At The Heart Of The Matter

Authors Note: Thanks again to ALL my wonderful reviewers! You guys are the BEST!!! Harry Potter is still not mine!

Much News In Little Time

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(Friday, February 22)

The school year was back in full swing, with Harry and Alicia settling into the first two months of wedded bliss, blissfully. After finishing their class for the day, at noon, they enjoyed a quite lunch alone in their suite, then Harry decided he’d check up on what Tom was doing. Laying in their king size bed, he fell into a trance.

Voldemort looked out at his radically depleted followers, and decided that he needed a new plan. The 'Censum Affensa Ab Damnatio' ritual was going on hold until he could procure a new, reliable, potion’s master, and the hard to find ingredients. His biggest problem at the moment was recruitment. Voldemort had invited over 100 people from other country’s, who were known for using the Dark Arts, but those targeted the most, resided closer to Durmstrang, and he was currently awaiting their responses. If this didn’t work, he was going to need to come up with another scheme, one that would involve the mass destruction of the light side.

The only good news he’d received of late, had been the downfall of Dumbledore, but that also cost him Severus Snape, Potion Master, extraordinaire. He’d began searching the ancient tome of the Dark Elves, for any new ideas, and after three days, had finally found something that looked promising. The Elemental Battle Curse, or in Latin, Ab Naturae Dimicatio Pestis, was a complex rite calling forth the four elements of earth, wind, water, and fire to use in battle as a means of total destruction.

Pouring himself a glass of wine, Voldemort thought, ‘This rite would definitely grant me success, if I can get past a few major drawbacks.’ The first problem Voldemort could see, was that he had to be on the battlefield to cast this curse; the second, was the length of time the incantation along with the sacrifices would take; and the third drawback, he had to find a way to protect himself and his followers from the destructive fury of the elements.

Taking a seat, and sipping his wine, Voldemort continued his muse, “I have to be on the battlefield while casting this long, complicated, sacrifice laden incantation, but I could possibly cast a disillusionment charm on myself, thereby giving me the time and secrecy needed. I’ll have to research the possibility of any external magic interfering with the rite. Protecting those with my mark is fairly straightforward, in theory, at least. I’ll need to add a line to the incantation, but I must be cautious, this is a delicate thing to do to one this complex, so I must limit what I add, being as precise as possible.’

Picking up the ancient tome, he read through the sacrifices again, contemplating all that was required. The sacrifices needed were harsh, but a necessary evil. The earth element required an oath in blood, a fresh pint from the person invoking the rite, and his/her enemy, to always protect and nurture her; the wind element demanded 2000, four carat or larger, precious gemstones, like emerald, alexandrite, ruby, amethyst, garnet, sapphire and diamond, pulverized and cast into the wind, paying homage to her power; the water element wanted the raw magic of 7 beings to be used in the renewal and purification of 7 bodies of water; the fire element required a female virgin to be sacrificed upon a pyre, being alive and set aflame, using her purity to regenerate fires natural cleansing ability.

With all that was required in performing this right, Voldemort would have to pick the final battle’s location. To much needed to be prepared ahead of time to consider any other option. Deciding that he could think about that later, he re-read the incantation to see where he could add the protection he required.

Harry came out of his trance like state, sitting up he yelled in frustration, “BLOODY HELL! FUCK!”

Alicia, who was watching over him while he spied on Riddle, said, “HARRY! What’s wrong!?”

“Tom’s going to attempt to use the elements during the final battle! Alicia, I need you to gather together as many of our allies as you possibly can. Most important are Cornelius, Amelia, Paole, Hermione, Neville, Filius, Blaise, Manuel, Bill and Arthur. I’m going to put my memories in the pensieve….” as he trailed off, they both set out to complete their tasks.

Within half and hour, about 25 people converged on Hogwarts, and were all sitting around Harry and Alicia’s dining room table.

“Everyone, thanks for coming on such short notice. I visited Tom this morning, and what I witnessed has the potential of being very damning to our side. Hermione, I want you and Paole to go into the pensive first, and bring with you a recording quill. There’s an incantation that I need you two to translate as quickly as possible.” said Harry.

About an hour later, everyone was through viewing the memory in the pensieve, all much paler than before they had entered. Hermione and Paole had been busy translating the incantation they recorded, and when the last of the group came out of the pensieve, they were done. Making copies for everyone, they handed out their findings.

The Incantation:

Ego elicitum dimicatio ab quattuor naturae, ab extinixi noster hostis repercere qui habeo ab insignio. Privatio vester pollentia ab pestis ab occido.

Primitus, ego arcesso Humus. Misceo gleba ab lapis meto mors mortis.

Alterum, ego arcesso Aqua ab Flamma. Misceo aestuo, quaestio ocidi tuusa hostis.

Novissime, ego arcesso septemtriones, notus, eurus, ab favonius ab flatus augeo iracundiae. Contortio vertex, aera spiritu ab peremptum tuus inimicum.

Ego elicitum vos, quattuor naturae, ab decerno qui ego iubeo. PESTIS AB DEVINCO!

The Translation:

I call forth to battle the four elements, to destroy our enemy sparing those who have the mark. Release your power to curse and strike down.

First, I summon Earth. Combine soil and stone to reap destruction.

Second, I summon Water and Fire. Combine to boil, seeking to kill thy enemy.

Lastly, I summon North Wind, South Wind, East Wind, and West Wind, to blast forth in fury. Twisting whirlwind, draw in and annihilate.

I call you, four elements, to do what I command. CURSE AND CONQUER!


“From what we witnessed and recorded, Riddle added the part ‘sparing those who have the mark’ to the original incantation.” said Hermione

Adding to her explanation, Paole said, “Tom did indeed use caution while adding this part, but Hermione and I believe he may have been overly cautious. He hasn’t clarified what mark to protect, therefore, this could be the very thing that saves us.”

“How so, Paole?” asked Manuel Zabini.

“We’ll have to research to be sure, but if he doesn’t specify the Dark Mark, anyone marked may be spared. Meaning, we could create our own mark, have it tattooed magically on our bodies, and nullify his use of the elements. Harry, it’s very important that you re-visit your connection often….we’ll need to know if he alters the incantation to solely specify his mark, or makes any other changes at all.” finished Paole.

Harry, looking very serious, said, “I’ll be sure to do that, Paole. Okay….so we need to form another research group, to investigate how we can use a mark to protect ourselves. We also need to be on the lookout for any sign that Tom is gathering what he needs for the sacrifices. Amelia, this will be up to the DMLE specifically. You need to get a hold of the governments of those countries, where the gems will be exported from, and see if they’d be willing to add extra security to the mining areas. You’ll also need to watch for any magical beings that are reported missing. Realistically, the last is going to be the hardest to defend against. There are just way to many magical beings out there, ourselves included, to offer private protection, so our best bet is to monitor the gemstone activity as closely as we can.”

“Won’t Riddle just take the gems from his vaults, or those of his followers?” asked Blaise.

Harry responded, “That’s a good question. Most of his current followers aren’t very wealthy, and since Tom’s vaults and those of all the captured Death Eaters have been confiscated by the Ministry, he won’t have access to there bounties. This means, he’ll have to search outside of Britain to gather the enormous amount of gems needed. He probably won’t be paying for them, since he‘s also low on financial support, so, more than likely, he’ll just kill whoever is in his way, and steal what’s available. Amelia, you’ll also need to keep watch over any precious gem supplier’s and dealer’s.”

“I’ll get on that as soon as I get back to the Ministry. I may need to place my Aurors at the mines, providing that the foreign governments do not cooperate, and do a bodyguard system to protect any individual persons. I may need some of the ‘Warp Crew’ to assist ….I’m not sure I’ll have the manpower otherwise.” said Amelia.

“That’s fine, Amelia, just let us know. Hermione, who do you think should be involved in this research group?” asked Harry.

“I’ve been thinking it over for the last couple of minutes, and we need two groups. The first team will continue working on the plan we came up for destroying Riddle’s spirit, but I would like to add a few new faces….along with Blaise, Padma and myself, I would like to include Katie, Lisa, and Justin, who’s an excellent researcher and is itching to do something while he’s still recovering. Harry, you should switch over to the new group, as you already know what is needed from you to complete that scenario.” Hermione said, then taking a drink, continued, “The second research group should include Harry, Paole, Bill, Alicia, and Arthur. Minister Fudge, do you think we could get a few more researchers from the Unspeakable Department?” asked Hermione.

“I don’t see a problem with that. Paole would know who is the best fit with the two groups.” said Cornelius.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but this elemental rite is an ancient Dark Elves creation, right?” asked Alicia. Receiving nods from several present, she continued, “Harry, when I was researching one of the Gray Arts spells during time warp, I remember reading from a couple of tomes that dealt with the elements and elfish magic….I can’t recall if the books were from the Dark Elves, but either way, it could help us. Maybe we should check out your vaults for any other books and scrolls that could help.” said Alicia.

“That’s our vaults, by the way.” Harry said, giving her a wink. “We could have Dobby or Winky go to Thurox Manor and collect any books or scrolls from there, and tomorrow morning we can head to Gringotts and go through the vaults.” said Harry.

Cornelius added, “I’ll also have the Unspeakables go through the library at the Ministry, and bring any of the tomes and scrolls along that may fit what were looking for. We have some rare and obscure tomes, not as vast as many of the older families, but it can’t hurt to check. I think all of you that are from the older families need to look in your libraries and vaults, too.”

“Harry, I’ll join you and Alicia tomorrow, and go through the Zabini vaults, and Dad, could you check the estate library for us?” said Blaise.

“Of course, son. I’ll have our house elf deliver anything that’s pertinent. Neville, you should also go along with Blaise, Harry, and Alicia, as your from an ancient line.” said Manuel.

“Sounds like a plan. What time do we want to get going?” asked Neville.

“How about 10am? It is Saturday, so we don’t need to worry about classes, but I would like to sleep in a little.” Harry said a little sheepishly. Most started chuckling, and the tension in the air seem to lift some. Not long after, everyone left to start working on their assigned tasks.

As Harry cleaned up the parchment covered table, Alicia came up behind him, wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head on his back, she asked, “Can we truly stop Riddle this time?”

Turning, hugging her to his chest, Harry answered, “We have to believe we can, or what’s the point. Tom’s latest scheme is full of problematic areas, offering several opportunities for us to disrupt them. I didn’t say anything earlier, but I do have another plan that I’ve been thinking of.”

Sitting, while pulling her to his lap he continued, “I know this is going to sound crazy, but I thought if we used one of the captured Death Eaters, pulled them out of prison so they’ll be able to feel their Dark Mark when called, we could use that person as a sort of portkey to take us to Riddle’s base. We would have the element of surprise, and chances are, he wouldn’t have all his supporters their anyway, as Tom rarely summons everyone to a meeting, so more than likely, we would also out number them. I think, if we take the battle to him, before he has time to work his current plan, we could win this thing. What do you think?”

“Well, you right, it is a crazy plan, but not without foundation. It could work….how much longer will it take Hermione and Blaise’s group to complete their work on capturing Riddle’s spirit? That’s the only hitch in your plan that I can see. You need to talk with them, and also, Cornelius, Manuel, and Amelia, soon, and let them know what you’re thinking.” said Alicia.

“Why don’t we invite them to diner tomorrow night? I’m glad your behind me on this….at least you don’t think I’ve gone off the deep end.” said Harry, chuckling a little.

“Oh, you’ve definitely gone off the deep end…..but it’s my job, as your wife, to make sure your floaters are on.” teased Alicia.

Moving her hair off to the side, Harry began nibbling at her neck while saying, “It’s also your job, as my wife, to make sure my stress levels stay down, and right now, I’m feeling the need to work off some of that tension….”

“Oh, yeah? Then tell me how can I be of service to you?” Alicia said breathily.

Without another word, he lifted her to sit on the table, and started devouring her mouth with his. Harry and Alicia began undoing each other’s clothing, and soon, they were both naked, and achingly ready. Gently, he laid her back, raising her feet to rest on the table top, and retaking his seat, let his tongue explore her hot, moist, nether regions. Harry licked, stroked, and sucked her to orgasm, while he stretched her in preparation.

Her cries of passion spurred him on, and growling, he pulled her off the table, gave her another fiery, lustful kiss, then turned her around. Positioning her legs, spreading them wide open, he pushed her forward to lean on the table for support, and with her ass facing him, beckoning him forth, he entered her moist pussy in one quick stroke, then stilled to let her adjust.

Leaning up a little, meeting him in another passionate kiss, she indicated that she was ready by wiggling her hips. Oh, how she loved the way his long, thick cock filled her, the feeling of utter bliss as he slid out of her slowly, then just as slowly re-entered her. Breaking the kiss, he gently bit and nibbled at her shoulder, eliciting a throaty, pleasure filled moan. Trying to quicken the pace, she pushed against him, but he put his hands on her hips to prevent her from speeding them up, and continued his agonizingly slow pace for over half and hour. When she could no longer speak to beg, he increased his pace, removing his hands from her hips only to grab her perfectly round globes, and began kneading them with each forward thrust, opening her up to take him in further.

When she was screaming at the onset of her second mind blowing climax, he let loose, and began pounding her relentlessly. Not completely coming down and still shaking from her last orgasm, she began feeling another one build, saying “OH….Goddess….I’m….Harry …..I’m gonna…..AAHH!” she screamed as he thrust a lubricated finger into her other tight hole. Within moments, as her third climax caused her inner walls to clench around him, he wrapped his arms around her, lifting her to his chest, and poured his own release deep in her womb. Both breathing heavily, he stayed within her, sitting them both in the chair, until they began coming down from their euphoric highs of post-orgasmic bliss.

“God, I love making love to you!” said a sated and happy Harry.

“Ditto” she said, as she removed herself from his manhood, spinning to straddle his lap and kissing him with all she had. After several long, needy kisses, she felt her womb call out its want, stirring the wanton fires within, and proceeded to slide from his lap, kneeling before him. Taking his half erect penis in her mouth, tasting herself on him, she began working him, bringing him back to aching hardness.

“Merlin, Alicia….” he said, loving her mouth on him, but also surprised that she was wanting more so soon. When she swallowed his whole length down her throat, he almost lost his mind….no one had ever been able to do that to him. After a few minutes of her deep throating him, he wasn’t sure he could last much longer, so pulled her up to him, and wandlessly expanded the chair, had her straddle him again, her feet on either side of his thighs. Still somewhat sore from their last go, she lowered herself onto his massive cock as he swallowed her scream of passion mix with a little pain. Without waiting, she lifted and slammed back down hard on him, setting a demanding pace that had them both cumming not long after. Their bodies still trembling and slick with sweat, he slowly removed himself from her, and lovingly carried her spent body to the Jacuzzi tub, where he proceeded to pamper her as he washed them both.

While they relaxed in the bubbling water, smiling at his beautiful wife, Harry asked, “Baby, not that I’m complaining, but that was pretty intense….what got into you?”

“I don’t know….if I wasn’t so sore right now, I think I’d be up for another round….I’m just so horny….it’s maddening!” said Alicia, snuggling close, licking up his neck and nibbling at his ear.

“Baby, you better stop that, or I’m going to get hard again! Merlin, you are horny!” said a chuckling, but rapidly hardening Harry.

“I know! Harry….I need you….PLEASE!” she moaned.

“Alicia, hun, you just said that you’re sore….” he trailed off as she brought one of his hands down to her cleft, and seductively made one of his fingers slide around her tight ring of muscle then slipped it into herself. This elicited another guttural moan form both, and summoning a jar of lube, laid her on the deck that surrounded the Jacuzzi.

“Baby, are you sure you want me to take you this way….you’ve never had anal sex before, and I don’t want to hurt you.” said Harry, as he inserted a second finger into her, stretching and preparing her for his large cock.

“Harry….shut up….and fuck me!” panted Alicia.

Thrusting his tongue into her mouth in rhythm with his fingers, he added a third. She keened at being stretched so much, but was soon meeting his thrusts wantonly. Making sure he wouldn’t hurt her, he added a fourth long, thick finger, and twisting it while pumping her, he soon had her loosened as much as she was going to be.

Slicking his member, he lined himself up, inserting just the tip of his penis into her well prepared hole. “Baby? You ready?” said Harry.

“Goddess….YES! Harry….Please….” she said, running her hands through his hair, bringing him into a kiss.

Slowly, with small thrusts, he entered her. Once he was balls deep within her ass, he looked at his writhing wife under him, and kissing her gently, pulled out till only the head remained. He, like their first bout of love making, set a slow and steady pace, until he felt her convulsing walls loosen ever so slightly around him, then began increasing his pace. Lifting his body from laying on top of hers, he sat up, bringing her hips up to rest on his thighs ever so slightly, aligning himself as he continued to thrust within her. Inserting a thumb into her other moist vagina, he used her juices to lubricate his attack on her clit. After several minutes, she yelled his name out as she climaxed, causing her walls to pulsate around his cock, pulling forth his own earth shattering orgasm.

Once again, when they had both calmed down, he said, “Alicia….I hope you don’t want another round, Baby? After three, I don’t think I can get it up again. Tonight…..well, as wonderful and thrilling as it was, is so unlike you….are you sure your alright?”

“I can’t explain it, Harry. The last couple of days, all I’ve been able to think about is having you inside me….constantly! It’s like I can’t get enough….and my breasts are so sensitive ….maybe I should go talk to Poppy.” she answered, as they made their way to the master suite.

After getting ready for bed, they climbed in, with Harry pulling her close, he said, “If you want, we can go see her tomorrow, when we get back from Gringotts.”

“Okay. If nothing’s wrong, you do know that Poppy is going to tease us endlessly?” said Alicia, giving him a humorous smile.

“I know….that woman loves to torment me!” Harry said, and giving his wife one last tender kiss, they both fell asleep well after midnight.

The next morning, Harry was awoken at around 7:30am, to his wife’s mouth and tongue sucking him to another full erection. Obviously, Alicia was still as horny as ever, and it was nearly 9am by the time they both entered the shower, making love twice in that hour and a half.

After writing out five quick invites for dinner that evening, Harry had Dobby deliver them while Alicia, Neville, Blaise, and himself headed to the bank. It was nearly 2:30, when they made it back to the school, and Harry called out to Dobby, asking him to carry the three enlarged trunks, full of scrolls and tomes, up to the new research room that Minerva had made ready for them.

“Well, Baby, let’s go see Poppy….” Harry trailed off, sighing out in resignation over the taunting to come. Making the short walk to the infirmary, they entered.

“Hello, you two! How are my favorite godson and his wife doing this wonderful afternoon?” said a beaming Poppy.

Giving his godmother a warm hug, Harry said, “Poppy, I’m your only godson, thereby eliminating any competition for favorites.”

“Pish, posh….that’s just a technicality. What brings you both up here?” asked Poppy.

“Well, um, well, you see…Alicia’s been acting a little strange the last couple of days, and we were wondering if maybe you could make sure she’s alright?” said a suddenly nervous Harry. He always seemed to lose his cool around the usually stern witch. This sent both Poppy and Alicia into a fit of laughter, earning each a scowl from Harry.

“Poppy, what Harry just so eloquently tried to say, is that I’ve been craving sex more frequently than normal, and my breasts are very sensitive. We just want you to do a check up and make sure that everything is normal. You know how doting he is!” said Alicia, completely unashamed.

“Hey! I’m not doting….well, yeah, I am, but that’s what I’m suppose to be…..as your husband and all.” argued Harry.

Giving him and indulging smile, Poppy said, “That’s right, Harry, you are suppose to take care of your wife. Know, Alicia, lie down on the bed, and I’ll give you a look over.”

Waving her wand in a series of complicated movements, she was done in just a few minutes. Looking at the young couple, smile firmly in place, she said, “Well, your definitely normal, Alicia….well, as normal as an eight week pregnant woman can be, that is!”

Harry could only stare at his wife in shock, then, as the news began to sink in, he smiled, and taking her in his arms, he twirled her around yelling, “YES! Oh! My! God! ALICIA!….Baby….you are …..this is….INCREDIBLE!”

Laughing at the scene before her, Poppy said, “Harry, put her down!”

Stopping instantly, they looked into each other eyes, both spilling tears of joy, he took her face in his hands, and gave Alicia a tender kiss, expressing what words could not. Dropping to his knees, he lifted her blouse, and gave and equally sweet kiss to her belly. “Hey little one, this is your Daddy….I love you!” Harry whispered reverently. Then standing again, he continued, words filled with emotional, “Alicia….I love you! Thank you!”

“Oh, Harry, I‘m so happy! I love you, too!” she said back to him, while he enveloped her in a loving embrace.

“You two are so sweet together, but I do have something else to tell you.” said Poppy.

“What is it Poppy? Nothing’s wrong is it?” asked a now nervous Alicia.

Taking one hand each from Harry and Alicia, she gave a reassuring squeeze, and said, “No, nothing’s wrong, but the reason behind your drastic behavior change lately is because your hormone levels are sky high. This caused me to do another diagnostic spell, and the results showed the cause…..you’re pregnant with twins!”

Starting off as a whisper, the newlyweds said in unison, “Twins….Twins!…TWINS! MERLIN ABOVE!”

This news set off another round of hugging and kissing between Alicia and Harry, until Harry seemed to freeze suddenly. Looking horrified, he asked, “Alicia….what if last night, and Merlin, again this morning….what if we hurt them!?”

Before Alicia could respond, his godmother responded, “Harry, I’ll assume your talking about the two of you having sex, correct?” Receiving a nod, she continued, “It is perfectly normal to have sex while Alicia is pregnant. You only need to stop when it becomes uncomfortable for her, but other than that, it is completely safe and healthy.”

“Oh, okay. Good.” said Harry, relief washing over him.

Poppy spent the next hour going over everything they could expect carrying twins, and when Alicia’s appointments would need to be. They could learn the sex of the twins, if they wanted, during their week twelve examination. With many pamphlets in hand and Poppy’s promise of secrecy, they left the infirmary and headed back to their suite, smiles never diminishing, to prepare for their diner guests.