Xander finished his signs for the next day, then tossed them aside, laying down next to his hubby. "Miss you," he whispered to the sleeping ear. George pulled him down and cuddled him in the classic teddy bear position. It was good his husband was willing to stay with him through all this stuff. At least he'd be able to talk again in a few days. It had been two weeks since his throat had been sliced. He could talk for a few minutes now before his throat started to hurt, but he had been assured it would get better soon. He looked at the snuffling noise, getting up to check on Maeve and William, who were both with them tonight. Maeve was sucking on her big brother's ear, which was making the noises he heard. "Bottle?" he suggested, handing them both bottles. They snuggled together and fell asleep drinking happily.
 

"They up?" George mumbled.
 

"Just a little hungry. They've got bottles." Xander slid back into bed, starting to swallow to ease the pain. "I want to do something for the house."
 

"Party?" George suggested, laying his head on his mate's chest. "Maybe a theme party just to be different?"
 

Xander made a happy noise. "Yeah." He pulled the blankets up to his waist. "Help?"
 

"Sure." George snuck a kiss. "You quit talking or you won't be able to take questions tomorrow." Xander gave him another kiss. "Are you happy?" Xander nodded. "Really happy?" Xander nodded harder. "No more desires that need to be addressed?"
 

Xander thought about that. Did he really want anything else in his life? He felt content, but that feeling of peace was missing. Was it a worry or a want? He shrugged and nodded. "I think I'm good. I'm happy with the kids. I love my life. We've got a good savings in case Iggy or the kids get sick again." He swallowed, his throat was starting to burn. "I'm good," he finished.
 

"Good,"George told him. "Then can I have something I want?" Xander lifted his face, thinking something at him. "No, I wanted the kids too, but I've always wanted one thing and I've come close so far, but never quite got there." Xander smiled and nodded. "Can I have a party for my birthday?" Xander nodded. "I know it's a month away, but I always wanted a real party, with balloons and stuff." He played with Xander's bellybutton until his hand was slapped away. "Sorry." He grinned. "Even a small one would be okay."
 

"I can do that," Xander told him, his mind racing. If his beloved wanted a party, he would have one of the best he could throw. "Fred?"
 

"He can come," George said with a smile. "But I want this to be mine."
 

"Cool. We'll have Fred's the next day." He nodded, settling the thoughts in his mind into a cohesive order. He'd get Tara to help him tomorrow. He felt himself drifting off and pulled his mate closer to his side. This was the life he wanted and he really was content.
 

***
 

Tara looked over as Xander walked up to her, Maeve in the baby carrier on his back. "What's up?" she asked. "Did we have a bad night?"
 

He shook his head and held up a small sign, which made her squeal. "Costume party," he told her. She nodded and they ducked into her classroom to start planning what they would need.
 

Snape came in a moment later, only noticed by the baby, who squealed in delight. She still liked him. He patted her on the head, alerting Xander to his presence. "What's going on?"
 

"George has never had a birthday party," Tara told him. "I'm helping Xander figure out what he needs to do for one."
 

"Ah." Snape walked around, looking at their list. "Aren't those for children's parties?"
 

"We're including the house," Xander whispered. "Keep it down. Ron's around here somewhere."
 

"Fine." Snape looked at the list. "You'll need food."
 

"Good point," Tara agreed, writing down the usual party essentials: chips, dip, drinks, little finger sandwiches. Xander added on pastry nibbles, which confused her. "What are those?"
 

"The things Fred's girlfriend makes," he told her, continuing the list. "Think we can do this?"
 

"I think we could not only do this, but with magic it'll be a wand flick to decorate and clean up," Tara told him. She smiled at Snape. "Give me a minute more and I'll let him go do what he needs to do." First class gong rang. "Or not. You'd better go. Bye, Maeve," she called as Xander walked away, waving the their child. The baby cooed and bounced, flailing back. "She's such a happy baby."
 

"As she should be. She's already spoiled rotten," Snape reminded her.
 

"Is not," Tara said with a frown. "She's just doted upon." She looked around. "What's up?"
 

"I was wondering if you would care to go to town with me tonight? I have to pick up a book and planned on eating in town."
 

"I know how much you hate to eat alone," she agreed, smiling brightly at him. "I have a few things I could pick up." He nodded. "After last class?"
 

"We have a staff meeting about next year's classes," he reminded her. "After that would be fine though."
 

She nodded. "Okay. We'll go after the meeting." He gave her a faint smile then swooped out, going to torture his fourth year Gryffindors and Slytherins. She settled in to finish her plans for the meeting tonight. She had to submit the lesson plans for the next year and she only had them half done.
 

***
 

Xander walked into the joke shop and waved Fred outside. "We're doing something special for George's birthday," he said quietly, all the volume he could achieve after a day of teaching three classes. "Help?"
 

"Sure," Fred said brightly. He looked at the plans, walking Xander down to the apothecary which had just opened. They sold some great rub for sore muscles and Xander usually needed some. "Is this a surprise party?" Xander nodded. "Okay. Am I invited?"
 

Xander gave him a light shove. "Of course. We're celebrating yours the next day."
 

"Okay, I can get behind that," Fred agreed. "A costume party. Interesting." He opened the door, holding it for his brother-in-law. "George will go ape over this." He handed the list back, watching as it disappeared. "I won't tell him, but how are you going to make Ron and the kids keep it a secret?"
 

Xander grinned. "I've got a way, don't worry." He picked up the badly needed muscle rub, and something that Madam Pomfrey said he should be using on his throat. They walked around the aisles, stopping in the condom aisle. "Ooh," he said, picking up a pack of colored condoms. "Haven't seen these in a while."
 

Fred laughed. "I'm sure he'll enjoy them a lot tonight." He walked him up to the counter and picked up his order for headache powder, something he had planned on doing later anyway. "Thanks." He stuffed it into his pocket and looked at Xander. "On our birthday?" Xander nodded. "Then I can definitely help. Our birthdays are on a Saturday, a Hogsmeade weekend actually." Xander beamed and paid for his purchases. "So we can even help the kids pick out costumes that day. You'll have to keep George busy that whole day." Xander nodded. "Take him to London and spoil him rottener or something."
 

"I can do that," Xander agreed. "I'll get with the house tonight." He smiled. "This will be so great." He jogged out of the shop, heading back to the school. He stopped to tell Tara something since they were coming down the hill, then continued on.
 

"What was that about?" Snape asked.
 

"The daughter did something cute to Iggy," she said with a smile. "Crapped all down his arms when he was holding her." She put her arm through his. "Are we eating at the Three Broomsticks?"
 

"There's hardly another place," Snape reminded her as they walked on.
 

"We could apparate to London and go eat at Fred's girlfriend's place. It's supposed to be great, and discreet."
 

Snape thought about it. That would make this more officially a date than he had originally planned. "Is it expensive?"
 

"Not really. Xander and George's last bill came up to about three galleons and you know how they eat."
 

Snape frowned. "I'll take you there this weekend."
 

"How about I take you there this weekend," she offered. He looked shocked. "Women's lib said I could treat you to meals too," she pointed out with a small smile.
 

"I'd prefer not to associate myself with that movement," he said stiffly. "I like the older ways of doing things."
 

"Okay." She smiled up at him. "I'll treat you to a meal some other time." He frowned. "Just on the spur of the moment." She patted his hand. "It'll be nice."
 

"I'm sure it will be." He got free as the town came into view. She gave him another one of her knowing smiles but he tried to ignore it. She had said she would let him work his way up to holding hands in public. It was going to take a while, she should accept that.
 

***
 

Xander stood in front of his house, holding a pile of cards. Everyone was gathered in front of him. He held up the first one. "This will be a secret. If anyone spills it, they're having two weeks of detention, including on the night of the event, which is a Hogsmeade night, so you'll be grounded to the tower that day." The crowd nodded so he put up the next one. "George's birthday is the next Saturday in Hogsmeade." A few of the kids laughed. "We're throwing him a party," the third sign said. They all nodded and started talking. He whistled, then rubbed his throat, showing them the fourth one. "A surprise costume party."
 

Iggy stood up. "He wants one of those, Dad?" He handed over a glass of juice he was drinking. "Drink, you look horrible."
 

"Healing potion an hour ago," Xander croaked. "It's working." He sipped the juice and held up the next sign. "Like I said, a *SECRET* costume birthday party." That one hit the floor and one last one was held up. "Owl Fred for help with your costumes. He'll be hiding them at the store that day so they can be picked up. This will be a *whole* house party."
 

The kids broke up into discussion groups, Simone and the family coming over to him. "Are we going to have to make costumes?" Simone asked.
 

Xander shrugged. "I'm guessing it's up to us," Denver told her. "Does father know?" Xander nodded. "Okay, then we'll keep the secret." He looked at Iggy.
 

"I'm not going to tell," Iggy defended. "This is so great. I can't remember when dad had a birthday party." Xander shook his head. "Never?" Xander shook his head again. "What about Uncle Fred?" Xander spun his finger in the air. "Oh, the next day?" Xander nodded again. "Dad, how many more treatments this time?" Xander held up four fingers. "Good, it's really odd not to hear you talk." He glanced around. "Are you putting a 'can't talk about it outside the house' charm on the door?" Xander nodded. "Did Dumbledore agree?" Xander smiled and nodded. "Did he think it was neat?" Xander nodded happily. "Then you can count on me." He gave him a hug and hurried over to where the rest of the team was talking.
 

Xander whistled and held up one last sign. "Please remember this party is for *all* ages so pick appropriate costumes. Also, there will be a charm on the door so it can't be discussed outside the tower." All the signs went up in a sudden flame and turned to ashes. He waved and walked away, going to cast the charm. Dumbledore met him in the hallway. "All done," Xander croaked.
 

"Good." He smiled at him. "I dare say this will be a party for the school to remember." He patted Xander on the back and checked the spell, nodding when he saw it was properly applied. "Are you inviting Melvin?" Xander nodded. "Have you told him?" Xander nodded again. "Wonderful." He glanced around. "What's wrong with William?" Xander shrugged. "Are you sure? He was rather fussy earlier."
 

Xander tapped a tooth. "Teething. Normal." Then he waved and went to check on the kids. William was indeed cutting a new tooth and was quite unhappy with the fact. Xander settled down. The other planning would come tomorrow.
 

***
 

Fred looked at the plans for the decorating box, nodding. "I can do this," he agreed. "It'll be a neat thing to have at the store too. We've done about six parties so far this year."
 

His girlfriend Elizabeth leaned over his arm to look at the plans. "That is neat," she said with a smile. She grinned at Xander. "My part's the food?" Xander nodded and handed over a list of what he wanted. She read it over, nodding slowly. "All perfectly doable. It'll cost about three hundred dollars, muggle, for this amount of food." Xander tossed over a small bag of coins. "Gee, this is heavy."
 

"Good," Xander said, his voice a little stronger today. The damage to the lining of his throat was nearly healed now, but he still couldn't use it too often. "We're doing all Gryffindor, all of us, and you of course." She nodded. "So get someone else to work."
 

She made a note on her list. "I can do that. My new chef has an assistant who could probably work that night. She's always happy for the extra money." She smiled at Xander. "What about this guy's birthday?" Xander pointed at the top of the list. "Oh, the next day. We're doing a luncheon for you, dear?"
 

Fred blushed. He loved her but she liked to call him pet names and it embarrassed him. "I agreed I could have mine the next day." He looked at the second part of the list. "What's an ice cream cake?"
 

"Very nummy," Xander told him. "You're sure you don't mind?" Fred shook his head, smiling at him. This made his brother happy so it was good to him. "Then you'll be in charge of getting him over there while I handle the last minute details." He winked. "This will hopefully be really great." He slid out of the booth, leaving them to have a lunch together. He headed to the bank, going to exchange some of the money he had so he could arrange for the second part of George's birthday gift. The spa he had chosen was close to Diagon, George didn't like to get too far into main London because being surrounded by the muggles made him nervous, but this place was well known among the wizarding community. He walked into the spa and smiled at the receptionist. "I want to treat my lover," he croaked. He sighed and pulled out a pad, writing out what he wanted so his throat would quit hurting. She laughed. "Sorry, sore," he whispered. He made another note. She booked the spa services and he paid for it. "Thanks." He left, going home. It was almost time for his class.
 

***
 

George picked up the clothes sitting on the floor, frowning at the notepad he pulled out of Xander's pocket. He glanced around, then flipped it open, smiling at the notes on the first few pages. His lover was giving him spa treatments for his birthday! He nearly bounced in joy. He quickly closed it and put it on the dresser, continuing to pick up the laundry so it could be done. As soon as the basket was full, it disappeared so he piled the rest of the clothes next to the spot so they could be washed some other time. He checked his watch, it was an hour before Xander was getting out of class. So he decided to take a nap. He laid down and closed his eyes, and was almost asleep before it happened. A gentle hand started to rub his arm. "Xander, you're early," he whispered, not opening his eyes. He heard the door downstairs open and be slammed, then kicked. "Guess that's Ron. Must have had a stupid question again." The hand shifted, moving down to his chest. "That's nice."
 

Xander walked in and stopped, frowning at the blonde sitting next to his husband. "Dear, did you order the succubus?" he asked dryly. He walked over and grabbed her by the hair when George had moved, dragging her out of the tower and back into the main school. He passed Ron, who looked a bit shocked. "Succubus," he said, taking her up to the Headmaster's office. Albus was the only one with a tame succubus in the whole school. He kicked in the door and dragged her in, handing her over. "Keep your friend out of my bed and off my husband," he said, then he turned and left.
 

Dumbledore gave the young woman a sad smile. "I told you that you couldn't practice your trade here," he told her, picking up his wand. He banished her, ignoring her tears and protests of innocence. He hoped Xander forgave him for this.
 

Xander walked back into the tower and found George sitting on the couch, looking upset. "Not your fault," he whispered, pulling him up to kiss him. "She won't do it again." He sat down and put George in his lap, holding him. No nasty demon bimbo was going to touch his man! "I'll protect you from her."
 

George relaxed. Xander wasn't mad at him for it. He put his head on the firm shoulder and closed his eyes. He loved his husband.
 

Xander sniffed him. "You smell like me," he whispered. George lifted his head and looked at him. "You do. It's turning me on."
 

"I can feel it," George told him, wiggling in his lap. "Want to go remind me who I belong to?" Xander growled. "Not that I've ever forgotten," he said quickly.
 

"That demon ho had better stay away from you," Xander told him, picking him up and putting him on his feet with a pat to his butt. "Run, my little prey." George took off up the stairs, he loved this game. Xander smirked as he headed up, only stopping in the bathroom to grab one of the colored condoms and put it on. Gryffindor red, how appropriate. He walked into their room naked and George burst out laughing. "You don't like?" he asked, kicking the door shut. His cane went next to it and he hobbled over to the bed, standing proudly beside it.
 

"Honey, that looks silly," George told him, reaching over to take it off him. He ended up pulling a few hairs, but he would be forgiven because of what he was going to do next. He licked along the head, making Xander moan and lean forward. He gently settled his husband on the bed and continued to play with him. His Xander deserved it for being such a great husband.
 

Xander's mind completely left his head and he drifted on the sea of contentment.
 

***
 

Xander looked around the house, everything was ready. The trays of food were in place and mostly intact. None of the kids had showed up as Lady Godiva or something equally inflammatory. Hedre had shown up as a geisha, and he wondered if she knew what a geisha was. Another girl had shown up as a belly dancer, but her outfit was tasteful. He wondered how much longer Fred was going to take. Xander pulled down his mask, completing his costume as an Italian mediaeval comedic actor, whatever they were called. The mask was great, it had a *huge* nose.
 

Back in the house, George was starting to pout. After a great time at the spa and lunch out, Xander had said he needed to take care of a small problem in Gryffindor and rushed off with Ron. Fred was smirking at him. And to top it off, there was not a hint of his birthday party. Plus, Fred had taken his Christmas present. He had confiscated it earlier this morning, before they went to the spa, so it couldn't be lost. Now he wouldn't give it back.
 

Fred stood up, making sure his robe was closed tightly around his costume. "Xander just called, they need your level head to solve the fight between the two boys over a girl." He hauled his twin up and shoved him toward the door when he didn't want to walk. "The boys demanded that you solve it because you've got such a level head and Xander told them that neither of them deserved her."
 

George allowed himself to be forced over to Gryffindor. Maybe this was his party? His mind ran over the possibilities. No, they probably wanted him out of the tower so they could decorate. He walked through the portrait doorway and stopped. Everyone was staring at him. "What?" he asked.
 

Fred moved past him and pointed his wand at a box, making it shoot open and balloons fly out, along with glitter, lights, and a banner. "Happy birthday, Forge."
 

"Gred?" George asked, starting to smile. Fred nodded. "Oh, I love this!" He hugged his twin hard. "Xander?"
 

"One, two, three, drop," Xander called. The illusion on the kids dropped and they appeared in their costumes, while Fred just took off his robe and put on his mask. Xander stepped out of the crowd and smiled under the edge of his mask. "Happy birthday, George," he said with his brightest grin. "But you're not dressed." He waved a wand, putting George into a Tarzan-like loincloth and long wig. "That's better." He walked over and took his mate's hand. "The birthday boy!" The kids all clapped and shouted their happy wishes, then the music started. Xander drew George onto the temporary dance floor, giving him the first dance. "Fred's birthday lunch is tomorrow," he told him quietly as they danced.
 

"I love this, Xander," George said, beaming. "This is so great! And you kept it a surprise!"
 

"Yup," Xander said with a bright grin. "I'm a good boy and you said you wanted it." He leaned in for a kiss but the nose got in the way. "Oops."
 

George snuck one by tipping his head off further to the side. "I love you. This is so great!" He drugged his husband off the floor so they could look at everything. Hagrid dressed as Bigfoot was one of the funniest things he had ever seen, as was Dumbledore as a pirate. The food was excellent! All of his favorite things, plus stuff for the kids. His presents were stacked in a corner chair. Xander pulled him away from them. "I can't open them yet?"
 

"Not for about an hour," Xander told him, leading him back to the floor. "These tights are too tight," he said while they moved together.
 

George noticed the rest of his mate's outfit and licked his lips. "I like them," he said. "Can we keep those?"
 

"If you want," Xander agreed. "They're not part of the costume, I had to buy them separately." He shifted, trying to undo the wedgie in the making. "Owowowow," he whined. George fixed it for him. "Thanks, dear."
 

"You know I like playing with your butt. I'll protect you from the bad wedgies," he whispered, keeping one hand on the tight butt. Xander still worked out and it showed. A few of the older kids dancing near them gave him knowing looks, and a few assured them that they wouldn't be over until *late* tomorrow. That was probably a wise thing.
 

Simone came over and stole George to dance with him too. She looked over his outfit. "Cute wig," she said with a grin.
 

George giggled. "Xander has good taste." He flipped some of the hair over his shoulder. "How long ago did he plan this?"
 

"About a month ago. There was a spell on the door so none of us could talk about it. Though Melvin knew too." She pointed at where Melvin, Iggy, and Denver were all hiding as ghosts in the corner. "I tried to talk them into different costumes, but they're so very unimaginative." She rolled her eyes. "Even Daddy came." She pointed at the sheik in the corner, who was gathering a lot of the older girls around him.
 

George snickered. "He had better watch out or Xander will pull him away from the horde of women by the ear."
 

"Daddy would never sleep with a student, Uncle George. He'd get them the day after they graduated maybe, but not while they were in school." She spun him away and lost him to another girl, Hedre. "Well," she snorted. "Like the slut's going to get him.
 

Hedre smiled up at George. "Your man is quite fond of you," she said in greeting. George nodded in greeting. "Are you enjoying your party?" One of her hands slid under his loincloth.
 

George shrieked and jumped. Simone pounced the other girl, pummeling her very quickly. "Never touch my uncle," she instructed as she hit Hedre. "Not only is he married, you slut, he's very much in love with Uncle Xander." She was pulled off by one of the ghosts and Hedre was escorted out, her broken nose, fat lip, and heavily bruised face hidden by her makeup. She snorted. "And stay away!" she called after her. She got free and went to get some ice for her knuckles.
 

Xander tapped her on the shoulder. "What did Hedre do?" he asked calmly.
 

"Groped your man."
 

"Oh, really," he said, glaring at the door. "Well, every party has to have one," he announced. "Now that we've gotten that requirement out of the way, let's get back to the party." The kids started dancing again and Xander brought George some punch. "Do I have to write my name on your butt again," he whispered in his mate's ear. George blushed and his outfit became just a bit tighter and more revealing. "I'll do that later. Permanent marker or cum this time?" he asked.
 

George moaned. "Can we do that soon?" he asked.
 

"No, but I can do something to make you feel better," he promised with a wink. He led the way over to where Draco was sitting, plopping George down onto another couch. This was the marked adult section so they were safe over here; none of the first-through-fourth years were allowed anywhere near. He sat in his husband's lap crossways, and positioned the small hole in his tights. He felt his husband pop inside him and smiled. "It's not the best, but I know you always wanted to try this," he whispered.
 

George moaned and buried his face in his mate's neck. "I'm going to get you for this on your birthday," he whispered, thrusting subtly. The position made sure that only someone looking at them from the side could see what was going on and the free side of the couch was against a wall. Not even Draco, who was holding court on the next couch could see anything. He quickly got off with a moan, hiding it by biting and sucking on Xander's neck. One of the girls around Draco giggled.
 

"I like hickies," Xander told her with a grin. He shifted and the soft cock fell out, then he felt a finger come down and adjust the loincloth. "Ready to go back to dancing yet?" he teased, leaning back to get a kiss.
 

"Just you wait until your next one, Xander Harris-Weasley," George promised.
 

Xander grinned and leaned next to George's ear. "All the kids are staying with Fred and Molly tonight and I'm sending Ron out on a mission of stress relief. We'll have the *whole* tower to ourselves," he promised. Then he slid off the shaking legs and helped his mate to his feet. "Presents now?" he suggested with a smile.
 

George nodded. "And some more punch," he begged. He glanced in a nearby mirror, which hadn't been there before, just to make sure his loincloth was covering him completely. He had to adjust it a little bit because of some hair sticking out, but he was good to go back to the kiddie section of the party. "Let's do presents!" George yelled. The crowd parted and let him over to the throne-style chair next to the small pile. The music changed, going to something calmer and quieter. "Oh, wow," he said, sitting down. It was a nice chair. He wanted one of these in their house. He picked up the one on top. "From the whole tower?" he asked as he read the card. "That's sweet, guys."
 

"Well, you might as well be one of our heads," Gregory, the Head Boy, told him. "We all chipped in and got you something."
 

George tore into the paper, stopping when he saw the photo album. He opened it slowly, not sure he wanted to know what was inside, but it was pictures of them. Him and Xander in almost every one of them, all wizarding photos. All taken when they weren't expecting it but Xander was always giving him looks. A few were really funny, like the one right before Xander tipped the milkshake over his head a few weeks back. Then there was one where Xander was giving him a lusty look. "Oh, my," he breathed. "Guys, you rock," he told them, hugging it to his chest. "This is the greatest. Thank you!" The crowd clapped.
 

Draco walked up to them. "Open the silver one next, it's from Ginny and I."
 

"Oooh, buying presents together," Fred teased. "Are we finally going to see a resolution to you two dating forever?" Iggy poked him. "Hey!"
 

"Be nice. Ginny would make him change if she married him, then what would we do?" Iggy told him. "Open the silver one anyway," he suggested.
 

George opened it and squeaked, closing it quickly. "Draco, not in front of the children. A book of dirty practical jokes; the cover proudly proclaiming over 12 shrinking potions included. He handed it to Xander, who put it inside the photo album. "Thank you, Draco. I'll be sure to use one or two." He smirked at him when Draco's eyes widened. "What's next?"
 

"The pretty purple one," Melvin called out. "Grandma sent it to me last night."
 

George opened it and found a box of the fudge he liked so much. "Wow. I'll call her tonight," he called out. "Thanks, Melvin."
 

"Welcome, Uncle George. We didn't even put bugs in it like Uncle Fred suggested. Or Bertie Botts."
 

Xander shuddered. "That could have been a disaster in the making." He handed over the next one. "Here, from me."
 

"But I thought the spa...." Xander shook his head, smiling. "That was only a distraction?"
 

"Yup," Xander said happily. "I think you'll like this one more."
 

"More than on the massage table?" George asked. Xander chuckled. He tore into the package and blushed bright red, stuffing the box down his loincloth. "Xander, children!"
 

"Is it a sex toy?" Draco asked. A few of the kids stared at him. "What? They're married."
 

"No, it's not," Xander told him.
 

George pulled him closer and handed him the box, shoving him away. "Please, Draco."
 

Draco looked at the box, then shook his head and walked off, trying hard not to let on that it had stuff on it. He sent it back to the house and retook his spot in the middle of his group of admirers. He watched as George opened Ron's present, a box of fishing supplies. George had recently taken up the hobby of sitting beside the lake and napping while pretending to fish. The last present was a set of comic books from the missing brothers, things meant to amuse and mystify. Then the party went back to the throbbing music and happy partying people.
 

***
 

The next morning, most of the Gryffindors walked in and winced at the brightness of the light. Many of them looked like they hadn't been to sleep yet. A few of them were wearing muggle sunglasses. One even fell asleep on the table. The professors that had attended didn't look much better, and hopes sprung that the party would spread out later that night. Xander fell face down into his eggs shortly after sitting down and his snores reverberated around the Great Hall. George gave his mate a tolerant look and continued to eat his breakfast, occasionally sharing a bite of it with the two children at his side. Even Dumbledore looked tired, but happy. The fact that he was wearing an eyepatch mystified some of the kids, but most put it off as something in his quirky nature. Xander woke up with a snort and looked around. He smiled at George and accepted the napkin.
 

The other three tables talked among themselves, making up what had happened in Gryffindor tower the night before in the absence of real information.
 

Dumbledore stood up once he heard the orgy rumor and the room quieted. "I'm sorry if Gryffindor tower kept anyone up. The party for Professor Harris' husband George got a bit louder than we had expected." He smiled as the rumors started again. "Since Gryffindor had a long party, the other houses will be allowed to throw their own next weekend." He sat down and the teachers looked at him. "I'm not expecting anything as ornate or fun," he told them with a bright smile. "But it wouldn't be fair for them not to have a party to celebrate George's birthday also."
 

Professor Snape groaned. "I'll try to keep the dancing girls away this time," he told him. Tara smiled at him. "I'm not joking."
 

Xander burst out laughing. "I heard about some of those!"
 

Snape nodded. "They haven't calmed down since Mr. Malfoy left either," he noted dryly, picking up his tea to drink. "Do eat, you look like you could use a restorative potion." Xander gave him a wink and dug into his former pillow.
 

George smiled at him. "We'll come see you if I decide to ravish him again later," he said just loud enough to be heard by the other teachers. Snape choked. "Sorry, but it was my birthday."
 

"Fred's party is this afternoon," Xander reminded him. "Save room for food."
 

"All right, I will," George agreed. He noticed a bit of fudge left on Xander's neck and leaned over, licking it off for him. "That's for the excellent party. I never imagined something like that when I asked for one."
 

"I try to please," Xander told him smugly.
 

"Oh, you do, hubby. You definitely do please." He stole a kiss and started to eat. He felt a hand on his thigh and was grateful for the long tablecloths. "Xander," he hissed. "Stop it."
 

Xander looked under the table and kicked the blonde woman sitting down there. "Albus, she's back," he said, putting a proprietary hand on his mate's crotch. "Mine."
 

"Yours," George squeaked. His eyes widened. "Tell me that's you, dear."
 

"It had better be me," Xander said, giving him a leer. "Hurry up and eat. I think I've got my strength back." George dropped his fork and wiped off his mouth, then grabbed Xander and dragged him out of the Great Hall, taking him into the back hallway. Students never came back there and there were many little niches in the walls, a few with benches suitable for what he wanted to do.
 

"I believe he created a monster," Tara said with a naughty grin. Albus choked on his juice, looking at her. "What? I'm not the nice little girl everyone thinks I am, Albus. I'm just as old as Xander is, and have done nearly everything he has." She looked smug. "Just ask around and see." She stood up and headed out the main doorway, going to her rooms to find a good outfit for Fred's luncheon.
 

Snape cleared his throat. "Indeed, she's proved on a few occasions that she's not the innocent little girl we all thought she was." He blushed slightly.
 

Albus smiled at him. "I'm happy for you then." He saluted him with his juice. "Have fun." He dug into his food, hoping his stomach settled down finally.
 

Snape ducked his head and started to eat quickly. He would need to talk to Professor Maclay about her choice of venues to protest her assumption of innocence.
 

***
 

Fred smirked as Xander and George walked in. "Finally got out of bed?"
 

"I'll have you know we made it down for breakfast this morning," George told him with a smile. "And then promptly left again for some more fun."
 

"In the hallways," Xander added with a grin. He saw Arthur shake his head and walk away. "Sorry, dad, but he jumped me!" Arthur shook his head again.
 

"They're cute," Molly chastised. "Besides, you enjoy them being this happy." She kissed Xander on the cheek. "Are you able to sit?" she teased.
 

"Definitely," George agreed. "On my lap." Xander blushed.
 

"Perverts," Charlie said with a fond air.
 

"Married perverts," George corrected. "That means we're supposed to do things like that. If you found someone, you could do the same thing and not get into trouble with mum." Charlie laughed and turned away to hide it.
 

"If he converted to Islam, he could have four wives," Bill put in. "Imagine the nagging mum would do then," he told George, making him laugh. "Hey, Charlie, I've got a friend I want you to meet. Totally unsuitable for me, but she's more into creatures anyway so I immediately thought of you."
 

Charlie shook his head. "No thanks. If I get that desperate, there's all those mail-order witches I could try." His mother frowned at him. "I'd be doing them a favor, they want to get out of their countries. Did you know some of the Eastern Block countries restrict what witches can do?"
 

His mother shook her head. She couldn't imagine being so desperate to leave that she'd marry anyone who asked as long as they lived somewhere else. "I hope you never get that badly off," she told him.
 

"Seriously, my friend would love to meet you," Bill told Charlie, pulling him aside to show him a picture. "Just joined Gringotts in my area after leaving a teaching position in France. She's Egyptian and very nice, just a bit more into creatures than I can stand. So she's perfect for you."
 

"Why didn't she apply for a job with the preserves?" Charlie asked.
 

"She had been teaching charms and decided there was more to life. Beasties are a hobby of hers, not her calling." He clapped him on the back. "Her floo line is on the back if you ever want to set it up. You can even stay at my place that night." He strolled away to go pick on George some more. "So, did you get *any* sleep last night?" he asked Xander. Xander shook his head slowly. "Needing a nap then?"
 

"I'll tie him down later and allow him to sleep," George told him. "You should have been there, Bill. It was wonderful. He got all the Gryffs into it, threw me a real costume party."
 

"What were you?" Molly asked.
 

"Tarzan," Xander told her. "Very cute in the loincloth and wig. Though you looked a little like Ginny with your hair that long." George nudged him so he grinned. "Well, you did." He crossed his arms. "Hey, Bill, do you have an anti-succubus charm? The only one I've found was really hard and time consuming. I'm looking for a quicker version."
 

"Whatever for?" Arthur asked.
 

"One's gotten into the school and likes him," Xander told him, patting George on the rear, right over his name.
 

"Xander is that a hicky?" Molly asked, sounding horrified.
 

"No, mum, he ran into a vampire," Bill snorted. "Nice marking, brother. Good technique." George blushed. "Ah, the heat of the moment sort."
 

"He was holding in a scream," Xander said proudly. "Didn't scar the kids at all." He walked George away, heading over to Fred. "How was your night last night?" he asked.
 

"Interesting," Fred said with a smirk. He noticed the mark. "Not as much as yours was though, I take it." He flicked it. "Does it hurt?"
 

"Not now," Xander told him, rubbing it. "You mean you didn't notice it last night?"
 

"Xander!" George hissed. "Don't tell everyone."
 

Fred snorted. "I saw it last night but it wasn't as dark. Noticed you two kept retreating into the corner too. Nice shielding, most of the kids never suspected it." He glanced around. "How is that girl this morning?"
 

"Embarrassed and heading up to talk to Dumbledore," Xander told him. "Simone too."
 

"Are they in trouble?"
 

"Maybe a bit," George told him. "She did start the fight this time, even though she was defending my honor."
 

"Maybe Hedre and the succubus running around should get together," Fred suggested.
 

Ron walked over to them. "Dumbledore grounded Simone to the tower for the next week and she had a night of detention with him. Hedre was almost kicked out because she tried to claim you had made a pass at her, George." George's mouth opened. "Fortunately, Dumbledore didn't believe her and turned her over to the disciplinary board for judgement. Oh, and Hedre *is* talking to the succubus. She told Dumbledore that she was considering it as a career option."
 

"Wonderful," Xander drawled. "Just what the world needs. Another one." He patted George on the butt. "We have got to get you a repellent, dear."
 

"Please do it fast," George told him. "I don't like the creatures at all."
 

"But why pick on you?" Ron asked. "They don't come near me."
 

Xander grinned at him. "Haven't you figured it out yet? All the bad things in the universe center around me. If you look at the history of the world since I was born, you can connect every event back in eight steps or less. So she's trying to piss me off so much that I destroy her once and for all, thereby eliminating one misery from the world." He saluted him with the soda he had been sipping since the leaving school. "I'll let you help if you want."
 

Ron shook his head, walking away muttering about arrogant buggers and brothers-in-law who would take on the world over a stupid bimbo.
 

George gave him a look. "You promised, Xander."
 

"And I'm keeping it. Taking on a succubus is not hard. Even Iggy could do it."
 

"He'd probably ick her to death," Fred put in. "No fighting, Xander. You did promise my brother and I'd hate to have to go dig out my beater's club and beat you with it."
 

Xander grinned. "Okay. Ron can fight her. Or Draco can fight her. But I get to do the banishing spell." Fred shook his head. "But I never get to do the banishing spell," he pouted.
 

"As long as it's not hard and doesn't make you talk all night so you end up with a sore throat, you can do the banishing spell," George soothed. "That's not fighting." He wrinkled his nose. "But go ahead and use Draco. He'll be able to frustrate her and keep her busy for hours."
 

Xander chuckled. "I'm sure he'll appreciate hearing that." He looked over as the bell dinged and Dumbledore walked in. "Got free already?"
 

"And I even managed to catch a nap," Dumbledore said proudly. He handed Fred a small present. "I know you lost yours," he said with a wink. He walked over to Xander and George. "I'm sorry about her behavior. I thought she had reformed."
 

"She probably did for a while and backslid," Xander said with a shrug. "If we have to banish her, we're using Draco as the bait and I get to do the banishing spell."
 

Dumbledore nodded. "I know you missed out on doing them the other times." He patted Xander on the back. "I've banished her again."
 

Xander grinned. "But you just banished her from the school. I'll banish her back to hell," he said happily. "She'll never touch my mate again or she'll be going back without a hand." He strolled away, going to get another soda from the table. Molly gave him a look so he gave her back an innocent one. "What? She'd better not touch my man again or she'll be missing things. I might be nice and start with a hand, but I'm not going to stay nice, Molly. She's playing with the bane of hell. If you don't believe me, I can show you the letter where I'm called that." He popped open another soda. "So, how's the house?"
 

"Just fine, Xander. The children were over yesterday and destroyed a good portion of it. They've been quite good lately." She touched him on the arm. "I'm sorry for what I did while I was possessed."
 

"Not a prob, Molly. I understand." He kissed her on the cheek and walked away, going back to George's side. His mate was looking at him and laughing and he wanted to know which joke he was the butt of. "What's up?" he asked, kissing his husband on the neck.
 

"Just remarking that I get to write my name on your butt, dear," George told him. Xander shrugged. "You don't care?"
 

"You're the only one who will see it so if it makes you happy we can go into the lab and do it now." George's mouth fell open. "What?"
 

"You hate it when I get possessive!" George exclaimed.
 

"I come from a possessive species, George. I love it when you get in a claiming mood," Xander said quietly. "I've always loved it. Smothering is different than claiming and getting possessive though. Remember that part."
 

George smiled at him and smacked him on the rear. "Up to the nest, Xander, now." Xander grinned but didn't move. "Now, mate." Xander handed over his soda and turned to look at him. "Now, or else I'm going to jump you in front of the family."
 

"Wouldn't be the first time," Fred muttered. Suddenly Xander took off running toward the back area. George smiled and walked after him, giving Xander time to get undressed. "Come back soon or no ice cream cake," Fred called after him. His twin waved a hand. "Guess he got his best present last night," he told his mother.
 

"What's going on now?" she asked.
 

"Claiming rituals. Xander wants to make it official in front of the gryphons and they have to have some certain activities done first." Fred smirked. "The list was amusing when I read it over with George. There were a few things on it that Xander had to explain."
 

"Like what?" Charlie asked.
 

"Like the fact that they'll have to decide which is the head of the family," Fred told him. "And that the second one will have to be marked as the second head of the family."
 

"Marked how?" Molly asked. Fred just smiled at her. "Oh." She blinked a few times, trying to banish the image. "And they have to have this to be married as gryphon-born?"
 

Fred nodded. "Technically it's the gryphonic marking system. The born don't really hold to any particular tradition so they're not suggesting anything other than a party." He sipped the soda and grimaced. "Diet again," he sighed.
 

"It's all we could find," Arthur told him. "Everything else was sold out. There's some sort of game today."
 

"The World Cup," Bill told him. "It's a big soccer tournament. Happens every few years or so. It's like quidditch to the muggles." He looked at the doorway. "How long will this take? I'm anxious to eat."
 

"Not long," Fred said knowingly. "This was just a quickie in the nest. They'll go at it again for longer tonight." He finished off the soda as Xander walked out, leaning heavily against the walls. "That bad?" he asked.
 

Xander walked back into the lab and stuck his head under the faucet. George was in the shower so this was the best he could do. The cold water woke him up a little bit, but not enough. He didn't get to see George come in and turn off the faucet for him so it wouldn't overflow.
 

"What am I going to do with you?" George sighed. He picked up a broom handle and poked Xander gently with it, making him jump and flail. "Have a nice nap?" he teased.
 

"Babe, I love you, but you've got to let me rest sometime," Xander begged. "I promise, if you let me rest, I'll do anything you want later." George puffed himself up. "Please, just a nap?"
 

"After we eat you can nap until dinner," George told him, giving him a hug. He replaced the broom as they walked out, letting Xander fix his own hair however. He clapped his hands for attention. "Fred was nice enough to put off his own birthday celebration so Xander and he could make mine very special last night. So now, without further ado, let's get to the celebrating!" The food cart was wheeled out and the luncheon was set out buffet style while the family pulled chairs around and sat surrounding the counters. There wasn't a table back in the living area, they had never really needed one before. When the cake was brought out, George smiled at his twin. "For you, something that the wizarding world doesn't do. An ice cream cake." He nodded at Fred's girlfriend's helper to cut it, showing off a piece. "Think you can handle this monster?"
 

"I want a small piece," Xander told the server. "Maybe a corner or something." Fred was handed his and then the rest of them got theirs handed out. "Make a wish," he called before Fred could take a bite.
 

"You're supposed to have candles for that," Fred noted as he poked at his cake. "It's ice cream?"
 

"Mostly," his girlfriend Elizabeth told him. "It's part ice cream and part cake. There's a small layer of cake on the bottom."
 

He dug in and moaned, holding his head. "Brainfreeze!" Xander said happily. George and Fred both laughed and dug in, taking large bites. That cake wasn't going to last very long at all.
 

***
 

Xander was called into the Headmaster's office and went willingly, even though it was probably bad news. "What's going on?" he asked as he sat down, rubbing his sore knee.
 

"Are you all right?"
 

"Just a bit achy. I was pacing in class." Xander got comfortable. "Hit me with it."
 

"Do you remember Christmas morning?" Xander nodded. "And you remember the sleeping spell?"
 

"Yeah, and I remember you said someone broke into the library but you never said what was taken. Are you going to tell me now?"
 

"Yes, I am." Dumbledore leaned forward, putting his arms on the desk and leaning on them. "We know that it was a powerful spell, and we know what books they stole."
 

"And you're giving me this lecture because it's a gryphon born?"
 

"No, not this time," Dumbledore said with a smile. "Not one of you, or anyone in your family. Though, you might want to go clean Ignatius' room for him. He's got a few books that are probably best left in the library for now. At least for a few more years." Xander nodded, giving him a dry, but humourous look. "You knew?"
 

"He's got sixty books in his room at home that I could object to if I was being a good parent, but he's never done anything wrong - outside of his deaging spell, which didn't go the way he wanted. A few more, powerful, books are what George and I expected. But back to the new bad. Is it a big bad, a minor bad, or a bad that's going to make George mad at me?"
 

"Probably a minor bad, with the exception of the students it's going for. For them, it's could be as bad as Voldemort getting hold of them." Xander nodded, understanding that. "And I'm afraid it's coming for Ignatius because he's very close to one of the main targets."
 

"Physical menace, legal menace, or spiritual menace of the ghostly variety?"
 

"Physical, but clever enough to make me cringe in horror. You see, it's coming for young Ms. Reams. The spell to try and restore her sight once is nearly done, but we're modifying it to the one that she can switch on and off due to time restraints. On April first, there will be a certain alignment in the stars. Some people will want to take advantage of it."
 

"And she's part of the prophecy?" Dumbledore nodded. "Okay, what do they want her for?"
 

"Blood. They're going to use her blood to try and force another sacrifice to carry a child that will kill the whole of the wizarding world. That's why she's starting here. That's also why it's so important that we get her as well-trained as possible before then. The people who are going to do this won't understand, or won't care, that her blood won't work in this case."
 

"She's doing excellent in her studies. What do you want me to teach her?"
 

"First, I want you to teach her how to protect herself. She's blind, but she's not helpless. Second, get her a weapon of her choice. A cane would be the normal one, but I'll understand if she wants something different with her." Xander nodded again. "Other than that, work with *all* of your children to protect her. Because if they don't get her, they will take Ignatius in her place. Or they could take Melvin."
 

"Percy will shit," Xander said quietly. "What more can I teach them?"
 

"How about teaching them to clean their rooms?" Draco said from the doorway. "You requested my presence?"
 

"Someone's coming for Andrea, and if they can't get her Iggy or Melvin."
 

"Then they'll die," Draco said with a shrug. "Who are they?"
 

"I don't know for sure. It's a group formed long ago and in secret. They're trying to bring a child across that will be implanted into another sacrifice. Something about these particular children will make sure it happens."
 

"It's the pure magic," Xander told him.
 

Dumbledore nodded. "So it seems. For right now, we can't fight them, we can only plan a defense. Doing so means that Ms. Reams will be protected. Doing so will also mean that your children are protected."
 

"Are the gryphons in on this?" Xander asked.
 

"I can't tell," Dumbledore admitted, spreading his hand out. "I don't know who might know. Notice was just sent to us last year that it would impact us. McGonagall was prepared to deal with it if she had to."
 

"But she's semi-insane now and can't," Draco finished. The older man nodded. "Do we have any research on this phenomenon or on the ritual?"
 

"No. I know you both have contacts that might know. If you think you can trust them, then please find us something." Xander stood up. "Just a moment, Xander. In case you hadn't noticed, I did say I wasn't sure I could trust the gryphons. I don't know if you can either in this circumstance."
 

"Yay. We still have a mega-library in the homeland. They can't keep me or Iggy from getting into it and using it to our heart's content. They aren't even allowed to block our access to the information if they're involved. Doing so breaks the code. Each gryphon and born is allowed to pick their own side, even against their flock and leaders." He smiled. "Iggy is going over there this weekend, he'll be thrilled." He tipped his head. "I'm going to Wesley personally. If they're involved, then he'd know. If they're fighting against us, I'll know. Wesley can't lie worth a damn." He waved. "I'll be back later. Draco, you get on the planning side since it's your thing. Get Harry and Ron into it later tonight. I'll be back." He limped down the stairs, heading for the staff room and the floo fireplace. "Hey," he told Snape as he walked past him. "Can you tell Tara that we're having a scoobie meeting tonight?" Then he disappeared, heading to the Watcher's Council. Just like last time, he bumped his head on the inside of the fireplace too. He walked out, right into a wall of armed people. "Chill," he told them, frowning at them. "I need to see Wesley. Something's just come up." He was led to a large office, filled with sunlight and lots of books. "Leave," Xander told his escort. "Wesley won't get hurt. I like him. Unlike you." The kid backed out and shut the door.
 

Wesley looked up from his books. "How's the mini-you?" he asked pleasantly.
 

"Better now that he's cut that last tooth." Xander sat down across from him. "Tell me about this star convergence coming up?"
 

Wesley shuddered. "Nasty business. We have them trying to create a Destroyer, an avatar to start destroying the magical things in this world."
 

"Do you have anyone working on this?" Wesley nodded, looking happy. "Can you tell me that they're not working on the other side?"
 

"Not with any reliability," he admitted.
 

"Can you get me copies of the research?" Wesley looked hesitant. "I'm not asking for secrets, but anything constructive. We got it dumped on us today and my son's one of the alternate sacrifices."
 

"Oh, dear," Wesley sighed. "I'll get you what I can. Is there a blind wizard?"
 

"There have been a couple of them," Xander told him. "But yes, there is one right now. I'm telling you this because I know I can hurt you if you betray me." He smiled. "But we don't want to go there, do we?"
 

Wesley laughed. "No. I don't want that to occur." He nodded at the door. "Would you like to see Ms. Rosenberg and her new daughter?" Xander shrugged. "You don't care?"
 

"I figure that's up to her. Is she back to the old Willow or still the hormonal monster?"
 

"She's quite normal, though a bit darker than she used to be. If you want, I can call her in."
 

"Sure. I can swap kid stories with her and tell her how her son got his ass kicked last week, again." He settled himself comfortably. Willow came in a few minutes later with her new daughter. "Hey, Wills."
 

She frowned at him. "What happened this time?" She sat in the chair next to him. "You only come here when something happens."
 

"This time, I'm here looking for research," Xander admitted. "We got a problem dropped into our lap and have no clue what's going on."
 

"That convergence?" she asked Wesley. He nodded. "Wow. Good luck. You can't change the path of the stars."
 

"No, but we can guard the sacrifices and figure out where they're meeting so we can stop them," Xander offered. He smiled at the baby. "Hello. You look a lot like your big brother did."
 

"How is Ryan?"
 

"He picked on Denver last week and Simone kicked his ass good in the middle of the entryway." Xander grinned. "He's presently on detention with Snape. Snape's trying to teach him patience and subtly."
 

"What did he do?" Wesley asked.
 

"He tried to pull his disrobing trick on Denver, who just started puberty. He found his first pubic hair last week so he's living in embarrassment, which your son picked up on. Simone caught him as they were going to dinner later that night and wailed on him until Tara and Snape interfered. Simone's back in detention for it too."
 

"Ryan got more?" Wesley asked. Xander nodded, holding up a finger. "Oh, dear." He looked at Willow. "It seems he has his father's temperament."
 

"Indeed," Willow said. "I'd like to cure him of it, but I tried everything."
 

"Now Snape's trying," Xander told her. "He's calmed down a lot in the last few weeks. I think Draco had a discussion with him too."
 

"Oh," Willow said, looking at her daughter. "She's a witch too."
 

"If you don't come back, both Tara and I will watch out for her. We're trying to do the same for Ryan but he's not pleased with the idea. Oh, we have a succubus. Do you guys have a quick, easy charm to make them leave someone alone? She and her protégé are picking on George."
 

"And she's still living?" Willow asked, sounding amazed.
 

"Yeah, as a personal favor. That and she's been showing up at the shop to pick on him."
 

"Hmm, I might have something," Wesley said, getting up to check out his books. He pulled down three of them and flipped right to the charms. "I've got two different ones, and one of them has two mentions." He handed the books over, watching as Xander magically copied them. "Will those help?"
 

"If they work, I'm all for using alligator dung right now," Xander told him. "I might not be able to sleep with him for a few weeks, but if it works it's good enough." He put the paper into his robe pocket. "So, can I get that research?"
 

"Of course. Let me go over there," Wesley said. "Willow, you may stay and talk with him in here if you want."
 

"Please," she agreed. "There's a bunch of jumpy gits outside the door." She smiled as Wesley left, then lost it. "Why else are you here?" she asked.
 

"I'm getting research and making sure we still have allies," he told her. "You guys are the preeminent research guys." He shifted, moving his cane to between his legs. "Are you coming back?"
 

"No." She patted her daughter on the head. "I've rediscovered the joys of research and I'm happy here." She smiled. "How's Tara?"
 

"Good. She and Snape are working on something together. They're going very slowly, but she's happy. She even went naughty a few weeks ago at breakfast. Oh, and I threw George a birthday party! A costume party with the Gryffs. He adored it."
 

"Good. I'm glad you two are still together." She turned her daughter around. "Amelia, this is Xander. He's a semi-Uncle who you'll only see every now and then but he'll be watching out for you in school. Okay?" She pulled a fist up to suck on, but didn't cry when he took her.
 

"Oh, you are adorable. You and Maeve would get along so well together."
 

"Maeve? It was a girl?" She shook herself. "Draco's?"
 

"No, Tara's. She carried Maeve for us. Draco had a son, Lucien. They went into labor at the same time and the kids love each other. They're so happy when they get together. Not even teething broke into that." He blew on the baby's belly, making her chuckle and wiggle. "You're a happy baby," he told her.
 

"Wow. Tara's calming magic has spread."
 

"You should see Snape. He quit growling at the first years for a whole week." He handed Amelia back. "If you want, you can send her to us to play for a few weeks of vacation," he offered as Wesley walked back in. He saw the gun and one eyebrow went up. "I hope you know I can make that not work."
 

Wesley sat behind the desk. "It's not to use on you. I stopped to pick it up from the person fixing it for me." He slid it into his desk drawer and shut it. "I asked them to photocopy all the research they had. It should take about an hour since there's over six hundred pages loose at the moment. Did you want to wait or send someone back?"
 

"I can wait," Xander told him. The wand in his pocket came out as soon as the gun did.
 

"Xander!" Willow shrieked.
 

"Put it down, Wesley. If you're in on it, then I'll stop you later. If you're not in on it, then that's good too. Like I said, I'm not here for secrets."
 

"Bullets are faster than lips."
 

"I think we proved they weren't before," Xander reminded this Wesley-looking person. "Willow, take Amelia and go find the real Wesley. This one is wearing a very familiar bracelet. It lets them take on another person's shape and mannerisms." She hurried away and came back with one of the guards, who took the bracelet from that person's arm. He turned into one of the oldliners. "Gee, did I meet you sometime in the past?" he asked the scarred man.
 

"You bloody arsehole!" the man shouted. "Because of you, we'll all die!" He lunged at Xander, but Willow stunned him with her wand.
 

"If you had read the right translation, you would know that young Vincent Raymond would only be killing you all if you raised him. That's what you get for listening to idiots who pretend to know what they're talking about."
 

"Xander, um, don't you do that?"
 

Xander shook his head, relaxing once that guy was dragged out. "Not at all. Over half of the demons I teach about I've met. My kids learn that on the first day, in exactly that wordage." Wesley walked in and Xander waved his wand at him. "You really need to lock up that bracelet."

Wesley smiled. "I noticed." The bracelet went into the drawer that had held the gun, which was shoved back in there too.
 

"Do I really have to wait an hour?"
 

Wesley snorted. "Dear Lord, no. Why should you? We've got a list of books for you to look up on your own." He handed it over, then tossed over a large manilla folder. "That's the research we have so far. I can send anything else along with Ms. Rosenberg if you wish."
 

Xander stood up. "That'd be neat. Tara would probably really like to see her and Amelia." He smiled. "Allies again?"
 

"Allies again," Wesley agreed, shaking his hand. "Thank you for not killing him."
 

"Why does everyone think I'm some blood thirsty killer?" Xander whined. "I only defend when I need to, and if that includes someone's life then so be it. That's the only time I fight!"
 

"I know, but many of the Watchers see things in black or white. You fought against us so therefore you are willing to kill more of us at the slightest provocation. They feel the same way about Spike and Ethan." He smiled very brightly. "Have you talked to them? From what I understand, it's mostly Chaos people working on this matter."
 

"Oh, we're going to be talking soon," Xander agreed. "Probably this weekend." He waved the papers. "Thanks, Wes." He disappeared, teleporting back to Dumbledore's office. He turned around when he saw the look of bliss on the other man's face, assuming that someone was under the desk. "Research materials for you. Wesley has two people working on it. Willow will bring anything further. Do you want it or should we keep it?"
 

"Xander, I'm enjoying the laughter in the Great Hall," Dumbledore said, sounding amused. The younger man turned around and held up the envelope. "What's that other thing?"
 

"Book list. Oh, and Willow's daughter Amelia is a witch. She told me so."
 

"Good, good," he said calmly. "Is that all of it?"
 

"They're still pulling up stuff," he said, handing it over. He watched as the things were looked over. "So, do we work on this or do you want to control the flow of information?"
 

"I trust all my teachers," Dumbledore said, handing it back. "Occasionally not a student or three, but I trust all my teachers." He smiled again, starting to look like he was buzzed and high. "Do whatever you think is best in this instance."
 

"Okay. You enjoy yourself. And tell me it's not addictive."
 

"No," Dumbledore told him. "Not addictive in the least." He watched as Xander left, then patted the head of his companion under the desk. "Continue, my dear."
 

Xander ran into Tara outside the Great Hall. "Did you hear?" She nodded, looking worried. "There's some sort of mystical convergence going on. They're going to try for an innocent blood sacrifice of a powerful child, one from here." She nodded slowly. "I've got research from Wesley. We have a partial list of who it might be, and we've got some brainstorming to do. I'm letting Draco organize."
 

"Good," she said happily. "I'll come up about an hour after dinner and repossess Maeve for the next few nights." She gave him a hug. "How was Willow?"she whispered.
 

"Good. She's rediscovered her love of books. Amelia is a happy baby." He grinned. "She let me hold her. She'll be bringing any further research personally so you can talk to her." He chucked her under the chin. "She wanted to know the same things about you. She also said your calmness has spread to me," he said proudly. "You're a very talented witch, you got me and I didn't even realize." She smacked at him, but was laughing. "So a few days maybe." He went into the Great Hall to get something to nibble on. Research was his weak spot, but he knew someone who *excelled* at it. "Hey, Iggy, son, need to talk to you," he said as he walked past the table. "Follow me into the back hall." He made a quick sandwich and then filled a plate, heading into the back hall to eat. He chose a niche, one that he hadn't had sex in a few weeks past, and sat to nibble. Iggy slowly walked out so he waved him over. "We've got probs, young man, and you are part of the cure." Iggy nodded, looking happier now that he knew he wasn't in trouble. "We've got an astrological convergence of major proportions and someone's going to try and sacrifice a kid. Possibly a kid here." Iggy nodded, turning serious and looking like he was ready to kill. "We know jack shit about it." Iggy's mouth opened. "I've got some preliminary research and a list of books we need to be found and looked through. You up to going to the Elder's colony in Amsterdam?"
 

"Wow," Iggy breathed. "I can go play in the big library?"
 

"Yup." Xander handed over the book list. "Put a star beside those that we have here so the rest of us can start on that tonight." Iggy went through and starred five or six, noting where they were. "Okay, the rest have to be found. This is going down on April first this year and you're our book nerd."
 

"I'll do what I can, daddy." He handed the list back. "I have a test on Monday."
 

"You can study on Sunday, Iggy. I'm sending you out Thursday to the main library. You'll have to make a stop and get a slip from Bill, but it shouldn't be a problem. Oh, and we don't know who's the enemy this time. So no gossiping and no sharing information."
 

Iggy nodded. "Okay. Can I tell Bill?"
 

"Let me talk to him first," Albus said as he joined them. "That was fast."
 

"He's our lead researcher. Willow's doing it with the Watchers. I'm no good at the research stuff. Tara's good, but she's going to be busy. George and Fred are good, but they can't devote their lives to it. Short of pulling in Harry's kids to help, and keeping Agatha out of the dangerous books, we're short of research nerds." He patted Iggy on the back. "He's the best we have, untrained and all."
 

"I agree. Ignatius, I will let you out early on Thursday so you may go to the main gryphon colony here. I'll expect something from you on Sunday morning. I'll have a discussion about you with your teachers." He looked at Xander, giving him a smile. "Did you tell him anything else?" he asked while the professor ate.
 

"Not yet. Iggy, you and the others, including Andrea, are going to be taking more self-defense lessons. Consider yourself having no free period anymore." Iggy sighed but nodded. "Thank you. Go back to dinner." Iggy hurried back into the hall. "And no sharing!" he called after him. He looked at the Headmaster. "You don't agree with me including him?"
 

"I thought you were going to tell him that he might be a sacrifice," Dumbledore admitted.
 

"I'm still considering that," Xander admitted. "I think he should know but I don't want to make him paranoid." He scraped his plate and stood up. "Let me drop this off and get some supplies for a research party. We should have at least a base to work from by late tonight if you want it." He headed back inside and grabbed some fruit, then headed down to the kitchens to talk to the elves.
 

Dumbledore shook his head. Even after all the crises, that boy was still able to jump right in and take charge, even if it meant his son's life. Amazing. Hopefully it wouldn't backfire this time. At least they were going in a logical direction. He went in to eat his own dinner. He was rather hungry tonight for some reason.
 

***
 

Xander looked at the gathered family. "Okay, here's what we know so far. There's a convergence of astrological means. It's a sign that there should be a wonderful sacrifice that will take the blood of one innocent, magical being, and use it to push a pregnancy on another one." He held up a hand at the opening mouth of his mate. "So far, we have a possible list of targets, all from here. We know, from Wesley, that this will mean the end of all magical things in this world. We have a date, we have the beginnings of research from the Watcher's Council. I have to go visit another source this weekend and Iggy is going to another." He sat down. "That's where we're at so far." He looked at Percy and his assistant. "I gave you a copy of the books?" Percy's assistant nodded. "Do you have any of them?"
 

Percy coughed. "Yes. We have a few, one of which is a duplicate of one here." He nodded at his assistant, who pulled out some books. "We did a preliminary search and came up with more sources, some of which can be passed on so they can look for their own copies."
 

"Willow's working with them," Tara told him. "If it comes down to it, can she come use your lab?"
 

"Yes, as long as the books don't leave. We're open to public research with the filling out of a short form," Percy told her. "How is her daughter?"
 

"Amelia is a happy, bouncy baby who loved me on first holding," Xander told him. "She looks just like a baby Ryan." He looked around. "I'd like to take a step backwards and have the Astrology teacher check and make sure it's *this* year. Would that be okay?"
 

"I think it's a reasonable step," Snape agreed. "It could have been misread already. Prophecies aren't always correct."
 

"Or interpreted correctly," Tara put in, smiling at Xander. "Where are the smaller kids?"
 

"Upstairs trying to help Draco take a nap," he said with a grin. "He had a bad day with the builders so he's coming into this tomorrow, once we have a platform to build from. He's coordinating."
 

"Excellent," Percy agreed. "He can come and go at will, and doesn't have a set schedule right now."
 

"Plus, he is a natural leader," Snape pointed out, happy to stick up for his former favorite student. "I can agree with his appointment."
 

"Good. So, tomorrow we deal with the astrology teacher, Iggy packing to leave for Amsterdam, and sorting out sources. Tara, want research head?" She nodded. "Okay. That leaves me teaching the kids more self-defense."
 

Percy swallowed. "Why?"
 

Xander glanced at the door behind him, then at the one heading to Gryffindor's hallway. "Because the list includes two of our own," he near-whispered. "And Dumbledore asked me to teach them all better self-defense. I'd love not to, but I have to take into account that we'll need it."
 

"It's Andrea, isn't it?" Tara asked in the same hushed tones. Xander nodded. "And there's a possible backup list?"
 

"Of people who either see, can touch the pure magic, or can manipulate the structures." Percy started to cough. "Percy, trust me. I'm looking out for Melvin just like I do Iggy. Nothing's happening to him unless I'm dead and there's no one else around. No one's getting any of them, at anytime, for anything bad."
 

Percy calmed himself. "I know, but I have to worry."
 

"Hey, *I'm* worried and I'm the one who has to watch them every day. I'm the one who taught Simone how to beat up on the bigger kids in the league when they started to pick on her. You worrying is an okay thing, just don't get sick with it. I'd hate to have to resurrect you so I could yell at you." Percy smiled at that. "Got it?" Percy laughed and hugged him. "Thanks. Now, does anyone see anything I've left out so far?"
 

"Not yet," Snape told him. "The new potion will be ready in six days. We should be able to work with her after that. As long as it works, we should be able to provide her with at least temporary sight."
 

"Good," Xander said happily. "A happy thing in all this gloom is wonderful." He looked at Tara. "If you have a vision, I want to know. I know how you are about sharing them, but even the most vague and annoying thing could help."
 

"I have some every few days," she protested. "Seeing the future of Adrian and Maeve or of Hagrid's puppies. That can't help."
 

"It could," Xander told her. "Have you seen Storm being trained as a seeing eye dog?" She grimaced but then nodded. "See, helpful." He looked at Snape. "Tell them to him and let him decide. We can't get Trelawny because she's still sickly."
 

"Plus, she doesn't often have real visions," Snape put in. Tara patted him on the arm. "Write yours down for me and we'll go over them during our free periods together." She nodded and subtly leaned closer to him. "Was there anything else?"
 

"Not unless someone's got a suggestion," Xander told him.
 

"At work, we often have meetings between researchers working on the same matter, or a designated spot to put research into. Would that work now?"
 

"I think that's going be called Iggy's room," Tara said with a grin.
 

"Only if Percy goes up there and helps him clean out all the extra books he's not supposed to have," Xander told her. "Oh, and Snape, he's been borrowing from Slytherin's library again so you might want to go through it with him too." He smiled. "He's in Gryff tonight."
 

"I think we should go through it anyway," Snape agreed. "Do you think he'll mind?"
 

"Probably not, but I'd let him move the dirty clothes that's hiding some of them. Plus he can tell you his hiding spot for his Uncle Fred's spell books too."
 

"Ah," Snape said as he stood up. "Then I'll go retrieve him and go through it. If Mr. Weasley will stay?"
 

"Of course," Percy told him. "I wouldn't miss this for the world. Do you think we should go through Melvin's things too?"
 

"No, he's only got two or three of Iggy's books," Xander told him. "I asked Melvin and he told me so."
 

Percy laughed. "At least he was honest," he said as he stood up. "Shall I go get Iggy?" Xander waved a hand. "What's the password this month?" It was whispered into his ear. "Who thought that up?"
 

"The new Head Girl. She loves tongue twisters," George told him. He looked at his mate, silently telling him that they would be talking soon.
 

"I'm teaching them self-defense, and going if there's a raid," Xander told him. "I won't let a kid suffer because I'm getting slow and old. There's not enough of us this time."
 

"We could safely bring in Black and Lupin," George pointed out.
 

"And Ron and Harry," Percy's assistant agreed.
 

"I was going to let Draco tell them, and to ask Harry if we could use his youngest and possibly Agatha."
 

"That might be dangerous," Snape reminded him.
 

"I know, but we're short of time right now. Besides, this is the closest she'll be getting to chaos research and we'll be able to monitor her behavior."
 

"So it could help us in the long run," George finished. "I think it's risky. Harry yes, Agatha no. And probably not Ronald either. He hates research because it reminds him of his mother."
 

"He's going to have to get over it," Xander pointed out. "He's going to start school year after next."
 

"Good point," Snape agreed, "but he is still a child and might miss things. I'd rather the known researchers stay on this matter." He walked away. "I have one in my house that I trust. I'll send her to Draco tomorrow," he said as he left with Percy to get Iggy.
 

Tara tapped Xander on the head. "No third group of scoobies," she chided gently. "Two were enough and we're still kicking." She kissed him on the cheek and walked away.
 

George waited until the door closed. "Was it me or was she glowing?"
 

"She's still glowing on and off," Xander agreed. "She's not pregnant again, it's a side effect of the last one."
 

"I don't think they've gotten that far yet," Fred agreed from his corner perch. This was strange to him so he was listening for now. "How many books of mine does Iggy have?"
 

"I've seen two different lab books in his hands over dinners in the Great Hall. How many are you missing?"
 

"I haven't checked recently," Fred said grimly. He looked around the main room and walked over to the pile of books carelessly piled next to the fireplace. He came up with three books, which he showed his twin. "I think we need to get a physical lock for that lab cabinet."
 

George smiled. "That won't stop him, Fred. It never stopped us."
 

"It stopped me for a little while," Xander put in. "Maybe a better lock spell?"
 

"Maybe," Fred said darkly. "We've got to stop this kid before he steals all our ideas and goes into business for himself."
 

"Or you could start making him work in your lab over the summers," Xander offered. George's face lit up. "What better way to give him experience?"
 

Fred grinned at him. "I like that idea. How long is he disappearing for?"
 

"A month and a half. You'll get a few weeks out of him on each side. And you never know, he might have some improvements or new ideas. It could be really good for the store."
 

"And if we put him making the standard tricks, he'll learn what it's like to really work," George added. "It would free us to create new things."
 

"Good point," Fred agreed, sitting next to George. "If we have to fight, are you, Xander?"
 

"I'm not letting them suffer, but I won't be the point man. I'm too slow." He patted his cane. "I'll be the end of a wedge or something."
 

Fred nodded, looking at George, who didn't look happy. "That okay with you?"
 

"I don't want him to go at all, but I know I won't be able to stop him."
 

"Yup," Xander agreed. "Especially if it's one of the family."
 

George stared at his mate, but he didn't back down. "Fine, but if you get hurt again, Xander...."
 

"If it saves one of our kids, I'd gladly die over it," Xander reminded him calmly. "I'd hate to do it," he said when Fred opened his mouth, "but if it has to happen so that Andrea, Melvin, or Iggy doesn't then it will."
 

George nodded. He understood that, he even understood why Xander was doing this now. "If you die, I'm going to your friend Ethan and having him pull you back so we can fight about this."
 

Xander grinned. "You say the sweetest things." He blew a kiss. "Would you keep me a zombie forever or eventually let me go?"
 

"It depends on how quickly we find you," George said dryly. "If you're nasty looking then I'll only yell at you then burn you to death. If you're nice looking still, I might keep you around for a bit."
 

Fred looked at his twin in shock. "You'd play with the dark magics?"
 

"I was teasing," George assured him. "I could never love a zombie or a vampire, I'd realize where they came from and would get quite sick."
 

"Good," Xander told him dryly. "I'd hate to have to find you and Spike together some day."
 

"Eww, dear. He's not my type in the least."
 

Fred shook his head. "I used to understand you, George. I'm sure I will again some day." He stood up and Xander pounced him, sending them both crashing to the floor while his brother-in-law tickled him. "What are you doing?" he shrieked.
 

"Helping you understand George. I do this to him all the time." He continued until Fred fought his way out from under him and took off for the bathroom. "Think he understands more now?"
 

"Only the fact that you're insane," George told him, leaning down to kiss him.
 

Fred stomped back down the stairs. "Draco said to quit it before he had to come down and beat you senseless for keeping him up." He flopped down in Xander's chair, watching them make out. When Ron came in dragging Iggy, followed by Percy and Snape, he went up to help clean out the kid's room. "Damn, how many books do you have?" floated down the stairs a few minutes later.
 

"Did Iggy move the library from home up here?" Xander asked.
 

"Only half of it," George told him, stealing another kiss. He stopped when he heard a thump, followed by a sliding noise and another thump. "I think William is up."
 

"Hmm." Xander tipped his head to look at the stairs. Sure enough, their second oldest child was sliding down the stairs on his butt, the only way he was allowed. "Coming down to get a cuddle?" he asked.
 

William nodded and ran over once he was on the floor. He climbed up between them and snuggled in to be held between the daddies. This was his favorite spot in the whole world!
 

Xander and George shared a smile and another kiss, then Xander used his wand to call over a book to read to their son.
 

Upstairs, Fred was making Iggy actually clean his room while they sorted out his books on the bed, frowning every time a piece of dirty clothes flew across the room. The sock that hit Snape nearly did him in, but the quiet acceptance of his detention made Fred laugh harder. That boy was such a liar sometimes. He looked at his nephew. "Where's the rest of them?"
 

Iggy sighed and used his wand to flick all the clothes into a pile, uncovering the floor safe he had found. "Here they are," he said, forcing it open and starting to pull out tomes. He flinched when Snape reached down and smacked him across the back of the head when he saw the first one. "Sorry," he sighed.
 

"I'm sure you and Mr. Rosenberg will enjoy your detentions together," Snape told him. He used his wand to clear out the rest of the floor safe, and watched as Percy summoned more from somewhere. He looked at the boy, who only grinned apologetically. "You will be finishing that inventory, including these books, so that I know what you steal in the future," he noted.
 

Iggy sighed. "Yes, sir. I was only looking for something to slow down this damn body problem I'm having."
 

Fred laughed. "Iggy, it doesn't stop. Never. No matter what you do, you will continue to age. Your dick will continue to try and run your life for you. You will continue to grow taller and hairier. You will also continue to get awkward moments and moments when you're not sure you want to be a boy. Get over it already."
 

"But none of the guys on the team are built like me," Iggy complained, pulling his knees up to rest his chin on them.
 

"Yes, well, apparently Americans are built bigger than us Brits, kid. Your father's a lot bigger than George and I."
 

"You peeked?" Percy asked with mock-astonishment.
 

"I caught them going at it," Fred defended. "It's not hard. They do it everywhere. Even at George's birthday party."
 

"Is that what they were doing in the corner?" Iggy asked. Fred nodded. "Denver thought so; I owe him a knut now." He sighed. "There's another stash in Draco's room. Let me go get them and the ones in my dorm room." He heaved himself up and wandered off to go get the rest of his book stash.
 

"Do you think he'll eventually live in a library?" Fred asked Percy.
 

Snape nodded. "Most likely. I can't imagine his future home being too small or he won't have any room for furniture." He held up one book. "This one might help you in your line of work a bit," he told Fred. "Slytherin was trying to defeat a few of the more embarrassing pranks popular in his day." It was snatched from his hand. "Since I'm over that library, I will allow you to borrow it for a week or so." Fred beamed at him. "With the understanding that none of them make it into my classroom," he finished.
 

Fred nodded. "If I can do it, I will."
 

"Some children will do it on purpose," Percy told the professor. "Just because they were told not to."
 

Snape smiled cruelly. "Then I can punish them most severely."
 

Iggy walked back in with a stack of books, staggering under their weight. "Help," he said, tripping on the open floor safe.
 

Draco flicked his wand from the door, taking the stack and putting it down. "You're a wizard, Ignatius, act like one. None of us physically heft anything unless we're working out." He strolled away, going to find something to nibble on.
 

Iggy sighed and sat on the floor, pulling his wand. "Melvin, yell a 'watch out'," he whispered, then waved his wand. "Cuman."
 

In Gryffindor's common room, Melvin dove for cover, dragging Andrea with him. "Iggy's moving books by magic!" he yelled. Books started flowing down the stairs, narrowly missing a few people's heads. One bright person ducked under the blockade at the portrait and opened it so they could all depart, then hit the ground before one of them clocked him too.
 

The Head Boy came out of his room and watched the flow of books. "How many did he have up there?" he asked after ten minutes watching the stream flow.
 

"You don't know Iggy," Denver called from up the boys' staircase. He slid down the railing, staying out of the way. He grabbed one. "Hey, that's mine," he called. It quit fighting and laid calmly in his arms.
 

Gregory shook his head. "Make sure your room's clean tonight. You can have him do it if you want." He ducked under the stream and one low-flying book hit him on the shoulder. "Ouch!" He made it over to the couch, where a few stray books were trying to come out of the various hiding spots. He got them free and watched as they joined the stream of books. "I hope his fathers are ready for this," he muttered, sitting down. "You could probably get up again," he told Melvin and Andrea. Just then, one went zinging for Melvin's head. "Or not," he said after ducking.
 

"Iggy's books like my head," Melvin told him. "Only Simone's immune from this."
 

"That's because Iggy and his books know she'll paste him if she's hit," Denver said as he joined Melvin on the floor. "Hi, Andrea."
 

"Hi," she said, smiling at him. "How long will this last?"
 

"Iggy has books hidden all over the tower." He pointed as a few came down from the girls' side. "Look, there's the ones Simone was hiding for him."
 

Gregory shook his head. "That kid needs to keep all those in his other room. I think I'll make it an order."
 

Melvin looked up at him. "You're going to try and kill him?" he asked. Gregory shook his head. "Iggy would die without his books."
 

"I'll tell him he can only have ten in the whole tower outside of his school books. He can switch them out."
 

"He's got twelve at any given time for research," Denver said helpfully. "And his bookshelf holds fifteen."
 

"Fifteen then," Gregory agreed. Another book came flying at Melvin and Denver, making him duck. "This is getting ridiculous. How many books did he have?"
 

"I've counted a hundred-fifty," Melvin said helpfully.
 

Denver looked at him. "Say two hundred then? With the ones that haven't come out because they're in or under stuff."
 

"Oh, he's got some in my trunk," Andrea said.
 

"Simone, let the books out," Denver yelled. "Andrea has some in her trunk!" A few new books came flying down the girls' stairs, and the stream slowed down to a trickle. A book every now and then. A thumping from a closet made Gregory wince but he bravely got up to let them out too. A few new books came out of the broom closet, one or two from his bathroom, and then there was the empty room next to his. The door unfortunately opened in so he couldn't quite get out of the way fast enough. Now he knew why the other first years didn't use that one. It had apparently been half-full of books.
 

Back in Iggy's room, Fred was grabbing all his work books as they started to pile around them, glaring at his nephew. "You are in so deep," he told him.
 

"Make some of them pile in the hallway or we'll never make it out of here," Percy commanded gently. He smiled at his nephew. "And whenever you're ready, you can come do an internship in my department. I think you'd fit in well around there."
 

"Xander offered him a spot doing menial labor in the store," Fred told him, grabbing another book he recognized as Percy's and handing it over. "He'll get to make the standard pranks, which will free us to do more creative stuff."
 

Percy nodded. "Most understandable. Maybe next summer?"
 

Iggy smiled at him. "Sure. I'd love to come work with you, Uncle Percy."
 

"Only if you're ungrounded by then," Snape reminded him. He ducked some books that were making a pile on the other side of the bed. "Start them piling in the hallways. We can shift piles in as we get ready for them," he ordered.
 

Iggy nodded and flicked his wand, making them pile against the walls so people could still use the hallway if they were very careful.
 

Downstairs, both parents were staring at the flow of books in shock. When had he gotten all of them? "We getting Iggy clothes and bookcases for his birthday?" George suggested. Xander nodded, it sounded good to him. One last book flew through the open door and up the stairs. "Ooh, that's Fred's diary," George said with a wince. "Our son might not have a birthday." Xander nodded, understanding that perfectly.
 

***
 

Xander tapped on the Astronomy tower's door and walked in late that night. She always held class late at night, otherwise you couldn't do any of the work. The teacher smiled at him, but her name escaped him. "Did you get a chance to look at it?"
 

She nodded and drew him over to a light table, flicking her wand to light it up so she could point out the various stars on her map. "It's going to be one of those occasions where the stars are almost in position, but it won't be a perfect alignment. Whomever did the drawing thought that the universe was in a stable rotation instead of moving outward. There's a few stars that won't ever be in the right positions again," she ran a finger down the right side of the drawing. "None of these accessory stars will be correctly placed." She looked at him, and he nodded. "The alignment simply can't happen the way that they think, nor will it ever. Even when the universe starts retreating back toward galactic center, the stars will be moving in different patterns as far as we can tell. They'll never have it again."
 

Xander beamed. "That is so cool and great news." He gave her a hug. "Thanks. I'll pass that on. Hopefully word gets back to the idiots before they try something." She nodded. "You know why?"
 

"There's many prophecies about that star formation. It may only happen every six hundred years, but everyone says something's going to happen. I've pulled the relevant ones from this side of the problem if you want." She patted a small stack of books. "As long as I get them back, you may borrow them, Professor Harris."
 

Her name suddenly came to him. "Thanks, Professor Sinistra." She laughed. "I got it wrong, didn't I? I'm sorry, I'm horrible with names. I called Ron Draco the other day." He gave her his best cute look.
 

"No, you got it right, it's the fact that you still don't sound very British so my name sounds rather funny coming from you." She patted him on the shoulder. "Please don't take them from the castle."
 

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you." He gathered up the pile of books and left quietly so he wouldn't disturb her class any more. He nearly danced all the way back to the tower, until Iggy ran him over that is. "What's going on?" he called after his son.
 

"Trelawny's in trouble, I felt her nearly die," Iggy called back.
 

Xander sent the books to his couch, accidentally landing them on top of Maeve, who started to scream and woke up everybody, but he was too far away to care. He ran after his son, thinking hard about Dumbledore getting up and meeting them there. He found Iggy arguing with the lock on her tower trapdoor and pulled his wand, using his special unlock spell to open it. The trapdoor fell open and the rope ladder came down. He heard footsteps and nudged his son up there. "Do what you can, I'll be right behind you." Tara came around the corner. "Get Pomfrey," he told her. "Iggy's already heading up." She nodded and started for the infirmary, which was half-way across the school. He hoped she got there in time. "Okay," he told himself, climbing up into the unfamiliar territory. Trelawny hated him, he wasn't actually allowed up in her classroom, but he didn't think she'd mind this time. Iggy was bending over her draped body, trying to see if she was breathing. "Onto the floor," he told him. CPR worked best on a flat surface. "Do you know what happened?"
 

"I've been getting tickles," Iggy admitted, "but no visions. Andrea hasn't had any either. I guess she was reaching and somehow got stuck outside of her body for too long."
 

Dumbledore climbed up as Xander started CPR. "What are you doing?" he asked.
 

"Trying to resuscitate," Xander said as he pushed on her chest. "Want to help? Iggy, breath. Every fifteen."
 

"Yes, dad." He bent down to do it, ignoring everything else. He heard a slight cough. "She's trying."
 

"I noticed. Keep going. We don't exactly have oxygen tanks around here. Do it lighter, don't try to inflate her fully." Iggy nodded and went back to it.
 

Dumbledore was pushed out of the way by Madam Pomfrey. "What''s going on?" she asked as she knelt beside the body. "Is she alive?"
 

"Not very," Xander told her. "She's trying, but it's not working very well." He got out of her way, pulling Iggy with him to hold. "He said she tried to breathe at least once."
 

"I heard her cough, but it was so tiny of a sound," Iggy explained. "I couldn't find a pulse when I first got up here."
 

"All right," Dumbledore said. "You two down into the hallway to catch her." He stopped Xander. "Thank you."
 

"Hey, she's a human being and deserves that much. Even though she never told me why she hates me." He slid down the ladder and reached up, taking the body into his arms, letting Iggy help him settle her onto the stretcher. Madam Pomfrey slid down the ladder as well and floated it. "Need his help?" Xander asked.
 

Madam Pomfrey shook her head. "I'm taking her directly to the hospital. I fear she's been out of her body for far too long." She hurried away with the body, going to find the portkey to the hospital.
 

Xander put an arm around his son's shoulders. "You did the best you could," he promised.
 

"Xander, Ignatius," Dumbledore said as he climbed down the ladder. He noticed the look given to his dancing pumpkin pajamas and sighed. "A gift from the same person."
 

"Now I know what to get you for your next birthday," Xander said with a hint of a grin.
 

The Headmaster shook his head. "Please don't. I have plenty. Get me socks, I could always use some socks." He turned them toward the main part of the school, starting them that way. "Have you felt anything from her?" he asked Iggy.
 

Iggy shook his head. "Not really. Andrea and I have both felt some tickles sometimes, but nothing concrete. Neither of us have had a vision recently, sir."
 

"That's fine. How did you know to come to her tonight?"
 

"You know that strange state when you're almost awake, but you're still pretty much asleep?" Both adults nodded. "I saw her struggling, like someone was choking her. I grabbed clothes and was out of the tower before I was really awake and it seemed like an excellent idea to continue."
 

"Tara met me at the bottom of the ladder," Xander told him. "Oh, new development when you have a moment."
 

"Good. Later, Xander." He patted him on the back. "I know that this is important...."
 

"But she was your friend," Xander agreed. "Like I said, when you've got a moment."
 

Dumbledore nodded. "Thank you." He walked them back to the main staircase. "Go back to your rooms. I'll let you know tomorrow what happened," he said tiredly. They both gave him a hug before heading up to their rooms.
 

Snape came out of the shadows that led down to Slytherin house. "Was it her?"
 

"Trelawny may well be dead," he said, sounding so very tired. "Poppy thinks she was out of her body for too long."
 

"You did nothing to encourage that behavior," Snape reminded him. "She did that on her own, even after you warned her." He nodded at the stairs. "How did they know?"
 

"Young Ignatius saw it happening. He reacted before he could stop and think."
 

"I didn't know that trait was genetic," Snape said as he walked away. "I'll leave you to your waiting," he said as he left.
 

Dumbledore summoned his robe and went up to his office to wait on news.
 

***
 

Xander walked into the house and found everyone staring at him. "Something happened to Trelawny," he announced.
 

"Bloody hell," George sighed. "Dear, what are these?" he asked, pointing at the books. "They don't look like Iggy's usual."
 

"Oh, I got those from the Astronomy teacher. They're books with prophecies for this starshift, both past and future. But there's good news. The stars won't be in exact alignment. Ever. The person who did it didn't take into account the expanding nature of the universe." He sat down and took Maeve from Ron, hugging her. "Why are you up, Princess?"
 

"Someone inconsiderately set some books down on top of her," Ron said dryly. Xander blushed. "Accident then?"
 

"I meant to send them to the table," Xander told him. "But I was also running after our son at the time. He saw her going down."
 

"Oh, dear," Draco said. "Is he all right?"
 

"So far. He didn't say he needed to talk."
 

"So we should find him and Simone on a couch about now?" Ron said dryly. Xander nodded. "All right, I'll go check on them in a bit. Apologize to the baby for thumping her good."
 

"Are you okay?" Xander asked his precious daughter. "I'm sorry I did that. You know I'd never hurt you, Maeve." She babbled at him then blew a spit bubble, placing it on his cheek. "Thank you for forgiving me." He cuddled her close. "I'm sorry, guys. My aim sucked this time."
 

"It's all right. A minor emergency is always welcome to a major one that involves the family," Draco pointed out. He yawned and looked at the clock. "I'm going back to bed. I'll get all the information tomorrow." He left them alone.
 

George kissed Xander on the cheek, then Maeve on the head. "You're practicing your aim this weekend, love. No more trying to smoosh the baby."
 

"Why was she on the couch?" Xander asked.
 

"She apparently climbed out of the cradle," George said with a shrug. "Who knows?"
 

"She might've floated," Ron told them, then yawned himself. "Some witches and wizards do that as early as a year old."
 

"Well, she was active in the womb," George put in. "Wouldn't surprise me in the least." He stole the baby. "Thanks for waiting up with me, Ron."
 

"Not a problem. I'll be going back to bed. Some of us have early classes tomorrow."
 

Xander sighed. "Yeah, I do too." He heaved himself up and stole the baby back. "Come on, let's go sleep in the nest with William. Would you like that?" She cooed and squealed. "Good." He headed up the stairs, his mate following him. In the nest, they found Lucien waiting on them and Draco fast asleep on their bed. "Must've made a mess," Xander whispered. He set Maeve down in there then climbed in, helping George in so he wouldn't step on them. Then he flicked his wand, bringing over William to cuddle too. That's the way it was supposed to be in the family nest.
 

***
 

Xander woke up and blinked. George was in front of him, so which adult had climbed in with them? He turned his head and saw a pale arm around his waist, then smiled. Okay, so Draco had climbed in sometime during the night. Lucien must have been fussy. He looked over at George, who smirked and nodded. "He's comfy," Xander told him. "We're okay."
 

"You've got an hour before class," George whispered back. "Go back to sleep. I'll get you up."
 

Xander grinned and put his head back down. He loved his husband. He loved his husband even more when the hand across his waist started to move, making him squeak. He heard the laughter and looked toward the doorway, smiling at Albus. "Let me get untangled." He carefully shifted the babies out of the way, then moved Draco's arm, climbing out around him. He followed his boss to the living room. "How is she?"
 

"Not good at all," Dumbledore sighed, rubbing his forehead. "They pronounced her dead shortly after she arrived." He sat down on one of the couches. "How is your son?"
 

"He didn't say anything last night," Xander admitted. "So I'm guessing either he's napping with Simone or he'll be reacting around the funeral." He smiled as Ron came down and grabbed one of his sodas. "Save me one," he reminded him.
 

"There's one left," Ron grunted, heading for the Great Hall. He needed food to wake up.
 

Dumbledore looked at Xander. "Who's minding the triplets?"
 

"That'll be George until he has to leave, then we send everyone to Molly. I guess we'll continue to do that until something bad happens." He rubbed his left eye. "God, I'm morbid today."
 

Dumbledore sighed. "There's a reason for that." He handed over the folder he had carried in. "This came out of the floo for you this morning. It's a report." He watched as Xander read it, then headed up to show it to his husband. He hated being the bearer of bad news. He noticed the door leading down to the Gryffindor hallway opening and smiled at Simone. "Did Ignatius jump you last night?"
 

"No, but he looks like hell this morning," she told him as she walked in further. "What happened?"
 

"Professor Trelawny ran into some problems last night. She ended up dying from them, and Ignatius saw it happen."
 

She nodded. "Okay, then I'll pounce him later until he says something to me about it." She looked at the stairs when the yelling started. "Bad timing?"
 

"Possibly. Can I help you with anything?"
 

"Um, not really. It's more of a family thing. Really boring and all that."

"Your father will probably be up in a few moments. He was asleep in the nest behind Xander when I woke him up."
 

"Behind Uncle Xander?" she asked, looking confused. "Why would he be in the nest with Uncle Xander? Is he cheating on mum? 'Cause Uncle George will kill him over Uncle Xander."
 

"No, he climbed in because Lucien was fussing and probably fell asleep," George said as he came down the stairs. "It's good that you know I would kill over Xander. Did you need something?"
 

"It's more of a family thing," she said uneasily.
 

"Your father just went into the bathroom to shave," Xander told her as he reappeared. "Tell me and I'll go ask him for you?" She pulled him down and whispered in his ear, so he smiled and handed her something from his pocket. "Think before using it please." She nodded and left.
 

"Did you just give her a condom?" Dumbledore asked, looking disturbed. "She's much too young for that sort of thing."
 

"No, I gave her a few galleons," Xander told him. "Condoms come next year." He sat down on the couch. "When did this happen? There wasn't a date on it."
 

"As far as I could tell, it wasn't the first time, boys. I'm not sure when that time occurred, but it had to have been recently."
 

Xander nodded. "Then I think I'll be doing the baby thing in class today." He looked at George. "Can you get me the playpen and I'll take them with me? And do you want to tell Ron?"
 

"Tell Ron what?" Draco asked as he came down the stairs. "Why is my daughter's perfume floating around in here?"
 

"She needed some cash to get in on a present for someone," Xander told him. "You owe me two galleons and a few sickles." Draco waved a hand at him. "Did you hear?"
 

"I heard," he said grimly. "I can watch them for a bit if you want."
 

Xander shook his head. "Not necessary. I've got two back to back and then a few hours free, then we both have class. Besides, it'll give the kids a break." He grinned. "They love it when the tots come in, it gets them out of a long lecture because I usually sit beside the playpens."
 

"As long as you remember that you're giving a test this afternoon," George told him. Xander groaned and covered his face. "You didn't write it yet?"
 

"No, I wrote it last week, but I forgot to copy it. I'll do that during my break. Maeve loves the copy room." He sighed. "I can do this. Am I taking the triplets?"
 

"If you want," George offered. "I could take them but we're doing stocking today. I'll be in the lab all day." He took the file to read again. "Do you have any suggestions on how we should handle this?"
 

"Could it be a taint from the possession?" Xander suggested. George shrugged. "Want me to corner Snape and Tara later?"
 

"If you wouldn't mind," George agreed. "I think I should tell Percy and Ginny though."
 

"Yeah, that's better coming from you," Xander agreed. William squealed and reached up, trying to catch the gryphon chick flying around his head. "Don't tease," he warned. That chick was troublesome. It landed on Dumbledore's shoulder and craned it's neck around so it could look into his eyes and coo. "I think he likes you."
 

"Many creatures do," Dumbledore told him, reaching up to scratch the strawberry-blonde head. The gold and red had combined to make him look like a Weasley child. He looked over at Xander. "If you can wait until after breakfast, I'll help you move things down for the day."
 

"I can do it," George told him. "We don't want to add to your stress right now, Albus."
 

He smiled at the cute couple. "It would be a relief to have something other than paperwork to do," he admitted. "It leaves me too much time to think."
 

"Hey, then you can gladly help me set up the playpens," Xander offered. "George, diaper bags?" His mate stole a kiss and left. "It came out of the floo?" he asked.
 

"Came shooting out," Dumbledore agreed. "No note, nothing on it."
 

"They're probably tired of dealing with it," George said as he came down the stairs. "Lucien is being packed up right now." He smiled at the triplets hiding behind the couch. "Did you guys want to go to class with Uncle Xander today?" They babbled at him, happy to be leaving the house to go anywhere. "Okay, go get your sweaters." One of them ran off, going to grab their sweaters. Sweaters meant going really far outside of the house, not just to visit the nice people in red and gold. They allowed themselves to be put into their sweaters, while William and Maeve were put into carriers. Lucien was carried down and another bag was handed to Xander. "All ready," George announced. He let the Headmaster grab the playpens that could be connected together, then helped herd the kids down the stairs. He kept Minnie from running out the door, where she could hear the puppies and Hagrid, then kept Gwen from going to eat in the Great Hall. When they finally got downstairs, George gave his mate a kiss. "Have a good day. I'll find an elf and tell them to bring you some snacks and drinks." He left.
 

Dumbledore moved one of the desks so he could put up the playpens, wondering who thought up the interconnecting tunnel between them. "That's very cute."
 

"That way they think they're playing," Xander said, catching Gwen before she could leave the room. "Oh no you don't. You get to stay in here with me today, young lady." He lifted her up and sat he on his desk. "Stay there, mini-Buffy." He put the sleeping kids into the one next to the wall, then put the more active triplets into the front one. "Let them nap," he warned. "Or no treats later." Gwen smiled at him and Minnie pushed her brother, making him cry. "Shh, Vinnie, it's okay. If you're good, I'll even go out and get you guys ice cream tonight."
 

"Dadada!" Vinnie said happily, holding up his arms. Xander picked him up and gave him a cuddle, then put him back into the playpen. He smirked at his sisters, who pounced him to try and steal the teddy bear.
 

"Here," Dumbledore said, summoning some of their toys, including the ones he had given them, to the classroom. "You play nicely and I'll be back in a while." He looked at Xander, who smiled. "Thank you."
 

"It's good to see life after losing a friend," Xander said quietly. "I've been there myself. I spent *weeks* in the park after my friend Jessie died." He gave the older man a hug. "Come back and sit in on the class if you want. We're going over succubi today."
 

Dumbledore laughed. "I'm sure I could contribute a lot to the discussion," he agreed. He waved at the children and left the family alone. He passed a house elf carrying a large try, giving it a smile. The elves all loved the children, they were their size and accepted anything they said like it was law.
 

Xander looked over at the knock. "Hey, Dobby, can you put it on the desk please?" He smiled and opened the folder he had stuffed into a diaper bag again. This was going to get messy. George was going to cry. He didn't want to be in the middle of this stuff. He picked up a glass of juice and smiled at the house elf. "If you want, you can talk with the twins," he said, knowing what the nice little guy wanted. He had a thought and went to close the door. "Dobby, I need to talk to you about a student coming in next year." Everyone in the family knew that Dobby worshiped Harry with every cell in his body. Agatha coming in might not be a good thing, she could be really mean and liked being so.
 

***
 

George walked into the store and closed the door, turning around to relock it. "Fred? We've got problems. Get out here," he called, heading over to put on water for tea. Fred came out of the lab. "We've got a very bad problem," he said quietly. His twin pulled a chair out and sat down, preparing himself for the worst. "A file came through the floo this morning. No note or anything with it." He pulled the copy he had made out of the report from his pocket and handed it over. "I'm going to have to tell Percy and Ginny."
 

Fred balled the paper up and looked at him. "Is she still possessed?"
 

"I hope so," George told him.
 

"I'd go tell them soon, they're about to head out for the day." He handed back the report, watching as his brother left. Why had he went to Harry's first?
 

***
 

Ron strolled into Xander's classroom, waving him at the hallway since his class was taking a test. He waited until the door was closed to glare at him. "Why are my kids in there with yours?"
 

"Because your mother gave them to someone and the Unmentionable's department had to rescue them," Xander said simply. Ron's mouth fell open. "I have a copy of the report on the desk if you want it." He opened the door and let him go in and get it. One student was shoved out of the room then Ron came out. "You know better than to cheat," Xander told him. "Go see the Headmaster and confess before I tell on you." The kid sighed and headed up to tell on himself.
 

Ron leaned against the wall, reading the short report. He looked over at his brother-in-law. "Still possessed?"
 

"I'm hoping so," Xander told him. "Draco said a little more of the creature came out before they shielded her." He sighed. "I'm heading over to see your dad after class, and then I'm going to talk to the person who wrote the report. You can come if you want."
 

"No, I don't want to get in the middle." Ron handed the folder back. "How did George take it?"
 

"It was like his heart was breaking," Xander admitted. "He all-but trudged out this morning." He stuck his head into the room, raising an eyebrow. "I know you're not cheating, Huns."
 

The girl shook her head and quit staring out the window, and consequently at her neighbor's paper. But she wrote one last thing and joined them in the hallway. "I was trying to remember my name, Professor," she admitted. "I studied too hard."
 

Ron patted her on the head. "It's okay. I've had days like that. Did you remember it?" She nodded. "Then run outside and sigh in relief." She walked away, leaving them alone. "I did that once in Binns' class," he said with a smirk.
 

Xander shrugged. "I never tried that hard. By the time things got really hard, I was slaying and didn't have time for homework."
 

"Got Willow to cheat for you?"
 

"Hardly ever. Unless I was going to flunk, she refused to copy her homework for me." He grimaced. "That explains why I didn't go to college and ended up here though so I'm kinda glad most of the time."
 

"What were Buffy's grades like?"
 

"Better. Willow cheated for her more often."
 

"You were her best friend since school started and she wouldn't let you cheat off her?" Ron asked, sounding incredulous. "Why not?"
 

"Because she decided I wasn't using my time wisely. You know, all that training and fighting beside Buffy wasn't a good use of my time," he said with a grim look. "It's in the past. I got over barely graduating high school."
 

"Mate, if it were me, I'd still be pissed."
 

"Every little once in a while," Xander sighed. Another student came out, but this one handed over Vincent to his father. "Thanks. Sorry if he was disturbing you guys."
 

"He was picking on Maeve again, sir. She was trying to get him out of the tunnel and he was pulling her hair." He smiled at Ron. "Sir, they're adorable today. Whomever did the braids was very cute." He headed back inside to his test.
 

Xander shrugged. "I got bored during a lecture. Maeve go one too." He chucked Vincent under the chin. "You had better quit picking on her or Lucien will beat you with the teddy bear again." Vincent laughed.
 

"Gee, the war goes on," Ron said, tucking his son under his arm. "Want me to take them?"
 

"I'm okay with them and I only have one more class."
 

"But you always get them," Ron pointed out.
 

"They're quiet for me," Xander countered.
 

"Boys," Dumbledore said as he walked down the hall. "Let Ronald watch the children, Xander, you were wanting to go talk to the person who wrote the report." He smiled and waved at the baby. "Were you being naughty," he said. Vincent laughed again. "Ah, a future Slytherin. Wonderful."
 

"Wonderful?" Ron asked. "That'd be horrible!"
 

"Hey, if Denver can be in Gryffindor, Vincent can be in Slytherin," Xander told him, grinning. "Okay, after this class, I'll let you take the kids." He looked at his watch, then inside the room. "Twenty minutes," he called. A whole lot of groans floated out to them. "You want the playpens too?"
 

"Sure," Ron agreed. "It'll keep them from wandering around and chewing on people's ankles."
 

Xander grinned. "I wonder if that kid has a scar from Iggy teething." He nodded inside. "Want to help, Headmaster?"
 

"I wouldn't mind but we should wait until the students are done." A few more filed out, handing over their tests. And none of them looked happy. Dumbledore looked at the teacher, who smiled. "I warned them this was going to be a hard one. It's covering two very tightly packed categories that have hundreds of members. So that's a good reaction. Last year I had one person who walked out wondering if suicide was an option or if she had missed her chance. It's a hard section and I can't break them up because they're related. If I tore it in two, then the Christmas exam would have covered three weeks of class. And if I add another test, I'd get flamed by the kids."
 

"I understand," Ron agreed. "I've got a test like that too. Everyone dreads it." He watched as a few more students walked out, one of them carrying a crying Lucien. "What happened to you?" he asked.
 

"Tried to climb out and fell. Maeve made it though," the girl said with a grin. Xander hurried inside to go stop his daughter from helping the students. "Test?" Ron took it from her. "Tell him it wasn't as bad as I've heard." She strolled away.
 

Xander walked out with Maeve under one arm and Lucien under the other. "She was helping by stroking one boy's leg for him," he said with a grin.
 

"Flirting already?" Ron teased her. She giggled and reached for him. "Hold on, let the nice Uncle Albus hold Vinnie first." He handed off his son and took her, letting Xander reposition Lucien. "Were you being comforting?"
 

"I think the boy was near tears," Xander confided. Most of the rest of the students filed out, some of them looking quite dejected. One even came out with tears running down her face. Xander gave her a hug. "It's okay. It's only a fifth of your grade," he soothed. The Ravenclaw nodded and left. "I really don't mean to do that to them," he said with a shrug. Lucien wiggled and grabbed his lip. "Gee, thanks," he said, removing the sharp little fingers from his lip. "Try that with your father, he likes people playing with his lips."
 

Ron snorted and turned away to hide his laughter in the wall across from them.
 

Dumbledore shook his head, but he was smiling. "I hear he's selected a few to play with them now, instead of just anybody."
 

"Which is good," Xander agreed. "Ginny would have killed him otherwise." He heard a crash and handed over Lucien, going in to check it out. "OUT!" A few students went running. "The rest of you have ten minutes." He walked out and all but one student finished and went running away. He walked back out. "Spontaneous make out session. They tipped over a table." He grimaced. "I'll have to clean up that ink."
 

"I'll send an elf with some powder to help clean it up," Dumbledore told him. He led the way inside to start taking down the playpens. He let Ron and Xander herd the children and keep them away from the ink. The remaining student sighed wearily as she handed in her test and left for Potions. The class-change bell rang, waking up Gwen, who was trying to nap, making her cry. Ron gave her a kiss and she calmed down, allowing herself to be herded to the Defense classroom. They hiked everything to Ron's classroom and set it up as he took roll.
 

"As you can see, we're without a sitter today," Ron announced. "Please ignore the cuteness, they're trying to make sure the lecture is short today." A few of his students laughed. Gwen started to fuss so he picked her up and held her as he went into the characteristics of boggarts.
 

Xander headed down, putting the tests inside his special locking drawer, then grabbed the folder and teleported to Arthur's office, the napping William on his chest. "Hey," he said, closing the door. "Is this really important?" he asked the worker standing there while Arthur signed things.
 

"Paychecks," Arthur said, signing some more checks. He handed them back and smiled at Xander. "What can I do for you today?"
 

"You can read this and tell me if it's an authentic report," Xander said, handing it over. He got out of the way so the worker could leave, closing and locking the door behind her. "It came out of the floo by itself today."
 

"Oh, dear," Arthur said, his eyes going wide. He looked up. "When did this happen?"
 

Xander shrugged. "Not a clue, but it would explain why Minnie had a new hole in her ear the other day. It looks like someone took blood." He sat down. "George and Draco found out the same time I did and Ron read the report for himself. We don't know what to do, dad, and it's killing George again."
 

"I know, Xander. I'll have a talk with her tonight. Hopefully she's still possessed." He turned to his brazier and tossed some floo powder into it. "Ginny? Is Percy there?"
 

"Right here, dad, what's wrong?" Percy asked, coming into view.
 

"Can I have you both in my office immediately? It's a family matter." Percy nodded and they both disappeared.
 

Xander leaned back and unlocked the door. "I really hate dealing with this stuff, dad, and I don't know what to do."
 

"Have you authenticated it?"
 

"Not yet. I was heading over there after I let you see it." William shifted and Xander paused to pat him on the back. "Sleep, little guy. You can see grandpa later," he soothed. He looked at his father-in-law. "I can't imagine that it's fake if it's on Ministry paper, but I was going to look into it further, maybe talk with the man who wrote the report."
 

Arthur nodded. "I'd like to do that too." He looked at his clock. "What's taking them so long?"
 

"Percy works in the auxilliary building," Xander reminded him with a smile. "Can you call my husband and see if he ever came home?"
 

"Go ahead." Arthur got up to have a word with his assistant, waiting on his children.
 

"George Weasley," Xander called out, waiting on him to pop up. "Fred Weasley." Fred appeared. "Where's George?"
 

"He went to Harry's this morning and hasn't come back yet," Fred said, frowning. "What happened now?"
 

"Come here and read for yourself," Xander offered.
 

"Oh, that. I read that," he sighed. "I don't know what to do. Where are you?"
 

"Your dad's office. Percy and Ginny are coming over now. You want to join in on the discussion?"
 

"Hold on, let me go check someone out." He disappeared, but came back a few minutes later. "How did today go?"
 

"It was interesting. The kids were good all day, Ron came down a few minutes ago to repossess them for the rest of the day." He looked over as everyone came in. "Fred's here." He sat back, leaning against Ginny's side since she was leaning on his chair. "Where are the kids?" he asked.
 

"Draco came and stole them to look at the house going up," she said, frowning. She kicked the door shut. "Again?"
 

Arthur handed over the report, then sat down and smiled at Fred. "Do you have any suggestions?"
 

"Other than finding one of those muggle priests? I don't know, dad. I have no idea what to do anymore." He turned and looked at Percy, who had just put his fist into the wall. "It might not have been your kid," he offered.
 

"No, I've seen markings on Tananda that I wasn't sure of. Someone wrote on her with marker the other day and mum doesn't have any in the house." He looked at Xander. "What did you want to do?"
 

"The only thing I know to do is to protect the kids."
 

Ginny put down the file and turned, walking out of the office.
 

"Ginny, come back," her father called, hurrying after her.
 

Percy gave Fred a sad smile. "How's George taking this?"
 

"He went to Harry's this morning and hasn't made it back yet," Fred admitted. "I was going to floo over and check on him around closing."
 

"I'll go," Xander told him.
 

"No offense, but maybe I should go," Fred told him. "You're a lot closer to this situation and he probably wants to distance himself for a few more days." Xander nodded. "I'll bring him home tonight." Xander nodded again, but he wasn't looking happy. "This isn't about you, Xander, this is about him needing some distance from the problem so he doesn't break down."
 

"I'd like to know what's wrong with her," Percy said, rubbing his forehead. "This is highly abnormal."
 

"We're hoping for a continued possession," Xander told him. "Ron and I both."
 

"If it is, the Unmentionables could probably cure it," Arthur said as he walked back in and shut the door. "Ginny wanted some time alone," he said quietly. He sat down again. "Xander, I'm going with you to the Unmentionable's. Percy, did you have any suggestions?"
 

"I think we should wait and see if she's still possessed," Percy put in. "If she's not, then I don't know what to do, father."
 

Ginny came in, wiping at her cheeks. "I think she might need more professional help," she said. "If she's not possessed, we might have to look at other options to help her." She leaned against Xander's side. "Are your kids okay?"
 

"As far as we can tell. Yours?"
 

"Ravena said something about nasty people and I didn't understand. I thought she was having a nightmare." She choked up. "I wish it were a nightmare."
 

"Me too," Xander soothed, pulling her down into his lap to hold. "Let it out, Ginny. It's been a hard road so far." She nodded, sobbing on his chest. The three men gave each other looks, then gathered closer to the floo to talk quietly until Ginny had stopped.
 

***
 

Xander walked into the Unmentionable's department and smiled weakly. "Can I talk to Henderson?" he asked quietly. "They have some information that I need to get off them."
 

The boss came out of the back off. "She's off for the next hour, testifying in a case." He walked closer and nodded at the folder. "How'd you get that?"
 

"It came out of the floo at Hogwarts," Xander admitted. He patted William's head. "Can I ask you for something?" The boss nodded. "Can you put some sort of locator on the kids? Something that'll allow us to find them immediately?"
 

"Like they put on pets and cars?" one of the workers asked.
 

Xander nodded. "Yup, just like that," he finished dryly. "If my dog disappeared like my kids seem to, I'd never let them leave the house."
 

The boss led him back into his office and cleaned off a chair for him. "Sit, Professor Harris." He watched the young man.
 

"I'm really not mean," Xander told him. "I only act in defense."
 

"I know. That wasn't what I was looking at." He nodded at William. "How is he?"
 

"He's okay," Xander said, patting William's back. "He's sleepy today but okay otherwise." He touched the big wetspot on his shoulder. "That was Ginny."
 

"Ah." He sat behind his desk. "I've allowed Henderson to look up translocation spells, but she hasn't come up with anything yet." Xander slumped a little. "Do you have any idea what this might be about?"
 

"Molly was found to be possessed a few months back, on Christmas, but Snape and Tara cured her of it we thought."
 

"So, she might still be possessed?" Xander nodded. "Interesting. Do you know by what?"
 

"Lower level demon. Couldn't hold more than a smoke form. I thought Snape gave you guys the demon he took out."
 

"We got something, but like you said it was smoke."
 

"Yeah, well, more came out when Draco shielded her."
 

"Mr. Malfoy does shielding?"
 

Xander grinned. "He learned from Tara because he was bored. He does really good."
 

"I see." He glanced around, then smiled. "If you're sending your son over to deal with that convergence issue, you could have him look something up."
 

"Good point," Xander agreed. "I hadn't thought of that." He pulled something out of his pocket and wrote that note down. "Thanks." He looked up. "By the way, the stars won't be in the right place." He put the napkin back into his pocket. "I had the Astronomy teacher check and it won't be perfect, they forgot to take in the expanding nature of the universe."
 

"Oh." He looked happy. "That's wonderful news. Now all we have to do is stop the bloody buggers and it'll be great."
 

"I'm hoping to get the news out through the chaos network this weekend," Xander admitted. "Or maybe tonight." William woke up and yawned at him. "Hey, little guy. How was your nap?" William pulled up his thumb to suck. "Are you going to stay awake?"
 

William blew a spit bubble and dirtied his diaper. The boss shook his head. "My daughter did that a lot too. There's a bathroom across the hall."
 

Xander blushed. "I forgot the diaper bag at home. We'll head there in a few. You can wait that long," he told his son.
 

William wiggled and started to gnaw on one of his buttons.
 

Xander rolled his eyes. "Don't do that. You'll pull it off and swallow it." He removed the button and kept his hand over it. "So, anything else we can do, or help with? And how many times have you had to rescue the kids?"
 

"Three days in a row," the boss told him. "Yours, Percy Weasleys twice, and Ginny Weasley's once." Xander winced. "Chewing on your finger?" Xander nodded. "For right now, I'll send someone over to look her over, make sure she's not still possessed. Do you have someone else who can watch them?"
 

"Not at the moment. We'll figure that part out later." He stood up and shook the man's hand with the unslobbery one.
 

"Be easy about this, Professor Harris. We're watching out for them. If only because William there could probably blow us all up one day."
 

"He's a good boy," Xander told him with a smile. "He'll only be defending too. Harris' never attack." He waved and walked out, leaving the file there. He teleported back to the house and changed his son, then headed back to the Leaky Cauldron. He stopped to let Tom admire his son's cuteness. Then he realized he didn't have any money on him and went to the bank. He noticed the interest had been put in, the three or four heaps of coins were a bit larger. He made a mental note to go retrieve his paycheck soon as he traveled back to the surface and walked out of Diagon, going to call a cab. He stopped when he saw a neat book, going in to buy it for his mate, then headed on to the rest of his errands for the day.
 

***
 

Xander sat on Ethan's couch, looking over at Spike. "How have you been?" he asked pleasantly while they waited on the wizard.
 

"Decent enough," Spike admitted. He pulled out a cigarette but Xander patted William on the head. "Fine," he sighed. "What's his name?"
 

"Little Bill, named after my brother-in-law. William Steven for long." Xander grinned at the choking sound. "We didn't name him after you, but if you want to think that it's okay with me," he said with a grin and a wink.
 

Spike laughed, pounding his fist on the couch. "Wonderful. Hope I'm a good influence on the tyke."
 

"What's so funny?" Ethan asked as he brought in the tea tray. He sat it on the table then sat next to Xander and his son. "My, you're a powerful little mite," he said, reaching over to pat William on the head.
 

"Ethan, do you see how high these ceilings are?" Xander asked. Ethan nodded slowly. "If you *ever* hurt my children, especially this one, you'll be seeing it up close and personal. Then you'll be landing on the floor with increased gravity. Over and over again."
 

Ethan smiled. "I would never dream of harming your child, Xander. Even though this one was obviously created as a sacrifice."
 

"On another plane." Both people looked at him. "He appeared over here in Prague, along with a few mini-scoobies from yet another plane." He tickled his son, who wiggled and giggled. "And then the gryphons made you my son instead of a mini-me."
 

Spike leaned closer, looking at the boy. "Does look like you. Bit lighter than you around the face and hair."
 

"Iggy and Tara helped," Xander told him. He looked at Ethan. "I mean it."
 

"I know you do, Xander." He patted him on the knee. "Now, why the unexpected dropping in?"
 

"We know something new about the convergence." Ethan started to cough. "I see you've heard?"
 

Ethan nodded. "Yes, I have. Everyone within the chaos community has. As a matter of fact, there are people looking at this son of yours for the first sacrifice. I told them to not even try of course, but you know how well some of us listen."
 

"Well, gee, that's good to know," Xander said dryly. "We thought it was supposed to be a blind wizard."
 

"It was, but as a secondary choice, he could be used. He'd be blinded first of course." Xander growled. "Sorry. I have no intention of using that time for anything other than the intended wishing moment."
 

"Hmm." Xander looked at Spike. "You might want to have some people check the star alignment. The person who originally did it didn't take into account starshifts." Ethan's mouth fell open. "I had someone check when we found out Iggy was on the list."
 

"Both sons?" Spike asked. Xander nodded. He whistled. "I want in on that fight. Be a blood bath."
 

"Truly," Xander said grimly. "I won't let anyone harm my children." Ethan gave him a look. "You knew?"
 

Ethan shook his head. "I heard last night. One of your nieces ended up among my community." He frowned. "How is she?"
 

"Was she hurt?"
 

"No, just scared I think,."
 

"Then she'll be fine," Xander told him. "Ginny said something about her telling about nasty people."
 

"Yes, you could probably describe them that way," Ethan agreed. He shook his head. "As long as the little scamps are fine. I'm fully against using someone that young, they haven't had the experience to make up their minds yet."
 

"Yeah, not until they're eight," Xander told him. Ethan looked at him. "One of my semi-family's kids has already started walking down your path. Her mommy was the one who had your books." Spike hissed. "We've only had a few problems with her so far, but it's going to get bad once she's grown."
 

"Well, once she's suitably adult, do introduce us. I could possibly help her find a teacher," Ethan offered. "Might not take her on myself, I still have nasty memories of her mother attacking me."
 

"Was that the bint with the big hair?" Spike asked.
 

Xander nodded. "Yeah, that about describes Hermione."
 

"What ever happened to her?" Ethan asked. "I haven't seen her around."
 

"The Ministry decided she was dangerous and transplanted her memories. She's working as a muggle librarian in the East End somewhere. She's closely monitored."
 

"Ah. Probably for the best," Ethan said, pouring himself some tea. "Xander, would you like some?"
 

"No thanks. I still hate tea." He shuddered. "Nasty boiled leaves. Once I discovered the beauty of the floo in relation to the grocery store, I'm never without my usual source of caffeine. Or munchies." He grinned. "It's nice to be me." He stood up. "I'll leave you to the rest of your night. Oh, Ethan, warn them for me. I'm not against killing people who come for my children and Andrea is all but my child." He smiled at Spike and left. There was a bus stop on the corner and he knew his way around enough to find his way back to the Leaky Cauldron. Or at least somewhere dark and private so he could teleport.
 

Ethan looked at Spike. "It looks like I'm going to the pub tonight. Want to come with me?"
 

Spike nodded. "I could use a pint."
 

***
 

Xander strolled into the house, smiling at Draco and Ginny cuddled together on the couch. "George back yet?"
 

"Not yet," Ginny told him. She held out her arms and accepted the baby. "Give him a few more hours."
 

"Okay. Let me send him this thing I found him." He held up the book with a smile. Ancient Practical Jokes For The Excessively Talented. "Think he'll like it?"
 

"I think he'll adore it," Ginny said, giving him a smile. She watched as he slid a note into the book, then sent it through the floo. "He's at Harry's?"
 

"According to Fred." Xander sat across from them. "Have we figured out a sitter solution? If not, I only have one class tomorrow."
 

"Ah, the suicide test," Draco said with a smile.
 

"Only one person came out crying," Xander said proudly. "Tomorrow has the Slytherins though."
 

Draco nodded. "Quite a few of us might come out crying. I can't wait until Rosenberg takes it." Ginny smacked his leg. "What? With who his mother is, he's got to be better at it than the average, or at least he'll be expected to be."
 

Xander shook his head. "He's not interested. I asked him earlier this year and he sneered at me and said that he's a proper wizard, so he wouldn't be caught dead in that class."
 

"That's narrow minded of him," Tara said as she came in. "But that would be Ryan." She sat on Xander's knee, looking at him. "Did you really have all the kids in your classroom?" He nodded. "Why?"
 

"Because Molly's having more problems. The Unmentionables found the kids staying in a strange house and liberated them."
 

Ginny nodded. "Mum's still funny. Are they checking her over?" Xander nodded slowly. "Did they say anything else?"
 

"Just to tell Iggy to look for location charm to put on the kids while he's in Amsterdam this weekend."
 

"I thought the necessity was over with," Tara put in.
 

Xander shrugged. "This is Iggy we're talking about. It'd be mean to tell him he couldn't go now. Besides, not everyone knows that the stars aren't going to be in alignment. I sent word through Ethan but who knows how many people will listen to him." He glanced at his son and Draco shook his head. "He's actually above Iggy on the alternate list now," Xander said quietly.
 

"But now Ethan knows," Tara told him.
 

"Yes, but we've come to an understanding about how he's going to be hitting his ten foot ceilings repeatedly, then crashing to the floor with increased gravity."
 

"Can you do that?" Ginny asked.
 

Xander shrugged. "He doesn't know that." Everyone laughed. "Let's get sitting arrangements done for tomorrow and the rest of the week. Just in case."
 

***
 

Harry looked over as a book came flying out of the floo, leaning over to catch it. He saw the title and smiled, getting up to take it to George, who was laying in his back yard staring up at the trees. "This came for you," he said quietly, handing it over. He sat beside him. "Are you feeling better?"
 

"Not really," George said, staring at the cover. He started to smile. "My man," he sighed. He started to thumb through it, coming to the letter, so he opened it.
 

It must suck to go from having a great set of parents to having one that's not so wonderful. I know I can't understand because I never had wonderful parents, but I'm more than willing to try whenever you're ready. Remember, we can get through anything together. We got through the fight our first Christmas almost-together. We got through Voldemort. We even got through my idiocy and fighting problems. So I'm here for you whenever you need me, to be the rock that you can lean on and the body-pillow you can cuddle when you have nightmares. I'll be here when you're ready to come back. Xander.
 

George wiped off his cheeks. "My man is wonderful."
 

Harry nodded. "If I liked blokes, I wouldn't mind one like him."
 

George snorted. "There's no others like Xander. Not even little Bill." He sat up. "I should probably go back." He looked at the letter again, then stuffed it back into his new book.
 

"You can stay for dinner," Harry offered. "I'm making lasagna." George smiled at him. "And you could help calm Agatha down. I took her to Diagon yesterday and she's still over the moon."
 

"She's already gotten her letter?" That was unusual. Most kids didn't get theirs until just before school started.
 

"With a note that she was going to need something very special," Harry agreed. "It was to give us time to find a dampening bracelet."
 

"Xander asked around but he couldn't find one. The one Draco has was built for a male so we're not sure it would work." He pushed himself up. "Come on, I can help." He carried his precious gift inside, putting it carefully on top of the refrigerator. He heard screaming and Harry sighed so he went to break it up. "Hey!" he shouted from the doorway. Agatha let little Ron go, making him thump on the floor. "That's not nice, Agatha. He's your brother, not your victim. Go sit in the living room." From downstairs he heard Harry laugh. "Now."
 

"You're not my parent," she said defiantly.
 

"I'll go," Ron said, hurrying over to his Uncle's side. He gave him a loving look. He followed him down the stairs. "How come she doesn't pick on Mellie?"
 

"Because she's not being fair," George told him. "She's being mean because you're a boy." He led the way back into the kitchen. "We have another helper."
 

Harry smiled at him. "Want to make a salad, Ron?" His son nodded happily. "Okay, go ahead and make enough for all of us, even your sister."
 

"Agatha hates salad."
 

"She'll eat it or nothing," Harry reminded him. Ron smiled and went to get the stuff to make a salad at the table. "Was Mellie being good?"
 

"Mostly. Agatha was teaching her how to play with the fire." Harry hurried up to save his youngest daughter.
 

George grimaced. Agatha was going to be hard for Harry to live down. Him being who he is and having a dark daughter was going to be something that people talked about forever. Almost no one remembered Hermione and everyone would blame him for it. He smiled at Ron. "Are you looking forward to going to school year after next?"
 

Ron shook his head. "I don't want to go if sissy's there," he said quietly. "She'll make my life even more hell." He glanced around. "Uncle George, can she go to a different school?"
 

"I think your father was looking forward to all of you guys coming to Hogwarts," George said, walking over to sit at the table. "I know that I'm looking forward to seeing you every day, and you'll get to take classes with your Uncles Ron and Xander." He tweaked the boy's ear. "We'll watch out for you, you know that, right?" Ron nodded so he leaned closer. "And I doubt that you two will be anywhere near each other. I doubt she's going to be a Gryffindor like you will be, Ron." Ron grinned at him. "Plus, you'll have Iggy, Melvin, Denver, and Simone there two years ahead of you, and Anastasia a year ahead of you." That made the boy happy. "Oh, and we think there's going to be a new nesting this year. Murphy and Fawkes are hovering in the nest all the time but they won't even let Xander near them." Ron laughed. "So, when you get into Gryff, you'll have lots of friends already there."
 

Ron nodded, continuing to tear up lettuce. "That would be okay. Do you think she'll be a Gryff?"
 

"Not if the hat has any sense," Harry said as he came in with Mellie, his youngest daughter. She plopped herself down at the table and stole a cucumber to eat. "Honey, you need to peel that first." George waved his wand and the skin came off, making Mellie clap. "Just a few more years and you can do that too," Harry assured her.
 

"She's a squib," Agatha said from the doorway. Mellie started to cry.
 

"Stop it," George snapped. "Mellie's not a squib. She's a wonderful and powerful witch, but *she* knows when to show off her powers."
 

"George, relax," Harry said quietly. "Agatha, unless you want me to take back your new wand, I'd stop now." She pouted and stormed into the living room. He noticed his son swallowing hard and came over to give him a hug. "It's okay. She's going to be grounded to the tower room tomorrow and the day after."
 

Ron smiled at him. "Thanks, dad. Can Iggy come stay over soon? Or one of the other cousins?"
 

"Well, Iggy's going to be going to Amsterdam this weekend," George told him. "He's looking stuff up for us in the main gryphon library. I can make him come back Saturday night and he can spend over then if your father agrees?"
 

Harry nodded. "Sure. I wouldn't mind." He glanced toward the living room. "Is he still loathing pranks?"
 

"Not as much as he used to," George said with a smile. "Can you please check his bags, make sure he didn't bring back the library."
 

Harry laughed. "I figured him for a book nerd. How many does he have now?"
 

"Owns? About three hundred, spread all over his room at the shop, his room at the school, and his dorm room."
 

"Bookcases for his birthday," Harry said. "Does he want wood or metal?"
 

"Either would go with his lack of decorating skills. I'll expect to have them hanging with dirty clothes soon enough."
 

Harry snorted. "That's a normal boy thing, George. Or don't you remember what your dorms used to look like?"
 

"Oh, I remember," George said, taking a piece of the cucumber for himself, with a smile for Mellie. "But wasn't it yours that got the whole tower sprayed one year for bugs?"
 

"I think it was our year that broke the bug spell," Harry said dryly. "Between Ron and his snacks under the bed, and Neville and his sweet skin creme, we always had bugs." He finished the lasagna and put it into the oven. "There, that's ready. How's the salad?" He noticed the bowl was mostly full. "Good job, Ron. Put it in the fridge."
 

"It's only got one cucumber," Ron said, glancing at his sister.
 

"That's okay. I'll buy more tomorrow." Harry gave his son a hug. "You're such a good boy, Ron." He gave Mellie a hug. "You're a very good girl, Mellie."
 

"Oh, where's mine," George teased.
 

Harry hugged him. "You're a bloody big bugger and I'm glad you're not my son," Harry told him, making him laugh. He heard the doorbell and went that way, stopping his daughter from opening the door when he saw the auror on the other side. "Yes?" he asked as he answered it.
 

"Mr. Potter, there's a letter for you from the Minister." He handed it over.
 

"You guys have no work?" Harry asked as he opened it. "Owls usually suffice."
 

"In this case, he wanted to make sure it got here." He looked at Agatha.
 

Harry grimaced and looked at his daughter too. "Tower, now," he ordered. She stomped off to her punishment place. "Thanks for this. We're trying hard to cure this." He crumpled the paper in his hand. "Did he send you with a suggestion?"
 

"Only with a book, Mr. Potter." He smiled as he handed it over. "None of us who know blame you, sir. We all know it was your ex." He smiled at George as he walked up behind Harry. "How are your children?"
 

"As far as I know they're fine. Did something else happen?"
 

"Oh, no, sir. It was a general question," the auror told him. "I admire Professor Harris greatly, he's an amazing man, and I try to emulate his determination and resolve." He nodded at them. "Sorry about that, Mr. Potter. We've sent a few before and they were never answered." He left them alone.
 

Harry handed over the letter from the Misuse of Magic office. "I'm going to hurt her," he said quietly. He looked at the book, frowning at the index page. "There's a spell in here to ground her permanently." He closed the book. "I'm not sure I want to strip her of her powers."
 

"Can you restrict how much she uses?" George suggested.
 

"Maybe. I'll have to go through the book to see." He went back into the kitchen, putting his book on top of George's.
 

"Did you hear?" George asked as he sat down again. "Trelawny died."
 

"Oh! How?"
 

"Apparently stayed out of her body too long. Iggy saw it and went running for her, almost running over his other father in the process. They tried to resuscitate but she didn't come back."
 

"Can't say as I liked the woman all that much, but Dumbledore must be devastated."
 

George nodded. "They were old friends. Her funeral was short, but Xander was there for him. Hagrid on the other side."
 

"How are the puppies?" Ron asked.
 

"Good. There's one who's been helping a blind young woman who's attending right now. Hagrid is really interested in the training Storm's getting." He patted Ron on the head. "I was telling him about how great his first year was going to be. How much fun he would have as a Gryff."
 

"I'm sure he will. If only because the other kids will help him a lot." He smiled at Mellie. "You'll have a lot of fun too."
 

"School's icky," Mellie told him. "And you'd be all alone, daddy."
 

"That's okay," Harry told her. "I'll get to see you every weekend and on holidays, and all summer long." She frowned. "You have to go to school, Mellie."
 

"I know," she said sullenly. "But you shouldn't be alone."
 

"We'll have him over all the time, Mellie. He won't be alone all the time," George assured her. She smiled at him. "And if we're still teaching at the school when you're there, you can come over and hang in our living room with the rest of the cousins. I'm sure your father will be popping around often."
 

"Is Xander thinking of leaving?" Harry asked.
 

"No, but it pays to be careful when making promises," George told him. Harry nodded. "In case something happens. I'm always careful about making predictions." He ruffled Mellie's hair. "Besides, if we're not there by then, I'd rather see the kids in the shop than not at all."
 

"If you're not there, I'll give the kids the map and my old cloak," Harry said with a smile. He checked dinner, turning it around in the oven. "About another twenty minutes." He pulled down both books and handed George his. "Find something funny. I'll need it come September."
 

George smiled and searched for something to royally embarrass Agatha. "Too bad Draco went straight, you could change her name."
 

Harry snickered. "True. Wonder if I can do that anyway. Maybe Goyle or something. She'd fit in well enough with them."
 

"She's too smart for that," George said, laying a hand on his arm. "She'd enslave the whole family and make them do her bidding."
 

Harry burst out laughing. "Oh, I can see that."
 

"Maybe you can make Agatha see that she can do that for the light side," Ron suggested.
 

"Maybe," George agreed, looking at his friend. Harry shrugged. "Xander?"
 

"Xander," Harry agreed.
 

If anyone could convince her to manipulate and hurt for the light, it would be him.
 

***
 

Xander looked over as Dumbledore walked in, waving his fork at him. "Want some dinner? Iggy and I decided we couldn't stand the noise tonight." He pushed out a chair with his foot. "Sit, talk with us."
 

Dumbledore sat down and dished himself out some salad. "I was wondering why you were eating in here tonight." He looked at the playpen in the corner. "Where are the children?"
 

"Draco took them out for dessert," Iggy told him. "I didn't want to go." He looked down at his plate. "I'm sorry I couldn't save her, Headmaster."
 

Dumbledore patted him on the back of the head. "It wasn't your fault, Ignatius. You didn't know what she was doing."
 

"Neither did you," Xander pointed out. "You may know everything that goes on here, but you don't read all minds."
 

Albus smiled at him. "No, indeed I don't," he agreed. He took a bite. "How was your meeting with the chaos sorcerer?"
 

"You went to see Ethan?" Iggy asked.
 

Xander nodded, his mouth was full. He swallowed and picked up his water to sip. "I went to tell him about the star problem since I figured he could get messages to the guys doing it. I found out that William's higher on the list than Iggy was."
 

Iggy choked. "I was on the sacrifice list?" Xander nodded. "Wow, people want me dead. Is this how you feel, daddy?"
 

Albus chuckled. "No one actively wants your father dead, Iggy, they want his species dead. Though he has made a few enemies over the years."
 

Xander nodded, still blushing a bit. "Iggy, no one wants me dead as a sacrifice, it's always because I stood up for what I believed was right. I hope you never have to have that feeling. As for the sacrifice, I've been there before. Ask me about Mrs. French when you're older, son."
 

Dumbledore started to really laugh. "I had forgotten about your stories regarding her," he said between guffaws.
 

"Sacrifice, hostage, pain in the ass, that's me," Xander said dryly, taking another bite of meatloaf. "Eat, Iggy. Or you'll end up shrinking into a house elf. Then you won't be able to fly."
 

"Eww," Iggy sighed, picking up his fork to eat. "I wouldn't want to be that short." He took a bite of salad. "Headmaster, are the kids safe now?"
 

"Yes, as far as I know they are," Dumbledore told them both. "From what I was just told, Molly was taken to a special care facility and should be released at the end of next week, once she's fully healed and checked over. They're calling in special people to work on freeing her."
 

Xander sighed in relief. "Thank you, Tara's Goddess," he said, looking up at the ceiling.
 

Iggy looked at his father. "Why aren't we religious?"
 

"Because I never found one that answered the questions that bother me suitably," Xander told him. "If you wanted to learn about different religions, I'll gladly let you try some out. Let you go to church and things. Just don't become a zealot, son."
 

"Yes, daddy. I was thinking about a few of the older faiths. Auntie Tara's faith is really strong, but I don't understand some of it."
 

"Then ask her," Dumbledore urged. "She'd probably love to talk to you about it if she thought you were serious."
 

Iggy looked at him. "You think?"
 

"I know." He smiled at the young man. "Also, there's a wizard attending in Hufflepuff who's of the Jewish faith. There's a few other types of Christians around also. If you make subtle inquiries they might come find you and talk to you about it."
 

"I know, from Tara, that you might want to stay away from the Southern Baptists. She had some bad experiences with them."
 

Iggy ate a bite, chewing slowly. "I think I'll start with Auntie Tara. She could explain a lot to me probably." Both adults nodded. "Besides, her Goddess accepts her magic and her being who she is. I like that in a Goddess or God, I think."
 

Xander smiled at him. "There's all manners of faith that will do that, son. You'll figure it out eventually." He looked at the Headmaster. "How are the schedules looking for next year?"
 

"Much the same as they did this year, with a few exceptions. Severus wanted a different free period next year so I've rearranged his classes, which interfered with some of Hagrid and Madam Sprout's. I've finally got it all worked out. Where would you like to teach your optional class?"
 

"How about in a room where we can have a small lab? Like the room on the other side of Snape's classroom?"
 

"Daddy, you'll have three classrooms," Iggy pointed out.
 

"I know, son, but it's necessary. You see," he took a drink, "I'm going to be teaching all the gryphon-born who come in some of the basics of their powers so they don't have problems like I did when I first started."
 

"Yes, that was the main reason," Albus said gently, with great humor. "If I remember right, you used to have quite a problem with surges and having to wear it out. Something about a poodle named Fang...."
 

Iggy looked at his father in awe. "You turned Fang into a poodle?"
 

"Two or three times," Xander agreed, smiling at his boss. "Always with permission of course." Iggy nodded, looking like he was hanging on every word. "Very soon you'll start having power surges that will seem to want to ruin your life," Xander told him. "Some of it's hormones and some of it's linked to your emotional state. You'll find your powers *itching* to get out. That's why I wore a dampening bracelet for a while, because I couldn't control the surges, especially whenever your father flirted at me."
 

"What ever happened to your bracelet?" Dumbledore asked.
 

"It's in my box of special stuff. Are you wanting me to have it fixed for Agatha or Iggy?"
 

"Does she *have* to come here?" Iggy asked. Dumbledore nodded. "Why? There's other schools."
 

"Yes, but would you trust her to some strangers?" Dumbledore asked. Iggy nodded. "You would?"
 

"I'm assuming that, since they're teaching students every day, they're a lot like the teachers here. At least to the point of not wanting to hurt a student for doing stupid stuff." Xander snorted. "Okay, most of the ones here don't want to. But still, she could go over there, where no one knows who her father is, and where she'll be treated like the little monster she is." His father glared at him. "Sorry, but she is! She's always picking on little Ron."
 

"I know, son," Xander told him. "But here she has people who know about her problems and are watching out for it."
 

"A letter would do the same thing there and then she won't be 'Harry Potter's daughter' like she will be here."
 

"She'll be that no matter where she goes," Dumbledore said wisely. "There's not many wizards and witches who don't know who Harry is."
 

"Yeah, but since he went here, she'll be compared to his reality, instead of being compared to his legend somewhere else."
 

"That's an interesting thought, young man. Why would that be easier?"
 

"Because a legend can be discounted, fought, and corrected. The reality can't be fought. Professors Lupin and Hagrid both remember Harry with fondness so will treat her that way and be disappointed by her problems. Snape will loathe her anyway because of who she is, and she'll end up proving him right, which will hurt little Ron when he comes." He took a sip of his milk. "Plus, she won't have to live up to the mischief that Uncles Harry and Ron got into. I doubt she's going to have his map or his cloak."
 

Dumbledore shook his head. "I doubt so either. But Little Ron might."
 

"Which will be great, but he'll be fighting his father's reality and his sister's. He'll be buried by the people who she pissed off, which will probably include most of my house."
 

"You don't think she'll be in Gryffindor?"
 

"Not if the hat has any sense," Iggy told him. "I can see why it sorted Simone and Denver, they're both very protective and proactive in their protection of the weaker kids. I can even see why Melvin was separated; he's so happy over there because a lot of the kids in Hufflepuff are like him. But she could never be a Gryffindor. Or a Hufflepuff. Or a Ravenclaw. And if she's put into Slytherin then Uncle Harry will have problems of his own. That's another good reason for her to go somewhere far, far away. So Uncle Harry won't have problems with his own reputation."
 

Dumbledore nodded. "All very excellent reasons. Five points to Gryffindor for the wonderful reasoning you just did, Ignatius." Iggy beamed. He usually only got points from Snape. "Still, I think it's better that she come here, so we can keep a closer eye on her. It's possible we can keep her damage to a lesser level."
 

"Whereas someone who she doesn't know will kick her butt might not," Xander added. "She won't respect a stranger until they kick her butt. And no, I'm not telling you to take her on the first day, but the first time she starts stuff, someone's going to have to fight back."
 

Dumbledore frowned, but he was nodding. "I'm sure we can get the teachers to toughen up for her."
 

"Put her under Lupin and Black directly," Xander suggested. "Together they've got the right mix of maternal, nurturing qualities and toughness, plus they're both experienced with mischief and badness."
 

"Did they really go to school with Professor Snape?"
 

"And your Uncle Draco's father," Dumbledore agreed.
 

"Wow, so they really do know evil when they see it." Iggy looked at his father. "I can see Uncles Remus and Sirius straightening her out. Tara's Goddess knows no one else has been able to."
 

"Yeah, we've all tried our hands with that task," Xander agreed. "Eat, Iggy." His son ate a bite of his corn. "Thank you."
 

"Welcome." Iggy smiled at his Headmaster. "When can I be ungrounded from Potions?"
 

"Next week, when Ms. Ream's potion is done," the Headmaster told him.
 

Xander looked at his son. "You're still grounded by me, son. Don't worry." Iggy sighed and ate.
 

The adults shared a look; they would be talking about Agatha before she appeared, though Iggy did have a good suggestion.
 

***
 

Draco looked over as the fireplace dinged, nodding at the head sitting in it. "You needed something?" he asked, going back to his plans for his new house. Ginny had helped him choose what style and he did like the Tudor style she had chosen, but it didn't seem to have enough rooms in it. He frowned as the man the head belonged to walked out of the floo. "What did you need?" he asked again.
 

"Mr. Malfoy, I'm here to talk to you about your inheritance," the man said, sitting down on the couch beside him. "Due to the restrictions of your father's and grandfather's wills, you're no longer entitled...."
 

Draco had him pinned to the back of the couch by his throat before he could finish that sentence. "It's not my fault the house blew up. It's my father's. They blew it up because my father was such a bastard," he growled.
 

"Still," the man croaked.
 

Draco pulled him up and drug him back to the floo, sending them to the Ministry Court building. "We'll settle this with my attorney," he told him, dragging him through the halls. He tapped on the door and shoved the man inside first at the call. "Fix him or I'm going to kill him." He slammed the door and took a seat. Then he got up and went to get his son since no one was home at the moment. He came back and they were arguing about it. "The house blowing up wasn't my fault. Inghram did it, not me. I had nothing to do with the marble tomb exploding into little pieces, though it did make me happy once I had calmed down again." He sat down and stuck a bottle in his son's mouth.
 

"I know that, Mr. Malfoy," the inheritance lawyer told him. "But the terms of both wills say that the house has to be lived in by you under any circumstances. No matter what."
 

"You expected me to live in the rubble under a tent?" Draco asked sarcastically. "Try it," he said when the wizard reached for something, pulling his wand first.
 

"I would never dream of drawing on you, Mr. Malfoy, it's well known that you're fast at dueling." He cleared his throat and pulled out the papers, handing them to Draco personal lawyer. "These are the pertinent documents. As you can see, he's in violation of both wills and the inheritances are to be dispersed among his suitable heirs."
 

"My heirs were both sorted into Gryffindor," Draco said dryly. "I doubt either of them would have approved of my children." He looked at his lawyer. "Fix this or set us up a time in front of the judge."
 

"Yes, sir," his lawyer said, reading over them. He pointed at a section and smiled. "There is an out. How old are you, Mr. Malfoy. Thirty-one?" Draco nodded. "Were you thirty before your children were sorted?" Draco thought about that. Had he been? He nodded again. "Then there's an out. According to your grandfather's will, everything he passed on goes to you if your father was dead before you were thirty and your children were sorted before your thirty-first birthday, when you were supposed to get your inheritance, with the stipulation that your heirs weren't raised by you. In that case, the will states that having someone else raise them negates the demand that they be suitable." He let the other lawyer read it. "That means that all of the money left over from your father's inheritance goes to you automatically."
 

"But I did raise Denver for the most part."
 

"Yes, Mr. Malfoy, but is Denver your heir?" his lawyer asked.
 

"He's my first son," Draco said, thinking about it. "The Marble family is one that my father would have approved of. The Weasleys aren't." He shrugged. "Is he?"
 

"Could you classify your son Denver's upbringing as being more than half done by Ginny?" the inheritance lawyer asked. Draco nodded firmly. "How?"
 

"He's not exactly the little Malfoy he seems to be," Draco told him. "She turned him into a caring and loving little creature that gets along well with girls. Something I never excelled at," he finished grimly. "Simone is more my daughter by temperament. Denver looks more like me but she's got my mean temperament and linguistic abilities." His lawyer snorted but tried to hide it. "She's gotten twelve detentions from her language issues so far this year," he admitted.
 

The inheritance lawyer read over both documents. "All right, he invalidated the will," he said finally. He signed his name on the last page of the documents and handed them back to the personal attorney. "I'll bring the keys to all the vaults to your present residence in a few hours and all the pertinent documents about the vacation house and the Mistresses' house."
 

"Which one had that?" Draco asked.
 

"Your grandfather. It was held for you due to the fact that your father was a cold bastard who never liked sex." He stood up. "I'll see you soon, Mr. Malfoy." He smiled at the child. "Are you going to go after Mr. Inghram soon?"
 

"I was waiting to get my inheritance for that. I wanted to be on firmer footing in case he started something." The lawyer left, leaving him alone. "This is Lucien, named after my great-great-grandfather. Please put him on as an heir."
 

"Have you registered him?"
 

"The day after his birth he was noted in the book of Heritage." He stood up. "We're looking over house plans. Call me if you have any problems with either situation." He left, going back home. He literally ran into Ron as he came out of the fireplace. Ron ended up holding Lucien and Draco was sprawled on his back. "Was it good for you? I see stars," he joked.
 

"Rather less explosive than I was led to expect from your reputation," Ron joked back. He looked at the baby, who was looking a little shocked. "You okay, little person?"
 

Lucien pulled his fist up to suck on and then cooed.
 

"I'd say that was a happy noise," Draco said, forcing himself up. "We just came back from the attorney." He took his son back, looking him over. "Where's your bottle?"
 

Ron pulled it out from under his back, sitting up to hand it over. "What's wrong now?"
 

"Small matter with my paternal line's wills. They never took into account the house being blown up." He stood up and walked over to the couch. "I'm expecting the keys to the vaults any time now." He put his son down on the cushion beside him and went back to the plans. "Do you think ten bedrooms and sixteen other rooms is enough?"
 

"For your family, yeah," Ron agreed, coming over to look at the plans. "The kids each get a suite?"
 

"Simone can't share a bathroom with anyone. She hogs them," Draco explained. "Plus, Denver's going to be spending a lot of time in his soon," he finished with a sly smile.
 

Ron sat down in Xander's favorite chair. "Wow. Is that bigger than your last one?"
 

"Smaller and warmer. Ginny insisted it be less tomb-like."
 

"It was," Ron agreed.
 

"I agree, I was always depressed while I was living there alone."
 

"Where did Ginny find a house to rent?"
 

"Suburbs of London. About ten minutes travel time by bus to her office." He glanced over. "It's a nice little Gingerbread style house. Barely enough room for her and the girls." He tapped a room. "I don't like where they're putting the library. It's got a lot of light, which is supposed to be bad for books."
 

"That's what curtains are for," Xander said as he walked up the stairs. He hauled Ron out of his chair and sat down, putting his feet up on the table, holding down the edge of the house plans with his heels. His cane was leaned against the arm of the chair. "I hate teaching fourth years."
 

"What was the topic today?" Ron asked, sitting on the couch on the other side of the baby. "Sex or money?"
 

"Money. Wish demons. I made the mistake of asking the kids what they would ask for, then I was going to give them the standard lecture afterwards about what they would have to pay in return. We never got to the lecture part. They argued most of the class about what a good wish was. Money, fame, easy women," he sighed. "They all got argued over. So of course this was the day that Dumbledore came in, and I got the funniest look, so I told him the topic and tried to stop it for the fourth time. Still no luck. I suggested Dumbledore stop it and try to give them the 'reason this is bad' lecture. Not even he could get it stopped. So they continue this argument down into Potions." Draco snorted. "Oh, yeah, so I got to hear about it from Snape too, so I explained it to him, about not even Dumbledore being able to stop that argument. They apparently continued it throughout Potions, even though he thought he had stopped it, and out into Hagrid's class. So now Hagrid's giving me funny looks. He thinks I assigned it as a paper or something. Which I might have to, just to give them the damn lecture about the cost of wishes." He moaned and rubbed his aching head. "And I have to go over this same lecture tomorrow with the other two houses."
 

Ron started to laugh. "Glad I don't get that one," he said happily.
 

"No, you get succubi," Xander reminded him. "So you have to tell them *exactly* what they do," he finished meanly, making Ron blush.
 

"Maybe I'll get George to give that lecture," Ron mumbled. Xander glared at him. "He'd know!"
 

"We've had enough trouble with that hussy, thank you," Xander told him. "The kids don't need to know about it too."
 

Draco shook his head. "I'm glad I don't teach traditional classes. Any word on when Potter's coming back?"
 

"Two weeks. The whole team is on vacation right now," Ron told him. "Got a postowl yesterday." He grimaced. "I want to do that this summer."
 

"George is taking me to Hershey, Pennsylvania," Xander said happily. "We can do the spa and the theme park."
 

"All that because of a candy bar?" Draco asked.
 

"Hershey makes a few candy bars," Xander told him. "The town is named after them, they built a theme park, and they have a spa where you can soak in hot cocoa."
 

"I'm sure you'll come back high and happy," Draco told him. He looked over as the door opened and Tara walked in with Maeve. "How are you two today?"
 

"Better," she told him. "No more diarrhea or fevers." She handed the baby over to Xander, who cuddled her tightly. "I heard about your fourth years. You all right?" Xander shook his head. "Want to take a nap? We can work out sitting arrangements for next week later."
 

He shook his head. "No, I can do that. Hopefully I won't have this problem again tomorrow with the other two houses. If they get it out of their systems tonight it'll help me a lot." He grimaced when he heard the bad noise in the diaper. "Maeve, was that you?" he asked her. She batted him on the face. "Guess it was." He heaved himself up and walked slowly over to the changing table they had down there, cleaning her quickly and efficiently. "There we are, all clean again." She did it again. "I thought you said this was cured," Xander complained.
 

"Madam Pomfrey gave her something for it and said she'd be fine in an hour," Tara said with a shrug. She sat down.
 

"Yay," Xander said dryly, going back to reclean the tiny baby butt. He paused before picking his daughter up, but she didn't do it again so he went back to his chair, shooing Tara out of it. He put his feet back up and settled his daughter on his lap. "Where's William?"
 

"With Grandpa," Ron reminded him. "The triplets and he all went to work with him today so Percy could drop off Tananda."
 

"Gee, his office must be a wreck by now," Tara noted. She smiled at the baby, who was falling asleep. "The magic touch happens again."
 

"Cool. We could both use a full night of sleep tonight." He yawned. "How long before we have to hire a nanny?" he asked.
 

"Next week," Draco told him. "Since I'm getting my inheritance, I'll have to do more work on my finances weekly, plus work with Ginny."
 

"We should ask the Headmaster to appoint a new day-nanny," Tara sighed. She hated the fact that she hadn't been able to fully cure Molly. Now they were going to be taking her job from her. "I know he's asked Poppy if she could fill in."
 

"I'd agree with that," Xander offered. "But it'd have to be temporary. She'll be giving lessons against next year because a few seventh years want to specialize as medical people." He rubbed his forehead. "What we need is another loving relative to show up and offer to do it full-time."
 

Ron cleared his throat. "Short of getting Percy to retire, it's not happening. Fred and George are too busy at the shop. Bill and Charlie are too far away. Mum's not getting my kids again until we're *sure* this time she's free of any taint." He gave Tara a smile. "Whatever you did worked for a few months, but I don't want to take that chance this time."
 

"Me either," Xander agreed. He glanced around. "It's quiet without Iggy being here. Wonder how he's doing in Amsterdam?"
 

"They probably love him lots," Tara assured him.
 

"Unless he's pissed off a librarian," Draco put in. "Squealing in joy and all that sort of noise."
 

Xander chuckled. "I'm sure he's doing okay. He loves his library time and knows better than to act up when he's visiting. I'm sure Bill gave him a long list of rules for proper conduct while at the library." Maeve wiggled so Xander picked her up and held her against his shoulder, patting her gently on the back. She continued to wiggle, trying to crawl up his chest. "Want to get down and crawl?" he asked her, putting her down beside him. She was pushing herself around, not quite crawling yet, and only able to move a few feet at a time. "Thankfully, we'll have all summer without this problem. Just another month and a half and we'll be okay."
 

"And no mystical star convergence," Ron said happily.
 

"We'll still have to watch and make sure," Xander corrected. "They might not care and try to do it anyway." The others looked at him. "No one said chaos people made sense," he pointed out. They nodded and bent down over the house plans, making suggestions for things like fixtures and paint colors. Ron's suggestion of lime green in the kitchen had Draco horrified and shoving him off the couch, making the others laugh. They were still laughing when George came in, sweaty and dusty looking. "Problems?" Xander asked his husband, holding up his arms for a hug.
 

"I cleaned out the closets in the living section today. Someone came by collecting clothing for the poor." He slid into his husband's lap, giving him a hug. "I left your old shirts alone, dear, just like I promised."
 

"Please get rid of them," Draco told him. "They're horrid and loud."
 

"They're my favorite shirts," Xander told him. "I brought them with me when I came over." He squeezed his husband's waist. "Thank you. Did we give them a lot?"
 

"All of the old robes you had down there." He patted himself down and pulled out a small book. "I found this in one of the robe's pockets." He handed over the mini New Testament. "I thought you weren't religious."
 

"I'm not, I took it to shut the person up and make them quit hounding me in the subway one day," Xander told him. He tossed it aside and went back to getting cuddles. "You've got to stop my fourth years, dear. They're horrible again."
 

"What did they do this time?" George asked, stealing a kiss. He felt something wet against his ankle and looked down, smiling at their daughter. "Hello, Maeve. How are we today?" She dirtied herself. "Oh, still having that problem." He got up and went to change her. "What happened, Xander?"
 

"They wouldn't let him get on with the Wish Demon stuff," Ron told him, turning to watch his technique. He couldn't change Maeve without her wiggling all over the table. He didn't know how her parents did it. "They got stuck on the subject of what an appropriate wish was for three classes. Now he has to give the lesson to the other two houses tomorrow."
 

"Oh, I'm sorry," George told him, bringing back the pretty little one. "How are we besides that nasty mess, beautiful one?" he asked his beloved daughter. She smiled at him and made happy baby noises, waving her fists and kicking her feet to emphasize her points. If he only understood what she had been saying about the woman watching from the corner..... He looked back at his husband. "Are we going to dinner tonight?"
 

"Only if you want to go stop the fourth years," Xander told him. "I asked the house elves to bring us up dinner so we wouldn't have to brave that noise tonight.
 

Ron stood up. "I'm heading down so I can watch a few of my kids. We went over werewolves today and I want to make sure none of them get the brilliant idea to go after Lupin this year." Xander nodded. "Bring you back anything?"
 

"No, but tell my fourth years that I'm making that a paper topic and that they're to examine the possible ramifications of making such a wish in detail. No length requirement," Xander said with a smile. Ron nodded and headed out. "Thanks, Ron," he called after him. He pulled George back into his lap. "How was your day besides long?"
 

"Just that. Not many kids in town today. This is the slow season so Fred spent the day in the lab. Oh, they moved the viewing rock again. We're back to tropical fish again."
 

"Cool. They're pretty and colorful. If you leave the first door open, you can sit at the register and watch them."
 

"I did, and I got lost in my head while I watched them," George told him. He looked over as the tv came on, frowning at Draco. "You and that game show."
 

Draco shrugged. "I'm easily amused right now," he defended. Supermarket Sweep came on with a burst of clapping and noise. "Muggles really are strange creatures. Think I can get one of those boxes at the new house?"
 

"I'm not sure when they're releasing them to the general public," Xander told him. "You'd have to check with the Ministry of Technology. It hasn't been too bad so far. Madam Sprout comes up once a week and watches Law and Order reruns. Dumbledore comes up and watches soaps every now and then." He looked over as the fire whooshed and discharged his father-in-law and most of the kids. The rest came with Ginny a few minutes later. "Hey, all," he said, waving. "Draco's discovered an addiction."
 

Arthur nodded. "I was wondering about that myself. What are those types of shows called?"
 

"Game shows. It's a half-hour contest to amass the most money or points and win. There's other contests that don't fall into this categoy, they're different and more physical usually," Draco explained.
 

"American Gladiators," Xander said happily.
 

"Hmmm," Draco agreed. He made room for Arthur and Ginny to sit next to him. "I thought about popping 'round earlier, but I decided to come back and finish making decisions on this mess." He waved a hand at the plans. "Peanuts," he said, frowning when the couple on the tv didn't get it. "That was easy!" he snorted. "Stupid muggles."
 

"Stupid American muggles," Xander pointed out with a smile.
 

"Yes, any British muggle would have gotten that," Draco agreed.
 

Arthur rolled his eyes. Draco was so transparent some times. "The children were wonderful all day. Only tore down my desk once or twice." Ginny snorted. "Or possibly three times," he admitted. "My assistant took them out to lunch with me, that's where we ran into Ginny and her two."
 

"So Anastasia earned some money babysitting today," Ginny finished.
 

"Eggplant," Draco muttered, ignoring them.
 

"We found the cutest t-shirt today for Vinnie," Ginny continued, after glaring at her semi-boyfriend. "I put it into the diaper bag." Draco continued to answer the questions beside her so she finally looked at him. "Draco, if you get one of those, you're leaving it in the living room," she told him. "Or I'm never sleeping with you again."
 

He looked at her, a hurt look on his face. "Where else would I put it? If I put it in the den, I'd never get anything done."
 

"Some people have them in their bedrooms," George told him. "Xander told me about that."
 

"Why?" Draco asked.
 

"Because they want to relax and have the noise before they go to sleep, or to watch the news and stuff like that," Xander told him.
 

"Or porn," George added.
 

Draco shook his head. He didn't understand some muggles. "American muggles or British ones?"
 

"Both," Xander told him.
 

"Oh." He looked at Ginny. "You'll make sure I don't do that?" She nodded, giving him her resolute look. "Thank you." He kissed her on the cheek and went back to watching his game show.
 

Ginny rolled her eyes. But she was smiling. "We saw Percy today. They're cutting his staff again."
 

"Is he going to have to retire?" George asked. "I doubt the stress of that will help him any."
 

"He doesn't need that many people," his father explained. "He only needs three staff researchers, most everyone else comes in and does their own these days." He smiled at Xander. "I've talked with the Minister over Technology and he said that you've done wonderful as a test subject. They're going to release those boxes to more wizards this summer."
 

"YES!" Draco shouted, jumping up and down.
 

Ginny patted his leg. "It's good that the team you wanted won, dear."
 

He beamed at her. "They're good at this stuff. Now all they have to do is get the five thousand dollars." He turned back to his viewing pleasure.
 

Xander hid his snickers in his husband's neck. "Why were you at the Ministry today, Draco?"
 

"I had to argue with someone over my inheritance. They decided that I should lose it because the old house blew up."
 

"Oh, really?" Ginny asked. "Did you beat them up?"
 

"No, they found an out." He smiled at her. "Surely you aren't after me for the money," he said with mock-outrage. "I thought you were different, Ginny Weasley."
 

She shoved him into her father. "I am different, you big dork. I could care less about your money, but you being poor would mean I'd have to put up with a miserable you for *years*."
 

He smiled. "Good to know you'd support me." She smacked him hard. "Ow! Wench!"
 

"If you married her, she'd probably calm down," Arthur teased.
 

Draco spluttered. "At this late of a date? I bloody well doubt it. She's too old to change that much."
 

"I can hit you again," Ginny reminded him.
 

"Children," Xander said, pointing at the kids watching them. "Remember, they're watching you two to see how normal couples act."
 

Draco looked down at the kids. "Don't become like us, find real happiness that lasts more than a few moments at a time."
 

Ginny sighed. "I'm perfectly happy," she reminded him. "You're the miserable one."
 

"That's because I'm going to have to become the vision of what a Malfoy is again," he told her. "Getting my inheritance means that I'll have to take up my last name and set an example to all of society."
 

"I doubt they're going to be looking at you for social cues," Arthur said as diplomatically as he could. "You're a bit too young to be the social trend-setter."
 

Draco shrugged. "Good. I hope I never have to do that. My grandmother was one of those and it irked her to no end that she had to watch everything she did in public and at home." He shifted, putting an arm around Ginny's shoulders. "Did you know I now had three houses, including the one going up?" She shook her head. "My grandfather had a house built for his mistress. He left it directly to me since my father was such an asexual bastard."
 

"Language," George chastised. "You don't want another Simone-like child, especially not if one of them will end up calling the current Minister of Magic a bitch."
 

Arthur chuckled. "I remember that day very well. Minister Asdar had the most shocked look on his face when she called him that. And then she smiled at him afterwards. I thought Molly was going to have a heart attack." He looked at Xander. "Though I believe that was your contribution to her vocabulary."
 

"That and whorehouse," Xander agreed. "How is she?"
 

"Doing well," he said with a smile. "They've cleared her completely and now she's getting some help dealing with what she did while she was possessed. They said the family can visit her next weekend and that she could probably come home a few days after that."
 

"Excellent news," George told him. "Are we going as a group or individual families?"
 

"I thought a large group. It'd be easier if everyone had some support when they went. Percy will need someone to lean on. I've already called Charlie. I couldn't find Bill."
 

Xander frowned. "Really? I talked to him last week. He was at home."
 

"I got a letter saying he was going on a special assignment," Arthur said with a shrug. "He might not have floo access. Something about a special tomb with a body in it still."
 

"A mummy?" Ginny asked.
 

"No, a sleeping witch. That's all he said about it so far. I'm sure we'll be hearing about it afterwards."
 

Xander nodded. "Anything like that usually does make it into the Prophet and the international press." He smiled as a house elf carried in a large tray, letting go of his mate so he could take it from the little guy. "Thank you."
 

"Yous need more?" it asked, looking at the extra people.
 

"No, thank you. The we fed the children before they came back and ate with them," Arthur told him.
 

"Okay. Me bring snacks later." It hurried away.
 

Xander smiled at Arthur. "What did you feed our kids?"
 

"Pizza. They seemed to love it."
 

"Them and Xander both," George said as he sat the table for dinner. "Draco, turn off the tv and come eat. You guys can join us for drinks at least." The kids were put into the playpen and the adults gathered around the tables. "Are we expecting anything else tonight?" he asked as he passed the potatoes to his husband.
 

Draco raised his hand since he was drinking. "One of the lawyers over my inheritance is coming over with some things for me. I don't know when."
 

"Good," Xander told him. "We can give you some privacy if you want."
 

Draco shrugged. "I make no secret of my net worth. I have three vaults at Gringotts, plus my mother's which I haven't been to in years. I now have three houses apparently. Plus, I have to make paint and other decisions and could use someone with good taste to help me." Xander opened his mouth. "Not you."
 

Xander grinned at him. "I wasn't going to suggest anything bad. Just tapestries and thick curtains. You and sunlight don't really get along first thing in the morning."
 

Draco nodded. "I can do that. It would be a help."
 

"Keeps out the drafts," Arthur agreed.
 

"I'm having special windows put in. No drafts," Draco told him. "They're made to keep out drafts and not let the heat out. They came from America." He looked at Xander for a reaction.
 

Xander shrugged. "I was putting those in back when I was a carpenter. They're standard issue over there." He ate a bite of pot pie. "Umm," he said, spitting out a piece of something. "Peas." He picked out all the peas and took another bite, nodding happily. "Did you get the skylight put in okay?"
 

"Very much. The fan in it was working when they tested it." He ate a small bite of the flaky crust. "Why don't you like peas?"
 

"Because they taste nasty," Xander told him.
 

"He has as much distaste for most vegetables as you do for the sun in the morning." George smiled at him. "Plus, he whines about his breath later when he eats them." He ate a bite and exchanged plates with Xander. "I took your beef one," he explained. He looked around the table. "What else is new?"
 

"I have something that I'm curious about," Tara put in. "Willow once gave me a key to hold onto and never took it back. She said it was ours, but not *ours* because we were broken up then."
 

Xander shrugged. "Not a clue. By the time you guys broke up, Willow and I weren't that close."
 

"If I get it, can you tell me what it is?" she asked. Xander nodded so she went to dig it out of her jewelry box. When she came back, most of the food was gone. "That was fast."
 

"The vacuum known as Melvin came through," Xander told her. He took the small gold key and looked it over. "It's a Gringott's key," he said finally. "Number 1158." He shrugged and handed it back, but she waved it off. "You're sure she said it was mine?"
 

"She said it was yours," Tara told him again. "She said she was keeping it for you because you were horrible with it." She put a hand over her mouth. "Oh, I bet it's the rest of the reward money."
 

George tossed his napkin onto the table. "She kept it from him?" Tara shrugged. "But it was his!"
 

"It was all of ours," Xander corrected gently. "It doesn't matter, George."
 

"It does. There were plenty of times when you could have used that money! Like when Iggy got really sick when he was four."
 

Tara looked helpless. "I didn't know, Xander. She said she was keeping it for you, she never told me what it was."
 

"It's okay," Xander assured her. "I'll write her tomorrow and make sure that's what it is." He smiled at her, then turned it on George, who was fuming next to him. "We're talking about Willow," he said quietly. "She probably thought she was doing the best for us."
 

George grimaced. "She always did try things like that. Most of that reward money was for you, Xander. Only ten percent of that was for them." He looked at Tara. "I don't blame you, sweetie, I firmly blame Willow and her oddities."
 

Arthur coughed. "George, what's done is done. You managed that emergency and paid the shop back for the money you borrowed."
 

"Still."
 

"No, it's fine." Xander gave him a kiss on the cheek. "I'm not upset about this. Willow never gave me my share anyway. And we have a lot more than what's left in the bank probably. We'll consolidate the vaults and it'll be okay." Xander looked at Tara. "Did you want half of what was left?" She shook her head. "You're sure? You could probably use it to take a wonderful vacation or something."
 

George calmed down. Xander was right, they had a lot in the bank thanks to the settlement with the Prophet. They had a vault full of money because of that settlement and both of their paychecks. They didn't need the extra. "Honey, take it," he told Tara. "You deserve it for lasting this long. Think of it as a bonus for staying here for eleven years."
 

She smiled. "I'll take a third," she agreed, giving into their pressure. She could stash it away. "How much do you guys still have from the settlement?"
 

"Three hip-high piles that are about a foot across," Xander told her.
 

George looked at him. "When did we spend so much?"
 

"Vacations? School supplies? Iggy's book allowance?" Xander suggested. George nodded. "We could probably count it or have it counted or something. There's more than enough in there to live off of for at least three years," Xander told him. "Even if we both lost our jobs tomorrow, we'd be okay for three years."
 

George nodded. "Good. But I thought we had more."
 

"It goes fast," Arthur reminded him.
 

"I remember living on his paycheck," George said with a grimace. "It was very difficult."
 

"But we were happy then too," Xander reminded him, sounding hopeful.
 

"Yes, we were," George agreed, giving him a smile. "It was tight but we were good most of the time."
 

"Yeah, and thirty galleons doesn't go far when you're supporting you and Fred, plus the shop," Xander said with a grin.
 

George snorted. "I remember quite well. Does Fred still owe you lunches?"
 

Xander nodded. "I never kept track. He'll end up making me lunch some day."
 

An owl came in through an open window, landing on Xander's shoulder. It held out the paper it was carrying, hooting gently for some attention once it was taken. It got some food and took off again, going back to it's handler's tender mercies.
 

Xander opened the special edition of the Prophet. "Gee, wasn't Bill in Egypt?" Xander asked, turning it around to show the headline, "Woken Witch Destroys Cairo Mall."
 

Arthur snatched the paper to read. "It doesn't mention Bill anywhere," he said in relief.
 

"I think one of us should go check anyway," Ginny said quietly. Xander nodded and stood up. "Let Dad do it, Xander."
 

"Honey, he'll rip someone a new one. Do you want to come?" She nodded and wiped her mouth off, heading after him. They flooed to Bill's apartment and ran into the goblins packing things up. "Hold it," he demanded. "Where is my brother-in-law?"
 

"And why are you packing?"
 

"He's being transferred back," one goblin told him. "Main office said so." He shoved Ginny aside, going to pack up the books on the bookcase behind her.
 

Xander picked the goblin up and looked at the little creature. "Where is Bill Weasley and what sort of trouble is he in?" he asked patiently. The goblin raised a wand and Xander smiled coldly at him. "I'm not in the mood to pick on you, but I will not let him be hurt further. Where is he and what condition is he in?"
 

"His leg's broken in sixteen places," the goblin told him. "Being transferred back tonight." He was put down. "You are a rude human."
 

"Yay. You're not telling us about our family," Xander told it. "Where I come from, that's usually something that pisses us off."
 

The goblin looked over as the door opened and a human walked in. "He's getting in on our way."
 

"Bill's my brother," Ginny told the human. "We only want to know where he is and how he's doing. We just heard through the Prophet."
 

The human smiled. "I understand," he said, smiling at them. "Are you two married?"
 

"No, I'm her brother-in-law," Xander told him. He knew better than to say he was gay in an Islamic country. He would end up in prison very quickly. "Where is he?"
 

"He's in the local wizards hospital." He led them over to a couch and sat next to Ginny. "The local police are not happy with him, but he did stop her from killing many muggles. We're evacuating him for his own good so he can't be hurt by the locals. They prosecuted a witch last year most harshly because of what she was." Xander nodded, he'd heard about things like that. "So we are sending him back to the main bank in France."
 

"England," Ginny told him. The man looked at her. "Most of his family is in England. None of us are in France."
 

"But the main bank wants him there," he told her.
 

"Then we'll take him home and watch him ourselves," Xander told him.
 

She put a hand on his knee. "I know you hate hospitals, Xander, but they won't hurt him. No one would go against a goblin's wishes." Xander frowned at her. "He'll be okay in a hospital." She looked at that man. "We just want him in a closer one."
 

He shrugged. "I will see what I can do." He stood up. "Now, we are taking his things and sending them back to his family home." Ginny nodded, looking up at him. "We thought it safer for him."
 

"What about his job?" Xander asked.
 

"That is up to the higher ups to decide," he told them. "I do not know. He was not the one who woke her, but she was in his care. They will not make a decision until he is healed."
 

Xander stood up. "Can we at least see him? We kept his father from coming so he wouldn't rip someone apart." He looked at the goblin he had 'talked' to, then back at the human. "His father is very worried."
 

"I can take his sister," the man offered. "They are very strict about family going." He looked Ginny over. "You'll have to cover your head and change out of your robe." She waved her wand, changing her robe into something more native to the area, then pulled a scarf out and covered her head. "We will be back if you wanted to stay and supervise." Xander shrugged and sat down, giving him a long, steady look. "I will protect her."
 

"Good," Xander told him. "Otherwise Mr. Malfoy will have to come save his fiancé." Ginny smiled at him before they left. Xander got up and went to call home and tell them what was going on.
 

***
 

Ginny leaned down and kissed Bill's cheek. "Happy drugs?" she asked.
 

He snorted. "Not enough. Why're you here?"
 

"The paper said something happened and we knew you were in the middle of it," she told him, sitting on the side of his bed. "Did you want to come closer to home or go to France?"
 

"I'd rather recuperate at home," he told her. "Gringott's main people want me in France though. It's possible they're going to fire me if I don't follow orders."
 

Ginny shook her head. "Not even close. They can't do that by employment laws." She picked up his hand to hold. "Are you okay? Besides the leg thing?" He shrugged and picked at the blanket. "Lost someone close?" He nodded. "I'm sorry, Bill." She gave him a hug. "The goblins are packing up your things right now."
 

"I'm being rushed out for my own good," he agreed. He looked at her, seeing that she understood. "It's not easy. I won't be able to go to her funeral."
 

She squeezed his hand. "I'm sorry. Maybe someday you can come back and visit her." She watched as a nurse walked through the ward. "Did you want to come home with us? Mum's still in the hospital but you could come to my place or Xander's."
 

He grimaced. "He'll fuss."
 

She laughed. "You have no idea!" she told him. "When Tara was pregnant for him, he fussed over her so much she took up with Snape."
 

"Snape?" he squeaked. She nodded. "Wow. Has he lightened up?"
 

"Not yet." One of the nurses walked toward him. "What sort of care will he need when he's transferred?"
 

"Are you his wife?"
 

"He's unmarried, I'm his sister. Our mother's in a hospital herself."
 

"Oh." The nurse nodded. "He will need someone to do things for him and to watch his cast and leg." Ginny nodded. "Are you a qualified nurse?"
 

"No, but I'm a champion fusser," Ginny told her. "The whole family is going to help." She hugged her brother and stood up. "I'll be back tomorrow if you're still here."
 

"I'm surprised they let you come alone," Bill told her.
 

"Xander's waiting back at your place. They'd only bring me." She gave him a smile. "You behave and I'll force them to send you back to us instead of to France." He gave her a weak smile. "You rest. Remember, we're going to make you babysit all the kids." He laughed, which made her feel happier. "Okay, I'm going," she announced. She leaned down and gave him another hug. "Now I'm going." She followed the nurse back to the waiting area and nodded at the man who had brought her to follow. "He's coming home," she said as they got into the car. "He doesn't want to go to France and be surrounded by people he doesn't know." She waited until the car had left the hospital to look at him. "Why does Gringotts want him in France? Their main office is still in London."
 

"They wanted him in France for his own good," he said. He pulled out onto the interstate, heading for Bill's apartment. "What is that other man to you?"
 

"Xander's my brother-in-law, and Bill's. Bill is my brother, and there's seven of us who will come down and help with him. You can tell them I said so," she said in her nicest tone of voice. "Or else, I could apparate him to my house. Either way is good for us." She noticed they passed the exit they had come out of on the way up. "Weren't we supposed to go there?"
 

"Your friend is now at your brother's office." He took the next exit and swung into the lane holding some skyscrapers. "We will be there soon." He was silent as he drove. "You love your brother very much?"
 

"Very, very much. We're a tight family. We'd kill over each other if it came to it. Just ask Xander." This guy was creeping her out. As soon as they stopped, she got out and headed for the elevator. "Which floor?" she asked, taking the position to control the buttons.
 

"Six. It will take us down to his floor." She pushed it and he waited. There was a blond man standing there waiting on them. "Who is this?"
 

Draco shook his hand. "Her fiancé." He led her to the office where Xander was removing boxes back to the tower. "We're almost done?" he asked. Xander nodded, looking at the man behind him. "Good news, dear, your brother's coming home with us. You'll have him at your place for the most part, but Percy has demanded equal time." He gave her a squeeze. "Don't forget the pictures," he told the goblins helping them.
 

An especially well-dressed goblin walked in and nodded at Draco. "Everything is set up." He glanced at Xander, who was staring at him. "He will be going back with you tonight. Will you be teleporting him, Professor Harris?" Xander nodded. "That would be fine. Be careful of his leg. My bosses want him back eventually."
 

Xander smiled at him. "Of course. I adore Bill. I named my youngest son after him."
 

"George named him," Ginny reminded him. "He got tired of you calling him it."
 

"Naming the kids are hard for us," Xander shot back. With a wave of his wand, the office was totally clear, even the drawers. "Okay. We're good. If I took anything I shouldn't of, he'll send it back." He straightened out his robe. "Can we go get him now?"
 

"Of course." The goblin nodded at Draco. "Your vaults will be open for you tomorrow, Mr. Malfoy." He led Xander out. "As for your problem, I've alerted our people in London about the situation, but they said that Ms. Rosenberg will have to come down herself and hand over the key in front of us. They'll have the paperwork ready tomorrow if it's convenient for you?"
 

"Tomorrow afternoon is great for me," Xander agreed. "She'll be there, even if I have to drag her down. Is there anyway to get an accounting of what's in our old vault?"
 

"Not without some time. We don't usually keep track of the amount that's in there." He led Xander through a doorway and out into the ward at the hospital.
 

"That is a neat trick," Xander told him. "I can't get some of my portal spells to work right." He smiled at Bill, patting the cast gently. "Itching yet?" he teased.
 

"Hell yeah," he said with a smile. "Springing me?"
 

"Yup, to our tower and then to Ginny's house." He accepted the list of care instructions, looking them over. "No pins?"
 

"We're holding them together with magic ones," the nurse told him, smiling at him. "Have you had a cast before?"
 

"Three different times, muggle ones, all on my arm." He helped Bill to his feet, handing him his crutches. "Can't forget those," he told him. "And away we go." He held tightly and disappeared, heading home. Bill started to retch in his arms as they landed, but Arthur was waiting on them with a hand and a bowl. "Ginny and Draco?"
 

"Went to her house to prepare a bed," Fred said from Xander's chair. He let Bill have it as soon as he had stopped throwing up. "It does it to me too," he assured him.
 

Xander moved out of the way as the fire whooshed, letting Percy move past him. "Hey, the gang's all here, but Charlie," he said happily. "We need food." He watched as Ron waved his wand and created some little pastries filled with fruit and meats. "How do you do that?"
 

"You gave me the book," Ron snorted. "Never looked at it?"
 

Xander shook his head. "Not really. I'll do that later. Tara, honey, can you yell at Willow and tell her I'll meet her at Gringotts tomorrow at three?" Tara nodded and headed over to call her ex. "Ron, kids?"
 

"Coming," Ron told him. "Dumbledore went for them since Iggy disappeared after being home for all of five minutes."
 

"He was called to the gryphon colony," George said. Xander raised an eyebrow. "Bill wanted to know what he had found." His mate nodded and settled in to let the happy family move around him. "Everyone, sit, you're loud," he complained. "There're kids sleeping."
 

Bill smiled at him. "Gee, thanks."
 

"You'll be here for at least a month," Xander told him. "We can always come hug you then."
 

Bill laughed. "Glad to see you haven't changed, Xander." Four blurs ran in and ran into him, hugging him hard. "Hey, easy! I had a mall fall on me," he laughed.
 

Draco and Ginny came out of the fireplace. "All set," he announced. He nudged Xander. "Thank you," he said quietly.
 

Ginny nodded. "He was creepy and nasty."
 

"That's because he was from the Unmentionables department," Bill told her. "They're all like that down there."
 

"They were going to make you disappear?" Arthur asked. Bill nodded. "Then I'm happy to see Xander get pushy."
 

"I only picked up a goblin and demanded information," Xander told him from his position on the couch. "They called their boss, who was really nice. He was even nicer than some people in Diagon sometimes."
 

"Yeah, the local boss was nice," Bill agreed. "I used to wonder if he wasn't fully a goblin. Told him that one time and he glared at me for weeks. Eventually he laughed at me one day and said it was the fault of us humans. He worked too long with us." He looked Xander over. "What happened to your leg now?"
 

"That's from the time it was burned," George told him.
 

"Couldn't get it fixed totally?"
 

"It's as fixed as it will ever be," Xander told him. Bill nodded slowly. "I'm okay. I can walk a few steps without the cane. It's good enough for me." Bill grinned at him, and it was a knowing smile. "We're going to Gringotts tomorrow if you needed me to deliver something."
 

"I put everything in the lab," George told him. "You can sort through it tomorrow by viewing portal." Bill looked at him. "We just packed everything and sent it here," he explained.
 

"Including your office," Xander put in. "I did that myself. The goblins did most of your apartment. I'm assuming they'll send anything furniture like."
 

Bill nodded. "Thanks, guys." He patted Melvin on the back of the head. "You haven't even seen your father yet." Melvin waved a hand in the air, making everyone laugh. "I'm okay, guys. Really. Just a bit battered."
 

"Battered?" Xander asked. Bill gave him a 'help me' look. "Guys, he's less injured than I was earlier this year." The kids let him go and went to say hi to their parents, but slowly eased back over to be near their Uncle - who told some incredible stories when asked. .
 

Iggy looked over at his father. "Two of the books you wanted me to look up were checked out already. The others were dusty, old, and mostly in Ancient Gryphon. I made copies of the pages with the phrases I was supposed to look out for, according to Big Bill, and sent them back to him. I found three books I want to buy some day, and the librarian said to tell you that I can't be one of us naturally because I'm too quiet." He grinned. "So I explained that you had gotten all the loudness and jumpiness, hence I would be passing it onto my own kids. She agreed it was probably likely."
 

"That's okay, son, we'll still love you, even when you scream at them," George told him.
 

Xander nodded. "We'll go behind your back and corrupt them into proper born."
 

Iggy groaned. "Please don't do that," he whined.
 

Denver patted him on the back. "Don't worry, we'll corrupt them in other ways," he assured him with a smile. "They'll become little Malfoys if we have our way." His sister nodded, but his father looked over at him. "What? They're cousins!"
 

"Son, they'll always be Harrises," Draco told him.
 

"Yeah, they'll never be blond without dying their hair really often," Xander put in. Draco tossed a pen at his head. "I was looking for that earlier, it's my grading pen." He glared at his 'son'. "You can afford to buy your own."
 

Tara smiled. "If he looked in his old school trunk, he could probably find a few that he never got around to using back then."
 

Draco stuck his tongue out at her. "I'll have you know I had decent grades when I was in school." He went back to his house plans. "You'd think with magic all this would go faster," he complained.
 

"Then you'd have to pick out colors and paints sooner," Xander pointed out. Draco glared at him. "If you could have magicked it up in a weekend, you would have had to have all that done before you even got started."
 

"Yes, but I'd have been done by now," Draco said, leaning back on the couch. He turned on the tv. "I give up for the night," he announced.
 

"Then put the plans back together and get them out of the way," George told him, noticing the door opening. He helped clear off the coffeetable, letting Ginny settle the food the house elf had brought into a pleasing array. "Thank you," George told it. The house elf bowed and smiled before leaving quickly.
 

"You thank the elves a lot," Draco noted.
 

"It's only fair, they do a lot of work and we're making extra for them," Xander pointed out.
 

"Yes, but they *enjoy* doing that stuff," Draco told him.
 

Xander shrugged. "I'd do it for a human servant who liked to clean too. Besides, if you're nice to creatures then they'll often help you at the worst of times."
 

Ron nodded. "Yeah. I had one help me out of the castle in my fifth year so I could go help Harry."
 

"Speaking of Harry," Bill put in. "Where is he?"
 

"The whole team decided they needed a few days off," Ron told him. "They're all in the South of France until next week."
 

"Wow. Team bonus?" Ron shrugged. "I'd like to get perks like that," he said wistfully, then glared at his leg. "Anyone know how to make this quit itching?"
 

Xander got up and got something, handing over the vial. He watched as his brother-in-law drank it and promptly passed out. "Guess it quit itching," he said with a shrug as the rest of the family laughed. "Hey, I know itching, it won't quit." He stole a bite of cheese and bread, then flopped into his husband's lap. "Want to go to the bank with me tomorrow? With the qualifier that you can't yell at Willow?"
 

George frowned at him. "I deserve the right to yell. She knew Iggy was sick that time."
 

"What now?" Iggy asked. "Since I'm supposedly sick again?"
 

"When you were four," Xander told him. "We found out your Auntie Willow had some money of mine."
 

"Oh." He nodded. "Don't yell, dad, that was six years ago. She probably didn't even know." His father George nodded. "Yeah, but this is Auntie Willow we're talking about. If it relates to money, she'll never go for it."
 

Tara snorted. "She used to spend some money, Iggy. Way back when we were all Americans." He grinned at her. "She used to shop with Aunt Buffy all the time, every weekend almost."
 

"So that's why Willow never spent money," Ron muttered. "Buffy can make anyone swear off shopping forever." He looked at Xander. "Can you go with me this weekend? Wesley said I had to pack the house sometime." Xander pulled him closer, giving him a hug. "Thanks," Ron said against his stomach. "I really don't want to face the house alone."
 

"Not a problem," George assured him. "We'll both help." He patted his brother's head. "Now get off my husband, little brother, before I use you as a tester again." Ron slid back into his own seat.
 

"I can help too," Tara told him. "I'm not doing anything this weekend."
 

Xander grinned at her, and it was an evil grin. "Anyone disagree with Bill babysitting until he goes back to work?" he asked. No one raised a hand. "Then I hereby do appoint him head babysitter for the next few weeks." Tara laughed. "You don't agree?"
 

"No, I think he'll be a great sitter," she told him. "But six toddlers with a cast on his leg?"
 

"Six?" Draco asked.
 

"Isn't Lucien going too?" she asked him.
 

He shrugged. "I was going to search for a nanny." George reached over and swatted the back of his head. "Watch the hair!" he complained. "Just for that, I should make you watch Lucien tomorrow."
 

"I can do that," Xander offered. "The kids liked him last time." He looked at Tara. "I can watch Maeve too, give Bill a chance to grow into the babysitter role." She gave him a hug.
 

"As long as you don't teach my son to deal with frightful creatures until he's older," Draco told him. "Then you may watch him for a few days."
 

"I can do that," Xander agreed. "They usually nap during the frightening creatures lectures." He looked at Ron. "Did my kids give you any problems?"
 

Ron shook his head. "I asked Dumbledore to announce it, and he added the note that they should have stopped that discussion earlier to avoid the paper." He grinned. "Hagrid and Snape both agreed with him, then gave each other dirty looks."
 

Xander snorted. "Those two are so cute when they have to work together. Just last week Snape had to have Hagrid help him get some stuff from one of the magical creatures the classes are studying. Apparently he deals better with the dead parts than the living whole."
 

George snorted. "I actually can't see Snape going anywhere near a unicorn or most magical creatures."
 

"He's never pretended to be an animal person," Iggy defended. "He's a potions master, he's supposed to deal with parts and bodily fluids." He grinned. "I found a neat spell for you, daddy. It was even in a human book." George looked interested and Fred looked over from his seat too. "But I want a raise in exchange for it."
 

Xander laughed. "Good one, son. That's almost as good as me asking for a raise the night I got out of the hospital."
 

George patted him on the butt. "You got that one, dear."
 

"Yeah, but I haven't had one in years."
 

"Yes, and neither has our son."
 

"Yes, but if you give him more, you'll never get his room clear of books," Percy pointed out with a fond smile for his favorite nephew. So very much like him.
 

"I might use it to buy other things," Iggy offered. "Treats, pastries...." He trailed off as Ron created one and handed it over. "How did you do that!" he shrieked. "No fair! You were supposed to be the cool Uncle."
 

Ron snickered. "I am, but you have to know what to ask me to teach you."
 

"Teach me that," Iggy told him.
 

"This weekend, if you're good," Ron agreed. Iggy pouted. "And I do mean good," he reiterated.
 

Iggy sighed and settled down. "I'll be good this week, Uncle Ron."
 

Xander smiled. "Good one," he congratulated. "Want to try that one on the mouth monster?"
 

"What did Simone do this time?" Ginny asked. The flurry of owls she had gotten in the girl's first week had given her nightmares.
 

"Professor Flitwick was trying to give Melvin some help with his control problems and accidentally knocked him onto the floor, mostly to save him from the phoenix chick coming over to help by biting him. So she called him every name in the book," Iggy told her, sounding proud. His cousin's extensive vocabulary was partially his doing.
 

"Flitwick calmly explained that he was saving Melvin from some pain, so she apologized very nicely," Xander added. "And accepted her detentions graciously. Everyone's gotten used to her mouthiness," he told Ginny.
 

"Except Snape," Iggy put in. "He got her the other day for swearing at her cauldron when it wouldn't boil no matter what she did."
 

"At least he stopped taking house points off for her," George said kindly.
 

"He *stopped* taking house points off her?" Percy asked. Snape hatted their whole family, except Iggy.
 

"He got tired of writing out the forms," Xander told him. "The day that he had twenty of them from the family alone got to him."
 

Draco looked at Iggy. "Your house will never win the House Cup if you four keep it up," he warned. "That will look dreadful to anyone who cares about such matters. Like employers."
 

Iggy shrugged. "It's not me. Yell at your daughter."
 

"You help control her," Ginny pointed out. "Only you and Denver can stop this problem, Iggy."
 

"Teach her how to swear in other languages," Percy suggested. He smiled at the shocked looks. "Surely they can't take off points for something they didn't understand, and it would reinforce Ignatius' learning when he starts to work on other languages."
 

"He can't teach them gryphon," Xander reminded him.
 

"We know Simone is a born," George said gently. Draco groaned. "We still haven't found out which side it's on." Xander pointed at Draco, who wasn't looking at them. "You're sure?" Xander nodded. "Wow. When?"
 

"Way back when. Farther back than in my family." He poked Draco on the back of the head. "Did you want to see that research?"
 

"No."
 

"Are you sure?" Percy asked. He had that information locked in his archives.
 

"Yes." Draco looked over at him. "I don't want to know. I'm happy with my life the way it is, I don't need to figure out which side it's on. She can live without it."
 

"She's already part of my acknowledged flock so that gets her around most everything," Xander told him. Draco shrugged. "It would entitle her to a lot, like library privileges and following in your footsteps with the gryphon magic translation."
 

Draco shrugged again. "As long as she's happy, I could care less." He went back to the tv, changing channels. He hated Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy. He found a movie he had been watching the other day and left it there. He had missed most of this while changing his son.
 

***
 

Xander, George, Tara, and Maeve met Willow in front of Gringott's a few minutes before three the next day. Tara and Willow both squealed and hugged hard, and the baby on Willow's back waved and squealed at the baby on George's chest. "Happy babies," Xander noted, patting Amelia on the head. "You've grown," he told her.
 

She pulled his hand down and bit into it hard, smiling at him.
 

"Ow, teething," George said with a sympathy wince. He had scars from Iggy and Denver trying to eat him. He shook Willow's hand, but kept his opinion to himself. "Are we ready?"
 

"Sure," Willow said, taking Xander's arm to walk him inside. "Rosenberg and Harris to see a district manager," she announced at the reception desk. Tara handed her the gold key she had kept. "Thanks, sweetie." They were shown into a small office and Willow shook the goblin's hand. "Thank you for handling this for us."
 

The goblin looked at Xander. "It was brought to our attention most quickly that this account had a problem," he said grunted in what had to have been his most droll voice.
 

Willow looked at Xander. "You scare goblins?"
 

Xander shook his head. "I had to help fix a few last night over Bill. The district manager in Cairo is a great goblin, very helpful in everything that had to be done last night." He smiled at the goblin in front of them. "Tell the one I picked up and interrogated that I'm sorry. I was a bit stressed."
 

"It is like that with your species," the goblin pointed out. He handed Willow some paperwork. "Fill that out and sign it."
 

She read it over. "I didn't steal it," she snorted.
 

"Technically," George told her. "You did." She frowned at him. "Didn't someone tell you sometime that most of that was Xander's?"
 

She sighed. "Fine. But I was keeping him from wasting it all."
 

"Spending it to help our son when he was sick would have been wasting it?" George asked, trying to stay calm. Xander put a hand on his arm and gave him a loving look. "I'm sorry, but you knew we needed it then."
 

"By then I had forgotten about it," Willow told them. Tara gave her a look but she ignored it and signed the forms. "There." She handed the little gold key to Xander. "All yours." She watched as Xander signed the forms where the goblin pointed, then followed the district manager out into the main bank.
 

"You'll have to go down and examine the contents with them," the goblin told her.
 

"But the babies can't go," she complained. "It'd make them sick."
 

"I can watch them," Tara told her. Both kids were handed to her and she took them out to sit on the stairs in the sun. This bank gave her the creeps. There wasn't any sunlight.
 

Willow climbed into the rail cart with the couple, keeping hold of her emotions as they traveled far beneath the bank and London. They stopped in front of a small vault door, the goblin getting out and taking the key to open it. She watched as the couple walked inside, but only glanced inside herself. She hadn't realized the pile was so big. Must have been interest. She went back to the cart and sat quietly while the couple talked.
 

Xander walked out first, smiling at the goblin. "Can you please have this put into our other vault?" The goblin nodded. "Thank you. That way it'll be free for someone else to use."
 

George smiled as he walked out. "More than enough to put aside for Iggy's college needs," he agreed. "Xander, I was wondering, how long has it been since you got a paybag?"
 

Xander thought back, then shrugged. "I thought Dumbledore was putting them into our vault," he admitted. He climbed into the cart and smiled at Willow, snuggling up to his honey for the trip back.
 

George glared at Willow as he climbed in, not at all happy with her. It would take a long, hard rant for him to be happy with her again. He looked over at his husband as they traveled to their other vault, a planned stop so he could try to find a book he had been craving. "Do you think Iggy's going to apply next year for summer classes at the Braun Institute?" Xander looked clueless. "It's the best potion's college in the world and they've got a summer class system for students who haven't graduated yet. I heard Snape went there starting his second year."
 

"Maybe. I'd like to hear more about it. Iggy's already promised Big Bill that he'll go to them for some training this summer. Plus, he's offered to help Percy next summer and the summer after too."
 

George nodded. "All right. We'll talk to Snape about it?"
 

Xander nodded, looking happy. "I think he'd love that. He's very happy with Iggy's progress, with the exception of that deaging spell."
 

"Deaging spell?" Willow asked quietly.
 

"Our son wanted to stop puberty so he found a spell to retard growth," Xander told her. The goblin chuckled evilly. "Yeah, he deaged back to five and started singing about not having a dick anymore," he agreed, smiling at the goblin as they got out to look inside their vault. "Honey, maybe the paychecks are being put in here."
 

"I put in some the other day," George told him. "From the yearly profits." He got out and glanced inside. "No, that's about the right amount." He climbed back into the cart and accepted the small bag that Xander filled. "Want me to talk to Albus tonight?"
 

"Yeah, please," Xander agreed as he climbed back into the cart. The vault door was shut and they went off, heading back up to the main bank to finish the paperwork on the transfer of the money.
 

***
 

Xander tapped on Snape's door, waving him out into the hallway. It was the last class and they were almost done. "Can we talk to you tonight? George mentioned a potion's institute and I wanted your opinion on getting Iggy in there."
 

"Braun?" he asked, sounding pleased. Xander nodded. "He's too young. They won't take anyone until they're thirteen." He glanced inside at the quiet class. This potion required silence or it would explode. He led Xander farther away. "I did a few summers there myself so I have some information on it. I'll bring it up after dinner?"
 

"Sure," Xander agreed. "Is he eligible?"
 

Snape nodded. "Definitely." He winced as he heard an explosion. "I had better go clean that up. Tonight with the boy?"
 

"Without. I don't want him to get too happy about it so far in advance," Xander told him with a grin. "Let it be a surprise." He strolled away as another explosion happened, wincing. He remembered the mess from last year. It had been horrible, so bad he had offered to help Snape clean his dungeon out of pity for the poor man. He strolled up to the main hallway, noticing his husband had a confused look. "Snape will meet with us tonight about the Braun Institute. He went for a few summers."
 

"Good. You got your money but apparently you never saw it," George told him. The confused look spread to his mate's face. "We need to look everywhere for it."
 

"Phoenix nest first," Xander told him, starting toward the tower. "Glinda always takes shiny stuff." He walked up to the tower, putting his cane off to the side so he could crawl around the large nest. He found a few of the paybags and tossed them back toward his mate. He found one last one and carried it back himself, joining him on the stairs. "How much is that?"
 

"Two years worth," George admitted. "We're missing three bags."
 

"I guess we're going to go search the kids' rooms," Xander sighed. Fawkes flew in and squawked inquiringly at them. Xander held up a bag. "Did Glinda hide these?" She cooed and nuzzled him. "Where are the rest?"
 

Fawkes flew slowly down the stairs so the humans could keep up with her. She met up with Murphy in the living room area, nuzzling him and telling him what they were looking for. It wouldn't be right for her to go to her daughter's nest, it could be taken as a threatening action toward the new chicks. Murphy nuzzled his human and his human's mate. He liked the mate. He flew off for the third floor, taking them to the new nest. He called as he flew, making sure his daughter knew they were coming. Glinda tried to keep them out, but they were bigger. She sat on her nest and pouted, not even perking up when her mate flew in. Murphy told this new male off; his and his mate's humans loved the students and they couldn't take from them. He watched as the humans looked around in shock. It was a very well decorated nest, pleasingly glittering and shiny.
 

"I thought dragons did this, not phoenixes," George sighed. He looked up. "Albus, could you come up here please, and Snape if he's not busy?" The door opened and Albus walked in. "That was fast."
 

"I heard you coming up here and wondered why," Dumbledore said, looking around. "Oh, my," he breathed. He touched a medal hanging next to him. "They've certainly been busy little creatures." He looked at the male. "I don't recognize you."
 

Xander picked up a statue that had a sticker from the British Museum of History and showed off the sticker. "I think his human may be a thief too."
 

Snape stormed in. "This had better be good." He stopped when he saw the mess spread around the room. "What the bloody hell is this?" he exclaimed. "My cauldron!" He picked up one of his missing cauldrons. He glared at Glinda, who cheeped pitifully. "You know better."
 

Glinda nipped her mate, who squeaked painfully and glared at her, then started to tell of Snape for touching his carefully stolen treasures.
 

"Guess he told you," George joked. He picked up the pay bag next to his foot and looked inside. "Not yours, dear. It's too full."
 

Dumbledore looked inside the bag and shook his head. "It's Hagrid's," he announced, glaring at the male phoenix. "You are in trouble, young man." The phoenix puffed himself up and hissed.
 

Xander hissed back, which made the male settle down behind his woman. "Thank you. You know better. Murphy, tell him the rules of living here. I think we'll have some time giving all this stuff back." He looked at Snape. "Do you have the stolen items reports?" Snape nodded. "Then let's pack this up and take it somewhere safe, starting with those?"
 

Snape nodded. "It's a reasonable place to start." He waved his wand and crates flew up from some storage area. George packed everything up for him and Xander moved them down to Snape's office. "Thank you," he said, nodding at the couple. "Should I expect you tonight?"
 

"Probably," Xander agreed. "Oh, I found a new hidden spot in the tower. It only appeared recently."
 

Snape looked interested. "Have you gotten inside yet?"
 

"It doesn't feel like it's all there," Xander told him.
 

"It's very strange feeling to me," George added.
 

"It might only open at certain times or with certain people in front of it," Dumbledore suggested. "We'll have to look into that."
 

"I'll search through his diaries tonight," Snape agreed, glancing around the nest. He found a small group of missed things inside the nest and carefully reached in and brought them out. It was very good that Glinda considered him one of her flock or he'd be missing an arm or his head. George snatched the paybags from his hands and looked inside, tossing them to his husband. "You were missing some?"
 

"Yes, and she hid about two years worth in the main nest," George told him. "That's the rest of it."
 

"I'll make sure of that," Dumbledore told him, taking the bags to hold. "If you'll bring down the others, just in case. I mark each one as a certain teacher's." Xander nodded and looked at his husband, who summoned them from the couch where he had dropped them. One of them was open. "I'll go check with whomever opened it," he said, leaving to go do that. "Severus, I'll want a report. I'll report this male to see if anyone's missing him." He glanced at the male, noticing his distinguishing ruff. "Come to my office in a few moments, George." He walked away.
 

Xander looked down at Glinda. "No more stealing, little chick, or the Granddaddy will have to make you leave." She made pitiful noises. "If you keep him from stealing, I'm sure he'll let you stay." She nuzzled him and then her father. Xander smiled and petted her gently. "You're going to be a very good mother, Glinda, and I'm very proud of you. You can come bother us anytime you need us, okay?" She cooed and he stood up, walking back to his mate's side. "Come on, let's go. Can we prop the door open?" he asked as they walked out.
 

Snape opened the door and froze it in place, then glanced around again. He noticed a hidden necklace and summoned it, heading down to check the items found against the stolen items reports. This was going to be an interesting night.
 

***
 

George walked into the shop with the bag of paybags and dropped them onto the counter. "The bank's closed," he said at the look his twin gave him. "Xander's missing paychecks. He didn't even mention that he wasn't getting them." Fred snickered. "It's not funny," George told him. "Plus, I got to look inside at the stuff Willow was holding. Huge pile, bigger than our profits for the year." Fred's mouth fell open. "It's being transferred into our personal vault so we don't have to dick around with two of them." He leaned on the bag. "Help me hide this for tonight?"
 

"I'm not comfortable with it being here tonight," Fred told him. "We got broken into last week."
 

George sighed. "I know. But we can't leave it in the tower. One of the Gryffs took some of it already. Xander asked them why and they said it was lying there on the couch and they needed it for a present. So he gave it to the little darling," he finished dryly. "Called it a loan."
 

"It's not the first time," Fred reminded him. He walked over and lifted the bag. "Where did they find it?"
 

George snorted. "Glinda got herself a man and he stole it."
 

"Ah. Well, we knew she liked to snatch stuff." Fred looked around and then back at the living section. "In Iggy's room?"
 

"If he comes down for a book, he'll think it's his raise. How about in your room?"
 

"I do have a nearly empty bedside table right now," Fred agreed. "Let's go see if it fits." They walked into the back, George coming back when the bell over the door dinged. Fred came out a few minutes later and noticed his brother on the ground. "Hmm. That's not good." He woke the little phoenix napping under the counter. "Go get the granddaddy and the Auntie Nurse," he told her. She flew off and he went to check on his brother. Small knot on the back of his brother's head. He glanced around, but no one else was in here. Xander appeared beside him so he turned over care of his brother to him and went to search for the intruder. He found someone going through his lab and hit him with the poker, but only stunned him. As soon as the man pulled his wand, it went flying from his hand and Ron bowled into him, pummeling him into the floor. "Ron," Fred said, hauling him off. "As much as I enjoy that, he'll have to answer questions later. Bind him." He walked away, going to check on his twin. George was groaning on the stretcher Madam Pomfrey was leaning over. Ron drug the idiot out of the lab and dumped him closeby. "Go search for others," he ordered gently.
 

Ron nodded and ran off. He came back a minute later with someone else. "Iggy's closet. I couldn't find anyone else." He looked over the two men. "Why'd they break in here? You guys don't keep money around."
 

"Speaking of money," Fred said, whispering in his ear. "We'll be coming up to the tower tonight. Go get that and take it back with you." Ron nodded, heading back to Fred's room. He looked at the two guys. "Why did you break in here?"
 

"We was paid," one guy said in a horribly thick cockney accent. He shut up quickly when Draco showed up with the Law Enforcement agent, though he looked more afraid of Draco.
 

The second guy sneered at Fred. "You'll go away now," he said happily.
 

"Search the building," the agent said. "Look for anything they planted." He rebound the boys then looked at George. "Is he all right?" he asked Madam Pomfrey.
 

"A bit banged up," she told him. She patted Xander on the arm. "Just a bit of observation, Xander. Don't worry."
 

Xander growled at the two boys, who moved away from him. "Tell me now who did this or suffer," he warned. "I'll get arrested just so I can beat your asses tonight in the jail cell."
 

"Sir," the agent said gently, tapping him on the back. "I'd never let you in the same cell with them." Xander glared at him. "Really, Professor Harris, if they don't know that you'll kill them already, I'm sure the aurors you trained will be more than happy to tell them *all* about how horribly you killed Lucius Malfoy a few years back."
 

The boys looked at each other then the one that Ron had beaten up nodded. "Fine," he spat, along with a tooth and some blood. "We was paid by some young scut. Said the blond guy pissed him off and we'd be doing his da a favor by pissing him off." He smirked at Draco. "You've got enemies."
 

"Yay," Draco said in his best bored tone. "I consider this a petty attempt and an annoyance, nothing more. If someone had actually wanted to piss me off, or get my notice, they'd do something bigger. This was not only pitiful, but you telling me about it has made me see that I have to teach these deluded idiots a lesson." He looked at the agent. "Sounds a lot like Inghram's son to me, doesn't it you?" The agent thought about it, then nodded. There was a constant detail on the family because *everyone* knew who had blown up Malfoy Mansion. "I think I should pay them a visit."
 

"Oh, me too, me too," Xander begged, bouncing slightly. "I have some *wonderful* ideas," he said evilly.
 

George patted his mate on the arm. "He wants to make them miserable, dear, not make them commit suicide."
 

"I'd like subtly," Draco told Xander. Xander leaned over and whispered something in his ear. "You can do that?" he asked, looking shocked. Xander nodded. "Then I might just bring you after all." He watched as George was taken by floo, then watched as the idiots were taken away as well. "Come, Xander, let's go plan something truly evil for our dear Mr. Inghram." Xander followed him back, happily thinking up the worst that he could do and suggesting some of it on the ride home.
 

***
 

Xander cackled as he read the paper, handing it over to his official teaching assistant. Draco smirked and folded the paper up so he could read it while he ate. "Are you taking my children today?" he asked Xander.
 

"Bill pouted and said we didn't love him so he's got all the kids today." Xander stole Tara's paper to finish reading the way the man had walked into the Ministry and begged to make them stop Draco. It was so cool.
 

Iggy stood up and waved a hand. "I have an announcement to make," he called. Most everyone looked at him. "There's a second phoenix chick nesting," he said happily. A few of the students in other houses clapped. "The nest is up on the third floor, where we don't normally go anyway, so please don't bother her, she's really cranky." He looked at his cousin, who sighed and nodded. "Also, there's something you don't know about the mother, Simone Malfoy-Weasley's own phoenix Glinda, she likes to steal shiny stuff. When we checked on her last night, we found a few cups, someone's glasses, and for some reason a set of dentures." That got some laughter. "So, if you're missing stuff, Simone and I are both sorry and we've turned it over to the Headmaster." He sat down.
 

Dumbledore smiled at him. "Yes, there is a second nesting," he agreed. "Glinda's looks to hatch just before you leave for the summer. Xander, Murphy's?"
 

"Six weeks probably," he noted. "Twenty-eight eggs." He looked at Snape. "Whatever potion Murphy drank apparently did the trick, it's nearly the record clutch." Snape groaned.
 

Dumbledore laughed. "Also, Ignatius was correct, Glinda and her mate have shown a definite preference for shiny articles, as many in Gryffindor already know." Someone threw something at Simone's head, but she didn't say anything back so he let it go. "Anyone missing anything should come to my office and check with me. I've done my best, with Professor Snape's valuable assistance, to match up anything found with a missing item's report. So, if you want them back, please come see me sometime today." He picked up his juice and sipped at it, watching the students discuss the new nesting and the suggestions about what the two phoenixes had stolen. It would add quite a lot of life to the rest of the school year. He looked at Snape. "Is the potion ready?" he asked quietly.
 

"One more day," Snape told him in the same tone of voice. They didn't need the students knowing what they were doing. He looked down at Xander, then at the son he wished could be his some days. "I'm sorry we could have discuss that school last night."
 

Xander shrugged. "It's more important to return all that stuff. Besides, like you said, he's got three more years. Whenever you've got time before this weekend would be fine." Snape nodded. "Do you think they'll be...against him because of what we are?" he asked candidly.
 

Snape shrugged. "I don't know. The last one was trained there, but one never knows about this time in history." He finished off his toast and stood up. "I shall see you all later." He left them there, heading back down to his dungeons.
 

Tara wiped her mouth and stood up, following him out. She caught him up in the hallway, stopping him with a hand on his arm. "Would you like to celebrate getting the potion done tomorrow night?" she asked. "Maybe a dinner out in London?"
 

He looked down at her. "Perhaps the night after that?" he suggested, walking her down to his part of the castle. He opened his classroom door and let her inside. But as soon as it was closed, she curled up against his chest and kissed him. "What was that for?"
 

"For being so nice and making that potion for her," she whispered. She stole another kiss. "And for helping the Iggy monster." She smiled and slipped out of the room, letting him start his day.
 

Snape walked over and checked the cauldron with the simmering potion in it. The supposedly simmering potion. He glanced around, but nothing else was out of place, the cauldron was just empty. "Albus!" he yelled. The Headmaster came running in five minutes later, giving him time to check the whole of his classroom and personal office. It wasn't anywhere. "It's missing."
 

"Dear Merlin," Dumbledore said, looking around. "You've searched everything?" Snape nodded. "Did you have the door locked?"
 

"I did. It was still locked when I opened it. Professor Maclay was there when I opened the door."
 

"Tara, hmm," Dumbledore said. Snape looked offended. "I know she had nothing to do with it, but she is a very observant young woman and might have seen something you didn't. I'll check with her in a moment. Can we remake it?"
 

"There's no way. It's taken us a month to get it correct. Who would do such a thing?" His door opened. "Get out!" he yelled. "It's a study hall today!" The students scurried away. "Do you think it could have been one of them?"
 

"If it was, they're goners," Iggy said from the doorway. He looked in the cauldron, then up at his mentor. "Find the asshole later, fix it now, sir."
 

"How?" Dumbledore asked, trying to keep Snape's temper in check.
 

"Temporal spell," Iggy said simply, looking at Snape. He saw the flash of anger. "We can speed up a room so that we can fix it by tonight if we have to."
 

"Doing so has caused irreversible harm," Snape said in his best teacher voice. "Your father would never allow it."
 

"Who said I'm going to ask my father?" Iggy asked, nearly sneering. "We promised her to help her. I won't go back on a promise." He jumped as a shot of power hit his ass. "Ow! Daddy! I promised."
 

"Which one was that?" Dumbledore asked.
 

"George, a holdover from when I was eight and running loose in town every day," Iggy said in disgust. "What side effects are there and can we minimize them?"
 

"It's not an option," Snape told him. "It's much too dangerous."
 

Iggy snorted. "Dangerous? Like someone trying to take her because they can't read a star chart?" Snape glared at him and started to open his mouth. "You might as well tell me, I'm going to do it without you," he pointed out. "I can get Melvin to help me. He adores Andrea."
 

Xander walked into the room and picked his son up, pulling him up to his eye level. "Stupidity doesn't cure anything," he said slowly and clearly. "Find the original potion."
 

"It might have been ruined," Snape sighed. "It needed to reduce some more and taking it off the heat could have curdled it."
 

Xander put Iggy down. "You don't mess with time. It didn't even take Fredericka a day to teach me that one, son. It's bad for everyone." He looked at Snape. "I have a bloodhound spell. It can track anything. Can I cast it on the pot?"
 

Iggy looked inside, then shook his head. "Whoever did it cleaned it solidly."
 

"We can try anyway," Snape told him. He watched as Xander cast the charm, then followed his pointing wand. "Give it to me. Time is of the essence." Xander handed over his wand without a grimace or a comment about him having to take it more slowly now. He hurried away, going to find that damn potion.
 

"It wasn't an insult, daddy," Iggy said, leaning against his father's side. "Are you going to keep picking me up until I'm bigger than you?"
 

Dumbledore laughed. "I doubt he'll be able to, Ignatius. Go help Professor Snape." Iggy hurried out. He looked at Xander. "Are you all right?" Xander nodded. "I'll make sure your wand comes back to you."
 

"I know it will. Snape will blow up something if he tries to use it. My wand's just a little more powerful than most people's." He walked away, going slowly. His knees had *ached* this morning so he wouldn't complain about the slow comment. Today.
 

Dumbledore searched for Snape, hurrying to find and help him. Preferably before he killed the students in his house. How had this escaped all of them? He met Draco Malfoy in the hallway outside the house door. "Let me in." Draco shook his head. "Severus will need my help."
 

"Not to kick the little shit's ass he won't," Draco told him. "It's his house, trust him to know how to correct them." The door opened and he watched as his former mentor came out with a large pot. "Need a fire?" he asked, creating a small ball of fire on the tip of his wand. It was attached to the pot.
 

"Is it still good?" the Headmaster asked worriedly.
 

"They had it over the fire," Snape told him. "It should still be good enough." He hurried back to his classroom to put it back over the main fire in there. He found Iggy rescrubbing the pot, waiting until it was rinsed to pour it back in. "Onto the fire," he commanded, taking the time to calm himself. "You'll want to talk to three of them," he told the Headmaster. Dumbledore nodded. "Before I get them again."
 

"Of course. Did you tell them to pack?" Snape nodded. "Then I'll go find them and floo their parents." He looked down inside the cauldron. "Is it supposed to have purple spots?"
 

"No," Snape moaned, coming over to look down inside. "Flowers?"
 

Iggy looked inside. "Those are from a painkilling potion," he noted. "I still don't know the name of them."
 

"You'll have to work on that," Snape told him. "A real Master knows all his ingredients in all their forms." Iggy gave him a knowing look. "As an ideal, which you will have to live up to until you are out from under my tutelage," he concluded. "Skim those out, Ignatius, and stir it gently. We'll have to check it in a moment." He went into his office to wear out his frustration in a way that wouldn't hurt anyone else. He was surprised when Tara walked in, but her gentle touch seemed to wear out his frustration. "They stole it to taunt her with it," he said quietly.
 

"I know. I heard." She smiled and gave him a hug around one arm. "It could be worse, they could have ruined it totally."
 

"They might have. They added some ingredients for a pain tonic."
 

"Which she'll probably need," Tara pointed out. "As long as it's still going to work, it'll be okay. She'll be fine and the potion will work wonderfully. She'll be able to see again at least part of the time." She gave him a squeeze. "Now go check the potion and keep Iggy from doing something stupid."
 

He nodded and walked out, going to check on his apprentice. Iggy was finishing the straining process, pouring the potion through five different sieves to take out all the contaminants. "Any sign of the rest of the pain potion?" Iggy nodded, his tongue stuck between his teeth as he poured. "Very nice work," he said as the potion was put into a new cauldron and put back over the fire. "Remember the bark has to be in there until right before we give it to her." Iggy picked out the bark and everything that was supposed to be in there so it could go back into the pot. "Very nice work. Five points to your house."
 

"Still can't believe you're giving Gryffindor points?" Tara asked from the doorway of the office.
 

Snape glared at her but she giggled. "Thank you for your input, Professor Maclay. I'll get with you tomorrow night over that spell you'll be doing." She smiled and walked away.
 

Iggy leaned closer to the older man. "We all know you're dating her," he stage whispered. "Everyone in the whole school not only knows but they're mostly very happy about it." He stirred the pot a little more. "Can you please excuse me for the day, sir?"
 

Snape frowned at him. "You should keep up to date in your other classes, Ignatius. It won't due to fall behind."
 

"I've got everything done for the day and Denver has all my assignments. I'm so far ahead in everything but Transfiguration that I'm being bored in class again." He handed over the spoon. "Please? I'll do research for you if you want."
 

"You're not allowed to enter the special collection room without an adult to monitor you," Snape reminded him. After having found sixty of the books from Slytherin's personal library in there, the order had been given to all the teachers that the boy wasn't allowed to go near that collection without an adult monitor.
 

"Hey, I can pop back to the gryphon library. They've got spell books in there that I could learn to love."
 

"No." Snape handed back the spoon. "I'll send word around to the other teachers that you'll be working in here. Please summon the new books you checked out so I can look them over to make sure of the contents." Iggy pulled his wand and flicked it, bringing a few books down from his dorm room. They even managed to miss all of the students running late in the halls. As soon as they landed in his hand he handed them over with a smile. "Thank you." Snape sat down to flip through them. He found a potion that interested him and read it through, taking the time to copy it for his further studying pleasure. He missed the smug look as Ignatius tended the potion for him.
 

***
 

Xander looked over at the fireplace as a head appeared in it with a ding. "Tom," he said happily. "What can I do for you?"
 

"You can rent a mailbox like everyone else, Professor Harris."
 

"Oh," he said, hopping up. "Sorry about that, but I couldn't resist. It's just such a great deal and I *had* to have it. Please don't be pissed with me?"
 

"Sure. Come get it soon though. Can't say as I understand what that's all about." His head disappeared.
 

Xander grabbed his robe and cane, heading to the floo. "Be back in a minute," he yelled before disappearing. He landed in the Leaky Cauldron and smiled at the bartender. "Thank you, Tom. You're a wonderful wizard and I love you whole lots." He hurried over to pick up his box. "This'll make my week." He hugged the other man and went back to his house. He found his husband, brother-in-law, and 'son' there. "It came," he said happily, showing off the box. "The whole set."
 

"The whole set of what?" George asked patiently. Fred nodded from behind him.
 

"The whole Monty Python collection!" Xander said happily.
 

"Brilliant," Draco said, taking it from him and pulling out his boot knife to open it. He looked over the titles. "They were a television show too?" he asked in shock. Xander nodded, flopping down in his chair and waving a hand. "Cool. Let's start there since I haven't seen them."
 

Fred looked at the clock on the wall. "Draco, your show is coming on in about twenty minutes," he noted.
 

"I can skip it today." Draco popped the first dvd into the machine and stared at Xander until he turned it on. He waved his wand, bringing some popcorn, which he kept to himself as he settled in to watch this brilliance in action. These people were muggles? Further proof that about one percent of muggles deserved to breathe the same air as he did. Though, only the British ones.
 

George and Fred shared a look and went back up to the lab. They wouldn't be hearing from either of those two for *hours*.
 

***
 

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