The following weekend, Harry met with Lord Greengrass at Gringotts to finalise the details of a betrothal agreement between House Black and House Greengrass. Griphook oversaw the proceedings, his sharp eyes flicking between the two lords as they reviewed the contract.
Lord Greengrass examined the parchment carefully, his brow furrowed in concentration. "So, to confirm: Draco will receive the cottage upon their marriage and will inherit the title of Lord Black after the birth of their first child?" he asked, his voice measured.
Harry inclined his head. "Yes. Draco already receives a monthly stipend of 750 Galleons into his trust fund. When he comes of age next year, I'll double it. Upon his ascension to the title, he will gain exclusive access to the Black vault, as well as control over all associated properties, businesses, and assets."
"And in return, you pledge your protection to both Astoria and Daphne, should the need arise?"
"You have my word," Harry replied firmly. "Additionally, Draco will give Astoria a betrothal ring. Should she or Daphne encounter any trouble, all she needs to do is twist the stone twice to summon him. Draco will have a direct means of contacting me if my intervention is required."
Lord Greengrass nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Very well. This arrangement ensures Astoria will be well cared for. I can find no reason to refuse." He paused, a smirk curling his lips. "Although, I suspect Daphne will be disappointed she isn't the one marrying you after all."
Harry chuckled, shaking his head. "As I've mentioned, one woman is more than enough for me—particularly when that woman happens to be the Minister for Magic."
Greengrass laughed, signing the parchment with a flourish before handing it to Harry. "Yes, I imagine Minister Bones keeps you on your toes. She always had a sharp tongue and a keen wit back in her Hogwarts days."
"That she does," Harry agreed, his tone warm as he added his own signature to the contract.
"It's been a pleasure doing business with you, Lord Potter-Black," said Greengrass as he stood. "I'll give Astoria the good news in the morning."
Harry nodded and offered his hand, which Greengrass shook firmly. With the agreement finalised, Harry returned to Potter Manor, eager to spend some time with Amelia.
The following morning, a delighted squeal erupted from the Slytherin table, silencing the Great Hall as every head turned to see Astoria Greengrass throw her arms around a stunned Draco Malfoy. Her kiss, bold and unapologetic, left the normally composed young wizard visibly flustered.
For the rest of the day, both Draco and Astoria wore matching smiles, their joy infectious to anyone who encountered them.
That evening, the betrothal was made official at Potter Manor. Harry, Draco, Narcissa, Amelia, and Astoria gathered in the sitting room, the fire crackling softly in the background. Draco presented Astoria with the betrothal ring, its delicate design highlighting a large emerald surrounded by tiny diamonds—a clear symbol of their union.
Astoria's eyes widened in awe as she gazed at the ring, her fingers trembling slightly as she turned it in the firelight. "It's beautiful," she whispered before launching herself at Draco with such enthusiasm that he nearly stumbled.
Narcissa cleared her throat gently, breaking the moment. Blushing furiously, Astoria turned and surprised Harry by wrapping him in a tight hug.
"Thank you, Lord Black," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Harry returned the hug awkwardly, patting her back as he shot Amelia a helpless look. Amelia, standing nearby, bit her lip to stifle a laugh, clearly amused by his discomfort.
The next morning at breakfast, a finely embossed envelope was delivered to Harry at the head table. Recognising Slughorn's distinctive seal, Harry groaned inwardly as he opened it.
Inside was an invitation to a Halloween dinner for the Slug Club. Harry winced as he read the details.
"I completely forgot I agreed to attend this," he muttered to himself. His gaze flicked to Amelia, who was sipping her tea and scanning the morning's edition of the Daily Prophet.
A wry smile played at the corner of his lips. "I wonder what it'll take to convince Amelia to come with me," he mused, already formulating his plan.
O – o – o – o
The day before Halloween, Harry was in his quarters, studying by the fire, when Salazar notified him of a visitor.
"Draco Black is at the door."
Opening it, Harry found Draco panting, his hair disheveled and his expression frantic.
"He's moving whatever is hidden in the Gaunt shack tomorrow night," Draco blurted between ragged breaths. "He's sent Bellatrix and a few dozen Death Eaters to retrieve it."
Harry nodded, his expression grim. "Thank you for letting me know, Draco. Get back to your common room for now. We'll talk later if we need to."
Draco gave him a fleeting nod and turned to leave. Harry shut the door and let out a long, frustrated sigh.
"Of course it's tomorrow. It just has to be Halloween, doesn't it?" he muttered bitterly to himself. He sank into his chair, raking a hand through his hair. "There's no way this isn't going to go to shit."
He twisted his ring twice, and seconds later, Amelia appeared in his quarters, wand drawn, eyes scanning the room for danger. When she realised everything was fine, she lowered her wand with a breath of relief, though her concern remained. Harry kissed her quickly and relayed Draco's message.
"Why send so many Death Eaters?" Amelia asked, narrowing her eyes. "Unless—"
"It's a trap? My thoughts exactly."
Amelia frowned but nodded. "Then we'll move tonight. I'll gather the Aurors, and we'll go in before they can. Even if they show up, at least it'll be on our terms."
"I'm going with you," Harry said firmly, leaving no room for argument.
She studied him for a long moment before sighing in resignation. "Fine. How many of the pins have the Weasley twins given you so far?"
"Another dozen."
"Good. I'll go to the Ministry, brief Scrimgeour, and call in fifteen Aurors I trust. I'll hand out the pins so we'll have a way to track each other. Meet me in my office in two hours," she said briskly.
"What about Draco? Voldemort has to know he's my spy by now," Harry said, his brow furrowed.
Amelia considered this before answering. "Bring him to Potter Manor. It's unplottable and extremely well-protected—he'll be safe there, at least for tonight. After that, we'll figure out something more permanent."
She leaned in and gave him a soft, lingering kiss before vanishing with a swirl of green flames.
Harry donned his goblin armour and secured his knife before heading to Professor McGonagall's office.
"Professor, I need Draco immediately," Harry said urgently. "He could be in grave danger. I need to get him somewhere safe."
Professor McGonagall's expression sharpened, her usual stern demeanour turning into immediate action. "Of course, Harry. I'll speak with Professor Snape and bring Draco to your quarters myself."
"Thank you," Harry said sincerely, turning back toward his rooms.
Thirty minutes later, a knock sounded at his door. When Harry opened it, Draco stepped inside, pale but composed, with Snape following closely behind.
"You believe it's a trap," Snape stated flatly, not bothering with pleasantries.
"Yes," Harry confirmed. "I imagine Voldemort wanted Draco to tell me. He's setting the bait and hoping I'll take it."
Snape inclined his head slightly. "He hasn't said anything to me yet, but he's grown increasingly eager to capture you. This seems like an opportunity he wouldn't resist."
Harry nodded grimly. "Let's go, Draco."
Snape's lip curled, but he said nothing further. As Harry led Draco out, Snape swept from the room, his cloak billowing dramatically behind him.
o – o – o – o – o
Two hours later, Harry stood in a large briefing room as Amelia addressed the gathered Aurors.
"Tonks, Kingsley—you're with Harry and me. We're going to retrieve the last one before he can move it. I'm fully aware this is likely a trap, so I expect company."
Tonks and Kingsley exchanged a glance before nodding grimly. Amelia turned to the rest of the Aurors.
"When the signal comes, I'll summon you. Don't worry about how—it will feel like you're being apparated. When that pull hits you, prepare to fight. You won't have much time to adjust once you arrive."
"Any questions?" she asked, scanning the room.
"Ma'am, no, ma'am!" the Aurors chorused.
"Good. Let's get this over with," Amelia said, and with a sharpcrack, she apparated away.
Amelia, Tonks, Kingsley, and Harry appeared several hundred yards from the Gaunt shack. They advanced slowly, the air growing heavier with each step. The moment they crossed the threshold of Voldemort's protections, the magic rippled through them like a cold wave.
"What the hell?" muttered Tonks, looking around at the empty clearing. "I can feel the magic, but there's nothing here."
Harry, however, stared straight ahead at the ruined house. "It's there," he said softly. Then he glanced at Amelia. "Should I just go in and get it?"
Amelia hesitated, eyeing the invisible structure warily. Finally, she nodded. "Be careful, Harry. Try not to touch it directly. If it's not already contained, put it in a box and get out. Fast."
"Got it," Harry said, turning toward the doorway.
To the others, it looked as though he vanished into thin air when he stepped forward.
Inside the shack, Harry shivered. A shrivelled, dead snake hung on the half-broken door, a grotesque sentry. He nudged the door open with his foot and stepped cautiously inside, the stench of rot and decay heavy in the air.
The Horcrux's dark magic sang to him like a siren's call, and he followed the pull to the centre of the room. Kneeling, he pushed aside a filthy, burned rug and pried up the rotting floorboards. Beneath them was a small, ornate golden box.
As soon as his fingers closed around it, the hissing began.
Harry turned to find the room filled with snakes, slithering forward, their scales glinting ominously in the faint light. One of the largest rose up to meet his gaze.
"§You have touched the box,§" it hissed. "§Payment is required.§"
Harry sighed. "Damn. I really hoped that wouldn't happen."
Thinking quickly, he flicked his wand. Rats and mice swarmed in from every corner of the shack, drawn by his magic.
"§Will that do?§" he asked.
The snake nodded, and the serpents slithered aside, distracted by the fresh prey. Harry slipped the box into his pocket and carefully made his way out. As he emerged, he saw Amelia's expression of relief, and he smiled faintly.
But the moment he stepped toward her, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. He froze.
"Company," he muttered.
A second later, Bellatrix Lestrange apparated in with at least fifty Death Eaters behind her, a cruel smirk twisting her face.
"Well, well," she purred, her gaze settling on Harry and Amelia. "Itty-bitty baby Potter and his whore."
Harry's expression darkened. "Bellatrix." He tilted his head mockingly. "Say hello to Rodolphus for me, will you?"
Before she could react, he sent a wandless Confringo at her. Bellatrix flicked her wand to deflect the curse, but her smirk vanished as rage overtook her.
"Kill them!" she screamed, charging forward, firing curses wildly.
Harry raised a shield and turned his ring three times. "Deprimo!" he roared.
A massive crater exploded in the centre of the Death Eaters, sending them scrambling to avoid the collapsing ground. The Aurors Amelia had summoned appeared instantly, landing with wands drawn and immediately joining the fray.
Amelia shot Harry a brief, grateful look before diving into the fight.
Harry focused on Bellatrix. He fired a relentless string of spells to keep her at bay. "FlipendoTria! Incendio! Decrusto!"
Bellatrix conjured a shimmering shield and screamed in fury, her curses flying faster. Harry ducked and sent a wave of blue light sweeping over the Death Eaters.
"Deficiunt!"
The Death Eaters staggered, their movements slowing, their strength draining. Before they could recover, Harry summoned another spell, his voice ringing through the chaos.
"DaemoniumObtestor!"
The ground trembled as hundreds of spectral demons swarmed the Death Eaters, shrieking and clawing at them. The distraction bought Harry just enough time to turn his focus back to Bellatrix.
The air thickened as spells clashed, fiery and destructive. Half the Death Eaters had already fallen. Harry glanced toward Amelia, his chest tightening with satisfaction at their progress.
But then, in a blur of motion, Bellatrix was there.
She apparated inches in front of them, her face alight with maniacal glee.
"Harry!" Amelia cried.
Everything slowed. Bellatrix's wand pointed directly at Amelia's chest, her expression one of pure delight.
Harry's heart froze.
Too close. There was no time to cast a shield, no time to block it.
"AVADAKEDAVRA!" Bellatrix screamed.
Without hesitation, Harry lunged forward, throwing his arms around Amelia and twisting his body.
The curse struck him square between the shoulder blades.
The world went silent.
Harry crumpled against Amelia, his weight nearly sending her to the ground. She gasped in horror, her hands shaking as she clutched at him.
"No—Harry!"
Bellatrix's laughter echoed around them, ringing high and sharp above the chaos.
Amelia sank to the ground, cradling Harry's limp form.
"Harry…"
o – o – o – o – o
Harry's first thought was that dying didn't hurt nearly as much as he'd expected. His second was that something felt oddly familiar about the air around him—fresh, sweet, and comforting. He inhaled deeply and opened his eyes, blinking as the soft mist around him began to clear.
A building appeared in the distance. His breath caught.
Potter Manor.
"How did I get back here?" he murmured, walking toward the grand doors.
As he approached, the doors creaked open, and out stepped Sirius Black. His godfather's face broke into a wide grin, though his eyes carried a mix of sadness and admiration.
"Hey, pup," Sirius said warmly, pulling Harry into a hug.
Harry froze, stunned. "Sirius? Is it really you? But how—" He paused as realisation hit, the words catching in his throat. "This means I'm… I'm dead."
Sirius sighed, his smirk softening. "Yeah, kiddo. You took the Killing Curse for Amelia. Can't say she'll be happy about that, though."
Harry glanced back at the manor as a spark of hope flickered. "Are my parents here?"
"They are," Sirius said with a smile. "They wanted to say hello."
Before Harry could respond, an unearthly howl echoed through the house. Sirius winced. "You'll want to see this."
They stepped inside the manor to a surreal sight: James and Lily Potter battling a writhing, foul-smelling creature with ropes of conjured fire. The thing thrashed violently against the wall, its shrieks filling the air as it was finally pinned and immobilised.
"What…is that?" Harry asked, his nose wrinkling.
Sirius grinned. "The physical manifestation of the soul fragment that was in your scar."
Harry's eyes widened. "Was?"
Sirius conjured a mirror and handed it to him. Harry stared in awe at his unblemished forehead, his scar gone.
"It's gone," Harry whispered, relief flooding through him. "At least that's over."
"Harry."
He turned sharply at the soft voice. Lily Potter stood a few feet away, tears glistening in her eyes. James remained by the subdued wraith, keeping watch.
Lily walked toward him, her expression full of love, pride, and longing. Without hesitation, she pulled him into a tight hug.
"Oh, Harry," she said, her voice trembling. "We've watched you grow into such a fine young man. I'm so proud of you."
Harry closed his eyes, leaning into the embrace, his mother's warmth a balm to his aching heart.
"Come on," Lily said, pulling back with a smile. "We've got some time before you have to decide."
She led him into the manor's lounge. Harry couldn't help but laugh softly when he saw the familiar loveseat, but his smile faltered as his thoughts turned to Amelia. He sank onto the sofa near the empty fireplace, his chest heavy.
Lily sat beside him, watching him fondly. "Tell me about Amelia."
Harry flushed. "Haven't you been watching me? Don't you already know?"
"Of course I do," Lily said with a playful pout, "but I want to hearyoutalk about her."
Harry's gaze fell to his hands. "She's… amazing," he admitted quietly. "She's strong and kind. I… it hurts to think about the pain I've caused her by being here. I just—I couldn't let her die. I needed her to live."
Lily smiled knowingly. "Then you should tell her."
Harry frowned. "Tell her what?"
"That you love her."
Harry stared at her, his heart hammering. "I—"
"You love her, Harry. You wouldn't have jumped in front of that curse otherwise. That feeling in your chest when you see her? The comfort you feel around her? That's love." Lily's eyes darkened slightly. "I could throttle my sister for making you doubt that for so long, but Amelia's punishment was fitting. Watching that was quite satisfying."
Harry couldn't help but grin. "I love her," he whispered, the words strange but right on his lips.
Lily laughed softly. "You do. And I'm glad, Harry. You deserve love and happiness. You and Amelia are good for each other."
Harry's smile lingered, but then he frowned again. "You said I should tell her when I go back. Does that mean I'm not staying here?"
Lily's expression turned somber. "No, you're not staying. Whether you go back to Amelia or forward with us is your choice—but you can't remain here. This place is just a waiting room."
Harry opened his mouth to ask another question, but at that moment, James walked in, a wide grin on his face.
"The way you fought that dragon back in fourth year? Bloody brilliant!" James said, clapping Harry on the back and ruffling his hair. "I didn't get to tell you that when we saw you in the graveyard."
Lily rolled her eyes fondly. "He never stops talking about it."
"And the basilisk bones in Dumbledore's office?" James added, beaming. "Absolute genius. Well done, son!"
Harry laughed, the sound light and carefree for the first time in years. They fell into easy conversation until Sirius appeared, clearing his throat to get their attention.
"It's time," he said softly.
Lily and James stood, their smiles tinged with sadness. Harry followed suit, his hands shoved awkwardly into his pockets.
"Do you want to go back, Harry?" Sirius asked.
Harry hesitated, looking at his parents, and then nodded. "I love her, Sirius. I have to go back."
"I know you do, pup," Sirius said with a grin. "I've been in your head, remember?" He wiggled his eyebrows mischievously.
Harry flushed. "How is this even possible? Don't people usually not get a choice?"
Sirius sighed. "The thing about the Veil is… it's not final. It's more like limbo. While I've been here, I struck a deal with Death. If I escort that,"—he nodded toward the subdued wraith—"to where it belongs, you get to go back. When you destroy the rest of the soul fragments, I'll join your parents. So be quick about it, will you? I don't imagine the place I'm taking Voldy is very pleasant."
Harry swiped at his eyes, struggling to hold back tears.
"Don't be sad, pup," Sirius said, pulling him into another hug. "Live a long, happy life with Amelia. Have some adorable, brown- and red-haired babies. And when you're very, very old, we'll see each other again."
Before pulling back, Sirius handed Harry a small slip of paper.
"What's this?"
"A little extra help. I bargained for this too. It's the final piece you need to get that Dark Mark tracker working. You and Hermione would've figured it out eventually, but this will save you years of frustration."
"Thank you," Harry said thickly.
Sirius winked. "Ready?"
James and Lily each embraced Harry tightly. "We love you, son," James murmured. Lily kissed his forehead. "Be happy, Harry."
Together, they stepped back, Sirius throwing the wraith over his shoulder.
Harry watched them vanish at the end of the hallway, the manor falling silent. He stood for a moment, breathing in the sweet, light air. Then he squared his shoulders and turned toward the doors.
"I love Amelia," he whispered.
The words seemed to reverberate through him as the world darkened.
Suddenly, he was gasping for breath, lying on a hard, cold surface. Pain seared through his body, and the distant sounds of battle rang in his ears.
He was alive.
O – o – o -o
Amelia screamed in rage as Harry fell lifelessly to the ground before her.
A cold, sharp fury overtook her as she turned to Bellatrix, her wand already firing curses so fast they blurred into streaks of light. Amelia advanced with relentless precision, her movements fluid and lethal. Bellatrix's smug expression faltered, panic flickering in her dark eyes as her shields began to crack under the onslaught.
The battlefield froze—Death Eaters and Aurors alike paused their duels, transfixed by the war raging between the two witches. Amelia's eyes burned, swirling with crimson flames that reflected her fury and grief. Each spell grew more devastating, culminating in a blazing bolt of blue light that erupted from her wand. Bellatrix's shield shattered with a final, echoing crack, and the curse struck her squarely in the chest.
Bellatrix froze, eyes wide with shock as her body ignited. She let out one final, strangled scream before she burst into flames, then crumbled to the ground in a smouldering pile of ash.
Amelia didn't pause to catch her breath. Turning to the remaining Death Eaters, her grief-fuelled wrath overtook her entirely. The cowards had already begun to back away, but there was no escape. She swept through them like a storm, her wand a scythe of death. One by one, they fell—werewolves, masked figures, faceless enemies—all reduced to lifeless heaps.
Finally, silence reigned.
The field was littered with the dead. The Aurors, wide-eyed and shaken, turned their backs to give their minister a moment.
Amelia stood alone amid the carnage, her breaths ragged as she wiped tears from her face with trembling hands. The weight of it hit her at last—what she had done, and what she had lost. She sank to her knees beside Harry's still body, dropping her head into her hands.
He can't be gone. I can't have lost him.
She couldn't bear to look at him. If she didn't look, perhaps it wasn't real—perhaps it was just a nightmare.
But then, faintly—almost too softly to be real—she heard the words that shattered her grief-stricken stupor.
"I love you, Amelia."
Amelia gasped, her head snapping up. Harry's eyes were open, brilliant and alive, staring at her with a love so clear and fierce it stole her breath.
For a moment, she couldn't speak. Then, her voice escaped in a shaky whisper. "That's the first time you've said that to me."
"I'm sorry," Harry said weakly, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips. "Dying made me realise I should have said it ages ago."
Her relief gave way to anger, sharp and unrestrained.
"What were you thinking, Harry James Potter-Black?" she shouted, tears streaming freely now. "How could you do that to me? How could you leave me?"
Harry flinched at her words, but his expression remained gentle. "You would've done the same for me, Amelia," he said softly. Reaching up, he took her hand and pulled her down, pressing his lips to hers in an unspoken promise.
A loud wolf whistle from Tonks broke the moment. "Blimey, Potter," she called, her voice hoarse but teasing. "Leave it to you to make surviving the killing curse romantic."
Amelia pulled back reluctantly, but her tears didn't stop. "But… how? How are you here?"
"Sirius helped me out," Harry said as he sat up, his face still pale but alive. "It's a long story. I'll explain later."
She nodded, still too overwhelmed to push further. As she helped him to his feet, the remaining Aurors stared, some whispering in awe.
"Well, you don't look undead," Tonks joked, wiping tears from her own face. "Guess you're the Boy Who Lived—again."
"Just don't let Skeeter hear you say that," Harry quipped, shooting her a crooked grin.
"Kingsley," Amelia said abruptly, pulling herself together and surveying the carnage. "Take care of this mess. We'll meet tomorrow to sort out the official report. Right now, I need to make sure Harry is all right."
Kingsley inclined his head. "Of course, Minister. We'll handle it."
Amelia didn't hesitate. Wrapping her arms around Harry, she apparated them straight to Potter Manor.
As soon as they landed, Harry caught Amelia's hand before she could pull away.
"Marry me, Amelia."
She froze, staring at him as though she hadn't heard him properly. "I already am, Harry."
"No," he said with a small smile. "I mean tonight. Or tomorrow morning if we have to wait. I love you, and I don't want to waste another second not being your husband." His voice trembled with sincerity. "I don't want to miss anything with you."
Amelia exhaled, searching his face.
"Fine," she said at last, her lips curving into a smirk. "But on one condition. Madam Pomfrey gives you a full check-up first."
"Deal," said Harry with a beaming smile as he pulled her in for a prolonged kiss.
"Let's go then, it's already late. You're lucky I've already bought my dress." She said over her shoulder as she sauntered towards the fireplace and floo'd to Harry's quarters at Hogwarts. Harry quickly followed and they walked to the hospital wing hand in hand, startling Madam Pomfrey, who was just preparing for bed. She took one look at their bloodied, ash-covered clothes and froze.
"What on earth—?
"Harry survived the killing curse, again," Amelia said, her tone impossibly casual.
Madam Pomfrey gaped, but quickly schooled her expression and muttered, "Shouldn't be surprised, really." She waved her wand, a glowing diagnostic spell hovering over Harry.
Her eyes widened. "Merlin's beard… You're healthier than I've ever seen you, Potter. Any old injuries are gone. It's as if… you've been given a new body."
Amelia blinked, stunned, before narrowing her eyes at Harry. "Your scar… it's - Can I see your back?" she turned, lifting his shirt to reveal smooth, unblemished skin.
"All of your scars are gone, but how? I watched you jump in front of Bellatrix' curse Harry. I watched you die. How is this possible?" Amelia said hysterically then she started to pace as tears fell of their own accord.
"This is a dream, it has to be. Oh merlin, he really is dead, and this is just a dream." She thought as she began to panic. Harry could see that she was struggling so he took her by the hand and gently led her over to a took her shaking hands and knelt before her. "It's real, Amelia. I promise. Sirius made a deal with Death. He took Voldemort's Horcrux with him, so I could come back to you."
"You're… alive?" she breathed, hope dawning on her face.
"Yes. I'm here. And the Horcrux is gone. I think I can show you the memories if you want. I got to see my parents, Amelia; it was amazing. I wish you could have been there to see them," finished Harry as he leaned in to kiss her chastely aware of the matron still standing nearby.
Amelia let out a sob of relief and threw her arms around him, holding him tightly.
"I still can't believe it," she murmured, pulling back just enough to meet his eyes. "But if you ever do anything that reckless again, I swear, there won't be a place in this world—or the next—where you can hide."
Harry grinned. "Noted."
Madam Pomfrey coughed loudly, reminding them of her presence.
"Well," Amelia said, wiping her face and stepping back, "it looks like you're perfectly fine. Which means it's time for me to keep my end of the deal."
"Deal?" Madam Pomfrey asked suspiciously.
"I agreed to marry him tonight," Amelia said, smirking as Harry beamed beside her. She waved her wand to clean their clothes and mend their torn robes.
"You go find Susan and whoever else you want there," Amelia instructed, turning to Harry with a mischievous glint. "I'll handle McGonagall and the headmaster."
"As you wish, Minister," Harry said, bowing gallantly before kissing her hand.
Amelia rolled her eyes fondly as he darted off, his grin lighting up the corridor.
o – o – o – o – o
When Harry reached the Gryffindor common room, he found Hermione studying by the fire. She looked up and smiled warmly at him as he approached.
"Hermione, can I speak with you in private for a moment?" Harry asked, his voice a mix of urgency and excitement.
"Of course, Harry," she replied, closing her book and following him through the portrait hole into his quarters.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Harry blurted out, "Amelia and I are getting married tonight."
Hermione froze for a moment, her eyes wide with surprise. "What? Tonight?!" she exclaimed.
"A lot has happened," Harry continued quickly. "I promise I'll explain everything later. We'll need to talk about the tracker soon anyway, but for now, I need you. You're my best friend, Hermione. Will you stand up with me? I can't think of anyone else I'd want there."
Hermione's expression softened immediately, her eyes shimmering with emotion. Without another word, she surged forward and pulled Harry into a tight hug.
"Of course, Harry. I'd be honoured," she said, her voice slightly choked with tears but full of joy.
"Brilliant," Harry said, grinning. "I need you to go to Potter Manor and grab my best dress robes. Amelia bought a few, so whichever one you think looks best will do. Then find Narcissa, tell her the news, and bring her back here in something appropriate. Meet me at McGonagall's office when you're done."
Hermione nodded, still smiling through her tears, and stepped into the fireplace. With a swirl of green flames, she was gone.
Once she had left, Harry retreated to his room, his expression shifting as he opened his trunk. He pulled out the Marauder's Map, his fingers tracing the worn parchment with reverence. For a moment, he hesitated, then whispered softly, "Sirius."
No response.
"Sirius," he repeated, louder this time, but the silence remained. A single tear slid down his cheek as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small note. He unfolded it carefully, the words staring back at him in Sirius's familiar handwriting.
Live, pup.
Harry let out a shaky breath. "I'll send those soul fragments to you soon, Sirius. I just need to marry Amelia first. I know you'd understand," he murmured, carefully tucking the note away.
He glanced at his minutes until curfew.
"She's probably back in the Hufflepuff common room by now," he thought as he unfolded the Marauder's Map. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." The ink bloomed across the parchment, and Harry's eyes scanned for Susan's name.
His brow furrowed when he didn't find her in her dorm or the common room. "Where is she?" he muttered, his concern mounting. He checked the nearby halls and finally spotted her—inside a broom closet near the Hufflepuff entrance.
Harry's concern vanished instantly, replaced with a smirk when he noticed the other name beside hers. "Neville Longbottom," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head in amusement. He folded the map and made his way toward the Hufflepuff basement.
When he reached the closed broom closet, Harry tucked the map away and threw open the door with a dramatic flourish. Susan let out a startled squeal as she and Neville jumped apart, their faces crimson with embarrassment.
"Susan Amelia Bones," Harry thundered, his voice stern but his smirk betraying his amusement. "Don't make me ground you."
Neville stammered, "Harry, we—we were just saying goodnight!"
"Sure you were," Harry drawled, his eyes flicking between Neville's discarded cloak and Susan's partially unbuttoned shirt. Susan gasped, quickly turning away to button it up with trembling fingers.
"Your aunt is in McGonagall's office and needs your help," Harry said casually. "If you hurry, I won't tell her where I found you."
Susan didn't wait to argue. She bolted from the closet, still fumbling with her buttons as she fled down the hallway. Harry turned back to Neville, fixing him with a mock-serious glare.
"Not bad, Neville," he said finally, breaking into laughter. "Glad to see you're spending less time in the greenhouse."
Neville let out a nervous chuckle, his face still red. "Uh… thanks, I guess?"
"Come on, I need your help," Harry said, leading Neville back toward the castle's depths.
"Where are we going?" Neville asked, still flustered.
"My wedding. But we've got one more stop to make."
They descended deeper into the castle, the chilly stone corridors of the dungeons making Neville shiver. "It's creepy down here," he muttered.
"Tell me about it," Harry agreed as they reached the blank stone wall that concealed the entrance to the Slytherin common room. He knocked firmly on the wall and spoke clearly, "I need to speak with Professor Snape. Please."
Moments later, the Potions Master appeared behind them, his black robes billowing and his expression thunderous. "What do you want, Potter?" he sneered. "Curfew is imminent, and I hardly think—"
"I need to speak with Draco. It's family business," Harry interrupted firmly. Snape scowled but seemed unable to argue with the logic of a family matter. With a withering glare, he turned back toward his office, leaving Harry and Neville waiting.
"Did he even see me?" Neville whispered.
"Probably for the best," Harry replied.
A few minutes later, the Slytherin common room entrance opened, and Draco Malfoy stepped out, looking both confused and anxious. "Is something wrong? Is my mother okay?" he asked hurriedly.
"She's fine," Harry assured him. "Amelia and I are getting married tonight, and you're invited. Grab your best dress robes and meet us in McGonagall's office."
Draco blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You're… what?"
"You heard me," Harry said with a grin. "And don't waste time. Neville, same goes for you. Get your robes and meet me there."
Draco scowled but didn't argue, disappearing back into the common room. Neville nodded and dashed up the stairs toward Gryffindor Tower.
Harry finally made his way to McGonagall's office and knocked on the door. He froze when he heard muffled giggling coming from within. Before he could process it, the door opened a crack, and Hermione's head popped out.
Her eyes widened when she saw Harry, and she quickly slipped through the door, shutting it firmly behind her. "She's getting ready," Hermione said, thrusting a set of pristine dress robes into Harry's hands. "Dumbledore's setting up the Great Hall. All you need to do is put these on and be there in an hour."
Before Harry could respond, Hermione turned on her heel and disappeared back into the room, leaving him standing there.
Shaking his head in amusement, Harry spotted Neville and Draco approaching and beckoned them over. "Come on, you two. Let's get this show on the road."
With that, he led them back to his quarters, ready to prepare for the most important night of his life.