Back to: Harry Potter » Perfect Slytherins - Tales from the Fourth Year

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.

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“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.