Thicker Than Water: Year Six

Chapter 19 - A Bundle of Valentine's Joy

The next couple of weeks passed in an emotional blur for Harry. Haunted by the visions of a tormented Sirius calling out for vengeance, Harry began to have strange dreams. The sight in the mirror reopened the wound of losing his godfather, and he frequently awoke from nightmares that involved shadowy legions of tortured souls - led by Sirius - emerging from the archway, wailing for revenge.

The next time Harry and Luna met alone, he was fingering the wrapped mirror inside his pocket. Luna noticed, and pulled his hand away from the mirror and into her own. She said sadly, "You can't spend your life courting the dead. We cannot live behind the veil, Harry; you're still very much alive on this side of it."

"But should I be? I keep cheating death, and Voldemort makes sure somebody else cops it in my place!" said Harry bitterly. "Sirius, or the Dursleys... My parents were only a few years older than me when they died!"

"Promise me," Luna said, placing herself right in front of Harry, her large eyes glistening with an urgent stare, "Promise me that you'll live longer than your parents did, and stop talking about death! And I promise that I'll live longer than my Mum!"

Harry stared glumly down and asked in a scared voice, "And what if I can't keep that promise?"

"You will!" replied Luna with conviction. She wrapped her arms around Harry and used her gentle therapy to fill him with life again.

Preoccupied as he was, Harry forgot to ask Ginny if she continued to have nightmares or flashbacks of Tom Riddle in her head. He remembered only when he saw her and Dean standing in the Entrance Hall one afternoon. It appeared that Dean was doing all the talking, while Ginny stood scuffing the floor with her foot and looking resolutely down. When they saw him, Ginny appeared to be relieved and Dean broke off the conversation abruptly. They both accompanied him up to Gryffindor Tower, though, Ginny chatting distractedly to Harry and Dean maintaining an unhappy silence. Harry hoped for a more appropriate moment to ask Ginny what was going on but, as they were rarely together alone, the moment never seemed to come.

Ginny and Luna were mired deeper in homework and OWL preparations as the term progressed. When Harry felt he had been cloistered in the library too long, he would join Ron and Hermione, who generally studied in the Gryffindor common room. Unfortunately, he couldn't spend too much time with his friends in public; their study habits of the previous years were too well known to Gryffindor students, and Leo's frequent inclusion would be bound to raise associations with Harry.

Talking to Ron was also very difficult; Harry felt as though his friend was walking on eggshells, trying not to say something stupid or inadvertently anger him. Hermione noticed and tried to animate their conversation, but Ron tended to shrink back. More often than not, he tended to silence or neutral topics that wouldn't touch a nerve with Harry.

*

Awakening late after a restless night of bad dreams, Harry hurried to dress and get something to eat before classes started. He had forgotten all about Valentine's Day until he got to breakfast, and noticed several girls eyeing him and giggling. Somebody had put a ball of mistletoe up in the doorway to the Great Hall, and he narrowly missed passing under it with Millicent Bulstrode. He noticed several pink Valentines strategically scattered at the four tables. Ron muttered behind him, "We're in for it now! Someone's gone and pulled a Lockhart...."

As they were sitting down, a scuffle turned the students' attention to the doorway. Malfoy had caught Hannah Abbott under the mistletoe and was giving her an unwelcome tonguing as well as some light fondling. She finally managed to push him away, looking as though she was ready to cry. The slick blond followed that up with a few choice words that made her turn crimson. Justin Finch-Fletchley stepped protectively between them, wand raised to Malfoy's face. Before a fight erupted, Snape strode into the Hall. Noticing the mistletoe, he scowled and magically vanished it. Snape then told Hannah and Justin to go back to their table; he ignored Malfoy altogether, and turned towards the head table for his breakfast.

"Disgusting prick!" muttered Harry darkly.

Ron nodded and added in a menacing tone, "I'd like to catch him in a deserted corridor, teach the slime ball some manners...."

The mail arrived spectacularly, showering Valentines and small boxes of chocolates on a number of delighted girls or embarrassed boys. A pink origami bird charmed to fly delivered itself onto Harry's breakfast and began to chirp a love song. Fortunately, the charm quickly wore off, and the bird keeled over on Harry's plate. A flowery "L.L." adorned one corner of the parchment.

Hermione and Ginny tittered, while Ron rolled his eyes. Ginny also had an envelope; as she scanned the letter within, her lips curled up in a devious smile. Unfolding a smaller note, she opened her mouth to read it aloud but suddenly clapped her hand to her mouth in alarm. With a small "Oops! Almost forgot!" she passed the note to Harry.

He felt himself getting hot around the collar as he read:

His eyes are as green as a fresh pickled toad,

His hair is as dark as a blackboard.

I wish he were mine, he's really divine,

The hero who survived the Dark Lord.

Ginny walked over and said slyly, "My brothers insisted I give you one more thing!"

She leaned in and kissed Harry on his left cheek - "that's from Fred" - and one on the right cheek - "from George." She then hovered over his lips and gave him a small peck and said with a wink, "That one's from me. Happy Valentine's Day, Leo!"

"Ginny!" called out Ron, shocked. Harry could already see the rumour-mill turning at the sight of that kiss. With a scowl, he picked up the note from the Weasley twins and set it aflame before anyone else could read it; the ashes fluttered down onto his plate. Just as they did, Luna walked up with one eyebrow raised questioningly.

"All kisses sanctioned and sent by Fred and George, wizard's word!" Ginny reassured her classmate. Luna smiled at her and nodded. Harry tipped his chair back and looked up at Luna, reaching behind him to clasp her right hand.

"Thanks for the card - it was lovely!" he told her quietly, looking into her eyes.

Meanwhile, another owl landed in front of Ginny and held out its leg. She looked away from Harry and Luna, removed the letter and tore off the seal. As she read the enclosed parchment, she blushed furiously. Folding the letter quickly, Ginny slipped it into her book bag. Dean watched her from further along the table, trying to maintain an impassive look on his face.

"Ahem!" The loud voice caused them all to look over at Hermione. She had crossed her arms, and was looking over expectantly at Ron. When he didn't say anything, Hermione asked impatiently, "Don't I get anything for Valentine's Day?"

A momentary look of panic crossed his face, as his eyes scanned the table. Alighting on a lone strawberry forgotten on Harry's plate under the ashes of his brothers' letter, Ron pointed his wand and murmured a spell. The strawberry rose out of the ashes, transfigured into the reasonable likeness of a red rose. He picked it out of the air, held it out to Hermione and recited, "Roses are red, violets are blue; you are my girl, and I'm meant for you!"

Hermione stared for a moment, shook her head and said, "That was lame!"

But she took the rose anyway, leaning across the table to plant a kiss on Ron's lips. They broke apart to the appreciative sounds of spoons hitting water glasses, and a lone whistle. Both Ron and Hermione were red with embarrassment, but both were smiling with pleasure too.

"Good one, Ron!" laughed Ginny. "I didn't know you had it in you!"

Of course, that was only breakfast. Twenty minutes later, Harry and Ron were standing in Greenhouse Three, inhaling the earthy, humid air as Professor Sprout explained how to harvest the shoots of the Squirming Padegonia.

"As well as numbing one's emotions during an anxiety-attack, the shoots can also be brewed into a drink that will reverse the affects when somebody slips you an unwanted love potion," she explained, adding with a wink, "once you've drunk a love potion, though, you're not always thinking clearly enough to swallow the cure!"

After Herbology, Ron went to enjoy a free period, while Harry went to clean up before double-Potions. Harry had just seated himself beside Hermione when Snape swept into the dungeon.

"Today, you will be simultaneously preparing the Catatonic Inducement Draught and its antidote," he said briskly, waving his wand to the board where two sets of potions-instructions appeared. "Please remember that the milkweed will interfere with the newt droppings if they are incorrectly added. Impermeable gloves are recommended. You will work in partners. Begin."

The class remained silent as they began the tricky task of preparing both potions in tandem. Harry had just finished adding two drops of lemon extract midway through the lesson when the door opened, and a nervous looking Dennis Creevey peaked in.

"Excuse me, Professor Snape, sir!" squeaked Dennis. "Professor Dumbledore sent me with an urgent summons for Hermione Granger and Leonid Evangy. They're to bring their bags."

Snape rounded on them with narrowed eyes, but he nodded anyway. Hermione began to put away her potion-supplies but Snape snapped in a low voice, "An urgent summons from the Headmaster, Miss Granger, means that I will clear your things!"

Harry needed no more invitation than that. Hurrying out of the dungeons, he and Hermione soon reached Dumbledore's office. The gargoyle jumped aside for them and they followed the spiral stairs up to the door. Inside, they were surprised to see Ron and Ginny, both looking puzzled - as well as Luna, who wore a serene expression. Harry automatically moved to stand beside Luna and asked, "What's going on?"

"Only the best of news, I assure you!" said a wan-looking Dumbledore. "It seems that Fleur Delacouer has gone into labour a couple of weeks early. You will all be present at her flat in Diagon Alley when she gives birth."

"But - why are they going?" Ron asked, pointing at Harry, Luna and Hermione.

"A new magic is being invoked to strengthen the protections on Harry. I have already spoken with the young women, and they have agreed to cooperate," Dumbledore went on somewhat breathlessly. "Miss Lovegood, I have gone through the rest of the notebooks, and the variation of the Emotus Charm I taught you should be sufficient."

"Are you coming with us?" asked Harry curiously.

"I'm afraid the damp winter has settled rather heavily on me this year," the Headmaster said with a slight wheeze. "Madame Pomfrey has insisted I take it easy for a few days. I leave you all in the very capable hands of Miss Delacouer's grandmother. She will naturally attend the birth, and perform the charm and attendant ceremony."

His explanation left Ron looking no less puzzled, but Hermione, Luna and Ginny appeared to know what was going on, and Harry was surprised that they hadn't mentioned anything to him. Dumbledore had shuffled away from his desk and was rummaging through a cabinet.

"Ah, this should do! Portus," he said, wand pointing at a gaudy tin vase he placed on his desk. "Now, if you'll all hold on...."

All five students reached out to touch the portkey, and Dumbledore counted down from three. Harry was just thinking of how his mentor had aged that year, when a familiar tug yanked them off their feet in the Headmaster's office. The spinning stopped as they landed in a heap on Bill and Fleur's living room floor. Mr. Weasley was immediately at their sides, extending a hand to help them up. Bounding out of the kitchen, Mrs. Weasley clapped her hands together and said, "Oh, good! You've finally arrived! Oh, I'm so excited...."

She proceeded to hug each of them. Ron pushed his mother away, stood up straight and demanded, "What's going on here!?"

"Why, you're going to be an uncle! Didn't Professor Dumbledore tell you?" asked Mrs. Weasley in surprise.

"Yes, but... but what's with this blood protection? And why is she here?" Ron stammered, giving Luna a sceptical glance.

"Professor Dumbledore has figured out a way to use the combination of Weasley and remnant Veela blood to reintroduce Harry's blood protection. Miss Lovegood," she turned to Luna, who smiled a dreamy acknowledgement, "has helped him discover a charm for the protection. She is here both as Harry's friend, and as Fleur's."

"We talked a bit about this in January," said Harry, somewhat puzzled, "but Dumbledore didn't mention it to me again..."

"Oh dear," Mrs. Weasley muttered. "He hasn't been himself lately. He's been managing every detail of the Order's plans and co-ordinating with the Ministry, even though he's been laid flat by persistent pneumonia. I'm sure he meant to tell you of the plan, Harry, dear."

Mr. Weasley moved towards the master bedroom, where Bill was escorting out a lovely Fleur. She wore an embroidered kimono-style dressing gown and graciously greeted them to her apartment. Hermione, Ginny and Luna walked over to her as Ron unconsciously ogled her lovely figure - unmarred by a low, swollen abdomen - and Harry hung shyly back.

Fleur was saying, "...Of course, I would be happier if maman could be here, but my grandmaman has more experience with birthing, and I will..."

She froze suddenly and grabbed at the nearest person, which happened to be Hermione. Hermione quailed under Fleur's forceful grasp of her hand, as Fleur stood momentarily rigid. Luna bent over and whispered rapidly into Fleur's abdomen; the young woman began to relax as the spasm passed.

As Fleur regained her breath, Mrs. Weasley rushed over and suggested, "Maybe you'd like to walk for a bit. I've always found that it helps ease the..."

But she was interrupted by an old, cloaked woman who limped out of the master bedroom. The Veela grandmother went over to the redheaded matriarch and began to admonish her rapidly in French. She then led Fleur back into the bedroom. Mrs. Weasley looked nettled by Grandmaman Yvellan's seeming dismissal of her and said under her breath, "Well! Only a friendly suggestion! It's not as if I haven't had seven children of my own...!"

"Don't take it personally, Mum," Bill patted her back reassuringly. "She's somewhat possessive of Fleur, but she's keeping Fleur fairly relaxed, which is good."

The next couple hours passed fairly quickly: Luna chattered aimlessly to a bemused Mrs. Weasley, Ginny and Hermione went into the master bedroom to visit with Fleur, and Mr. Weasley joined Ron and Harry playing Exploding Snap. The game helped while away the time but was abruptly halted when Bill rushed over and explained that the explosions were agitating Fleur. He repeated some of her threats if "those irritating noises don't stop immediately" and Mr. Weasley apologised profusely, grinning sheepishly.

Mrs. Weasley went to the kitchen to prepare a light lunch for the group. Fred appeared around two o'clock to see how Fleur's labour was progressing, but there was nothing to tell him: the baby was taking his sweet time coming and Mrs. Weasley estimated it would be a few hours yet before the birth. When she began to recount in detail the births of her various children, Fred made a quick escape. He grabbed some leftover sandwiches for himself and George, and promised they would be back after Weasley's Wizarding Wheezes closed for the day.

By mid-afternoon, everybody had sunk into a stupor of boredom. Mr. Weasley decided to return to the office for a couple of hours, and Mrs. Weasley consented to escorting the teens into Diagon Alley for a bit. They weren't out for too long, though; Mrs. Weasley kept checking her watch and muttering nervously that things might progress quickly in her absence and she might miss the birth...

The returned to Bill and Fleur's flat to find that nothing much had changed. Fleur's contractions were somewhat more intense but still fairly far apart. Mrs. Weasley, exhausted by her state of nervous agitation, went to lie down for a while in the guest bedroom that Grandmaman Yvellan occupied. Ron zoned out into a light doze in an easy chair, and Harry and Hermione found themselves giving a spontaneous tutorial on OWL Charms to Ginny and Luna.

Harry began to shoot Luna meaningful looks, and the two excused themselves. They moved into the kitchen - the only remaining solitary spot in the flat - and Harry reached out to take her hand. He asked, "Do you know exactly how Dumbledore planned to reinstate my blood protection? What did you say to you girls?"

"Remember when you saw everybody in that mirror of desire? Well, Professor Dumbledore, like you, called the Weasleys and Hermione your remaining family. He told us that if we were prepared to pledge our continuing support and love to you, he might have a way of keeping you protected, like your mother did." Luna put her free hand onto his chest and began tracing the pendants he wore through his shirt.

"Sure hope you aren't expected to make the same sacrifice she made!" Harry snorted in humourless mirth.

"You know, they love you like you're one of their sons, the Weasleys," Luna said mildly. Harry felt his heart constrict as he thought of Ron's recent hesitancy, Mrs. Weasley's warm hugs every time they met, and Bill's educational but friendly banter when they trained together. His focus shifted back to Luna as she began to trace his ear instead, and he pulled her towards him in a tight embrace.

Mr. Weasley returned late in the afternoon. Fred and George arrived shortly thereafter, carrying large bags of roasted chicken, fish and chips.

"Isn't the shop supposed to be open still?" Ginny asked the twins.

"We decided to close early for the occasion, Sis," said George. "How's Fleur doing? Baby out yet?"

"No! And if the little bugger keeps us waiting much longer, I'm going to start resenting him," said Ron. "Oi, Fred! Pass the chicken!"

"Little bugger?! That's my son you're talking about!" said Bill, intercepting the bag of food and helping himself to a drumstick before returning it to the table.

"Thanks for sharing the victuals!" muttered Ron, hauling himself up and heading towards the food.

Fleur emerged from her room again, looking somewhat worse for the wear after a long day in labour. Mrs. Weasley tried to tempt her with some food, but Fleur shook her head and seized up as another intense contraction overtook her. Grandmaman Yvellan, on the other hand, went rummaging through the fridge and brought out a dark jar of what appeared to be pickled squid tentacles. She ate them with gusto, alternating bits of marinade on baguette with pieces of battered fish from the twins' bags.

"Zhat's grosh!" exclaimed Ron, his mouth full of food, as he watched Grandmaman Yvellan cut chunks off another tentacle. Hermione shot him her own revolted look as he shovelled a handful of chips into his mouth.

A sudden shriek from the bathroom brought everyone to their feet. Fleur had entered it a few minutes earlier, and Mrs. Weasley scrambled through the crowded living room towards the bathroom door. She was stopped by Grandmaman Yvellan on the way; the old Veela spoke in a condescending tone, her French lost on Mrs. Weasley, as she resolutely turned the redheaded woman away from the bathroom with a pat on the shoulder. She herself then entered the loo and emerged a minute later, escorting her granddaughter back to the bedroom, a towel wrapped around the waist of her dressing gown. Bill quickly followed them.

Mrs. Weasley threw the old Veela a scarcely concealed look of resentment, then turned back towards the washroom with her wand out. She returned after cleaning up and said, "It won't be long now. Her water's broken."

The teenage girls shared knowing looks and nods, while Ron and Harry glanced at each other with bewildered apprehension; Ron shrugged and returned to his meal. Mr. Weasley walked over to the back of the sofa and put an arm around each of the twins. He beamed and said, "Yes, I'm all ready to be a grandfather! Did anyone bring a box of cigars to hand out?"

Fred and George shared a devious look and Fred said, "If you really want to mark the occasion with a bang..."

"...We could get a very special box of cigars we've been saving up," finished George. They smiled innocently up at their father and he shook his head in mock horror, quickly turning down the offer.

Just then, the bedroom door opened and Bill poked out his head. "Grandmaman Yvellan said the kids should come in now," he announced.

Luna took Harry's arm and led him to the bedroom, Hermione, Ginny and Ron following. Mrs. Weasley put out an arm to stop Ron, telling him, "No, not you, Ronnie. Just Harry and the girls."

Ron opened and closed his mouth in silent shock, then burst out, "What's the matter with me? How come they get to go in there?"

"Because the girls have to contribute to Harry's blood protection. Veela magic of this sort is much stronger with females."

"And what about Harry?" fumed Ron.

"Duh, Ron, he's the one receiving the protection!" said Hermione in a superior tone. But she turned back and gave him a small peck on the cheek before following the other into the bedroom.

As the door closed, Harry heard George saying, "Don't be too upset, Ickle Ronniekins. You wouldn't catch us in there right now, not for a bag of galleons!"

On the bed, Fleur's contractions were coming fast and furious, as wave after wave of pain caused her to call out loudly. Bill paced uselessly back and forth, uncertain how to help her, his freckles jumping out against an overly pale face. Grandmaman Yvellan spoke to Bill; he gave her a strange look and said, "Quoi?"

She repeated herself twice more, gesticulating towards the door. He finally got the message and said, "Okay, okay, je suis aller, je suis aller already..."

Bill left. Ginny and Luna stood on either side of the bed, their hands crushed by Fleur as the intensifying pain caused her to shout out during successive contractions. Harry made himself scarce, backing into the farthest corner of the room. Hermione, looking concerned but lost near the foot of the bed, asked hesitantly, "Should I place a Silencing Charm on the room?"

Fleur, whose French accent had become thick again through her pain, hissed through gritted teeth, "Non! Let 'eem suffer zee pain too, zat man! 'Ee doesn't 'ave to do any of zee work!"

Grandmaman Yvellan had meanwhile lit a fire under a large cauldron at one end of the room. She spoke reassuringly to Fleur, as she brought the potion to a simmer. The old Veela divided her time between adding potion ingredients to the cauldron, and checking under the blanket draped over Fleur's bent legs.

Harry averted his eyes in embarrassment, feeling sickly panicked at the goings-on of childbirth. Fleur let out a scream and, from between her lags, Grandmaman Yvellan shouted out, "Attendre! Attendre!"

Another wail, and then an encouraging whoop from the old woman who held a tiny grey creature up by its leg. In a moment, a high baby's cry pierced the room and the old Veela was washing its minute body in a basin she had prepared.

She dried and swaddled the baby in a soft blanket and placed it in Ginny's arms, then returned to the bottom of the bed. Hands beneath the draped blanket again, Grandmaman Yvellan continued to coax Fleur in a soothing French. Finally, she emerged with the red mass of afterbirth, which she carried over to the cauldron and dumped inside.

When her hands were washed, the old Veela called out French instructions to the teens, motioning them towards the cauldron, crying out, "Vite! Vite!"

Harry, Luna, Hermione and Ginny, with the baby still cradled in her arms, assembled around the cauldron. Grandmaman Yvellan reached into the baby's blanket and fished out a minuscule foot. Producing a sharp pin, she held it to the flame beneath the cauldron until it was red hot, then waved it in the air to cool. Pricking the baby's heel caused another loud cry from the infant, and Grandmaman Yvellan held his foot over the steaming potion; she allowed three drops of blood to fall in before wiping his foot clean and tucking it back into the blanket.

Sterilising the needle again, the old Veela motioned towards Luna who willingly held out her left hand. Harry watched in stunned fascination as the old woman pricked the ball of her hand, dripping three drops of blood into the hissing potion. She then repeated the process with Hermione. When she reached Ginny, the girl handed the swaddled newborn to Luna who carried him back up to the bed, where Fleur lay recovering from the birth.

Harry eyed the potion with increasing alarm - and some amount of nausea - and blanching, asked, "I'm not going to have to drink that, am I?"

"Ha!" laughed Hermione, then she noticed the look on his face. Her own expression turned to one of perplexed concern and she opened her mouth to say something, but was interrupted by a low, keening wail.

In a singsong voice, the old Veela began to chant an incantation in Latin. The potion fumes swirled with the rise and fall of her words, faster and faster, gathering into a mass above the cauldron. Luna had returned to the circle and was staring into the reddish mist, mesmerised.

Abruptly, the old woman stopped chanting. All three girls had their wands out and pointed at the crimson mist. In one voice, Luna, Hermione, Ginny and Grandmaman Yvellan called out "Renovo amore, vita emotus Harry!"

Harry stumbled backwards as the steamy mass flew towards him. Suddenly, he was blanketed in it, warm and suffocating. Harry felt as though misty arms were encompassing him, sinking into his hair and clothes, penetrating his skin. He struggled desperately to fight off the crimson mist, attempted to flail his arms but they were immobilised at his sides. A wave of claustrophobia rose up, and Harry gasped unsuccessfully for breath. He felt light-headed; as the potion fumes submerged deeper into his body - into his very blood - the world went dark. With a convulsing twitch, Harry collapsed onto the bedroom floor.

*

Music penetrated the fog. Harry dragged himself through the thick, oppressive darkness towards the sounds. Clutching it like a lifeline, Harry followed the tune - the familiar strains of Mozart - back into the light. His eyes snapped open and he found himself on the floor, looking up into Luna's concerned face.

Luna stopped humming and smiled broadly at him. From the side, Hermione clutched his hand and said in a relieved voice, "Oh, Harry! Thanks goodness you're okay! You really scared us there!"

Harry struggled to sit back up and the two girls helped him. "What happened?" he asked.

"I think you have a new blood protection - the incantation seemed to work," said Luna.

Hermione looked at her in surprise, taken aback by Luna's understatement of Harry's sudden fit. She then turned to Harry and said, "I'm so sorry! I really thought you knew, Harry, I thought Dumbledore or somebody had told you already! You shouldn't have fought it; if you were relaxed, it would have just entered without a problem..."

"I didn't know what that mist was, and it was so heavy, suffocating even!" winced Harry.

"It's the combined power of people who love you, along with the Veela magic. And you may not have had enough experience with it - living with the Dursleys and all - but too much love can be that way, sometimes. Suffocating, I mean," Hermione explained. Luna tightened her grip on his arm, kneading his neck with the strong fingers of her other hand.

Just then, Grandmaman Yvellan flung open the door and Bill rushed in, hurrying to the bedside. A babble of voices could be heard in the living room, the old Veela's rapid French amongst them. The baby's sharp cry caused a momentary lull in conversation, then the talking and congratulations resumed.

Luna and Hermione helped Harry to his feet and walked him to the living room. He sat on the now-deserted sofa, breathing deeply to dispel the lingering dizziness. Luna gently massaged his shoulders, and Hermione went over to talk to Ron. After a few minutes, Ginny came to sit on the sofa and asked, "Are you feeling all right now, Harry? You didn't look too good after that incantation."

"Yeah, I'm fine. I really didn't know what to expect, and panicked a bit. But I'm fine now," he said, resolutely trying to look the part. "Congratulations on the baby; I guess we'll have to call you Aunt Ginny now."

She laughed and began to tell him how cute the baby was. Ginny was succeeded by each of her parents, whom Harry congratulated. When Mr. Weasley asked about the blood protection, his voice belying a certain urgency, Harry just shrugged and said that the potion and incantation seemed to have worked.

"Oi, Bill! What's the tyke's name anyway?" Fred's voice could be heard calling above the din.

Bill's reply was, "Claude Wendell Weasley."

"Claude?! What, as in a claude-of-earth? Or those muggle chocolate treats, Claude-Hoppers?"

"No, no, it's pronounced K-low-D, not Clod! Claude! A French name, you culture-less boors!"

In spite of herself, Hermione tittered at various ways in which Fred, George and Ron were mangling the poor baby's first name.

The excited bustle around the newborn continued for at least half an hour, with a break while Fleur tried to feed him. When she was finally rested enough for visitors, most of the Weasley family trooped into the bedroom for a brief visit and congratulations. Bill and baby, though, came over to Harry on the sofa.

"I noticed you were the only one who hasn't had a chance to see the baby," said Bill.

"Yeah, well, the blood protection hit rather hard - nobody warned me it was going to be like that," Harry sighed. "I just needed to sit for a few minutes... Oh yeah, and congratulations on becoming a father!"

"Look at him, Harry: red hair, like a true Weasley!" Bill's eyes shone as he looked down intently and ran a finger over the soft fuzz on the top of his son's skull. The baby turned its tiny head, eyes scrunched closed, towards Bill's finger and opened his mouth. "Isn't he beautiful! My little red-head Veela baby!"

"Descendant of Veela royalty, don't forget!" piped in Harry.

"Yes, my half-blood prince! Prince Wendell!"

"Aren't you calling him Claude?" Harry asked.

Bill gave a crooked smile and said, "Fleur certainly thinks so, but we'll have to talk about that one... Wendell! Such a fine name for a Weasley!"

Harry watched Bill caress his son for a while, then said, "I... I really want to thank you, for the blood protection. I mean, letting the baby's blood be used, and..."

Bill looked up, shaking his head. "I didn't make that decision alone, Harry. When Dumbledore came forward with this scheme, Fleur immediately agreed to it. I spoke with my parents too; they also consented to involve the Weasley family in restoring your blood protection. Don't forget that Ginny was also required to give blood. It's pretty clear that You-Know-Who has a personal vendetta with you, and it's only natural that we would like to protect you in whatever way possible.

"You're already like family to us, Fleur too, and even more so now. Blood is thicker than water, Harry. Any one of us would gladly put our necks out on the line to make sure that you're not alone as a target for his wrath." Bill looked down at the newborn and said, "It's probably no coincidence that he was born on Valentine's Day - these Veela and their love-magic. You know, that's the reason Luna, Hermione and Ginny were asked to contribute to your protection: each one loves you, in her own way."

Harry swallowed back a lump that had risen in his throat. He murmured, "I don't know how I'd feel if one of you got seriously hurt coming to my rescue. After last year, when Ron was injured..."

"You forget that my uncles were killed by Death Eaters, last time around. You're one of the family, Harry, but there are oh so many reasons that I - and my parents - are allied against that evil blight that calls himself a Lord," Bill said softly. The baby began to fidget, and couldn't be calmed; Bill said, "I should return him to Fleur. She was pretty tired, and I think it's time for me to get everybody out of here for the night."

*

Bill had rounded the company up with the help of Mrs. Weasley, who had whispered in magnified tones that Fleur and the baby needed their sleep. She explained that, because the next day was Saturday, the teens could stay in Diagon Alley for the night. Ginny, Hermione and Ron would sleep at Fred and George's apartment, and Dumbledore had already spoken with Mr. Lovegood about the possibility that Luna and Leo would spend the night there.

Mrs. Weasley left to notify Percy and write to Charlie about their new nephew. Hermione, Harry, Luna and the remaining Weasleys trooped down to the entrance of Bill and Fleur's building. Mr. Weasley quietly told the teens that Dumbledore and Remus both wanted a report on how the blood protection had worked and, if they weren't too tired, perhaps they could fill him in on the details over a cup of coffee.

Fred and George went back to their flat to set it up for guests, while the rest walked over to a coffee shop a block or so away. The shop was not too busy - a brisk wind had kept people at home - but there was sufficient din of conversation to ensure that they wouldn't be overheard.

Mr. Weasley ordered drinks, and they sat at a table in a secluded corner. Luna explained about the incantation and her mother's notebooks, while Hermione and Ginny told most of what had gone on in the birthing room. Harry sat mostly in silence; he averted his gaze when Ron looked over, awed by the girls' account of the crimson mist that enveloped him and made him pass out.

When they had finished speaking, Mr. Weasley looked over at Harry and asked, "How do you feel now? Do you feel any different?"

Harry mentally probed his body, then looked around at his friends' faces, all tired from a long day of waiting. "Actually, I feel really good. I thought I'd be exhausted, but I'm strangely keyed up. I think I could play a game of Quidditch right now!" he declared.

They all laughed, and Mr. Weasley nodded at him in amusement. They continued to discuss the birth, the baby's red hair, and Bill and Fleur's apparently disparate ideas about what his primary name should be. Ginny began to punctuate the conversation with so many yawns that Mr. Weasley eventually checked his watch. He jumped up saying, "Look at the time! I didn't realise it was so late already - I'd better get you kids to bed!"

They escorted Harry and Luna to her father's building, where he lived and also ran the Quibbler. The Weasleys and Hermione saw them safely in before turning towards Fred and George's flat. Luna and Harry ascended two steep flights of stairs to her home. The door was unlocked, and they entered the compact, somewhat cluttered two-bedroom apartment.

Luna's father had already gone to sleep for the night, but a dim hall light had been left on for them. Luna helped herself to sheets from an over-stuffed closet, and Harry helped her fit the sofa. They worked quietly, Harry's mind occupied with the events of the day.

When his bed was made up, Luna turned to him and asked, "Are you all right? Is there anything else I can get you?"

"No, thanks, I guess we should just turn in. Its been a long day," Harry replied. Luna wished him a good night and, before heading to her bedroom, turned to kiss his cheek. Harry shifted his head and caught her lips instead, savouring her taste before she pulled away, whispering, "Good night, Harry."

After she disappeared down the dim hallway, Harry stripped down to his underclothes and climbed under the faded comforter. Propping his hands behind his head, he gazed up at the darkened ceiling, feeling oddly awake and alert. As he had told Mr. Weasley, he felt oddly keyed up since the purported blood protection penetrated his skin; he felt wired as though he had energy for a long flight on his broomstick, then a game of Quidditch, and extra to spare. Like I could take on a room full of Death Eaters to boot, he thought with morbid amusement.

Sleep certainly wasn't on the agenda. As though she sensed his wakefulness, Luna suddenly appeared, looking veritably ghost-like in a long, white nightie. She sat down near his feet, and said, "I couldn't sleep. I keep thinking of the incantation Fleur's grandmother used, and that potion, and wondering whether it will work properly. Do you feel any different than before?"

Harry felt the after-effects of the protection surging through his blood, like the pulse of the sea under the moon. He looked over at Luna, and noticed how the nightie hung loose at her shoulders but tight across the front from the way she was sitting on the material. In a slightly hoarse voice, Harry said, "Yeah. I feel different now. Something is definitely at work tonight..."

Luna looked vaguely towards the dim hallway, a thoughtful expression on her face. "I wonder if Professor Dumbledore used only our blood, or whether he added something extra for your protection. Ground dragon claws impart great power, and distilled murtlap would help you heal after a battle; I think I read somewhere that it's stable in oral or injected potions..."

Harry watched her jaw move as she spoke, but he had tuned out her words. Spontaneously reaching out, he snatched her hand with the same speed he might use to grab a snitch. As he pulled her forward on the sofa, Luna abandoned her train of thought and looked straight at him, her protuberant eyes wide and curious. Harry pulled her into a hungry kiss, trying to taste her mouth, her wrist still held firmly in his hand.

When they broke apart, Luna gasped for breath and gave him a surprised look. Harry didn't leave much time for introspection, however, as he leaned forward and launched ferociously into another deep kiss. His blood surged, waves crashing over a moonlit beach, and Harry pressed one hand against the small of Luna's back, drawing him against him.

Luna responded by sinking fingers into his unnaturally neat, black curls. Harry wasn't satisfied, though. As he continued to kiss her, the hand on her back migrated down the length of her nightie, and moved to explore beneath it. Luna kept kissing him, simultaneously engaging in battle with him. She pushed his hand away from her thigh and tried to guide it back up to her shoulder.

It didn't remain there long. Harry's blood surged powerfully and, as though it had a will of its own, his hand meandered back down to the bottom of her gown to feel her skin again. Her leg was smooth, so smooth, and he wondered what the rest of her felt like beneath the white pyjama. Kissing hungrily, he tried once more to get into her nightgown.

They continued to tussle quietly, Luna prudently maintaining the silence so that her father would not hear a noise and awaken, Harry meanwhile excited by her noiseless resistance. All the while forcing back his eager hands, Luna returned Harry's passionate kisses nonetheless. He felt an urgent longing, pulling Luna closer and closer up against him...

Luna pulled sharply out of his grasp, sinking onto the floor beside the sofa. She panted heavily, while Harry let out a low moan of frustration and physical discomfort. He collapsed backwards onto the sofa, gasping for breath. After a minute, Luna reached over her shoulder and interlocked her fingers with his. They sat breathing hard as their heart rates slowly came back down to normal.

Getting lithely up to her feet, Luna leaned over Harry's face, and whispered again, "Good night, Harry!" She gave him a quick kiss on the forehead, and hurried away.

Harry lay awake, overwhelmed as he was by the way his blood had pulsed and surged, and the feeling of power and excitement he had felt. Probably not what Dumbledore had in mind when he reinstated my blood protection, he though wryly. Then quite suddenly, his eyes closed, and Harry quickly fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.