Family Ties

Holiday Haunts and Heroes

By Kyra

Candles flickered along the Great Hall as they strolled in. The enchanted ceiling above their head was overcast again, and lightning cracked wickedly. Conrad glanced up as Lara sat beside him, her green eyes downcast. "What is it?" he asked softly, passing her the pitcher of pumpkin juice.

"Mum's not doing to well," Lara whispered, so as not to alarm Marina, who sat on the opposite side. "Dad says this pregnancy isn't going well. Mum thinks she to old to have children..."

Conrad's eyebrows arched in confusion, and he whispered, "Your mum's only thirty three..." Lara nodded. "Gran had Mum when she was forty seven..."

Now, Luke had heard them, and he leaned across Malcolm to say, "Yes, but your Gran doesn't disappear if she steps behind her broomstick."

Nodding, Conrad agreed. Kalli Potter wasn't a large woman; she was rather slender and frail. But she had enough power in her to destroy a thousand Voldemorts. Even as they spoke, she made her way up to the head table to sit with Harry and Willow. "How's Aunt Kalli?" came a voice from behind.

Turning, Lara found her cousin, Devia Malfoy, standing behind her. "She's fine," Lara said hurriedly. "Are you staying this holiday?" Lara asked as Devia sat down on the opposite side of Marina.

"Yeah," Devia replied, reaching for a sandwich. "Dad's coming from Austria. Says he's been cleared to come back, they found Crabbe in Bulgaria. They say that old Quidditch player was hiding him... You know, Uncle Harry's friend..."

Luke's eyes filled with horror, "Krum?" he asked, arching an eyebrow. Devia nodded. "Uncle Ron never liked him!"

Laughing, Lara replied, "Oh, please! Uncle Ron could barely speak whenever he came to dinner!" Luke grinned, and glanced to Malcolm. "The only reason Uncle Ron didn't like Krum was because he dumped Aunt Hermione for some Bulgarian witch."

"That's correct," came Hermione Weasley's voice from behind them, and Lara glanced over her shoulder to find her standing there. "That and he flattened your father using the Wonky Faint thing-"

Conrad interrupted her, "Wronski Feint."

"Yeah, that," she continued, "In the first game he ever played. Got carted off the field and couldn't even recognize Kalli for a week." Lara giggled, imagining her father walking around asking Kalli who she was every few seconds. "But all's well now, Harry even recognizes people he hasn't seen in years."

Suddenly, the doors opened, and Satin Jordan ran in. She didn't pause to even wave at the children. Up to the front table, and leaned over to whisper something to Harry. He tossed his napkin aside and followed her from the room. Lara glanced to Luke, who shrugged and passed her the plate of butter.

* * *

Opening the door to his office, Harry strolled in. A young woman, with blonde hair and starling blue eyes rose to greet him. "Mr. Potter," she said, shaking his hand.

"Harry, please," he replied, motioning to a chair. She sat down, and crossed her legs, "What do I owe this pleasure?"

The woman smiled, "First, call me Melissa. Second, I'd like to see my daughter. It's Christmas in only a week, and her father refuses to allow me to write her."

Harry nodded sullenly, and leaned on his desk. "Yes," he said thoughtfully, "Dudley never did want anything to do with magic... Not ever since the Hagrid incident." Melissa giggled softly, and Harry cracked a grin, "I have never forgotten that image."

There was a timid knock on the door, and Harry's eyes darted to it. It swung open to reveal Lara, Luke, and Marina. "Dad, we wanted to make sure everything was all right..." Lara trailed off as she saw Melissa.

"Mum!" Marina exclaimed, bursting through the twins and rushing to her mother's arms.

Turning to his children, Harry smiled, "Children, this is your Aunt Melissa." Melissa grinned at the twins, as she held Marina close. "How about showing her around the school before dinner?" Lara, Luke and Marina nodded, grabbing Melissa and pulling her from the room.

* * *

"And this is Professor Patil's room," Lara was saying as she pointed up the silver ladder. "Divination," Lara continued. "She's a bit batty, doesn't even know which planet is which..."

Luke eyed his sister warningly, and hissed, "Leave it, Lar..." Lara shot Luke a glance, and shrugged at Melissa.

They were about to turn around and head back down the stairs when Lara found herself ripped from the ground and hurled through the air. She slammed into the wall, and felt something shoving her harder into the stone. Screaming, she flailed her arms, and kicked her feet. Suddenly, it flew straight through her and into the wall.

* * *

"And then she fell to the ground, and I brought her here," Luke finished, looking up to his father.

Harry's eyebrows were knitted in curiosity, as he leaned over his daughter. "Are you all right?" he whispered.

Nodding, Lara placed a hand on her stomach as she said, "It just feels a bit funny here. Other then that, I feel fine."

Madam Pomfrey nodded as she set a potion on the bedside table. "You should...Poltergeists are known for leaving foreign feelings in the body... Just be glad you only got a feeling, and not a poltergeist..."

Instantly, Harry's eyes lifted to Madam Pomfrey's and he replied, "You don't honestly think it's a poltergeist, do you?"

Poppy Pomfrey's eyebrows formed delicate arches as she responded with, "I'll be damned if it isn't." She looked a sideways glance at the children, and added in a voice only Harry could hear, "And I'll be damned twice if it isn't a Death Eater."

Grasping her arm, Harry lead her out into the corridor, and shut the door behind them. Very quietly, he whispered, "What would make you think of a Death Eater?"

"All the signs," Madam Pomfrey replied. "Number one; Lara was up there this morning, yet nothing happened. Then, she's up there with a Muggle, a Muggle Born and a child wizard, and all of a sudden, she's attacked. Number two; it attacked Lara, yet it came right over Marina and Mrs. Dursley. Number three; we have never had a ghost in that tower, no matter how many we had in the school... Peeves won't even enter that place. Trelawney made sure of it. She put up so many dark charms that place is a veritable fortress against normal ghosts... Only a poltergeist would pass through those warnings... Trelawney thought poltergeists were a symbol of fortune... The old bat..."

This revelation astounded Harry. It would put a brand new spin on things. Firstly, Divination must be canceled, and students must be put under appropriate watch. Then Lara would have to be put under surveillance to make sure she wasn't the one being targeted. Turning back to the hospital room, he opened the door to find Lara standing on her feet, hat on her head, books in hand. "Just what do you think you're doing, young lady?" Harry questioned, stepping in.

"Getting ready for Potions," she replied, going to stride past her father. But his hand stopped her. "Really, Dad," she sighed. "I'm not about to miss my class because some poltergeist decided to play monkey in the middle!"

Trying to refrain from laughing, Harry allowed her and Luke to pass, then continued, "Fine, but I'm going to talk to your mother..." Lara rolled her eyes at Luke, and said something in their twin language. It drove Harry crazy, and they knew it, that's usually why they used it.

* * *

Lounging in the common room, Lara flipped a page in her book and yawned loudly. Marina glanced up from her history book to stare at Lara. The girl snorted, and rolled her eyes as her cousin's scrutiny. "I'm fine!" Lara erupted for the twelfth time in an hour. Shrugging, Marina leaned back over her book, sucking on the end of her sugar quill.

It wasn't until everyone had left the common room that Marina finally looked to Lara again. Instantly, she noticed something was wrong. Lara's normally peaches and cream complexion was suddenly very cream. Her hands drooped as she held her quill, and she looked exhausted, but she wasn't. "Lar?" Marina questioned, eyeing her cousin carefully.

"Do you feel warm?" Lara asked, looking to the dying embers in the hearth.

Instantly, warning bells went off in Marina's head, as she replied, "You're warm?" Lara nodded, tugging at the hem of her robe. "Lara..." Marina said gently, "It's twenty eight degrees out. How can you be hot?"

Somewhere in the back of Marina's head she heard a faint whispering. Turning to peer into the corner she expected to see a few students who hadn't yet retired. But, as she turned, her eyes shifted out of focus, and she found herself staring at a blurry shape in the corner. At first, she thought she'd imagined it, but, as she squinted, and the blur disappeared, she recognized a long swishing cloak and pointed hat.

The figure launched at her, its arms outstretched toward her neck. Marina screamed at the top of her lungs, and fell backwards from the chair. Beside her, Lara was screaming for help.

* * *

Sitting bolt upright in bed, Luke tumbled from the sheets, just in time to see Conrad throwing his robe over his pajamas. "What is it?" Luke mumbled, sleepily, reaching for his robe as well.

"Lara," Conrad replied, swooping from the door. Wide-awake, Luke followed him. Down the stairs into the common room, they ran. By the fire, the screaming faded into silence.

Crossing the common room in three great strides, Luke and Conrad dove to the girls. Both were ash white, and trembling, but burning up. Conrad lifted Lara into his arms just as the convulsions started; Marina began to shriek as Luke touched her. The Fat Lady painting burst open and Willow strode in, followed closely by Harry and Kalli. Madam Pomfrey brought up the rear, her bag in hand.

"What happened?" Harry asked, kneeling next to the screaming Marina.

Overwhelmed, Luke shrugged, obviously confused himself. But Conrad leapt into his version, "I woke to hear Marina screaming, then Lara joined her. I heard this terrible laughter, like nails on a chalkboard, and then Lara screamed for me, and Marina screamed for Luke... Then Luke woke up, and we ran down here. Whatever it was is gone now."

With a look of disturbed annoyance, Madam Pomfrey glanced to Harry and said, "Nails on a chalkboard, boy..." Harry nodded, and turned to Lara, who's normally radiant skin seemed dulled. "Poltergeists in Hogwarts..." Madam Pomfrey clicked her tongue and shook her head.

But Willow interrupted the woman's lecture with, "We can protect the students... I'm just worried about what's going to happen when that awful Skeeter woman gets wind."

"Don't you worry about Ophelia Skeeter," Harry interjected swiftly. "I'll deal with that one in due time."

His wife eyed him skeptically as she replied, "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and she's enough like her mother to cause quite a disturbance."

Simply nodding, Harry waved Madam Pomfrey away with Lara and Marina. Conrad was pale and drawn, his fingers twitching slightly. Luke yawned, then stared after his sister with fear in his big green eyes. "Go on," Harry whispered, giving both boys a shove. "Make sure they remember where their classes are tomorrow..."

As the children filed out Harry turned to Willow and whispered, "You need to get a ghost hunter here, quietly." Willow nodded and moved to the door. "Doesn't Remus know a good one?" he asked.

Thinking a moment, she replied, "Yeah, he knows one through Mum... I'll ask him if he's still around." Harry nodded and followed her out the door quietly.

* * *

"Yes, I understand," Kalli was saying as Harry entered into the kitchen. Glancing to the fire, Harry saw Ron's disembodied head floating in the flames.

The head spoke as if nothing was different, "Ello, Harry." Ron smiled at his chum. "Do you know what your wife is trying to tell me?"

Harry spoke voluntarily, as he replied, "There's a poltergeist at Hogwarts."

"Precisely, old chap!" Ron chortled, taking it as a question. "How absurd!"

But as Harry grabbed a slice of bacon and glanced to his dearest friend, Ron stopped laughing. "It attacked Lara twice yesterday, and Marina once." Ron's eyes widened in surprise, as Harry continued, "I think it would be in your best interests to get someone here right quick, chap. Before it's Daynia or Hermione." Ron nodded and with a pop, his head disappeared.

Kalli looked grim, her stomach protruding from her robes. Harry heard her whisper, "Who do you think is next?"

She needn't wait for an answer, for it produced itself readily. Hermione came flying through the front door, breathless and red in the face. Between ragged breaths, she gasped out, "Attack... in the... teacher's hall... Willow... down... Come quick!"

Exchanging panicked glances, Harry and Kalli burst from the door in a mad run toward the school. Hermione rolled her eyes, shuffled her feet and chased after them. Across the fields and up the front steps into the castle, Harry and Kalli dodged children, just waking up, and older children jogging down to breakfast. Malcolm Weasley stood by the hospital door, consoling a destroyed Devia. Luke was pacing the floor, and Kalli could almost see the trail he'd followed all night. Conrad sat on the floor, his head in his hands, staring blankly at the ground.

Bursting through the door, Harry rushed to Willow's room, his breath baited. Just as he swung around the corner, Madam Pomfrey shut the door to Willow's room and held out a hand for Harry and Kalli to halt. Skidding to a stop, Harry snatched Kalli before she ran smack into Madam Pomfrey. "What happened?" Harry gasped, just as Hermione sprinted around the corner.

"Bugger!" she exclaimed, altering course and sliding past them all.

Without paying much attention to Hermione's fault, Madam Pomfrey began an explanation. "Willow was fortunate, she was found before the feeding was over..."

Instantly, Harry's eyebrows arched, "Feeding?"

Nodding, Madam Pomfrey replied, "Yes, Willow was fed on. This poltergeist is what they call a Soul Stealer. It drains the life from its victims. Lara, Marina, and Willow are the most vibrant in school, everyone knows it. Now that those three are drained, it'll be going after the next most vibrant."

All three professors exchanged confused glances, then Kalli's eyes widened, and she exclaimed, "Devia!" Hermione's eyes bugged out, and she fled the corridor. Outside the hospital wing, Devia stood with Malcolm, sniffling.

Harry grabbed her and spun her to face him. Her eyes were red, but starry. "She's all right, darling..." Harry whispered, pulling her close. But Devia cried harder, her tears spilling onto her robes. "What is it?" Harry asked softly, embracing her.

"Dad's coming home soon, and Mum is lying in there... How am I to tell him when I don't even know what happened?" she sobbed, throwing her arms around Harry's neck and burying her face in his shoulder.

Cradling her head in his hands, Harry whispered, "You just let me deal with Draco, I'll tell him." Devia nodded into his arms, and held on tightly. Harry didn't pull her away, even after Kalli and Hermione led the other children away to breakfast. For quite awhile afterwards, Harry and Devia sat there, in the middle of the hallway, holding tightly to each other.

* * *

It wasn't until afternoon that Harry's door was knocked upon. Distracted, he called for them to enter. In stepped the older, but undeniable Draco Malfoy. His blonde hair glinted in the light, and his dark eyes sparkled. "Potter," he said, reaching his hand out in a warm greeting.

Back when they were enrolled in Hogwarts they had hated each other with a passion. But something had changed that, something no man could fight and hope to win. Willow Lupin. Her flamboyance and fire had captured Draco's heart, though cold it may be, and suddenly he wanted to be accepted by the Gryffindors, and become a part of their legacy. Only a year after Harry and Kalli had married, Draco and Willow had as well. A week after the honeymoon Draco had been forced into hiding as Vincent Crabbe tried his hardest to destroy him. Willow had changed her name back to Lupin, and concealed the small wedding they'd had.

Draco had been unable to return to London for long, but came long enough to see Willow once a month. But recently he'd been unable to come but once every two months. His daughters, Hope and Faith, were with him, hidden, and Devia had transferred to Hogwarts, where she would be safe from Crabbe.

Harry returned the gesture, gripping Draco's hand in friendship. "Draco, have a seat," Harry replied, motioning to a chair before the desk.

"I'm anxious to see Will, where is she?" Draco asked, smiling.

But Harry didn't smile in return. Instead, he motioned to the chair, and repeated, "Have a seat..." Draco's eyes widened. Dumbledore had used the same voice when he'd told Draco that the Death Eaters had killed his mother. That was the pivotal moment in Draco's career. He claimed immunity and handed the Ministry a dozen Death Eaters.

But Draco didn't sit; instead, he stepped backwards, eyes wide. "If you're going to tell me that my wife is dead, at least had the clout to say it to my face, Harry," Draco whispered his hands over his heart.

"She's not dead, Draco," Harry replied, and he watched Draco exhale. "She was attacked by a poltergeist, a Soul Stealer." The exhalation turned into a deflation, and Draco sank into the chair. "She's in the hospital wing now. Madam Pomfrey believes she and the girls will be fine by dinner," Harry finished, glancing to the window where the sun shone merrily on the white snow.

The door burst open, and Melissa Dursley flew in, ignoring Draco. She marched right up to Harry and said, "He's on his way." Harry's eyes filled with confusion, until she finished, "He says he never should've let Marina come here..."

"Dudley? Here?" Harry demanded, staring at the woman. When she nodded, Harry paled. "Draco," Harry said, turning abruptly to his desk, "Go see Willow, hospital wing, I trust you know where it is..." Draco nodded. "If you wish to see Devia as well, she's either in the Gryffindor Tower, or in with Lara and Marina." He grabbed a piece of parchment and a quill, scrawled a note, and whistled for Hedwig. She snatched the note in her beak, listened to Harry's whisper, and flew off. By the time he turned around, Draco was gone, but Melissa still stood there. "Tell Kalli to bring Dudley here when he arrives. If you want to be here, you may. But if you choose not to be, you may stay with Marina, or in my home."

Nodding, Melissa moved to turn away. Then, compulsively, she turned to Harry and threw her arms around his neck, and whispered, "Thank you, Harry." Without another word she was gone.

* * *

The following morning, Harry sat at his desk, looking over the reports written on the girls. All three had been discharged with high marks, and Willow would be returning to class. At Draco's suggestion, Harry had assigned him to watch over his wife. Conrad and Luke were given direct care of Lara and Marina, and Kalli was distributing charms made by Professor Flitwick to protect against poltergeists.

Harry was expecting pretty much anything that day, except for what burst through his door, fuming. Hagrid sat on the couch, reading the paper; Sirius sat in a chair, playing with his wand. As the door burst open, Harry glanced up. He barely recognized Dudley Dursley. The man standing before him was not the fat bastard that tortured him as a child, but he was husky, with a bald spot and dark hair. His eyes smoked behind his lids, and Harry could almost see him getting angrier.

Instantly, Sirius rose to his feet and pointed his wand. "Name and business," he barked.

Dudley halted in his tracks, and glanced fleetingly between the wand and Hagrid. Unconsciously, he placed one hand over his buttocks, and backed away a step.

Rising to his feet, Harry walked around the desk and lowered Sirius' hand, but didn't take the wand from him. "Ello, Dudley," Harry stated simply, not warm, as one would greet a relative, but harsh and icy.

"What happened to my daughter?" Dudley growled, stepping forward.

But Harry would not be manipulated. He stepped forward as well, and replied sharply, "You disowned her."

Eyes darkened on Dudley's side as he defied, "When did I?"

"I believe the words were "No girl who can do magic is a girl of mine"..." Came Melissa's voice form behind. Dudley spun to glare at her, and she crossed the room to stare at him. "You have no right to be here for her, Dudley. She's no longer yours."

The door opened once more, and Lara, Luke, Marina and Conrad strolled in. They stopped abruptly. "Sorry," Lara squeaked, backing into Conrad. "Mum wanted me to tell you that the meeting has been rescheduled. I'll tell her you were busy..."

They moved to leave, but Marina stayed where she was, staring at Dudley. Lara turned to look too, and her eyes widened. The scene must have been disturbing. Sirius was clutching his wand, Hagrid had risen to his menacing seven-foot height, Harry was practically stepping on Dudley's feet, and Melissa was glaring. "Dad?" Marina questioned, staring at him. For the first time, Harry saw Dudley melt. "Why're you here?" she asked, stepped toward them.

"I was worried about you, princess..." Dudley replied.

But Marina stopped, anger clouding her eyes. "Why!" she demanded, stepping back to slide her hand into Lara's. "I'm with my family! What do you care, I'm just a Mudblood to you!" Dudley looked crushed, but Marina looked as if she'd won the Quidditch World Cup. "Come on, Lar..." she said, and slipped out the door.

Turning back to Harry, Dudley's eyes flashed angrily. "What am I supposed to do now, Headmaster?" he snarled with contempt.

Refusing to rise to anger as well, Harry replied, "Hagrid will take you where ever you wish to go. If that's the train station, or the Three Broomsticks for a room, then so be it. If you wish to remain here for now, and get a room later, perhaps try to patch up the rift between yourself and your daughter, then fine. But I must remind you, you are in a school full of witches and wizards, if you stay here you may have another mishap if you don't watch your step. Literally..."

Hagrid stepped up, and stared Dudley down. Dudley visibly shuddered, then replied, "Fine, I'll stay here until dinner, then whoever can escort me to this Three Broomsticks will take me and I will depart tomorrow morning." Harry nodded and motioned to Hagrid, who seemed to want to pick Dudley up and carry him out.

"You didn't have to do that, Harry," Melissa said after they departed. "Marina's not likely to forgive him in one night."

Nodding, Harry took his seat once more, and replied, "I'm well aware of that, Melissa. But if Dudley spends time in this world, maybe he will be ready to accept it a bit later."

"Nice thought," Melissa said, moving toward the door. "But he won't"

When just he and Sirius were left, Harry put his head in his hands, and sighed loudly. "How do I protect them?" he muttered.

Sirius sat down adjacent from him, and crossed his arms. "You sounded like James right there..." he said. Harry's eyes lifted to meet his godfather's, and he frowned. "I know, I say it all the time. But you really did right there," Sirius continued. "He said that so many times when you were a baby. He wanted you to be safe; you were all he ever talked about. He would boast about what an incredible Quidditch player you would be. Play for Ireland, he said. He's so proud of you, you know. Headmaster." Harry nodded, not noticing the strange use of words. Almost as if Sirius had spoken to him since he'd died. (A/N: Read Something Unpredictable)

"Thanks, Sirius," Harry whispered, reaching for a pen and parchment. "If you'll excuse me, I have some things to do before lunch." Sirius nodded and stepped from the office. Closing the door behind him, Sirius sighed and leaned against the paneling. The holidays were beginning and something was going down.

* * *

Up until lunch, the whole of a student body hadn't witnessed an attack, but it was going to change. The Great Hall was filled with students, eating, laughing and talking. Conrad was laughing wholeheartedly at Luke's jokes. Lara and Marina sat side by side, eating carefully, but laughing all the same. Maybe it was the fact that Lara was okay, but Conrad was in an extremely good mood. Harry and Kalli sat up at the head table with a paler Willow, and a watchful Draco. Sirius sat to the opposite side with Remus and Hermione. Ron would be coming in that night, eager to look over the premises, and see what was going on.

Even though the students were wearing charms against the poltergeist, it didn't keep Kalli and Willow from keeping a sharp eye out for anything conspicuous. But no one expected the events that would occur even before Ron Weasley arrived at Hogwarts School of Wizardry and Witchcraft.

Halfway through lunch, there was a sudden shout, and Kalli's eyes darted up to find the victim. Conrad Finnigan was swept back from his seat at the Gryffindor table, and flung against the wall. He was yelling, and scrambling to remove himself from the poltergeist's grasp. Lara leapt from her seat, and moved to race forward, but Luke grabbed her arm and yanked her away. Harry, Kalli, Draco, Remus and Sirius dove forward, all screaming, "Exonerate!"

Sliding down the wall, Conrad groaned, holding his stomach. Madam Pomfrey stepped in, cradling his head, and whispering a charm. His eyes fluttered open, and he muttered, "Which way did the train go?"

The circle broke and Lara burst through, twittering madly. "Are you okay? Please be okay! Are you hurt? Does this hurt?" She poked his ribs forcefully.

Scowling, Conrad swept her hand away, and growled, "That would've hurt even before..."

A wide grin spread over Lara's face as she replied, "I know, I just wanted to do it..."

Harry caught himself laughing, and quickly silenced himself. "Poppy," he said, "Take Conrad to the hospital wing, and for god's sake, Kalli, get Ron here!"

Kalli nodded and exited the room, heading towards her office in the dungeons, while Poppy Pomfrey took the other direction, helping Conrad up the stairs.

* * *

"What the hell do you mean!" Ron exclaimed, waving his hands wildly at Harry, who sat at his desk, his hands steepled and resting against his chin. "By god, man, say something!" Ron shouted again, leaning over the desk and glaring at his best friend. "That drove me mad when Dumbledore did it, I can't take it from you!"

Finally, Harry removed the fingers from his face and replied, "Think for a just a minute... What do Conrad, Lara, Marina and Willow have in common?"

Silence overwhelmed the room as Ron sank into a seat and rested his forehead on his hands. "Well," he ventured, unsure of Harry's point. "They're all Gryffindor..." Harry nodded, "They all rotate in the same circles..."

"They're all related to the Seven," Harry interjected. Instantly, Ron's head shot up and his eyes widened. "It's the only logical connection."

But Ron shook his head, "How would a poltergeist know about the Seven, and why would it care if it did?" he asked his best friend.

At first, Harry didn't reply, instead, he reached for his wand and began tracing shapes in the air. "There's a theory," he said softly, "That poltergeists are simply spirits returning from the dead to finish the undone..."

Rolling his eyes, Ron snorted, "That's for Muggles, Potter. No self-respecting wizard believes that paranormal crickey."

But Harry's glance made him fall silent once again. For a long time neither spoke, both entranced in their own thoughts. Finally, Harry whispered, "It was also once said that no self-respecting wizard believed that Avada Kedavra could be beaten either..." At that moment, Ron knew never to use that argument with Harry James Potter again. "Are you ready to listen to my theory?" Ron nodded solemnly, prepared to hear anything to solve the problem. "The Seven were well known for that one stunt... Better known then all the generations of Marauders together..." Ron nodded, he remembered, it'd been his idea. "Maybe it returned to poltergeist, and therefore..."

Harry needn't say another word; Ron knew the direction his best friend was moving in. Unwilled, the night returned in a flood of memories...

* * *

It hadn't been a good idea, not really. They'd stepped beyond the borders of light into the shadows of Diagon Alley. Ron swore he knew where Seamus was, swore he could find him. It had been foolish to go alone. They should've taken some of the new order of Aurors. But they were the Marauders, nothing could stop them. So, he, Harry, Kalli and Hermione had opened the gateway within the shadows of Diagon Alley, and stepped inside the dark.

At first it was just a trip into an unknown corner of existence. But as they strolled farther into the vast darkness of hate and despair, they began to lose themselves. Unsure of their bearings they stumbled headlong into the death. Kalli was the first to feel it, probably because of her ties to the dark. She began to shake uncontrollably, grasping Harry tightly,

That's the moment Ron felt it. The freezing cold of hatred and despair, zooming toward him on the wings of hell's angels. He gripped his wand, idiotically thinking it could protect him from whatever was hunting them. It wasn't until Hermione screamed in terror that Ron found his bearings and reached out for her. With one hand, he pulled her back from the pain, with the other he shot up a sign of light.

What seemed like several millennia passed before they heard the welcome footsteps of mortals, tearing through the dark mists shrouding them from civilization. Remus burst through the chasm, Sirius on his heels. Instantly, the two men grabbed for them, calling their names, though no sound came out.

So close, they were so close, when the icy hands grasped Ron, pulling him from Sirius' grasp. Hermione screamed again, her eyes wide with terror, yet no sound came out. Almost as if moving in slow motion, Ron watched her get torn from his hands, her hair flying, her hands scrambling to reach him. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Harry reaching out for Kalli, and Sirius grabbing desperately for his godson.

That was when Ron saw him, huddled just beyond Harry, his head down, his body rigid. Without expecting sound to escape, Ron screamed, "Seamus!"

Seamus lifted his head, shocked to see them all. At that moment, the air filled with a brilliant blue shimmer, and the hatred fanned away, leaving them to stumble to the cold ground of the shadows. Sirius grabbed Harry, pulling him tight as Ron reached for Hermione. Remus flew to Kalli, allowing her to grasp him.

"What right have you?" a voice boomed, as the shimmer came together to form a stunningly beautiful woman. "What right have you to enter my realm!"

The only one who didn't seem shocked was Remus, who gripped Kalli protectively, and screeched, "What right have you to kidnap innocents, Atlanta?"

Kalli's eyes widened, and she stumbled from her uncle's grasp. "Atlanta?" she whispered, reaching out as if to touch the girl. But Remus pulled her back, gripping her even more tightly.

"Kalinda?" Atlanta whispered, eyes widened. "Why do you come?" Her eyes sparkled with hope unbound. "Have you begun loving me, dearest?"

Now, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Seamus stared in wonder at the girl before them. This girl who had just tried to beat them to death using magic was standing before Kalli, her hands outstretched in surrender.

But Kalli looked to the ground, and whispered, "I never stopped, sister dear..." Atlanta's eyes lifted from the ground, and she reached to touch her sister.

Remus yanked Kalli from the distance, and growled, "Touch her and I'll kill you Atlanta, niece or not..." Atlanta withdrew her hands, and she drifted back a bit.

"This is not the way I wanted it, dear sister..." Atlanta whispered.

Without warning, the mists parted, and a figure emerged from it. Cloaked and shrouded, but unmistakable. "Touch her, Atlanta..." came the uttered words. Atlanta's face tightened with fear and anger, and she leaned back further, grasping her wrists with terror. "Touch her!" But instead of lunging at Remus and Kalli, Atlanta catapulted herself at the cloaked figure.

Remus grabbed his wand, motioning for the others to do the same. "Stupefy!" they screamed at once. The cloaked figure fell backwards, and Atlanta screamed in pain as she faded away.

"Run," came her soft voice, and they didn't stop until they burst from the dark into the light or Diagon Alley.

* * *

"We don't even know who that was," Ron finally said, rousing Harry from his thoughts.

After a moment, Harry responded, "We could ask..." But Ron's eyes widened with complete horror, and Harry nodded. "I know," he continued, "Bad idea. We don't even know where Atlanta is."

"I do," came a voice from behind them. Harry glanced up to find Kalli standing in the doorway, her hands wrapped around a piece of parchment. "She wrote me, fifteen years ago, when our parents died..." Slowly, she approached the desk, her eyes locked into her husband's. "She wants to help us with this, but she's waiting for you to say she may come... She's been working for the Ministry all these years, as a doctor..." Ron's eyes widened. "Atlanta Blake."

Amazement rocked Ron's form, and he stuttered, "I... I.... I know Atlanta Blake... She's the best doctor in the business...." Kalli nodded. "I thought your Atlanta was a Death Eater..."

"No," Kalli responded, "That's why she was in the shadows. Atlanta refused to accept her birthright; same as I. Only Uncle Remus couldn't save her from her fate. She was to be the breeding whore of Voldemort's super army. But she kept making herself miscarry, so Mother and Father banished her." Harry's eyes grew wide. "That's where we found her. But she still carried the Damia Bloodline, so I couldn't touch her until she became Atlanta Blake." Her gaze drifted back to her husband as she asked again, "May she come?"

Harry nodded, rising to embrace her. "Where is she?" he questioned, kissing her forehead.

"The Three Broomsticks..." Kalli responded, burying her face in his shoulder.

Grinning, Harry replied, "You waste no time... Send Hagrid for her." Kalli nodded and pulled away. Halfway across the room, Harry turned her as he called, "What would you have done if I said no?"

Flashing him a radiant smile, Kalli giggled, "Brought her anyway!"

* * *

Lying across her mother's bed, Lara stared up at the ceiling in dismay. Since Ron had arrived, and he and Harry had gotten into a yelling fight in Harry's office, she, Marina, Luke, Conrad, Willow, and Devia had been moved to the Headmaster's quarters to sleep. Marina lay beside her, humming, and twiddling her fingers. Luke and Conrad were in the kitchen, playing a game of Exploding Snap, and Devia was lying on the floor beside the bed, doing her Divination homework.

"Should I fall from the North Tower tomorrow, or should I cause a disturbance in the school by developing an unnatural fear of magic..." Devia questioned, sucking on the end of her quill.

Giggling, Lara tried to picture Devia Malfoy, stumbling over herself to get away from Potions. "I think you should be the next attack... Professor Patil would love that!" Marina said calmly.

"But if it comes true, then Batty will think I have the divine sight..." Devia responded, closing one eye and looking around the room. "What do you know about the Seven?" Devia asked finally.

An uncomfortable silence settled as Lara sat up abruptly. Then, breaking it, she replied, "Only that they saved Mum from becoming Lady Voldemort." Devia nodded. "And that it was Uncle Remus, Uncle Sirius, Dad, Mum, Aunt Hermione, Uncle Ron, and Mr. Finnigan." Again Devia nodded.

"Why was I attacked?" Marina asked, her eyes falling to the floor.

Again, silence drifted over the room, and no one moved to answer. Until Willow spoke behind them, "Harry is your uncle, therefore you are one of the Potter Clan blooded." All three girls swiveled to gaze at Willow. Her hair had lost some of its shine after her attack, and she seemed weaker then usual. "The Headmaster wants you in his office, pronto," she finished, stepping aside for them to leave.

All three girls filed out to where the boys waited for them. No one spoke on the trek up to the gargoyle. It sprang aside as Willow said the magic words, "Café Au Lait." Stepping inside the room, the children found themselves face to face with the ever-familiar family figures, and someone none of them knew.

The woman who sat before Harry's desk had charcoal hair and eyes, and her skin was milk white, without a single hint of blemish anywhere. Glancing between her mother and this woman, Lara swore they looked too much alike for a coincidence.

"Meet your Aunt Atlanta," Kalli said softly, motioning to the woman in the chair. "Atlanta, my children, Lara and Luke," she continued, motioning the twins forward. Obediently, they stepped forward, much as they had all their lives. "My niece, Marina Dursley," Marina stepped beside Lara, and Kalli continued, "Devia Lupin-Malfoy," Devia stepped forward, "And Conrad Finnigan."

Atlanta rose to her feet, and Lara felt the same power that Kalli held within her, the glamour of something none could understand. "Lara, Luke," she said, opening her arms to the twins. "And Marina, of course... The young Dursley girl, I just met your mother..." She turned to Conrad, turning the faintest rose in her cheeks. "And the Finnigan boy... How's your father doing?"

"Well, Madam," Conrad replied softly.

Nodding, Atlanta responded, "Good to know he got over the darkness. Took me several years, and I was living there."

"You were Lady Darkness?" Lara asked, looking into the calming gray eyes of her aunt. Atlanta nodded, turning to peer at Harry.

"I'd like to inspect the children, Harry. If I'm allowed," she told him, and waited for his approval.

Ron cleared his throat beside Hermione, but didn't speak. "Yes, you may. Poppy, lead our guest to the hospital wing," Harry said softly, motioning to Madam Pomfrey. The old woman nodded, and led them all out.

It hadn't been thirty seconds before Remus burst in, breathless and exasperated. "Harry, chap... Skeeter, downstairs..." he wheezed.

Not that it did any good, the door burst open once again, and Ophelia Skeeter flew in, parchment in hand, her annoying photographer in her wake. "Headmaster Potter," she said, "Is it all right to call you Harry here?"

"Never stopped you before, Ophelia," Harry said, settling down in his chair. "What can I help you with?"

Kalli sighed aloud, and settled herself on Harry's desk. Willow leaned against it, closest to Ophelia, and Sirius rose to cross his arms menacingly. Ophelia pulled out her Quick-Quotes Quill. But Harry rose and snatched it from her hand. "No," he said vehemently, "I hate that thing!" He handed it back, and she nodded curtly, placing it in her bag. "Ask me your questions, but if you use that damn thing, I'll have you arrested." Ron cleared his throat and nodded sharply.

Glancing between Hagrid, Sirius, and Ron, Ophelia replied, "My, my... Headmaster Harry Potter, with his own personal brute squad. That would make interesting reading."

But Sirius stepped forward before Harry could respond. "When you're known as the Boy Who Lived, and every Death Eater in the world wants you dead, you tend to take a few extra steps for your safety," Sirius barked, towering over the girl.

She didn't budge, just cleared her throat and turned back to Harry. "Fine," she muttered, pulling out a regular quill and holding it in her hands. "How does your family?" she questioned, glancing to Kalli blooming figure. "How long until the newest arrival?"

Harry scowled, hating questions about his family life. "Soon," said Harry, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if warning her not to ask again. "If I know you, Ophelia, you didn't come to question my wife's physical health."

"Always correct, Harry," she smiled. "What has been happening within the walls of Hogwarts this year, and why is Atlanta Blake visiting?"

Kalli leaned over and smiled at the young reporter. "Atlanta Blake is my older sister," she replied, "She is visiting for the holidays."

Ophelia scrawled on a piece of parchment, then asked, "Your sister? Atlanta Damia?" Kalli nodded, shuddering visibly at the name. "Was she not working for He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named?" Ophelia asked, arching a pencil thin eyebrow.

 "No," Harry responded amiably, refusing to give the woman the satisfaction of raising his voice. "She was shut out of Voldemort's legions," he finished. Everyone in the room shuddered as he used the evil sorcerer's given name, everyone but Sirius and Kalli.

The tactic worked, Ophelia dropped the Voldemort discussion, changing the subject yet again. "So, Harry, what is this I've heard about hauntings at Hogwarts?" she said so nonchalantly that Harry knew she had practiced.

"Rumor," he said, just as nonchalantly. Kalli coughed, and moved toward the door.

Coughing heavily Kalli turned and muttered hoarsely, "Will..." Instantly, Willow was by her side. As Willow helped her from the room, Harry caught a stifled laugh come from his wife's throat. It cheered him greatly.

Turning back to Ophelia, he grinned, and continued, "You were saying?"

Perplexed, Ophelia arched an eyebrow, but continued the interview. "As I understand, your eldest daughter, Lara, was attacked just yesterday by some kind of ghost."

"Ghosts do not attack," Ron said calmly, "Unless you count Peeves."

Nodding, Ophelia asked, "So Peeves attacked young Miss Potter?"

Feigning a smile, Ron responded, "If you say so."

Eyebrows knitted in anger as Ophelia Skeeter glared at Ron Weasley. They'd never liked one another, Ophelia had ditched Ron's older brother, Charlie, for some coward of a banker, and Ron hated her for it. As Minister of Magic, Ron had made life very difficult for her. He'd forbidden use of the Quick-Quotes Quill without signed permission from all people interviewed, and she had to report all stories written to the Ministry before printing.

"Is there, or is there not a poltergeist in Hogwarts?" she demanded, dropping all reporter pretense.

Smiling jovially, Harry responded with, "Peeves is a poltergeist, do you count him?"

"Are there any others?" Ophelia asked, more persistently then before.

Seeming to think, Harry steepled his fingers and leaned them against his chin. Ron stifled a laugh, and covered it with a polite cough. When it seemed that Ophelia would snap in half if she became more rigid, Harry responded with the ever-friendly voice that he had learned from Dumbledore, "Can't prove it by me." Ophelia sighed in complete disbelief, and moved to ask yet another annoying question. But Harry cut her off, "If you don't mind, I have quite a bit to do... Being Headmaster and all that. My brute squad will escort you out, make sure you're not attacked by this mythical poltergeist." He rose to shake her hand, and then added, "And if you would kindly give me the parchment that the Quick-Quotes Quill was writing on in your bag, you may be free to go."

 Snarling at him, Ophelia reached in and plucked the parchment from her bag. Roughly handing it to him, she growled, "If there's a story here, I'll find it Potter!"

"I don't doubt that," Harry said, his green eyes sparkling with amusement. "You're just like your mother... Give her my best regards, and make sure to mention that Hermione sends her usual warning." Ophelia glared at Harry as Sirius, Hagrid and Remus surrounded her. "Ta-ta," Harry finished, waving her out.

* * *

It wasn't until an hour before dinner that Willow roused Harry from his office by running in, frantic. Leaping to his feet, Harry didn't wait for an explanation.

Halfway out the door, Willow began to spout like a waterfall. "Dungeons," she said first, and he turned on his heel, marching down the stairs. "We were walking along, me, Kalli, Melissa, and Hermione. When we reached Kalli's office, we heard that nails on a chalkboard voice somewhere down the hall. Hermione and I wanted to turn around and find someone, but Kalli and Melissa argued that it would be gone by the time we did. So I took the lead, then Hermione, Kalli and Melissa." Descending in the shadows of the dungeon, Harry quickened his pace. Willow continued, "Before I knew what was happening, it had flown over me and Hermione, and knocked Kalli to the wall." Without needing to hear anymore, Harry broke into a blind run, trusting his instincts to get him to Kalli's office.

Bursting in, he found Atlanta kneeling over Kalli, who was lying on the half invisible stone floor. Falling to his knees beside them, he reached out for Kalli's hand. That was when he saw it. The familiar white stain on her wrist, shaped like the Roman numeral one was no longer the ash white it should be. It had suddenly become charcoal gray. Looking sharply from Atlanta to the wrist, Harry's eyes widened.

"It was my uncle," Atlanta whispered so softly that Harry thought he'd imagined it. His head swiveled quickly to look at her. "He attacked her, same as he tried to get me to do in the darkness that day." Atlanta frowned softly, and cradled Kalli's temple. "Come soft light and sear thy skin, make thee good once again..." she whispered, her hand drifting over Kalli's wrist.

When she removed the fingers, the skin was white once more, but Kalli was still unconscious. "Will she be all right?" Harry asked as Atlanta levitated her with her wand.

"Yes," the woman replied, "When she wakes up, she will know nothing about the mark. And now that I know who it is, I can fight it."

Harry nodded, turning to Hermione. He said, "Find Ron, notify him. And for god's sake, keep the children away from the hospital wing." Hermione nodded, and grabbed Willow. Both women ran out after Atlanta and Kalli.

* * *

Sitting in the front entry, Atlanta measured the circumference of the circle with her eyes. Harry had sent the children home for the holidays a week early, and the teachers that were normally patrolling the halls stood beside her. Kalli still lay in the hospital wing, under Madam Pomfrey's orders. Melissa and Dudley had been placed in Harry's residence, and the attack victims, all but Willow and Kalli, were with them. They had brought in reinforcements, including Minerva McGonagall, Albus Dumbledore and Percy Weasley.

The circle was drawn of salt, protection against the dark forces since before Salem times. Harry stood beside Atlanta, waiting for her direction. "I'm going to stand at the noon position, in front of the doors," Atlanta said, pointing across the void. "When you walk around the circle, keep one hand outstretched over the salt trail, careful not to disturb the magicks."

Harry watched her take her appropriate place, and waited for instructions. "Raise your hands," she said. He did so obediently, and Atlanta continued. "Space out the rest of you. Albus at the nine 'o clock, Sirius at the six 'o clock, Harry, three 'o clock, Hermione and Ron between me and Albus, Willow and Draco between Sirius and Albus, Flitwick and Minerva between Sirius and me, and Parvati and Uncle Remus between myself and Harry." When they had all taken their spots, they waited for Atlanta's next instructions.

"We're going to step into the middle, and the walls of the circle are going to spring up. You must all be inside when this happens, or you will be left out to deal with the maelstrom," Atlanta said softly. "On my count, step in..." Nods surrounded her. "Three, two... one..." All of them stepped in, including Atlanta. Instantly, glowing walls rose around them, and the sound of silence settled.

Atlanta raised her arms, and began chanting in Latin. Watching with fear. Harry found he couldn't tear his gaze from Atlanta's mouth. Her voice was rising, as was the buzzing in his ears, but he couldn't really hear either. Outside the circle he felt air rushing past him, and he held his breath. All sounds escalated, and the wind grew strong, wrenching at his body, trying to pull him outwards.

Suddenly, an unholy scream reached his ears, and he swore backwards and forwards that it was Kalli. Atlanta must have heard it too, because she halted suddenly and listened, eyes wide. But her glance told him to stay put, he didn't exactly wish to find out what would happen if he stepped outside the circle.

It seemed like an eternity until the screams faded, or the wind grew louder. Drapes snapped and cracked like whips outside the circle, but inside was dull as the eye of a hurricane. Suddenly, Atlanta screamed something that Harry couldn't understand. A dark shadow tumbled into the circle, and sprawled across the ground.

"State your given name!" Atlanta cried, advancing forward to the withering shape.

The nails on a chalkboard voice choked and wheezed as the poltergeist fought against its enslavement. "State your given name!" Atlanta screamed, as the wind grew louder.

The figure rolled around, unwilling to answer. But as Atlanta advanced once more, the creature choked out, "Quirrell Damia!"

Harry's mind flashed back to his first year at Hogwarts, and his Defense teacher, who had ended up working for Voldemort. Glancing to Dumbledore, he knew the man recognized the name as well. Ron and Hermione gasped audibly, even over the howling wind.

The moment the poltergeist's true name was spoken, it screamed with pain and anger. Almost as quickly as he had appeared in the circle, he was gone, as was the wind.

Falling to her knees, Atlanta sighed heavily. Albus and Minerva grabbed for her as Harry staggered backward. "Quirrell?" Harry asked, leaning on one hand.

Remus nodded, leaning against the post nearest to him. "Gregory's brother," Remus said. "I don't know why I never made the connection before..."

But Albus spoke, "He used a glamour. I knew of him after he'd left. But you wouldn't have thought about him after he'd died..." Atlanta nodded feebly, reaching out to grasp Albus and pull herself up.

"Professor Potter!" called Madam Pomfrey from atop the stairs. Harry spun. "Come quickly."

Only then did Harry recall Kalli's tortured scream in the middle of the spell. Atlanta must have remembered too, because she broke into a run up the stairs before Harry could even move.

* * *

"Incredible," Harry whispered, looking down at the bundle in his wife's arms. Willow had arrived with the remaining people, and Lara and Luke looked down at the child, sleeping in their mother's arms.

Kayla Potter, Kalli and Harry's youngest girl, stared hard at the little boy, then whispered, "Can I see his face?"

Nodding at her daughter, Kalli pulled back the blanket to reveal a tiny baby, with a swatch of flame red hair. Instantly, Harry's eyes flew to Ron. "Excuse me?" he said, staring at his best friend.

Moving his mouth like a fish, Ron tried to protest, "Harry, I swear... I didn't do anything!"

After staring at him for a long moment, Harry burst into laughter. "You should have seen your face!" he laughed, clapping Ron on the back. "No worries, Ronnie! He got it from my side, chap!" Ron thought a moment, then grinned and laughed with his best friend. Lily had been red headed, he'd forgotten.

There was a loud clearing of the throat, and for a moment, Harry thought his Uncle Vernon had arrived. But it was Dudley, standing behind Sirius. The man stepped forward, and said, in a tiny voice, "Congratulations, chap." Clearing his throat several times, he reached out with his left hand and offered it to Harry with a bit of apprehension in his eyes.

But Harry grabbed Dudley's hand in companionship, and pumped it up and down, a broad grin on his face. After he'd released, Dudley turned and bent over Kalli. Kissing her lightly on the cheek, he went to move away quickly. But Kalli grasped his hand, and kissed his cheek with true tenderness. "Thank you," she whispered softly, "For changing my opinion of the Dursley family..."

Dudley nodded slowly, a smile playing at the edge of his lips. "Thank you," he whispered in return, "For changing my opinion of the wizarding world." Marina leaned over and slipped her tiny hand into her father's, smiling up at him.

"A celebration!" Sirius erupted, causing Harry to grin. "For family, new and old! Everyone to the Three Broomsticks! My treat!"

The gang filtered out, leaving Remus and Sirius to go last. As the others pounded down the steps, toward the front door, Sirius leaned over to Remus. Whispering, he asked, "Hey, Moony, can I borrow some money?"

Bursting out laughing, Remus looked to his old friend, and said, "Sheesh, Padfoot, something's just don't change, do they?"

"Not when it involves ol' Sirius Black!" Sirius said, a large grin on his face.

Lara's small voice called from downstairs, where she waited, her cloak swamping her delicate shoulders. "Come on Uncle Sirius, Uncle Remus! It's freezing out here!" Sirius grinned at Remus, and jumped down the remaining stairs to envelop Lara in his arms. Watching them, Remus smiled to himself. Ol' Padfoot, always and forever a friend 'til the end.

"Well, Prongs," Remus muttered, strolling the stairs as Sirius swept Lara outside. "You left them in good hands..."

Outside, Lara pelted Sirius with snowballs, while Luke and Conrad built a snow fort to camp out in. Harry, Kalli, Ron and Hermione were dancing through the yard, singing Christmas songs at the top of their lungs, while Draco and Willow made snow angels in the drifts. Melissa and Dudley were talking in hushed voices, their heads close together, while Marina and Devia snickered behind their hands. Suddenly, both girls began hurtling snowballs at the boys, and Lara spun to help them. Yelping, Sirius ducked into the boys snow fort, and began to assist them with their ammo.

Joining Dumbledore and Minerva, Remus smiled down at the gang of children mingled with adults who had never grown up. Beside him, Albus laughed heartily, the very picture of Father Christmas. Knowing full well of the consequences, Remus let out a shout, "Merry Christmas to all!"

Just as he'd suspected, the ammo turned on him, but he ducked behind Dumbledore. The old man started laughing louder, and dove into the snow, grabbing handfuls and flinging them at the children. Harry joined, leaving Kalli leaned against a tree, their son in her arms. Ron and Hermione joined next, and Dudley and Melissa. Then, to Remus' surprise, Minerva even dove forward to hurtle the projectiles at anyone and anything within reach.

Remus inconspicuously reached to pick up a handful of snow. The moment he chucked it into the distance, half a dozen more flew his way. So much for heroes!