Imprisoned in the Past

Peverell Beach House, Cornwall, 2/23/1982, 11:39

Harry grinned as he finished setting up the Christmas tree, he had poached it from the Forbidden Forest but he was sure it wouldn't be missed.

This would be the first Christmas he had celebrated since his sixth year at Hogwarts. Harry began trimming the branches with his wand then started coaxing the live fairies from their enclosure, he had already gone to Diagon Alley this morning and bought a large number of decorations including fairies for the tree.

The fairies would happily live in the tree and light up when it got dark, after the holidays were over he would take them to Hogwarts and set them free where they could live happily.

He had just coaxed the last of the fairies into the tree boughs noticing they looked like tiny little women, the Disney depiction of Tinkerbell was pretty accurate except their skin had a luminescent golden glow to it

A flash of the floo caught his attention and his niece tumbled out onto the sitting room floor with a soft, "oomph."

"Tonks, what ate you up to?" Harry asked once she had climbed to her feet.

"Wotcher Uncle Harry, mom is on her way with presents, nice tree by the way," Tonks said as she got closer admiring the fairies sitting on the limbs running their little hands through their hair.

"Thanks, I was just setting it up, I was hoping to surprise your aunt," Harry grinned.

"Those fairies are so pretty," Tonks cooed and the room was suddenly filled with excited buzzing from the fairies.

Fairies were unusually vain creatures and loved complements, Harry chuckled as the fairies started clustering around Tonks Chittering excitedly hoping to be complimented.

"They love compliments," Harry chuckled as the floo flared again and Andi stepped out carrying an armload of presents.

"Hello Andi," Harry grinned as he watched her hover the presents under the tree.

"Hello Harry, where is my sister?" Andi asked as she glanced over at Tonks who was slowly getting swarmed by chittering fairies.

"She went with Narcissa to do some Christmas shopping," Harry said as the fairies started landing on Tonks' arm and tugging on her pink hair.

"Nymphadora put them back in the tree," Andi admonished though Harry could tell she was amused by her daughter's predicament.

"Alright, back in the tree with you," Tonks commanded with a giggle and Harry was surprised when the fairies flew obediently back to their boughs.

"So I see you are getting into the Christmas spirit, did you know you made the paper?" Andi asked amusedly as Harry began hanging Christmas ornaments on the tree.

"For what?" Harry asked in surprise almost dropping the ornament he was hanging.

"Removing a dangerous XXXXX creature from Hogwarts school in the company of Albus Dumbledore and Newt Scamander," Andromeda grinned.

"How could they have found that out?" Harry exclaimed incredulously.

"How should I know, the article was penned by that rookie reporter, Rita Skeeter," Andromeda shrugged.

'I am going to have to start wearing bug spray when I go out in public,' Harry thought to himself as he continued in his task to make the house more festive.

"Well it is true, we removed a basilisk from the chamber of secrets yesterday," Harry admitted.

"You went into the chamber of secret!?" Andromeda exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, wasn't that in the article?" Harry asked as he levitated the star to the top of the tree.

"No, just that the three of you removed a deadly creature from the bowels of the school and moved it to a reserve on an unplottable Greek island," Andromeda said as she made herself comfortable on the couch.

"Hmm, well another one for the scrapbook, I suppose," Harry said as he looked over the tree critically before deciding it needed a few strands of tinsel.

" Can I hang some ornaments?" Tonks asked hopefully as she watched him wrap the tinsel around the tree.

"Sure, just be mindful of the fairies," Harry shrugged as he finished and stepped back admiring his work.

"And try not to break any of them," Andromeda added..

"We both know that is an impossible order," Harry smirked as he stepped away from the tree and took a seat in his favourite chair.

"She can be quite graceful when she puts her mind to it," Andi shrugged as the floo flared a third and fourth time and Bella and Cissa stepped into the room, both of their arms loaded with shopping bags.

"You got us a tree!" Bella said excitedly.

"Of course, we needed somewhere to put all of the presents you just went out and bought," Harry grinned.

"True, I suppose this will do," Bellatrix said looking over the tree with a child-like grin on her face.

"Yes, I have some other things to set up but the tree was my first priority," Harry said as he lazily stretched his arms over his head.

"Is lunch ready yet?" Bella asked curiously.

"I don't know most likely, Jangles usually has it ready at noon," Harry said as he checked his watch and saw it was five till noon.

"Lunch is ready, mistress," Jangles piped up from the doorway to the kitchen.

"Wonderful, could you take my bags to the baby's nursery," Bellatrix asked kindly.

Jangles snapped his tiny fingers and the bags vanished from her and Cissa's arms much to their relief.

"Come on Tonks let's go eat," Harry said and was rewarded with the tinkling sound of broken glass as she dropped the ornament she was about to hang.

"I knew that was coming," Harry sighed as he flicked his wand and repaired the glass ornament.

"You startled her, it doesn't count," Andromeda protested.

"You didn't set any stipulations, I really should have put money on this," Harry sighed.

"Don't be mean uncle Harry," Tonks pouted before dashing into the dining room.

"So whatcha get me?" Harry asked Bella as he offered her his arm to lead her into the dining room.

"Silk underwear and a whip," Bellatrix smirked.

"Why?" Harry asked curiously.

"Well, their both really for me but you'll get to use the whip," Bellatrix whispered seductively.

"Huh," Harry said dumbly as he pondered the possibilities.

"Uncle Harry, what did you get me for Christmas?" Tonks asked as they all got situated at the table.

"Some nice pink frilly dresses," Harry said matter of factly as bowls of French onion soup appeared in front of them.

"Nooooo!" Tonks exclaimed loudly.

"Calm yourself Nymphadora, he's obviously teasing you," Andromeda sighed shooting Harry an exasperated look.

"Or am I?" Harry smirked at Tonks before taking a spoonful of steaming soup into his mouth.

"Don't antagonize her," Andromeda sighed tiredly.

"Harry I actually came over today because I wanted to invite you and Bellatrix to my Christmas Eve ball tomorrow night," Narcissa said changing the subject.

"What am I, chopped liver?" Andromeda demanded in faux outrage.

"You and your husband can come I suppose but Nymphadora will have to wear a ball gown and behave herself," Narcissa grinned at her niece.

"Oh, she will," Andromeda said giving her horrified daughter a meaningful look.

"Who all will be there?" Harry asked knowing he wouldn't like the answer.

"The neutral faction of the Wizengamot, select light families and a few of the more agreeable dark families," Narcissa listed off.

"We would love to come," Bellatrix said happily before Harry could figure out a way to politely refuse.

"Great, now I have to go,' Harry sighed sympathizing with Tonks who looked positively woebegone at the prospect of attending her aunt's stuffy party.

" It won't be all bad, Harry. Sirius will be there too and there will be dancing," Narcissa said correctly reading Harry's mood.

"Good, I hate social gatherings but dancing with my wife sounds alright," Harry grumbled.

"Oh you will have to dance with all of the ladies there," Narcissa corrected him seeming to take indecent pleasure at bursting his bubble.

"Oh no, you haven't known me very long but you have to know this isn't my thing," Harry said tiredly.

"Yes, I'm very aware of your aversions to social interaction but there is a good chance that you can gain a seat on the Wizengamot in the next few years. You come from an ancient line and it never hurts to ingratiate yourself with other members who could help you gain a seat," Narcissa lectured reminding him of Professor McGonagall admonishing a first year.

"If I must, but I have no interest in politicking," Harry sighed knowing that with Bella on board he was fighting a losing battle.

The rest of lunch passed with the Black sisters gossiping excitedly about dresses and who would be attending while Harry ate his food and pondered how he was going to get through the following night.

Peverell Beach House, Cornwall 12/24/1982, 08:48

Harry had was just finishing his morning run along the beach, he was finally getting back into the shape he was in when he travelled to this timeline.

He really did enjoy living in Cornwall, it was a lot warmer in the winter than up in Scotland. It was still pretty chilly here but not the same biting cold of Hogwarts in December.

He knew that today would be a very busy day, he and Bella needed to go pick formal attire in Diagon Alley for the party this evening.

He still wished he could avoid the whole thing but knew his wife was looking forward to it so he figured if it would make her happy he would just go along with it.

He was hoping to hear from Newt again, he was excited about finding someone to apprentice him in magizooligy.

Harry learned that the field was so small that the only way to gain a certification was if it was presented to him by someone already in the trade.

Harry hoped after the new year that he would be able to work towards his certification and get his name out there a bit, there were vast opportunities if he could get certified, He could do anything from writing books to assisting at different creature preserves around the world as well as work for papers and magazines writing columns about interesting animals he studied.

Finally, Harry made it back to the stretch of beach in front of the house, he came to a stop he began his callisthenics. He went through the exercises on autopilot as he continued to make plans for the new year.

Bellatrix would be having the babies sometime in May so all of his studying would slow down as they both got used to caring for two babies which he already knew would be very trying at first.

Harry wouldn't deny that the closer she got to her due date the more nervous he became, he had limited experience with babies and knew it would be a learning experience. Still, he couldn't deny that he was also very excited and knew that in the end, it would all be worth it.

Harry finished going through his exercises and started making his way back inside to get a shower and get ready for the day.

He was surprised to see a package wrapped in brown parchment paper and a rolled-up scroll sitting in front of his place at the table.

Curiously he unrolled the scroll and read the short missive written in slightly scrawled handwriting.

Harry,

I have reached out to a colleague of mine who works closely with serpents. Unfortunately, he is currently working in Bhutan and will be there until early next summer. Fear not though, in the meantime I will work with you until he returns. I will gladly help you get some experience in the field though we will not be covering much in the way of serpents, you should still be familiar with the magical species native to Britain.

I have sent you a copy of a veterinary guidebook that should help you get familiar with healing minor ailments magical creatures are susceptible to.

I shall send word after the new year and we can begin your studies though I must warn you I believe the best way to learn is by going into the field, so be prepared.

I hope you and you're lovely wife have a happy holiday.

Newt Scamander

Harry grinned as he set the letter down and unwrapped the paper from the thick tome and noted the book was incredibly worn, the title was etched into the hard leather cover and read, 'Healing Magic for Magical Creatures by: Herman Gunther.

Harry flipped open the cover and perused the table of contents, he could tell this would be very useful, there were three chapters devoted to caring for magical serpents, runespores had an entire chapter to themselves.

"Whatcha got there?" Bellatrix asked as she came into the kitchen.

"Newt sent me a book on treating magical creatures," Harry said happily.

"That's wonderful, did he say anything about your training?" Bellatrix asked as she took her seat.

Harry grinned his agreement, "Iknow, he says he will work with me until this summer, I need to go wash up we have a busy day ahead of us," Harry said as he wandered up stairs.

Harry entered the kitchen ready to face the day and noticed Bella perusing the new book between bites of her French toast.

"It actually tells you how to treat dragons in here, there is a whole chapter about a condition called ragged-tooth," Bella said when he entered the kitchen.

"Hmm, I pity anyone that has to work inside a dragon's mouth, did you know they breathe fire when they snore?" Harry commented.

"No, but it doesn't surprise me much," Bella shrugged.

"So besides Twilfits, is there anywhere else we need to go?" Harry asked as his food appeared.

"No, I just need to get a ballgown and some shoes," Bellatrix assured him.

Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire, 12/24/1982, 18:48

Harry and Bellatrix finished making their rounds around the ballroom, many people he mingled with he remembered from their wedding.

"Ugh, I like Cissa well enough but this is dreadfully boring," Harry whispered to Bellatrix as they snagged a couple of flutes of juice from a floating serving tray.

"In a few minutes dinner will be served and then we can dance," Bellatrix assured him.

"Dancing sounds nice, you look amazing by the way," Harry said as he eyed his wife appreciatively.

She had chosen a dark green, long-sleeved ballgown that fit her well, her breasts had grown larger from the pregnancy and stood out prominently against her lithe frame. The dress wasn't form-fitting so it concealed her growing baby bump rather well, she had her hair in a long plait that draped down her back and just the barest hints of makeup.

She looked positively gorgeous under the light from the many crystal chandeliers that hung over the ballroom of Malfoy Manor.

Thank you, those robes look rather dashing on you," Bellatrix grinned as they watched more people arrive.

"There is Sirius and Amelia," Harry pointed out as the two in question was set upon by Narcissa and led around with little Harry waving excitedly from Sirius' arms

"Poor Amelia," Bellatrix grinned.

Harry looked and laughed as the poor woman looked bored out of her mind.

"I guess I'm not the only one that is not a fan of these occasions," Harry muttered.

"I don't much care for them either," Bellatrix admitted as she finished her glass of juice.

"Then why did you want to come?" Harry asked in confusion.

"I like to dance," Bella shrugged as Narcissa announced that dinner was being served.

The meal was excellent Dobby had really pulled out all of the stops, the roast goose stuffed with apple and potatoes was amazing, as were the sides of parsnips, beets, green beans, and stuffing.

There were also fresh salads, steamed salmon, beef wellington, mashed potatoes, boats full of white and brown gravy, and Yorkshire pudding.

A few seats down he saw Sirius helping himself to a large goblet of wine and little Harry picking at his food.

"I suppose it was worth it to come just for the food," Harry whispered getting a nod from Bellatrix in return.

An hour later Harry was leading his sister in law around the dance floor while Bellatrix rested for a few, her feet were starting to ache.

Narcissa had asked him to dance with her and he really couldn't refuse, it was only polite to dance with the hostess after all.

They danced quietly for most of the song, Harry was impressed with how graceful Narcissa was on the dancefloor, finally, he asked her the question that was on his mind since yesterday afternoon.

"I have to ask, why were you so eager for us to attend tonight?" Harry asked as they danced around the room.

"I want you to get a Wizengamot seat and in order to do that you need to be known to other members of the Wizengamot," Narcissa shrugged.

"What is in it for you?" Harry asked shrewdly before spinning her in tune with the music.

"Besides my desire to be connected to as many old families as I can, it will also increase the prestige of House Black," Narcissa admitted as the dance came to an end.

"You know I have no interest in politics," Harry whispered as he led her back to the table Bella was seated at.

"Then you can appoint a proxy, I happen to be available for such a laborious task," Narcissa said sweetly.

'There it is,' Harry thought as they returned to his table.

"Thank you for the dance, Lady Malfoy," Harry said formally.

"No, thank you," Narcissa said warmly before moving off to mingle with her guests and Harry took a seat beside Bellatrix.

"So what did she want?" Bellatrix as she rested her legs across his lap and looked at him hopefully.

Shaking his head, Harry pulled her high heeled shoes off and began rubbing her feet getting a happy sigh from her for his trouble.

"I think I figured out why she is so intent on me claiming a lordship," Harry explained as he continued his ministrations.

"Oh, why does evil Cissa want that?" Bella asked absentmindedly.

"She wants to become proxy to the Peverell seat," Harry explained.

"Ah, the joys of matrimony," Sirius teased as he came over and joined them at their table.

"My feet hurt," Bella said as if that explained everything.

"Enjoying the party, Padfoot?" Harry asked with a grin.

"Not really, no. I prefer a livelier atmosphere," Sirius shrugged.

"It's very traditional and just look how miserable Andi's brat is," Bella cackled happily as she wiggled her other foot at Harry giving him a nonverbal request to switch feet.

Harry looked and saw Tonks pouting in the corner, she really did look miserable.

"I know her pain, my mother used to drag us to the functions all the time," Sirius said sympathetically.

"Do you think Amelia will start throwing these parties after you two get married?" Harry asked curiously.

"Not bloody likely," Amelia said from their right as she made her way over to them.

"Where is little Harry?" Bellatrix asked looking between Sirius and Amelia.

"In the nursery with the other tots," Amelia said as she snatched Sirius' glass of firewhiskey and took a swig.

"So, did you hear the news?" Sirius asked.

"No, what news?" Harry asked curiously.

"Amy got promoted to Auror Captain effective January first," Sirius said pride obvious in his voice.

"That has got to be some type of record," Harry said deeply impressed.

"Yes, I will be the youngest captain in forty years," Amelia said looking quite proud.

"Now that Harry has rubbed your hooves, would you care to dance with me, cousin?" Sirius asked Bella.

"Watch it cousin, Cissa isn't the only one that can make boils sprout out of your bits," Bella said calmly as she swung her legs to the floor and stood up.

"So is that a yes?" Sirius asked unperturbed by her threat.

"Fine, but if you step on Bella's toes I will make you pay dearly," Bellatrix warned.

"Ugh, those two bicker like two-year-olds," Amelia muttered.

"Tell me about it, would you like to dance?" Harry asked as he got to his feet after shrinking Bella's shoes and slipping them into his pocket.

"I would love to," Amelia grinned and let him lead her onto the dance floor.

Harry ended up dancing with quite a few of the ladies at the function, even though he hated to admit it he was enjoying himself quite a bit. However, the dance he shared with Cassiopeia had been pretty awkward.

She laid her head on his shoulder and towards the end she cupped his buttocks making him jump in surprise.

"It's a shame the wedding rite was cancelled I had a dose of de-ageing potion specially made for the event," she whispered in his ear right before they separated as the music came to an end.

"What was that about?" Bellatrix asked when Harry returned from the dance.

"I don't want to talk about it," Harry muttered.

"I saw her squeeze your bum," Bellatrix giggled.

"I know," Harry sighed as he snagged a glass of firewhiskey from a passing tray.

"I think I am ready to go home, do you have my shoes?" Bella asked.

"Yeah, they're in my pocket," Harry said as he went to dig them out.

"Don't bother, they look nice but their murder on my feet," Bellatrix said as she stood up.

Harry and Bellatrix said their goodbyes, a lot of people the Tonk's included had already left by now. There were maybe thirty people still here mostly younger couples with no children so they were by no means rushing off.

Harry noticed Sirius and Amelia still dancing away as he led Bellatrix to the fireplace and they booth flooed home.

Peverell Beach House, Cornwall, 12/25/1982, 10:25

Harry woke up as winter sunlight shone through his bedroom window and sighed happily as he felt Bellatrix's weight pressed against his side and lay there for a minute basking in her warmth.

Harry's bladder finally made him get up and take care of his morning routine, by the time he came back into the room Bellatrix was sitting up against the headboard.

"Happy Christmas," Harry said as he came over and kissed her softly on the lips.

"Happy Christmas," Bella sighed as she got up to take her turn in the bathroom.

Twenty minutes later they entered the sitting room and Bella started bouncing in excitement as she waited to open presents.

"Go ahead," Harry grinned and watched her viciously tear the wrapping paper off of her presents.

Harry noticed with amusement that Tonks had gotten her a small bottle of Morgana Number Nine perfume, hopefully, she would be a little warmer towards her niece now.

Harry grinned when she opened her present from him, he had bought her the choker covered in emeralds she had been eyeing when they had picked out their wedding bands a few months ago.

" Oh, I love it!" Bella exclaimed happily as she threw herself at him kissing him with abandon.

Harry finally picked up his first present and began unwrapping it, he smiled when he saw that it was a book from Andromeda entitled, Serpents of the Magical World, it wasn't written by a single author it had different contributions about magical serpents from authors all over the world.

Narcissa had gotten him some gold cufflinks with the Peverell crest intricately engraved on them, Sirius had gotten him a very nice set of dragonhide boots, and Tonks had gotten him a book he was very familiar with, Quidditch Through the Ages.

He was surprised when he found gifts from Dumbledore a very nice bottle of mead, from Arcturus Black they both received a fine china tea set with the Peverell crest inlaid on all of the dishes, and the Greengrass family gave them a large assortment of baby clothes.

After they had unwrapped all of their gifts they made their way to the kitchen to have a nice breakfast before deciding to go for a walk on the beach, the weather was fairly mild today and they both thought it would be nice to get fresh air.

This was one of the best Christmas' Harry could remember having, they were left alone and just got to spend the day together and enjoy their first Christmas as husband and wife.

Harry knew next Christmas would be a lot different, they would get to have their first Christmas as a family which would also be wonderful but Harry was happy they got to spend this one, just the two of them.

Peverell Beach House, Cornwall, 12/29/1982, 08:48

Harry walked up the stairs carrying the breakfast tray and whistling happily, he had almost forgotten his wife's birthday and had it not been for Andromeda giving him a subtle reminder yesterday he would be in serious trouble right about now.

Harry pushed open the door with his foot and set the tray on her nightstand before placing a stasis charm over her waffles and sausage.

Quietly rummaging in the closet and pulling out her gift, grinning to himself he set it on the bed beside her and placed her card on her breakfast tray, before tiptoeing back out of the room.

He had paid an extortionate price to acquire the Pensieve from his accountant at Gringotts but he had a feeling she would enjoy it immensely.

Harry knew she would probably end up using it to watch some of the memories from the role-playing games they played and if he was truthful he would probably borrow it to do the same.

Grinning he headed back to the kitchen to eat his own breakfast, there would be a small party later at Malfoy manor but Narcissa was doing all the planning for that.

Harry had just finished his breakfast when Andromeda stepped out of the fireplace.

"Good morning, Harry," Andromeda said pleasantly when she saw him.

"Morning Andi, where's the wrecking ball?" Harry asked before finishing his orange juice.

"Her father took her to the museum and most likely the ice cream shop," Andi said taking a seat in amusement.

"She has a talent for getting free ice cream," Harry agreed.

"You fall for it too, where is Bellatrix?" Andi asked as a cup of breakfast tea appeared in front of her.

"Bella should be up soon, I imagine you are going to keep her occupied until the party?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I thought we could go to the spa and get our nails done," Andy shrugged.

"She should be in a good mood, I made her breakfast in bed," Harry grinned.

"We should all be so lucky," Andromeda grinned.

"I also got her a pensieve," Harry said as he heard happy squealing from the floor above him.

"I think she just unwrapped it," Andi chuckled as Bella ran down the stairs, completely starkers.

"Thank you, Harry! Bella loves her present," Bella squealed before climbing on his lap and kissing him soundly.

"Bella, I don't mean to interrupt but you aren't wearing any clothes," Andromeda said dryly.

"I know, but it's my house," Bellatrix shrugged before going back to kissing Harry.

After Bella had thoroughly thanked him he turned to Andromeda and asked," so what do you wnt, Andi?"

"I am here to take you to the spa, Happy Birthday by the way," Andromeda said.

Harry listened to the sisters' chatter away, Bella still sitting in his lap wearing only her birthday suit, 'we really are a strange lot,' Harry thought as Bella finally got up to get dressed.

And he wouldn't change a thing about this new life he was building.