I do not own Harry Potter or it's characters. This is merely a work of fanfiction.

This chapter is as of yet unbeta'd, so please forgive me for any spelling/grammar errors. I wanted to go ahead and get it out, as I know everyone has been waiting. I will update it in the future with corrections. We have a shorter chapter, but we are moving ahead in our timeline. I hope you enjoy:)

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Trixie was bustling with energy.

The Potter and Malfoy elves were running hither and thither. She had been working for months to make the Manor spotless for her Mistresses and their friends. The children would be arriving soon, and everything was nearly done.

It would be amazing to have Potter Manor bustling with children once again. She missed the days when the Marauders ran the halls, leaving chaos in their wake.

Trixie made her way to the hall of portraits and stopped in front of Dorea and Charlus.

"The girls will be here soon, with all their friends."

Dorea beamed brightly, and Charlus clasped her shoulder in support.

"My babies are coming home," Dorea whispered happily.

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Potter Manor was overrun with Hogwarts students in short order. The Malfoy's and Lord Black took up residence at all times, with the other parents flitting in and out throughout the day, taking turns spending the night to help with the children.

Trixie and the other Potter house elves were thrilled to be back in their home, and to see it filled with love and laughter.

Many of the children spent long hours on the Quidditch pitch, while Hermione and Luna could often be found in the library.

Ginny and Holly spent some time in the hall of portraits nearly every day, speaking to their lost family members. Draco accompanied them about half the time, soaking up any advice they could give.

The portraits told them stories that made them laugh so hard their sides hurt.

The more portraits Holly talked to, the more she started to understand that certain divisions hadn't always existed. The rivalry of Dark vs Light Magic didn't seem to exist in the older portraits. They were both valid, though different, like two sides of a coin.

The decline of the Olde Ways was sad news to the portraits, but Holly assured them that they were doing everything that they could to reinstate their practice. Dorea smiled happily as she explained.

"You are doing the right thing, my dear. Take it slow, as your soulmate says. I know it's hard to wait, but patience is necessary in this matter."

Charlus huffed beside her. He was all for lighting Samhain bonfires on the lawn of Hogwarts in open defiance of the rules, and he was not shy about it.

"That Riddle boy has ruined everything. They shouldn't let him take this too!"

"In time my love, in time. Draco has the right of it."

Charlus huffed and crossed his arms. It wasn't in his nature to be patient, a trait his grand daughter shared.

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Holly tugged on the hem of her swim dress.

Blaise had designed it in a darling vintage nineteen fifties style. It had a short scalloped hem skirt and a bustier style top. The seamstress had made it in a fabric that matched her skin tone with black polka dots.

Everyone else was already out at the lake. Potter Manor was one of the few places she could roam freely without her guards. Only those she allowed through the wards could come on the property.

She rounded a corner and ran face first into a shirtless Draco. Holly stumbled back, blushing a bright red. Draco smiled down at her. He had a towel thrown over one shoulder, and black swim trunks on. Holly's eyes gravitated to his abs involuntarily.

Merlin, had he always looked like that?

Draco laughed and Holly looked up at his face, blushing even brighter. Draco ran his hands through his hair nervously and tried extremely hard not to leer at Holly's body.

"Maybe we should join the others," Draco suggested, holding out his hand.

"Yeah, let's go."

Holly threaded her hand into his and let him lead the way. As they walked, Draco couldn't help but let his eyes roam over his soulmate. She looked gorgeous in the sun. He could see her soulmark, so often covered up by her dresses. He could feel her bare hand against his, and feel her magic thrumming on the surface of her skin like a livewire. She had abandoned her gloves since they would be swimming soon.

"What is it?" Holly asked, feeling Draco's gaze on her. He paused a few feet away from their friends, and turned his back to them so he shielded both of them from their gazes.

"You just look beautiful, Holly. Really. You look beautiful, and I love you."

He leaned down and kissed her gently. Holly leaned into the kiss, and was broken out of it not a moment later by their friends hooting and hollering. Draco threw them a rude hand gesture as he retook Holly's hand and led her over to their friends.

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Holly woke on the morning of her birthday to Draco, Ginny, Mipsy, and Trixie standing at the end of her bed. Mipsy had produced four of the hats she usually wore on their birthdays and placed them on all four of their heads. Poppers went off and multi-colored confetti rained down on Holly.

"Happy Birthday Mistress!" The house elves yelped as they jumped onto her bed, pulling her into a hug. Holly hugged them back gratefully and watched as they scampered out of the room in a hurry.

"They're a little excited," Ginny giggled.

She hugged Holly and made her way back to her room to prepare for breakfast, leaving Holly and Draco alone. Draco was trying his hardest not to look at her long black hair splayed out around her. He bit his lip with the effort, making Holly laugh.

"You can look, Draco. We're going to be married one day after all."

All rational thought left Draco as the air fled his lungs. Holly stared at him worriedly. After a moment he coughed and shook his head, breaking out of his stupor. A small smile overtook his face as he walked towards her and pulled her into a hug.

He placed one hand very carefully on her hair. He could practically feel the magic humming through it. Possessiveness reared it's head as Draco threaded his hand through her hair. He knew he would be the only one to see it this way, to feel Holly's magic beat through it like a heartbeat.

"That's quite enough of that."

Draco jolted back. Lady Malfoy stood about a foot into the room with an amused look on her face. She held some beautiful golden ribbons in her hand, to be braided into Holly's hair for her birthday. He looked over at his soulmate who was now hiding under one of her blankets.

"I'll see you at breakfast," Draco called as he beat a hasty retreat. Cissa approached Holly and gently pulled the blanket off her face. She was flushed a bright red.

"No point hiding, my dear. You don't turn fourteen every day."

Holly felt the embarrassment flood out of her as she thought about her forthcoming presents. She had grown to love receiving presents. She was always so surprised by her friends and family. Holly threw off her blankets to get ready for the day.

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Draco paused as he buttoned up his shirt, looking at the necklaces around his neck. He fingered the gold one. It was the one that Holly had spun for him of her own Potter magic, years prior.

The second she had given him on his birthday, just a month ago. It was also spun from her own hair, imbued with her newfound Slytherin family magic. It shone with a beautiful white gold tone. If touching her hair was a yell, then the necklace was an echo, though a very pleasant one.

Blaise and Theo burst into his room, bright smiles upon their faces. Neville entered next, closing the door behind him. Draco hurriedly buttoned up his shirt.

"Why were you staring at yourself in the mirror?" Theo asked as he jumped onto a couch.

"I wasn't," Draco denied, picking up a Quaffle that sat on a table and throwing it at Theo. He caught it easily, and threw it to Neville. Neville dropped the present in his hand, and caught it. Blaise took the Quaffle out of Neville's hand, and returned it to it's table.

"He's probably just looking at the necklace Holly made him, you prat." Blaise chided.

Neville laughed as he retrieved his present for Holly from the floor.

"You're lucky this isn't breakable."

"What would you do to me if it was?" Theo asked jokingly. Neville shared a look with Draco, who smirked wickedly.

"Holly got me a carnivorous plant for my birthday. It's just outside in the greenhouse."

Theo blanched, "Merlin, and they say us Slytherin's are bad. You Gryffindor's are vicious."

Neville chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, yeah. You ready Draco?"

Draco shrugged into his cloak and grabbed his present for Holly. His friends smiled hugely at him.

"Ready."

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"How?" Holly asked, clearly in shock.

She held the Firebolt in her lap reverently. The gift of the broom, in itself, was one thing. It was extremely expensive, and difficult to get your hands on. Nothing so plebeian as expense could possibly be a problem for two of the wealthiest youth in the magical world.

No, what truly made this Firebolt exceptional, was that it was custom built for Holly.

There on the polished wood of the broom handle was her name in gold script. It alternated names, flashing 'Lady Holly Slytherin', and then 'Lady Holly Potter' in turn. It was also shorter than a regulation broom, to better suit her height.

"I asked politely." Draco said simply.

Holly turned to him with a look of incredulity on her face. You didn't get a custom Firebolt by simply asking politely.

"And Father ordered brooms for the entire Slytherin Quidditch team. They were much more willing to make a custom broom after that purchase, especially when they found out it was for you."

Holly looked at Lord Malfoy, who merely shrugged good naturedly. What was all his money for, if not to be spent on his children? If they happened to trounce Gryffindor with them, all the better.

Marcus was bouncing excitedly in the corner of the room.

"Let's fly!"

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"They can not be here, they are students!" Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge protested, spittle flying from his mouth.

Luna stood to her feet from her chair. The lights in the room reflected off her diadem and her platinum hair. She looked ethereal. Fudge's protests came to a grinding halt. Her Veela good looks, inherent power, and look of repressed rage, seemed to work the desired effect as he sat back in his chair at the head of the table.

"We are the Oligarchy, Minister Fudge. We hold seats on the Board of Governors, and seats of seniority in the Wizengamot. Not only that, but we represent three prominent Houses- Black, Smith, and Potter. I encourage all present to accustom yourselves to our presence, it will only get more prominent."

Lord Black smirked in his seat. He loved seeing Luna put people in their place. He savored the combined look of shock and fear that passed over the Minister's face as he realized she was not just a pretty face.

"Well said," Headmistress McGonagall huffed. She couldn't stand the Minister and all his pomposity. He should be happy that the Heirs were taking their duties so seriously, not disparaging them.

"Don't worry," Zach added cheerily as Luna retook her seat, "we won't spoil any of the surprise for the other students. We swear."

Minister Fudge gave Zach a hesitant smile. Holly had to repress the urge to laugh. Zach was by far the least threatening, but no less devious. He just had different tactics. He was very much of the opinion that you could catch more flies with honey than vinegar. Failing to get what he wanted, however, Holly was sure he would turn to more aggressive methods.

"Now that's over with," Lord Black interrupted, "how are the final preparations going? Did you have any trouble enacting the changes we suggested?"

Mister Bartemius Crouch huffed, his mustache twitching in annoyance. Holly looked at Lord Malfoy who winked at her. She stiffled the urge to laugh at Mister Crouch, who looked like an overgrown walrus, in a three-piece suit. She took satisfaction in the knowledge that Lord Black and Lord Malfoy had almost certainly roughed him up before they wiped his memory.

"The alterations have been made, though they seem overly cautious."

Holly didn't bother to hide her eye roll this time. The alterations to the plans had been suggested by Lords Malfoy and Black on the Heirs behalf. Mister Crouch had disagreed, but the changes were made, after great pressure was applied from the Heirs' families.

Merlin forbid they try to keep their fellow students alive.

"The dragons will no longer be nesting mothers, as requested. We will also be taking objects of great care to the champions, instead of hostages. Lastly the champions will have emergency portkeys to the beginning of every challenge in case of emergency."

"Excellent," Zach hummed.

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Holly jolted awake, grabbing her wand instinctively and pointing it straight ahead.

"Wake up, Holly! It's time for the World Cup!" Ginny yelled, bouncing on her sister's bed obnoxiously. Holly abandoned her wand and shoved Ginny off her bed. She landed with a thud and a curse.

"Don't shove your sister mistress," Trixie instructed as she entered the room.

"Yes Trixie," she replied obediently. There was no point fighting with the bossy elf. Ginny popped her head over the edge of the bed and stuck her tongue out at Holly.

Holly pulled herself out of bed and shooed Ginny towards her vanity. Lady Malfoy would be in any minute to help them style their hair for the day.

A few moments later Ginny and Holly were shepherded into the dining room by Lady Malfoy and Trixie. Draco sipped a cup of coffee tiredly, as did most of the boys. Holly took the seat next to Draco and laid her head down on his shoulder. Draco chuckled and poured her a cup of coffee that she took gratefully.

"Why am I awake?" Holly asked.

"We have to get there early of course," Marcus answered. Holly squinted at him in a sleepy fury.

"We'll miss all the excitement if we don't show up until right before the match!"

"Are you telling me that was an option?" Holly queried.

"No?" Marcus replied, darting his eyes guiltily between Pansy and Ginny. Pansy shook her head, but Ginny was buzzing with excitement. She couldn't wait to get going.

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Holly had to admit that the Quidditch World Cup was worth waking up early for.

Mipsy and Dobby had set up a tent, that was really more like a portable home, so they would have somewhere to rest if they got tired. It was fairly neglected.

It was easy to get caught up in the excitement on the campgrounds. Despite the Ministry's attempt to keep the Statute of Secrecy enforced, people had rigged their tents to do all sorts of things. Holly even saw a toddler flying on a play broom.

She thought it was the cutest thing she had ever seen.

There were people selling all manner of souvenirs, though Draco advised against most of them. Who knew what kind of enchantments had been placed on them. Marcus, Greg, and Vince walked with them. Their shoulders stayed tense as they watched the crowds carefully.

Soon they would have to part from their friends, as they all had different tickets in different parts of the stadium.

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Holly entered the top box, holding onto Draco's hand. She didn't particularly like being this high without a broom. Luna, Cedric, Hermoine, and Zach were following behind her. They were guaranteed seats as part of the Oligarchy. Lord Malfoy accompanied them.

A brief look of frustration passed over the Minister's face before he painted on his best politician's smile. It went unnoticed by neither Malfoy men. Draco held onto Holly's hand tighter, and she instinctively took a half step behind his shoulder.

The Minister made the proper greetings and introductions. Both the Minister and the Heirs and their soulmates did a marvelous job of pretending they liked each other. It was becoming more and more clear to Lord Malfoy that Cornelius Fudge was becoming a problem, one that he would have to deal with.

The game passed with the excitement that usually accompanied such events. Holly, Luna, and Hermione had quite a chuckle at the men being affected by Veela allure, while their soulmates and Lord Malfoy stayed in their seats. Holly looked at Draco, who shrugged nonchalantly, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"I'm already in love, Hols. They're not for me."

Holly blushed and Draco returned his gaze to the game. Holly followed the best she was able, but it was difficult. The pace was much faster than how they played at Hogwarts. Several levels down Ginny watched the game with Neville, amazed by how the players zoomed to and fro.

As the game ended, and the trophy was collected by a player dripping blood, Holly's attention was drawn to Luna. Draco motioned to his cousin, who had that far away look on her face. Cedric was holding her by both of her forearms, as if she didn't know where she was.

Recognition filtered back into her eyes as her eyes slowly drifted to Holly and locked onto her emerald eyes.

"We need to go right now."

Panic seized Holly's chest as she followed Draco. He led her out to the stairwell where Lord Malfoy called Mipsy. Luna leaned down and whispered to the elf who nodded and popped away.

Mipsy reappeared a moment later with Dobby and Kreacher.

"Holly and Draco, go with Mipsy. Luna and Cedric, with Kreacher. Zachary and Hermione, with Dobby. To Potter Manor, all of you."

"But Father-" Holly protested.

"No. Do as you're told. I'll stay and get everyone out. Now go."

Mipsy ended the conversation, grabbing Holly and Draco's hands and popping them away. A second later she was in the living room of Potter Manor. Luna and Cedric popped in next, followed by Zach and Hermione. The elves disappeared quickly, to get the others.

Holly traded looks with Luna. She knew they couldn't discuss this now, but whatever Luna had seen had been bad enough to make her act quickly. She had never seen Luna use one of her visions in such a way.

The rest of their party joined them quickly with the help of the elves. The adults joined them last, looking harried.