What a Witch Needs

Here it is! The final chapter! I hope you enjoy it.

This chapter was beta'd by gardengirlgarden and Narcissa Black. Thank you!


A New Era Dawns

“Lucius, I want all Light Wizards away from the prisoners. Gather the Dark Wizards there and wait for me,” Harry ordered.

“Yes, my Lord,” Lucius replied, and strode off through the burning village.

Harry looked at Draco, bracing himself for his talk with the Weasleys. He knew he’d do anything to bring Ron back, but would they? He took a deep breath and glanced at the group of weeping red-heads, now joined by Percy, who must have received word at the Ministry of Ron’s demise.

“Go on, Harry,” Draco encouraged. “There is no time to waste.”

Harry nodded and walked towards the Weasleys with Draco following close behind him. He stood for a moment, wondering where to begin. Hermione studied his face from where she stood. She was curious as to what Meri had said to him. “Harry? What is it?” she asked.

Harry glanced at her and then looked from Mr. Weasley to Mrs. Weasley. “It may be possible to… bring Ron back,” Harry announced, carefully. All faces turned towards him, confused.

“You can do that?” Charlie asked, incredulously. “How?”

“Magic, you idiot, he’s a bloody Dark Lord.” George snapped at his brother. Then he turned to Harry. “Do it, Harry.”

Mrs. Weasley stood, dragging Ron’s body upright against her while speaking. “You go ahead, Harry, you bring him back…” Mr. Weasley hurried over to her, helping to support Ron’s body.

“Just a minute,” Bill said. “Why don’t you look happy about it, Harry? What’s it all about?”

Harry looked around and then focused on Bill. “Well, you see, it’s Dark Magic. And I… I wasn’t sure how you all would feel about that.”

“What kind of Dark Magic, Harry?” Mr. Weasley asked.

Harry swallowed and stood up straight, feeling Draco’s hand on his shoulder in support. “I’ve got to take a life in order to bring Ron back.” There, he said it. He held his breath, waiting for a reply. The Weasleys looked at him silently, each weighing the information in their minds. Harry feared that a few of them were ready to volunteer, so he blurted out, “I’m going to execute a prisoner.”

Percy stepped forward. “You can’t do that, Potter. Those prisoners are to stand trial and be processed according to wizarding laws.”

”You shut the hell up, Percy!” Fred yelled. “This is Ron we are talking about. Your own brother! Who the fuck cares about the Death Eaters? They all deserve to be executed. I say we do it!”

“Harry, will he be…” Hermione began.

“Yes, he’ll be normal. Completely himself again,” Harry answered.

“We can’t ask you to do this, Harry,” Mr. Weasley spoke. “Maybe… I should…”

“No!” Harry exclaimed, startling the Weasleys with his vehemence. “I won’t have that stain on you. You’re good people, all of you.” Harry shook his head. “No, I’m the one to do it. What does it matter? I’ve done it before, what’s one more? I’m the Dark Lord, aren’t I?”

“Dark Lord or not, we love you, Harry, love you like a son,” Mr. Weasley replied. “I know you don’t want to kill. I won’t…”

“You don’t understand,” Harry interrupted. “I want to do this, not the killing part, but the bringing-Ron-back part. I have to or I’ll never forgive myself.”

“Potter, you don’t have the authority…” Percy began warningly. But Percy lost his nerve when he noticed an air of confidence suddenly surrounding Harry.

Harry looked at Percy in determination and replied, “No, I do have the authority. The Death Eaters are Dark Wizards and I am their Lord. Their punishments, and their lives, are mine, to do with as I see fit. That, Percy Weasley, was the law before Voldemort, and it will once again be the law after him.”

Percy looked bewildered as to how to answer. Harry exuded such self-assuredness that it baffled Percy. “But…”

“As did the Dark Lords before Voldemort,” Harry continued, “I will work with the Ministry on any grievance against Dark wizards, but I will decide on their final fate. When one decides to practice the Dark Arts, one falls under my laws. It is only by upholding to certain standards of conduct that those who choose to be Dark can practice magic without harm to others in your world. Do you not agree that the success of the Ministry in dealing with Dark Wizards has failed miserably?”

“Well, I…” Percy floundered.

“Enough talking,” Harry announced, decisively. “The body needs to be warm and we are wasting time arguing.” Harry looked at Mr. and Mrs. Weasley. “What is your decision?”

“Do it, Harry,” Mrs. Weasley said, thrusting Ron towards him. “Bring my Ron back to me.” Harry glanced around at the other Weasleys, all of them nodding in agreement, except Percy.

“Take him to the woodman’s cabin. Meri will be waiting there for you. I will be there shortly,” Harry instructed, afraid that his nerve would soon fail. “Hermione?”

“I’ll stay and help the Weasleys,” she answered.

Harry nodded and turned, striding away and releasing his breath in a rush.

Draco walked beside him looking at him and grinning.

“What?” Harry asked, wondering what Draco could possibly find amusing.

“I’m proud of you, Harry,” Draco replied.

“Proud?” Harry repeated, surprised.

“You really stood your ground with that Ministry rat, Percy Weasley,” Draco explained. “You set him straight. You’ll be a great Dark Lord, Harry. I mean it.”

Harry looked at him, smiling softly. “I know you do. Thanks.” Then he stopped and pulled Draco in front of him. “It’s you and Hermione that give me my real strength. None of this would be worth it if I didn’t have my life with you two to look forward to. You have no idea how long I’ve waited for peace to come so that we can finally be together without all these other concerns. It’s all I want.”

Draco lifted his hand to Harry’s cheek. “And now it’s going to happen,” he whispered, pressing his lips onto Harry’s.

Harry kissed him back softly and said, “First, I need to bring Ron back. Then everything will be all right.”

“I know,” Draco whispered, supporting Harry completely, but selfishly craving more alone time with his lovers.

A throat cleared behind him, and Draco turned to see his father standing there. “All is ready, my Lord,” Lucius announced, with a little bow to Harry.

Harry stood straighter and said, “Then let it begin.”

OOOO

As Harry approached the clearing where the Death Eaters were being held, Oliver Wood stepped in front of him, stopping his progress.

“What’s going on, Harry?” Oliver asked, throwing an irritated glance at Lucius. “Malfoy said I have to leave the area. The Order put me in charge of guarding the prisoners.”

“I’m sorry, Wood, but you’ll have to leave. Why not join the party that is going on? I’m sure it will be much more pleasant than guard duty,” Harry answered.

Oliver glanced around at all the gathering Dark Wizards and then back to Harry, feeling uneasy. “Perhaps I can fetch Dumbledore for you, Harry.”

Harry shook his head. “This is Dark Wizard business only.”

“Potter…” Oliver continued, not liking the ominous atmosphere that was quickly building.

“Wood,” Harry interrupted. “I respect you as a friend and you have done well in the army, but now you need to go with the Light Wizards. Is that understood?”

Oliver recognized the dead serious look on Harry’s face and capitulated. He gave Harry a nod and let him pass with the Malfoys and other Dark Wizards following behind.

Then Oliver’s eyes fell on Colin and Dennis Creevey sitting across the path on a split rail fence, watching Oliver. “Come on, you two, let’s go to the celebration,” Oliver said, resigned.

“We’re staying,” Colin replied.

“You heard the new Dark Lord. Dark Wizards only. Come on,” Oliver urged.

“We are Dark Wizards,” Colin responded.

Oliver grinned. “No, you are not. Hurting people in a war doesn’t make you Dark.”

“You don’t understand,” Dennis added. “We switched sides a while ago, before the battle.”

“Switched?” Oliver repeated, realizing that the two young wizards meant it. “Why?”

Eerily, the Creevey brothers said nothing, staring at Oliver with straight faces.

Oliver sighed. “Very well, then. Good luck to you.” He turned and walked off.

OOOO

The captured Death Eaters were kneeling in one long row, their hands bound behind their backs and heads bowed. Dark Wizards had gathered on all sides in a large circle, waiting for Lord Potter to approach. The circle opened up and Harry stepped through, followed by Draco and Lucius. Everyone bowed to Lord Potter as he stepped into view.

It was at that moment that a group of Slytherins, headed by Crabbe and Goyle, threw themselves down in front of Harry’s feet.

“Please, my Lord,” Crabbe implored, “we wish to plead for the lives of our families. We serve you, my Lord, and we wish the chance to reform those who felt they had no choice but to serve the other. Please, my Lord, let them live.”

Harry looked at the bowed heads of the Slytherins before him and noticed how their bodies shook with fear at the possible loss of their families. This was not what Harry wanted. He didn’t want their fear. He wanted their respect and loyalty, yes, but not their fear. He turned and looked at Draco who had a rare expression of pity on his face.

Harry took a deep breath and announced, “Anyone with a family member they wish to reform, stand behind them now.”

The group of Slytherins before him stood and walked behind the kneeling Death Eaters they wished to spare. Some people from the circle came out to claim a family member as well. Only half the Death Eaters were claimed.

“Those of you who have been claimed, look at me,” Harry ordered. The claimed Death Eaters raised their faces. “You can count yourselves lucky that I feel generous towards my followers who have helped me in this war. They have spared your worthless lives. Before I release you into their care, you will all swear blood oaths to me, your new Lord. You can be sure that you’ll be watched carefully for any sign of disloyalty. You will have to work hard to earn my respect. Is that understood?”

“Yes, my Lord… thank you, my Lord…,” came the many replies.

“Stand and move away from the others,” Harry ordered. The pardoned Death Eaters did as he bid, moving back in a group with their families.

Harry looked over his shoulder at Draco and Lucius. “Is there anyone you wish to claim?”

Draco shared a look with Lucius, a meaningful agreement passing between them. Then they both looked at Harry and shook their heads.

“Are you sure?” Harry asked once more. A female Death Eater began screeching at the end of the remaining kneeling prisoners.

“Curses! Curses on the House of Malfoy! How dare you? How dare you?” she screamed, trying to rise on her feet, but she was shoved back down to her knees again. “Draco! I’m your Aunt, your own mother’s sister!”

Draco raised his wand. “Silencio,” he said, silencing the hysterical witch.

Harry and Draco locked eyes for a meaningful moment, one giving silent permission to the other.

“No regrets?” Harry said, for Draco’s ears only.

“No regrets,” Draco replied. Draco considered his aunt an insane fanatic, beyond redemption. And he knew Harry’s grievances against her were many.

“Very well,” Harry said, looking at the remaining prisoners. “It seems that the Ministry insists on having trials in order to feel important, so the rest of you I will deliver into their hands, with the exception of one. One shall die tonight, as an example to you all.”

Everyone grew silent and watched as Harry approached the first Death Eater of the row. He paused and looked at him as if in consideration. Then he slowly walked down the row, observing each one. The Death Eaters, with their heads bowed, could only see Harry’s muddy and bloody boots as he paused in front of each one.

When Harry passed Bellatrix LeStrange, her stiffened body relaxed a bit, but not for long. Harry’s boots came back into view and her hair was tugged back until she was looking into his face.

Harry bent down and glared at her. “You once took someone I love away from me. Now you are going to give someone I love back to me,” he hissed. Bellatrix opened her eyes wide, but couldn’t be heard under the silencing spell Draco had put on her. She threw herself back and struggled as other Dark Wizards took a hold of her. “Take her to the woodman’s cabin,” Harry ordered. Her struggling form was dragged away from the circle of wizards.

Harry looked around the circle. “No one is to speak of this outside of this circle, is that understood?”

“Yes, my Lord,” everyone replied.

“Good,” Harry answered. “Anyone who practices Dark Magic will be subject to my laws. In the forthcoming days, a code of conduct will be distributed amongst you which I fully expect you obey. Anyone behaving otherwise will be punished according to my discretion.”

“Yes, my Lord,” the crowd repeated.

“Warrington, Pucey, you two stay and guard the remaining Death Eaters until the Ministry comes for them. The rest of you can go and enjoy the celebrations. We will do the oaths in a few hours’ time. I must go now,” Harry stated, turning to leave. He paused when he saw Draco and Lucius.

“Narcissa will hate me, won’t she?” Harry asked.

Draco shrugged. “She’ll get over it, Harry. She knows Bella is mad. She’s been saying it for years.”

“I, for one, will be pleased to see the end of her,” Lucius said. “It was a good choice, my Lord. One I would have made myself.”

OOOOO

Harry slowed his steps as he neared the woodsman cabin with Lucius and Draco in tow. Standing near the entrance door was none other than Albus Dumbledore - not someone Harry wanted to see at the moment.

“Just like fucking Jiminy Cricket!” Harry mumbled.

“Jiminy who?” Draco asked, thoroughly confused.

Harry shook his head. “Just a cartoon character who represents conscience.”

“You think he’ll try to talk you out of it?” Draco wondered.

Harry didn’t have time to answer as they were now face to face with the serene Headmaster. “Sir,” Harry greeted.

“Harry,” Dumbledore answered back, calmly.

Harry took a deep breath. “I won’t be stopped in this matter. I’m bringing Ron back if it is possible. I have to do this.”

Dumbledore nodded. “I understand, Harry. I truly do. Though I wish I could believe that you will have no remorse in the years to come. You are not a killer, Harry, despite what you have had to do in this war. I know about remorse.”

“My remorse will be greater if I don’t try to bring Ron back,” Harry responded. Then he lowered his voice and said, “It will be just one more, just this one. Then Ron will be back and we’ll have peace.”

The door opened behind Dumbledore and Mrs. Weasley stood there looking back and forth between them. “Come, Harry,” she urged. “Come do the ritual.” Mrs. Weasley looked half crazed with desperation to bring Ron back, her hand shaking on the doorknob.

Harry glanced at Dumbledore. “Excuse me,” he said.

Dumbledore moved out of the way and sighed.

Harry stepped into the cottage, observing the whole Weasley family crammed into the room. Ron’s body lay on a cot next to the hearth, while Meri stirred a brew in a black kettle over the flames. Bellatrix sat tied to a chair next to the cot, trying to struggle while still under the silencing spell.

Hermione walked up to Harry and embraced his arm, laying her forehead on his shoulder. “I don’t know if I want to watch this, Harry,” she whispered.

He kissed her forehead and said, “I know. It’s all right.” He didn’t really want her to watch either. In fact, he didn’t want anyone watching him kill Bellatrix. In truth, he didn’t even want to be there.

Hermione looked into his eyes, concerned. “Will you be all right?”

Harry shrugged and frowned. There was no answer for that question. Then he said, “Don’t worry about me.” He looked around the room at the expectant faces and announced, “In fact, I think you all should step outside, except Meri. I’m going to need to concentrate on the ritual.”

Everyone seemed only too glad to step outside, not really wanting to witness the ritual. Mrs. Weasley patted Harry’s cheek and said, “We’ll be right outside if you need us.”

Harry nodded and waited for them all to leave. When the door clicked shut behind the last person, he looked at Meri and said, “Let’s get this over with.”

Meri nodded and took a steamy brew, holding it up to Bellatrix’s mouth and pouring it messily over her lips. Bellatrix struggled and spat, trying to purse her lips together, but Meri muttered some words that made the wicked witch relax and become compliant.

Harry wondered how much power Meri had. She was the last remaining descendant of Salazar Slytherin, after all.

Bellatrix’s head wobbled as if drunk and her eyes glazed over. “Is she dying?” Harry asked, assuming that the brew was a type of poison.

“You’ll have to say the words, my Lord,” Meri replied. “Come and put your left hand on the top of her head and put your right hand on the top of the young man’s head. I’ll tell you what to say.”

Harry did as she bid, the room becoming more and more out of focus as the energy and heat of the spell took over his senses. He barely knew what he was saying, though it sounded to be Latin, and he began to sway dizzily on his feet. At one point he heard Meri say, “Steady, my Lord.” The walls seemed to move and his vision blurred, sweat poured down his forehead as the cabin felt like a furnace. When would these words be over? It seemed to take forever.

Then Harry felt it. It was as if a large rat was climbing under the skin of his arm and was racing up his bones, over his shoulders and down his other arm, straight into Ron’s head. Harry groaned in pain and fell backwards when he heard Ron gasping for breath.

“Fuck!” Harry exclaimed, pushing his sweaty bangs off his forehead to looking towards the cot. Meri was bending over Ron, doing something Harry couldn’t see. Harry crawled over to the cot, just as Meri was moving away.

“We did it, my Lord!” she cried.

“Bloody hell,” said the most welcome voice Harry had ever heard. Ron was moving his head back and forth, scrunching his face up as if he had the worst headache in the world.

“Ron!” Harry threw his arms around him and leaned down, hugging him tightly. “You’re alive.”

“Harry, get off. I can’t breathe,” Ron replied, crankily.

Harry sat up and grinned. “Sorry, I’m just so fucking happy you’re back, you idiot. Don’t you ever get killed again.”

“I can’t believe you brought me back,” Ron replied, trying to focus on Harry. “I’m feeling really weird.”

“You’ll need time to adjust a bit. You’ve been out of your body too long,” Meri explained.

The door swung open and a horde of redheads came pouring in, crying in delight and surprise. Harry was pushed aside as they all wanted to touch and embrace Ron, tears streaming down cheeks.

“Stop,” Ron complained as his face was attacked by lips kissing him over and over. “You’re going to make me dead again. Give me some breathing space.”

Harry smiled and Hermione turned towards him, embracing him in an enormous hug. “Thank you, Harry. I love you so much,” she cried, joyously.

OOOOOO

As Draco, Hermione and Harry approached the big celebration, they were stopped by the appearance of the townspeople gathered together in a group. Hermione’s face fell when she looked about, realizing that those people, her people, had nothing to celebrate. All their homes and businesses were destroyed, burned by the fire, and they all stood helplessly by, watching the last smoldering remains.

“That is not to be borne,” Hermione said, under her breath.

Draco and Harry watched as Hermione walked towards the group of downtrodden villagers, stopping just before them.

“Villagers of Marlston,” she announced, her voice loud and clear. They all turned and looked at her with full attention. “You have all suffered greatly today, but I want you to know that all is not lost. I will rebuild this village with the treasuries of Marlston and you all shall have new homes and new businesses, better than before.”

They all looked at her incredulously. “You are most generous, my Lady,” a villager said, awed. “We have nothing to repay you with…”

“I will accept no payment,” Hermione announced. “Your continuing loyalty and friendship will be payment enough.”

For the first time that day the villagers smiled and felt hopeful. “You are indeed a great Lady!”

“Aye! Aye!” they cried.

“In the meantime, we will have tents brought up for your use, until the village is rebuilt,” Hermione stated.

The excitement and promise of a new start spread quickly and some of the villagers left the join the celebration. Draco and Harry pulled Hermione into an embrace, kissing her face as she laughed in delight.

“Such a generous Lady,” Draco praised.

“How much more generous are you feeling tonight?” Harry teased.

“Hmmm… well, after about twenty hours of sleep I think I’ll feel very generous,” she replied. “Don’t tell me sleep doesn’t sound good right now, despite your libidos.”

Draco grinned. “You’re right, love. Sleep, showers and sex, the three S’s. That’s what we all need.”

OOOOO

Draco Malfoy wanted nothing more than to be alone with Harry and Hermione, but it was proving difficult on a day such as today. Marlston’s magnificent gardens were filled with witches and wizards who were still arriving by the hundreds from the newly-rebuilt village by carriage.

Hermione had decided that this celebration would be held at her home the day after Hogwarts had let out for the summer and had invited almost everyone she knew, which had been a considerable number.

To the horror of Bugger, whose duty it was to protect and oversee the care of Marlston, Hermione had planned the grand party for this sunny June day, suspending all of Marlston’s regular security protocols. Her first order of that day had been the impromptu meeting with Those-Who-Dwell-Below, telling them that they were to remain ‘below’ that day and not analyze or interact with any guests, as she knew everyone she was inviting.

Bugger had won the concession that the guests were to remain in the garden for the most part and that certain areas of the house would be magically blocked to curious explorers. Hermione agreed out of fear that her guests might encounter one of Marlston’s many strange residents or stumble upon areas that she felt the need to protect.

Though they had come to an agreement, Bugger still moved around in a grouchy manner, mumbling under his breath about how this or that person should not be here.

Draco passed the unhappy servant on his way into the house, needing to escape the growing crowd mixed with Dark and Light Wizards alike. He heard Hermione’s laugh and headed towards the delightful sound coming from the library.

When he entered, he was disappointed to find Ron Weasley standing there with Hermione and Harry, talking and laughing. A pang of jealousy hit Draco for a moment. There they were, the three of them, just like old times. And Draco once again felt like the outsider.

But there was a difference now. Draco knew Harry and Hermione loved him. He knew it.

The three stopped talking and looked towards Draco. Draco merely said, “Weasley, it’s good of you to come today.”

Ron didn’t know what to say. Did he really mean that? They watched as Draco passed by, exiting through the French doors leading to a large balcony.

Hermione put a hand on Ron’s arm, pushing him towards the balcony. “Go on, Ron, talk to him.”

“What am I supposed to say?” Ron asked, confused.

“I don’t know. Just try. For us… please,” Hermione pleaded, wanting Draco and Ron to make peace with one another.

Ron gave Harry a save-me look, but Harry only grinned and shrugged.

Ron reluctantly walked out onto the balcony, spotting Draco standing at the far end, looking down at the guests filling the gardens.

“Quite a party, eh?” Ron said, awkwardly. He slowly went to the rail and looked down as well.

“You don’t have to make small talk with me, Weasley,” Draco replied. “I’d really prefer that you don’t.”

Ron sighed, exasperated. “Listen, Hermione sent me out here, all right. She wants us to talk or something.”

Draco snorted, amused and still not looking at Ron. “I tolerate you, Weasley, because you’re important to them. But that doesn’t mean I want to be best mates with you.”

“Well, funny that,” Ron snapped. “I feel exactly the same way.”

“Then we’re in agreement,” Draco replied, looking over the crowd in disinterest.

“Yes, we are,” Ron grumbled, turning to leave. But something stopped him, a nagging feeling that pulled him to a halt. He looked back at Draco and said, “Malfoy.”

“Weasley.”

“I just wanted to say… what I mean is… well…” Ron started, “thank you.”

For the first time, Draco turned and faced Ron, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. “Whatever for?” he asked.

“I saw how you helped Harry with Voldemort and how you… encouraged him to bring me back. And then there was your aunt…”

Draco turned back around. “Oh for Merlin’s sake, Weasley,” he droned. “Please stop. All of that was for Harry and Hermione, not you.”

“I know that,” Ron replied. “But for what it’s worth, thanks all the same.” Ron waited a bit, but Draco said nothing. He walked back to the rail and looked at the guests as Draco did. He spotted Narcissa Malfoy looking up at the two of them, concern on her face. When she began walking towards the house, Ron said, “I think I’ll go join the party.”

“You do that, Weasley,” Draco replied, noticing his mother as well. “Oh, and Weasley?”

Ron stopped and turned about; noticing Draco was now facing him. “Yes?”

“Do come and visit again. It means so… much to Harry and Hermione,” Draco explained, blithely.

Ron understood that this was Draco’s effort at being civil towards him. Ron nodded, “I just might do that.”

OOOOO

Harry and Hermione headed down the Hall of Portraits, deciding to satisfy their curiosity while they gave Draco and Ron some time to talk. Holding hands, they chatted with some of the ancestors along the way, rehashing the recent excitement of the almost dire happenings at Marlston a few months ago.

When they reached the portrait grouping of Sebastian and Morgana, they glanced up and noticed that Tom Riddle was now turned away in his portrait, his back towards them. This is what they wanted to satisfy their curiosity about.

“Hermione, darling, it is so nice of you to visit,” Morgana smiled, warmly. “Is it true that you are having a garden party?”

“Yes, Mother,” Hermione answered, but was distracted by the movement in the portrait above. She and Harry looked at the back of Tom Riddle.

“He’s pouting,” Sebastian explained.

“I do not pout!” Riddle scoffed. “I don’t wish to look upon the face of that usurper.”

“Oh, come, Tom,” Morgana cajoled. “You aren’t going to keep on about that for the rest of eternity, are you?”

“Quiet, Morgana,” Riddle snapped. Then he turned his face over his shoulder and glared at Harry. “Come to gloat, Potter?”

“Actually… yes,” Harry smirked. “Now I know that you are truly dead.”

“Don’t be so smug, my young foe,” Riddle sneered. “Your time will come.”

“Yes,” Harry agreed. “But not for awhile.”

“Come, come,” Sebastian spoke. “It’s the way of things, Tom. It’s time for the young to replace the old. You can just enjoy yourself now. We’ll have a grand time once you get over your death.”

“Oh do shut up, Sebastian,” Riddle replied.

“Darling,” Morgana said to Hermione. “You should consider having your portraits done soon. Such sweet youth! You’ll want to spend eternity together when you’re at the peak of your beauty. Then when you get old and die, you’ll be young forever more.”

Hermione looked at Harry. “Actually, I’ve been thinking about our portraits.”

“You have?” Harry replied.

“Yes,” she smiled. “I think that I want to break with tradition a bit.”

“What!” Morgana exclaimed, shocked. Many gasps were heard from adjoining portraits as well.

“Yes,” Hermione answered. “I would like all three of us together, in one big portrait, instead of separate ones. And I would like us to be on our big bed.”

“An eternity in bed,” Harry pondered. “I do like how you think.”

Sebastian and Morgana blushed a bit and looked at each other. “Well, darling,” Morgana said. “I suppose you might want to consider a little privacy then… a drapery…”

OOOOO

Narcissa stood with Draco on the balcony, observing Dudley talking to some young witches below.

“You’ve done wonders with him, Mother,” Draco said, noticing her attention. “He’s actually passable now, for a Muggle.”

“Yes,” Narcissa said, proudly, “I do raise young men quite well.” Then she began to frown as she looked at the witches flirting with Dudley. “Who are those young ladies, Draco? Do you know them?”

“Hufflepuffs,” Draco responded.

“Families?” Narcissa asked, cutting to the chase.

“None of importance, Mother,” Draco replied. “But for Dursley…”

“No, no, no!” Narcissa exclaimed. “Dudley will not associate with trash! I must redirect him immediately!” She turned in a huff, hurrying along on her mission.

Draco smiled, happy that he no longer had his mother directing his social life. It was so refreshing to get her off his back and onto Dursley’s. Yes, indeed.

He noticed Ron Weasley down below with Lavender Brown and knew that Harry and Hermione were no longer entertaining him. Grinning, he turned towards the house to find his lovers.

OOOOO

Draco met them as they were stepping out of the Hall of Portraits, throwing his arms about them. “I’ve missed you. What were you two doing in there?”

“We wanted to check if Riddle was in his portrait. He was,” Harry replied.

“None too happy, I’d imagine,” Draco smiled.

“No, not happy at all,” Harry grinned.

“And Mordred?” Draco asked.

“Asleep again,” Hermione answered.

“Good,” Draco replied, remembering his recent experience. He looked at Harry. “I don’t envy you one bit, Harry. Having that much power was… too much. I’m happy to be an ordinary wizard.”

“Ordinary,” Harry repeated, pulling Draco’s neck in the crook of his arm. “You’re not ordinary at all. More like extraordinary.”

Draco frowned. “Stop lying, Harry.”

“In bed,” Harry whispered.

“Oh…” Draco blushed.

Hermione laughed and took them both by the hands. “I think we should go visit with our guests.”

“Do we have to?” Harry complained, dragging his feet.

“Yes,” Hermione stated, unequivocally. “We are the hosts.”

As they were approaching the garden door, they spotted Meri standing to the side, observing them. They stopped and looked at her, curiously.

“Meri?” Hermione said. “Are you enjoying the party?”

Meri waved one old hand and replied, “I’m not one for big gatherings, my Lady, but I appreciate the invitation.”

“You are always welcome here,” Hermione smiled.

“Aye, I know,” she grinned in return. “You are good for Marlston, my Lady. And Marlston will be good for you – and your children.”

The three of them stood gaping at the old woman.

“Children?” Hermione whispered. Then with a start she said, “Meri! Are you trying to say that I’m… I’m…”

Draco and Harry looked wide-eyed with shock.

Meri laughed and shook her head. “Oh no, my Lady, not yet. But someday you will be.”

“I… I will?” Hermione repeated, a smile growing on her face. “What can you see, Meri? Can you tell me about them?” She squeezed Draco and Harry’s hands in excitement. Children!

“Black hair or blond?” Draco interrupted, glancing at Harry.

Meri’s grin widened. “One of each, twins, a boy and a girl, conceived in the circle of stones, they will be,” she announced, her eyes growing glassy with her vision. “The boy will be light haired and the girl shall have hair dark as a raven’s wing. Powerful they will both be, very powerful.”

Hermione looked at Harry and Draco with tears in her eyes. “Oh, did you hear? You both will be fathers! And I will be a mother – of twins!”

Harry and Draco gathered in closed to Hermione, embracing and kissing her tears of joy from her cheeks. Forever, they were to be together, forever. They would be a family. Each of them cried, finally feeling the impact of what their relationship truly meant.

“Aye,” Meri muttered. “And others will come as well.”

OOOOO

The waves rolled upon the sandy shore, almost touching the feet of the three who lay basking in the sun on the golden isle of Ios. It was a summer holiday, away from the all who knew them too well, to be spent lazily enjoying the spoils of freedom from school and other responsibilities.

Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy had given the keys of the Greek villa to them with their well wishes for an enjoyable holiday. The triad now lay glistening on their private beach, all cares forgotten.

“Oh, this is heaven,” Hermione murmured, turning herself over onto her stomach.

Harry and Draco, who were lying on either side of her, turned their heads and shared a glance over her body, unused to seeing her so scantily clad in a bikini. Knowing that their beach was magically warded to discourage the odd wanderer, they were beginning to have ‘other’ thoughts while the sun heated their bodies and the waves lulled their senses.

Draco turned onto his side, propping his head on his elbow and placing his other hand on the small of her back. “Would you like me to put more lotion on you, love?”

“Mmmm, yes,” Hermione sighed, eyes closed.

“You know, you really don’t want those strap marks. Why don’t we just remove your top?” he added.

Her eyes opened and gazed into his, a small smile forming on her face. “Are you sure that’s the reason you want my top removed?”

“A small part of the reason, yes,” he grinned.

“Good idea,” Harry replied. With a wave of his hand, Hermione’s top flew off.

“Harry!” Hermione gasped, shocked but amused as well.

Harry grinned mischievously, turning his body towards her as well. “I’m afraid your arse may get too little sun as well. Off with the bottoms as well!” With another swish of his hand, Hermione’s bottom flew away, leaving her squealing in surprise and looking about the beach for any strangers who might witness her nudity.

Draco laughed and said, “Don’t fret, love. The beach is completely private. Even if someone rode by in a boat, they wouldn’t see us. It’s magically charmed to keep us hidden.”

“I can’t believe you did that!” Hermione exclaimed, not knowing if she should be angry or amused. “I’m nude – outside!”

“You heard Draco,” Harry said. “It’s our own private nude beach.”

“Then why aren’t you two nude?” she growled.

Harry’s hand caressed up the back of her thigh to her arse, “We soon will be,” he replied, huskily. His arousal was growing more evident as he continued touching her smooth skin, following his hand with his eyes. “You’re so sexy…”

“Yes, well,” Hermione said. “My… sexy… arse is about to get burned if you don’t put lotion on it soon.”

“My pleasure,” Harry smiled. He tugged the lotion bottle out of Draco’s hand and squirted some onto her pale bum.

Draco massaged the lotion onto her back and shoulders, while Harry concentrated on everything below.

Hermione smiled to herself as she relaxed, hearing their breathing becoming deeper. She knew they must be getting excited and decided it was time to have her own fun.

“That’s it, slaves,” she mumbled.

Harry slapped her arse, “Slaves!?”

Hermione laughed and wriggled her bottom in the air playfully, trying to tease them even more. Then she sighed and said, “That’s enough. Let me get some sun now.”

There was dead silence as their hands stopped moving. She didn’t need to open her eyes to know that they were surprised that she was cutting them off mid-arousal. Oh, this was fun!

But then they surprised her.

“You’re right,” Draco replied. “Let’s work on our tans.” He and Harry turned onto their backs and left her alone.

Hermione opened her eyes and lifted her head, looking at them. Yep, cocks were tenting those swim trunks.

So they wanted to fool her, did they? Hermione decided to play along. She turned her nude body around, lying on her back as well, her beautiful breasts jutting into the air.

The boys didn’t even open their eyes!

Hermione stretched and yawned, trying to get their attentions.

They were still feigning sleep!

“Well, I suppose I better lotion my breasts!” she announced.

“That’s good, love,” Draco mumbled, sleepily, without opening his eyes.

How dare they ignore her!

Hermione leaned over Harry’s chest to reach the lotion, her breasts pressed against him.

Harry did nothing!

When she sat up again, she decided the battle was on and she would win it!

Putting some lotion on her palm, she began massaging her breasts and moaning, throwing her head back and playing with her nipples. “Mmmm…” she moaned. “This sun makes me feel so good.”

“I think that your hand is making you feel good,” Draco mumbled.

Hermione slapped his chest. “Oh! You boys are so thick. That’s it! I give up.” She laid down in a huff, shutting her eyes with a frown on her face.

The boys turned their heads towards her and their eyes took in her beautiful body, lying there like a banquet. Draco and Harry’s eyes met and they knew that they had taken their little game a bit too far.

“Harry, hand me a drink, please,” Draco asked.

“Of course,” Harry said, grabbing a cold metal can from the little ice chest next to him. The can dripped with melted ice water and Harry grinned with a sudden idea.

Harry turned on his side towards Hermione, the can hovering over her chest. “Here’s your drink, nice and cold,” he said, suggestively. Draco watched as Harry grazed Hermione’s nipples with the ice cold metal of the can while he slowly passed it over to Draco.

“Oh!” she exclaimed. “Harry!” Her eyes flew open to see the two boys looking at her as if they wanted to fuck her three ways into tomorrow.

Draco now held the can in his hand and he said, “Need more cooling off, love?” His face wore an expression of raw lust.

Hermione squeezed her thighs together, the heat inside her building faster than the sun could accomplish on the outside. She was naked on the beach, with the two wizards she loved more than anything in the world. She nodded and Draco held the can onto her nipple while Harry tilted her chin up with his finger, lowering his face down to hers and devouring her waiting mouth.

She moaned into Harry’s kiss as she felt Draco’s hot mouth descend on the nipple he had just frozen, making the contrast between hot and cold the most exquisite sensation. She arched her back, pressing her breast into his face more and he sucked and kissed it harder, using his hand to push it up.

Harry’s free hand caressed her other breast and then traveled slowly down her body while he continued their deep kissing. His talented fingers traveled over her soft belly and between her legs, stroking her as she mewled in pleasure.

Then he lifted his face from hers and watched her thrash about while Draco pleasured her other breast. He felt her hand rubbing him over his swim trunks and noticed she was doing the same to Draco’s hard cock.

Harry lifted his glistening fingers up and tasted her, drawing Draco’s attention when he muttered, “Fuck…”

Draco stretched his neck over her body and kissed Harry, tasting Hermione on his lips. “Eat her, Harry,” he rasped.

Harry didn’t need to be told twice. He sat up and moved between her legs, throwing her legs over his shoulders in all haste and burying his face into her wet prize.

“Aaaaah,” Hermione gasped, her hands grabbing at Draco’s hips. Harry definitely knew what he was doing! Her hips moved in rhythm to the stroking of Harry’s tongue as she tugged down on the drawstring of Draco’s swim trunks and pulled them off his arse.

Draco knelt next to her head as she wrapped her hand around his stiff cock, making him jerk in anticipation. “Please, love,” he begged. She lifted her head slightly and took him into her mouth, swiping at his salty tip with her tongue and moving her hand with delicious pressure. Draco threw his head back. “Yes, that’s it. Gods, I love you.”

After awhile he noticed that her rhythm had changed and he glanced at Harry. Harry had now thrust his fingers deep into her and was pumping them quickly as he worried her clit with fast flicks of his tongue. Hermione was bucking wildly and began gasping so hard that Draco pulled out of her mouth to enjoy the show. “Mmmm… yes, make her come, Harry,” Draco whispered, grasping his own arousal and moving his hand over himself, still slick with Hermione’s saliva.

Hermione grabbed handfuls of sand, jolting and twisting her body as her orgasm pulsed through her. “Ahhhh, oooooh, yessss,” she wailed. When the waves of pleasure subsided, she saw that Draco and Harry were now kissing, moving their hands over each others’ bodies. Draco had quickly divested Harry of his swim trunks. She loved watching them together and smiled to herself knowing that she’d get to see this show for the rest of her life.

Harry caught her watching them and broke the kiss. “What? Do you think we are done with you?” he grinned.

“Well, I…” she began. But before she could finish her words the two young men pounced on her, making her laugh in delight. Harry’s hand slipped around to her rear and he muttered a quick lubricating charm before he sat up, pulling her onto his lap backwards. “Oh! Harry!”

He lifted her hips with his hands and lowered her on. Harry’s hard cock slid into her arse and she gasped with the thick fullness of it. His mouth next to her ear, he said, “We are going to fuck you so good.”

“Yes,” Hermione moaned, her head lolling backwards onto his shoulder. Harry’s mouth lowered onto the side of her neck as he pulled her back to lie on top of him.

Draco crawled between their spread legs and he lowered his face, licking Harry’s balls below before moving his tongue up and through Hermione’s sensitive slit. He spent a few moments toying with her clit in his mouth before he sat up and positioned his hot, throbbing flesh at her entrance.

Harry was slowly moving his hips, fucking her rear entrance and waiting for Draco to enter her. Grabbing her quivering thighs, he pushed into her, feeling Harry through the thin membrane that separated them in her body.

Hermione gasped and reached up, pulling his head towards hers, her fingers tangled in his blond hair. At the same time she reached back with her other hand, threading it in Harry’s dark locks. “I love you both,” she declared.

“I love you too,” Harry breathed onto her neck.

“I love you,” Draco replied, kissing her waiting lips while he began pumping into her, finding a good rhythm with Harry’s movements. “And I love you, Harry.”

Harry’s face reached over her shoulder, connecting lips with Draco. “I love you too,” Harry replied after the kiss.

They moved, sliding, bodies glistening in the hot sun, breaths harsh. “Oh Gods!” groaned Draco. He grabbed Hermione’s hips tighter, pumping faster.

Hermione moaned louder, feeling his cock hitting her deep inside, sending every nerve in her body spiraling along with him. Draco and Hermione groaned and panted as they both crossed the utmost pinnacle together.

When Draco pulled back slightly, Harry sat up with Hermione still on his cock and held her hips tightly, moving her up and down onto his cock, faster and faster. Hermione began to gasp at the intense sensation and soon was screaming when Harry’s fingers found her clit, making her come for the third time that day while he gasped out his own pleasure.

Finally, they flopped back onto their towels, trying to calm their breathing. “That was… that was…” Hermione whispered.

“Unbelievable,” Draco finished for her.

“Yes,” Hermione smiled, feeling extremely happy and satisfied. It was exactly what a witch needed.

OOOOO

The End

OOOOO

A/N This is a bittersweet ending for me. As much as I’ve looked forward to finishing this story, I’ve really become attached to the characters. As I’ve mentioned before, I will revisit the story in the future with a few short fictions about the life of the triad, perhaps with their children as I do have ideas for that.

In closing I’d like to say an enormous thank you to everyone who has read and enjoyed this fiction. I’m especially grateful to my betas and everyone who have sent reviews. You have all helped shaped this story tremendously and have kept it going to its conclusion.

Please send me your closing thoughts as well. I’ve enjoyed hearing from you!