Shadow Council Ch 130A

Chapter 130

The next few days passed in relative peace, while Harry and Xander made their preparations for the Queen’s party along with the rest of their friends and at least one not-so-friend.

Wednesday found herself helping in those preparations, not because she cared much for Potter and his dealings, but because it put her in a position to continue to nudge Xander in the direction she wanted him to go… and also because she rather enjoyed his company, though she would gut anyone who made the suggestion.

Which, of course, meant that Xander made it loudly and often, but Xander was easily ignored as everyone he knew was well familiar with his proclivities.

Wednesday was thankful for that, of course, as it meant that she could simply roll her eyes and ignore him rather than actually gut the boy. If she did that, she wanted it to be a private affair.

Still, by the end of the week, they were as ready as any of them were going to get and the whole group were gathered at Adromeda Tonk’s home as a layover before the party goers were to head out for the evening.

Harry, Xander, and Draco were getting dressed under the watchful eye of herself, Hermione, Andromeda, and Narcissa Malfoy to ensure that they didn’t forget anything, which was when Harry’s date for the evening made her appearance.

“Wotcher,” A woman with bubblegum pink hair smirked as she appeared in the doorway, leaning on the frame as she looked in. “Where’s the midgets I’m supposed to babysit tonight?”

The three boys turned to looked at her, various expression of insult on Harry and Draco’s face, but Xander grinned wide from ear to ear.

“Watch yourself boys,” He said without missing a beat. “She might just finite our clothes, this one is trouble.”

The woman did a double take before grinning to match, “Oi, you little midget, you’re the one who wanted to get a look at the Twin’s legs, not me.”

They both laughed before Xander just nodded to her.

“Good to see you again, Tonks.”

“And you, not so midget,” She told him, looking him over, before whistling, “Damn. Looking good there. Might not be a total waste of my time tonight, at least there’s some eye candy.”

Wednesday glared to kill, but Tonks just moved on as she looked over the other two.

“And you two clean up nice as well, Cousins,” She nodded to them before winking at Harry, “So I’m here to guard your body, am I?”

Harry’s jaw was working, but nothing was coming out as Tonk used one finger to shut it for him.

“Really, Harry,” Hermione rolled her eyes, “It’s not like this is the first time you’ve been flirted with.”

“It’s not?” He blurted, looking at her in surprise.

Hermione just stared back for a long moment before she signed and pinched her nose.

“You’re serious aren’t you?” Tonks said, sounding shocked.

“He is,” Hermione confirmed. “Damn it, Harry, I am not giving you the talk.”

“Don’t look at me,” Xander held up both hands, “I’m his age, and I doubt my experiences would translate anyway. Most people would consider the flirting I do more fit for a serial killer than a date.”

“I don’t need the talk,” Harry snapped, shaking his head, “I just have other things to worry about, and you all know that!”

“I mean, you’re not wrong,” Tonks admitted, “but at your age you shouldn’t care either.”

Harry grumbled, “Look, let’s just do this ok?”

“Wotcher,” Tonks said agreeably, “Are we ready, then?”

“Nymphadora.”

“Mum!” Tonks didn’t quite whine, “Don’t use that name!”

“The hair.”

Tonks sighed, looking much put upon, but in short order her hair shifted from bubblegum pink to a still striking, but less potentially problematic vibrant blond.

“Good?” She asked petulantly, getting a nod from her mother as Andromeda motioned to the others to move.

Everyone nodded and the three boys got up to head out before Harry put up a hand that slapped into Draco’s chest.

“What the hell, Potter?” Draco demanded.

“Your wand, hand it over.”

Draco stared incredulously, “I will not.”

“Then you’re not coming.” Harry said flatly.

“Harry,” Narcissa said softly before he interrupted her.

“No. Draco as my bodyguard, I can live with,” Harry said, “however I am not letting a blood purist with ties to the Dark Lord himself, within five kilometers of her Majesty while he’s armed. Aside from being stupid, that would in no uncertain terms be completely in violation of my Oath to her Majesty and the Kingdom.”

Narcissa sighed, before nodding to Draco, “He’s not wrong, Draco.”

“I am not giving up my wand!”

“You are. You can pass it to your mother, or to myself, Xander, or Tonks as you please,” Harry said firmly, “but you are giving it up.”

Draco stared between them, growing visibly more agitated as he saw no support coming, not even from his mother. Finally he slumped.

“Fine,” He said, producing the wand and hesitating for a long moment before he handed it to Xander. “Don’t damage it.”

Xander accepted it with a nod before he slipped it until his own hidden sheath that contained several others. “My word. Are we ready now?”

Harry took a deep breath and nodded.

“Merlin help me, but I suppose so.”

***** 

Buckingham Palace Gardens

The party was under way when the rented limo dropped the four of them off, Andromeda and Narcissa watching from within the car as they stepped out into the reception.

Harry and Tonks were flanked by Draco and Xander as they walked up the path between two ranks or paparazzi photographers. Harry and Tonks were ignoring them as instructed, while Draco and Xander just glowered in opposing directions until they were met by a steward.

“Your invitation, Sir?” He asked softly as Harry silently presented the letter with the Queen’s seal. He checked quickly, then nodded, “Very good Sir, with me.”

They followed through as flash bulbs went off from all sides as they were lead in through the topiary to the garden within.

The steward paused, gesturing for them to be still as the music within was paused and he took a breath.

“Announcing Lord Potter, Mage Knight of the Kingdom, and party!”

*****