"What the hell is this?" Neville yelled at Dumbledore as he slammed down his copy of the Daily Prophet on the aged wizard's desk. It wasn't at all surprising that Neville would act this way to the news. He knew he was partly responsible for the boy's rueful behavior, but most of the blame lay with his loathsome grandmother. It really was a pity she couldn't have been there the night Tom paid them a visit. A slight variable he didn't account for when he let Pettigrew discover the location of the Longbottom's safe house. That oversight had been a thorn in his side form that day forward.

He had mistakenly sent Hagrid to collect the boy. He had hoped that the simple man's size alone would have been enough to defer anyone from becoming a hindrance. However, Hagrid turned out to be inept against Augusta Longbottom. The woman snatched her grandson away to the highly warded Longbottom Manor. By the time he was finally able to get an audience with the woman, she had taken the legal steps necessary to ensure that Albus would never gain control over the boy, especially if she should meet an untimely end.

The woman was no fool and had too many connections in the Wizengamot. Her mind was just as keen as ever and she knew how to play the political game far better than him. If she suspected that Dumbledore had anything to do with her son and his wife's death, she showed no signs of it. He was forced to play her game in order to have any control over the boy's life. Augusta knew that she had Albus' bollocks firmly in her hand and had no intension of letting go of them in the foreseeable future.

Augusta wasn't so delusional that she didn't see Neville's flaws. His magical core was average at best, and he lacked proper drive to improve his knowledge of spells. If things become difficult he gives up and expects others to carry his load. That sadly was mostly due to years of everyone catering to his whims, because hard work was obviously an alien concept to Neville. Although Dumbledore had taught him some flashly spells to impress the masses, she knew that he was being trained for one purpose only - sacrificial lamb.

Before that day came she worked to make sure the Longbottom legacy continued. The Weasley girl would work for breading stock, but she planned to find a proper pureblooded witch to take the title and duties as the next Lady Longbottom. Had the woman knew of the secret will Dumbledore made Neville sign, she would probably have dropped dead of shock.

"Potter and Weasley save a few damn goblins and they get the Order of Merlin! I vanquished Voldemort when I was one and didn't get shite! Where's my Order of the Merlin!" The whinny tone of Neville's voice was like fingernails on a chalkboard to him. If he didn't need the boy so badly he would have thrown him out his office window for his insolence. As it was, he did need Neville, so deal with his latest drama he now must.

Regardless how much Albus wanted to yell at the boy, he knew that it was a waste of time, breath, energy, and magic when Neville was like this. He would let the spoiled boy have his tantrum. Albus had learned years ago how to tone them out. He would pretend he was listening, and would go so far as to nod in agreement, or give nonspecific verbal responses. As long as Neville thought that his words held importance, he was happy. Once the rant was done then, and only then, would Neville be ready to listen to what Dumbledore had to say. So as Longbottom's senseless drabble carried on, Albus Dumbledore reflected on what he had learned about Lord Harry Potter.

He had gained a considerable amount of power in the Wizengamot in a very short time. It was rumored that he and Black were pushing through several pieces of legislature that would change how things were done in the wizarding world for years to come. After what happened at Diagon Alley yesterday, Potter all but assured that the Succubi would be reclassified as Magical Creatures, and with all the rights that came with it. The Goblin Army was now at his disposal, if his sources at Gringotts were correct. It seemed that Lily and Sirius had told him everything about the prophecy. He still didn't know the extent of what Ginny Weasley had told him. The protectiveness he had shown the girl suggested she didn't paint Albus and Neville in a good light.

He knew that Potter had let just enough slip last night to get the children in the school to start rethinking their loyalties. Neville's own inner circle had turned their back on him, and seemed to take to Potter as if they had known him their whole lives. Given their history they weren't the most trusting lot. He was more than a little curious how the boy gained their trust so quickly. Hermione was unwilling to talk to Ginny on Neville's behalf. Not even after he threatened her Head Girl status. Potter even managed to get past Ron's over protectiveness. He was losing control in his own school and he didn't like it one bit. For someone like Albus Dumbledore control was everything.

That wild animal cry he roared out last night also suggested he is an Animagus, possibility a large cat type. Given whom his father and godfather are it's not an immense surprise. He also seemed to have forged a friendship with the first year Metamorphmagus. That was a possible pathway to gain some control over the boy. If he was correct, she was an orphan. He would have to look into that later. Perhaps if he had Auror Lupin tutor the girl, she could forge a friendship with the boy. She had told him that they had only met a few times and he seemed standoffish with her. Perhaps he didn't approve of her marriage to Remus, or better yet desired her for himself. Not a far stretch of the imagination for a boy that had tasted the pleasures of the Succubi.

Given Ms. Weasley's untrusting nature it could be a way to cause a rift between the two. If Tonks was to seduce Potter and Ginny witnessed it, he was sure she would go running right back into Neville's waiting arms. It would also serve to sever the growing bond he seemed to have with the others. Convincing Mrs. Lupin to agree would be difficult. He hoped he wouldn't have to resort to more unethical practices to ensure she complied with his orders.

He was sure that Lily was still his best way to control Potter. He had paid Rita Skeeter a visit earlier that morning to see if she was willing to pick up where she left off in regards to Lily's public opinion. The woman flat out refused him. She told him that she wouldn't write a word against the woman. Now that he remembered it, she had nothing but good things to write about the boy and Black. It seems that Potter had already gotten to her.

There was no doubt in his mind that the young Lord was the one the prophecy spoke of. He had of yet to see a good example of the boy's magic, but he bet it was well beyond Neville's. He needed to get control over the boy as soon as possible. This unknown variable needed to be dealt with soon.

"Well?" Neville asked in a very annoying tone. Albus blinked a few times to pull himself out of his deep thought.

"Well what?"

"Well, are you going to make the Minister give me the Order of Merlin or not?"

"Neville, Minister Scrimgeour is in the process of ostracizing me and the Order of the Phoenix. It seems that he is not happy that I've been blocking his attempts to use you for his own political gain."

"If it gets me an Order of Merlin, I'll let him use me. That's how the game is played after all. Gand always said you have no flair for politics."

"I do believe he wants more from you than shaking his hand in front of some cameras. Everything comes with a price Neville. You would do well to remember that." Dumbledore warned him. Neville got what he really meant. Don't get your hand caught in the cookie jar.

"Seems to be working pretty well for Potter, why not me?"

"If you truly want to reconcile with Ms. Weasley, perhaps you shouldn't try to steal her thunder on Saturday. A humble apology and congratulation on her achievement might better serve your purpose." Neville looked at him as if he was mad. Dumbledore sighed and shook his head from side to side. "You are not required to believe it, just say it. Remember that deception can be a very powerful tool to make others do your bidding."

"Whatever"

"Have you set up a DA meeting yet? I would like to see what progress my Army has made over the Summer Break." Dumbledore asked in an amused way.

"Um well, you see…I've been putting the word out, but no one seems all that interested in coming to the meetings," Neville said nervously. "Potter's behind it, I'm sure of it." He added to get him out from under Dumbledore's stern and unapproving stare.

"No one?"

"I've had a few bites, mostly fangirls, but no one with any real talent."

"If that is all you have to tell me than you can be on your way Neville," Albus said dismissively, as he started to massage his temples.

"What about the Order of Merlin?"

"OUT!"

"YOU DID WHAT!" Arthur yelled at his wife as he slammed his fists down on his desk. Molly couldn't help but jump. She could count on her one hand the number times that her husband had ever raised his voice to her. Arthur Weasley was for the most part a very calm man. It was hard to invoke his anger. He had his moments like any person, most of them caused by Lucius Malfoy. He was however at this moment shooting a very enraged, disapproving, scrutinizing gaze across his office to his wife.

After she had read the article in the Daily Prophet, she decided to go to Diagon Alley to see for herself the damage that was done there. Work crews of Dwarfs were called in to expedite the rebuilding process. Shops were open for business, and the hole in the middle of the street where the Trolls were said to have been trying to escape with children was sealed up. There was still noticeable blood stains on the street as well as some of the outside walls and alleyways. The thought that some of her children were here when the attack happened sent a cold chill down her spine.

She had learned from Tom the proprietor of The Leaky Cauldron that Lord Potter had called in a favor to get the Dwarves to come and help with the rebuild. Two women were talking how the same Lord had set up a grant to help the families that were hit worst by the attack. Now many other more prominent Families were making donations into the grant. To say she felt regret for the Howler she had unjustly sent the young man was an understatement. She was disgusted with herself.

She had let her wounded pride and anger rule over her common sense. She had taken the word of Dumbledore and Longbottom as gospel. She never let the young man have the benefit of the doubt. It was now very evident that she should have. She was more and more starting to feel like a stranger in her own body in her own life.

Her altercation with Lily Potter was too public to hope that it wouldn't get back to her husband. She knew that it would be better if he heard it coming from her than the Ministry gossip whores.

"I'm sorry Arthur I wasn't thinking. Augusta got me so riled last night. I intend to send him an apology straight away."

"Do you realize the position you have put our family in. He could ask for my immediate termination if it hit his fancy. I can assure you that I wouldn't blame him if he did. You should know better that to go accusing a Noble Lord like that."

"I think if he was going to, his mother would have thrown that in my face this morning Arthur."

"You talked to Lily Potter today?"Arthur asked and took a deep breath as he waited for the answer he really didn't want to hear.

"Talked no, screamed, yelled, threw curses at each other yes. Lovely woman." Molly's voice was dripping with sarcasm. Her husband showed no signs that he found her comment amusing.

"Can you blame her?"

"She attacked me Arthur! You should have heard some of the things that she had said to me!"

"She had cause!"

"I should have known you would have taken her side!"

"Don't try and turn this around on me Molly! You know what you did was wrong and Lily had every right to challenge you. You would have done the same if you were in her shoes, and you know it."

"That's right pretty Lily Potter is never wrong! All the wizards just fall at her feet and worship the ground she walks on! I thought better of you Arthur! She even made my own sons turn their back on me!"

"What the bloody hell are you talking about now?"

"She said I all but called Ginny a whore and Fred and George heard her. They slammed their door in my face." Molly dropped down into the nearest chair and started to sob uncontrollably. Arthur took the time to gain some of his composure. Normally his first instinct would be to comfort his wife, but at the moment he didn't have in him. He sat down at his desk and waited for Molly to calm down. He really didn't understand why she saw Lily as a threat.

"Listen very carefully to me Molly. I want you to tell me everything that happened today, every detail that you can think of. Can you do that for me?" Arthur asked in a calm and hopefully understanding voice. Molly nodded and then began telling him about her fight with Lily Potter. Half way through the tale he stood up and started to pace his office, but gave no comment good or bad.

When she was done she waited for him to continue yelling at her. She honestly wouldn't blame him. As she told her side of the story, she couldn't help but feel sickened for the things she had said to Lily. She wouldn't have wished that life on her worst enemy. Molly remembered the anguish in Lily's voice as she gave Molly a glimpse into her life. No one can fake that kind of pain. At the time she really didn't let what was being said to her to properly sink in, but it now had a choke hold on her heart. There was no way she could appropriately convey her regret to the woman.

"Go home Molly," Arthur said slowly and without emotion as he got to his feet.

"W-what?" Molly asked standing up. Arthur was already putting on his jacket.

"I said go home. I have to make an official apology to Lord and Lady Potter. Then I need to see if I can sort out the damage you have done with our children. I don't know how long that will take, so you don't have to wait up for me." He finished as he locked his office and headed to the main lobby. Molly noted that he didn't wait for her to follow him or attempt to give her a kiss goodbye.

As Draco sat in the back of Charms class, he wondered why he had to suffer the indignity of being taught by a Mudblood. To add insult to injury, she was also a Noble Lady. That meant that he couldn't show her disrespect like he did to that simpleton Hagrid. He no longer had the protection of a Noble House to combat any backlash that his mouth could bring upon him. Snape had also told the entire house that they were to show her the up most respect at all times. It was obvious that the man desired to taste the pleasures her body had to offer. Mudblood or not she was a very desirable woman. He had to admit he wouldn't mind having a go at her, if nothing else that to throw it in the face of her son.

That so called Noble Lord had gotten the drop on him earlier that morning. He pressed the issue that if he came within a hundred feet of that little Metamorphmagus bitch, he would shove his boot knee deep up Draco's arse. He had the distinct feeling that Potter was being quite literal with that threat.

He had no desire to antagonize Potter further. He was well aware that he no longer had the threat of Crabbe and Goyle to call upon in his hour of need. Nor did he have the threat of his father's influence to make students cower before him anymore. The new Lord Black had stripped him of his rightful title and family fortune in one fell swoop. All he now had to his name was his Trust Vault and Malfoy Manor. He wasn't even permitted a House Elf to maintain the property. The man actually expected him to do it.

He supposed that things started to fall apart when he failed to kill Dumbledore at the end of last year. The Dark Lord was already displeased with his family after his father's failure at the Department of Mysteries the previous year. His Aunt Bella was the only one to escape the Dark Lord's wrath, and that was because she had captured that Blood Traitor. He and his aunt had bonded over the death of his mum. Though her body was never found, she had disappeared the night his half-breed cousin and that accursed Shadow Fiend attacked his aunt's home. Bella was convinced that she came back to help her and was dragged off by the foul beast.

More and more his thoughts turned to his mum these days. He remembered with fondness the times she would comfort him when he was very young, always whenever his father was not around. Back then he never understood how different she was whenever his father was gone. It was only a matter of time before his father discovered her duality. He told her that she was too even-tempered to be a proper Death Eater. Furthermore, he didn't want her softness rubbing off on Draco. Her time and influence over him was always closely monitored. If it wasn't for the strict wording of his parent's marriage contract he was sure his father would have conditioned her to change her attitudes. He settled for berating her whenever Draco was around. In time he started to see her as his father did, but there were times that he missed the soft way her voice would sound when he needed comforting, or the song she would sing to chase away the nightmares. He could really use that about now.

"Mr. Malfoy, would you please come to the front of the class?" Lily asked Draco. It was her last class of the day. She had noticed he had just barely made it to class, and his movements were slow and sluggish. Several times during class he winced in pain, but he hid it well. She guessed that without the threat of Crabbe and Goyle, Draco was discovering the physical side of payback. It seemed that he was choosing to be prideful by not going to the Hospital Wing. The mother in her wanted to heal him straight away regardless of some of the things she had heard that he had done. He was Cissy's son. How could she not? Of course his being a Pureblooded extremist, made willfully accepting help from a Mudblood was not an option. So she was going to force him. It's not like he's going to hate her any more than he already did. Draco slowly stood up. If it was because he was hurting or highly annoyed that he had to follow the instruction of a Mudblood, Lily didn't know.

"Yes Professor," Draco drawled out through clenched teeth. His eyes were showing disdain for Lily. He was an inch taller than her and was trying to use it to intimidate her. Lily met his glare with one of her own and for a full minute neither one spoke. In the end it was Draco that looked away first.

"Glad we got that straight," Lily said low enough that only Draco could hear. This battle went to her.

"Please turn around and face the class," Lily instructed him. As soon as he did, she removed his robe from behind as gently as possible without revealing to the class that he was injured. "Oh, thank you for volunteering Mr. Malfoy." She added as she threw his robe on her desk. Draco didn't know what to make of her actions. Lily stood next to him and addressed the class.

"Today we're going to go over healing charms. Mr. Malfoy has graciously agreed to be my assistant slash victim today." She added with a wink and got a round of laughs, mostly from the Gryffindors. "Now I'm going to cast a Glamour Charm on my lovely assistant, so that he looks like he's been attacked. Then I'll demonstrate how to properly fix his wounds." Lily stood in front of Draco so the class couldn't see that she was in reality canceling the Glamour Charm that Draco cast on himself. When she stepped away, he was sporting a black eye, a busted lower lip, and several lacerations across his face and boils on his arms. Several of the girls in the class gasped in shock.

"Now usually most of these injuries could be healed with Episkey, but if every injury could be cured by that we wouldn't need St. Mungo's now would we. If the injuries came from a curse or hex, they will need a charm that has a little more of a kick to get the job done. The Brekeonus Charm was specifically designed to repair the damage done by a Bone Breaking Curse. So if Mr. Malfoy was to have two broken ribs, this is how we would mend them."

One by one Lily healed his injuries and demonstrated several different charms designed for specific curses. After twenty minutes all the injuries were addressed and the class dismissed. Draco was halfway out the classroom before he remembered his robe was still on her desk. He waited until the other students were gone before he reentered the Charms classroom. Lily met him half way with his robe.

"This changes nothing Professor, we're still enemies," Draco told her as he put on his robe and shoved his fists into his pockets.

"I'm well aware of that Mr. Malfoy. If we meet on the field of battle I will show you no mercy," She told him as if stating an obvious fact.

"Expect none in return Professor Potter." He confirmed then Draco noticed that something was in his pocket. He pulled out a salve of blue cream.

"What the hell is this?" He asked as he looked at the ointment.

"Apply it three times a day and your wounds will heal quicker," Lily instructed him in a mildly amused voice. Draco opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. Instead he gave her a firm nod. Lily figured it wasn't going to get any better than that, so she returned the nod. Draco turned to leave but found himself stopping at the door.

"Thank you for letting me keep my dignity," Draco forced himself to say. She was still a Noble Lady and honor demanded it.

"You're welcome Mr. Malfoy," Lily graciously answered, and guessed that had to have hurt to say. She wisely chose to keep that thought to herself. There was no need to undo any progress she may have made today. The next second he was gone and she hoped that with her single act of kindness, she planted a seed with him. Only time would tell.

Emma had never been more tired in her life. She met up with Tonks in the secret room after class let out for the day. After Tonks gave her a rundown of what she was and where her kind fit into the wizarding world. She learned all her rights under the laws set forth by the Ministry. Tonks told her how many would try to use her, as well as the slave market that would target her.

Tonks was brutally honest with her. She could safely say that she didn't like all her new sister had to say, but was grateful she didn't treat her like she was too young to know. She told Emma that she needed to know what she was getting herself into, the good and the bad. She also told her that the Sisterhood would always be there for her. An organization that had more political power in the Ministry than their enemies or the Minister himself would ever truly know. It was nice that Tonks let her have a choice in the matter, but it really wasn't all that hard to choose. She was a Gryffindor for a reason. Tonks then preceded to put her through a series of tests to evaluate where she was at skill level wise and where she needed work. For the next half an hour she was pushed to her limits and beyond.

Emma was currently lying on the floor on the flat of her back trying to catch her breath. A white dove flew into the room and landed beside her. It just looked at her for a few seconds before cooing at her. Emma went to pet it when it transformed into a blond statuesque woman. She smiled down at Emma and offered her hand.

"'ello, you must ze Emma. My name iz Fleur Delacour, but 'ou can call me Moonbeam. I 'ear zat 'ou are now in ze Sisterhood." Fleur added with a wink as she helped Emma up off of the floor.

"What, you're in the Sisterhood also, but you're not a Metamorphmagus?"

"The Sisterhood just doesn't only consist of us Emma. There are also Veelas, Sirens, Mermaids, and very soon Succubi." Tonks told her.

"We protect each other. Zer is zrenth in numbers no?"

"Okay I get that, but how did you know I was in the Sisterhood?" Emma asked still confused on that mater.

"My zittle brother speaks very 'ighly of 'ou."

"Little brother?" Emma asked with a look of confusion.

"Yeah, were all one big happy family here," Tonks said from behind Emma. "I guess that makes you my niece hey Moonbeam?" She added for fun.

"Yes, ze better looking one," Fleur added as she flipped her hair over her shoulder for added effect. Now it was Tonks turn to roll her eyes. Emma looked back and forth between them more confused than ever.

"Don't mind us Emma. It's just a little game we play. Harry's little brother by the way."

"Oh I get it! Even though you're not all related, you're still kind of like a family."

"Precisely" Fleur confirmed as she flicked the crystal Harry had given Emma.

"What brings you here Fleur?" Tonks asked her as she came across the room.

"'Arry thought zat she should 'ave an inheritance test done to zee if she 'ad any rights to any vaults at Gringotts." Fleur said as if it was nothing major. Tonks knew better, but it was still a good cover story.

"Translation, Harry wants to set me up with a trust vault, and this way I can keep my pride and the gold while not feeling indebted to him," Emma stated with a knowing look as she crossed her arms over her chest. The look of shock on both Tonks and Fleur's faces told Emma she was right, or more importantly Daphne was right.

"How did you figure that out?" Tonks asked her.

"I made a really brilliant friend, and she guessed that he would do something like this," Emma said with a huge grin.

"Did you new friend suggest anything else?" Tonks asked delighted that Emma seemed to be taking this all in stride. The truth was that there was more to it than that, but she didn't need to know until they were sure.

"Yes, she said to let him. I trust Harry. He would never do anything to hurt me. So you need like blood or something right?"

"'wo vials of blood zo be exact Emma," Fleur told her. One was to be tested the Muggle way and the other the Magical way.

"I just thought that I just dropped a few drops of blood on a piece of parchment?"

"The documents aren't allowed to leave Gringotts Emma. Fleur works at Gringotts so she can vouch for the blood samples." Tonks said. The girl just shrugged it off, and waited for Fleur to take the samples. It took only a minute and then Fleur set off back to Gringotts, but not before Fleur and Tonks shared a look that Emma couldn't identify.

Tonks was going over some exercises that would help her on her control when Harry, Ginny, and Daphne walked into the room. The two girls seemed shocked at the size of the room, and the fact that they didn't even knew that it was even there. Harry started to head over to them. Emma dashed at him jumping up and wrapped her arms around Harry's neck, then she proceeded to give him a very wet sounding kiss on the cheek. Ginny and Daphne seemed to find it very funny.

"Look Fury, you've been replaced," Daphne mocked Harry.

"Oh my broken heart, how will I recover?" Ginny added with a dramatic faint. Harry just laughed it off. He really was being a good sport about the whole thing.

"What was that for Cub?" Harry asked as he set her down.

"Just because," Emma said as she skipped over to Daphne and Ginny. Apparently, it was all the explanation she felt she needed to give him. Half way over to them Emma pointed to her pinky and mouthed right there to the two older girls.

"Fleur just left with the blood samples," Tonks told Harry as he walked over to her. "It looks like you're branching out." She furthered teased him.

"Jealous?"

"Please, you couldn't handle me on your best day." Tonks waved off Harry's shot.

"Succubi Darlin' Sicc-u-bi, that's plural by the way."

"Bite the big one, that's singular you prat."Tonks shot back as she flipped him the bird.

"Don't be a hater, and you made me this way."

"You know, I liked it better when I could turn your bollocks blue just from licking my lips."

"Hey! You kept on changing your boob size. You just can't do something like that to a horny fifteen year old. You could have done some permanent damage. The least you could have done was kiss them and make them better" Tonks let out a gasp and Harry tapped her cheek.

"Gotcha," he gloated victoriously. Tonks shot daggers as she mentally smacked that smirk off his face. They stared each other down for a few more moments before Tonks snorted out a repressed chuckle. Harry followed soon after. Before they knew it they had to hold onto each other to keep from falling over. The other three girls just stood looking at them and commenting on the odd dynamic those two had.

"Don't hurt her okay. She's been through a lot." Tonks warned him, after regaining her composure and looked over his shoulder at Ginny. "She has some major trust issues, so you need to be patient with her."

"You should know me better than that by now Nymph. Besides Mum gave me the speech this morning. She mentioned my bits and the tallest tower in the same sentence once, maybe twice. I don't plan on screwing this up."

"Okay, so what's with the blond Slytherin over there?"

"She's a friend. She has my respect and trust."

"I know that you don't give that away easily, so I'll trust your judgment."

"Thanks, that means a lot to me."

"Just be careful sweetie, I don't want you getting hurt either." Tonks added as she cradled Harry's face in her hands. He appreciated the gesture and gave her a little wink.

"Now that we got that all straightened out, what can you tell me about Emma?"

"Her power level is way beyond anything someone her age should be at, but her control is at toddler level. Not all that surprising considering she's had no formal training. She's a natural mimic. I think she does it on instinct. She probably doesn't even think about it so it's not considered control yet. When Fleur took her blood she wasn't showing any traits of you or Lily so hopefully we'll know tomorrow."

"I still don't understand her power level thing. I thought you had to build that that up over time."

"You said she had some kind of bind on her magic. Metamorphmagi body's are always in a state of flux. Binding rarely ever sticks, even runes aren't 100% effective, but they can greatly affect your ability to access and control your power."

"So it's like living your life in a suit of armor."

"Of course, why didn't I think of that? That would explain why her power level is so strong and her finesse so weak. She's had to work three times as hard to do the simplest of things."

"Alright, that explains that, but what about the mimic thing? I heard it required a great deal of training to be a mimic?"

"I would say the same reason you were able to create a Hybrid Animagus. No one ever told her that she couldn't."

"Hey Pride," Narcissa said as she stepped out of the fireplace of Lily's office.

"Have a seat. I'll be right with you Talon." Lily shot over her shoulder as she was finishing up the tea. Narcissa had owled her earlier that she was coming. As Lily was finishing up, Narcissa had a look around her office. She was in such a rush yesterday that she didn't get a chance to have a proper look around. Lily's taste in decorum was as always simple yet elegant. Warm soft colors covered the walls in a way that made a person feel completely relaxed.

As she scanned the collection of pictures around the room she couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. Lily's life played out before her in the pictures. Some before Jimmy died and some were after. Harry and Sirius, Lily's boys as she was fond of calling them, along with Lily were smiling back at her from different locations across the world. The Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, the Sphinx, and other Muggle-made wonders of their world were always in the background. Though she would have loved to have traveled the world, that wasn't what she was envious of. For all the sorrow the three of them had in their hearts, they also had love and happiness, and it showed in their bright shining faces.

Narcissa's own family portraits although quite regal and proper were for the most part cold and empty. She felt no joy in her heart when she looked at them. A stone faced husband that she hated was at her side. Her closed off son that always looked annoyed that he had to partake in the pointless ritual. Although she always smiled in their portraits her eyes held no happiness in them.

She pushed those dark thought aside as she spotted a picture that she and Draco were in. It was of Harry and Draco's first and only play date. Oh, how she wished that they could have grown up as friends. They were all sitting on a blanket on the beautiful grounds of Potter Manor. Lily was holding Draco up and giving him zerburts on his tummy as he giggled uncontrollably. She and Harry were sitting across from them as they rubbed noses together. Jimmy had taken the photo and Sirius had made an enchanted copy of it so that Lily's face looked different to anyone but her. That way she could have it out so that Lucius was none the wiser.

"Cissy are you all right?" Lily asked as she poured the tea. Narcissa returned the picture to its rightful place and gave her friend a weak smile.

"I had to leave everything behind when I made my hasty retreat from Malfoy Manor." She told Lily as she gestured to the picture she had just put down.

"It's one of my favorites. Would you like me to make a copy of it for you?"

"Yes, I would like that very much, but this time that way it is. I'm tired of hiding our friendship."

"I don't think we're going to have to do that for very much longer, if that's any consolation."

"I suppose that will have to do for now. Fancy a midnight secret mission no questions asked?"

"Where to?"

"That was a question."

"Sorry, you know I'll always have your back."

"I just need you to be lookout while Andy and I do an extract."

"Is that all? I was kind of hoping for a little more action than that. Anyway, I'll floo over about 11:30 sound good to you?"

"Perfect! Also do you know what this rune is used for?" Narcissa handed Lily the piece of parchment that Rose had slipped into her robe. Lily picked it up and studied it for a few moments.

"I've never seen that one before. I can ask the Ancient Runes Professor if she knows what it is. Harry would be your best bet if it's not human in origin."

"That would be great. It's probably nothing, or it just might mean everything."

"Anything else?"

"Yeah, do you think I would make a good mum?" Where the hell did that come from?

"You're already a mum." Lily told her with as much confusion as Narcissa had at the question that left her lips.

"I honestly don't know what possessed me to ask that. Just forget I asked." Narcissa said trying to dismiss it all together.

"No, you asked for a reason Cissy," Lily argued. It seemed that her friend wasn't going to let this go just yet.

"It's just looking at those pictures, the three of you look so happy. Harry's such an amazing young man. Even with everything that he's been through, he still is so full of love and happiness."

"I know that you didn't have any say in how Draco was raised, but I think you would be a brilliant mum." Lily's words made her friend smile in a way she had never seen before. "You Tramp! Are you pregnant?" Lily teased her.

"Bitch!" Narcissa yelled back as she chucked a biscuit at her. "I'm just a celibate as you are, although not by choice. Come to think of it I really could go for a good shag right about now. Did you know I was offered one yesterday. He was a strapping young lad quite dishy to be honest and from what I heard very skilled in that particular field." Narcissa added while wiggling her eyebrows for dramatic effect.

"Well what are you waiting for girl? Ride that young stallion and get your sea legs back." Lily encouraged not knowing just who the mystery man was. It took all of Narcissa's self control to keep a straight face.

"He's young enough to be my son." Lily if you only knew?

"Good, then you'll both be in your sexual prime. A young man's stamina could prove to be a lot of fun Cissy."

"Well since I now have your permission, I'll give it my upmost priority. Speaking of sea legs, don't you think it time you got yours back as well?"

"Cissy" Lily warned her with a pointed finger.

"Don't take that tone with me Lily. Unlike your son and my cousin, I'm not afraid of you." Narcissa shot back with a warning finger of her own. "Jimmy would have wanted you to move on and you know it. He would have wanted you to find happiness."

"I know, I know, I know, it's just…" Lily stumbled over the right words to say. Her friend reached across her desk and grabbed her hand.

"Just think about it okay." Narcissa told her, when Lily looked up at her.

"Okay" She answered in a defeated voice. Narcissa gave her an acknowledging nod. For now she would set aside this particular debate.

"Good, now on to the latest gossip," Cissy said cheerfully.

"I see by the subject change that your sudden interest in your abilities to be a proper mum is now off the table."

"Noticed that did you?"

"Noted, so what's the latest gossip?"

"Well, it seems that these two enraged redhead had a row on the streets of Hogsmeade this morning. Sadly, there was no blood, but it was quite the show from what I hear." Narcissa joked. Lily dropped her head on her desk with a groan.

"This is going to be in the Daily Prophet tomorrow isn't it?" Lily asked under a pile of red hair.

"Probably, Weasley must have pissed you off something fierce. It's not like you to lose it like that in public Lily."

"She had the audacity to send Harry a Howler." Lily shot her head up with a fire in her eyes. Narcissa was once again reminded that it was never a good idea to ever mess with Lily's Cub.

"I'm not making an accusation, but knowing Harry as I do was it deserved?"

"It was most certainly not." Came a voice from the open door of Lily's office. Both women snapped their heads to see who spoke the words. Standing at the doorway was none other than Arthur Weasley.