looked amused.

The next Cenobite was another woman. She was beautiful, if you ignored the way her scalp was pealed back from her skull and attached to her shoulders by silver wire. She was wearing a long leather skirt that made every movement look like a shuffle.

“Angelique,” Harry greeted her. She smiled at him, and bowed low.

The final Cenobite was huge, but he moved slightly for such a big man. He was wearing thick black goggles that seemed to disallow all light. His large stomach was split vertically down the middle; six hooks ensured that the wound would never close.

Harry’s smile darkened slightly. “It’s good to see you, Laslo,” he purred. “You’re looking wonderful, I can’t tell you what a sight for sore eyes you are.”

Laslo growled.

“If you desire any food we’ve not got, please ask,” Harry said to Pinhead. “Have fun.”

“It’s been eons since we have socialised,” Pinhead said. “We may be out of practice.”

“Aren’t we all,” Wednesday said. She moved over to Pinhead and offered her hand. Pinhead shook his head in amusement. A second later, they were whirling around the dance floor.

Harry walked over to Angelique. “Princess,” he said quietly.

She inclined her head.

He reached out and tore the bottom half of her skirt off, before he took her into his arms, and started to dance her around the floor.

The other Cenobites headed toward the food, talking amongst themselves.

“I think,” Marcus said with a large degree of satisfaction, “that every idiot who questioned me following Harry for the past few years, is now seriously regretting ignoring me.”

“What did he mean?” Hermione asked quietly. “About the Compact being broken?”

“No fucking way,” Pugsley said excitedly. “Marcus, remember how Pinhead got Fudge?”

Marcus blinked, and then smiled. “I wonder if that one that looks like a model is good in bed,” he wondered. “She looks tasty.”

“Can someone please explain?” Narcissa asked.

“Pinhead has a Compact with someone, possibly the being known as god, which states he won’t take souls from our domain unless they call for him. In order to get Fudge, Pinhead had to bypass that. The way he did it was to claim kinship to our Clan, and as Fudge was an enemy of the Clan, he was able to take Fudge away.

“Now that Harry is the Clan leader, he’s been trapped by his promise. He has stated that he is a part of this Clan, and will follow Harry’s lead,” Marcus said in an amazed voice.

“Our Clan has the Dark Pope of Hell in it,” Pugsley whispered, his eyes dark. “The Munster Clan will fall before us now.”

“That they will,” Marcus agreed with a blood thirsty smile. “The neutrals will flock to us now, we have the power.”

“But that is for later,” Pugsley said with a grin. “It’s time to show that I’m their first lieutenant,” he announced, as he turned and walked over to the far side, where the Cenobites where gathered. He bowed to Nikoletta, said a few words, and they started to dance.

Daphne straightened her shoulders, and marched over in his path. She bowed to the Chatterer, who appeared absolutely shocked, before Daphne took his hand, and started to dance with him.

“I can’t do that,” Hermione said softly.

“Me neither,” Ginny agreed. “A year or two, and I’ll be able to. I’ve not got the ability to lock myself up like Daphne has.”

“Exactly,” Hermione agreed. “I’m finding it easier to cope than last year.”

“That’s because they’re now just more dangerous members of the Clan,” Severus said, “and not an external force capable of tearing down the walls of hell.”

Laslo was gorging himself at the table, and talking to a tall thin man, who Severus vaguely recognised from last year.

“Well, that was unexpected,” Gomez said as he drifted over to them. “Harry’s birthdays are always so much fun. It’s good to have Elliot back in the fold.”

“Fun?” Lily asked softly. She shook herself. “He isn’t our son, is he?”

“He is an Addams,” Gomez said gently.

“That he is,” Lily said with a sigh. “Pinhead is feared, universally, Angelique is a pure blood Demon. And yet there Harry is, dancing with her, while his intended dances with Pinhead. It’s not natural.”

“No,” Gomez agreed. “And yet it is. We would never judge people based on their hobby.”

“They torture.”

“They torture those who ask for it. Pain, pleasure, it’s all the same thing.”

“Lily,” James said sternly. “It’s time we gave it up; we are never going to persuade Harry to be what we wanted. Why not be proud of what he has become instead. What did we want for him? A beautiful wife? Power? Money? Respect? Happiness? He has all of that, and so much more.”

Lily slowly nodded. “I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I am,” James said with a preen and a grin. “I’m always right.”

“If you’ll excuse me,” Gomez said. He walked through the crowd to the dance floor, and a second later, he was dancing with Angelique.

Harry walked over to them. “Lily, James, Sirius, Remus, Narcissa, Severus,” he greeted them all in turn.

“Happy Birthday, Harry,” Lily said.

He looked at her quizzically.

“I’ve accepted it,” she said.

Harry slowly smiled. “Then maybe, we can be friends,” he said.

“I’d like that,” Lily replied.

“As would I,” James added.

“In which case,” Harry said, “I’m going to steal your lovely wife from you.” He pulled out his wand and waved it at himself, before he grabbed Lily’s arm, and to her look of shock, pulled her out onto the dance floor. Morticia was now dancing with Laslo.

“James, you stubborn idiot, exactly how long as Harry been trying to get you to accept who he is?” Sirius asked.

“Six years,” James muttered.

“Idiot,” Sirius muttered back.

“You’re surprised?”

“No, the only thing you did well was get Lily,” Remus said with a teasing look. “Anyway, this is Hermione and Ginny, two of Harry and Wednesday’s friends from Hogwarts.”

“James Potter,” James introduced himself. “Harry’s biological father, if nothing else.”

“Hi,” Hermione said.

Ginny pulled out her wand and cast the same spell Harry had on herself, before she took James hand. “Let’s see if you can dance like Harry.”

“What is it about him that redheads go for?” Sirius asked.

“Well, I’m not sitting here all evening,” Hermione announced. “Come on, Remus.”

“And I’m left alone again,” Sirius muttered.

“Perhaps if you were to grow up,” Narcissa suggested.

“Nonsense, I’m sure someone here will be willing to accept me as I am.”

“If not, then that person doesn’t exist,” Severus said dryly.

Sirius grinned at him. “True. You know, it’s a shame I missed last year’s party, but I’m glad I was at this one.”

“Come, Severus, it is time for me to try once more to educate you in the art of dancing.”

“But,” he tried.

Narcissa nodded to Sirius, and took a firm hold of his arm, dragging him to the dance floor. As soon as they arrived, he span, took her in her arms, and launched them into a fast paced tango.

“Severus?” she asked, a large smile on her face.

He tried one of Gomez’s rakish grins, “Anything for the most beautiful lady in the world.”

Narcissa laughed and upped the tempo.

“Now, now,” he murmured, “just let me lead, my dear.”

“On the dance floor, if nowhere else,” she responded.

He smiled and dipped her down.

They danced for several dances, before the music stopped, and a small stage appeared where the door once was.

Gomez stood alone in the light.

All the guests moved in front of him. Severus took Narcissa’s hand; they were near the front, next to Lily and James.

“Thank you for coming,” he said clearly. “As many of you know, today is my last day as the official Clan leader. I am retiring, as ‘Tish is pregnant with our fourth child.”

There was a loud cheer from the assorted members.

“As such, I am passing the burden of leadership onto the next generation. Since he arrived in our lives, we have been grateful for his courage, his ruthlessness, his intelligence, and his ability to get the job done.

“So, without further ado, Harry, will you come up here?”

Harry moved from the dance floor, next to Gomez. His robes were more undone than they had been, revealing most of his chest and his pendant. He had several visible wounds on his chest that looked like they had been caused by a sharp knife. They didn’t seem to be bothering him.

“Harry, do you swear to lead the Addams Clan from this day forth? Do you pledge to follow the rules set before time began? Will you lead this Clan into the glorious future?”

“I do pledge,” Harry said solemnly.

“As my father said to me, and his father to him, back to the days when the Old Ones walked the planet, I say to you. Remember that our Clan never stands alone, that everyone here is here for you, as you are for them. Lead us; guide us, for as long as you feel able to do so.

“I hereby relinquish my role as Clan leader, and pass it to you.” Gomez stepped back a few steps, and went down on one knee.

Wednesday moved into the place he had vacated.

“My love,” she said clearly. “I swear that I will follow you, through good times and bad, and back into hell if necessary. You are my Clan leader, for now and for eternity. I pledge my support to you for as long as I still draw breath, and for whatever awaits us in the next life.” She knelt before him, on both knees, her head bowed.

Harry reached up and raised her chin. “You will never bow to anyone again,” he promised. “You are my everything.”

Wednesday beamed at him, as she stood and took her position at his side.

They looked out, and everyone went down on one knee. The sole exception being Pinhead, who merely bowed his head.

“Arise,” Harry ordered.

Everyone climbed to their feet and stared at him. Morticia was now with Gomez, as they gazed on in pride.

“I thank you all for this opportunity. In order to build anything worthwhile, you need to get the foundations right. I want to thank Gomez and Morticia for building the strongest of foundations. Without their tireless work over the past few centuries, we would not be where we are today.”

Marcus led the cheer that erupted around the ballroom.

Harry bowed at the waist to the two senior Addams. He straightened and looked out at the others. “Our future is glorious, that I promise you. Over the next few years, we will start a project the likes of which this world has never seen. Our goal is out of this world, it is knowledge unseen, experience unmatched in the annals of history.

“Wednesday and I have seen the future, and it is beyond petty scraps with the Munsters. We will defeat them because they stand in our way, but they are merely a small road block to our path.

“I pledge my soul to this journey we are going to take, we will build on the foundations of our ancestors, and we will build something beyond your imagination. Now, this is a party, so let’s have fun and enjoy ourselves!”

There was another huge cheer, as Harry took Wednesday’s hand and led her to the dance floor. They paused in the middle, until the music started, and Harry drew the girl close and started to twirl her around the floor.

After a while, Morticia and Gomez joined them.

The rest of the party passed with relative calmness, as different groups formed. Sirius and Remus with James and Lily, in a reunion that Severus did not want to interrupt. Severus found himself in one such group, with Narcissa, Pinhead, Daphne, Marcus, and Melissa.

“You appear to be enjoying yourself,” Marcus said to Pinhead. “Isn’t that against your religion?”

“Ahh, vampire,” Pinhead whispered, looking amused. “How little you know us. You’ve been told many times that pain and pleasure are the same, and yet still you doubt.” He looked around the group, “oh the ecstasies I could show you all. All of you are welcome to join me. I’ll make you scream so beautifully.” He turned to Daphne, “even one so young could learn so much.”

“Thanks,” Daphne said softly. “But I must decline. My future is here, with my leader.”

“You have been taught well,” Pinhead approved. “As for your question,” he said, turning back to Marcus. “How can you appreciate the darkness if you never see the light? Today, we are normal, tomorrow, when we are back in my domain, that which we lack will be all the more beautiful for our suffering.”

---

---

The party ended the next day, with many people drunk. It didn’t pass anyone that Harry and Wednesday were not drunk. They had a good time, they danced with everyone, but they were always in control.

After the earlier lesson, not a single person voiced a negative word to the two of them.

Marcus and Melissa had vanished before the end.

James and Lily had talked to Remus and Sirius a lot, as well as to himself. At the end, they had kissed and hugged Harry and Wednesday, and said that they had decided to move on properly.

Harry and Wednesday had smiled and congratulated them.

He still felt sorry for them, not just for losing their lives, but for losing their dreams for their son. They had bravely thrown the dice of fate, and while they had won, they price was far more than they ever expected to pay.

Daphne had achieved her goal. She was now in the same circle as Pugsley. The sheer courage she had shown to dance with the Chatterer had proved her worth. She had confessed later that she had been extremely terrified, but had locked it away like a good Slytherin, so that it didn’t interfere with her performance.

Hermione and Ginny didn’t show any signs of jealousy, they had been recruited as much by Pugsley as the others, and knew that Daphne’s movement would have no negative effects on them, and that they had years to find the place they were happy with.

Narcissa had asked to join the Clan, and she was now a provisional member. As such, he had been allowed to tell her what the plans for the future were.

To say she had been stunned was a complete understatement. It fuelled her desire to become a full member

They hadn’t actually managed to get to the Quidditch World Cup, but had ensured that the Weasley’s went. They had received a very nice thank-you letter from Ron, Percy and the Twins.

And now he was preparing to return to Hogwarts a week before the children. He had been a little upset to be leaving Narcissa, only to find that Harry and Wednesday had already fixed his problem.

They’d taken a trip to Hogwarts one night, and persuaded Binns to move on. They’d then ensured that Narcissa – as a prominent pure blood who ‘needed’ a job, got it.

Narcissa was delighted, as was he.

Dracine Plant had applied for, and received, permission to join the fourth year at Hogwarts. They had decided against using the Prince name, as Albus was familiar with it.

Dracine hadn’t awoken yet, but Wednesday assured them she would be ready for the first day of school.

After a summer of excitement, he was looking forward to relaxing year.

A hope that went out of the window, as soon as they had arrived for their first meeting and Albus announced the return of the Twi-Wizard tournament.

---

---

Severus sat in his usual chair in Albus’ meeting room. The only difference was the form of Narcissa Black next to him. Some of the other staff had treated her with suspicion that morning, not that she cared. It was soon obvious to all that they were a couple, and that was enough for Minerva, Filius and Pomona to thaw rapidly.

“Welcome to another school year,” Albus said cheerfully. “We have two new professors this year. The first, sat next to Severus, is Narcissa Malfoy.”

“Black,” Narcissa corrected calmly. “For now at least. That was the name on my application form, I would appreciate being given the correct title. I have no right, nor any desire, to use the Malfoy name.”

Albus’s eyes twinkled. “Of course, my apologies, my dear.”

Narcissa growled under her breath.

“The other will be joining us on the first day of school, as replacement for professor Lupin, who has decided not to return.”

“He’s needed elsewhere,” Severus added.

“Quite,” Albus said, a faint hint of sourness in his expression. “But, before we begin, I have some wonderful news for you all.”

“Albus,” Minerva said with a deep sigh. “I do so hope that you’ve not done something stupid.”

The headmaster’s eyes were now twinkling at near record levels. “After talking with Beauxbatons and Durmstrang, we are re-introducing the Tri-Wizard tournament. We will be hosting both schools here, and the contest will be organised by Ludo Bagman, with him, and the Head teachers as judges.”

Minerva slowly banged her head against the table.

Severus closed his eyes. “Please explain the rationale for this decision, before I decide that I can make a suitable living supplying potions to anyone willing to pay for them?”

He didn’t open his eyes as Albus replied with a cheerful voice. “The Minister felt that, after the success of the World Cup, it would give people something wonderful to distract them from the fact that Voldemort is out there.”

With his eyes still closed, Severus said, “And what about the children. They come to school to receive an education, not to participate in some bloody tournament where they could lose their lives!”

“They are not forced to participate,” Albus responded testily.

“They are children, they still think that they are immortal, the concept of death is not one they are ready for, and neither should they be. It is not our job to provoke them into doing something stupid – like participating. Our job is to prepare them for the outside world, and hopefully give them the knowledge so that when some idiot offers them riches in exchange for risking their lives, they have the good sense to at least analyse the offer first!”

“Never the less, the tournament will be run instead of this year’s Quidditch tournament.”

“You have got to be kidding me,” Minerva shouted. “You’re replacing something that over eighty of our students have an active participation in, with something that one student can do? And that’s not to mention the fact that we have enough problems getting some of our students to do any exercise at all!

“And I’ll not even mention it’s the only chance for the non-Slytherin houses to win something, as no one is going to beat them when it comes to house points!”

“Well not-mentioned,” Severus said softly, as he opened his eyes and grinned at Minerva.

Minerva glared at him.

“This tournament has made many people famous,” Albus said. “Yes, it is challenging, but we have taken that into account, and I guarantee that no one will die. The events have been designed to test our young people, but to keep them safe as well.”

“I’ll reserve judgement,” Severus eventually decided. “So, who are we going to make Head boy and girl this time?”

“We could do what Severus suggested last year,” Filius said, speaking for the first time, “and give it to Harry and Wednesday.”

“They will only be fourth years,” Albus pointed out. “They cannot do it.”

“They could,” Minerva said, “but you won’t let them, which is a completely different thing.”

“Pingby-Truthers, from Hufflepuff,” Severus said after a few moments thought. “And as we didn’t give it to a Gryffindor last year, Jones.”

“Agreed,” Filius said cheerfully.

“Really?” Pomona asked in surprise.

“Yes,” Minerva said after a moment’s thought. “I believe that Pingby-Truthers is sensible enough to deal with Harry and Wednesday, and I know that Natalie has been to all of their meetings.”

“You don’t want a Slytherin, Severus?” Pomona asked.

“There is no one I would give it to, other than Harry and Wednesday, so I’ll bide my time until they are seventh years, and they can have both.”

“Agreed, then,” Pomona said with a pleased smile.

“I’ve got no objections to that,” Filius added.

“Me neither,” Minerva agreed. The other members of staff nodded their agreement, they never talked much in these meetings, although they were quite welcome.

“Moving on then,” Severus continued. “You’ll all be pleased to know that we should get past through the year without another visit from Pinhead.”

“Thank Merlin,” Minerva said devoutly.

“However,” Severus continued with a grin, “I do believe that Marcus is planning on coming to see you.”

Minerva growled.

“Severus,” Narcissa chided. “Don’t worry,” she said to Minerva, “Marcus doesn’t get involved with humans. He’s just playing with you.”

“Really?”

Severus nodded, feeling a little like he was betraying his friend.

Minerva slowly smiled coldly. “I see,” she said softly, a glint in her eyes.

“Anyway,” Severus continued, “Is there anything else we need to know, Albus?”

The headmaster looked a little bemused as he shook his head.

“In which case, don’t forget to give your lesson plans to Minerva before Wednesday; if you have any special needs, my door is always open.” He addressed that to the other professors. “I’m also planning on having a few Mesopotamian Healing Potions ready for this silly tournament. Filius, will you check that we have the food and health requirements for the other schools ready?”

Filius nodded slowly.

“Pomona, would you be in charge of discipline, please. See if you can agree something that will suit all three schools. I’ll deal with the students, and the press. I will not have members of the press roaming around our school unfettered.”

“Okay, Severus,” Pomona agreed with a warm smile.

“Irma, rather than take the easy route and just ask Harry and Wednesday, would you be as kind to research some translation charms for us? I’ll see about arranging some lessons in German and French so that we will not be shown up by foreign bilingual students.”

“I will,” the Librarian replied with a surprised look on her face.

“If there’s nothing else?”

No one said anything.

“Then let’s get going,” he said as he stood, and walked out with Narcissa.

“Do you not like meetings?” she asked dryly.

“Not really, why?”

“Did you realise that you took control from Albus?”

Severus stopped abruptly. “Erm, ooops?”

Narcissa laughed and placed her arm in his and dragged him on. “I don’t think that anyone who counted really minded. You certainly got to the point quickly.”

“We all have a lot to do,” he explained. “While I start these potions, will you let Harry know about the tournament?”

“Okay,” she agreed as they entered their rooms. He moved to his chamber and started the fire under his cauldrons.

“Will you look over my lesson plans?” Narcissa asked when she joined him later.

With a tap of his wand, the spoon he was using started to move itself in a complicated pattern. “I’ve got ten minutes,” he agreed cheerfully, and perched on his stool.

He looked down at the outline and blinked. “You want to teach this?”

“Absolutely,” she said seriously. “I refuse to be a bad professor. Morticia gave me a crash course in some techniques she’d picked up over the years, so I should be able to control the class.”

“You do know that the Ministry will have kittens?”

“Until the elections in September, no one at the Ministry will dare,” she sniffed. “And when Amelia is elected, she’ll be far too busy to care about me teaching real history. We’ll cover the curriculum near the end, so that the students get good results, but before that, they can learn about the Wizarding Worlds involvement in the First World War, the American West, Henry VIII, and maybe the Incas.

“I’ll add some Muggle history, I suppose, but really, Goblin rebellions? They are so boring. Not to mentioned irrelevant. The Goblins prefer commerce to war these days, it’s far more profitable, and it gives them a good outlet for their more violent tendencies.”

Severus smiled and picked up his student list for the sixth year and blinked. He read it again and then sighed. “I’ve just found the downside to teaching properly,” he said sourly. “I’ve got a record number of students for my senior classes. I can’t handle that many students.”

“So get an assistant.”

Severus looked at Narcissa. He slowly started to laugh. “Yes, indeed,” he agreed. “However, I was looking forward to ranting a bit more.”

“We’re going to end up married,” Narcissa said gently. “You need to get used to the idea that I’m not going to let you rant pointlessly.”

“What happened to that Hufflepuff?” He asked dryly.

“You introduced her to a family that pointed out what she had been missing.”

“Oh, yes.” He slowly smiled and moved into the living room. At the fireplace he threw some powder into the Floo. He called a name and waited.

“Severus,” Marcus said as he appeared. “What can I do you for?”

He smiled at the vampire. “How do you feel about causing chaos this year?”

“Oh?”

“I need an assistant.”

“And?”

“Want the job?”

Marcus looked shocked. “Are you mad, man?”

“Possibly.”

“You want to hire a Vampire to teach in a school full of children?”

“I want to hire someone I can stand for more than ten minutes at a time,” Severus corrected.

“And the opinion of someone who has lived through some of the time periods I’m going to be teaching will add dramatically to the impact,” Narcissa added as she moved next to him in the fireplace.”

“Okay,” Marcus said with a wide smile. “If you can swing it past the boss, I’m there.”

“Brilliant, we’ll call Harry and get back to you.”

Marcus nodded and faded away. Narcissa reached out and threw more powder into the flame, calling for Harry this time.

Wednesday appeared and studied them. “What do you want?” she asked. “Harry’s tied up in something he can’t get out of.”

“Marcus as our teaching assistant,” Severus replied.

She looked thoughtful for a few seconds, before she nodded. “Granted. Expect him there tomorrow.”

“Our thanks,” Narcissa said formally.

Wednesday nodded and closed the connection. It was less than thirty minutes later that Severus and Narcissa were summoned to Albus’ office.

“Sit,” Albus ordered as they entered.

In the past, the Headmaster in a bad mood would have been intimidating. Now, he was just a powerful old man. And like a lot of powerful old men, he wore a coat of geniality most of the time. But when you have danced with the devil, intimidation by mortals just doesn’t compare.

“Do you know why I want to talk to you?” Albus asked.

Severus recognised that as a rhetorical question.

“Yes,” Narcissa replied, before going silent.

Albus looked at her, waiting for her to elaborate, something she showed no sign of doing. Severus decided to sit this one out. He quite enjoyed sleeping in the same bed as Narcissa, and had no intention of doing anything to jeopardise that.

After another minute passed, Narcissa looked at her watch. “If that is all you want, we do have things to do.”

“That is not all,” Albus said firmly.

“Then will you please get to your point. You are not as fascinating a character that I need to bathe in your aura of geniality.”

Albus looked faintly insulted for a second. “It is about our new assistant professor.”

“For the second time, will you please get to the point!?”

“I do not appreciate people being hired behind my back!”

“Liar.”

“I’m sorry,” Albus asked in disbelief.

“You had that Umbridge character, and you put no fight up against her.”

“I cannot have a Vampire on my staff?”

“But you can have a Werewolf? How hypocritical of you.”

“This is my school,” Albus said firmly.

“No, you are merely its current governor. This school was founded eons before your birth, and will remain eons after you have gone. If you had the power you claim, you would not be in this situation at all. Your power is a fallacy. For all your pretty titles, you are still just a man. Now, in an attempt to move this meeting on, you are upset because the School Board has hired Marcus on our behest. Doubly so because the same Board hired me as well.

“And your ego is smarting because your vaunted titles are useless. You chaff at the restrictions placed on you, and wonder why no one listens to you. As no one else will say this to your face, I will do so.

“Yes, you defeated Grindelwald, that is public knowledge, but as always with history, more detail puts a different spin on things. Such as the fact that you were in love with him, or that you planned to use those Deathly Hallows to rule the world, even if you had to kill a few people for this ‘greater good’ of yours.

“After your sister died, you changed, and refused to take the Ministry of Magic position a few times, well aware that such a massive violation of the founding charters of the Wizarding World would have made you a despot.

“So you have done your best to be the wizened adviser to those in power, often whispering little things at opportune moments to get your way.

“But what you have found over the last fourteen years is that the world is a fickle place, and that Harry Potter is the new saviour, not Albus Dumbledore, and he is completely out of your control.

“The public now think of you as the Headmaster, but not as their hero. Politicians wish you would stop talking to them, so that they can get on with their elected duty – running the Government. Whether they do it well or not is of no concern of yours now, unless you want to be elected like everyone else.

“You have done a remarkable job of keeping your image intact, but you’ve been locked up in Hogwarts for too long, you have failed to see that the world has moved on without you, and that the respect you once commanded has gone.

“And it is this that explains why the Board have hired who they have. They were placed in a position. On one side was Albus Dumbledore, revered leader of the Light, and on the other, you have Harry Potter. For them, it came down to your politics.

“Albus Dumbledore is a mostly-spent force, his influence waning, people openly talking about his retirement. Harry Potter is the up and coming force. Rumours swirl about his money, his power; the people love him, despite him being quite capable of murder. He conducts his battles in the public; he uses honesty and truth as just another weapon to get where he wants.

“There was no decision for the Board. They know that a favour for Harry is worth more than a favour from you, so acted. And all over the school, all over the country, people are asking themselves the same question, and are coming up with the same answer.

“You have been warned time and time again. If you do not change from this path that you are on, you will not be Headmaster this time next year.” Narcissa stood. “Come, Severus,” she ordered, and led him out of the Headmaster’s study.

The Headmaster watched them go, a completely stunned look on his face.

As they arrived back in their rooms, Narcissa slowly started to smile. “I’ve been wanting to do that for years,” she said happily. “Sanctimonious old goat!”

“How much of that was true?” Severus asked.

“Albus and Grindleward? That bit was true, as was the death of his sister. The rest is the truth, if you happened to look at it from a particularly severe point of view. If I wanted to, I could probably describe his actions well enough that he’d be canonised as a saint. It’s all a matter of perspective. Of course, I have no intention of doing that. Perhaps now he’ll try and get my name right.

“As for the rest, it’s again, a matter of perspective. Albus has been losing his political power over the past few years, but that’s more because of Lucius than anyone else.

“But I think that my general point was right. Albus once believed that the greater good excused a lot of actions. It is hypocritical of him to bad mouth another group that feels the same way.

“Voldemort and the remaining Death Eaters feel that their actions are heading toward the greater good.

“What I like about Harry and the Addams is that they don’t care about the greater good, nor do they care about ruling the world. They just want what’s best for the Clan, and couldn’t care less what they rest of the world thinks about that.”

Severus reached out and grabbed her, pulling her close. He kissed her hand, and then held her against him. “I enjoyed that,” he said with a smile.

“Good,” she replied, reaching up and tapping his nose. “Now, you get back to your potions, I want you finished by seven. Wednesday sent me some new toys I’m dying to play with.”

“Yes, dear,” he said with a grin, and kissed her again quickly, before moving back to his potions.

As he stirred, chopped, diced, steamed, condensed, extracted and flambéed his potions, he realised that he could not remember ever feeling this happy.

Perfect Slytherins - Tales from the Fourth Year
Part 4

Marcus arrived the next morning, and spent his first day talking to all the other Professors. Whatever he said was obviously effective, as he was quite welcome in the evening meal. Even if his steak was only lightly seared. Severus suspected that was more for appearance than any desire for his meat to be cooked.

Minerva spent most of the dinner smirking at him; a challenge the Vampire seemed to relish.

Narcissa spent most of the days memorising student names and matching them up with photographs. She was determined to be a good teacher.

Severus found himself much in demand, as others bought their problems to him, but he found that he actually enjoyed being helpful. It gave him something to do when Narcissa was busy and didn’t want to be disturbed.

And when she said she didn’t want to be disturbed, she meant it, backing it up with a very unpleasant curse. He had been lucky he had dodged in time.

Albus spent most of his time hiding in his office.

Marcus spent the next few days running around. For a two hundred year old Vampire, he had boundless energy and detested being bored, so he made himself useful where he could.

And so the remaining few days flashed past in a blur, and it wasn’t long before it was time for the students to arrive.

“How do I look?”

“Imposing,” Severus replied, looking at Narcissa.

“Excellent,” she said. “I’ve decided that Minerva has the best way of dealing with students. I’ll relax toward the end of the year, but to start with, I’ll not take any nonsense from anyone.”

“I used to do that,” he said with a smile. “Only, I forgot the second part.”

Narcissa laughed. “You’re going to be fair this year, aren’t you?”

“Yes. No point in winning by cheating, not when you can win fairly.”

“And reserve the right to cheat if we might not win,” Narcissa finished.

“Exactly. Come on, Albus will introduce you after the Sorting and before we eat.”

Narcissa squared her shoulders and followed him down to the Great Hall. Marcus fell into step next to them. He was dressed smartly, in mostly Gryffindor colours, with a long black cape.

They took their seats to the right of the Professor’s table and waited in silence. The use of silence as an intimidation tactic was one that all good Slytherins learnt.

The other professors soon joined them, before the first students wandered in. As normal, they were laughing and joking, and paid no attention to the silent professors.

Pugsley, Daphne, Hermione and Ginny walked in with a large group of students in their year, before they separated to go to their table. They joined Pansy, Tracey and Millicent, all of whom were watching Daphne with a hint of jealousy.

“Harry’s going to have his hands full this year,” Marcus pointed out cheerfully. “Those are ambitious girls.”

“Not just the Slytherins,” Narcissa added. “Power is addictive, and they wear it like you wear your cloak.”

As was their habit, Harry and Wednesday were the last non-first years to arrive. Unlike previous years, their faces weren’t completely blank, and they were at least talking. It wasn’t quite animated by normal standards, but by theirs, it was almost a shouting match.

The school hushed as they walked, all eyes dragged to them.

“He can’t turn it off,” Marcus whispered. “He’s Clan leader, and nothing he can do can hide it.”

The change in Harry was very subtle, but once you noticed, it dominated him. He was wearing an almost visible mantle of power.

The other children might not know what had happened, but they could tell that something had. It was in the way he walked, the way he held himself, and the way he looked around.

It was self-belief, of the sort not found in teenagers, and of the sort that was only gained by facing nightmares, and in Harry’s case, killing them.

Harry lightly slapped Pugsley on the back as he sat down. Pugsley grinned at him, as Ginny launched into some excited speech.

Harry and Wednesday smiled at the end, as loud laughter came from all the others.

The doors opened, and Minerva led the new first years in. He ignored the conversation, as he got his first look at Dracine.

If you knew that she had once been Draco Malfoy, you could perhaps see some similarities. They were the same height. They had the same grey eyes and blonde hair, but those were surface similarities.

Dracine was pretty, but nothing spectacular. She was looking at her feet shyly. Her hair was probably her nicest feature, and it was almost as nice as her mother’s. There was very little other similarity between Narcissa and Dracine.

“Wednesday did a very good job,” Narcissa murmured. “She vaguely remembers the life before, but not in any great detail. If anyone questions her, she’ll explain that it is a blur because of an accident.”

Severus nodded, as the Sorting started. To his annoyance, Marcus and Narcissa played his game of guessing the student. What was particularly galling was that they were both better at it than he was.

What he did notice was that Slytherin got a disproportionate amount of students, and that it worked out at about seventy percent girls.

As the Sorting finished, Albus climbed to his feet. “Before we continue,” he announced, radiating the good cheer he was famous for. “We have a transfer student joining us in the fourth year. Dracine Plant will now be Sorted. I do hope you all welcome her, regardless of which House she is in.”

Dracine moved over to the Hat, and Severus noticed that she moved like a woman. She sat, and a few seconds later, the Hat shouted Hufflepuff .

Dracine blushed at the cheer she got from the Hufflepuffs and walked over to the table, sitting next to Bones and Abbot at their gestures.

Hermione stood and walked over to the Hufflepuff. “Hi, Dracine,” she said as she sat at the table between Abbot and Dracine. “Dumbledore obviously forgot to mention that Dracine had a bad accident at the start of the summer. Her father was murdered, and she and her mother left the country as quickly as they could. Unfortunately, something went wrong, and Dracine lost all her memory shortly after they arrived.

“We met up during her recovery.”

“Thanks,” Dracine said gratefully to Hermione.

“You’ll do great in here,” Hermione continued. “Hufflepuffs are always friendly.” She looked around and whispered, “not like the grumpies at the Slytherin table – they’re the ones in the green and silver.”

Dracine laughed.

Hermione stood up, “anyway, I just wanted to cover the stuff that Dumbledore forgot. Please look after her; I’m sure she’ll fit right in.”

“We will, Hermione,” Susan promised.

Hermione turned, and then paused. As if talking to herself, she said, “So that all are aware, Dracine is under our protection for the first few months, until Yule, so she can find her feet.” The threat given, she returned to her table.

Albus sighed. He ignored what had just happened, and the complete lack of respect from Hermione, and smiled benevolently. “It is my sad duty to report that Professor Binns has moved on to the next great adventure. In his place, I would like you to welcome Narcissa Malfoy.”

Narcissa stood as a lot of the students clapped.

“Thank you,” she said politely. “However, my name is Professor Black, not Malfoy. Professor Dumbledore seems to have forgotten that, again.”

“That’s not all he’s forgotten in his old age,” Pugsley yelled. There was a lot of laughter, and the Headmaster’s face acquired a darker hue.

“And as he seems to have forgotten the gentleman sat next to me, allow me to introduce the new assistant for History and Potions. Most of you will remember him from the removal of the Dementors last year. Marcus!”

There was a huge roar of approval, led by the Slytherins.

Marcus floated a few metres into the air, and bowed dramatically. He smiled at everyone. “For those who don’t yet know, yes, I am a vampire.

“And you’ll all be delighted to know that I have sworn blood-oaths to each of the Professors here that I will not feed on Hogwarts grounds.”

There were more than a few relieved looks.

“Unless you’re bad,” Marcus finished with a wicked smile, showing his fangs.

“You can bite me any time you like, Marcus,” Daphne purred up at him.

“Quiet, you.”

Daphne blew him a kiss as he sunk down, looking slightly confused.

“If I may continue?” Dumbledore asked archly.

“You may,” Narcissa allowed regally.

Before he could, there was a crack of thunder, and the doors to the Great Hall swung open.

A man stood in the doorway, leaning upon a long staff, shrouded in a black travelling cloak. Every head in the Great Hall swivelled toward the stranger, who was suddenly brightly illuminated by a fork of lightning that flashed across the ceiling.

Snape had his wand out, pointed at the man. Marcus and Narcissa were poised next to him.

Wednesday broke the stillness; her knife flew out, causing the newcomer to jump to one side.

“Stop!” Albus roared.

Harry cast a spell on Wednesday, but it didn’t have any visible effect. Wednesday, as quickly as a cat, was out of her seat. The stranger had raised his wand, and was pointing it at her.

Wednesday faked to one side, dodged to the other, and then jumped forward. She knocked his wand down, and then her left hand flicked forward under the hood. When it came back, she held something in her hand and examined it.

She turned and chucked it to Harry.

Harry caught it cleanly and examined it. He slowly turned to Dumbledore. “Exactly what,” he asked the Headmaster, his low voice frigid, “are you doing allowing this in a school full of children?”

Dumbledore looked surprised. “That is retired Auror Alistair Moody, the new Defence Professor.”

“That doesn’t answer my question,” Harry said patiently. “Why is he allowed in a school full of children?”

“I don’t understand your objection, Mr Potter.”

Harry sighed and held up the item in front of him. “I’m sure you like your yellow underwear, however, they do not suit you at all. Would you like to know what Professor McGonagall is wearing under her robes? Or should I look at some of the students?”

“Harry,” Natalie Jones, the new Head Girl called. “Are you saying that that thing can see through clothing?”

He nodded. “It’s a fake eye,” he said, holding it up in front of him. “Can see through invisibility cloaks as well, I’d guess.”

“What am I wearing?” Natalie challenged, moving forward from the Gryffindor table.

He looked at her and cocked an eyebrow.

She shrugged.

“Nice hearts,” Harry said simply.

Natalie looked like she was fighting a blush, as Harry put the thing down. “So Lockhart wasn’t enough,” she said as she retook her seat. “Or Umbridge. You replace the one good Defence Professor we’ve had in the last three years, Professor Lupin, with a pervert!”

“Professor Moody is not a pervert!”

“May I kill him?” Wednesday asked.

“No!” Albus roared.

Wednesday reached out and knocked back Moody’s hood. Moody shook out a long mane of grizzled, dark grey hair. His face looked like it was carved out of weathered wood by the work experience boy.

“We should introduce him to the Chatterer,” Marcus whispered.

“I wasn’t asking you,” Wednesday hissed at Dumbledore. She looked at Harry.

“Not today,” he eventually decided, as he put the eye down on the table. “He didn’t see you.”

“Only because you cast the spell,” Wednesday said with a sigh. She turned and met Moody’s one remaining eye. “You live at the sufferance of my Clan leader,” she said quietly. “I am his intended. We control who sees me in what state, not you. If you attempt to replace your eye, we will know, and you will not survive.”

Severus made a mental decision not to think about Wednesday’s words to closely.

Moody gulped.

Wednesday vanished, reappearing next to Harry. Harry slammed his hand down, and there was a loud cracking sound. Moody scowled hideously and his hand inched toward his wand.

Before he could blink, every student in Harry’s clan had their wands pointed at him – apart from Harry.

Moody grunted, and slowly walked forward. Each step accompanied by a thump. All the children glared at him as he went past – especially the girls. He nodded at Dumbledore, and moved around to sit on his right side.

He stared at the place in front of him for a second, before he looked up and stared at Harry.

“Moving on,” Dumbledore said slowly. “We are to have the honour of hosting a very exciting event over the coming months, an event that has not been held for over a century. It is my very great pleasure to inform you that the Triwizard Tournament will be taking place at Hogwarts this year.”

Before anyone else could react, Hermione turned to Harry, and asked, “Do you think it’s too late to transfer to Salem? We’ve put up with Trolls, Voldemort, Basilisks, escaped prisoners, an army of Dementors, and a host of other things. And now this? This is supposed to be a school, not some sort of bad horror movie!”

“What is this Tournament, Hermione?” Natalie called from the Gryffindor table.

“I’ll bet five galleons that Natalie joins the clan by the end of the year,” Marcus muttered in amusement. “Ambitious, that one.”

“No bet,” Narcissa replied quietly.

As Hermione recited an obviously well-researched speech, Severus couldn’t help admiring, once again, how well orchestrated this was. He was pretty sure that while Moody’s eye could see through clothes, it wasn’t used that way. And that they had taken the opportunity to undermine Dumbledore even more with the research they had done, after Severus had informed them of the Triwizard Tournament.

One of the things that had frustrated him when he had been spying for Albus was the way that Albus would rarely actually use his information. Now, with passing on information to Harry, he knew that he would often see direct action because of it.

“If I may continue,” Albus said, only to see that none of the children paid attention to him. They were still listening to Hermione.

Albus raised his wand and let off a loud bang. A third of the students jumped. Two thirds of the students, all of whom had been in Harry and Wednesday’s lessons, turned and pointed their wands at Dumbledore.

Albus looked shocked at the sight of ‘his’ students raising their wands to him. There was a few seconds of absolute silence, as neither group backed down.

Snape looked at Harry, who nodded. He stood slowly and coughed loudly, attracting every one’s attention. “You can rest assured that your fears, while valid, have been addressed by the Professors, and we have received assurances that this tournament will not result in any injury more severe than can be found on a Quidditch pitch.

“Entrance is going to be strictly restricted to students over the age of seventeen, and we will be holding some classes beforehand to show you the sort of thing you might expect. Personally, I believe that the wisest thing is not to participate. However, if you make a judgement based on your personal abilities, the potential danger and the potential reward, and you decide to participate, then Hogwarts will support you as much as we can.”

The tension slowly dropped, as the students dropped their wands and sat back down again.

Severus sat back down, feeling a little proud. The students were no longer accepting everything they were told without thought. And their reaction to a perceived threat had been magnificent.

He could see Harry’s influence through them all.

Dumbledore smiled genially, although his eyes were no longer twinkling. “The heads of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang will be arriving with their short-listed contenders in October, and the selection of the three champions will take place on Halloween. An impartial judge will decide which students most are worthy to compete for the Triwizard Cup, the glory of their school, and a thousand Galleons personal prize money.”

“Just exactly how much glory is involved?” Cedric Diggory asked warily. “I can’t remember the name of a single participant in the past tournaments.”

Dumbledore’s smile lit up his face, as his eyes started to twinkle. “I’m told that the press will be covering this; the new Minister of Magic will be the guest of honour, and the participating Ministries themselves are backing this all the way.”

Cedric, and a few others, nodded thoughtfully.

“And now, it is time for food!” He clapped his hands, and the traditional feast appeared. The noise level quickly rose as the students started to discuss what had happened.

“Fun,” Marcus said, as he started on his steak.

“Quite,” Severus agreed, watching Harry, who was looking thoughtful. Next to him, the others were chatting as they ate.

Wednesday was watching Harry, a slight smile on her face.

Harry looked up suddenly, his eyes focusing on the Ravenclaw table. He vaulted smoothly over the table, Pugsley sliding to one side automatically to allow him to pass, as he stalked toward the Ravenclaw ghost.

He bowed formally to her; she returned with a curtsy. “You do know that you have paid your debt, many times over?” Harry asked her.

“Maybe,” she replied sadly; “but until I feel ready, I will stay.”

“Death is nothing to be afraid of,” Harry replied. “It is merely what separates us from this place and another. You reset the scales many centuries ago.”

“That is not enough,” she replied. “I need to make up for what I have done.”

“Then do so without hiding.”

The pale ghost managed to pale. “How did you know?”

“Dad,” was Harry’s one word response.

The grey lady nodded slowly. “What do you want from me?”

“The location of that which was profaned.”

“Why?”

“So I can destroy it.”

“You can do that?”

“I have with five others.”

The ghost straightened, the lights in the Great Hall dimmed, a pressure arose from nowhere. “You speak the truth?”

“I do.”

“You can remove the vileness?”

“I can.”

A light flashed, and what looked like a Tiara appeared on the floor. The lights rose, and the pressure vanished.

Harry looked at it closely, picking it up carefully with his wand.

“Harry,” Albus called, sounding worried.

Harry ignored him, as he stared at the crown. “What do you think?” Wednesday asked as she appeared by his side.

“Pugs,” Harry called. “Remember the game of chase we used to play?”

“Can I get my camera, please?” Pugsley begged.

“Be quick,” Harry said.

Pugsley was already sprinting out of the Great Hall.

“Harry,” Natalie called. “What is that?”

“A diadem. Specifically, Rowena Ravenclaw’s diadem.”

“And how was it profaned?”

“Riddle was so scared by death that he split his soul into seven parts, creating a Horcrux – a container for a soul that requires a murder to create. This is his last one.”

Dumbledore gasped, as Harry looked at him. “I’ve had my people searching for these for years,” Harry said softly. “Riddle’s diary was one, his snake another. Marcus found Helga’s cup last year, Remus and Sirius found Gaunt’s ring this summer. I was the other one, and we had to kill me to get rid of it. This is the last. It dies now.”

Pugsley arrived, bursting through the doors, a large camera ready. He pointed it at Harry and took a few quick pictures.

Harry threw the diadem along the floor, sliding it to the end, near the entrance doors. “Raise shields.”

Hermione, Ginny, Daphne and Marcus – who had moved from next to Snape without Snape even realising – created a shield tunnel, leaving a clear path between the students.

Harry raised his wand; a faint smile appeared, before he mouthed something.

A small fire appeared on the wooden floor. Nothing seemed to happen for a few seconds, before it moved, a little sluggishly. Then it lurched, in both directions that it could, both away from Harry and Wednesday and toward them.

Suddenly, with another lurch, the fire erupted into a fiery tornado. Shapes, recognisable shapes appeared, creatures from myth and legend, sprinting every which way. A Griffin lurched at Harry and Wednesday, before it stopped, turned, and sprinted away. At the other end, creatures jumped at the diadem, as other creatures tried to break through the shields.

The scene was strangely beautiful, as the animals of pure fire futilely tried to escape their confines. The heat they were giving out was incredible. Pugsley was taking as many pictures as he could, before Harry lowered his wand and the animals faded as the fire died out. The wooden floor was black and smoking, but not giving off any visible smell.

Wednesday walked down the shielded path, ignoring the heat, until she reached the diadem. As she walked, the wooden floor seemed to lose the damage that the fire had caused, until it was pristine again. She picked up the diadem, and carried it back. She ignored the smell of burnt flesh coming from her hand.

As she passed it to Harry, a dark and tarry bloodlike substance leaked from it, before it fell apart. There was an incredibly faint scream of pain from the tar.

Harry smiled faintly. “Reparo,” he whispered. The diadem flew back together, and started to gleam in the light. He looked at it closely. “Wit beyond measure is man’s greatest treasure,” he quoted out loud. He handed the diadem back to the Grey Lady. “Your mother was very wise, Lady Helena.”

As one, the Ravenclaw table gasped.

“I prefer the name Violet,” she said, as she took the diadem back. “Thank you, for what you have done. I am in your debt.”

Harry inclined his head slowly in acknowledgement. “I have a way you can repay that debt.”

Violet looked at him hopefully.

“You know the true story of the founding of Hogwarts, more than anyone else.”

She nodded.

“Work with Hermione, recording a true account will clear your debt to me.”

“I would go deeper into your debt for this privilege,” she said softly.

“That is my price.”

“I accept, with the greatest of thanks.”

Hermione dashed over to Harry and hugged him tightly, “Thank you,” she said, before she released him, and curtseyed to the Grey Lady.

“We’re going to be friends,” Violet said to her. “No need to be formal. Mum would have been so irritated that you didn’t end up in her house.”

Hermione blushed. “The Hat wanted to put me in there, but I was new at the school, and wanted a new start, different to bookworm-Granger, so I asked for Gryffindor.”

“Alistair was always a soft touch,” Violet said fondly. “We should talk to him as well. He’s been around as long as I have, and with a bit of whiskey, he can be quite loquacious.”

“I can get some Peruvian Ice Brandy,” Hermione offered.

“For that, he would sell his soul,” Violet said. “If he had one. Why don’t we go and have a chat with him?”

Hermione nodded eagerly and followed the ghost out of the Great Hall.

“Now you’ve done it,” Pugsley said. “Dad’s gonna be pissed that you’ve got into his Ice Brandy.”

Harry smirked. “Which is why all the clues as to who stole it point to a certain vampire.”

Marcus groaned. “I’ll get you, Potter!”

Harry winked at him. “You’re welcome to try, old man.”

“What was that spell?” Pansy asked from the Slytherin table.

“Fiendfyre,” Pugsley replied. “We used to play with it when we were kids. Good times.”

Harry took Wednesday’s hand and they walked out of the Great Hall. As soon as they were gone, Pugsley returned to his seat, adding, “Of course, if you can’t control the spell, it will turn on you and kill you.”

As everyone got back on with the business of eating and discussing the entertainment, and what it might entail, Minerva turned to Albus and whispered sharply. “After we finish, we will be having a very long conversation about our new Professor.”

“Minerva,” Albus said warningly.

“Don’t ‘Minerva’ me,” she snapped. “There is no excuse for allowing this sort of thing.”

Albus sighed deeply and nodded.

“Well, this has been fun,” Marcus said. “What now?”

“Now, we go to the Common Room and check everyone is okay,” Severus replied. “And maybe get some answers.”

“To what question?” Narcissa asked.

“Why we have more students than normal, and why most of them are girls.”

Narcissa nodded slowly and gave him a quick, but proud, smile.

“Would you like to round them up, Marcus?”

“With pleasure.” He vanished and appeared, floating cross-legged at the far end of the Slytherin table. “Greetings, ankle-biters,” he said cheerfully. “Has anyone told you the rules yet?”

The first year students shook their heads negatively.

“Okay, the rules of Slytherin are very simple, there are only five of them. One, stupidity is not an attractive trait. Stupidity is defined as not learning everything you can from people with more knowledge than you, getting caught doing something against the rules, and following Voldemort.

“Rule two, bullying is a form of stupidity, remember rule one.

“Rule three, Harry – he’s the tall dark haired one with the green eyes and a fondness for burning things – and Wednesday – she’s the smaller dark haired one with the impossible eyes – are not to be troubled in general, unless it’s an emergency. For example, you fall down – they won’t care. However, if you were to discover, say, a Nundu in the school, go to them first, and the professors second.

“Pugsley, he’s the one with the fondness for the striped jumpers up there.” Pugsley waved cheerfully. “He’s the one you go to if you need help, or if you don’t know if what you know is important enough for Harry and Wednesday.

“Rule four, ambition and cunning is useless if you’re not happy. Contrary to popular belief, Slytherin used to be known as the party house. We’re going to make it so again. Just because we’re destined to rule, doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate with the best of them.” He winked, and continued in a stage whisper, “And seeing others drunk is always useful for some good old fashioned blackmail.”

Most of the kids were now openly grinning. “Right, follow me, we’ll go and find your home from home for the next seven years.”

“May I ask a question?” a small girl asked.

“Yes, Samantha?” Marcus asked, showing that he had a far better memory than Severus.

“Are we allowed friends from other houses?”

“Other houses?” Marcus asked dramatically. “But they like strange colours! All you need is Silver and Green.”

“You’re wearing red, though,” Samantha pointed out.

“Oh, in that case, yes, you are,” Marcus replied. “Only, that brings me on to rule five. What you see in Slytherin, stays in Slytherin.”

All the kids nodded firmly.

“Come on then, walk this way.” He hopped away on his right foot, before switching to his left on the fourth hop.

All the children laughed as they followed him, skipping along.

“You can hardly believe that just the other night he ripped through a gang of Muggle bikers,” Narcissa whispered in amusement. “He told me that he always wanted kids, but of course, as a vampire, he’s sterile.”

“Really?” Severus asked slowly. “I wonder when his birthday is.”

“May 14th.”

“Hmmm,” Severus said, as the other students casually followed the trail of first years. “There’s a potion that might help.”

Narcissa pecked him on the cheek. “Let’s go tuck the kids in.”

Severus laughed and took her hand as they walked after the others, picking up the strays as they went.

The Common Room was as full as he had ever seen it.

Daphne was talking with Harry and Wednesday, and when they nodded, she jogged forward, clearing a path. “Okay,” she said loudly, “listen up. It’s crowded in here, too much so, so we’re going to do something about it. Everyone get your wands out.”

All the students did what they as they were told, even the first years.

“Second years and above, I want you to simply call on your magic, bring it to your wand tip. First years, wave you wands like you did when you got them.”

The first years slowly waved their wands, causing sparks to fly everywhere. “Now,” Daphne continued. “I want you to do that again, but this time, concentrate, try and make the sparks bigger.”

Most of the kids managed to do as she asked, but there were a few that couldn’t. Ginny and Pugsley quickly went around and helped them.

Daphne stood in the middle and took a deep breath. Severus reached into his pocket and pulled out his wand, gathering his own magic. Narcissa was doing the same thing.

Daphne started to chant something, but what she was saying was soon lost as thin trails of magic, looking like lightning, were pulled from all of the wands. They hit her, and she threw her arms apart and her head went back. She floated up a few feet into the air, and slowly, as if she were fighting her own body, closed her arms.

With a dramatic yell, she forced them open again, and a blinding white light exploded for her body. Three walls of the Common Room slowly stared to move back, accompanied by a massive grinding noise. As they moved, supporting arches perched on top of solid columns appeared, replacing the old walls.

There was a sudden silence, as the lights vanished. Daphne’s eyes rolled into the back of her head, and she fell to the floor, only to be caught by Harry.

She groaned as she forced her eyes open.

“Rest,” Harry whispered. “You did well. I am proud of you.”

Daphne smiled tiredly, and closed her eyes again. Harry turned and walked to the new entrance to the fourth year dormitory, and carried her in. Wednesday had a proud look on her face as she watched them.

“How the hell did she do that?” Tracey Davis demanded.

“The benefits of our Clan are legion,” Wednesday said quietly. “Confidence in oneself is merely the beginning; that was the spell used by the Founders to build Hogwarts herself.”

“May I ask another question?” Samantha asked her shyly.

Wednesday looked at her, and then nodded sharply.

“How do I join your clan?”

For the first time, a flicker of surprise raced across Wednesday’s face. “There is no set way,” she eventually explained. “There is a price, that is as personal as it is private, but we do not accept everyone, nor is it rarely an issue, as most people do not normally want to join our clan.”

“Most people are also idiots,” Samantha pointed out.

“Aren’t you a little young to make sure a sweeping statement?” Wednesday questioned.

Samantha wrinkled her nose cutely. “Three years ago, Harry Potter came back, and people celebrated. Then he wasn’t what people expected, so they called him evil. Then he tricked Voldemort, and he was good again, then he left over the summer, and he was bad again, and I got bored of my parents changing their minds with the stupid newspaper. They kept having boring dinner parties where they’d discuss things without even bothering to see if that silly paper was even telling the truth!

“My tutor taught me to always do research, so I made some pen friends with people at Hogwarts, and they told me what was happening here.”

Marcus sniggered quietly. “Isn’t this adorable? Harry’s got little minions now.”

Severus smiled faintly.

“Look at the members we have,” Harry said to Samantha, as he reappeared and moved next to Wednesday. “Daphne just cast a spell not seen since the Founders built Hogwarts. Hermione is currently researching a new book with Rowena Ravenclaw’s daughter. Ginny is top of her year, and has an amazing ability to read a situation and know the correct thing to do. Pugsley has walked into hell with us. Marcus tracked down one of Voldemort’s Horcruxes for us, and can be one of the most dangerous people in the world when he’s not skipping down the hall to take away your nerves. Professor Black is almost a walking encyclopaedia on history. Professor Snape is the single best Potions Master in the world. You have to be able to play at this level.”

“And if I do that?” Samantha asked, looking fearless.

Harry reached out and lightly ruffled her hair. “Then we’ll talk.”

Samantha grinned and nodded.

“Now bed, all of you firsties.”

There was no grumbling as the first years turned and scampered toward their bedrooms.

“That goes for the rest of you as well,” Wednesday added. A few minutes later, they were alone in the Common Room, sat around one of the low tables.

“Harry’s getting minions, ickle, ickle minions,” Pugsley chanted, grinning at Harry.

Harry scratched his head. “This is unexpected,” he admitted.

“I think,” Narcissa said slowly, “that I’m going to have a bit of a rant here.” She took a deep breath, and then settled into her chair, curling her feet under her. In the voice she had practiced while preparing her class lectures, she started once again. “If you look at the Wizarding World in this country over the past few hundred years, then it is not unexpected. Our society is based around following, not leading.

“Voldemort found out just how easy it was to get people to follow him. Independent thought is not exactly encouraged. I could list example after example of where our society has made poor choices.

“Before our students get to school, the Pure-blood children are taught to listen to their elders, to be seen and not heard, and to do as they are told. Half-blood children, and those raised in the magical society do not quite receive the same extent, but it is close. Obviously, Muggle-born do not receive this training, but we’ll get back to them shortly.

“Once they get to school, this is continued. Albus is seen as the all-powerful leader, whose advice is to be followed without thinking. No matter what house you are then sorted in to, this is continued. Ravenclaws are taught to listen to books – books written by people with an agenda of not upsetting the status-quo. Hufflepuffs are taught that they are only good for certain things and to follow the herd. Gryffindors are taught to admire the light which means first and foremost Dumbledore and to jump into action without thinking… and that’s about it.

“This leaves us. We blindly followed Voldemort, like good little minions, and spent most of our adult lives on our knees, being tortured.

“The ones who might have some original thought, such as the Muggle-born, soon leave our world. Why? Because these beliefs are entrenched, and all the people in charge want to maintain the status quo, so that they can remain in charge.

“Now, here you have something new. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. He’s new, he’s mysterious, and no one is quite sure what he wants for the first few years. What is known is that he wins. And like Samantha said, parents started to talk about him instead. Whereas before Dumbledore or He-Who-Must-Be-Mocked were discussed, now it’s Harry as the favourite conversation amongst the proletariat.

“But there’s a difference. First, Harry made a few public points about independent thought, and second, Harry appears to be young and in school. So all these children are coming to Hogwarts and think that maybe it can be different. They were taught to follow, but they like the idea of asking questions, of thinking for themselves. And when they got here today, the Hat looked at them, and saw that they were ambitious, that they wanted to learn how to think for themselves, and that they really wanted to be in the same house as Harry.”

Puglsey, Daphne, Ginny, Marcus and Severus all applauded as she stopped. Harry and Wednesday both nodded at her, which caused Narcissa to blush prettily.

“That doesn’t explain why there are so many girls,” Severus pointed out.

Wednesday laughed softly while Pugsley sniggered. Ginny rolled her eyes. “Do you remember why I joined?” she asked rhetorically. “It’s because I had a crush on Harry the size of Hogwarts.”

Harry sighed, a faintly amused look on his face.

“Don’t worry,” Pugsley said consolingly, “you can just sic Wednesday on them, and they’ll still be running by the time we leave Hogwarts.”

“Like I did for Daphne, or Ginny, or Hermione, or Marcus, or Sirius, or Nick, or Trudi?”

Pugsley shrugged.

“Natalie wants in as well, as do Tracey, Millicent and Pansy,” Marcus added.

“This was not meant to be a recruitment drive,” Harry said. “Our goals, our beliefs and our morals are not typical. I do not want to corrupt innocent minds, but I do not want to ignore people who genuinely want to join us, if they have something that they can offer. A crush on me is useless. However, the ability to think, to specialise in something different, to bring something we need to the table, that is not useless. Good genes are no longer enough, we need more, we want more and we demand more.

“I do not want to reject any out of hand. Nor do I want to encourage any but the most dedicated and valuable.

“Ginny, you’re going to be the gatekeeper. Weed out the hopeless ones, or the ones who don’t have anything to offer us. Encourage the ones that you like. If anyone becomes a serious candidate, talk to Pugsley about them, and then bring them to me if he agrees.”

“Okay,” Ginny said cheerfully.

Harry looked at her for a long seconds, she met his look without flinching. “Stand.”

Ginny hopped to her feet.

“It did not occur to me that you would say no,” Harry said, as he stood and approached her. “Nor did it occur to me that you would fail me. As such, there is only one action I can take.”

Ginny looked curiously at him.

“Ginevra Molly Weasley, you have stated that you wish to join us. Is that still your wish?” he asked formally.

“Yes,” Ginny whispered.

“We have talked about the price you must pay. Are you willing to pay this price?”

“With my soul, if needed.”

Harry stepped closer, raised her chin with his hand, and kissed her tenderly. “Welcome to the Clan, friend,” he intoned.

Wednesday moved, taking Harry’s place. She kissed Ginny, firmer than Harry had. “Welcome to Clan,” she whispered, a wicked glint in her eyes.

Ginny smiled brilliantly, and launched herself forward, hugging both Harry and Wednesday at the same time.

The red-haired girl released them, bounced on the balls of her feet. Pugsley moved over to her and repeated the ritual. She grinned at him, and moved over to Marcus. As Marcus gave her a perfunctory kiss, Ginny did something that deepened the kiss, before Marcus tore himself away, and looked at her with wild eyes.

Ginny smirked at him, and moved over and kissed Severus. He got a faint taste of blood in the kiss.

With a grin at Narcissa, who wasn’t yet a Clan member, she bounced off to the third year girls’ door, and vanished inside it.

“Marcus?” Pugsley asked.

“Little witch bit her own lip,” the vampire explained. He shook himself. “Her blood tastes like strawberries.”

Wednesday nodded. “Pugsley, Marcus, keep an eye on her. She’s gaining mannerisms that she can’t handle properly yet. She’s learning so much from Mom, Melissa, and Narcissa, but she is not ready to follow through. Some of the older boys here might take that as sign of something it isn’t. If anyone touches her, kill first, question later.”

Marcus nodded and bared his fangs, his tongue flicking out. “She’s innocent.”

Wednesday nodded. “She remains that way until she’s capable of making that decision on the right level for the right reasons.”

“What about Daphne?” Narcissa asked.

“What about her?” Wednesday queried.

“Does the same thing apply to her?”

Wednesday looked amused. “Daphne would use one of the many knives she has against any over-amorous suitor. Ginny might not think about that.”

“Yeah,” Pugsley agreed. “Daphne would stab first, check the actual danger later. Ginny might hesitate at the wrong moment.”

“What about Hermione?” Narcissa asked.

“Interesting case,” Harry said slowly. “We were lucky. If Albus hadn’t screwed up so badly, she would have been his until she grew up. She needs a strong belief structure. That had been books and rules, but that left her alone, crying in a bathroom, with a rampaging troll.

“Pugsley rescued her, and Wednesday swatted the poor troll, and that gave her a glimpse of something else – our clan – somewhere she could be herself and fit in. With this new structure as a goal, she set about following our rules with the same vigour with which she followed the others. Everything we do appeals to her – knowledge, information, and the future. She wants that, and is willing to do what is necessary to keep that.

“She doesn’t have any moral problems with it, because she has internalised our rules, not theirs. The biggest boost we had was the fact that we treat all creatures equally, and she saw the problems with Werewolves, Vampires, House-elves et cetera, and how it is mainly localised to this country.

“Hermione is ours now, she will be our chief researcher, her potential will be fulfilled, we will help her find someone suitable to fall in love with, and she’ll be happy for the rest of her life.”

“Not you, Pugs?” Narcissa asked with a grin.

Pugsley looked surprised. “Me and Hermione?” he asked. “Nah, she’s beautiful, but my tastes run differently.”

“Oh, you’re gay,” Narcissa said. “Sorry.”

Wednesday was now curled up against Harry, and was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes. Harry was laughing softly as well.

“No,” Pugsley said with a long suffering sigh. “And you can shut it, Sis,” he added to Wednesday. “Look, when you grow up with Veela, with Succubus, with Vampires, with Werewolves, with Mermaids, and with all other creatures, real human girls just don’t do it for me. I’d need someone like Wends, and she’s unique.” He paused. “Not to mention bat-shit insane.”

Wednesday’s knife appeared between Pugsley’s legs, close enough to certain precious parts for him to edge back.

“Anyway,” he continued with a slight squeak to his voice, “I’ve got my eye on Marcus’s niece.”

“Veronique?” Marcus asked in surprise, before his eyes narrowed.

“I’ve just got to wait a bit until I’m old enough to approach her.”

“Why?” Wednesday asked curiously.

Pugsley looked at her and then said a word that Severus didn’t understand.

“I can help with that,” Wednesday pointed out.

“Really?” Pugsley asked curiously.

“What is she doing at the moment, Marcus?” Harry asked.

“Studying, learning, getting used to being a vampire.”

“Anything that you can’t teach her?”

“Not really.”

“Never let it be said that I stand in the way of a randy teenager,” Harry said dryly. “I’ll talk to your brother. I think it would be good for her to be around us a bit more. Then she can see for herself what Pugs is really like.”

“She can cast spells?” Narcissa blurted.

“Yes,” Harry said softly. “She was turned at ten; we got her a few weeks later.”

“You got her?”

“The vampire who turned her broke the rules,” Marcus explained. “We don’t take that sort of thing sitting down. My brother agreed to take her in after we dealt with the issue.”

“By covering him in factor forty sun-screen and staking him outside, without his protection,” Pugsley finished. “It took him three days to die. His eyes burnt out the second day, and he spent the last day screaming.”

“I don’t think anyone else will be turning a child for a while,” Marcus added.

“I looked at being turned,” Pugsley said. “Didn’t really seem worth it.”

“Not for an Addams,” Harry agreed. “Daphne might look at it later in life; she’s got the temperament for it.” He stood, lifting Wednesday easily. “Pugs, if you don’t tell us these things, how can we fix them?” He walked away, into his rooms, still carrying Wednesday.

“Because not everyone is stupidly confident like you?” Pugsley asked the ceiling. He smiled faintly. “How do you think she’s going to react?” he asked Marcus.

“She’s a fourteen year old vampire so she’s essentially a teenager on steroids. She’ll whine, bitch and moan, while being secretly delighted. She’s also terrified witless of Wednesday, so it might do her some good as well.”

“Why?” Narcissa asked.

Pugsley chuckled. “Vonnie decided that Harry would make a good consort. It seems that no one told her about who Harry was, or who Wednesday was. Harry didn’t fall for her charms, and Wednesday had a quiet word with her.”

“That doesn’t bother you?” Severus asked Pugsley, “that she went for Harry?”

“If I let that bother me, I’d never get anywhere. He’s the Clan leader, he’s had gold digging trouts after him since he was eight.”

“Eight!?”

“Yeah,” Marcus said. “My dear Melissa was always an opportunist. She realised his potential about the same time I did, and she went for it. I think she quite liked the idea of breaking in an innocent, and teaching him.”

“That’s our Clan,” Pugsley continued with a grin. “Emotional attachments are different from political attachments. If you and Severus were just together because of a bargain, you’d both be open for attempted seductions. It’s a way of gaining power. However, as you’re both emotionally attached, you’re both off limits.”

“Wait,” Narcissa said with a frown. “So why do females still go after Harry?”

“He’s the leader, so different rules apply,” Marcus said.

“And most people don’t really believe that Wednesday has emotions,” Pugsley added. “She does have a warped sense of humour though, so she encourages people to try.” He stood, and stretched. “Anyway, I’ll see you in the morning. Night.”

“Night, Pugs,” they chorused, as he left the three of them alone in the Slytherin Common Room.

“What is in the Clan, stays in the Clan,” Marcus said softly. “Narcissa, just because you’ve seen the other side of Wednesday, doesn’t mean that anyone else needs to know she has one.”

Narcissa nodded.

“Marcus,” Severus said, “why don’t you accompany Narcissa back to our room? I’ve got some nice brandy in there.”

“With pleasure,” Marcus said, his voice rising in a question.

“I’m going to have a talk with Albus, see what is going on.”

“You,” Narcissa said slowly, “are a nice person, somewhere.”

“Lies,” Severus replied, as they moved out of the Common Room and separated. He made quick progress to Albus’ office, and after a knock, he entered.

The Headmaster looked old. Very old. He was staring out a window, standing in the dark. Fawkes was asleep on his perch.

Severus walked around his desk, opened the bottom drawer, and took out the bottle of whisky he found there. He poured two glasses and sat opposite the Headmaster’s chair.

“Where did it go wrong?” Albus asked softly. “My children pointed their wands at me. At me!”

“You startled them, when they were already on edge after Moody’s arrival and exposure,” Severus replied.

“That’s another thing,” Albus said, “I trust Alastor. Just because he can see through clothes with his eye, doesn’t mean that he would. I have the same skill, but I have never used it.”

“You have a degree of trust,” Severus said slowly, “Moody doesn’t. You probably wanted a dramatic introduction to allow him to start his teaching with a flourish. What you did was set him up as a target. Harry has probably been monitoring you from the start, and you haven’t done anything. I suspect that even a basic scan for threats set off Harry and Wednesday’s senses. And given the chance, they did what was natural for them. They used it.”

“That they did,” Albus agreed. He turned and moved to his desk, sitting down. He took a sip of the whiskey. “So why are you here?”

Severus shrugged. “You need someone to talk to.”

“And you work for them.”

“That I do.”

Albus sighed again. “Is the tournament that much of a bad idea?”

“Yes. Very much so. It was stopped for a reason, and bringing it back is just irresponsible.”

“I thought that it would allow some of our students to show how good they are.”

“Then set up some exhibitions, allow parents and Ministry officials to come, make a day of it, with food and dancing at the end. Allow our students to show off their magic while trying to impress people, not running for their lives.”

“It is too late now,” Albus replied. “Do you know who is going to be elected?”

“Yes.”

“It is Amelia then?”

“It will be. Harry wanted someone competent in charge.”

Albus nodded. “And someone who doesn’t look to me for guidance.”

“Quite.”

“Narcissa was quite vocal in her opinion.”

“She gets that way. I like it.”

Albus smiled. “I never did congratulate you.”

Severus nodded. “Thank you.”

“Please apologise to her on my behalf. Your description of petty was quite correct. At over a hundred and fifty years of age, I should be past that by now.”

“I will,” he said as he climbed to his feet. “Would you like a piece of advice?”

“No,” Albus replied. “But I think that is one of my main problems. Please.”

“Act as Headmaster of Hogwarts, not as the acknowledged great Leader of the Light.”

Albus nodded slowly. “Good night, Severus. And thank you.”

Severus nodded, and turned to walk away. He paused, and looked at Albus. “There is a child, Veronique…”

“A Vampire child?” Albus asked. He smiled. “It sounds like a name they would give someone turned.”

“Yes,” Severus agreed. “She was a witch when she was turned at ten.”

Albus inhaled sharply.

“Harry took exception to that, and dealt with it,” Severus said dryly. “I think that you’ll find there will be no more recurrences.”

“Ahh,” Albus said. “Harry wants her at Hogwarts?”

“Exactly.”

“Thank you for the warning. Before you go, can I ask a question?”

“Go ahead.”

“Harry, he’s changed again.”

“Harry has taken control of the Addams Clan.”

Albus seemed to collapse into his chair. “This is not what Lily and James would have wanted.”

Severus sighed softly. “They knew the price, and they are happy with it now.” He was then treated to a rare sight, that of Albus Dumbledore looking completely shocked. “Necromancy is a hobby of Grandmama. I have had several very long chats with James and Lily. They were the ones who begged the Addams to remove Harry from the Dursleys.”

“Why?”

“Because they were abusing Harry.”

Again, Albus looked completely shocked. “But he was their nephew!”

“It didn’t seem to stop the Dursleys. It was they, more than the Addams, that helped set Harry’s personality.”

Dumbledore slumped down. “What have I done?” he asked.

Severus chose that moment to leave the Headmaster and join Marcus and Narcissa.

The next morning, he was walking with Narcissa to breakfast, when a scream of pain filled the air; it was followed by a siren wailing. Hurrying, they ran outside, to find a seventh year Slytherin writhing on the ground, and hundreds of students looking on in amusement.

He looked around, and spotted the Head Girl. “What happened?”

“Education,” Natalie replied. She swept her arm back dramatically “All these children have just learnt the benefits of learning to read.”

Narcissa laughed under her breath.

“My good friend Luke clearly couldn’t read the sign that says, ‘Do not touch,’ in front of that car. He touched, and now he is in pain.” She paused. “I think it was nice of them to put a sign up.”

Severus sighed. “Silencio,” he muttered, pointing his wand at Harry’s car.

“It’s lucky you’re a member of the Clan,” Pugsley said as he joined them, “otherwise that would have been taken as an act of war.” He pointed a plastic thing at the car and pressed a button. “There, you can cancel the spell now.” Pugsley looked down at the writhing on the ground. “That thing’s not even as powerful as a Cruciatus,” he muttered in contempt. “Natalie, you can just use Finite Incantatem on him.”

“Can I?” she mused. “Good to know.”

Pugsley laughed softly. “Breakfast,” he announced, putting his arms through Severus and Narcissa’s and leading them toward the Great Hall. “Let her sort it,” he said softly. “Either she’ll do so, and get an inch closer to joining us, or she won’t, either way it won’t be a problem.”

Pugsley dropped their arms before they entered the Hall. The boy chucked the keys toward Harry, who caught them without looking, and joined them. Hermione was still absent, and Severus honestly didn’t expect to see her for a while.

The children slowly entered the Great Hall, Natalie turning up last, an exhausted looking Luke trailing behind her like a bad puppy. She didn’t even look at Harry as she took her seat.

“Before we start,” Albus said cheerily, “I have an announcement.” As everyone looked at him, he continued. “We have another new student joining us in the fourth year. Now, before I introduce her, I will offer a few words. Four years ago, a rogue Vampire bit her and, through no fault of her own, this witch was turned into a Vampire.

“Now, the Vampire who did this has been dealt with, and I welcome any student wishing to learn magic to our school. As with our new Assistant Professor, she has sworn a Blood Oath not to feed on Hogwarts ground, so you will be perfectly safe.

“That said, I would encourage you not to offer Veronique any sympathy. I am assured that she is happy with her new life.” He raised his hand, and the Sorting Hat appeared, before the door opened, allowing a girl to enter. She was tall, with a regal bearing. Her long black hair was free down her back, and, like all Vampires, she was pale. While not spectacularly beautiful, she had the same sex appeal that all Vampires seemed to ooze out of every pore.

The girl walked in confidently, and grinned at Marcus, who nodded at her. She moved over to the Hat and placed it on her head.

“Slytherin,” the Hat yelled, to the surprise of no one.

Veronique moved over to the Slytherin table, before she paused, and went down on one knee. She swept her hair back and to the left, leaving her neck bare as she lowered her head submissively.

Harry and Wednesday stood and moved in front of her. “Stand.” As the Vampire did as she was told, Harry moved forward and kissed her. “Welcome to Hogwarts.”

Wednesday moved next and repeated the greeting. Severus looked around, taking in the shocked and stunned faces of the other students. This was the first time that some of them had seen anything even remotely sexual, and he suspected that more than a few of the boys would never forget the image of Wednesday kissing Veronique.

Harry looked at Dumbledore, and then nodded slowly, a gesture of respect that put a small smile on Dumbledore’s face. Harry and Wednesday re-took their seats, and Veronique took the remaining space – which just happened to be next to Pugsley.

“Hmm,” Marcus murmured. “That was a little unexpected. I wonder if we’re just used to it.”

“Used to what?”

“Harry’s aura. I’ve never seen Vonnie act that respectful. With her sire dead, even my brother has had issues with her. This was one of the things you talked to Albus about last night?”

Severus nodded. “I do not think he’s our enemy.”

“Not unless he makes himself one,” Marcus agreed.

They went silent as they ate. Even though it was breakfast, Marcus, and from what he could see, Veronique, were eating lightly seared beef.

A few minutes later, the doors opened, and a young Auror, an ex-student of his, walked in. She tossed off a casual salute toward Dumbledore and walked over to the Slytherin table.

“Wotcher Harry,” she said cheerfully.

“Nymphadora,” Harry replied dryly.

“Do you have to call me that?” she complained.

“He could try Nym, Nymphy, Nymphette, Dora, Doreen, Tonksy, Toots, or hey you,” Pugsley offered. “Or, we could go for Ju…”

“Tonks,” she interrupted firmly. “One syllable. Simple.”

“What can we do for you, Nymphadora?” Harry asked, his voice not changing.

Tonks sighed. “Fine,” she grumbled. “I’ve had a complaint,” she said, her body language changing, “something about a curse on a student.”

Harry nodded.

“He ignored the sign?”

“Yes.”

“Idiot,” Tonks muttered. “Well, protecting your property with non-deadly curses is not illegal, as long as a sign is clearly posted. I’ll do the paperwork for this later.”

Harry nodded again.

“So,” Tonks said. “Who does one have to sleep with to get a ride in that thing?”

Harry smiled faintly, and nodded toward Wednesday.

Wednesday vanished from her customary spot on Harry’s right, and appeared in front of Tonks, “Is that all it takes, Tonks?” she purred, her entire being centred on the young Auror. “Can you stand it though? Can you surrender everything to my hands? Can you handle what I’ll do to you?”

Tonks gulped, before she started to turn red, even her hair, in the first full-body blush that Snape had ever seen.

“You’re both gits,” she complained weakly.

Wednesday just stayed, staring at the girl.

“Turn it off, Wends,” Tonks begged. “Please?”

Wednesday smiled slightly and vanished, appearing back next to Harry.

Tonks sighed deeply. “One of these days I’ll win,” she muttered. “Or maybe not, because I can’t tell if you’d actually take me up on it.” She looked up at Narcissa, “So if you’re in the Clan, and friendly with our mutual relative, exactly why haven’t you sent my mother a letter yet?”

Narcissa blushed and looked down.

“Still got it,” Tonks mumbled happily. “So I hear you have little minions now,” she said cheerfully to Harry.

“We prefer to call them potentials,” Harry said dryly.

“And hypocritical overtly pretentious tosspots with hyper-inflated sense of personal importance and massive competency issues like to be called Voldemort, but it ain’t gonna happen,” Tonks replied cheekily.

“Daphne Addams, Ginny Weasley, meet Nymphadora Tonks, freshly graduated from Auror training school, and Professor Black’s niece.”

“Where’s the other one, Granger?” Tonks asked.

“She’s with Violet and the Sorting Hat, planning a factual account of the early years of Hogwarts.”

Tonks sighed. “Am I going to find out the real story?”

“Probably not.”

“Unless I join, right?”

“You’ve never asked about that before.”

Tonks sighed. “I spent some time talking with a mutual relative. That, and well, some other issues relating to being myself has kinda shown me that maybe a stubborn streak of independence isn’t the best way for a happy life.”

Harry stood, Wednesday didn’t. “I’ll give you a lift back to London.”

“All right!” Tonks cheered, and did a little dance, before she joined Harry walking out.

It was a statement of how much Hogwarts had changed in four years that Veronique fit in with hardly any issues.

Or maybe it was that, after Wednesday, another unapproachable female with the palpable ability to kill just wasn’t anything more than a curiosity.

Pugsley was assigned, by Harry, to show Veronique around and look after her.

Narcissa enjoyed teaching. And, like a good Slytherin, hid her fear, and dealt with the students. History became a popular class, although a lot of that could have been attributed to the uselessness of Binns.

That was an observation he kept to himself. His dedication to open and honest feedback paled into comparison with his continuous desire to see Narcissa in any of the large collection of negligee she now owned.

Veronique was, quite possibly, the worst Potions student he had ever taught. She made Longbottom look like a genius. She even managed to set fire to a substance well known for its anti-flammable nature.

After two weeks of no real improvement, Harry was not happy. He vanished with Veronique for two days over a weekend, and when he returned, she was capable of passing the course.

During those two days, Marcus seemed a lot more concerned than normal about his niece, as did Pugsley. Wednesday had grabbed Pugsley after a few hours, and started to lecture him, using a green chalk board.

What she was teaching him was unknown. She was speaking in the same language they used when they didn’t want to be bothered, and the diagrams – simple line drawings which could have been human bodies, chemical bonds, or corporate hierarchies, depending on which way he turned his head – were somehow frightening.

It was the first time that the two had been separated for any length of time. Unsurprisingly, no one deemed it a suitable item to comment on – not within her hearing, anyway.

Narcissa finally managed to write a letter to her sister, who replied a few weeks later. They arranged to meet up over Christmas.

To his surprise, Harry started to look a tired. A discreet inquiry revealed that he was dealing with some Clan issues in Russia, and was spending most of every night using his communication ball.

Ginny was enjoying school; she was rarely seen without a group of Harry’s minions, as they were universally called. The minions in question, led by Samantha, were more than happy with the name.

To Severus’ great delight, the minions were more dedicated to learning than the Ravenclaws, and earned Slytherin House a large number of points. Samantha didn’t accept any of the other first year students doing badly and was extremely vocal about her expectations.

Severus was extremely amused when he caught Samantha demanding to know why several sixth years had lost some points in a class. Their attempts to ignore her had died in a fire when Wednesday had appeared silently behind Samantha. The students had apologised and promised better behaviour. Harry and Wednesday left Samantha to it.

Albus had retreated almost completely, and was acting more like the Headmaster of old, to the disappointment of absolutely no one.

Narcissa’s rant on the current state of the Wizarding World had opened his eyes to something he had always been somewhat aware off. He, of course, had not suffered from the same issues, as he had grown up outside the brain-damaged Wizarding world. But then, he had endured his own issues, so he could somewhat understand where they were coming from. He could see the way the children reacted to power. It was mildly depressing, and he knew it was an opinion that the Addams clan shared.

As expected, Amelia was elected as Minister of Magic. Scrimgeour was buried with a well-timed hatchet job in the press that he suspected came from the Addams, though it could have come from anyone. Scrimgeour had stood on a lot of toes on his way to the top.

It wasn’t long before it was time for the other schools to arrive, and for the Triwizard Tournament to begin.

“Severus, you have to do something about her!”

“About who?” Severus asked Marcus.

“That bloody goddaughter of yours.”

“What’s she doing?”

“She’s flirting with me everywhere I go, she’s looking at me with those huge dark eyes of hers, she’s posed to show off some of her juvenile assets, or she’s biting her lip and then letting the blood drip down her chin.

“She might look like a kid, but her blood smells amazing. It’s inhumane, it’s torture.”

The door to his office opened, and Daphne walked in. “There you are, dear,” she said sweetly, as she dropped into his lap.

Marcus was out the door before she landed.

“Daphne?” he asked.

“Hmm?”

“What are you doing with Marcus?”

“Nothing,” she replied, with a touch too much innocence.

“Daph,” he said warningly.

She winked at him. “Haven’t you noticed a pattern in the points we are winning?”

He pulled out a parchment, and found that for the last five weeks, Minerva had given fifty points to Daphne. The pattern was spread out here and there, but it was consistent. “Explain.”

“She’s hired me,” Daphne said cheerfully. “I torment Marcus, we get house points.”

“You do know that you’re playing with fire?”

“That’s what makes it interesting. Besides, if he breaks down, I’ve got some wards on me, and I’ll tell him the truth, and McGonagall can deal with him.”

He smiled. “Wards?” he prompted.

“You think I’d do this without running it past Harry and Wends first?” she asked in a mocking tone. Suddenly, her eyes went dark, impossibly so, and her smile changed. It was merciless, it was dark, it promised things he didn’t want to think about. “Do you know how old Minerva is?”

He shook his head.

“She’s one hundred and seven years old. Marcus is just past his two hundredth birthday,” she continued. “Half your age plus seven,” she pointed out. “Minerva has lit a fire; let’s see if she gets burnt.”

“Daphne,” Severus said softly, “turn it off.”

She looked at him in confusion, before she shook herself. “Sorry,” she mumbled, as her normal blue eyes reappeared, and her smile appeared more natural. “Marcus is Clan, Minerva is playing with one of us. No one gets away with that for long. Our internal politics are just that. It will be another week or so before Marcus realises that he has been set up, and the fallout will be beautiful.”

“You are Addams.”

She smiled brightly. “You were right, Uncle Sev. It’s profoundly terrifying, but it’s also profoundly beautiful and inspiring. You know what I wonder the most?”

“Go on?”

“How they remain sane. How can you look at the kids in this school and not kill half of them? Wednesday has danced with the devil, Harry’s danced with a Pure-blood demon, and yet here they are, surrounded by children who only care about silly rivalries, a stupid sport and seeing who they can blunder into a closet with.

“And another thing, how can these children be so blind? How can they accept mediocrity? How can they sleep when we’re learning things that haven’t been known in thousands of years?”

“They are normal.”

“They are,” she agreed as she sighed. “I have to try and show the same patience they show. It’s just irritating at times.”

Severus smiled. “They do grow up,” he pointed out. “Eventually.”

“Yeah, you’re a teacher; I guess you’re used to people not fulfilling their potential.”

“My job is to provide them with the tools to fulfil that potential. Most of them will not have a clue what their potential is until they’ve left, and that is hopefully when our teaching will come in. But, what every teacher secretly hopes to find is that one gifted student, that one that works, that knows what they are doing, and you can see your actions guide them to the future.

“We’re lucky, because two extraordinary students are slowly inspiring others. Harry’s minions are pushing themselves harder than any other first years I’ve even seen.”

“Yeah, Sammy’s a terror isn’t she?” Daphne said fondly. “I’m thinking of taking her from Ginny.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah, she’s a lot like me, Death Eater sympathising parents who didn’t really want a girl. Sure, she doesn't have a bitch as a little sister, and she had more tutors than I did. I’m thinking that it could be fun to have a real little sister. I can teach her all the good stuff, how to hold your liquor, how to stab someone without getting blood on your dress, where to carry knives.”

“I’m not sure I should be happy about the liquor.”

“Oh, yeah,” she agreed with a giggle. “Forget about that part, I’ve never had a drink in my life. Moving on swiftly, I’ll leave her in charge of the minions, but teach her how to handle them.”

“Does Harry want more members in the Clan?”

“Yes,” she stated unequivocally. “He may not know it yet, but the more people we have, the easier we’ll find it getting to our goal. The more competent people we can take with us, the better it will be. Who knows, when we’ve seen everything, we might want to set up a new home somewhere.”

He nodded slowly.

“How’s your French?” Daphne asked, switching languages.

“Good enough,” he replied. “You’ve been practising as well?”

“Yes. Wednesday decided that we wouldn’t be reliant on the translation charms around the school, and that we’d speak to people in their own language. Harry agreed, as it makes people more relaxed around us, and we can use that.”

“Eminently practical,” he noted. “Narcissa had the same idea.”

As if summoned, the door opened and Narcissa walked in. “You’re practising?” she asked, also in French.

“Nah, just testing Uncle Sev,” Daphne replied.

“How’s your fun and games with Marcus going?”

“He’s starting to crack. He was in here earlier asking Uncle Sev to stop me.”

“Excellent,” Narcissa said, as she daintily took a seat next to him. She looked at her watch. “It’s getting close to the time they are due to arrive,” she noted. “Do you need to get ready?”

“No, but I can recognise a hint,” Daphne said. “I’ll go and talk to Ginny.” She hopped out of the chair and was out the door in a flash.

“Good talk?”

“She’s taking on some of the Addams characteristics,” he replied. “She did the eye-darkening thing earlier.”

Narcissa nodded. “I’m looking forward to working out how that is done. Now, go and put some nice robes on.”

“Yes, dear,” he agreed, and walked into their bedroom. It was a job of only a minute for him to get changed. Less than five minutes later, he was standing outside with Narcissa, Albus, Minerva, Filius and Pomona, utilising a warming charm so that he didn’t freeze in the frigid late October weather.

To one side, Harry and Wednesday stood alone. Near them, Daphne, Pugsley, Hermione and Ginny stood in a small group, talking quietly. In a further group, the minions chattered with some of the other students, Natalie conspicuous in that group. Severus made a mental note to speak to her soon.

He smiled as Natalie demonstrated the warming charm, and all the first years copied her. The benefits of their self-study obvious, especially to the frozen-looking second and third years.

Filius and Minerva hurried over to cold students and quickly cast warming charms on them as well.

“Aha,” Dumbledore exclaimed loudly – a little too loudly, considering how close he was to them. “Unless I am very much mistaken, the delegation from Beauxbatons approaches!”

“Where?” a few students said, but they were quickly hushed by some of the other students.

Pugsley pointed and, just loud enough to be heard, said, “Over the lake, at around three thousand feet and descending fast.”

“A flying carriage,” Daphne added. “What’s pulling them?”

“Abraxan,” Wednesday replied softly. “Gold and white ones.” She sighed. “They look so much better when they’re black.”

Harry reached out and put an arm around her.

With a bone-jarring thump, the powder blue carriage landed, with the huge horses running at full pelt.

The front horses’ heads went back, and they started to slow, but rather than come to a stop, they began to canter, twisting toward Harry and Wednesday.

The two didn’t even deign to look uncomfortable, as the horses moved closer.

Pugsley backed the others away, as the carriage came to a stop, the horses breathing heavily, as they stared at Wednesday with a strange fascination.

As one, the horses lowered their heads.

Wednesday reached up and stroked the noses of the front two. She sighed softly. “Do we consider Hogwarts home?”

Harry looked around. “Emotionally, no,” he decided. “However, we do live here for most of the year. And by our attendance, we have agreed to represent this school.”

Wednesday nodded. “Follow,” she commanded sharply as she started to walk.

The Abraxans did exactly as they were told, almost prancing behind her. The fact that they were over thirteen feet tall, and must have weighed close to nine tonnes apiece didn’t seem to bother Wednesday, as she stopped in front of the entrance to the school. She flicked her hand at the carriage, and a set of golden stairs appeared.

The first person down the stairs was the Beauxbatons Headmistress, Olympe Maxime. She looked at Wednesday, before simply saying, “Merci.”

“You are guest at our school,” Wednesday replied in flawless French. “For the duration of your stay, your honour is our honour. We welcome you to Hogwarts, and will do that which is prescribed to ensure that your stay is pleasant.” With a small bow, she took a few steps back.

Olympe gulped, her students following her out of the coach, and they joined her, seemingly spell-bound as Wednesday flicked her hands at the horses, removing their reins. The horses pranced around, before Wednesday jumped up about four feet vertically, and grabbed the mane of the first and swung herself onto its back.

With a noise resembling thunder, the horses took off at a gallop; following the Abraxan Wednesday was riding.

“Pugsley, Hermione, Daphne, Ginny, warming charms for our guests,” Harry ordered.

Working together the four students cast spells on the cold-looking Beauxbatons students, who instantly stopped shivering. Severus suspected that they simply had not thought about the weather differences between the south of France and Scotland.

“Natalie, arrange for someone to park the carriage near the stables Hagrid built.”

“Yes, Harry,” Natalie agreed. She pointed at the Head Boy, and a few other students, who dashed over to the carriage. With a few spells, it trundled after them as they jogged around the school.

Albus moved over to stand next to Harry, a wide smile on his face. “My dear Madame Maxime,” he said. “Welcome to Hogwarts.”

“Dumbly-dore,” said Madame Maxime in a deep voice. “I ‘ope I find you well?”

“It’s been an interesting few years,” he admitted. “I find that I am not as I once was.”

The headmistress nodded, looking surprised. She waved her hand behind her. “My students.”

Albus nodded at them. “Igor is due to arrive shortly.”

“We shall wait for ‘im,” Olympe decided. “Your students are surprising.”

“You have no idea,” Albus said, his eyes twinkling.

The Beauxbatons students moved closer to Olympe, looking at the Castle with something akin to fear on their faces.

“Hogwarts won’t bite,” Severus assured them, switching to French. “However, if you’ll accept a word or two of advice, I will simply assure you that you will be safe, and that you are welcome to come to me, or to any of the professors if you have any issues.” He paused, looked at Harry, who shrugged.

“Any questions?”

“Who was she?” a male asked. He had blonde hair and bright blue eyes, and carried himself with an assurance that suggested he knew his own attractiveness.

“Wednesday Addams,” Severus replied, amused.

The male smiled.

“Choose your next words with care.” Harry hadn’t raised his voice, hadn’t even turned to face them, yet the warning was like a winter chill, cutting through them. The threat wasn’t even delivered as one, but the boy paled.

“The lake,” one of the students – and judging by the loudness, it was probably Jordan.

“Was this planned?” Harry asked no one.

“It was,” Albus replied.

“And the Merpeople were warned?”

“They were. They are looking after the Squid.”

Harry nodded and gave Dumbledore a brief smile.

Albus smiled back cheerily, his eyes twinkling.

As the Durmstrang ship came to a halt, an anchor was thrown overboard, and the familiar and somewhat unwelcome figure of Igor Karkaroff appeared, strolling down the gangplank. He was dressed in thick furs, some of which looked like they belonged to animals that wouldn’t have voluntarily given up their fur without a fierce – and probably unfair – fight.

Harry walked forward, intercepting the Headmaster before he could get to the teachers. “Potter?” Igor said, stopping in his tracks, and then backing up.

“Where do your loyalties lie?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Igor said, backing away.

“You’ve ignored the calls,” Harry stated. “But things are changing. Where do your loyalties lie?”

Behind Karkaroff, students appeared, looking at Harry curiously. A few of the older students appeared to be trying to be intimidating.

“Answer,” Harry snapped, his voice underlaid with power.

“Myself,” Igor replied immediately.

“Arm,” Harry ordered.

Karkaroff gulped, and then held out his right hand.

Harry reached forward, and Igor started to scream. He dropped to the ground, clutching his arm. Some of the students reacted, but a look from Harry froze them in place.

“It’s just an ugly burnt tattoo now,” Harry said. “While you are in this school, you will follow the rules.” He switched to German, and looked at the students behind the kneeling Headmaster. “For the duration of your stay, your honour is our honour. We welcome you to Hogwarts, and will do that which is prescribed to ensure that your stay is pleasant.”

Unlike Wednesday, he didn’t bow. He nodded faintly and turned, walking back into the school. Pugsley, Daphne, Hermione and Ginny fell into place behind him.

Igor got back to his feet and looked at his arm in disbelief. “It’s, it’s gone,” he muttered. “I’m free.” He grinned and marched forward to the Headmaster. “Dumbledore,” he boomed. “That was the most interesting welcome I’ve ever had.”

“It looked painful,” Albus replied.

“Well, it was painful to get in the first place,” Igor replied. “I see scant need to try and hide what happened,” he continued. “Most intelligent students will have understood. That includes all of my students, of course. And, to be frank, suddenly having my connection to the Dark Lord smashed is quite a nice thing. Of course, I did think it impossible.”

“I’m afraid,” Albus said, with a twinkle in his eye, “That Harry, and Wednesday, will quite happily redefine your definition of impossible.”

“If they refrain from killing you,” Marcus muttered. “Hello Igor.”

Igor turned, blinked, and paled. “Marcus,” he muttered.

“We must have a chat soon,” Marcus purred, suddenly exuding a dangerous air, quite out of sync with his normal cheerfulness.

“Marcus,” Wednesday said, appearing from nowhere, “stop playing.”

“But,” the vampire whined.

“But you’re delaying dinner. Harry’s tired and needs to eat something before he shuts down; he has been up for the last three days because some Russian idiot couldn’t follow directions.”

Marcus blinked, and Severus felt himself almost looking shocked. This was the first public, verbal admission that Wednesday cared for Harry’s well-being. He looked at the Beauxbatons students, and suddenly understood. This was Wednesday being nice.

Wednesday walked past them, into the school.

“Shall we?” Albus asked. “I’m sure you’re all hungry.”

“We shall,” Olympe said, and took Albus’ arm as he offered it to her. Severus moved so that he was walking with Igor.

“Ouch,” Igor said softly. “That hurt.”

“And that is nothing compared to what they will do if you do something silly,” Severus agreed.

“So you are free as well?”

“More so. I work for them.”

Igor looked surprised, and then his eyes narrowed.

“Take it for what it is,” Severus said before Igor could say anything else. “You have a chance. You behave, you get to keep your life and your job. They don’t care about your past, just as they didn’t care about mine.”

Igor nodded. “Thank you,” he murmured.

“One more piece of advice, try and avoid fur if it comes from a dangerous animal. Wednesday likes animals.”

“That girl gives me the chills.”

“So she should,” Severus agreed as they entered the Great Hall. He took his seat at the Professors’ table, next to Igor, with Narcissa on the other side of him, next to Marcus.

The Durmstrang students were looking around, while the Beauxbatons students were looking distinctly unimpressed.

“They’re irritating Hermione,” Marcus pointed out with an amused tone to his voice.

“You are not going to stop this?” Igor asked.

“We found that the school runs much easier if we just let the students deal with things,” Severus answered dryly.

Hermione said something to Daphne and Ginny. The three girls stood and started to summon chairs from a stack in the corner, and new tables – ignoring the slow progress of Filch, who looked grateful that he didn’t have to do anything.

When there were twenty-four new places, twelve on the Hufflepuff table and twelve on the Ravenclaw, Hermione walked over to the gathered Beauxbatons students. “Please be seated,” she half said, half ordered in French.

One of the girls, a tall girl, her hair hidden under a scarf, gave a small sneer.

Hermione looked her directly in the eye, and hissed, “Sit!” The girl dropped into a seat like a sack of potatoes.

Pugsley grinned and wandered over to the Durmstrang students. “Feel free to sit down,” he said in casual German. “You guys want some German food, or do you want to be brave and try some British stuff?”

There was some laughter. “We are brave,” one of them replied. “Bring on your pies.”

“Okay, we’ve put you with the Ravenclaws, they’re the brightest. We stuck the Frenchies with the Hufflepuffs because they’re the most tolerant.”

“I don’t suppose you have anyone who can play Quidditch, do you?” another asked.

Pugsley paused, and then his eyes lit up. He turned to Harry and asked something in the language they used when they didn’t want anyone else to know what they were talking about.

Harry looked thoughtful.

“Come on, Harry, please,” Pugsley begged, switching to English. “Wends, help?”

Wednesday looked at her brother for a long moment, before turning to Harry. What she said to Harry was in yet another obscure language, this one leaving Pugsley with a blank look.

Harry stood and moved to the front of the Professors.

“Professor Karkaroff,” he said firmly, in English, then French, then German. Throughout his speech, he repeated each thing in the three languages, in an impressive display of mental acuity. “As I’m sure you are aware, the Triwizard Tournament has interfered with our regular Quidditch season, and while the Tournament offers false glory for the fools who participate, it does nothing for the rest of the students – well, nothing for those who don’t consider the idea of students dying for such a pointless event entertainment.

“As such, the students of Hogwarts would like to challenge the students of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang to a small Quidditch tournament.”

There was a series of gasps from the students, as Harry made his way through the three languages, causing some seriously excited whispers.

“As sport is merely a part of our academic life, I am also proposing a head-to-head competition, where the brightest of each school, in teams of seven, battle it out over general knowledge questions.”

This time the Ravenclaw students, as well as the Beauxbatons and some of the Durmstrang students started to whisper intently.

“And in the spirit of friendly inter-school competition, I will personally offer a prize fund of twenty-one thousand galleons, with one thousand going to each member of the winning teams, and the other third going to the victorious school. In the event of a tie, the money will shared between the victorious schools.”

This time, there was a hush, as everyone stared at Harry.

“Professor Karkaroff?” Harry asked.

“Durmstrang accept the proposal,” Igor replied into silence. There was a massive cheer from the Hogwarts tables, as well as the Durmstrang table.

“Madame Maxime?” Harry asked.

“Beauxbatons would be delighted.”

There was an even louder cheer, as all three groups of students exploded.

“We will run the Quidditch competition under European rules, under the auspices of the Fédération Internationale de Quidditch Association” Harry continued, a wave of his hand silencing the cheers. “You may, of course, fetch any students you wish to participate. The quiz will feature questions set by the Librarians of Alexandria, and will be judged by them and their legendary impartiality. Do we have an agreement?”

“We do,” Olympe agreed.

“Ja,” Igor said firmly.

“Professor Snape, will you coordinate with Madame Maxime and Professor Karkaroff?”

“Of course,” Snape replied.

Harry offered the very faintest hint of a bow, and headed toward his seat, only for him to be assaulted by an almost flying Hermione, who hugged him tightly, as she almost danced on the spot.

“Interschool quiz, interschool quiz,” she chanted, “as important as Quidditch, thank you, thank you. Thank you!”

Harry offered her what looked like the tiniest of smiles to people who couldn’t read him. “Breathe,” he ordered softly.

Hermione wrestled control from somewhere, and she blushed slightly. “I thank you, Clan leader,” she said formally.

Harry nodded, and they retook their seats.

“I love that man,” Pugsley said loudly, as he bounded back over to the Slytherin table.

“Fred,” George Weasley – and Snape presumed it was George, only because of the fact that he started with the word Fred – “we have to get onto the Quidditch team!”

“Too right, brother mine,” Fred agreed. “We have better odds of winning, and no having to face death, and there are no age restrictions!”

Severus looked at Harry, who smiled, even as the food arrived.

After they had eaten, Albus asked Harry and Wednesday, along with Severus and Minerva, to join him in his office.

“That,” Albus said slowly, “was massively out of the character you have shown so far. What is going on?”

Severus winced, as Wednesday’s eyes blackened and her muscles tensed.

Harry lightly placed am arm around her, and settled her back down.

“How little you know me,” he said softly. “What have I just done, Professor McGonagall?”

Minerva looked at him for a long moment. “You’ve just ruined the Triwizard Tournament, making it the smallest ring of a three ringed circus. And you’ve given yourself a chance to see some of the best students in three schools compete for something, and I suspect that you are more interested in the interschool quiz, than the Quidditch.”

“Exactly,” Harry agreed. “The Triwizard Tournament will be a side show to our main event. The Clan will gain from it, both from a public relations point of view, and from a potential recruitment, all for the cost of just a few measly galleons.”

“Which is enough to pay for every student here’s tuition,” Minerva added tartly.

Harry shrugged.

“You will need to arrange the extra accommodation; Durmstrang and Beauxbatons will be bringing in more students,” Dumbledore said.

“I will. Was there anything else?”

“I guess not.”

Harry stood and nodded. He turned and walked out, Wednesday by his side. “Severus, talk to the ministries, get Narcissa to talk to the press, and send Marcus to the Goblins to arrange the accommodation, I suspect that Olympe and Igor will take up the rest of your free time. Wednesday, approach FIQA, be polite to start with, and if they start asking for bribes, kill a few of them until they agree to my terms.”

“Yes, my beloved,” Wednesday said with a little bounce.

“I’ll go to the Library of Alexandria and arrange their participation.” He turned and nodded at Severus, before he vanished. Wednesday vanished seconds later.

Severus shrugged and went about his assigned tasks.

By the next morning, everything had been arranged. FIQA was down six council members, a dozen guards and one unlamented clerk. Their attitude toward the tournament was now glowingly positive.

The Librarians of Alexandria had not needed any such persuasion; they had jumped at the opportunity for a high profile interschool quiz, and a senior librarian had accompanied Harry back to Hogwarts to start organising how it would work.

The librarian was practically vibrating with excitement at the thought of Quidditch-sized audiences for a quiz.

And perhaps more importantly, all three schools were talking about everything bar the Triwizard Tournament.