Sister Knows Best

Chapter 14

Malachi held onto the witch as she sat quietly. He knew she didn't like her brother being gone but she would pull herself together shortly. Until then, he would be her strength. He kissed the top of her head and rubbed her arm.

"Thank you" Thalia said quietly. She knew she was being depressing but she really appreciated his support. Sitting up to face him, she leaned forward and kissed him. 

Malachi gripped her as she deepened the kiss. His witch was amazing. When she made a noise of approval, he had to his smirk. He loved how she responded to his kisses. He couldn't wait to see how she reacted when he finally had her. Unfortunately, that would have to wait. 

Finally breaking the kiss, Thalia smiled up to Malachi. "So, what do we do now? Should we talk about the wedding?"

"That sounds good to me." He smiled at her.

Sitting back, she asked, "When do you want to get married?"

"Tomorrow" he grinned at her laugh, "Honestly, the sooner the better to me. I know you will want your brother home first." 

"What about a winter wedding? Do you think it's too soon?"

"I think it's perfect. We could do it on Yule."

Smiling, Thalia adds, "Maybe honeymoon somewhere tropical?"

"I would love to see you in a bathing suit, or without." He grinned while she blushed.

"Let's talk with your father and my grandfather, make sure it works for them."

"Sounds good. Shall we find your grandfather now?" They stood, Malachi grabbed her hand and pulled her out to find her grandfather. 

~~~~

Harry had gotten back into the routine of school. He knew everyone had read what had happened at Pettigrew's trial, so the whispers and looks weren't unexpected. Neville had been the first to ask him about his sister. Harry was happy to tell him everything. When he was called to the Headmistress's office, he wondered what McGonagall would say, she had always been firmly on Dumbledore's side. 

When he approached the Griffen at the entrance, he was surprised to see it open. Slowly, Harry walked up the stairs. "Professor?" he called out.

"Mr. Potter, please come in, sit. Would you care for a biscuit."

Harry shook his head, "I'm okay professor. Can I ask why I'm here?"

McGonagall sighed, looking him over before saying, "I never knew you had a sister. Dumbledore had no right to keep you from her and I never should have gone along with leaving you with the Dursleys." Harry stayed silent but stared at her. "There are many things I've done that I regret, especially when it comes to you. Harry, I want to apologize and promise you, from now on, you will be safe in Hogwarts. I feel as if the staff have let you down for the past two years and I vow, that will not happen again."

Harry was shocked. He would have never thought this would happen. Gathering himself, he gave McGonagall a small smile, "Thank you professor. I really do appreciate that. I hope we won't have to worry about anything though, my sister and family will make sure of it."

McGonagall dismissed him, she watched as he carried himself with more confidence. Having a sister and family who truly loved and supported him seemed to be having a profound impact on the young man. Smiling to herself, she whispered, "James, Lily, you would be proud of your boy."

~~~~

It seemed not everyone cared about the hell Harry had lived and what had been planned. Snape was still a git and tried to make Potions class hell. Luckily, Remus has helped him catch up over the summer and Harry could actually brew now. That only seemed to make Snape more intolerable to deal with.