A/N: Yes, she's very well known.

Also, what Harry and Luna refer to regarding Dora and the pole was in Chapter 15.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The Gentle One

And it's whispered that soon If we all call the tune
Then the piper will lead us to reason
And a new day will dawn for those who stand long
And the forests will echo with laughter

-Jimmy Page & Robert Plant, Stairway to Heaven

July 19, 1996, The Blessed Grove in the Forbidden Forest, Scotland, UK

Afal received Harry's Patronus message, indicating that the test had been successful. She returned to Thelema to tell him and the others, but said she had to return to the Blessed Grove immediately. She was needed.

"Is there trouble?" Neville asked, concerned. "Is Dumbledore -"

"No, my love," she replied with a smile. "Nothing bad. It will be very good, what I've been waiting a thousand years for."

"You mean..."

"Yes, at last."

Sybill Trelawney, Hogwarts's Divination Professor, had gone over everything. She wanted to be sure. Tea leaves, I Ching, Tarot, all were confirming what she felt in her gut. There was still the entrails method, she supposed, but she didn't like that one. Besides, the Tarot had been pretty specific, as specific as these things get, at any rate. The last card...

Yes, things were coming to a rather dramatic close.

She'd been teaching Divination, the delicate and so often misunderstood art and science, for several years. Now, she had a partner in teaching the subject, the centaur Firenze. She didn't care for having to share teaching duties with him, but they consulted with one another on matters such as this. The methods of Divination were different for witches and centaurs, so one might always see something the other missed.

She walked to the Astronomy Tower, needing some fresh air. Centaurs looked to the stars as their method of Divination. Sybill didn't have their ability to simply look into the night sky and draw conclusions, but she knew her Astrological charts. She wondered what Firenze would see, tonight.

Probably not much, she concluded, after reaching the Astronomy Tower. It was twilight, and a mist was rising from the lake and the Forbidden Forest.

He wouldn't need to see the stars, though. The mist, itself, confirmed what they'd both already seen. Divination was as much simply observing the world around you as it was anything else.

"Mars has been bright," he'd told her. "She is coming, the Gentle One."

Given the escalating situation with the Fae, the Gentle One could only be a Fairy Queen, Sybill knew.

Why, Sybill wondered, would Mars, indicating war, foretell the coming of a Fairy Queen called the Gentle One? All her readings indicated conflict. Perhaps this Gentle One would bring peace? Sybill had thought that, or perhaps it was simply hope.

But, the final card of the reading she'd just done was the Queen of Swords.

Something was happening, Pomona Sprout realized.

She'd always had an affinity for plants, a talent that had run in the family as far back as anyone could trace. She was about to go home for the night, since she had made sure the plants in the greenhouses were healthy and happy. They were especially happy right then, more than usual, though. She used her empathy with the Green... Then, she felt it.

She felt as though something was calling to her.

She stepped out of the Greenhouse... Yes, it was even stronger, out here. It was coming from the Forbidden Forest.

She knew not to enter it, despite the call. It was twilight. It would soon be dark, and the Forbidden Forest was a place best not explored at night, if one could help it.

She looked up, above the forest, and saw it...

Rubeus Hagrid stood outside his hut on the edge of the Forbidden Forest, and, for once, wished he lived closer to the castle. He held his crossbow, with his dog, Fang, by his side.

He'd known the storm was coming. He hadn't expected it to reach Hogwarts, this soon.

He stood defiantly against the mist, daring what had brought it to approach. He knew it wouldn't, though, at least not yet. He knew exactly where what had brought the mist was.

One just had to follow the pixies. The lights were, currently, all gathered above the forest...

Horace Slughorn wasn't generally one to be concerned about this sort of thing. He'd reached a point in his life, quite a long time ago, truth be told, of just wanting to enjoy his comfortable pleasures and teach children something. He wasn't looking beyond the horizon, any more. Leave that to the young romantic visionaries.

But tonight, he... He didn't hear it literally, so much as felt it in his heart, an old song... A song was the only way he could really describe it, one he never thought he'd hear again. It was long gone. They were long gone.

So, he stepped away from his comfortable chair, and went outside.

The song that couldn't be heard, but he felt, was coming from above the Forbidden Forest. There was a light shining in the dusk, which he knew wasn't a single light, but many pixie ones.

He couldn't see the figure they surrounded. They were too distant. He didn't need to see her, though. He knew who she was.

He'd thought he'd returned to Hogwarts for protection from Tom and his followers, and to help in whatever way he could. He also considered that he still loved teaching and guiding young minds as another possible reason.

Now, he knew the real reason he was here.

"Come back, have you?" he addressed her, though she was surely too far away to hear him. "After all these years..."

He had to be here, because she would be.

She glided, her long black hair and her cloak blowing in the wind, armed with her bow and quiver, with her horn at her side.

She'd tracked the white stag to this place. It was, as she expected, gone. But, the white stag had always led her to where she needed to be.

"There's even a castle!" she said with delight. "Splendid!"

She floated to the ground, bathed in the pixie light. There, in the Blessed Grove, Afal was waiting.

"Welcome, my Lady. I am Afal o'r Bendigedig. I've been waiting for you."

"For how long?" asked the Gentle One.

"A thousand years, give or take."

"I hope I prove worth the wait, then."

Afal called the other Dryads, the wood nymphs, who embodied the forests.

"She is here!"

"The Gentle One!"

"Afal told us you were coming!"

"We are in your service, great Queen!"

They went to the edge of the lake, where Afal called the Ephydriads, the water nymphs, who embodied the waters. They pledged their service to the Fairy Queen.

Then, the merpeople surfaced, and welcomed the Gentle One, and gave her their fealty.

Come the morrow, she'd meet with the centaurs, and the forest and lake would be hers.

Soon, it would be time for her to claim the castle.

At Thelema, Luna developed the photos of her, Harry's, and Dora's visit to the Headmaster's office, the previous day. Neville had already returned home, so they'd have to show them to him and Afal, later.

Hermione, naturally, loved the pics, and asked for copies to be made for her.

Xeno had left for the evening to see Emily at Madcaps, and would be spending the night with her. Everyone remaining was undressed, with Dorothy and Ozma cuddling. Dorothy was also caressing Ozma's leg.

"You'll have to excuse my horny Princess," said Ozma. "Kicking ass always gets her in the mood."

"She's not the only one," said Ted, who kissed Andy's neck, causing her nipples to respond. Seth than began nuzzling her thigh.

Andy scooped up Seth and stood, as did Ted.

She said, "With Xeno out for the night, it's just the three of us." She put her arm around the now erect Ted and they left for the master bedroom.

Dora said, "That's so nice, they're still so in love," reminding Harry and Hermione that what was normal sexual mores for the Fae were different than for most people.

Dorothy and Ozma decided that this was a good time to head to their own bedroom. Bill and Fleur thought that would be a good idea, too.

Luna said, "Harry, dear, I believe we promised Hermione a sex magic demonstration."

"Yes!" said Hermione.

Harry replied, "Oh, I haven't forgotten about that. Dora, if you'll teach Hermione like you did us while we demonstrate?"

"Let's take this to my bedroom," said Dora, "since I've got the space and a bed big enough to fit us all comfortably. You get settled in while I get the pole and set it up." She then went to retrieve it.

As they went to Dora's bedroom, Hermione asked, "Why do we need a pole for this?"

Luna answered, "You need to know the theory before we demonstrate the practical."

Harry added, "She set up the pole in Luna's bedroom at the Rook for our class."

"There are also other uses for the pole, such as some of those dances you learned from Ayida Wedo during the voodoo ritual, but we still need to get you the proper attire for that. Would you like to go shopping, tomorrow?"

"Sure," replied Hermione.

"I'd like to pick up a few items from where we'll be going, myself. I think we'll need Harry's input, as well." Noticing Harry's sudden look of dread and knowing of the primal male terror of shopping for clothes with females, she added, "Don't worry. You'll enjoy this one."

He decided to take her word for it, though he still wondered what sort of dance required a pole.

When the other three had made themselves comfortable on her bed, Dora set up the pole, and said, "Tonight, you'll be learning about sex magic. We'll start with the concepts of Yin and Yang..."

Hermione was fascinated, both with how Dora presented the lecture and with the practical demonstration provided by Harry and Luna. She asked many questions, of course, such was her thirst for knowledge, which Dora happily answered, as did Harry and Luna when they weren't preoccupied with the practical work. She got as close as she could physically get to Harry and Luna without touching them during that part, sometimes leaning over to get the best view, such as with the smooth ease with which Harry entered Luna. She was looking forward to when she could practice this, herself.

Harry and Luna were still for some time, their eyes locked on one another's, and Hermione wondered what they were doing right then on the Astral Plane. Finally, they climaxed together and their minds returned to the room.

"Wow," breathed Hermione.

Harry exited Luna, and Hermione looked with wonder at the cream on his cock.

"Did you know," said Dora, "that there's a Red Tantra method for two women?"

That got both Hermione's and Harry's attention.

Hermione asked, excited, "You mean, you can do this with me as both a man and woman? Can you teach me?"

Harry added, "And can I watch while she learns it?"

"Yes, yes, and yes," Dora answered. "Though your first time would have to be with Luna if I'm doing the teaching. We'll have Mum teach it if it's with me."

Luna said, "That would be best. You shouldn't have Red Tantric sex with me or Harry until we're having regular sex."

"That's true," Hermione agreed. "We'll ask Andy, later."

"In the meantime," said Dora, who placed a finger on the tip of Harry's cock and circled it, collecting some cream, "have a little taste."

She placed the finger before Hermione's face, who hesitated just a moment before taking it into her mouth and sucking the juice off of it.

"Oh... God," said Harry. Luna looked at the other two young women, eagerly.

"A little salty," said Hermione.

Dora then aggressively took Hermione's mouth with hers. They carressed each other's bodies, and now it was Harry's turn to watch with fascination.

He loved watching the girl who had been his best friend since their first year at Hogwarts like this. Further, he wanted to watch Luna do this with them.

Dora expertly prolonged Hermione's pleasure until she was screaming for release, which she finally received with an arch of her back and a gasp. Harry gave out a low moan, himself.

Hermione turned her head to look at him, glistening in sweat and breathing heavily, with the most beautiful expression he'd ever seen on her. Dora, too, looked at their audience and smiled. Harry looked at Luna and saw, from her nipples and expression, that she enjoyed the show as much as he did.

Looking at Harry's erection, Luna turned to Hermione with the cutest smile and said, "I should take care of this before you take care of Nymphadora."

She promptly leaned over and did just that. Hermione studied every detail of Luna's technique, since she'd need to know how to give a guy oral pleasure.

After he climaxed, he said to Hermione, "OK, your turn to make Dora happy." She smiled, and did. He thought watching Hermione bringing Dora to orgasm was even better than watching Dora do it to herself.

After, Luna pouted and said, "I'm the only one who hasn't been given oral pleasure, tonight."

Harry smiled and replied, "Well, let's take care of that, then."

"Goody!"

In his quarters at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore opened a cabinet and retrieved his old wand, the one he used before he won the Elder Wand from Gellert just over a half-century, before. He'd always kept it close, in case the worst happened.

He remembered that day. He'd had a verbal confrontation with Dorothy Gale just prior to their raid on Gellert's fortress, when she told him they'd settle their scores, one day. And this day, she'd stolen the Elder Wand from him. While she, no doubt, thought things were resolved between them, it was far from over as far as he was concerned.

Worse, she didn't even keep the Elder Wand for herself. but gave it to Harry! Was it possible to transfer ownership that way, to freely give it to someone else? Such had never been considered, before. After all, who would give up such a wand, willingly?

His eyes widened in horror over something he hadn't considered, so focused on his own loss. Harry was now in possession of two of the Deathly Hallows! And now, he was undoubtedly plotting to take the third, and become the Master of Death!

Dumbledore looked at the ring in question on his finger. No, that boy would not take this from him in his quest for power! How had this happened? Was Harry being influenced by the Horcrux in his scar? And Dumbledore couldn't even kill him! Only Tom could do that! And Tom was currently just sitting around contemplating his navel while Wizarding Britain was falling apart! How, Dumbledore wondered, was his master plan to vanquish Tom supposed to work when neither he nor Harry would cooperate and follow the script he'd written for them?

And now, on top of everything... This.

Hagrid told him what was happening in the Forbidden Forest. Dumbledore knew it could only be the Gentle One. Of all the times for her to visit... He'd have felt much more secure if he had the Elder Wand, but his old one had seen him through so much, before then. He would manage. He was Albus Dumbledore.

He avoided his office. He did not want to deal with them, tonight. Instead, he'd sent a Patronus to Severus telling him to meet him in the Great Hall.

Severus was cranky, but Dumbledore expected that. He explained the situation as they walked to Hagrid's hut. Outside of the hut, Kingsley had arrived and was waiting for them with Hagrid. Unfortunately, as far as Dumbledore was concerned, so were Sprout and Slughorn, who were no doubt going to tell him not to attack. At least the traitorous part-goblin Flitwick wasn't here. Doge had told him the Charms Master had been with the goblins at the Wizengamot. He was no doubt with their cursed monarchs right now, celebrating his Headmaster's defeat in those hedonistic ways the Unseelie Court did things.

Dumbledore said to Kingsley, "Thank you for coming." To Sprout and Slughorn, he said, "If you two intend to try to talk me out of this, you may leave, now. Horace, Sprout is a traitor to Wizarding Britain. Don't you be one, as well."

"Albus," Slughorn replied, "I think it would be best if I make first contact, and in the morning. I know her. She's an old friend. You're far too antagonistic, right now. Things might get violent if you -"

"There's no 'if' about it! She will leave or die, and that cursed grove will be razed!"

Snape interjected, "Because you were so successful fighting the Fae, earlier today."

Slughorn asked, "Do I detect a note of sarcasm, Severus?"

"No, it is a symphony of sarcasm, Horace."

Dumbledore said, "I won't be alone this time, Severus. With you, Kingsley, and Hagrid with me, we can -"

"Stumble around in the Forbidden Forest in the dark to pick a fight with Merlin knows what or how many. A fight that may not even be necessary, as we don't know this person's intents. No, thank you."

"This isn't a person, Severus, but a Fae! We must -"

Kingsley said, "As much as I hate to admit it, Albus, he's right. It's too dark, and I'd rather have more people for whatever's out there."

Dumbledore considered before saying, "Very well. I'll call in some reinforcements, and we'll go in, tomorrow."

Slughorn said, "Albus, please... Let me speak with her. You have no idea of the wrath you'll bring onto yourself if you persist."

"That's enough, Horace. Don't make me regret bringing you back to the school."

Dumbledore and Kingsley returned to the castle, while Hagrid returned to his hut. Severus lingered, watching Horace and Pomona begin walking in another direction, speaking quietly. He considered his options for a moment, before catching up with them.

"We need to talk," he told them, "and we'll need privacy."

"My office, then," replied Horace.

Once they were there, Horace activated the wards and charms that insured that no one could listen in. He then opened a cabinet and took out a bottle and three glasses.

"I hope you like cognac," he said as he poured.

"That would be very welcome, right now," said Pomona.

"Agreed, and thank you," said Severus. "I'm afraid I've made a discovery that has left me quite shaken."

Pomona asked, "Even more than the situation in the Forbidden Forest?"

"Yes. It started two weeks ago with a meeting with Andromeda Black-Tonks. While I can't tell you everything we discussed without her permission, it did lead me to keep my eyes open regarding the Headmaster."

Horace asked, "She insisted on a charm to force confidentiality?"

"No, she simply chose to trust me."

"Really? I'm impressed."

Pomona added, "Trust doesn't sound like her."

Severus replied, "She knew we were discussing things I didn't want revealed any more than she did."

"Ah, that sounds like her."

"Yes. I assume you've read the Prophet article on Potter's home life before the Tonkses took him as their ward?"

"Yes. That was horrible. If I had known..."

"Thinking back, can you think of any signs that should have told you things were not well for the boy at home?"

"Well... he seemed a bit malnourished. And his clothes outside of his school uniform never seemed to fit properly..."

"And can you remember considering this, before now?"

"No..."

"Not surprising. Neither did I. The Headmaster told me he was living a life of luxury, and I never questioned the evidence in front of my own eyes. I, of all people, should have recognized the signs."

Pomona and Horace knew of Severus's childhood, and understood.

Horace asked, "And why do you suspect you didn't?"

"Someone didn't want me to, and made certain I wouldn't, the same person who also insured I didn't figure out what was petrifying the students a few years ago. Or, if he did, he made certain I forgot it."

Pomona was aghast. "Who would do such a thing?"

"The same man who refused to evacuate the school until the threat to every life within it was dealt with, the man who insisted the children being targeted remain locked up with the danger."

"Albus," said Pomona. "And none of us ever considered that the school should be evacuated. In fact, we all thought doing so would be the worst thing that could possibly happen."

"Yes. He insured that we were all... compliant."

"But how?"

Horace said, "I can think of several methods. I knew he was manipulative, but I never would have thought he'd go this far."

Pomona replied, "The man thinks he is always right about everything, and that all of his actions are for, in his words, the greater good. That's the reason he gave me for his actions against the Blessed Grove. Given that, what wouldn't he do to anyone when it comes to what he sees as the greater good, whatever that is?"

Snape said, "Increasingly, it seems, very little. Andromeda suggested I not accept any food or drink offered by the Headmaster. Horace, I know you love your sweets, but avoid the lemon drops. I took the liberty of procuring some from his office. They're coated with a potion to make the person dosed... susceptible to suggestion. Very strongly so."

"You must go to the authorities."

"You know of my past. Dumbledore would use that against me. Horace, I'll need you to aquire some lemon drops from his office, to confirm my findings."

"Of course," replied Horace.

"I will, of course, inform Andromeda. The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement will listen to her."

Pomona said, firmly, "And if you see Harry when you see her, you will apologize for your misjudgment and treatment of him."

Severus shrank into himself, then replied, grudgingly, "If I must, but I don't have to like it."

Horace slapped him on the back and said, "Good for you. A strong man admits when he's wrong."

Pomona said, "We need to discuss tomorrow. Horace, I was unaware that you knew the Prophecy of the Gentle One."

"Prophecy?"

"You said you knew her."

"Yes, but... I don't know of any prophecy involving her... besides the one fulfilled a long time ago."

"A long time... It seems we need to compare notes."

Horace's attention was suddenly drawn to something in one of his pockets. He pulled out a small mirror and said, "One moment. I have to take this. Hello?"

Severus realized the mirror was some sort of communication device when a cultured female voice said, "Hello, Horace. Is this a good time?"

"A perfect time. Some friends and I were having a discussion that could use your input."

"Shall I come through, then?"

"Please do. Just give me a moment to set the mirror up."

Horace walked to a nearby wall and placed the mirror, standing, on the floor. Severus was startled to see the mirror grow and grow while Horace stepped back. Clearly, it was much more than a communication device.

A beautiful woman stepped out of the mirror. She had long blonde hair and sky blue eyes that matched her dress.

As he went to the cabinet to fetch another glass, Horace said, "Pomona Sprout, Severus Snape, I'd like you to meet Her Royal Highness, Queen Alice of Wonderland."

Well, Severus thought, he could honestly say he didn't see that one coming. Like anyone raised in the muggle world, he was somewhat familiar with her story as a child. He remembered what Moody had said about her at the Order meeting a few weeks back, how she had created a Fairyland on her seventh birthday, a seven year old with the power of a god that created a world of her own.

Horace knew the most interesting people, not to mention the most frightening.

In his quarters, Dumbledore was making floo calls. He would normally have done this in his office, but he didn't want to deal with the harassment from what was there. He needed to think of something to do about the traitorous Sorting Hat. He could destroy it, he supposed, but that would leave him with the problem of how to sort the new students for the coming term.

A new hat to perform that function, perhaps? Yes, that's what he'd do, make a new one that understood proper morals and values. He'd learn how the Founders did it, and base the new sorting hat on his own mind. Therefore, its judgement would be impeccable.

As for Fawkes, he needed to find a way to return the phoenix to the Light. Perhaps once he got rid of Morgan le Fay, Fawkes would escape the Dark on his own.

He remembered when Fawkes first came to Hogwarts, shortly after Dumbledore became Headmaster. He arrived one day and made himself at home. It was a sign, Dumbledore knew, a confirmation of his own righteousness. After all, what other reason could a phoenix have to come to Hogwarts at that time?

But before he could find time to figure out how to remove that apparition, he needed to deal with the constant immediate threats. So, he was now contacting members of the Order he could fully trust not to falter when following his orders. That meant no Alastor Moody. Minerva didn't answer his floo call. Must be out for the evening, he decided. Elphias, of course, would come. Didius, too. And Arthur was determined to do something about these monsters that had caused so much misery to his family. Dumbledore assured him that they would bring Bill back home.

And Severus, of course... Despite his recent attitude, Severus's loyalty was unquestionable... as long as he didn't learn of Dumbledore's true plans for Harry.

Remus? He was on a mission with the werewolves, right now. Even so, he was probably reading the Prophet. This could present a problem, given his close past relationship with Andromeda. No matter how much Dumbledore had conditioned him, he'd never been able to break him of his fondness for that woman. And, he'd been away from Dumbledore's conditioning methods for a while, now.

Fortunately, simply being among the werewolves for such long periods did much to reinforce the conditioning on its own. It served as a constant reminder of what he was.

Remus was the heir to a considerable fortune which, due to the laws against werewolves, he couldn't touch. Just as well, Dumbledore thought, since that fortune was built by the criminal activities of Remus's notorious grandfather, Arsene Lupin. He'd conditioned Remus not to want that dirty money.

He felt a twinge of regret for making Sirius neglect to include Remus in his will. He'd told Sirius that Remus wouldn't want charity. Sirius, at first, argued that it wasn't charity, that Remus was his brother in all ways but blood, but one of Dumbledore's lemon drops insured that the right decision was made.

It was important that Remus see himself as worthless because of his condition. That way, he wouldn't be too involved with Harry, wouldn't be asking too many questions about the boy's home life, would never try to contact him. He would be too self-loathing to consider himself worthy of anything, and too dangerous to be around the boy, too much. Keeping him in rags just made him feel that much more worthless, so he'd do anything for Dumbledore for showing him the smallest bit of kindness.

Regrettable, but necessary for the greater good.

So, he'd leave Remus where he was for the moment. He'd have enough forces for tomorrow. They'd strike at noon, exactly one day, on the hour, after his humiliation in Diagon Alley. They would learn who the true power in the Wizarding world was.

In the abandoned building where the werewolves were squatting, Remus Lupin had a decision to make.

Dumbledore had assigned him to spy on the werewolves. He had been dutifully making reports. He was miserable.

Sirius was dead. He'd not been able to be there for Harry, because Dumbledore had given him this assignment. Not that he had time for his own grief...

And, of course, there was turning down Dora, for her own good.

But, despite being kept from contact with Harry, he still read the Prophet, and listened to the wireless that some of the werewolves had obtained. What he'd read appalled him. And how could he possibly not have known? He couldn't believe Dumbledore could do such a thing.

The man had beaten Grindelwald, and led the war against Voldemort. He'd let Remus, a werewolf, attend Hogwarts. It seemed impossible.

But now, Harry was with Andromeda, the woman Remus owed so much to, but he knew Dumbledore strongly disapproved of.

Was the Prophet right?

The only way to find out was to speak with Harry.

That would mean leaving the post Dumbledore had assigned him.

Hence, the decision to be made. What was more important, this spying mission, or Harry?

Put that way, the answer was simple. He owed it to James and Lily. He owed it to Sirius. He owed it to Harry.

It wouldn't be pleasant to see Dora again, and the last time he spoke with Andy, she'd been angry with him, telling him he needed to stand up for himself, stop letting people define him by his condition, stop defining himself by his condition.

But, she also said he was always welcome at Thelema.

So, his decision was made. He'd see them in the morning.

Ozma and Dorothy were snuggling when they heard a voice from the mirror.

"Hello," said Wendy Darling from it. "Sorry to interrupt this lovely scene."

Ozma replied from the bed, "Don't worry about it. We were in the post-coital cuddling phase."

"Mmhmm," said Dorothy.

"Ah," said Wendy. "Well, the reason for my call is..."

After the explanation, Ozma said, "Let me pop back home and explain things. Dorothy, dear, I'll need my arm."

"Mmm... Sorry," said Dorothy, as she moved a bit so Ozma could get out of bed.

Not bothering to dress, she picked up her fairy wand.

"Hurry back," said Dorothy.

"Of course, dear."

Ozma transported herself to the Royal Palace in the Emerald City of Oz. She quickly found the Scarecrow, one of her oldest and dearest friends since she was a little boy. They embraced.

"It is good to see you back at the palace, Ozma," he said.

"I'm only here for a little while, I'm afraid."

"I figured that. How are Dorothy and Toto?"

"Good. Did you watch the duel?"

"Yes. We're all very proud of her."

"I'll tell her that."

"So, what brings you back home, however briefly?"

"I need to see Tik-Tok."

At Longbottom Hall, Neville undressed and prepared for bed. This would, he thought sadly, be the first night since returning home from Hogwarts that he'd be sleeping alone. He'd gotten used to Afal sharing his bed.

Then, he heard the familiar rustling sound.

"Hello, love," said Afal. "Set the alarm, because we'll need to be at the Blessed Grove at dawn. There's someone you need to meet."

"Um, OK," he said as he did as she asked. "How would I get there? I can't apparate, and it's not like I can take the floo to the Blessed Grove."

"Arrangements have been made. Now, you need some sleep." She pushed him onto the bed. "I'll now give you an orgasm to help you relax."

"Um, OK," he replied as she climbed on the bed and straddled him.

Dora had decided that Harry and Luna weren't returning to their own bedroom that night, but would stay in hers. Harry wondered why she shifted into her Naga form before they settled into sleep, but understood when she sprawled over them as Hermione cuddled him on one side while Luna did the same on the other.

Yes, he thought, he liked this sleeping arrangement. He gave them all a goodnight kiss as he began nodding off.

Today had been eventful. He'd seen, first hand, part of what Dorothy would teach him. He couldn't think of a more effective demonstration than how she trounced Dumbledore.

They weren't done with Dumbledore, he knew. And, there was still what he was being trained for, bringing an end to Voldemort and his Death Eaters, and after that, a very long term fight with Lilith and her Black Coats. A large part of that war would start with Wizarding Britain, curing the disease that had infected it for centuries instead of just treating the symptoms such as Dumbledore and Voldemort. And after that, the world at large.

But, whatever tomorrow might bring, tonight, he felt content.