House of Sutcliffe

Chapter 8- New Year, New Considerations

The invitation to the New Year’s Ball being thrown at Longbottom Manor sat there ominously on the table in front of Maya Sutcliffe. She had heard about what had happened to her old friends Frank and Alice Longbottom. Tortured to insanity by Bellatrix Lestrange, whose husband and his brother killed her mother and tortured her father to death.

She knew that Frank and Alice had had a little boy only a day before Harry. She guesses that he was being brought up by his grandmother now. Maya shuddered at the thought of what that must be like based on the stories that Frank used to tell. Alice had sworn up and down that none of that was going to happen to their kids.

With a shaky breath, Maya breaks the seal on the envelop of the invitation. She pulls out the card and the note attached to it.

Dearest Lady Maya Sutcliffe,
Do stop avoiding my presence any longer. I have been patient enough as it is. I have already reserved the seats for you that evening. I look forward to seeing you, your nephew, and your better half Amelia on the 31st.
Sincerely,
Dowager Lady Augusta Longbottom

Maya groans dropping the letter and drops her face into her hands. It is worse than she thought it would be. Not only is Maya forced to go to this thing but Harry has to come as well, and he has no idea about the relationship between her and Amelia. It was the worst possible setting for Harry to be reintroduced to the wizarding public. They couldn’t just not go. The torture of the next meeting with the woman would be a thousand times worse, for one does not ignore a summons of Augusta Longbottom.

“We’re going to a party?” Harry’s voice shocks Maya out of her horror. Her head shoots up and she sees the curious face of her nephew turned son standing beside her.

“Harry! I didn’t hear you come in.” Maya states trying to gloss over the question.

“You were moaning… I was worried.” Harry responds those compassionate green eyes of his looking so much like Lily’s it hurts. It’s worse though for they’re all Harry and his concern for her.

“Yes, we are going to the party. It’s not how I wanted to ease you back into the public eye of the wizarding world, but we have no choice. I promise I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe from all the attention.” Maya promises. Harry’s brows scrunch together and he nods his head.

“What does she mean by ‘your better half Amelia’? Does she mean Amelia Bones, who we got our Christmas tree with?” Harry asks looking the most confused she’s seen him to date. Maya can’t believe the luck that she’s having today. She doesn’t know what to do about this situation. It’s not just something she can talk to Harry about on her own without speaking to Amelia first.

“Aunt Maya… Mum?” Harry says hesitantly waving his hand in front of her eyes.

“Sorry Harry. What was it again?” She hopes that he’ll move on to something else instead of continuing down this line of questioning.

“What does the lady mean about your better half? I don’t understand. We’re whole people…” The puzzled look on Harry’s face is killing her. She’s never not tried to explain anything to him before.

“Give me a minute Harry.” Maya tells him getting up from her chair and hurrying as fast as she can into the living room. She kneels down in front of the fireplace and tosses some floor powder into it. “Bones Manor.”

Maya sticks her head into the flames and she is able to see into the sitting room of Amelia’s house. Thankfully Amelia left the connection between the pair open. “Amelia!” Maya calls out, hoping that the woman hasn’t been called into the office on the weekend. It takes a few moments before she can see feet walk into view before Amelia Bones is kneeling in front of her.

“I see you got the death sentence too.” She states dryly. Maya only wished this was about the invitation to the horrid ball.

“Not only that but Harry read the personal jab at me and now wants to know why Augusta called you my better half. He says there can’t be half a person and wants answers, I’m not sure I can give him.” Maya says, wiping the annoyed look off of Amelia’s face.

“Well shite.” Amelia swears rubbing her hand down her face in exhaustion. Maya murmurs her agreement. They never discussed their relationship in hardly any terms let alone what they would tell the kids if it came to that.

“What do you want to do?” Maya asks. Amelia looks almost as lost as she herself is feeling. There is no instruction manual for the unbelievable situation that they are in now. Amelia lets out a long sigh.
“Can I bring Susan over? I don’t think that this will be a conversation that I can have twice.” Amelia says, and Maya blinks.

“What are we going to tell them?” The blue-eyed witch asks, so uncertain of what they should say.

“The truth or at least the watered-down version of it. You and I are together, and we’re trying to figure out if we can make things work.” The redhead states, and Maya has to fight the tears in her eyes.

“What does it say about me that I am afraid of what two nine-year-olds will think of me?” She mumbles.

“It says that you’re a good mother. That’s one thing I know for sure out of all of this.” Amelia tells her, before turning her gaze away. “Give me ten minutes, I have to round up Susan from the Abbott’s.”

Sensing the end of the conversation Maya pulls out of the flames and falls back onto her bottom. This was not how she saw her day going at all. Harry is hovering in the entrance of the living room looking at her with worried eyes.

“Care to give an old woman with a bum leg a hand up?” She asks, and he jumps into action trying his utmost to help her back to her feet without toppling them both over. “My hero.”

“I’m not a hero.” Harry denies narrowing his eyes at her.

“Oh yes, excuse me Your Surliness.” Maya jokes and Harry pouts.

“So, are you going to answer my question?” Harry brings them back to the situation at hand.

“Yes nosey. We’re going to talk in a few minutes. Why don’t you go and check on Mattie for a moment?” She requests and with a sigh Harry leaves to go check on his brother.

A minute or two later the fireplace flares to life and out steps Amelia and Susan Bones. The little girl looks more than a little put out from being dragged away from her prior engagement.

“For the last time Susan, you get to play with Hannah all the time. One afternoon apart will not kill you.” Amelia says rounding on the pouty child.

“It’s still not fair, and you didn’t even tell me why we had to leave.” Susan fires back. Amelia sends Maya a ‘please kill me now’ expression, and Maya doesn’t bother stifling her smile. She’s dealt with a pouty Harry on more than a few occasions, but from the look of things her boy is much easier than a girl.

“Good afternoon, Susan, Amelia.” Maya greets them from her chair. The kneeling was not a smart thing for her to do at all in fact. Susan startles and gives a meek wave in greeting. Harry thunders down the steps and enters the room.

“Mattie’s sleeping soundly. Somehow, he managed to entirely shift around so that his head is now where his feet used to be.” He reports with a bemused look. Maya snorts and shakes her head. The child will become an acrobat at this rate. Harry looks at the new editions and turns back to his aunt. “So, can we talk now?”

Maya sighs while Amelia nods her head. She directs Susan to take a seat on the couch beside Harry, before glancing at Maya.

“I honestly don’t know what’s going on.” Susan says directing that to Harry.

“They’re going to explain what that lady said, that your aunt is my aunt’s better half.” Harry explains. Maya would be impressed with his memory if it wasn’t being used against her in this case.

“Auntie?” Susan questions.

“Okay… I’m not exactly sure how to explain this but Maya and I…” Amelia starts but seems to lose her ability to articulate anything. Maya cringes and focuses her gazes on the two kids.

“Harry, Susan, Amelia and I were in a relationship when we were in school at Hogwarts.” She starts.

“Like my parents.” Susan says.

“And mine.” Harry agrees.

“Yes, we cared for each other very much. So much so, that not a long time after we graduated, we decided to get married.” Maya says trying to get it over with as quickly as possible.

The room is silent for a moment with only the sounds of Winnie preparing lunch in the kitchen to be heard.

“You’re married?” Susan is the first to break, looking halfway between excited and outraged. Harry on the other hand has shut down. He’s staring at Maya, but she can’t tell what he’s feeling.

“Yes.” Amelia finally gets her shite back together. Maya is beginning to get worried for her kid.

“Have you been married all this time? Where was Maya then, why didn’t she live with us?” Susan asks looking more and more confused with each nod from her aunt.

“It’s very complicated Susan dear. The war was barely over and things were horrible.” Amelia tries to explain. Maya can’t let her do this part alone.

“I was in a very bad place, I had just lost everyone in my family, and your aunt was dealing with the loss of your parents. Instead of going to Amelia with my problems… I had to go away. It has taken me a very long time to become better and apologize for the hurt that I have caused.” Maya explains, feeling the darkness beginning to close in on her again.

“Oh…” Susan says before not knowing what to say. The crippling guilt settled heavier on her shoulders every minute Harry doesn’t speak.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Harry finally says. Maya flicks her gaze to his and sees that he’s trying very hard to fight off tears.

“Oh, Harry… I didn’t know what to say to you. I didn’t want to confuse you with this. Amelia and I don’t know what is going on between us entirely.” Maya tells him. “Besides, my past is not something I’m very proud of.”

She and Harry have talked about some of the minor details so that she could attempt to answer some of his questions. Maya’s unsure if Harry likes the answer that he got or not. Susan is flicking her gaze back and forth between Amelia and Maya looking like she’s dying to say something.

“Yes Susan.” Amelia softly says to the girl.

“If you’re still married… does that mean that you still love each other?” She asks the pair of adults. These kids really don’t pull their punches.

“I love Amelia very much. She has a place in my heart that is just as special and important to me as the spaces that I have for Harry and Mattie. Unfortunately, with adults sometimes love just isn’t enough.” Maya explains hating how true her words are.

“That’s stupid.” Harry tells them after a moment. “If you love someone then that means that you care enough to want to be with them, even when they do stupid stuff. Like all the times that my dad made my mum mad.”

Maya can’t believe that that child compared her walking out on her life and marriage for eight years due to trauma, with one of James and Lily’s infamous fights. Amelia tries very hard to keep a straight face so as not to offend the boy. She’s struck then by how smart the lad is, getting his brains from Lily and being heavily influenced by Maya. It’s almost painful to think about how a child of theirs could have turned out like him.

“In a manner of speaking. You are very smart for your age Harry. Nothing has been decided yet, but we care enough about each other to see where things will go.” Amelia states, and the two kids share confused looks.
“Adults are so confusing.” Susan groans and Harry nods his head in agreement. He stands up and makes his way up to Amelia and stares at her intently.

“I hope everything works out. My mum is happier when you’re around. Extra happy on top of the happy she is with us.” He tells her. Maya can’t believe her child just did that. She feels her cheeks heat up. Amelia chuckles at the blunt honesty of children.

“Thank you, Harry I’ll see what we can do about that.” She replies. Susan jumps to her feet as well.

“I think this is great! This is the most excitement that we’ve had in a long time. Guess what Potter-Sutcliffe, that makes you, my brother!” She says gleefully. Harry visibly does a double take.

“A sister… I don’t think I know what to do with one of those.” He sends a desperate look to Maya.

“We’re all going to take this one step at a time. We’ll see each other at the party New Year’s Eve.” Maya interjects with Amelia in agreement. Amelia starts shepherding Susan towards the fireplace.

“Maybe we can do a dinner once a week? Get to know each other?” Harry asks trailing off softly at the dumbfounded looks on the adults’ faces.

“I…” Maya is honestly unsure of how she should respond to this. Her boy is way too perceptive and smart for his own good.

“Ooh, can we?” Susan asks bouncing on her toes, an imploring look on her face. Maya thinks the girl is far too adorable to resist and is glad that Amelia has to deal with that look.

“A fine idea. I’ll contact you with the details Maya.” Amelia says quickly hurrying Susan into the floo so they can leave this situation far behind. With a flare of green flames Harry and Maya are left alone in the living room.

“Harry… can you tell me how you’re feeling love?” Maya asks softly, afraid that he’ll be too upset with her to speak to her.

“I-I’m not really sure Aunt Maya…” Harry says before trailing off, biting his lip in contemplation. Maya releases a shaky breath and nods her head.

“T-take your time Harry. When you want to talk, I’m here.” She tells him earnestly. He nods his head before trailing off upstairs. Maya sighs, and slumps back in her chair feeling emotionally and physically drained.

“That was very brave Mistress Maya.” Winnie says, approaching the woman with ice for her knee. Maya smiles wanly and accepts the ice with a blessed thank you.
“There was no bravery there Winnie. We were cornered. There was only one way out that wouldn’t involve the situation blowing up in our faces even more so than usual.” She tells the elf. “Besides, Harry is not very pleased with me at the moment. I don’t think I handled the whole marriage situation with him well.”

“Master Harry loves you Mistress Maya. He is a young boy, and these are adult situations. Master Harry will come around, Winnie knows it.” She states with a determined look on her face.

“Well, I am happy that someone is able to positive about this.” Maya mumbles before closing her eyes.

Over the next few days, and many candid talks between Harry Potter-Sutcliffe and his Aunt Maya, the slight tension that had been in the house was gone. While Harry still did not understand what exactly could have been so bad that it would drive a married couple apart, he accepted the fact it was extremely painful for Maya to talk about at the time and that she never meant to keep it a secret from him.

It was now New Year’s Eve and Maya isn’t sure who is more worried for the party that is taking place tonight Harry or her. He’d been asking her questions ever since she woke up this morning about what it was going to be like where everyone knew who he was. Were there going to be other kids? Was he going to have to speak to adults who he didn’t know? What if the other kids didn’t like him?

It was killing Maya that this was causing her kid so much anxiety, but he was going to have to be out in the wizarding public at some time and unfortunately now was as good a time as any. Maya was adjusting her deep blue dress robes in front of her mirror when Harry came stumbling into the room with his own dress robes in the same shade of blue.

This would be the first event where the House of Sutcliffe was making an official appearance, so the house colors and crests needed to be worn. As a surprise for Harry, she added the Potter family crest as well next to the Sutcliffe one. The Potter crest featured a stag standing proudly in front of a pair of crossed wands.

Needless to say, the boy loved that he could represent both of his families at once. “So, are we going to meet Amelia and Susan there?” Harry asks. It had calmed him down some when he realized that it would not just be Maya and him with the wolves. Amelia and Susan were invited and forced into going as well.

“No, were flooing to their house then making the trip together. This is a stuffy political situation that is not fun, but necessary.” Maya explains as she helps Harry adjust his robes the correct way. She has to admit that he looks handsome in his robes. She can just picture her mum, dad, and Matthew smiling approvingly at him.

“Oh… can you explain why?” He asks as they make their way down the stairs. Maya chuckles.
“Okay, but you asked for it. Since Dowager Lady Longbottom knew of the fact that Amelia and I were married nine years ago, which not many people know by the way, we have to arrive and leave together.” Maya explains.

“Why?” Harry presses.

“Because if we arrived separately or left the same it would imply that there is something wrong in our relationship and that will get all the gossip hounds out for us. It is easier to play along and act like we aren’t still attempting to sort things out.” She tells him.

“Being an adult sucks.” Harry says simply. Maya bursts out laughing, before sobering. She hurries over to Winnie who is holding her crying younger son. Mattie had been fussy and clingy most of the day. Maya suspects it’s because he can sense all the tension and anxiety about the ball. Maya takes him into her arms and starts whispering hushed words to him.

“I still don’t get why we can’t take Mattie. He’s a member of the family.” Harry pouts. Mattie turns big wet brown eyes at his brother. It’s like he can sense that the older boy is sticking up for him. Maya sighs and presses a kiss to Mattie’s temple.

“He’s too young for a party like this Harry. It’s going to be a long night, a lot of people, and more than likely loud. He would be miserable there.” Maya says, giving her youngest another kiss before returning him to Winnie.

“We’ll be back after midnight Winnie. If something goes wrong, summon me.” Maya tells her friend. At the elf’s affirmative she ushers Harry into the fireplace with her and with a shout and a flare of green they are whisked away to Bones Manor.

Maya catches him as they step out of the fireplace in the Bones sitting room and takes a moment to siphon the ash off of Harry and her. Harry looks around the room curiously taking in the new surroundings. “This house must be giant.” Harry says, casting a quick glance at his aunt.

“Manors tend to be on the larger side. Our home is actually a country vacation house. While it’s big, it’s not nearly as large as some of the other Sutcliffe properties around England.” Maya lectures. Harry’s eyes nearly bulge out of his head.

“We have multiple houses?” He cries just as the other part of their party arrives.

“You’ll find Harry that most noble families have at least a few different properties for multiple uses.” Amelia says stopping next to the Sutcliffe duo.

“Some use their estates as a status symbol more than for something of better use.” Maya grumbles, trying to hide her startle at feeling a quick squeeze of the hand from her love.

“I’m excited that we’re getting to go to the New Year Party! Neville always talks about it, but Auntie and I never go to it. I can’t wait for you to meet Neville, that way we can all be friends.” Susan chatters, giving a bright smile that matches the harvest yellow of the Bones family robes.
“Neville?” Harry says, looking between the girl and the woman questioningly. Maya chuckles lightly.

“Neville Longbottom. He’s the heir to House Longbottom. His parents and yours were friends.” Maya explains as she and Amelia usher the kids towards the floo.

With a silent argument between Amelia and Maya, the Bones women leave for the Longbottom estate first. Harry stands nervously next to his aunt holding onto her arm as she throws down the powder down. “Longbottom Manor!” Maya says. The pair go spinning through the fireplace until they step out into the regal sitting room.

The distant sounds of a string quartet are in the air. Amelia and Susan are a few feet away siphoning ash off of their robes. Maya and Harry hurry over to them and she quickly cleans the boy and herself. “Into the dragon’s lair we go.” Amelia murmurs in Maya’s ear.

“Hush, I’m afraid that her hearing won’t have changed.” Maya admonishes, with a light slap to her love’s arm. The quartet walks into the main foyer which is regal and grand in a way that screams ‘we have money, but we’re not going to flaunt it garishly’. Standing near the entryway to the ball room was a small old woman in maroon dress robes and her gray hair pulled up into a lavish bun. Her countenance is still that of a vulture analyzing everything with shrewd eyes.

Beside her can be none other than Neville Longbottom. The boy is a little round with his baby fat still clinging to his stomach and round face that looked at the moment very much like Frank at that age. His blond hair and blue eyes were gotten from his mother Alice. It was almost painful to see the boy and be reminded of what happened to his parents.

“Augusta, thank you for inviting us to your ball this evening. We were honored for the invitation.” Amelia says, giving a gracious smile to the battle axe in front of them. Dowager Lady Longbottom looks over Amelia then Maya with a critical eye before turning to the children.

“I will say it is rather time that the noble house of Sutcliffe decided to get their act together and grace wizarding society with their presence.” She states imperiously giving a penetrating look to Maya, that makes her want to squirm away from her gaze. “And you, you must be Master Potter.”

Harry straightens, not liking the look that this woman is giving his aunt and then her improper address to him. “Hello, I’m Harry Potter-Sutcliffe. It’s nice to meet you.” He states puffing out his small chest indignantly and sticks out a hand for her to shake. Maya can’t believe the nerve of her kid. She loves him and knows that wherever James is right now, he’s cheering and laughing with pride at his boy.

Augusta looks literally taken aback for a moment before a small smile graces her face. “Well met Harry Potter-Sutcliffe.” She says, taking his hand for a light shake before nodding her head at the four. “Allow me to introduce my grandson Neville to you.”
Neville mutters a nervous hello and welcome and Maya smiles softly at the boy. It’s obvious how painfully shy this boy is and it reminds Maya so much of a humble and shy Frank that was brought out of his shell by a boisterous Alice. The four are allowed into the ballroom and follow after the waiter to the table that they have been placed at.

Maya mentally groans as she sees who is going to be sat with them for the dinner portion of their evening. Seated at the other end of the table are two old faces that Maya has not run into yet or gone out of her way to see. The man stands from his seat immediately and smiles warmly at the small dysfunctional family.

“Amelia good to see you, this must be Susan, a pleasure.” Kingsley Shacklebolt greets his boss with a smile before turning his attention to Maya and Harry. He makes his way over and gives Maya a tight hug, pulling back with a smile on his face. “It’s been too long Maya! It warms the heart to see you, and I see you have young Harry with you. A pleasure young man.”

Harry smiles widely at Kingsley shaking his hand. He likes this man much better than the Dowager Lady Longbottom. He’s much nicer to his aunt. “It’s good to see you Kings. You look well.” Maya tells him sincerely. It’s good to know that not all people from back then are in pain and misery now.

The woman seated at the table scoffs into her drink. Maya flicks her gaze to her and bites her lower lip worriedly. Hopefully her old friend can restrain herself from making a scene until the kids have left to go hang out. The table takes their seats and conversation breaks out lightly.

Harry and Susan are sat next to each other chatting happily about one thing or another. Maya is just thankful that Amelia took the seat next to Emmeline Vance so that she does not have to sit next to her sullen and hostile glare. Amelia arches an eyebrow at Maya, and she shakes her head lightly. This night was going to be every bit as stressful as she originally thought it was going to be.

Dinner is served after a lengthy introduction for the Dowager Lady. Harry is impressed that what he picks from the menu appears right in front of him. It makes Maya determine to take him out to some wizarding establishments that are not run by house elves. Harry will see a lot of that when he gets to Hogwarts.

Even with the slightly awkward air between the adults the meal turns out rather nice. Everyone is easily distracted by the kids who are goofing off and acting like proper nine-year-old kids. Maya rolls her eyes at the pureblood snobs who look absolutely horrified when Harry throws a noodle at Susan and she retaliates by smearing mashed potato on his cheek.

Maya can’t help but only give Harry a light reprimand. She knows that it’s not proper for future heads of households to act as such in public, but they’re young and childhood should be enjoyed. That’s how her mother and father raised her and for all she hated fleabag he and his wife Euphemia did the same with James.

“Can’t you just feel the pureblood judgment in the air?” Amelia says amusedly, causing Maya and Kingsley to snort and Emmeline to roll her eyes.

“I still have no idea why Augusta finds it necessary to invite some of her guests.” Emmeline grumbles.

“You know why dear, it’s because every pureblood is related to one another in some way.” Kingsley states with a bemused smile.

“Why are they all related to each other?” Harry asks suddenly butting into the adult’s conversation.

“Well…” Emmeline starts, before Amelia nudges her in the ribs.

“It’s something that we’ll explain another time. Here is not the appropriate place. Besides, dinner should be over soon and the more fun activities can begin.” Maya cuts in shooting Amelia a thankful look. Harry and Susan look unconvinced but shrug their shoulders, letting the subject drop.

A few minutes later it is announced that dinner is over and if everyone could make their way into the formal ballroom the festivities can begin. Harry and Susan spring to their feet vibrating with energy ever since the pudding had been served. It isn’t until Harry notices that people are pointing at him and outright staring that he shies away and grasps onto Maya’s hand.

“Why don’t we go and see where the party is going to be for you and Susan huh?” She suggests, and Harry nods his head quickly. Amelia and Susan follow behind the pair, and Maya does her best to ignore the pain that’s beginning to flare up in her knee. Harry, bless him notices and slows down his walk even though he’s uncomfortable with all the people.

Once they’re out of the ballroom they make their way into the foyer and follow the dull sound of excited children until they make it to what looks like a more informal living room. There are close to twenty kids present of varying ages. The older teens are going to be in the formal ballroom since it is proper at that time to learn how to mingle with other people that you will probably end up working with at some point even though you don’t want to.

Susan squeals when she sees a blond-haired girl in pig tails and bright brown eyes. That must be Hannah Abbot that she spends a lot of her time with. Harry looks overwhelmed with the number of kids about. “Do you think you’ll be okay here for a while?” Maya asks him slightly concerned.

Harry nods hesitantly and Maya presses a soft kiss to his forehead. “Look, you know Susan and I think that you could talk to Neville, he seems like a nice boy. If you really don’t like it in here, I’ll come back and check on you in an hour. If you want then you can come in the ballroom with me.”

“Will Amelia be there as well?” He asks softly looking up at the red-haired woman who he has grown to like.

“Of course, someone has to keep your aunt out of trouble.” Amelia jokes and Harry cracks a small smile.

“Show them Harry the boy they should get to know and love, not their imagined Harry Potter.” Maya gives her last piece of advice. Harry nods his head and heads into the room and makes his way over to Neville Longbottom who is sitting on one of the sofas looking a little overwhelmed and lonely.

“Could we just find a room to hide in this place?” Maya asks as they turn away after seeing a conversation strike up between the two boys.

“We both know that Augusta would send out a search party for our heads if we don’t appear in there soon.” Amelia sighs. They walk in silent companionship for a minute before Maya startles as a warm hand embraces her left that’s not occupied with the cane. She flicks her eyes to the other woman when she feels their fingers thread together.

It’s simple, but the gentle intimacy behind it is what is taking the breath straight out of Maya’s lungs. The implication that things are beginning to get better lightens her heart and her mood. The formal ballroom is not the place that either woman wants to be in. The atmosphere is stuffy and politicians ooze throughout the room.

“I need a drink…” Maya mutters, flinching at the stern look from Amelia. “Not an alcoholic one. Just something that can hopefully relax my nerves.”

“Unfortunately, Mai, I don’t think that there is going to be anything like that served here.” Amelia says just as a swell of music crashes over them from the quartet on a small elevated platform at the other end of the ballroom. Maya gives a small grin at the sound of her old school nickname.

“There you guys are. I swear to Merlin, if we have to suffer so do you.” Emmeline appears out of nowhere and Maya’s eyes widen slightly at the sight of her very slightly rounded stomach.

“We got married two years ago.” Kingsley tells Maya with a large smile, as he appears at their side.

“Yes, they both finally took their heads out of their arses long enough so that they could see what we all have been able to.” Amelia snarks. Maya can’t help but be amazed, the last time she had seen them they were with other people, but the chemistry and tension between them was off the chart.

“Congratulations. I’m very happy for you both. How far along are you?” Maya addresses the question to Emmeline lightly knowing that they are still on shaky unresolved ground.
“I’m five months along, though I don’t look it. The baby is due sometime near the end of April.” She says, and Maya can’t help but smile at her happily.

“I’m very excited for you both. You’re going to make wonderful parents and I know that you’ll enjoy the joys of a baby even through all the sleepless nights. I did.” Maya says, mentally kicking herself after letting that slip.

“So, you left and went and cheated on Amelia!” Emmeline hisses keeping her voice low so that no bystanders can over hear. Kingsley put up a silent privacy shield around the group so that nothing else could be potentially heard.

“No that’s not it at all! I could never cheat on Amelia, I love her.” Maya states, anguish rushing through her again at the sickening thought of ever being with anyone else other than the woman she pledged herself to.

“Yeah, and you left her too even though you supposedly loved her!” Emmeline shouts. Thank Merlin for the privacy charm or all this torrid gossip would be known all throughout England by morning.

“Emmeline.” Kingsley says lowly but firmly. His wife turns on him with blazing eyes.

“You can’t seriously be believing this Kings.” She growls at him. Amelia squeezes Maya’s trembling hand that’s in hers.

“Emmeline, while I appreciate your friendship very much, I must insist that you keep your inaccurate opinions about my relationship with my wife to yourself. I know for a fact that Maya has always been faithful as I have to her, not that it is any of your business. Maya rescued a beautiful baby boy from a perilous situation with the big heart that she has and took him in after finding no relatives to take him in. He’s almost a year old now, and a very charming boy.” Amelia says.

She is furious that this situation had been brought up in public by her friends, especially when it isn’t any of their business. She knows for certain that Maya’s mental health and recovery cannot stand a prolonged attack like this. Her body is still trembling now.

“If you’ll excuse us.” She says sharply and gently tugs Maya away from the couple. Kingsley looks deeply contrite and worried.

“Of course, we’re sorry for the scene. I’ll see you back in the office Amelia.” Kingsley states before turning back to his wife. The two women walk away and over to a secluded corner that has some chairs. Amelia helps Maya lower herself down into the seat with a wince.

“I knew this night was going to be a nightmare.” Maya stutters out, still shaking from the roiling emotions that are inside of her. The guilt, shame, and self-loathing returns with a vengeance. Amelia sucks in a breath holds it then releases it slowly, trying to calm down from the inferno that flared to life inside of her.
“I swear if she wasn’t pregnant and I could lose my job for hitting her in the middle of a public event I would of.” Amelia says softly, so that only Maya can hear. A ghost of a smile appears on her lips.

“I wouldn’t want you to do that for me. There are going to be far too many people with that reaction love, and I can’t have you getting in trouble needlessly.” Maya tells her giving her hand a thankful squeeze.

“It matters though Maya. It’s our life and relationship and if we’re okay and happy then that should be all that matters.” Amelia states firmly, a little shocked at how much her opinion on her estranged wife has changed in half a year.

“We’re happy?” Maya asks, not having expected to hear that from Amelia at all. The redhead flinches realizing what she let out. She takes a deep breath and looks into the blue eyes that captivate her all those years ago.

“I think we’re getting there.” Amelia says with a soft smile. Maya returns it, and hesitantly wraps her arms around the other woman. For the first time there is no hesitancy in the returned embrace.

The atmosphere between the pair is calm for a moment before it’s interrupted by an out of breath boy doubled over in front of them.

“Neville, what’s wrong?” Amelia demands, going straight into concerned parent/auror mode.

“H-Harry… D-Dumbledore… yelling…” Neville gasps. Maya’s blood runs cold and she up and making her way out of the ballroom as fast as her screaming knee can take her. There will be hell to pay later, but Harry is more important than her pain. Amelia and Neville are hot on her heels.

Shouting and raised voices can be heard from the living room all the way down the hallway. Maya’s temper rises when she can make out Dumbledore’s voice.

“My boy, there’s no choice in this. You simply must go back to your relatives. That’s where you are safe.” Dumbledore sounds strained, so that means that Harry must have been pushing back fiercely.

“I’m never going back there. I have my family. I’m a Sutcliffe, I have a brother, and I have a mother!” Harry shouts in return. Maya sees Dumbledore scoff as she makes her way into the room.

“Your aunt is not suitable family for you Harry and definitely not a proper role model.” Dumbledore says, and that’s the last straw for both Harry and Maya.

“Take that back!”

“Step away from my child!”
Amelia comes up beside Maya with a severely unimpressed and angry look on her face. “Kids why don’t you run along to the kitchen and see if the elves can give you something sweet. You deserve it.”

The rest of the kids besides Susan and poor Neville leave the room. Neville Longbottom may not have known Harry Potter-Sutcliffe for long, but he knew that he was a good bloke and was nice to him and asked to be his friend. Neville for one would never let a friend be alone in a time of trouble.

Harry turned his tear stained, frustrated, and frighted face at Maya. Her heart broke through the rage. “Mum!” Her arms were soon full of her sobbing child. Harry didn’t need to go through this. He had been through so much already.

“I don’t care that you’re the bloody ‘leader’ of the Light. You better stay clear of my son or I will make the rest of your existence as miserable as I possibly can so help me, Merlin.” Maya seethes tightening her grip on Harry as he heaves another sob.

“You have absolutely no legal rights over the boy Albus. I would be very careful in what you do next because I am in my power to arrest you for attempted kidnapping on the Boy Who Lived no less.” Amelia says her voice deadly calm, but the anger that had already been burning inside of her was flaming at the actions of the old coot.

Maya looks up and happens on the frightened and worried gaze of Susan, she unwraps one of her arms from Harry and extends it out to the girl. She’s shocked when the little redhead immediately rushes forth into the embrace one arm around Maya and the other around Harry.

“You have no idea of the grave error you have committed.” Dumbledore says with a pained grandfatherly look in his eyes. Maya scoffs and tightens her grip on the children. Amelia stands protectively in front of the small dysfunctional family and Neville as Albus sweeps out of the room.

“Thank you, Neville, that was very brave of you.” Maya says after a long moment of silence. The young boy blushes red and scuffs his feet on the floor.

“It was nothing…” He mumbles.

“It was a lot more than nothing Neville. It takes a great deal of courage to do the right thing when someone older than you is doing something wrong.” Amelia states giving the boy a hug.

“Your parents would have been very proud of you if you were here.” Maya tells him with a small smile. Despite his embarrassment at being the center of attention, Neville puffs up a little standing a bit more proudly and the effect on his appearance is astounding.

“Can we go home? I want to go home.” Harry moans into Maya’s chest still shaking slightly in her arms. Susan looks worriedly between Maya and Amelia.

“Why would he try and take Harry away? Can he take all kids away from their families?” The innocent question of the child causes both women to blanche. Now there are three worried small faces looking up at them.

“No. Dumbledore can’t take kids away from their families. He just seems to have some unreasonable delusion that he has some sort of control on Harry here since he is the Boy Who Lived.” Harry makes a face at that and tries to wipe away his tears.

“Okay, I think we’ve done more than enough for tonight. Neville it was a pleasure to meet you, you’re welcome over at Sutcliffe House any time.” Maya tells the other boy who nods his head with a smile. Amelia and Maya lead the way to the floo in the sitting room that will take them home.

Maya turns her gaze to Amelia feeling all at once very lost and insecure, about everything quite honestly. “We’re going to see the pair of you home.” Amelia says firmly, and Maya’s shoulders relax.

Maya shuffles Harry into the floo with her and with a whirl they are back in the living room of Sutcliff House. “Why don’t you go change into your pajamas Harry?” Maya suggests softly and watches as the boy slumps away. Amelia and Susan arrive a moment later.

Maya approaches Amelia feeling drained and exhausted. “Stay?” She can hardly believe the words coming out of her own mouth.

There is a moment of hesitance from the other witch before she nods her head. “Susan, in the guest room upstairs there is a dresser full of my old clothes. Why don’t you find a pair of pajamas that fit you? It’s been a stressful night so you and your aunt are staying the night.” Maya tells the girl and Susan nods tiredly trudging over to the stairs.

“Thank you.” Maya breaths, sagging over her cane. The emotional pain of the night and the physical pain of her knee taking a lot out of herself.

“To a better year than this one.” Amelia says, with a dip of her head.