After the Wizengamot session, Amelia returned to her office, finishing up the last of her paperwork. She leaned back in her chair, penning a letter to Augusta Longbottom, requesting a meeting to discuss a potential betrothal agreement between Neville and Susan. As she sealed the envelope, she glanced up to see Harry sitting cross-legged on the couch, lost in deep meditation.
A small smile tugged at her lips. It warmed her heart to see him so relaxed. She knew how rare it was for Harry to let his guard down, and the fact that he felt safe enough to do so in her presence spoke volumes about their growing trust. For someone so young, burdened with far more than his fair share of responsibility, moments like these felt like a victory.
Amelia studied him quietly for a few moments, taking in the calm expression on his face. 'He looks so at peace,' she thought, 'and yet, I know how much he carries.'
Finally, realizing they needed to leave, she rose from her desk and called for Tonks. Crossing the room, she gently stroked Harry's arm to pull him from his trance.
"I'm ready to go, Harry," she said softly, her tone laced with affection.
Harry's eyes fluttered open, and he offered her a small, contented smile before standing. Amelia led the way out of her office, her heart unexpectedly light.
Her next stop was Potter Manor, where Amelia picked up Susan and Hannah. The two girls were chatting animatedly in the sitting room, but Hannah paused long enough to inform Amelia that her parents would bring her back the following week to do her school shopping.
"You don't have to worry about me today, Madam Bones," Hannah said with a cheerful grin as she held up a small pouch. "They've already given me some spending money."
Amelia nodded with a faint smile and motioned for them to floo to the Leaky Cauldron.
When they reached Diagon Alley, the group quickly gathered outside Flourish and Blotts. Amelia stood beside Harry as he introduced her to Hermione's parents.
"This is Amelia Bones, my fiancée," Harry said, his voice calm but steady.
Amelia felt a moment of hesitation, but when she saw the knowing smiles on the Grangers' faces, she relaxed. Clearly, Hermione had already spoken to them about her. She returned their warm greetings, shaking their hands and exchanging polite pleasantries.
Out of the corner of her eye, Amelia caught Ginny and Molly Weasley exchanging uneasy glances. She chose to ignore them, focusing instead on Harry. When he teasingly referred to her as "Madam Bones," she flushed, shooting him a sharp look that promised retribution later.
"Have fun with your friends, Harry," she said, her voice betraying a hint of amusement despite her embarrassment.
The shopping excursion proceeded smoothly. They visited Flourish and Blotts first to gather their schoolbooks, followed by the stationery store and apothecary to replenish supplies and potion ingredients. Amelia moved with practiced efficiency, but she couldn't help glancing over at Harry from time to time. He looked so at ease surrounded by his friends, a sight that filled her with quiet satisfaction.
When Mrs. Granger mentioned needing supplies for Crookshanks, Amelia split off with Augusta to visit Madam Malkin's. There, Amelia placed an order for two new sets of Wizengamot robes for Harry, each adorned with the respective Potter and Black crests. She also ordered matching robes for herself, anticipating the day when their joined houses would be formally recognized.
As they left Madam Malkin's and strolled toward Florean Fortescue's for ice cream, Augusta broke the silence.
"I received your owl, Madam Bones," she said, her tone as composed as ever. "I would be happy to meet with you to discuss the terms of a betrothal agreement between Neville and Susan. It's clear to me that they care deeply for one another."
A rare smile graced Augusta's lips, and Amelia felt a wave of relief and gratitude.
"That's wonderful news, Madam Longbottom," Amelia replied, her own smile genuine. "Would Monday afternoon suit you?"
Augusta nodded. "Two o'clock should be fine. I'll floo to Bones Manor then."
Amelia hesitated for a fraction of a second before replying. "Actually, I live at Potter Manor now," she admitted, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks.
Augusta's eyebrows arched ever so slightly in surprise, but she offered a polite nod. "Very well. I'll floo to Potter Manor at two."
By the time they reached Florean's, Amelia felt a rare sense of contentment. She sat with Augusta, watching as the children and Harry approached the shop. Harry was talking animatedly with Hermione, his gestures animated, while Susan walked beside Neville, her shy smile betraying her affection as she held his hand.
The sight tugged at Amelia's heart. For a moment, she was reminded of how young Harry truly was. Despite everything he had endured, he was still just a boy, finding joy in simple moments like these.
Her chest tightened briefly with sorrow for all that he had lost, but the sight of his bright smile as he spotted her banished the sadness. When he waved at her, a grin lighting up his face, Amelia smiled back, her heart full.
'He's finding his way,' she thought 'And so am I.'
'At least we fuck like teenagers, that's something.' She thought with a chuckle as he came up and kissed her briefly on the cheek.
As they walked back toward the Leaky Cauldron, Amelia couldn't help but smirk at the way Harry was pouting, his frustration evident.
"It's just strange," he muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. "Hermione and Ron always make time for my birthday. And Susan and Neville too. I mean, what could they possibly be doing that's so important?"
Amelia nearly laughed really has no idea, does he? For all his brilliance, sometimes he's so adorably dense.
She bit her lip, fighting to keep her smile hidden. "I'm sure they'd be here if they could, Harry," she said gently, doing her best to sound sincere. "Maybe something unexpected came up?"
When his frown deepened and it became clear he wasn't ready to let it go, Amelia decided to take a more... direct approach. Pausing mid-step, she glanced around and, spotting an alley nearby, grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him toward it.
"Amelia—what are you—"
Before he could finish, she cupped his face and kissed him, soft at first, then more deeply, pouring every ounce of affection she could into the gesture. She felt his tension melt away as he responded, his hands resting lightly on her waist. When she finally pulled back, his expression had softened, his earlier frustration forgotten.
"Better?" she asked with a teasing smile, brushing a stray lock of hair from his forehead.
"Much," Harry admitted, his lips quirking into a lopsided grin.
"Good. Now stop worrying about things you can't control," she said, her tone half-playful, half-stern. "Trust me, you'll enjoy your birthday. Just wait."
The next day, Harry's birthday had gone perfectly. She managed to distract him with his first gift long enough for everyone to get there and get set up, just like she had planned. You could tell by the surprise on his face when he turned on the lights in the kitchen that he wasn't excepting everyone to be there. She still wasn't sure how he hadn't figured it out, but she was glad he was happy with the surprise. Watching him open gifts and then play quidditch with his friends had eased away a lot of the current stress for Amelia. She hoped they could have more carefree days like this soon
O – o – o - o
Before Amelia knew it, the end of August had arrived, and the day of Harry's duel with Rodolphus Lestrange loomed closer. The summer had been kind to Harry. He had grown taller, now standing a few inches above Amelia, which she secretly loved. His physique had filled out, with defined muscles and a newly formed six-pack that she often traced with her fingers. His training with Moody had paid off as well—he could now hold his own against three or four Aurors at once without taking a hit.
Harry's progress with the Potter and Black family magics, aided by the family rings, had been astonishing. He mastered spells after only a couple of attempts, vastly expanding his arsenal. Amelia hoped this would give him an edge in the duel, though the stakes still terrified her.
That morning, Amelia met with Tonks, Moody, and Shacklebolt, asking for their presence at Gringotts for the duel. They were startled to hear what was planned but agreed to come. Moody, in particular, seemed disturbingly eager, which only made her more anxious. Amelia trusted Harry's abilities, but as the hours ticked by, she couldn't shake her unease. She spent the rest of the day at his side, wrapped in his arms, both trying to savour what could be their last moments together.
The morning was heavy with tension. Harry and Amelia ate breakfast in silence, the unspoken weight of the day pressing down on them. When they finished, they walked hand in hand to Gringotts, taking the long route as if to prolong their time together.
Upon their arrival, a small army of goblins escorted Harry to a preparation room. Griphook handed him a small portkey pin to attach to his robes and left him to get ready. Amelia stayed, her heart hammering as she watched him put on his armour, attach his new wand holster, and buckle the goblin-made knife at his hip.
When Harry turned to face her, she stepped forward and kissed him fiercely.
"I love you, Harry Potter-Black. If you don't survive this, I swear to Merlin I will find you in the afterlife and make you regret every second without me. No afterlife sex, ever," she said, her voice breaking slightly despite her attempt to keep it light.
Harry raised his eyebrows, chuckling softly. "Well, I wouldn't want that, so I guess I'd better win," he teased, his smile fading into a determined expression. He cupped her face gently. "You should go. I'm going to meditate until it's time. I'll see you soon, Amelia."
She nodded, biting her lip to hold back tears. With one last kiss, she turned and left the room before he could see her cry.
Outside, Amelia wiped her eyes and composed herself. She needed to be strong—for Harry. She entered the duelling arena, which was packed with goblins chattering excitedly. Their glee at the prospect of bloodshed was unnerving.
"Of course, they'd love this," Amelia thought grimly. "All they need is a muggle popcorn stand."
She found her reserved seat as Harry's second, away from the main crowd but close enough to see everything. Behind her sat Tonks, Moody, and Shacklebolt, who gave her reassuring nods. They had all taken unbreakable oaths not to interfere unless the duel's terms were violated.
Minutes later, Bellatrix and Lucius arrived, taking seats across the ring. Bellatrix smirked at Amelia, who returned the look with an icy glare. Their silent battle of wills ended when a loud buzzing signalled the duel's start. The shield charms around the arena activated, and the combatants appeared in the centre.
The instant Harry materialised, Rodolphus struck.
"CRUCIO!"
A bolt of red light shot toward Harry, but he swiftly raised a stone wall that crumbled under the curse's impact.
"Just like that, right out the gate?" Amelia thought. "Does he even know any other spells?"
Harry dodged the next volley of curses—Confringo,Reducto—with impressive agility, countering with a casual STUPEFY.
"Don't get cocky," Amelia muttered under her breath, watching as Harry started to play with his opponent, evading attacks and testing Rodolphus's patience.
Suddenly, Harry whispered something, and a curse Rodolphus had cast reversed direction mid-air, flying back at him with twice the speed. The goblins roared their approval.
Amelia smirked. "I didn't know he could do that."
The duel escalated, spells flying fast and furious. Harry used his wandless abilities and family magic to full effect, forcing Rodolphus to dodge and shield relentlessly. But Amelia noticed that some of Rodolphus's spells were unfamiliar and darker than anything taught at Hogwarts.
"Bellatrix's influence," she thought grimly.
When Rodolphus began to tire, Harry pressed the advantage, casting spells to confuse and disorient him. Finally, Rodolphus screamed, "AVADA KEDAVRA!"
Amelia gasped, but Harry remained calm, conjuring another stone wall to absorb the Killing Curse. As the wall crumbled, he performed an intricate swirling motion with his wand.
"Dura Stiria!"
The falling debris stopped mid-air, coalescing into sharp stone stalactites. With a commanding gesture, Harry sent them flying toward Rodolphus, who barely raised a shield in time. One jagged shard pierced his shoulder, eliciting a scream of pain.
Rodolphus retaliated with fury, casting a CRUCIO towards the stands. Amelia froze, only realising the curse was heading for her when Harry conjured a wall just in time. But the distraction proved costly—Rodolphus's next curse struck Harry's wand hand, forcing him to drop his wand.
"Accio wand!" Rodolphus crowed, snatching Harry's wand and smirking triumphantly.
Amelia's heart sank as Rodolphus taunted Harry, circling him like a predator. But Harry's magic pulsed, rippling through the arena. His jaw clenched as he raised his uninjured hand.
"Protego Horribilis!" he roared, unleashing a torrent of wandless spells. Rodolphus staggered under the relentless attack, barely managing to shield himself.
Then Harry stopped abruptly and took a deep breath.
"What is he planning?" Amelia wondered.
Harry raised his hand. "Myringa rupti sunt!"
The room seemed to buzz with energy, but nothing happened at first. Then a deafening sound wave erupted, causing Rodolphus to clutch his head and scream as blood dripped from his ears. The goblins cheered wildly.
Seizing the moment, Harry disappeared and reappeared behind Rodolphus, his knife flashing. With one swift motion, he slit Rodolphus's throat. The goblins erupted in a roar of approval as Rodolphus collapsed in a pool of blood.
Amelia exhaled in relief. "He won. He actually won."
But her relief was short-lived. She watched Harry growing pale and looked to see Bellatrix' cursed dagger stuck in his thigh. Harry let out a scream of agony as the goblins' portkey whisked him away, just as he began to collapse.
"NO!" Amelia cried, leaping to her feet.
Bellatrix smirked, her amusement evident as she vanished with Lucius, leaving Amelia frozen with rage and fear.
O – o – o - o
Whispers swirled around Harry like a phantom breeze, their words indecipherable. He tried to open his eyes, but they felt as though they were weighted shut. Pain throbbed through his leg, sharp and insistent, a constant reminder of something he couldn't fully remember. He struggled to call out, but his voice failed him, and he drifted back into the void.
Two days later, Harry opened his eyes to an unfamiliar room. It had the sterile efficiency of a hospital, but it wasn't St. Mungo's. The stone walls, intricate carvings, and dim lighting hinted at a goblin aesthetic.
The first sensation he registered was warmth—hands covering his, hair splayed across his abdomen. He smiled weakly and gave the hand beneath his a gentle squeeze.
The woman beside him stirred and sat up suddenly, revealing a tear-streaked, red-haired face.
"You're awake!" Amelia cried, leaning over to kiss him fiercely. "They said you should have woken up yesterday. I was so worried."
Harry opened his eyes fully, taking in her exhausted expression and puffy cheeks. Guilt twisted his chest. "I'm sorry I worried you, 'Melia," he said hoarsely.
"It wasn't your fault, Harry. It was that damn Bellatrix," Amelia growled, her eyes flashing. "When I find her, I'll make her pay for this. But you…" Her tone softened. "You fought brilliantly. I've never seen anything like it. You did magic I didn't even know existed."
Harry tried to push himself up, but a wave of soreness in his leg made him wince. "Where am I?" he asked, sinking back onto the bed.
"Gringotts," Amelia replied, brushing her fingers through his hair soothingly. "The goblin healers have been treating you."
Harry frowned, trying to piece together what had happened. "What… what happened? Why does my leg hurt so much? I remember killing Rodolphus, then… pain. So much pain."
"It was Bellatrix's cursed dagger," Amelia said, her voice shaking as she relived the memory. "Wizards have no cure for the curse she put on it, but the goblins do. It wasn't a pleasant process. I almost didn't let them do it, but it was the only way to save you, Harry. I couldn't lose you." Tears brimmed in her eyes, and she lowered her head to rest against his chest.
Harry wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."
Amelia sniffed and continued. "The goblins saved you, but it was touch and go for a while. They had to put you in a coma to stop the curse from spreading. Then… they removed your magic."
Harry stiffened. "My magic?"
"They purified it," Amelia explained quickly. "They had to clean it of the curse before they could return it to you. It was… terrifying. But they succeeded. You're whole again, Harry. The curse is gone."
Harry exhaled slowly, running a hand through her hair. "That explains why I feel so weak. But why does my leg still hurt?"
Amelia pushed herself up to meet his gaze, her forehead resting against his. "The curse caused permanent damage. The goblins did what they could, but… you'll probably have a limp for the rest of your life. I'm so sorry, Harry."
Harry nodded slowly, processing her words. "A limp, huh? Well, it could be worse." He managed a wry smile. "How are you holding up?"
Amelia pulled back, studying his face. "I'm better now that you're awake. How are you feeling?"
"My head's a little foggy, but I've had worse," he said with a shrug. "When can I go home?"
"Soon, I hope. But first…" Amelia hesitated, her expression hardening. "We should go to the Lestrange vault and get the Horcrux. After everything, I don't want to delay."
Harry nodded, determination flickering in his tired eyes. "Let's do it. Then we can go home. I'd like to spend the rest of the summer in bed—with you." He gave her a teasing smile.
Amelia chuckled, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I'd like that too." She kissed him softly before standing. "Let me get someone to check you over so we can leave."
Harry stroked her cheek gently, pulling her in for another kiss. "I'm not going anywhere while you're gone. I promise."
An hour later, after a thorough examination by a goblin healer, Amelia helped Harry make his way to the Lestrange vault.
The moment they stepped inside, Harry felt it—a malevolent presence, sharp and suffocating. Voldemort's magic.
"There," Harry said, pointing to a gleaming golden cup nestled among the treasure. He retrieved it carefully, placing it into the stasis bag Griphook had provided.
As they exited the vault, Harry handed the bag to Amelia. "Let me know if the Unspeakables find anything useful. And promise me you'll destroy it as soon as you can."
Amelia stopped, taking his hands in hers. "Harry," she said softly, "I want these destroyed as much as you do. Maybe more. I promise to let only the Unspeakables I trust examine it, and then I'll destroy it myself."
Satisfied, Harry nodded. Amelia helped him out of Gringotts, then side-along apparated him to Potter Manor. The moment they arrived, Harry leaned heavily on her, his exhaustion evident.
Amelia pulled him into a searing kiss. "I'm going to take the cup to the Department of Mysteries. Then I'll meet you upstairs."
"I'll be waiting, Madam Bones," Harry said with a wink, making his way slowly up the stairs. He collapsed into the loveseat in their bedroom with a contented sigh.
When Amelia returned, she presented him with a sleek black cane.
Harry groaned. "Great. Now I'm going to look like Malfoy."
Amelia laughed, settling beside him on the loveseat. "Much better looking than Lucius," she teased, leaning in for a kiss.
The next two days passed in blissful quiet. Harry and Amelia stayed in bed, savouring each other's presence. Both were relieved to find that Harry's nightmares had finally subsided. For the first time in weeks, they allowed themselves to hope for brighter days ahead.
o – o – o – o – o
On September 1st, Harry stood on Platform 9 alongside Amelia and Susan, scanning the crowd for Neville. Amelia and Harry maintained a careful distance to avoid drawing attention, while Susan admired the new betrothal ring on her finger, twisting it in the sunlight.
"Wow, mate! I barely recognized you. Looking good, Harry," came Neville's voice as he approached.
Harry rolled his eyes, feeling a flush of embarrassment creeping up his neck. "You're late," he said gruffly, hoping to steer the conversation away. "Let's go."
He gave Amelia's hand a quick, discreet squeeze before grabbing his trunk and striding toward the train. "I'll find us an empty compartment," he called over his shoulder as Amelia laughed, pulling Susan into a quick hug goodbye.
Neville hurried to catch up, helping Harry lift his trunk onto the train. Just as they finished, Susan passed Harry his cane with a small, sheepish smile. Harry felt the heat rise in his face as he accepted it, muttering his thanks.
The ride to Hogwarts was uneventful. Once Harry and Neville secured an empty compartment, Ron, Hermione, and Hannah joined them. It wasn't long before Ron, his curiosity piqued, asked about the cane.
"What happened?" Ron asked, frowning as he gestured toward it.
Harry sighed, realising there was no avoiding the story. He recounted the duel with Bellatrix Lestrange, keeping his tone matter-of-fact. By the time he finished, Hermione's face was pale, and the others were staring at him in shock.
"Blimey, Harry," Ron said, leaning back in his seat. "That's mental. But… that cane's awesome."
Harry gave him a half-smile, shaking his head in exasperation.
Ron and Hermione left for prefect duties not long after, leaving Neville and Harry alone. Neville launched into a detailed account of the new plants his gran had given him after formalising his betrothal arrangement with Amelia.
As Neville spoke, the door slid open to reveal Ginny. "Hey," she said brightly, stepping inside.
"Ginny," Harry greeted with a nod, motioning for her to sit down.
To Harry's relief, their conversation flowed easily, mostly centred on Quidditch. It felt like old times. By the time Ron and Hermione returned, Ron eagerly joined the Quidditch discussion, and Harry was glad to see that Ginny seemed to have moved past her discomfort about his engagement to Amelia.
The rest of the journey was filled with visitors. Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs stopped by to say hello, but Harry noticed one significant absence—Malfoy. It was strange. Malfoy never missed an opportunity to taunt him on the train. Harry made a mental note to keep an eye on him.
The welcoming feast at Hogwarts was as lively as ever. First-years shuffled nervously, and the older students buzzed with excitement about being back.
"Were we really that small when we first came here?" Harry asked, watching the wide-eyed first-years approach the Sorting Hat.
"I know, right?" Hermione replied, smiling. "It's hard to believe. I remember being just as terrified as they look, though."
Harry nodded, recalling his own terror that first night, convinced the hat wouldn't sort him anywhere.
As always, the Sorting Hat delivered a dramatic speech about unity, courage, and the importance of choosing what was right over what was easy. This year, though, there seemed to be an undercurrent of hope in its words, as if it sensed the tides shifting.
After the feast, Ron and Hermione led the new Gryffindors to the common room. Harry, meanwhile, followed Professor McGonagall to his new quarters.
A few portraits down from the Fat Lady, McGonagall stopped in front of a painting of Godric Gryffindor and Salazar Slytherin engrossed in a game of chess.
"This is the portrait entrance to your quarters," McGonagall explained. "You'll need to set a password once I leave, and I recommend you change it frequently."
Harry nodded.
"Do you know how to activate the Floo?" she asked.
"Yes, Professor," Harry replied.
"Good. You're permitted to link it only to Potter Manor. Miss Granger has also been given permission to accompany you there for research, at Madam Bones' request." McGonagall gave him a faint smile. "Professor Dumbledore only asks that she not leave the property."
Harry grinned at the news.
"Madam Bones will also be able to visit you here," McGonagall continued, a faint blush colouring her cheeks. "But only within these quarters. If she comes for official business, she'll need to go through proper channels."
"I assume Amelia knows all this?" Harry asked.
"Yes. She discussed it with Professor Dumbledore this morning and asked me to pass along the arrangement."
"Thank you, Professor."
McGonagall nodded. "If there's nothing else, I'll leave you to settle in."
"Actually, Professor," Harry said, "would it be alright if I met with you tomorrow to discuss my educational plans?"
"Would right after lunch work? The morning is always hectic on the first day."
"That's perfect."
"Good night then, Harry. And remember, Lord or not, curfew still applies. I'd better not catch you wandering the halls after hours." She smiled warmly.
"Yes, ma'am," Harry replied with a chuckle.
After setting his password, Harry stepped into his new quarters. The space reminded him of a cosier version of the Gryffindor common room, with its warm colours and inviting furniture. A small kitchen and potions room branched off the main area, which featured an ornate fireplace, a loveseat, and a plush sofa.
The bedroom housed a large canopy bed, an elegant writing desk, and bookshelves lining the wall. Harry smiled as he took it all in.
He quickly penned a note to Amelia, letting her know he'd arrived safely and inviting her to visit whenever she could. After sending Hedwig off with the letter, he activated the Floo and summoned Dobby.
"Dobby, could you conjure a few extra sofas and bring some tea and biscuits? I'll be back with my friends shortly."
"Of course, great wizard Lord Harry Potter-Black, sir!" Dobby replied with a wide grin before popping away.
Harry chuckled at Dobby's enthusiasm before heading to the Gryffindor common room. With the password provided by Godric, he collected Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, giving Neville instructions to fetch Susan and join them.
When they returned to his quarters, Harry gave Ron and Hermione a quick tour. Hermione's excitement was palpable when he shared the news about her access to the Potter library. She was momentarily disappointed to hear he'd be spending most weekends at Potter Manor, but she brightened when Harry invited her to join their research sessions on Saturdays.
As the evening went on, Susan, Neville, and Hannah joined them. The group spent the rest of the night laughing, playing games, and chatting until curfew loomed.
After seeing his friends off, Harry got ready for bed. As he sank into the soft mattress, his thoughts drifted to Amelia. The empty space beside him felt too large, too cold.
"This is going to be a long year," he murmured, closing his eyes and willing himself to sleep.
o – o – o – o – o
Harry woke early, as had become his habit over the summer. The emptiness of the bed beside him reminded him yet again how much he missed Amelia's presence. He hadn't realised just how accustomed he'd grown to having her with him at night, and his sleep felt restless without her. Shaking off the melancholy, he dressed and went for a run around the lake, letting the crisp morning air wake him fully. After a quick shower, he joined his friends in the Great Hall for breakfast.
Harry had the first period free, and after finishing breakfast early, he decided to catch Professor Babbling before her class began. He had a proposal in mind to convince her to tutor him in Ancient Runes. Confident but slightly anxious, he hurried off to find her. Once their conversation concluded, he headed to the Room of Requirement to continue his training. He spent the remainder of the free period practicing spells and strengthening his Occlumency shields. Amelia could no longer breach them, which gave him confidence, but he knew Snape or Voldemort would be far more challenging opponents. He needed to be prepared.
His first class of the day was Defense Against the Dark Arts, now taught by Snape. Harry was apprehensive but resolved to give it his best effort. Surprisingly, Snape mostly ignored him, which was a relief. Harry focused on the lesson, excelling as usual in his strongest subject.
After class, Harry joined Ron and Hermione for lunch. He noticed Professor McGonagall rising from the staff table and giving him a small nod. Quickly finishing his meal, Harry headed to her office, arriving just in time.
"Good afternoon, Professor," Harry greeted her with his signature grin.
"Good afternoon, Lord Potter-Black," McGonagall replied, motioning for him to sit. "It's refreshing to see you in my office for something other than trouble," she added with a small smirk.
Harry chuckled. "When you're engaged to the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, staying out of trouble becomes a priority."
McGonagall smiled. "What can I do for you, Harry?"
Harry dove right in. "I'd like to ask if Professor Slughorn would allow me to continue with Potions. I only achieved an Exceeds Expectations on my O.W.L., but I'm willing to take any additional assessments to prove I'm capable."
McGonagall waved him off. "That won't be necessary. The Outstanding requirement was Professor Snape's. Professor Slughorn accepts students with Exceeds Expectations."
Harry beamed. "Thank you! Could you add it to my schedule, then?"
She adjusted his timetable and handed it to him. "Anything else?"
"Yes," Harry said, his tone turning serious. "I'd like to take my N.E.W.T.s early, at Yule."
McGonagall arched a brow. "I can arrange for a proctor, but are you certain you'll be ready?"
Harry nodded. "Over the summer, I mastered all O.W.L.-level material and have already covered about half of this year's coursework. By Yule, I'll be prepared."
McGonagall looked impressed. "What do you plan to do after Yule, if I may ask?"
"I've spoken to Professor Babbling about private tutoring in Ancient Runes. I'll focus on that and my training with Moody. I plan to sit the Ancient Runes N.E.W.T. with the seventh years at the end of the year."
"And Quidditch?" McGonagall asked, though she suspected the answer.
Harry sighed. "I won't be playing this year. With everything going on, I'll miss too many practices. It wouldn't be fair to the team. If you're looking for a captain, though, I'd recommend Ginny."
McGonagall looked disappointed but nodded. "It's a shame, but I understand."
Harry hesitated, then added, "I'd like to thank you for being supportive of Amelia and me. I know your friendship means a great deal to her. I believe she plans to ask you to stand with her at the wedding. It would mean a lot to both of us if you said yes."
McGonagall blinked, clearly moved. "I—I'd be honoured," she said, her voice softer than usual.
Harry smiled. "Thank you, Professor." He said his goodbyes and left, feeling lighter.
Potions with Professor Slughorn was a pleasant surprise. Without Snape's oppressive presence, Harry found he actually enjoyed the subject. Slughorn was patient and encouraging, helping all students improve, even the Slytherins who had once thrived on Snape's favouritism.
The only oddity was how often Slughorn eyed Harry like a prized possession. It made him uncomfortable, but he chose to ignore it and focus on his work. He also noticed Draco Malfoy looked unusually pale and tired, his expression meek. 'Whatever he's involved in, it's clear he isn't happy about it,' Harry thought.
After classes, Harry and Hermione met Ron, Neville, Susan, and Hannah in the library to study until dinner. Following the meal, Ron dragged Harry into a game of wizard's chess in the Gryffindor common room, delaying Harry's plans for the evening.
When he finally returned to his quarters, he sat at his desk and wrote a letter to Fred and George, inviting them to dinner at Potter Manoron Friday evening. He wanted to start putting some of his plans into motion.
Just as he settled onto the sofa, closing his eyes for a moment, the fireplace flared to life. He opened his eyes to see Amelia stepping through the green flames. Her presence instantly lifted his spirits, and he smiled warmly at her.
"Amelia," he said softly.
Her answering smile lit up the room.
"Miss me already?" He said. Amelia didn't even bother to respond. She just walked over and straddled his lap, pulling his face up for a deep and passionate kiss that quickly made him forget how tired he was.
"Hmm" hummed Harry with a content smile. "I missed you too."
"Did you? Well why don't you take me into that bedroom of yours and show me just how much," said Amelia seductively as she pulled him up off the sofa.
An hour later a sated Harry was lying in bed with his arms wrapped around Amelia while she drew small circles on his abs with her fingers.
"How was your first day back?"
"It was good. All my classes were pretty much what I expected," Harry replied. "But I have a feeling this term is going to be busier than ever. I talked to McGonagall about taking my N.E.W.T.s at Yule, and she's making the arrangements. Professor Babbling has also agreed to tutor me in Ancient Runes, so that's sorted."
He hesitated briefly before adding, "Oh, and I told Minerva about you wanting her to stand with you at the wedding. I know you planned to ask her yourself, but I was giving her so much bad news this afternoon that I felt like I needed to share something good. I hope you're not upset."
Amelia smiled softly. "It's fine, Harry. I'll just have to catch her soon to officially ask her, so she doesn't feel left out."
Harry nodded, relieved. "How was your day?" he asked, running his fingers gently through her hair.
Amelia let out a heavy sigh. "Exhausting. It's getting harder and harder to fight the Death Eaters with Fudge still clinging to power. He's tying my hands at every turn. I don't know how he managed to stay in office after the Department of Mysteries fiasco, but if we're going to win this war, he has to go. And as if that weren't frustrating enough, I've hit another dead end in the search for Pettigrew. I may have to explore alternative ways to push Fudge out."
Harry frowned but stayed quiet, sensing she wasn't finished. Amelia's expression softened as she shifted to meet his gaze.
"On the bright side," she said, her tone lightening, "the Unspeakable I tasked with studying the Horcrux we found in the Lestrange vault has made progress. She's developed a way to detect a Horcrux within a certain radius. Unfortunately, she hasn't found a solution to the... other problem." Her eyes flicked briefly to Harry's scar.
Harry placed a reassuring hand on hers. "We'll find a way, Amelia. We have to."
Amelia nodded, taking strength from his unwavering belief. "I gave heruntil Mondayto complete her research. After that, I'll destroy the Horcrux. But since we're on the topic of Horcruxes, there's something else I need to tell you."
Harry leaned in, his expression patient. "What is it?"
"I've put together a task force to retrieve the other two Horcruxes Dumbledore has identified. We're planning to go after the first one at the end of the month."
Harry's response was immediate and firm. "I'm going with you."
Amelia shook her head, her tone resolute. "No, Harry. You don't have to fight every battle. You handled yourself brilliantly against Lestrange, but this is my expertise. Let me handle it. Please."
Harry exhaled heavily, the tension in his shoulders easing just slightly. "Alright," he said quietly. "But promise me you'll come back. I can't lose you."
Amelia softened, leaning into him as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I promise," she whispered.
Later that night, Amelia made sure Harry wouldn't forget just how much she intended to keep that promise.