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

Teddy comes to Hogwarts in this chapter. This is a reminder that he is Mute, and uses British Sign Language (BSL), along with general noises and movements to communicate with those around him. If I put something in quotes for him, he is signing it.

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Holly and the other Heirs stood excitedly on the edge of the wards with the Headmistress, and Lord Black. Holly huddled closer to Draco against the cold.

The massive form of a grey wolf came gambling through the snow, a small child with bright pink hair clutching onto his fur.

Remus skidded to a halt after he crossed the wards, and Teddy slid off his back, landing in the snow. The tot was wrapped up in heavy cloaks, and had the most adorable knitted mittens on his hands. Remus transformed back into his human form, and swept Teddy up into his arms.

"Everyone, this is Teddy."

The boy gave them all a toothy grin, and Holly beamed back at him. He signed rapidly to Remus, and Holly was suddenly very glad she had insisted everyone learn BSL. They would need it. The boy looked up at the castle, shrugged nonchalantly, and then turned back to Remus.

"I want a snack."

Luna burst into peals of laughter, drawing the boy's attention. He turned to look at her and Holly and his hair turned a silver blue.

"You're pretty," he told them. "Can I have a snack?"

"Of course," Luna responded.

Holly and Luna held out their hands. Teddy took one of each and they led him towards the castle. Draco and Cedric watched them with amusement.

"I think he just stole our soulmates," Cedric mused.

"I think your soulmates just stole my Heir," Remus responded with a smile.

"How are the renovations coming?" Remus asked Lord Black as they made their way back up towards the castle.

"They're underway. Luna and Hermione have taken particular interest in the work. We'll all help you take care of Teddy until we can make arrangements for childcare."

"You don't have to do that," Remus protested.

"Yes we do," Lord Black returned, pulling Remus to a stop.

The others passed in front of them, and Remus kept a wary eye on Teddy at the front of the group.

"If Sirius was still alive, this would be his son too. You are my brother even if he is not here. That's why I wrote to you for all those years, begging you to come home. So yes, I do have to do this. The girls, well, they just want to."

Remus patted his friend on the shoulder, rare tears beginning to form in his eyes.

"Thank you, friend."

They began to walk back towards the castle, but Remus couldn't resist one last thing.

"Did I mention that I named you Teddy's godfather?"

Regulus halted, shock on his face.

"You didn't!"

"I did."

"You didn't?"

"I did!"

Regulus threw himself at Remus in a hug. He was filled with joy.

"An honor, an honor. Now let me go take my Godson from my daughter."

"I think you might have a little competition there," Remus chuckled as he watched Teddy hold Holly and Luna's hands.

"Nonsense," Regulus denied. "Even if he holds their hands, I am the godfather."

Remus rolled his eyes and followed their group into the castle.

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Theo walked in the dorm room to find Blaise working on a dress. The bodice and sleeves were black lace, and it had the voluminous skirts Holly had come to be known for. I

"Revenge outfit?"

"Revenge outfit."

Theo nodded and came to wrap his arms around Blaise, placing a kiss on his cheek.

"It's much darker in tone than anything else you've designed," Theo noted.

"Our Principessa has been wronged. She needs to send a message. For once, I don't think she should have to hide who she is. She's a powerful Dark witch, let her show it."

Theo nodded and placed another kiss on Blaise's cheek. He worked so hard for the Heirs and their soulmates, but just for a few moments, while it was just them, maybe they could have a few moments of rest.

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Draco helped Holly into her outer cloak. Blaise had taken cues from the Dursmtrang students and created a black cloak with matching fur trim to keep Holly warm this year.

"I think you should let me handle this," Draco said softly.

Holly spun so she could look up into his eyes.

"Draco, this is mine. She wrote about me in that paper."

Draco brushed his fingertips over her jaw, cradling her face in his hands.

"I'm your future husband. I need to do this. Let me do the talking."

Holly looked in his eyes and saw what he pressed deep down. The worry for her, the rage at Skeeter, the bloodlust for anyone who hurt her. She nodded her head.

"Alright, Draco."

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Holly sat in the Hog's Head, her hands held demurely in her lap. Draco sat with one arm stretched behind her. He was the very picture of nonchalance. Vince and Greg sat on either side of the door, waiting for Miss Skeeter to enter.

The black lace of Holly's bodice sparkled when the light hit it just right. The voluminous skirts spread out around her, making her look like a Dark princess. Blaise and Theo sat at a table across the bar, enjoying the show.

Rita Skeeter entered, her ugly lime green suit forcing Blaise's face to turn in disgust. She headed for the dimly lit booth where Draco and Holly sat. She slid into the seat, and Marcus slid in after her, appearing as if from thin air. His large form kept her from leaving, and his Muffliato kept others from overhearing.

"What's this about?" Miss Skeeter asked.

All Holly could think was how very unattractive the woman in front of her was. She was hideous both inside and out, uncaring for how she ruined the lives of others. Draco removed his arm from around Holly and leaned forward, his forearms on the table, his hands held in front of him.

His presence was intimidating when he was like this. Holly liked it.

"What do you know about our family?" Draco asked.

She bristled, pursing her lips. Holly felt the overwhelming urge to smack the woman, but pushed it down. That wouldn't do anything.

"I know enough."

"Clearly not, or you never would have written that article."

Holly enjoyed the fear that crossed the beetle-like woman's face, the slow understanding that was coming into her eyes. Draco was doing a marvellous job. He had the countenance of Lucius when he was this angry.

Holly pulled out a large clear jar, with holes poked in the lid, from underneath the table. She sat it in front of the woman.

The thunk of glass against wood was jarring. Holly had to hand it to Hermione, this idea was particularly brilliant. Miss Skeeter's eyes flicked to the jar, then to Draco and Holly, then back.

"Do you know the penalty for being an unregistered Animagus?" Holly asked, her green eyes sparkling.

"Azkaban," Marcus offered gruffly.

"What do you want?" Miss Skeeter demanded.

Holly smiled and the sight of it sent a shiver down Marcus' back. Finally, it was time for her to speak.

"Oh, a great many things, Miss Skeeter. None of which you can help me with. What you can do is resign your position at The Daily Prophet. Get a job as a barmaid, or a barista, or some insignificant job where no one will ever notice you again."

"Why would I do that?" The woman sneered.

"Because if you don't, the dementors of Azkaban will be the least of your problems," Draco sneered.

Miss Skeeter's eyes flickered between Holly and Draco.

"She thinks you're bluffing," Holly said softly.

The calm in her tone was chilling. She was sure. She was vicious. She looked at Marcus meaningfully and he placed the Notice Me Not charm.

"Perhaps you need some time to consider where your priorities lie."

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Holly entered the castle, her retinue of guard wizards and her soulmate behind her. She noticed Hermione and Luna in the Courtyard, and approached them. She held out the jar, and Hermione took it with a smile.

"For us?" Hermione asked with a roguish grin.

"A mascot. I trust you can handle it?"

Hermione took the jar with vengeful eyes, "We can."

Hermione and Luna flitted off to the Ravenclaw Common Room to install their new mascot, and the rest headed towards the Slytherin Common Room. Draco and Holly walked behind the rest. When they turned a corner, Draco stopped, pulling on Holly's hand.

"Holly, wait."

She turned back to him. His eyes were lit with want. He looked around hurriedly, making sure the corridor was clear. He pulled her behind a tapestry of Hippogriffs. Holly felt her stomach swoop.

"What are you doing?" She whispered.

"I have to kiss you."

He placed his hands at the small of her back, and tugged until her body was pressed against his. He tilted her face up and pressed his lips to hers. Holly tangled her tongue with his, and leaned into the kiss.

Draco pulled back and pressed his lips to her neck. He kissed, and nipped in turn. Holly put her hands in his blonde hair, tugging gently.She felt drunk as Draco's magic washed over her. She made a whimpering sound and Draco pulled back.

"Hols, sweetie, we have to stop."

"Why's that?" She asked confusedly, her mind fogged by want.

Draco chuckled, rubbing his hands over her back, enjoying the feel of her magic on his fingertips.

"I'd hate for someone to stumble upon us. I'd maim them for seeing you like this."

Holly gave him a questioning look, and Draco rubbed a thumb over the edge of her jaw.

"Eyes twinkling, face flushed, lips just slightly swollen, and your dress rumpled? No, this look belongs to me alone."

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"It's been one week."

"It has," Holly smiled at Lucius and Cissa in her mirror.

"You've handled it?"

"Draco and I handled it together."

Lucius looked at her piercingly, "Are you sure?"

"Quite sure."

"Alright then."

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Holly entered the Slytherin Common Room and laid down dramatically on a couch, draping herself over Ginny's lap, who was sitting at the end. Ginny chuckled and rubbed her sisters back consolingly.

"What's wrong, Hols?"

Holly flipped over so she could see Ginny, and Neville sitting on the couch beside her.

"I have to figure out how to breathe underwater. How am I supposed to do that?! I'm not a fish."

Neville laughed, and Holly turned to him with a grimace.

"Nev, it's not funny!"

Neville smiled consolingly, "I know Hols, but I've got just the thing. I'll get you some Gillyweed. You'll be able to breathe underwater for an hour or so, but you better come back up if you start to feel weird."

Holly sat up, suddenly all excited.

"Thank you Neville, I promise I'll be careful!"

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Teddy rode on Lord Black's shoulder as he stalked through the halls. Remus was teaching a class, and he had been charged with his godson's care.

Teddy's unruly tuft of hair flashed different colours as they turned corners. He was endlessly amused by his grumpy godfather.

Lord Black entered the Great Hall. Holly, Luna, and Hermione were sitting together at the Ravenclaw table, sipping on hot chocolates. Lord Black stopped and all their gazes turned to him. Teddy jumped off his shoulders, landed on the table, and slid off it into Holly's arms.

"Yes Papa?" Luna asked.

"I have decided we are staying in the country this summer. The Heirs will need to begin attending Wizengamot meetings, especially since you are bonded. Not to mention, I have a reception to throw. I will not be deprived of my Merlin given right!"

Luna smiled indulgently, while Hermione hid her laugh behind her mug. Teddy was not so tactful, and giggled wildly at the grumpy wizard while his hair switched colours rapidly.

"This is not funny Teddy," Lord Black signed.

"Yes it is," Teddy responded with a wicked smile.

"Can I come?" He asked Luna, bouncing excitedly.

"Of course you can," Luna chimed, passing him a cookie. Teddy took it and shoved it into his mouth quickly.

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Holly watched Hermione as she painted her nails. She had never quite gotten the hang of it. She always got polish on her fingers. The girls had assembled in her Lady Slytherin quarters for a sleepover.

Primrose and Ginny laughed over a game of Exploding Snap in the corner.

"I'm glad we're doing this," Daphne mentioned from her spot beside Pansy.

"Oh me too," Pansy noted. "I love the boys, but I could use a break."

Ginny laughed wildly, "Yes, well your soulmate is a bit intense."

"Don't act like Neville's all innocent because he's a Gryffindor. I know for a fact he's got all manner of dangerous plants. That man could poison someone, and no one would ever know the difference."

Ginny blushed, and Holly laughed boisterously.

Neville's gift for Herbology was practically legendary now. He had taken over one of Professor Sprout's greenhouses, and turned it into his own personal Eden.

"Nev's interests are purely academic," Ginny protested.

"She's just being a prat," Primrose provided.

That set off a whole new round of giggles between the younger girls as Pansy scowled.

"Anyways," Holly interrupted, "what's it like being bonded Luna?"

She had wanted to ask for months, but it never seemed like the right time. Her mind had been turning over the idea of marriage since the Yule Board Meeting, but she knew she wasn't ready yet.

Luna's eyes sparked with mirth.

"Well, it's like they say. When Cedric has strong emotions, I can feel an echo of it. It's much easier to bear the Ravenclaw magic now that it's shared."

Holly looked down at her feet. She was doing better, since Draco kept pulling her behind tapestries and kissing her silly, but it was still difficult. Flying did seem to help, as well as duelling, but there was only so much that could be done.

"Why did you do it in secret?" Primrose asked.

Luna smiled kindly at the younger girl, tears gathered in her eyes as she spoke.

"I am all my Papa has left in the world, or I was, until we came to Hogwarts. He loves me so much. He didn't want to lose me. He would have made me wait forever, and I couldn't do that. Cedric and I are starting something new. Now the older students will be able to bond, and stay in school. That's special."

Hermione smiled, they were changing their world already.

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"This is absolutely hideous," Holly sneered.

"You should have had me design the uniforms," Blaise sniffed haughtily. "Whoever did these deserves time in Azkaban."

Holly threw aside the black and green swimsuit she would have to wear in just a few short days for the Second Challenge. Theo looked up from his book with blatant amusement.

"You two are hilarious."

"Yeah, yeah," Holly replied.

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Holly stood on the edge of the freezing dock, Gillyweed in her hand. The cold wind stung her cheeks, and she began to doubt her decision. Then she felt Draco's hand on her arm, and saw the proud smile on his face.

She could do this.

She shoved the Gillyweed into her mouth, and dived when she heard the signal blast. As she swam she thanked her lucky stars she had convinced the organisers not to take human hostages.

That would have been a disaster.

Cedric bore half the Ravenclaw Magic, and she bore all the Slytherin Magic. Together they would have destroyed everyone in their way to get to their soulmates.

Instead they had taken an object precious to each Champion. Holly's custom Firebolt now sat at the bottom of The Black Lake.

Holly pushed herself harder, and passed a struggling Fleur. She shot hexes at the Grindylows that were grappling at Felur's legs. One of the Grindylows must have got a shot at Fleur's head, or perhaps she had just lost too much blood.

Either way, she appeared to be losing consciousness rapidly. Holly took hold of Fleur and helped her push down on her portkey that would take her back to the dock. The witch disappeared in a flurry of magic.

Holly might dislike the girl with a passion, but she didn't want her to die, and she had behaved astonishingly well since she arrived for the Tournament.

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"Tell me you didn't," Draco pleaded.

"I was bored," Holly shrugged.

Draco wrapped another towel around Holly, and aimed a drying spell at her long, soaking wet hair. The wind was blowing hard, and Draco was increasingly worried about Holly getting sick.

"You shouldn't have stayed at the bottom of the lake and waited for the other Champions," Draco chastised.

"I needed to exhaust my magic, and I had a fun game of Underwater Quidditch with the merpeople," Holly protested.

"Mmm-hmm."

Cissa came onto the dock then, wrapping a fur blanket around Holly's shoulders.

"Oh dear, you must be freezing. I'm sorry Lucius couldn't come. He had an important meeting."

"That's okay," Holly laughed. "It's not like you could see anything under the lake, anyways. The mermen are terribly grumpy, but the females like a bit of Underwater Quidditch. Grindylows are nasty things though. "

Cissa shook her head at her daughter, amused by her caprice.

"Mademoiselle Delacour told the judges you saved her. They gave you extra points, so you didn't come in last."

Holly laughed, pulling the blanket tighter around her.

"Well I couldn't very well let her die."

Cissa pulled Draco and Holly into her arms, glad to have them both safe.

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Draco rubbed his hand up and down Holly's arm as they sat in front of the fireplace. Her body was sore after swimming in the Black Lake.

"I hate this tournament."

"Why?" Holly asked.

"I know it's helping you, but it puts us all on edge to see you in danger. Greg, Vince, Marcus, and I watch with bated breath while you fight. Anyone of us would jump in front of a spell for you."

"I know," Holly admitted with a sigh, leaning further into Draco's side. His touch was soothing.

"Draco?" she asked softly.

"Yes, Holly?"

"Can you um..."

He chuckled at her sudden shyness.

"Can I...what?"

"Can you brush my hair? I'm too tired to do it myself."

Draco blinked rapidly, trying to keep his senses about him.

"Are you sure Hols? That's uh...that's a great honour."