May 6, 1998
Hermione woke slowly, the steady beat of Harry's heart beneath her cheek. His arms were wrapped around her naked form and all she could do was smile to herself. Harry had gotten her through yet another heat and it had been wonderful, despite the timing and the fact that many of their friends were dead. Suddenly, Hermione remembered that there were people dead and she leapt from Harry's arms and began shaking him.
"Harry, wake up! My heat is over and there are people dead. We need to go out and see what's going on, especially since you took over the Order," she told him. Harry groaned a little but opened his eyes to meet her own.
"Good morning to you too. I suppose you're right. You shower first. If we do it together you know we won't get out until after I've thoroughly ravished you against the bathroom wall," he said, sitting up slowly since he knew that he was still sore from the Final Battle. Hermione gave him a serious nod and started for the loo, knowing that he was completely correct in the fact that they would end up shagging if they showered together.
Hermione wasted no time in crawling into the shower, the hot water washing away the scent of sex. She was quick to use her wand to dry her hair and body, stepping back out into the room so Harry could shower off. He tweaked her nipple as she passed him and she couldn't stifle the gasp that it elicited. Harry chuckled under his breath but disappeared into the loo, shutting the door behind him.
Hermione went to her beaded bag and started rummaging through their things. She hoped that Ron had other options since all his things were crammed in her bag as well. She pulled out a pair of worn jeans and a jumper for herself and the same for Harry. While it was the beginning of May, they were still in a drafty castle that didn't warm up easily. Her mind was whirring as she dressed, considering all the things that she needed to accomplish.
First, there was Draco and his mother. She understood that they needed to be put on trial but she had hoped that they would have been allowed to be under house arrest until that time. They needed to find out when their trials were so they could accurately prepare. Snape needed to be spoken to and she knew that Harry had a few things that he would like to say to the snarky man. There was also the Weasleys to deal with. Harry had killed their only daughter and she was sure that there would be repercussions from that. Not with the Ministry, per se, but with the Weasleys themselves. They had been long time friends of Harry and Hermione and that friendship was likely in shambles now.
Harry emerged, looking exhausted even now. The past three days hadn't gifted them with rest, that much was true. However, she finally saw just how drained he was, how much he had aged since the beginning of their horcrux hunt. She went to him, wrapping her arms around his waist and pressing kisses to his chest. His arms circled her and he rested his cheek on her head.
"It's over now. You no longer have to be the strong one. Let someone else take over," Hermione implored. Harry made an agreeable noise in his throat.
"I can't completely but I'm definitely done being in charge. I got us through the war, the Ministry can get everyone through the aftermath. I just didn't realize how tired I would be after it was all said and done. All that death just because people thought they were better than others. It's all so utterly ridiculous that I'm not even sure what to say about it," he told her. Hermione nodded against his chest.
"You're right, it is ridiculous. Just remember, Rome wasn't built in a day. This problem is going to take awhile to fix. Believe you me, I intend to see opinions change," she vowed. Harry chuckled again and pulled away, putting the clothes she had laid out on quickly. Hermione made sure that all their things were gathered up and returned to her beaded bag.
Once Harry was dressed, the pair left the safety of the Head Boy's room and started through the castle. The damage was extensive but Hermione could see where some were already starting to repair it. She wondered briefly if the castle would be ready in time for the new term. Harry had made it sound as though he wanted to go back and although she had just witnessed horrific things here, she was just a little excited at the thought.
The castle was still full of people. She wondered why they hadn't gone home to bury their dead yet, why they hadn't fled to places that they loved. They searched the Great Hall for someone in charge; Remus or Minerva was who Hermione was hoping for. She wasn't sure how Bill would take to speaking with them about the war at this given moment. Hermione spotted her mother and Remus speaking together where the High Table usually sat. She clutched at Harry's arm and pulled him in that direction. Her mother noticed their approach and opened her arms, Hermione moving into them with no care that they were being watched. Harry hugged Remus openly before they switched and Hermione found herself in Remus' arms.
"We need to know the status of everything that's going on," Harry said. Hermione shot him a reproachful look since he had said that he was going to let others take over. However, she had thought the same thing so she didn't openly scold him. Minerva gestured that they sit at a table and called for one of the school elves.
"Tippy, Harry and Hermione haven't eaten and would really appreciate some leftover breakfast," she told the small creature. Tippy nodded her head happily.
"Yes, Miss Kitty, Tippy will gets breakfast for everyone," she promised. With a pop, the elf was gone. Hermione and Harry took the very end of what was usually the Hufflepuff table. Remus waved Kingsley over and they crowded around them. Hermione watched as her mother waved her wand, silencing the area around them. Food appeared before them all and even though Hermione knew that this conversation would likely turn her from food for awhile, she dug in anyways. Going through her heat tended to make her even hungrier than normal.
"First, numbers and names. Let's get the depressing shit out of the way first," Harry demanded. Remus' eyes turned sad as he nodded.
"The light side suffered 76 deaths, that we know of. They weren't all students but a good portion of them were. The dark suffered twice that. I won't list all the names because you don't know them all, probably not even the students," Remus started but Harry shook his head.
"No, I want to hear them all. They fought and died for me, they deserve for me to remember their names," Harry ordered. Remus nodded again, pulled a list from his pocket and began.
"Lavender Brown, Padma Patil, Colin Creevey, Ginny Weasley, Professor Trelawney, Professor Flitwick, Faye Dunbar, Katie Bell, Oliver Wood, Leann Spinks, Xenophilius Lovegood…" Remus droned on. Hermione tried to pay attention but was caught up on Xeno's name. At least Harry wouldn't have to break Luna's heart by killing her father. It didn't take Remus as long as she would have figured to list all the names. He must have gone through them as fast as he could. When he reached the end, Hermione sighed.
"It was all so pointless. Now what are they going to do when the population is in the toilet? One of those horrid marriage laws?" she questioned. Kingsley shook his head.
"As the newly appointed Minister, I'm going to hold off on that for as long as possible. We didn't just fight a war to take away the choices of those that survived it. However, it may come down to it in the end. Alphas and omegas will be safe, of course, but betas would be affected. Let's not worry about that now. I know there are still things you want to discuss," he promised them. Hermione nodded.
"We understand that Draco and his mum have to stand trial. Can you tell us when that is and where they're being kept?" Hermione asked. Kingsley nodded and judging by the look on his face, she wasn't going to like his answer.
"Due to you backing Draco, I was able to make him the first trial. He's on the docket for June 1st. Narcissa and Lucius are scheduled for later in the month. I couldn't get Snape's moved up any further either. He's scheduled the same day as the Malfoys. I believe it's the eighteenth but I would have to make sure. As of now, Snape is still in St. Mungo's being treated for various things. The Malfoys are in Azkaban and Snape will join them there," the Minister revealed. Hermione was about to get indignant but Harry beat her to it.
"Absolutely not. Lucius Malfoy can stay right where he is but I expect the other two Malfoys to be held in the Ministry cells, along with Snape. They helped our side of the war, Draco killing Death Eaters behind their backs and Snape with doing whatever fool thing that arsehole Dumbledore told him to, all so he could protect me and repent for my mother's death. You will not keep them in fucking Azkaban. If they're found guilty, then fine, I won't say a word. Until then, I expect them to be treated decently," Harry demanded in a tone that left no room for misinterpretation. Kingsley sighed and rubbed his bald head before nodding his acceptance.
"Alright. I'll be on my way to get that changed. I'm assuming that you're going to be visiting them once they're moved?" Hermione gave a firm nod. She wasn't sure if she really even liked Draco but she knew deep in her heart of hearts that he had helped her more than once, saving her life on both occasions. She owed it to him to help him if she could.
"We'll be visiting St. Mungo's as well. Tell your guards to expect us," she told Kingsley. Remus raised an eyebrow at her but he said nothing. Kingsley nodded and stood, bowing slightly before he left. She turned back to her mother and Remus.
"Why is everyone still here? I would have thought they would have cleared out their dead and began the process of burying them," she enquired. Minerva nodded her head slightly.
"Yes, that's what you would think. I think they've all been waiting for you two. You're heroes and they wanted to see with their own eyes that you had survived. You two disappeared right after the Battle and even though they were reassured that you were both fine, they wanted to see for themselves. The public has taken you into their hearts. For now," she finished with a smirk. Harry groaned and scrubbed his face under his glasses.
"I wouldn't mind as much if the public wasn't as fickle as they come," he complained. Minerva and Remus laughed for a moment. Remus turned somber and met Harry's eyes.
"The Weasleys said that you were the one to kill Ginny. Is that true?" he asked boldly. Harry stared into his eyes and nodded.
"Yes. I used the Killing Curse on her after she purposely exploded a wall above Hermione. I'm sure she had a concussion, not to mention her arm was completely mangled. Surely you noticed that while she was taking on Riddle's snake?" he challenged his de facto godfather. Remus held his hands up in surrender, making it clear that he wasn't judging.
"I'm not judging you for what you did. In those circumstances, I would have done the same. Trust me when I say that another alpha will certainly understand. The instinct to protect runs deep," Remus reminded him. Harry let the tension bleed from his frame and he suddenly looked defeated. He turned to Hermione and sighed heavily.
"We might as well get talking with the Weasleys over with. The longer we put it off, the worse it will be," he told her. Hermione nodded glumly. This wasn't a conversation she was looking forward to.
They rose together as a pair and started for the Gryffindor table where most of the Weasleys sat. They were grief-stricken, that much she could see, but their eyes were also guarded. It was clear that they were just as nervous about the meeting as she and Harry were. Harry pulled her as close as he could when he reached Arthur. The man rose to his feet, as did the rest of the boys. Molly was the only one who remained in her seat, sobbing quietly into her hands.
"I just wanted to let you know that while I don't regret what I did to Ginny, I'm sorry for the pain and suffering it's caused your family," Harry said firmly. Molly started wailing and Arthur hushed her loudly. New tears spilled down her cheeks at his action but Hermione didn't care. She had lost all respect for the woman and after her heinous actions, she wasn't sure she could even feel a modicum of sadness for the woman. She had intended to let Ginny rape and eventually murder Harry and in her mind, that was unforgivable. Arthur turned back to herself and Harry, his face passive.
"I won't lie, this has changed things. You murdered my only daughter, the girl I bounced on my knee for years. I understand why you did it and can't even blame you for it. She was led astray and she was too far gone to save. I know that every alpha out there would understand, Bill does. It's just hard from the father's perspective," Arthur choked out, a sob almost taking over. Hermione could see Harry harden himself in the face of the man's tears. However, before he could speak, Bill stepped forward and laid a hand on his father's shoulder, silently telling him that he would take over. Hermione watched him warily.
"I just want to let you know that as a family, we bear you no ill will. Like Dad said, I completely understand why you did what you did. You gave numerous warnings and she ignored them all, mostly at the behest of my mother. I don't want this to come between us, though others may disagree. I hope that we can move forward as friends," Bill said hopefully. Hermione gave him an encouraging smile but before she or Harry could speak, the twins stepped forward.
"We just want to let you know that even though we aren't alphas, we do understand. We don't like it, we're really going to miss the Ginny we had before she was caught up in the fairy tale of The-Boy-Who-Lived. None of what happened is okay. However, we aren't going to hate you forever because of it. Ginny made her decisions and in the end, she paid the price for them," Fred (or maybe it was George) stated baldly. Harry nodded his acceptance of their words. Charlie, a man of few words, remained silent. However, he did step forward and offer his hand to Harry. Without any hesitation, Harry grasped his hand firmly and nodded his way.
Percy said nothing. He merely wrapped an arm around his mother's shoulders and let her quake against him. He didn't glare at them but he made them more than aware that they weren't important enough for him to bother with. It was very disconcerting how he could disconnect from his family like that as if it were nothing. Ron, however, was the one that had remained silent up until now. It was the defining moment, one that would make or break their position in the Weasley horde. The redhead stood and brought himself directly in front of Harry and met his eyes. Honestly, it was probably the most mature thing Hermione had ever seen her temperamental friend do. He stuck his hand out for Harry to shake. Once his hand was clasped in Ron's, the redhead dropped the bombshell.
"I don't think we can be friends anymore, Harry. I'm not raging that you were unjust; you weren't. You did what you had to to protect Hermione, the same as I would have done for Ella. I don't blame you for what you did. I just don't think I can look at you for the rest of my life and not see the moment you struck down my only sister. The moment that green spell left your wand and slammed into her. I don't want to forever relive that moment in my life. Maybe a time will come where that passes and we can be friends again. I know I'm a hot head so I want to make very clear that this isn't about being angry. It's about remembering. I won't shun you on the street, I won't tell you to stay away from my family. I just need space from you both. I hope that you can understand," he revealed. Hermione's heart clenched in pain but she thought it very mature of Ron to take this attitude. Beside her, Harry nodded his head jerkily.
"Sure, mate, we understand. The last thing we want to do is hurt you more. We'll stay away from you and if you decide you can get past it, I'm sure the others will know where to find us," Harry told his friend magnanimously. Ron nodded and slipped away. Harry turned back to Bill and asked the question that was burning in Hermione's mind.
"Do you want us to come to the funeral or stay away?" The question hung in the air like a mist that just wouldn't dissipate. Hermione was undecided if she wanted to go. Where she had always considered Ginny her very best girl friend, she had also tried to kill her alpha. She had tried to kill Hermione in the end. Which version of Ginny should she be loyal to? It was Bill that answered after receiving a significant look from Arthur.
"I think it would be nice if you both came. It would be helpful for the family as well. Nobody but the Order knows what Ginny was really planning and if you two suddenly weren't at her funeral, it would expose it. I know I have no right to ask now but I ask that you spare my sister's memory that scorn. Not to mention the rest of ours. Plus, you're family. You've been family since you were eleven years old. While it may have changed for some of us, it hasn't changed for all of us," Bill explained. Hermione could see what he was saying. If Ginny's plans were leaked to the press, it would devastate the Weasley family. She gave a nod in the affirmative.
"We would love to attend. Send us the information and we'll be there, we promise. For now, though, we have other plans that we need to see to," she told them politely. The Weasleys retreated en masse, once again taking their seats while Hermione let Harry lead her away.
-O-
Harry sighed internally, grateful that that confrontation was over with. He had expected it to go so much worse than it actually did; he was surprised they weren't chasing him with wands blazing.
Most of the reactions had been expected. Bill was a given, not to mention Charlie's. The second Weasley son rarely held an opinion that wasn't shared by Bill. Percy wasn't a surprise either; he had hated Harry since their fifth year in Hogwarts, made clear by the letter he had sent Ron about him. He had known that Molly would hate him and blame him for the rest of her life, despite the fact that it was all her fault to begin with.
Ron, though, Ron had hurt. He had expected his friend to understand, to punch him a few times, and then get over it. Ron knew what Ginny was planning and he had given up their friendship in Ginny's memory. He chose Ginny over Harry and even though he knew they were family, it still hurt down deep inside. Not that he could blame Ron; he would always choose Hermione first.
Hermione wrapped an arm around his waist and started to pull him towards the main floo, having been opened since the Battle ended. Harry knew that she had plans and while he really just wanted to go back to the Head Boy room and shag her again, he knew that she was right. Draco had protected Hermione during the heat of battle and he deserved to know why he was still being incarcerated.
Harry insisted on going through the floo first; he knew the Hogwarts side was safe and the same couldn't be said for the Ministry. He flashed away in a flurry of green flames, Hermione following directly behind him. He pulled her in close again since the crowds bustling around them made him nervous and twitchy. She seemed to understand how he was feeling and let him engulf her in his presence. The pair found their way to the cells, guided by signs on the walls of all things. They checked their wands with the young woman that couldn't keep her eyes off him. It was disconcerting how she watched him. Hermione simply glared at her.
"We'd like to see Draco Malfoy, please," Harry said firmly. The girl's eyes widened and turned confused.
"Why? He's a Death Eater," she stammered. Harry just glared at her.
"Don't worry about the why but the how. As in how I'm going to see the prisoner I came to see when you don't seem capable of fetching him," Harry growled. The girl's mouth snapped closed and she hurried off. Hermione shook her head at him, silently telling him that his attitude hadn't been necessary.
Another young woman appeared and gestured for them to follow her. They were led through a series of cells until they stopped in front of two that were side by side, one housing Draco and the other, Narcissa. Both had haunted looks in their eyes but didn't seem to be too much worse for the wear. Harry sighed audibly.
"At least Kingsley listened to me right away. I thought he might drag his feet just a little being that your last names are Malfoy," Harry confessed. Hermione hit him in the side and he scowled at her. Draco watched them with an angry gaze.
"You two just now show up? What about the time we suffered in Azkaban? They tried to suck out Mother's soul!" Harry felt Hermione stiffen next to him and he knew that it was because she instantly felt guilty. He pulled her closer and growled at Draco.
"Hermione went into heat directly after the Battle, she only just finished this morning. We got here as soon as we could, you arsehole," Harry snapped at him. Draco instantly looked ashamed.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know that. I appreciate you coming now. Can you check on Daphne for me? I know she must be worried sick about me," he pleaded. Harry nodded, knowing Hermione would be his first concern too.
"Yes, we'll go there as soon as we can. Life is a little crazy right now. You two still have to stand trial but you'll await it here rather than Azkaban. Snape will be held here as well. After we leave here, we're headed to Mungo's to see him. I know that the situation isn't ideal but we figured that it was better than the dementors," Harry admitted. He still remembered the haunted look in Sirius' eyes when someone would bring up the foul beings. Draco and his mother both nodded emphatically. Hermione spoke next, surprising him just a little.
"Is there anything that you two need that we can bring you? I'm sure most of it would be considered contraband but I might be able to bring in some books and a toothbrush. Things like that," she inquired. Draco nodded.
"Whatever you think we could use. We're not used to living without magic. We would be grateful for your help," Draco told her, his tone only slightly formal now. Harry loosened his grip on Hermione ever so slightly.
"We're going to testify at your trials. Don't worry, if you go to Azkaban, it won't be for lack of trying. I'm going to do my best to get you home to Daphne," Harry promised, almost overcome at giving his word. Draco had given his and kept Hermione alive; the least he could do is testify for him and make sure the blond man got to see his own omega again. Narcissa curtseyed his way and Harry noticed there was a faint blush to her cheeks.
"Thank you, Lord Potter, Miss Granger, for your assistance in this matter. Know that if you ever have need of something House of Malfoy can provide, don't hesitate to call on me," she said formally. Harry wondered what was going on with all the formal talk but since Hermione didn't seem worried, he decided that it wasn't worth his time. He returned a bow to her curtsy and the pair quickly departed.
They were going to have to hurry if they were going to reach St. Mungo's before visiting hours were over. Harry hadn't realized just how long he had spent talking to each of the people had come into contact with. It was already almost five in the evening and he really wanted to make sure that he saw Snape before the end of the day.
The pair of them hurried through the corridors of the Ministry, using the floo in the Atrium to avoid the crowds in Diagon Alley to make their way to St. Mungo's. Harry went first, followed quickly by Hermione. They reached the Welcome Witch, who was looking down at her copy of Witch Weekly, flipping through the pages aimlessly. Harry cleared his throat and the woman didn't even bother looking up at him.
"I'm sorry, you'll have to return tomorrow. Visiting hours are over in five minutes," she stated baldly. Harry growled even though Hermione laid a calming hand on his arm. The woman looked up and blanched at realizing exactly who he was.
"I'm not coming back tomorrow. I want to see Severus Snape right bloody now. The Minister of Magic knows that I planned to come today. If that still poses a problem, I'm sure that I can just start broadcasting that you're keeping Harry Potter from thanking a war hero for his service during a multi-decade long war. I'm sure the public would love that," he threatened her. The woman started to stammer an answer but when she couldn't get it out, she finally just waved them on, calling out "fourth floor" as they turned the corner.
Harry moved at a much more sedate pace now that they were in the hospital. Hermione moved closer to him when she realized that everyone's eyes were on them as they passed. Not that he was surprised; it had been clear that their part in the war was no secret. Of course the public was going to put them on a pedestal, no matter how much they both hated it.
It took no time at all for Harry to find the room that Snape was staying it. Not only was it near the room that Arthur stayed in during his fifth year after being attacked by Nagini, it was the only room under auror guard. None of the aurors looked familiar to Harry but they all stood down just the same, all with a respectful nod as doing so. Harry let Hermione grip his hand in hers nervously while he took a deep breath. He wasn't sure exactly what he would be facing and he thought that made him more apprehensive than anything. With a final moment of hesitation, Harry pushed the door open and pulled them both inside.
Honestly, Severus Snape wasn't as he had expected him to appear. He had expected him to be clad in all black robes with a severe neck, hair lank and greasy, eyes dark and dangerous. However, this wasn't the case. He was propped up in bed against numerous pillows in a pale blue hospital gown, his hair clean and shiny, slight stubble on his cheeks, and his eyes dull with what Harry assumed was pain potion. His emerald met Snape's onyx and recognition flared.
"Potter," Snape said, no sign of disdain in his tone. Harry bowed his head respectfully.
"Snape," he said in the same tone. The man's gaze was muted some by potions but no less penetrating.
"You did what I thought impossible. You made your mother proud," he said honestly. Harry felt his eyes prick with tears but held them back ruthlessly. Instead, he returned in kind.
"You fooled the entire wizarding world, including the Dark Lord. You repaid your debt to my mother and the Potter family. Not only do I forgive you, so does she," he told Snape. Tears glistened in the older man's eyes so Harry continued.
"While you lie in stasis in the Shrieking Shack, I allowed Tom Riddle to kill me. Both our souls that were housed in my body were sent beyond. We were met by my parents and Dumbledore. Tom was just a shriveled up mass, not much bigger than a baby. I got to talk to my parents though, Dumbledore too. I had quite a few heated words with that old bastard about how he played not only me but you as well, fuck, everyone really. My mum, though, she wanted me to tell you that she forgave you a long time ago for what you said to her and then what you did. You went above and beyond what you needed to do to prove it to her. She just wants you to move on with your life and try to be happy," Harry revealed. A single tear escaped and Snape dashed it away angrily. His eyes started to flash.
"You're lying, you little cretin," he spat angrily at Harry. Harry just smiled softly at the man. He leaned a little closer so only Snape would hear him.
"My mum said you wouldn't believe me. She wanted me to tell you that one of her favorite memories will always be when you taught her how to harvest stinksap and it squirted in her hair. She said it took a month to get rid of the smell," Harry told him. A look of disbelief crossed Snape's features and Harry just smiled at him softly before continuing.
"I talked to Kingsley about you. You still have to face trial but you'll be held in the Ministry if you get out of here before then. Narcissa and Draco Malfoy are being held there as well so you won't be alone. I plan to testify for you, as I'm sure that Hermione will as well. Unlike myself, she's always been your staunchest supporter. I'm sure that once word gets out that I'm testifying, other Order members will step forward as well. I don't plan on you going to Azkaban, Professor, so I suggest that we call a truce between us. What do you think?" Harry proposed. He waited almost a full minute before Snape nodded and stuck out his hand. Harry shook it firmly.
"Thank you, sir, for doing the things in this war that nobody else could. We wouldn't have won without you, that much is true. I wouldn't have won without you," Harry said sincerely. Snape nodded jerkily, clearly unnerved. His voice was soft when he spoke.
"Thank you, Potter. For...you know…" Snape trailed off. Harry nodded.
He did know.
"We're going to let you rest, Professor. We'll visit again soon and hopefully you'll be feeling better by then. Maybe we can even start to be friends. My mum was clear when she said that she didn't want you to be alone anymore and that I was expected to make an effort to befriend you. Trust me, she was scary when she said it. I plan on becoming your friend, Professor, so just get used to the idea," Harry warned him. Snape simply snorted at his words.
Harry took Hermione's hand and pulled her towards the door, leaving Snape to himself and his thoughts. They took their time meandering their way back to the main floo so they could head to Grimmauld Place. Hermione had told him that she wanted privacy away from the stares and the only place that Harry knew they could achieve that was Grim Place. Sure, the wards were compromised but now that he could cast temporary blood wards, they would be safe enough. Just before reaching the fireplace, Hermione tugged on his hand to catch his attention.
"Your mum didn't really tell you to become his friend, did she?" she asked. Harry grinned mischievously at her.
"Nope. She did say she didn't want him to be alone. Snape has given up more than anyone else in this war, all voluntarily. It's about time that someone makes an effort to do something for him. Who better than me? Besides, I already know he's protected me with his life. Yeah, he might never like me, per se, but at least he'll know he won't be alone," Harry explained. Hermione broke out into an enormous grin and threw herself into his arms so she could kiss him quite indecently considering they were in the middle of St. Mungo's. When she pulled away breathless, she gave him an adoring look.
"That's one of the sweetest things I've ever heard you say, Harry Potter. I love it when you're thoughtful and sweet like that. Keep it up and I might just shag you silly when we get to Grim Place," she teased him. Harry burst out in laughter and pulled her towards the floo before she saw how many people were staring at them.
"Come on, kitten, let's see if you'll make good on that promise. We have more to take care of in the coming days," he told her.
Once back at Grimmauld Place, she did.