When Harry left the hospital wing, Amelia turned to Madam Pomfrey with a bright smile.
"Well, would you like to go to a wedding tonight, Poppy?" she asked cheerfully.
Madam Pomfrey looked up, surprised but pleased. "A wedding? I would love to. Just send someone to let me know when and where, and I'll be there."
Amelia nodded gratefully and hurried toward Professor McGonagall's office. When she arrived, she knocked impatiently before pushing the door open at McGonagall's soft "Come in."
"Minerva, Harry and I are getting married. Right here, right now," Amelia announced, her tone brisk and resolute, as though briefing a team of Aurors.
McGonagall froze for a moment, looking at her friend with astonishment before realising she was serious. "Right," Minerva said quickly, regaining her composure. "Let me call the headmaster."
She walked to the fireplace, tossed in some Floo powder, and briefly spoke with Dumbledore. Moments later, the headmaster stepped through the flames, brushing off soot with his usual calm demeanour.
"You wish to marry tonight, Amelia? At this hour? It's nearly curfew," Dumbledore said, his tone curious but kind. "Why the urgency?"
Amelia explained everything—Harry's miraculous return from limbo and his insistence that the marriage happen immediately now that he was Horcrux-free.
Dumbledore's expression shifted to one of fascination. "He survived the Killing Curse again? Truly extraordinary," he murmured, lost in thought. Amelia cleared her throat to pull him back to the matter at hand.
"Ah, yes, apologies," said Dumbledore with a smile. "I'll make the arrangements. Shall we say midnight, then? I assume we can forego the reception?"
Amelia nodded. "Midnight will be perfect."
"Very well." Dumbledore left to prepare the Great Hall, and McGonagall turned to Amelia with a grin, pulling her into a brief, excited hug.
"Let's celebrate, then," Minerva said, pulling out a bottle of firewhiskey and two glasses. "Do you have a dress, Amelia?"
"Yes, but it's at Potter Manor. I'll have to—"
Before Amelia could finish, a soft knock interrupted them. She opened the door to find Susan, flustered and slightly out of breath.
"Oh, good, Harry found you," Amelia said brightly, entirely missing the deep blush that spread across Susan's cheeks at the comment. "I need you to go to Potter Manor, fetch my wedding dress from the closet in my study, and bring it here."
Susan blinked, eyebrows raised. "Of course," she said quickly, grateful for a reason to leave before questions started. She turned and hurried toward Harry's quarters.
Fifteen minutes later, Susan returned with the dress draped carefully over her arms, Hermione and Narcissa following closely behind.
"Come in, come in," said McGonagall, ushering them inside and pouring another glass of firewhiskey for Narcissa, who accepted it with a small, grateful smile.
"Well, Amelia, you've got the dress," Narcissa said kindly. "Now we just need to do something with your hair. Sit down."
Amelia smiled at her and settled into the chair behind McGonagall's desk. Narcissa began working on her hair, her hands quick and elegant as she transformed Amelia's usual practical style into something more formal. Meanwhile, McGonagall poured another round of firewhiskey.
Before long, the three older women were giggling over firewhiskey and sharing stories about Harry, leaving Susan and Hermione watching in disbelief.
"I still can't believe what I'm seeing," Susan whispered to Hermione.
Hermione just shook her head, biting back a smile.
A loud knock at the door broke the moment, and Hermione jumped up from her chair. "I'll get it," she said quickly, nearly running to answer.
Her eyes widened when she saw Harry standing there. Without a word, she grabbed the dress robes draped over a chair, stepped into the corridor, and handed them to him.
"Here," she said. "Be in the Great Hall at 11:30 sharp."
Harry nodded, taking the robes, but before he could say anything, Hermione shut the door in his face and turned back to the others.
"It was Harry," she explained. "I told him to be in the Great Hallat 11:30."
"Thanks, Hermione," Amelia said softly.
Hermione turned to Susan. "We should probably go put on something a bit nicer," she suggested shyly, looking for an excuse to leave the room.
"Here, take these," said McGonagall, who had moved back to her desk. She quickly scribbled out two notes, duplicating them with a flick of her wand. "Just in case Filch catches you wandering the corridors."
Susan and Hermione took the notes gratefully and turned to leave.
"Wait," called Amelia suddenly. "Could you stop by the hospital wing and let Poppy know the wedding will be at midnight in the Great Hall?"
"Of course," Hermione replied. Both girls left quickly, glad for the reprieve.
As Narcissa continued working on Amelia's hair, Minerva settled into a nearby chair, swirling her firewhiskey in her glass.
"I still can't believe you're actually marrying Harry Potter," Minerva said fondly. "But it's lovely to see you this happy."
Amelia's smile faltered slightly as she looked up at McGonagall. "I thought I lost him tonight, Minerva. I've never been so angry—I—" She hesitated, her gaze shifting to Narcissa. "I'm sorry, Narcissa. I killed your sister."
Narcissa paused briefly but then shook her head, continuing her work. "Bella made her choices," she said gently. "I don't blame you for that."
Amelia exhaled softly, her eyes meeting McGonagall's. "I tried to be mad at Harry for dying for me, but… he was right. I'd have done the same for him. I can't imagine my life without him now."
Minerva stood and moved to Amelia, squeezing her shoulder gently. "I'm glad you've found love again, Amelia. You deserve it more than anyone I know."
A soft knock at the door signalled Susan and Hermione's return, now dressed in elegant evening gowns. Together, the group helped Amelia into her wedding dress, the room growing quiet as the final preparations were made.
When the clock neared midnight, Minerva, Narcissa, Hermione, and Susan escorted Amelia through the castle. The Great Hall's doors loomed ahead, glowing with soft, golden light.
"Are you ready?" Minerva asked quietly, smiling at her oldest friend.
Amelia nodded, taking a steadying breath. "Yes. Let's do this."
Together, they pushed open the doors and stepped into the Great Hall, where Harry was waiting.
o – o – o – o – o
Harry paced nervously in the Great Hall, his shoes echoing against the polished stone floor. Madam Pomfrey, Neville, and Draco sat quietly in the conjured chairs Dumbledore had provided, exchanging small smiles as they watched him. A long red carpet stretched between the rows of chairs, leading to an elegant archway adorned with white roses, its delicate petals glowing softly in the flickering candlelight.
"Calm yourself, Harry. She'll be here soon," Dumbledore said with a knowing smile from where he stood nearby.
Harry shot him an irritated glare and continued pacing, unable to stand still.
"Oh, to be young," Dumbledore added with a chuckle, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.
Before Harry could respond, the Great Hall's enormous double doors creaked open. Hermione entered first, followed by Minerva and Narcissa. Harry immediately stopped pacing, quickly moving to stand in place beside Dumbledore. Narcissa slipped into a seat next to Draco while Hermione and Minerva took their positions.
Hermione approached Harry, a playful smirk on her face. "Are you ready, Harry?" she asked softly, trying—and failing—to smooth his perpetually unruly hair.
"Yes," Harry said, batting her hands away and glancing anxiously toward the doors.
"Take a deep breath. She'll be here in a moment," Hermione said with a quiet laugh.
As if on cue, the doors swung open once more. The sound seemed impossibly loud, and Harry held his breath. On Susan's arm walked Amelia, radiant and breathtaking. Her strapless, flowing white gown accentuated her graceful form, and her hair, expertly styled by Narcissa, framed her face perfectly. A soft dusting of makeup gave her features a delicate glow, but it was her smile—loving, confident, and aimed entirely at Harry—that stole his breath away.
Susan guided Amelia carefully down the aisle, the two of them walking in step. When they reached the archway, Susan hugged her aunt tightly before slipping into a seat beside Neville.
Harry stepped forward immediately, extending his hand to Amelia. She took it with a smile, and Harry gently led her the final few steps, refusing to let go once they reached their place before Dumbledore.
"You look stunning, Amelia," Harry murmured as he kissed her hand softly.
Amelia blushed, a faint pink rising to her cheeks. "Thank you, Harry," she whispered.
Dumbledore raised his hands slightly, drawing everyone's attention. His voice, deep and warm, filled the Great Hall.
"We are gathered here today to join two faithful souls in a bond as old as magic itself. Harry, Amelia, from the moment you met, you began building a foundation for your relationship based on honesty and trust. You have found joy in one another's company, and you have become better, more fulfilled people because of your shared values, humour, and love.
"As you stand here today, know that your marriage is a choice—a choice to stand together through all of life's joys and hardships. You are choosing each other, choosing to share your lives, to enhance one another, to grow together, and to love unconditionally. It is a commitment that will require patience, laughter, and understanding, for marriage is not a single act but a lifelong pursuit.
"Harry, Amelia, I ask you now to declare your vows."
Dumbledore turned to Harry. "Do you, Harry James Potter-Black, take Amelia Bones to be your magically wedded wife? Do you vow to stand beside her, support her through life's trials, cherish her in joy and sorrow, and love her—completely and unconditionally—for the rest of this lifetime and whatever may come beyond?"
Harry nodded, his voice clear and steady despite the emotion in his eyes. "This I vow. So mote it be," he said, squeezing Amelia's hand gently.
Dumbledore turned to Amelia. "Do you, Amelia Bones, take Harrison James Potter-Black to be your magically wedded husband? Do you vow to stand beside him, support him through life's trials, cherish him in joy and sorrow, and love him—completely and unconditionally—for the rest of this lifetime and whatever may come beyond?"
Amelia smiled warmly at Harry, her voice soft but sure. "This I vow. So mote it be."
"Please raise your joined hands," Dumbledore instructed, drawing his wand.
With a graceful wave, tendrils of golden, silver, and crimson light wrapped around their hands, twisting and spiralling before merging into their skin. A faint glow surrounded the couple for a moment, then faded as the magical bond was sealed.
"I now pronounce you Lord and Lady Potter-Black-Bones," Dumbledore declared with a smile. "Harry, you may kiss the bride."
Harry wasted no time. He leaned forward, his movements gentle but sure, and pressed a tender kiss to Amelia's lips. Applause rang softly through the hall as their five guests stood to their feet, joined by Dumbledore, Minerva, and Hermione.
When the kiss ended, Harry took Amelia's hand again, and together, they turned to face their small audience. With quiet goodbyes and congratulations exchanged, the newlyweds left the Great Hall hand in hand, Minerva already promising to see the students safely to their dormitories.
Back at Potter Manor, Harry pulled Amelia close as soon as they stepped out of the Floo. His lips met hers in a searing kiss, his hands resting lightly on her waist.
"You really do look beautiful, 'Melia," he murmured against her neck.
Amelia smiled softly, brushing her fingers through his hair. "Thank you, Harry."
Harry pulled back slightly to look into her eyes, his expression sincere. "Thank you for marrying me. I love you, Amelia."
Her smile brightened, and she cupped his cheek. "I love you too."
"My patronus is a badger now." said Harry. Amelia laughed deeply and kissed Harry fondly.
"Yes it is," she said.
"Why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
"I knew you needed to figure it out on your own," Amelia responded. Harry nodded.
"Do you want to stay here tonight or go to the villa?" Harry asked gently.
Amelia considered it for a moment before answering. "Let's go to the villa. It's been too long since we've been there."
Harry nodded, giving Jekyll a few last-minute instructions before taking Amelia's hand. Moments later, they apparated to the villa.
As soon as they arrived, Amelia slipped off her shoes and turned to Harry with a playful grin. "Let's take a walk on the beach."
Harry readily agreed, tugging off his shoes and shedding his dress robes until he was comfortable in just his shirt and trousers. Together, they walked hand in hand along the moonlit shore, the soft sand cool beneath their feet.
Eventually, they found a secluded spot where the waves crashed gently against the shore, and they sat down, leaning against one another. For a long while, they stayed there in silence, listening to the rhythm of the ocean and watching the moonlight dance on the water.
Harry gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "You know, I don't think I could ever ask for anything more than this."
Amelia turned to look at him, her eyes warm and full of love. "Neither could I, Harry. This is perfect."
And together, beneath the stars and surrounded by the sound of the sea, they sat in perfect contentment, ready to face the rest of their lives—together. Eventually Amelia rose onto her knees and scooted close enough to press her lips to Harry's tenderly, sensually. Harry eased them both down into the sand as they gently kissed and caressed each other. Harry gently licked the outer edge of her lips to ask for entrance. Amelia's lips parted with a moan and his tongue circled hers eagerly. Amelia traced her fingers slowly along his side, over his shoulders and down his chest. She reached under his shirt and lingered on chiselled abs for a moment before brushing across his erection and then cupping it firmly. Amelia slowly unbuttoned his shirt kissing each patch of newly exposed skin as she went. When she reached his pant line, she looked up at him with lust filled eyes.
"Shall we go back inside?" Asked Harry.
"No," said Amelia huskily. "It's dark and there is no one nearby to see us here, but just to make sure- " Amelia pulled her wand out of the bust of her dress and waved it in an arch around them. Then she leaned back down and claimed Harry's mouth with her own.
"I thought I'd lost you," she whispered into his mouth.
"I know," said Harry slightly ashamed not sure what else to say to comfort her.
* BEGINNING OF LEMON *
"Make love to me Harry." Said Amelia seductively. "I need to know you're really still here. I need to feel you." Harry nodded his head eagerly and started to caress the bare skin under her dress while their tongues danced a familiar tango. Suddenly, he sat up to reach around and unzip her dress. When he had it undone, he helped her out of it, staring in awe for a moment at her matching white lace bra and panties and the way the moonlight shimmered over her pale skin. He unclasped her bra and tossed it aside. Harry moaned when he saw her skin pebble and her nipples harden from being free in the night air. He took one breast in his mouth and teased it with his tongue and teeth while roughly massaging the other one with his palm. He switched to give the other side the same treatment and then slowly kissed down the centre of her abdomen while he flipped her over, so she was lying on her back in the sand. He continued moving down her body and scraped his teeth over the thin material covering her clit before pulling back slightly to blow on it. This elicited a thrust of her hips as her thighs clamped around his head. He pulled back fully smirking at her moan of disapproval as he slowly slid her underwear off. His fingers easily slid into her core and Amelia threw her head back in pleasure, giving Harry the opportunity to latch onto her neck, licking and kissing at her soft skin as he pumped his fingers into her while gently circling her clit with his thumb. He found her pulse point and bit down hard enough to receive a throaty moan of satisfaction. Harry continued his ministrations until Amelia cried out his name in a husky whisper as her orgasm rippled through her.
Her grip went limp for a moment before her hands grabbed him and she rolled him onto his back and straddled him. She guided him into her opening and then lowered herself onto him, taking him inch by inch into her core. Harry grasped her thighs and tried to hold his hips still as she continued to take all of him. When he was buried deep inside her their eyes met and they could each see the love and passion they felt reflected in the other's eyes.
"I love you," whispered Harry. Amelia leaned down and kissed him passionately as she entwined their fingers. She sat up and began to raise and lower herself on his shaft. He thrust into her as she leaned on his strength to ride his body. The sight of her nude body shining in the reflected moonlight off the surface of the water combined with the feeling of her wet heat sliding over him meant that it didn't take long for the intensity between them to overwhelm him. He held her gaze as long as he could until his control was lost, and he slammed his eyes shut as the intense pleasure coursed through him. He pumped his seed into her just as her legs began to tremble in ecstasy at her own release. They were so wrapped up in each other that neither of them noticed the small sparks of their magic mingling and then settling in Amelia's belly.
* END OF LEMON *
As the sun crested the horizon, casting golden light over the waves, Harry and Amelia reluctantly stood, brushing the sand from their clothes. Hand in hand, they walked back to the villa. After a light, refreshing breakfast and a leisurely shower together, they returned to Potter Manor.
The moment they appeared in the lounge, Jekyll popped in with a letter in his small hands.
"Master Harry, sir," the elf announced with a bow, "a letter from Gringotts."
Harry accepted the letter and unfolded it, reading aloud:
Dear Lord and Lady Potter-Black-Bones,
Congratulations on your recent nuptials. Please visit Gringotts at your earliest convenience. I would also like to inform you that we have completed our work on the manor in Cornwall. Miss Black may move in whenever she is ready.
Kind regards,
Griphook
"Looks like another trip to Gringotts," Harry said with a sigh, passing the note to Amelia.
"It does," Amelia agreed, grinning playfully. "Shall we go now, husband?"
The sound of her teasing tone made Harry smile. He summoned Jekyll. "Is Narcissa in?"
"Yes, Harry sir," the elf replied promptly.
"Would you ask her to come to the lounge, please?"
Jekyll popped away, and Harry turned to Amelia, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. "I suppose I can really call you my lady now," he murmured before kissing her softly.
Amelia slid her hands to the back of his neck, holding him there until they heard a gentle clearing of the throat from the doorway.
"Congratulations to you both," Narcissa said warmly as she entered. "It was a beautiful ceremony."
"Thank you, Narcissa," Harry replied, stepping back from Amelia. "I wanted to let you know the work on the Cornwall Manor is complete. If you're ready, we can move you in today."
"That would be lovely. Thank you—Harry," Narcissa replied, catching herself before she used a formal title.
"Oh, before I forget—Winky!" Harry called.
The house-elf appeared instantly with a deep bow. "What can Winky do for Master Harry, sir?"
"Winky, this is your new mistress," Harry explained, gesturing to Narcissa. "Miss Black will be living at Cornwall Manor. You are to help maintain the house and assist her however she needs."
"Yes, Harry sir! Winky will take good care of Mistress Black!" the elf said excitedly.
"Perfect. Go with Narcissa now and help pack up her things. We'll move you both this afternoon."
Winky nodded vigorously and followed Narcissa out of the room. Once they were gone, Harry turned to Amelia, his arms once again finding their place around her.
"What do you think, 'Melia? Should we get Gringotts out of the way first, then come back?" Harry whispered seductively into her ear.
Amelia grinned, but shook her head. "Tempting as that sounds, my love, I have a meeting with Kingsley. I'll need to stop by the Ministry. How about this—I'll meet you at home for dinner. You can handle moving Narcissa while I deal with paperwork."
Harry groaned dramatically. "You mean I have to survive a whole afternoon without you?"
"You'll manage, I'm sure," Amelia teased, kissing him briefly. "See you for dinner."
At Gringotts, their business was quick and efficient. Harry and Amelia signed their newly issued marriage license, finalised the paperwork for access to the Bones vaults and properties, and received their matching house rings—Amelia's joining her engagement ring on her hand, while Harry added the Bones ring to his collection.
"Well, that's a record," Harry quipped as they exited the bank. "In and out in fifteen minutes."
Amelia laughed and kissed him thoroughly before departing for the Ministry. "See you tonight!"
Back at Potter Manor, Harry found Narcissa and Winky in the lounge, all of her belongings neatly packed. Together, they flooed to Cornwall Manor, where Harry took a quick walkthrough of the repairs.
"They did excellent work," Harry said, nodding approvingly as they moved through the halls. "I imagine you already have ideas for decorating?"
"I've been thinking about it," Narcissa admitted, a rare glimmer of excitement in her voice.
Harry smiled. "I look forward to seeing what you do with it. I hope you'll be happy here, but if you ever get lonely, you're always welcome at Potter Manor."
"I'm sure I'll visit often—especially once the little ones arrive," Narcissa added slyly, causing Harry to blush. Quickly changing the subject, he said, "I'd like to put the manor under the Fidelius Charm for now. I want to make sure you have somewhere safe to go if my plans go sideways, as they often do."
Narcissa nodded. "Of course, I understand."
Harry performed the charm, handing Narcissa a slip of parchment with the address. Once she read it, she burned the paper.
"Before I leave," Harry said, turning back to her, "I'll be speaking to Snape soon about my plans for Voldemort. Would you like me to let him know where you are?"
"That would be wonderful. Thank you, Harry. He's not as bad as he seems, you know—if you give him a chance."
"I'll try," Harry promised, squeezing her hand briefly before stepping into the floo.
The rest of Harry's afternoon passed quietly. He spent time running through the grounds, practicing spells in Charlus' training room until exhaustion overtook him. After a light lunch and a shower, he retreated to the library, settling into his favourite armchair with a book.
When Amelia returned, she found him there. Without a word, she walked over, draped herself across his lap, and kissed him soundly.
"Did you get Narcissa settled?" she asked, her arms looped around his neck.
"Yes. She seems happy with the manor. How was the Ministry?"
"Busy. Killing fifty Death Eaters comes witha lotof paperwork," Amelia said with a tired grin. "Kingsley's taking care of most of it, thankfully. The tricky part will be coming up with a plausible explanation for why the Minister of Magic was even there."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Would you like to see my memory of what happened after Bellatrix hit me with the Killing Curse?"
Amelia's expression softened. "I'd love to."
Together, they moved to Harry's office, where he retrieved his grandfather's pensieve. Extracting the memory, Harry placed it in the basin, and they leaned in.
When they emerged, Amelia's eyes glistened with tears. "I'm so glad you had that time with them," she said quietly, referring to Harry's parents and Sirius. "And your mother was right, you know."
Harry looked at her questioningly.
"I've known you loved me for a long time," Amelia said softly. "But hearing you say it out loud… it's the best feeling in the world."
Harry wrapped her in his arms, holding her close. "I'm sorry I was such a prat for so long. I love you, Amelia. I'm the luckiest man alive to have you as my wife."
She smiled and kissed him tenderly. "Can I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"What was the paper Sirius gave you? What have you and Hermione been working on?"
Harry laughed. "I wasn't sure we'd figure it out, but now I think we have. We've been working on a way to use the Dark Mark to track Death Eaters. Sirius gave us the missing piece. Once it works, we'll have an interactive map showing their locations."
Amelia's eyes widened with excitement as Harry explained the project. She listened intently, already formulating plans for the Aurors.
When she finally stopped talking, she kissed him again. "Thank you for sharing that memory with me."
"Always," Harry replied. "How about some dinner and an early night? I've got to head back to Hogwarts tomorrow." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Amelia laughed. "Sounds perfect to me, husband."
Hand in hand, they left the office, ready to enjoy the quiet evening together.
o – o – o – o – o
The next morning, Harry returned to Hogwarts early since Amelia had to head into the Ministry. He joined his friends at breakfast, casually reading his marriage announcement in The Daily Prophet.
"Well, that was almost nice," Harry said with a smirk. "Hermione must have had an interesting chat with Rita."
Once breakfast was over, the group headed to Defence Against the Dark Arts. As Harry watched Snape sulk around the room, his thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Narcissa."I need to talk to him at some point, but I really don't feel like it today,"he mused.
After potions, Slughorn stopped him before he could sneak out.
"I am disappointed that you missed my party Harry?" said Horace.
"I'm very sorry Professor, it was an emergency that could not be avoided," replied Harry.
"Like getting married," said Slughorn with a smirk.
"Yes, something like that." Harry responded with a smile.
"I understand Harry, but I hope you will make the next one," said Horace.
"I will do my best professor," answered Harry. Hespent the rest of the day in the library with Hermione, Neville, and Susan, focusing on homework and preparation for his NEWTs. Still, as he lay alone in his quarters that evening, he desperately missed Amelia's presence beside him.
O – o – o – o
It was over a week before Harry, Hermione, and Professor Flitwick managed to carve out time for a meeting. After Charms on Thursday, the three settled into Flitwick's office, where Harry explained everything—jumping in front of Bellatrix's Killing Curse to protect Amelia, his brief time in limbo, and the driving reason behind his hasty marriage. When he finished, Hermione sat stunned, wiping silent tears from her cheeks, while Flitwick looked at Harry with newfound respect.
"That's why you got married so abruptly?" Hermione asked softly.
"Yes," Harry said simply. Hermione nodded, absorbing the weight of his words before steering the conversation back on track.
"Can we see the note now?" she asked eagerly.
Harry pulled the small piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it over. Hermione scanned it quickly, her eyes widening. "It's a modified cascading charm," she murmured. "It's so brilliantly simple."
Flitwick's eyes twinkled as he leaned forward. "The spell recognises a specific magical signature. If we combine it with a tracking charm, it should work seamlessly."
"Yes, I think it will," Hermione agreed, matching his excitement.
Flitwick clapped his hands together. "We need a proper test—something on a larger scale. It's essential to understand how quickly it can propagate across multiple marks and ensure it's undetectable to the signature's owner."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "We could use it during our next DA meeting on Wednesday. We know enough about the Dark Mark to simulate something similar, just temporary marks for testing. Hermione, could you make a basic map for tracking? Just for the fourth-floor classroom?"
"Yes, I can manage that," Hermione replied confidently.
Flitwick's expression turned serious. "You'll need everyone's consent, Harry. I'll ask Minerva to attend in case something goes wrong."
"I'll ask Amelia to come too," Harry added. "She said she wants to be there when I use it."
"Excellent," Flitwick said with a grin. "Wednesday it is."
The following Friday, Harry went home to Potter Manor for the weekend. Hermione, as usual, joined them on Saturday, and Narcissa visited for lunch on Sunday. Between homework, NEWT preparation, and brief stolen moments with Amelia, Harry found the days slipping by quickly.
ByWednesday evening, the sixth and seventh-year DA members gathered in the unused fourth-floor classroom. There were about fifty students in total—enough for a solid test.
"We're doing something different today," Harry announced, facing the group. "Professor Flitwick, Hermione, and I have developed a method to track the Dark Mark, but we need to test it first. Here's how it works: I'll place a temporary mark on your hand—completely painless, and it'll vanish in about twenty minutes. Once that's done, Professor Flitwick will activate a charm, and Hermione will record the results. You won't feel anything—just stand there.
"If you're willing to participate, you'll need to give your consent to either Professor McGonagall or Professor Flitwick. If you'd rather not, that's perfectly fine. You're welcome to stay and watch."
To Harry's surprise, only three DA members opted out. "They trust me more than I expected,"he thought as he watched the others line up. Just then, the door opened, and Dumbledore and Amelia walked in. Dumbledore exchanged a nod with Harry before moving to stand beside McGonagall, while Amelia joined Harry.
"Once I've placed all the marks, I'll leave the room," Harry told her quietly. "Start timing as soon as Flitwick casts the incantation. Stop when I come back."
Amelia nodded. "Got it."
Harry moved down the line, tapping his wand to each volunteer's hand. Once he'd finished, he slipped out of the room, his stomach tight with nerves.
Inside, Flitwick chose a random student—Justin Finch-Fletchley—placed his wand against the mark, and whispered the incantation. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, Hermione let out a small, triumphant squeal as black dots began appearing rapidly on the map she held.
Outside, Harry suddenly felt his magic vibrating—a strange, tugging sensation. Without hesitation, he pushed back into the room. "Stop timing," he called to Amelia.
She nodded. "Two minutes."
Hermione beamed as she held up the map. "They're all on here, Harry!"
Harry turned to Flitwick. "Was it Justin's mark you activated?"
"It was," Flitwick confirmed with a smile.
Harry exhaled in relief. "Thank you, everyone. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall will continue today's session with you, but I have some things to attend to." With that, Harry slipped out of the room, Flitwick, Hermione, and Amelia following close behind.
"I can't believe it works!" Amelia said, her tone full of amazement. "This gives us such an advantage, Harry."
"I know," said Harry with an unenthusiastic sigh. "I just have to go do something I've been avoiding. I'll meet you back in my quarters Amelia. Thanks for your help Hermione, Professor Flitwick."
"It was a delight to work on this with you Lord Potter-Black-Bones. Let me know if you have any other charms you want to develop." Said Flitwick as he left for his office. Harry nodded. Hermione went back into the classroom and Amelia gave him a gentle kiss before leaving him in the hallway.
Harry knocked on Snape's office door later that evening, bracing himself.
"Enter," came the curt reply.
Snape's sneer deepened when he saw Harry. "Everyone seems to think you're a Defence prodigy, Potter, but that doesn't excuse your consistent absence from my class."
"I've kept up with my assignments, and you'll find my work exemplary, Professor. But I'm not here about that," Harry replied evenly.
Snape arched an eyebrow. "Then why are you here?"
Harry met his gaze. "I've developed a way to track people through the Dark Mark. The only problem is Voldemort will know which mark I used to trigger the cascade. He'll know it was Draco's."
Snape stiffened.
"Once it's done, Draco won't be safe. I'll take him to Narcissa's manor under the Fidelius Charm."
"What does this have to do with me?" Snape snapped.
Harry sighed. "Narcissa will never forgive me if Draco's harmed, so I need you to complete the task Voldemort assigned to him."
Snape's eyes narrowed. "And what task is that?"
"You'll bring me to Voldemort."
Snape froze, his expression unreadable. "To your death?"
Harry grinned faintly. "Something like that."
After a moment, Snape leaned forward. "Why me?"
Harry didn't flinch. "Because Narcissa claims you're a better man than I think. I'll consider your life debt to my father paid if you do one more thing."
Snape's lip curled. "What do you want?"
"When you take me to Voldemort, I need you to kill Nagini. As quickly as possible. What you do after that I don't really care," said Harry. Snape looked at him in surprise, but said nothing. "She is the last Horcrux," expanded Harry.
"I had wondered, he is unusually protective of her." Said Snape. Harry nodded.
"If you succeed and you manage to escape before Voldemort kills you, I will give you my blessing with Narcissa. She says I should give you a chance. I just hope someday you will do the same for me and realise that I am not my father," said Harry with finality. Snape didn't say anything, he just scowled but Harry figured the lack of insults meant he was trying. Harry stood up to leave.
"Fine, I will kill the snake," Snape said softly as Harry reached the door. Harry nodded and returned to Snape's desk to write the address of the Cornwall Manor on a sheet of parchment.
"Don't hurt her," he said as he handed the parchment to Snape. Once he watched it burn, Harry nodded, leaving Snape to his thoughts.
When he got back to his quarters, he found Amelia on the sofa reading a book as she waited for him. Harry gave her a chaste kiss and then sat down beside her.
"When we use the spell, Voldemort will know, but it will be too late for him to do anything about it. However, we should still be prepared for retaliation," said Harry once he sat down. Amelia nodded.
"I was thinking the same thing. We should be as methodical about it as possible, we should have teams of Aurors ready and as soon as you do the spell send them to the locations showing up on the map. If we act quickly, they won't have time to rally before we lock most of them up," responded Amelia.
"That's a great idea Amelia. How long do you need to get the Aurors ready to move?" Harry asked.
"Three maybe four days," responded Amelia.
"Alright how about we do it on Sunday then?" asked Harry.
"That should work," said Amelia as she moved her feet onto his lap. Harry started massaging her legs and feet aimlessly as he told Amelia the rest of his plan.
"When Voldemort concludes that Draco is my spy, which he will, I think he will send others after me. We should end this sooner rather than later. I think we should give the twins two weeks to send as many pins as they can and then we should take the fight to Voldemort. I have already talked to Snape, he will pretend to capture me and bring me to Voldemort. Once there I will activate the pins. Severus has agreed to take care of the snake, and once that is done, I will finish off Voldemort once and for all," said Harry.
"I don't like the idea of you going in there alone, but the pins make me feel better about the whole thing, and honestly, I'm as desperate as you are to end this, and I don't have any better ideas. We can do it your way, love," said Amelia. Harry looked at her in surprise. "Well, that went better than I thought it would," he thought.
When he was finished with Amelia's massage, Harry went and wrote a letter to the Weasley twins asking them to send as many pins as they could in the next two weeks. Then he joined his new wife in bed. The next morning, Harry woke up to a response.
Sure thing, Harrikins.
Later that day he ran into Draco and pulled him aside to talk to him.
"On Sunday I am going to use your dark mark to put a tracking charm into all the dark marks, that way Amelia can find where the remaining death eaters are hiding. Once I do this Voldemort will know it was your dark mark I used. I don't imagine he will want you alive after that and I'm not sure he'd believe you if you told him I forced you. Your mother will never forgive me if I let anything happen to you, so as soon as we are done you will go stay with her until I've taken care of Voldemort. It shouldn't be more than a couple weeks. Snape will bring me to Voldemort in your stead," said Harry. Draco nodded in relief and then they went their separate ways.
On Friday morning Ron and Ginny returned to Hogwarts. They were both eagerly greeted by the quidditch team. Harry vowed to do his best to keep Ron busy when they weren't in class or studying. "I guess I'll be spending a lot of time playing wizards chess," he thought.