The morning air bit sharply at Harry's face as he stood in the entrance hall of Potter Manor, watching house elves load his trunk onto a floating platform. Charlus was arguing with his mother about whether he really needed three extra sets of dress robes, while Lord Henry stood by with an amused expression on his face.
"You'll be expected to maintain appearances from now on," Eleanor insisted, straightening Charlus's collar for the third time. "Now that your betrothal is official, appearances matter even more."
"Mother, I'm going to school, not the Ministry."
"School is where young society learns to navigate these expectations, dear. You'll thank me when you're not scrambling to look presentable for the spring gatherings."
Harry smiled slightly at the exchange. The past week had been full of moments like this, ordinary family interactions that still felt extraordinary to him. Catherine Potter approached and pressed a small package into his hands.
"Some of my favorite biscuits," she said. "The house elves know the recipe now, so you'll have proper ones when you visit again. Which will be soon, I hope."
"Definitely." Harry meant it. "Thank you for everything, Lady Potter."
"Catherine, please. We're not so formal with family." She patted his cheek gently. "Take care of yourself, Harry. And watch out for my grandson. He means well, but he has a tendency to jump into situations without thinking them through."
"I heard that," Charlus called over his shoulder.
"You were meant to," Catherine replied serenely.
William Potter clasped Harry's shoulder in farewell. "Remember what I showed you in the study. Your heritage matters, whether the records acknowledge it or not."
Harry nodded, his throat tight. The memory of seeing the Invisibility Cloak, knowing it would eventually come to him through a path he might have already changed, still made his head spin.
They departed via the floo network, emerging at the public floo station near King's Cross. The muggle world rushed around them as they made their way toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten. Harry had done this countless times before, but never quite like this. Never with Charlus beside him, laughing about something his mother had said. Never knowing his grandparents were waving them off with genuine affection.
The platform was already crowded when they stepped through. Students milled about in clusters, parents fussing over last minute details, and trunks being loaded by harried porters. The Hogwarts Express gleamed red in the morning light, steam rising from its engine in lazy spirals.
And then Harry felt it.
The bond, dormant and stretched thin for a week, suddenly blazed to life like someone had poured magic directly into his veins. His breath caught. The sensation was overwhelming, a rush of warmth and awareness that made everything else fade into the background. She was here. Close. Getting closer.
He turned without thinking, his eyes scanning the crowd, and there she was.
Nymeria stood near the far end of the platform with the Blacks clustered around her. Dorea was speaking to her about something, but Nymeria wasn't listening. She was staring straight at Harry, her expression caught between relief and hunger. The bond pulsed between them, a living thing that demanded acknowledgment after too long apart.
Their eyes locked. The platform, the crowd, the noise, all of it disappeared. There was only her and the connection thrumming between them like a physical cord pulling taut.
"Harry? You alright?" Charlus was looking at him with concern.
"Fine," Harry managed, though his voice came out rougher than intended. "Just thought I saw someone."
He had to look away before it became obvious. His hands were shaking slightly, his body responding to her presence with an intensity that bordered on painful. A week. They'd been apart for a week, and his magic was singing at having her near again.
Across the platform, Nymeria was having similar difficulties maintaining her composure.
"Are you listening?" Dorea's voice cut through the fog.
"What?" Nymeria blinked, dragging her attention away from Harry with effort. "Sorry, I was distracted."
"I noticed." Dorea followed her gaze and her expression shifted to understanding. "Ah. That would explain it."
"Explain what?"
"Why you look like someone who's just spotted water after a week in the desert." Dorea's tone was dry but not unkind. "You're being rather obvious, you know."
Nymeria forced herself to focus on Dorea's face instead of the pull demanding she go to Harry right now. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course not." Dorea linked their arms together. "Come on. Let's go say hello to Charlus properly. As his betrothed, I should probably acknowledge his presence, don't you think?"
They moved through the crowd, Arcturus and Pollux trailing behind them. Nymeria could feel Harry getting closer with each step, the bond growing stronger, more insistent. Her skin felt too tight. Every nerve ending was hyper aware of his location.
When their groups finally converged, Nymeria had to clench her fists to keep from reaching for him.
"Dorea." Charlus's face lit up when he saw her. His greeting was properly restrained, a slight bow and warm smile, but something in his eyes had changed. They looked at each other differently now, the awkwardness of before replaced by surety.
"Charlus." Dorea returned the smile, her usual composure intact but softened. "I trust you had a pleasant holiday?"
"Very pleasant, thank you. And yours?"
"Eventful." Dorea's tone was wry. "But we can discuss that later."
Arcturus stepped forward, extending his hand to Charlus. "Charlus. Congratulations on the betrothal. Welcome to the family, as it were."
"Thank you, Arcturus." Charlus shook his hand firmly. There was a new dynamic there too, respect mixed with the knowledge that they were bound together now through Dorea. "I hope to prove worthy of the connection."
"I'm sure you will." Arcturus's voice was formal but genuine. He turned to Harry next. "Peverell. Good to see you again."
"And you, Black." Harry managed to sound normal despite the fact that every cell in his body was screaming at him to grab Nymeria and find somewhere private immediately.
Pollux nodded at both of them, his greeting quieter but no less sincere. "Potter. Peverell."
"Pollux," Charlus replied easily. "How are things?"
"Complicated," Pollux said with a slight grimace. "Family always is, I guess."
"Tell me about it."
The others were making pleasantries, but Harry barely heard them. Nymeria stood less than three feet away, close enough that he could smell her perfume, see the way her chest rose and fell with each breath. Her eyes kept flickering to him and away, a struggle visible in the tension of her shoulders.
The bond demanded. His magic pushed against his control, wanting nothing more than to close that ridiculous distance between them. Her pupils were dilated, her lips slightly parted, and he knew without asking that she was fighting the same battle.
"Shall we board?" Dorea's voice cut through the tension. "We should secure a compartment before they're all taken."
They moved as a group toward the train, Harry and Nymeria managing to maintain the proper distance despite everything in them rebelling against it. Their hands brushed once as they climbed the steps, and the jolt of contact nearly undid them both. Nymeria's breath hitched audibly. Harry's fingers curled into a fist.
"Careful," he murmured, the word barely audible.
"You too," she whispered back.
They found a compartment midway down the train, large enough for all of them. Harry and Nymeria ended up sitting side by side. Their thighs pressed together on the seat, that single point of contact sending waves of heat through both of them. Charlus and Dorea sat across from them, while Arcturus and Pollux took the remaining seats.
The train lurched into motion. Parents waved from the platform, the station sliding away as they picked up speed. Nymeria shifted slightly, her shoulder pressing against Harry's. He could feel her magic humming beneath her skin, reaching for his own.
"So," Charlus said, clearly trying to lighten the atmosphere. "How was everyone's holiday?"
"Interesting," Pollux replied dryly. "We had guests from Bulgaria. The Krum family."
"Oh?" Charlus's expression sharpened slightly. "I've heard of them. Influential on the continent, aren't they?"
"Very." Arcturus's voice was measured. "They came to discuss certain political matters. Trade agreements and the like."
"And other things," Pollux added quietly.
The compartment fell silent for a moment. Everyone knew what 'other things' meant without it being stated directly. Grindelwald. His movement. The question of which side families would choose.
"I see," Charlus said carefully. "That must have made for some tense discussions."
"You could say that." Dorea's expression was troubled. "Not everyone agreed on the appropriate response."
"They wouldn't," Arcturus said. "These aren't simple matters with easy answers."
"Some things should be simple though," Pollux said, more forcefully than usual. "Some lines shouldn't be crossed regardless of political convenience."
Arcturus looked at his brother for a long moment before nodding slowly. "Perhaps. But identifying those lines is harder than it sounds when you're responsible for an entire family's future."
The tension could have turned uncomfortable, but Nymeria spoke up, her voice steady despite the distraction of Harry's proximity.
"Apart from that meeting, my holiday was mostly quiet," she said. "I spent time learning about family history and traditions. It's a lot to absorb."
"I imagine so," Charlus said with genuine sympathy. "Coming into an established family structure from outside must be overwhelming."
"That's putting it mildly." Nymeria managed a slight smile. "Everyone has expectations about who I should be and how I should act. It's like trying to learn a dance where everyone already knows the steps except me."
"You'll figure it out," Dorea said supportively. "You're clever enough."
"I had a rather different experience," Harry remarked. "The Potters were incredibly welcoming. Almost aggressively kind."
"That sounds like my family," Charlus said with a grin. "Grandmother probably tried to feed you constantly while interrogating you about your ancestry."
"Constantly," Harry confirmed. "I learned more about expansion charms on greenhouses than I ever expected to know."
"That would be Grandfather William." Charlus shook his head fondly. "He's still convinced those roses were a triumph of magical innovation rather than a borderline disaster."
"They were magnificent roses," Harry said, echoing William's words. "The size was merely an unexpected benefit."
Charlus laughed. "You've been spending too much time with him."
The conversation continued, gradually easing away from the tense political topics.
Through it all, Harry remained acutely aware of Nymeria beside him. Every shift of her body, every breath, every tiny movement registered like he was tuned to her frequency alone. Their hands rested on the seat between them, fingers almost but not quite touching. The space between their pinkies might as well have been charged with electricity.
About halfway through the journey, they were interrupted by the compartment door sliding open. Cassiopeia Black swept in without invitation, her expression haughty as ever.
"There you are," she said, settling herself in the remaining seat gracefully. "I've been looking everywhere."
"Hello to you too, Cassiopeia," Dorea said dryly.
"Dorea. Pollux. Arcturus." Cassiopeia nodded at each of them before her gaze landed on Harry and Nymeria. "Peverell. Nymeria."
"Cassiopeia," Nymeria replied with a nod.
"I trust everyone had an enlightening holiday?" Cassiopeia asked lightly, knowing exactly what kind of 'enlightening' she was referring to. "The Krum visit was definitely educational."
"It was something," Pollux said shortly.
"Come now, don't be coy. We all know what they came to discuss." Cassiopeia examined her nails casually. "The question of the future and where our family stands in it. Surely that's worth serious consideration."
"Some of us consider it quite seriously," Arcturus said quietly. "That's precisely why we don't rush to judgment."
"And some of us recognize opportunities when they present themselves." Cassiopeia's eyes gleamed. "But I suppose we'll see soon enough which approach serves us better."
The tension ratcheted up again. Dorea looked like she wanted to say something scathing, while Pollux's jaw had gone tight. Harry could feel Nymeria's frustration radiating through the bond, adding to his own irritation at Cassiopeia's provocations.
"Maybe we could discuss something other than politics," Charlus suggested diplomatically. "We'll have all the time for those debates."
"How boring," Cassiopeia said, but she shifted topics nonetheless. "Very well. I guess we should acknowledge the betrothal. Congratulations, Dorea. You've secured yourself a respectable match."
"Thank you, I think," Dorea replied, her tone making it clear she wasn't entirely sure whether that was meant as a compliment.
"Potter's family has an excellent reputation, even if they are Gryffindors." Cassiopeia smiled sharply. "I'm sure you'll manage to train the more impulsive tendencies out of him eventually."
"I'm right here," Charlus pointed out.
"I'm aware." Cassiopeia turned her attention to him fully. "You're aware, I hope, that marrying into the Blacks comes with certain expectations. We have standards to maintain."
"I'm aware of the family's reputation, yes."
"Good. Then you'll understand the importance of discretion and loyalty. What happens within the family stays within the family. We protect our own, but we also expect unwavering commitment in return."
It wasn't quite a threat, but it wasn't friendly advice either. Charlus met her gaze steadily.
"I understand loyalty quite well," he said. "And I intend to honor the connection between our families."
"See that you do." Cassiopeia settled back in her seat, apparently satisfied. "Now then, Peverell. I don't believe we've spoken much. The Peverells have such an interesting history. Shame there's not that much known about them."
Harry felt Nymeria shift beside him. Cassiopeia's interest wasn't casual curiosity. She was fishing for something.
"My family has always preferred privacy to prominence," Harry said carefully. "We're scholars more than socialites."
"How disappointing. Though I suppose that explains why you've ended up in Ravenclaw rather than somewhere more prestigious."
"Ravenclaw suits me fine."
"Does it? I would have thought someone from such an ancient bloodline might have more ambition. But perhaps that's just me."
The implication was clear. Slytherin was where the truly ambitious belonged, where family legacy and personal power mattered most. Harry ignored the jab.
"Ambition takes many forms," he replied evenly.
"Spoken like a true Ravenclaw." Cassiopeia's smile didn't reach her eyes. "All philosophy and theory, no practical application."
"I wouldn't say that," Nymeria interjected, her voice cool. "Some of us prefer to think before we act rather than rushing into positions we haven't fully considered."
The compartment went very still. Cassiopeia's expression shifted, something dangerous flickering in her eyes.
"How interesting that you'd say that, cousin. Considering you've only been part of this family for a few months, I'd think you'd be more cautious about offering opinions on matters you don't fully understand."
"I understand enough." Nymeria held her gaze. "I understand that rushing toward power without considering the cost rarely ends well for anyone involved."
"And I understand that cowardice often masquerades as caution." Cassiopeia leaned forward slightly. "The world is changing whether we like it or not. Those who refuse to adapt will be left behind."
"Or those who adapt too quickly will find themselves on the wrong side of history," Pollux said quietly, but with steel in his voice.
Cassiopeia turned to him, eyebrow raised. "You've always been soft, Pollux. Too concerned with abstract notions of right and wrong to see the bigger picture."
"And you've always mistaken ruthlessness for strength," Pollux replied. "They're not the same thing."
"This is neither the time nor the place for these discussions. We'll have plenty of opportunities for debate once we're back at school."
Cassiopeia glanced at Arcturus before smiling. "Of course. I was merely making conversation."
"Your idea of conversation tends toward provocation," Dorea muttered.
"Only with those who need provoking."
The remainder of the journey passed with them all avoiding dangerous topics. Cassiopeia kept making cutting observations about other students and families with the casual cruelty of someone who'd never been held accountable for her words. Harry and Nymeria remained mostly quiet, the bond between them growing more insistent with each passing mile.
By the time the train pulled into Hogsmeade station, Nymeria's hand had migrated to rest against Harry's thigh beneath the cover of her robes. His fingers curled around hers, hidden from view but desperately needed. The contact helped, but it also made everything worse. Like drinking salt water when you are already dying of thirst.
They disembarked with the rest of the students, the familiar sight of Hogwarts rising in the distance. Carriages waited to take them up to the castle, the Thestrals pulling them visible only to those who'd seen death. Harry climbed into one with Nymeria, Charlus, and Dorea, grateful for the relative privacy.
"Finally," Nymeria breathed, her shoulder pressing against his more firmly now that they were away from Cassiopeia.
"How are you holding up?" Harry asked quietly.
"Barely." Her hand found his again, fingers threading together. "This is torture."
"I know."
"You two are being remarkably obvious," Dorea observed, though her tone was amused rather than critical. "Anyone paying attention will notice."
"Let them notice," Nymeria said. The week apart had apparently burned through some of her caution. "I'm tired of pretending there's nothing between us."
"Fair enough." Dorea exchanged a glance with Charlus. "Though you might want to dial it back slightly once we're in the Great Hall. The professors tend to frown on excessive displays."
"We know how to behave in public," Harry replied.
"Do you? Because right now, you're looking at each other like you're considering skipping the welcome feast entirely."
Harry forced himself to look away from Nymeria, though it took more effort than it should have. "We'll manage."
The carriage pulled up to the castle entrance. Students flooded through the doors, heading toward the Great Hall where the traditional welcome feast waited. The enchanted ceiling showed a clear night sky, stars twinkling against the darkness. The house tables gleamed with empty plates and goblets, ready for the food that would appear once Dippet signaled the feast to begin.
Harry and Nymeria made their way to the Ravenclaw table, settling in with their housemates. Robert and Helena were already there.
"There you are!" Helena smiled. "We were starting to think you'd missed the train."
"Just got caught up talking with friends," Nymeria replied, sliding onto the bench with Harry beside her. Their legs pressed together under the table where no one could see.
"How was everyone's holiday?" Robert asked eagerly. "Mine was dreadfully boring. My parents dragged me to visit approximately three hundred relatives, all of whom wanted to know about my marks and whether I was applying myself properly."
"Mine was similar," Helena said. "Though with fewer relatives and more expectations about my behavior. Apparently I'm at the age where I need to start being aware of my prospects."
"Prospects?" Harry asked.
"Marriage prospects." Helena rolled her eyes. "Because obviously that's the most important thing for a witch to be thinking about."
"We'd be in our NEWT year in a few months," Robert chuckled. "Which apparently makes it urgent."
"How was yours?" Helena asked Nymeria. "Anything exciting happen with your family?"
"Define exciting," Nymeria said dryly. "I learned a great deal about Black family history and politics. Attended more formal dinners than I care to count. Met various relatives who had opinions about everything from my upbringing to my prospects."
"Sounds exhausting."
"It was." Nymeria's hand found Harry's under the table again, hidden from view. "But it had its moments."
"And you, Harry?" Robert leaned forward with interest. "How were the Potters?"
"Wonderful, actually." Harry meant it. "They were incredibly welcoming. Felt more like family than I expected."
"That's good. You seemed nervous about the visit before holiday."
"I was. But it worked out well."
Shortly after, Headmaster Dippet rose to give his customary speech, Dumbledore sitting to his right. Harry watched the future headmaster with complex feelings. This Dumbledore was younger, not yet weathered by the wars to come. His eyes still held that characteristic twinkle, but there was something sharper there too. A keener edge of ambition that later years would temper or hide.
Food appeared on the tables in an impressive spread. Students dug in with enthusiasm, conversations springing up all around them. Harry and Nymeria ate mechanically, too aware of each other to properly enjoy the meal. Every accidental brush of their arms sent sparks through the bond. Every shared glance made the space between them feel more intolerable.
Across the hall, Charlus sat at the Gryffindor table with his housemates. He kept glancing over at the Slytherin table where Dorea sat with her brother and cousin. She met his eyes occasionally, small smiles passing between them.
The dinner concluded eventually, and students were dismissed to their common rooms.
Harry and Nymeria walked with Robert and Helena toward Ravenclaw Tower, the bond pulling tighter with each step. They needed privacy. Soon. Before they did something spectacularly stupid in front of witnesses.
"I'm completely exhausted," Helena announced when they reached the tower entrance. "I think I'm going to head straight to bed. See you all tomorrow?"
"Same here," Robert said, though he looked perfectly awake. "Long day of travel and all that."
They disappeared up their respective staircases with parting nods, leaving Harry and Nymeria alone in the corridor outside the tower. The door closed behind their housemates with a soft click.
The corridor was empty. Dark. Private.
Harry didn't think. He grabbed Nymeria's hand and pulled her down the hallway, scanning for somewhere, anywhere they could be alone. A broom closet appeared on his left, its door slightly ajar. Perfect.
He yanked it open, pulled her inside, and slammed the door behind them.
The door had barely locked when they were on each other.
Nymeria's back hit the wall as Harry's mouth found hers, the kiss desperate and consuming. She made a sound low in her throat, her hands fisting in his robes as she pulled him closer. The bond exploded between them, a week's worth of separation and restraint burning away in an instant.
"Fuck, Nym," Harry breathed against her lips. "I thought I was going to lose my mind on that platform."
"You and me both." Nymeria's fingers tangled in his hair, tugging slightly. "Watching you all day without being able to touch you properly was torture."
"We're touching now."
"Not enough. Not nearly enough."
Harry's hands slid down her sides, feeling the curve of her waist, the flare of her hips. Nymeria arched into him, her body fitting against his like they'd been designed to slot together. His mouth moved from her lips to her jaw, trailing kisses down the column of her throat.
"Wait," Nymeria gasped. "Wards. We need wards."
Right. Public space. School. Extremely bad idea to get caught.
Harry forced himself to step back slightly, his hands shaking as he pulled out his wand. Privacy wards snapped into place, followed by silencing charms and a notice me not for good measure. The magic settled around them like a cocoon, sealing them away from the rest of the castle.
"Better?" he asked, his voice rough.
"Much better." Nymeria's eyes were dark in the dim light filtering through the crack under the door. "Now where were we?"
She pulled him back in, her kiss hungrier this time. Harry's hands found the fastenings of her robes, working them open with more haste than grace. Nymeria was doing the same to his, their movements clumsy with urgency.
"Too many clothes," she muttered against his mouth.
"Agreed."
Robes hit the floor in a tangle of fabric. School uniforms followed quickly after, buttons scattering as Nymeria tore his shirt open rather than bothering with proper unfastening. Harry would have laughed if he wasn't so busy trying to remember how bras worked while also kissing every inch of skin he could reach.
"Here," Nymeria said, reaching back to unhook it herself. The garment joined the growing pile on the floor. "Better?"
"Much better."
His hands cupped her breasts, thumbs brushing over nipples already peaked with arousal. Nymeria's head fell back against the wall, a soft moan escaping her lips. The sound went straight through him, his body responding with painful intensity.
"I need you," she breathed. "Right now. I can't wait anymore."
"Me neither."
Harry's mouth found her breast, tongue circling the sensitive peak before taking it between his lips. Nymeria gasped, her fingers tightening in his hair. He moved to the other breast, giving it the same attention while his hands worked on removing the rest of her clothes.
Her skirt pooled around her ankles. Knickers followed, leaving her bare except for her shoes. Harry took a moment just to look at her, the bond singing at the sight. Beautiful. Perfect. His.
"Your turn," Nymeria said, her hands already working on his belt. "Fair is fair."
She had him stripped in seconds, her efficiency impressive given how distracted they both were. When they were both finally naked, skin against skin for the first time in a week, the bond nearly overwhelmed them both.
"Better?" Harry asked, echoing her question from earlier.
"Getting there." Nymeria's hand wrapped around his length, stroking slowly. "But we're not quite done yet."
Harry groaned, his hips jerking forward into her touch. "If you keep doing that, this is going to be over embarrassingly fast."
"Can't have that." She released him, then turned around, placing her hands flat against the wall. "Take me like this."
The position was perfect. Intimate but urgent, allowing him to press against her fully while maintaining the balance they both needed. Harry positioned himself behind her, his hands gripping her hips.
"Ready?" he asked, his voice strained.
"Yes. Please, Harry, I need you inside me."
He entered her in one smooth thrust, both of them crying out at the sensation. Tight. Hot. Perfect. The bond flared bright, their magic intertwining as their bodies did.
Harry started moving, his rhythm building quickly. Nymeria pushed back against him, meeting each thrust with enthusiasm. The closet was too small for anything elaborate, but that didn't matter. What mattered was the connection, the way they fit together, the pleasure building between them like a storm about to break.
"Harder," Nymeria gasped. "Don't hold back."
Harry didn't. He let go of the restraint he'd been maintaining all day, all week, giving in to the desperate need driving them both. His hips snapped forward with force, the sound of flesh meeting flesh filling the small space despite the silencing charms.
Nymeria's hands slapped against the wall, bracing herself as he drove into her again and again. Her moans grew louder, less controlled, and Harry knew she was close. He reached around, his fingers finding the bundle of nerves between her legs.
"Oh Harry," she whimpered. "Yes, right there, don't stop."
"Not stopping." Harry circled her clit with his fingers, maintaining the pressure she needed while his thrusts continued relentlessly. "Come for me, Nym. Let me feel you."
She shattered. Her body clenched around him, pleasure washing through the bond so intensely he could barely separate her experience from his own. The sensation pushed him over the edge. He buried himself deep, his release hitting him with the force of a hex.
They stood there for a long moment, breathing hard, bodies still connected. Harry's forehead rested against the back of Nymeria's neck, feeling her pulse racing beneath his lips.
"Okay," she said eventually, her voice shaky. "That was worth the wait."
"Barely." Harry pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "Another day and I think we would have done something stupid in public."
"Stupider than a broom closet?"
"Significantly stupider."
He pulled out carefully, both of them wincing slightly at the loss of contact. Cleaning charms took care of the mess, though Harry made a mental note to be more prepared next time. Assuming there was a next time in a broom closet, which hopefully there wouldn't be because they'd find somewhere more comfortable.
The closet had a stool tucked in the corner, probably for whoever was supposed to be maintaining the cleaning supplies stored here. Harry pulled it out and sat down, his legs still slightly unsteady. Nymeria settled onto his lap immediately, her body curling against his like she couldn't bear even the small distance the stool created.
"Much better," she murmured, resting her head on his shoulder.
Harry wrapped his arms around her, one hand stroking lazily up and down her spine. They sat in comfortable silence for a while, just existing together, the bond content now that they'd sated its demands. For now.
"So," Harry said eventually. "Want to tell me about your holiday in detail? The letter covered the broad strokes, but I'm sure there's more."
"There's definitely more." Nymeria shifted slightly, getting more comfortable. "Where do you want me to start?"
"The Krum visit. That seems like the most important part."
She sighed, her breath warm against his neck. "It was worse than I made it sound in the letter. They weren't just making polite inquiries, Harry. They were recruiting. Hard. Aleksandar Krum is intelligent and charismatic, and he framed everything in terms that made it sound almost reasonable."
"What kind of terms?"
"Survival. Protection. The natural order of things." Nymeria's voice took on a bitter edge. "He talked about how muggles are multiplying while magical populations decline. How we're being pushed into smaller and smaller corners of the world. How Grindelwald offers a chance to reclaim what's ours before it's too late."
"And people listened."
"Some of them did more than listen. The women were practically nodding along with every word. Cassiopeia was enthralled. Even some of the ones I thought would be opposed stayed quiet instead of arguing."
"Like Cygnus?"
"Like Cygnus." Nymeria's frustration was clear. "He's not for it, I could tell that much. But he wouldn't speak against it either. Just sat there with that neutral expression while his family debated whether supporting a dark lord was good strategy."
Harry absorbed that, his hand continuing its soothing path along her spine. "What about Pollux?"
"Pollux was the only one who really pushed back. And they made him look like a naive idealist for it." Her hands curled into fists against his chest. "Ivan Krum was particularly good at that. Twisting every argument Pollux made until it sounded childish or short sighted."
"That's how it works though. They isolate the ones who resist, make them feel like they're the problem rather than the solution." Harry had seen it before, in his original timeline and in this one. "What did Perseus say?"
"Nothing definitive. He listened to everything, asked a few pointed questions, but gave no indication of where he stands." Nymeria lifted her head to look at him. "That might be the scariest part. The Lord of a family that influential being genuinely undecided about whether to support Grindelwald."
"Or he's already decided and he's just letting everyone think there's still a question."
"That's even scarier."
"Yeah." Harry pressed a kiss to her forehead. "What about the betrothal? How did that announcement go?"
"Strange timing, to be honest. Like Perseus was making a statement by binding the family to the Potters." Nymeria tilted her head thoughtfully. "Charlus's family hasn't declared for either side publicly, but they're known to be more progressive. Less interested in blood purity politics."
"You think Perseus was hedging his bets? Making sure the family has connections in both camps regardless of what happens?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he genuinely wants Dorea happy and that was just coincidental timing." She made a frustrated sound. "I can't read him, Harry. Every other Black wears their intentions openly, even when they're trying to hide them. But Perseus is a closed book."
"Years of practice probably." Harry's own experience with Dumbledore had taught him that truly skilled politicians could hide anything behind pleasant expressions and vague statements. "What about Belvina? Your letter mentioned she cornered you."
"Oh, that was delightful." Nymeria's voice dripped with sarcasm. "She basically told me I was a poorly raised charity case who needed to be molded into a proper Black. Then went on about how being a Black means understanding power and knowing when to make difficult decisions for the greater good."
"The greater good according to whom?"
"According to them, of course." Nymeria shifted again, agitation making her restless even in his arms. "She kept talking about how we're superior, how we set standards, how sentiment is a luxury we can't afford. Like people are just game pieces to be moved or removed as needed."
"She actually said that?"
"More or less. When I asked what happens if the weak disagree with being guided by the strong, she said they're persuaded or removed. Just like that. Casual as commenting on the weather."
Harry tightened his arms around her. "That must have taken everything you had not to curse her."
"You have no idea." Nymeria laughed humorlessly. "Dorea had to physically restrain me under the table. I wanted to tell Belvina exactly where she could shove her greater good and her bloody nonsense."
"But you didn't."
"But I didn't. Because blowing my cover over someone's offensive political views would be spectacularly stupid." She sighed. "Doesn't mean I have to like it though."
"No, you definitely don't have to like it." Harry was quiet for a moment, processing everything. "So we've got the Blacks splitting along predictable lines, the Krums actively recruiting, and Perseus playing his cards close. What's your read on who's going to end up where?"
"Orion and his line are going to support Grindelwald. I can already tell you that much. And that obviously includes his daughter Cassiopeia. She wouldn't have been this confrontational on the train today if she was not already convinced." Nymeria ticked off names on her fingers. "You already know what Marius and Altair think about Cygnus' line. Which makes it a bit troublesome because Cygnus is genuinely torn, I think. He sees the dangers but he also sees the potential advantages. Pollux will oppose it, but he's young enough that his opinion might not carry much weight."
"And Dorea?"
"Dorea's opposed, but she'll follow her father's lead ultimately. However, that would change once she gets married. She will follow Charlus' lead then. That's how it works in families like this." Nymeria rested her head against his shoulder again. "What about the Potters? Your letter told a bit of it but I want to hear directly from you."
"Better than yours by a significant margin." Harry smiled despite the heavy conversation. "They were genuinely kind. Catherine kept feeding me and interrogating me about my ancestry. William showed me the family cloak."
Nymeria straightened. "He what?"
"The Invisibility Cloak. One of the Deathly Hallows." Harry's voice was soft. "It's in a hidden alcove in his study. He wanted me to know it exists, that my family's legacy isn't completely lost."
"That's huge, Harry."
"I know. And terrifying. Because it's sitting there waiting for a future that might not happen now." He shook his head. "Time travel gives me a headache."
"Join the club." Nymeria kissed his cheek. "Did they suspect anything about your real background?"
"If they did, they didn't say anything. I stuck to the story about the Peverells being reclusive scholars. Catherine seemed to accept it, though she's sharp enough that I wouldn't be surprised if she had questions she didn't voice."
"What about Charlus?"
"Charlus is just happy to have a friend who understands the weight of family expectations." Harry's expression was fond. "He's good, Nym. Really good. I'm glad Dorea ended up betrothed to him rather than someone worse."
"Me too. Though watching them try to maintain proper distance while clearly wanting to be closer is entertaining." Nymeria grinned. "They're not as subtle as they think they are."
"We're probably not either, considering Dorea called us out."
"Fair point." She traced idle patterns on his chest. "So what do we do about all this? The Krums, Grindelwald, the family politics?"
"We keep gathering information. Watch who aligns with whom. Try to influence things where we can without drawing too much attention." Harry's voice was thoughtful. "We're still students, Nym. Our ability to affect large scale politics is limited right now."
"I know. But it's frustrating watching people march toward disaster and not being able to stop them."
"Welcome to my entire existence." Harry's smile was wry. "We do what we can. Plant seeds where possible. Build relationships with people who might listen. And prepare for the possibility that we can't stop everything we want to stop."
"That's a depressing thought."
"But a realistic one." He shifted, adjusting her weight on his lap. "Right now, our priority is surviving this year, doing well enough academically to maintain our cover as capable but not remarkable students, and keeping our relationship from becoming a massive scandal."
"About that last one." Nymeria looked up at him. "I'm done pretending there's nothing between us. We don't have to be obvious about it, but I'm tired of acting like we're just friends who happen to spend a lot of time together."
"Agreed. And we should probably be smarter about meeting places than random broom closets."
"Probably." She grinned. "Though this one worked out pretty well."
"This time. Next time we might not be so lucky."
"Then we'll just have to make sure we get to the Room of Requirement in time."
"Can be a tough ask with you looking like a snack," Harry teased, his hands wandering once again.
"But a realistic one." He shifted, adjusting her weight on his lap. "Right now, our priority is surviving this year, doing well enough academically to maintain our cover as capable but not remarkable students, and keeping our relationship from becoming a massive scandal."
"About that last one." Nymeria looked up at him. "I'm done pretending there's nothing between us. We don't have to be obvious about it, but I'm tired of acting like we're just friends who happen to spend a lot of time together."
"Agreed. And we should probably be smarter about meeting places than random broom closets."
"Probably." She grinned. "Though this one worked out pretty well."
"This time. Next time we might not be so lucky."
"Then we'll just have to make sure we get to the Room of Requirement in time."
"Can be a tough ask with you looking like a snack," Harry teased, his hands wandering once again.
"A snack?" Nymeria raised an eyebrow, though her breath hitched as his fingers traced along her ribs. "That's the best you can do?"
"I could be more eloquent." His mouth found the curve of her neck. "But I'm a bit distracted right now."
"By what?" Her voice was purposely innocent even as she shifted on his lap, feeling him already hardening again beneath her.
"You know exactly what." Harry's hands slid up to cup her breasts, his thumbs brushing over nipples that peaked immediately at his touch. "Don't play coy."
"Who's playing?" Nymeria gasped as he took one nipple between his fingers, rolling it gently. "I'm genuinely curious what could possibly be distracting you."
"Terrible liar." He switched his attention to her other breast, his mouth replacing his hand on the first. The wet heat of his tongue made her squirm.
"Maybe I just want to hear you say it."
Harry lifted his head, his eyes dark with renewed desire. "I'm distracted because you're naked on my lap and I can't think about anything except how good you feel. How much I want you again. How I'm never going to get enough of this."
"Better." Nymeria's hand moved between them, wrapping around his length. He was fully hard now, ready for her again. "Much better."
She rose slightly, straddling him and positioning herself above him. Their eyes met and held as she sank down slowly, taking him inside. They both groaned at the sensation, still sensitive from their earlier release but unable to resist the pull between them.
"Damn, you feel amazing," Harry breathed, his hands gripping her hips.
"So do you." Nymeria began to move, rolling her hips in a rhythm that had them both gasping. "Every time. Every single time."
This was slower than before. Less frantic. They'd taken the edge off their desperation and now they could savor it properly. Nymeria rode him with relaxed movements, rising and falling in a steady pace that built pleasure gradually rather than rushing toward completion.
Harry's hands roamed her body as she moved. Tracing the curve of her waist, the flare of her hips, before sliding up to cup her breasts again. He couldn't get enough of touching her, fucking her, and making her gasp and moan.
"Kiss me," Nymeria demanded, and he obliged immediately.
Their mouths met in a kiss that was deep and unhurried, tongues sliding together in perfect sync to the movement of their bodies. Harry could taste the hint of fruit on her lips, mixed with her unique taste that he couldn't get enough of.
Nymeria's pace gradually increased, her control slipping as the pleasure built. Harry helped by gripping her hips more firmly, guiding her movements, adding his own upward thrusts to meet her descent. The angle drove him deep, hitting spots that made her cry out against his mouth.
"Touch yourself," Harry murmured against her lips. "I want to watch you."
Nymeria's hand slid between them, her fingers finding her clit. She circled it with ease, her movements matching the rhythm of their joined bodies. Harry watched her face, fascinated by every expression that crossed it. The way her eyes fluttered closed when he hit the perfect spot. The way her lips parted on a silent moan. The flush that spread across her cheeks and down her neck.
"That's it," he encouraged, his voice rough. "Just like that. You're so beautiful like this."
"Harry." His name was a plea on her lips. "I'm close."
"Me too. Let go. I've got you."
Nymeria's rhythm faltered as her orgasm hit, her body clenching around him in waves. The sensation pushed Harry over the edge seconds later, his release flooding through him with intense pleasure that left him breathless.
They stayed locked together as the aftershocks faded, foreheads pressed together, breathing hard. Nymeria's fingers threaded through his hair while his hands stroked soothingly along her spine.
"We should probably actually talk about our plans now," she said eventually, though she made no move to separate from him.
"Probably." Harry pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "In a minute though."
"In a minute," she agreed, knowing it'd be much more than that.
TBC.
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